Abstract: An apparatus for launching and retracting one or more sails of a sailing craft includes a reversible drive for rotating a drum. A rope or other elongated flexible element connects with movable parts of the one or more retractable sails and extends in a substantially continuous loop with a reach of the loop drivingly engaging the peripheral surface of the drum. Guides tension the loop and support the sail connection portions of the flexible element for movement between locations where the movable sail parts are launched and retracted. In preferred practice, the drive includes a radio signal responsive remote control system, and the apparatus operates to selectively launch and retract spinnaker and jib sails.

Abstract: A portable bridge structure includes a pair of releasably connectable stair and platform assemblies which form opposite ends of the bridge structure. Each assembly includes several components which are movable between folded and erected positions. When all the components are in their folded positions, each assembly forms a flat, compact bundle to facilitate transport and storage of the bridge structure. The components of each assembly include pivotally interconnected stair and platform sections and bracing means for retaining the sections in erected positions at selected angles of relative inclination. In preferred practice, each assembly also includes foldable stabilizer and railing structures carried respectively on the stair and platform sections.

Abstract: An all plastic valve construction wherein a removable cartridge contains all wearable seal surfaces. A hollow valve body member is threadedly received in an underbody member and provided with a plurality of separate and distinct sealing locations. The underbody member includes an annular support seat for supporting a plastic stem member in a position only slightly below its assembled position to facilitate the assembly of the stem with a handle for turning same. Two different embodiments are included for stop means which limit the amount of rotation of the stem member relative to the hollow valve body member.

Abstract: A single lever faucet construction utilizing a removable cartridge assembly and improved force balance and friction control on an operating ball cam member. A pair of valve members are mounted in the cartridge in side-by-side relationship with cam follower control means therefor and means to effect vertical adjustment to compensate for both tolerance variations and wear of parts. An underbody member and adapter therefor with three passageway inlets permits the use of a diverter valve and sink spray arrangement in a single installation.