Abstract: The invention consists, after launching (1) a vehicle (9), in guiding (2) the vehicle (9) towards the mine (5; 6) by means of a sonar coupled to a tactical control station (12) of a hunter (8), fulfilling the functions of classification and permanent monitoring of the position of the vehicle (9) relative to the mine (5; 6), in releasing a locating means (13), carried by the vehicle (9), once the vehicle (9) has arrived at a determined distance from the mine (5; 6), making it possible to fulfil a target designation function by interacting with the vehicle (9) and the tactical control station (12) of the hunter (8), then in communicating (3) to the vehicle (9), by means of the tactical control station (12), the navigation parameters necessary for its attack strategy as a function of the type of mines (5; 6) encountered, and its position referenced by the fixed locating means (13), and in destroying (4) the mine (5; 6) according to the attack strategy acquired by the vehicle (9).

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a ring vortex which will damage the hull of the get vessel. The apparatus comprises a torpedo which is launched from an attack submarine in the direction of the target vessel. When the torpedo is at a predetermined position, the torpedo is detonated. Detonation of the torpedo results in the generation of a ring vortex. The ring vortex is directed toward the hull of the target vessel and will impact the hull of the target vessel with sufficient force to destroy or disable the target vessel. Positioned about the periphery of the torpedo are a plurality of necklace charges. The torpedo also has a central charge which is located near the front end of the torpedo. When detonated each necklace charge forms a ring of imploding gas bubbles which collapse inward. At a predetermined time period after the necklace charges are denoted, the main charge within the torpedo is denoted resulting in the generation of an expanding gas bubble which expands outwardly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing exhaust fumes from entering the deck area of a motor boat having an engine of the type which has an exhaust port that expels fumes at the rear end of the boat is disclosed. The present invention includes an air manifold located at the rear end of the boat above the exhaust port and adapted to direct air to the rear of the boat. Air ducts having inlets located forwardly of the rear end of the boat are connected to the air manifold. The air manifold assembly is configured to form an air barrier between exhaust fumes and the rear deck area of the boat to prevent exhaust fumes from flowing into the rear deck or the cabin area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for clearing fumes from an engine compartment by providing a pressure switch which is activated when a pressure sensor responds to increased pressure when a boat is at rest or traveling at a wakeless speed in water. When the electrical system of the boat is activated and an inlet tube at the rear of the boat is below the surface of the water, water is able to rapidly enter the inlet tube. Pressure is generated by the presence of water within the inlet tube. Closing the pressure switch results in electrical energy being coupled to the bilge blower to thereby clear the fumes from the engine compartment.In contrast, when the boat increases its speed to the point where it is planing, the boat is virtually skimming along the surface of the water.

Abstract: A portable windscoop for boat portholes fabricated of a flexible plastic or similar material with flange portions at its side periphery. The windscoop is adapted to be pressured into a curved body, scoop or funnel having an open end. The flange portions are adapted to be snapped into the side portions of an open porthole with the natural tension of the plastic or similar material serving to hold the scoop in place with its open end facing the bow of the vessel. Wind is thus directed into the interior of the vessel through the open porthole having the windscoop in place in both rain or shine. The scoop is readily removed by pressing its sides and thus releasing its flange portions from the side of the porthole.

Abstract: A rain deflector for a vehicle roof vent consists of a pair of like panels one of which is fastened to the cap of the roof vent and moves therewith, and is hinged to the second panel which has the end remote from the hinge connected to slide along tracks on the vehicle roof. Each panel is substantially larger than the vent cap, to extend beyond the edges of the vent and prevents rain from entering the vent while permitting ventilation of air through the vent.

Abstract: A gasoline spill eliminator for attachment to the hull of a boat and over an overflow vent stack which extends therefrom. The gasoline spill eliminator includes a container for collecting and storing fuel emitted from the overflow vent stack. The container has a rear wall with an inlet opening therein. A flexible bracket with wings and a suction cup on each wing attaches the container to the boat. The bracket can also be rotated so that the position of the suction cups may be adjusted.

Abstract: Apparatus for interconnecting an unmanned underwater vehicle and a free-fting communications pod includes a communications cable depending from the pod and extending to a buoy of less buoyancy than the pod, such that the cable carries communication signals between the pod and the buoy and extends generally vertically in a column of water between the pod and the buoy, the buoy being in communication with a distal station.

Abstract: The device is used in exhaust and ventilation systems on a ship which has a plurality of exhaust and ventilation ducts. The exhaust and ventilation ducts connect the ship's operating systems with the environment. There are retaining elements for the three-dimensional fastening of the exhaust and ventilation ducts. The exhaust and ventilation ducts are mounted in a support frame. The support frame is self-supporting and can be inserted in a vertical shaft on the ship. The support frame has a height which essentially equals the vertical length of the exhaust and ventilation ducts, and extends, starting from the shipboard propulsion system, through a plurality of ship's decks, to a stack end piece.

Abstract: The invention provides a naturally vented cockpit of a boat. To achieve this natural ventilation, the invention utilizes the high pressure zone formed when air flows over surfaces of a boat and is forced to change flow direction, when the boat is in forward motion. One of these zones is located in the vicinity of the base of the windshield and the foredeck of the boat. An air scoop is located in this vicinity to funnel air into an air passage that extends beneath the windshield and into the cockpit. The terminal end of the air passage is preferably located near the base of the inside surface of the windshield to direct air onto the windshield, thereby minimizing the risk of fogging and condensation on its surface. Moreover, the fresh air entering from the air scoops can be used to maintain a slightly positive pressure in a cockpit that is under full canvas. As a result, the concentration of combustion of gases in the cockpit is reduced, providing a healthier environment for the occupants.

Abstract: A small, personal watercraft having an improved ventilating system that provides not only ventilating air but also a shroud for an instrument of the watercraft. A compact exhaust system is also provided that extends on opposite sides of a tunnel in which the jet propulsion unit which powers the watercraft is positioned. Transfer pipes extend across the tunnel and across the watercraft to transfer the exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold to the watercraft trap device and also for providing traps to preclude water from entering the engine through the exhaust system.

Abstract: A device to capture, contain and collect hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel before they can be spilled or leaked from the ventilation valve or fuel intake port of the fuel tank of a vessel and on to the surface of the water during fueling operations at marine fueling facilities. The device is formed as a low-profile box with a floor section and upright wall sections having stratified layers of a textile material and a solidifying polymer enclosed within a outer envelope of textile material. A seamed area at the center of the device with slits in the textile material allows the device to circumscribe the annular conduit of a device passing through the seamed area. The device is positioned to surround the external ventilation valve of the fuel tank of the vessel. Excess fuel that is expelled through the ventilation valve when the capacity of the fuel tank is reached during the fueling operation is captured and absorbed by the device.

Abstract: A system for guiding a steerable object, such as a torpedo, from a launch te, such as a submarine, to a contact or target. The system generates two distinct sets of guidance commands. One set is based upon a guidance command model that is selected to be the optimal model for a given tactical situation; the other, for a situation in which a communications path between the launch site and steerable object fails. At the steerable object, an integrity detector determines the integrity of the communications path. A command receptor and storage unit receives the two sets of signals corresponding to the two sets of selected commands. The one set is passed along so long as the communications path has integrity. Otherwise the system defaults and pursues guidance according to the second set of commands.

Abstract: A control line deployment device useable in an underwater vehicle including stator positioned at an aft end of an underwater vehicle having a spool bucket formed therein with an entrance opening at an aft end of the stator in communication with the spool bucket. The control line spool is slidably disposed in the spool bucket with a control line in communication with the underwater vehicle wound upon the control line spool. The control line is deployable from the control line spool by extension through the entrance opening. Access to the control line spool for its replacement is readily provided and made possible by a removable cover positioned and releasably fitted onto the entrance opening at the aft end of the stator in communication with the spool bucket.

Abstract: A shutter assembly for an opening adapted to admit light and/or air. The shutter assembly utilizes laterally spaced base members that define a base plane which extends across the opening. The base members may be relatively angularly disposed or parallel. A plurality of parallel, shutter-slats extends between the base members, and each shutter-slat has a longitudinal reference axis, a mounting axis and an input axis. Each mounting axis is disposed in transverse, parallel, spaced relation with respect to the longitudinal reference axis, and the mounting axis of each shutter-slat lies within the base plane. Pivot members secure each shutter-slat to the base members for pivotal movement of each shutter-slat about its mounting axis. The input axis of each shutter-slat is disposed in transversely spaced, parallel relation with respect to the mounting axis.

Abstract: A portable collapsible ventilator, with a fabric enclosure intended for mounting over a hatch or porthole opening on the deck or hull of marine craft or other similar enclosed spaces. The ventilator consists of a bonnet shaped fabric enclosure which is attached to an opening frame made up of two members hinged at one end. The open ends of the opening frame are held apart at approximately the width of the hatch opening and maintained at that distance by means of a rope or line secured at both ends. The opening frame is made of a resilient material such that when the hinged end is pushed down, the two segments of the opening frame bend outward forming an oval shape and when thus compressed the ventilator may be secured to the deck of the boat or surface of enclosure by means of a pair of lines extending from the hinged point to a retaining bar inserted through and secured under the hatch opening.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for the remote control of missiles or torpedoes launched from a launching container, by means of a cable of which a portion is wound onto a supply reel connected with the launching and of which the other portion is wound onto a supply reel in the missile or the torpedo. The supply reel in the launching container is arranged on the forward end of the container, and the supply reel in the missile or torpedo is arranged on the rearward end of the missile or torpedo. The cable section between the two supply reels, before the launching of the missile or torpedo, is fastened along the major portion of its length on the interior wall of the launching container, by means of a gluing arrangement which consists of a material whose combustion temperature is at least by 800.degree. C. lower than the melting temperature of the optical waveguide, or by means of a flexible clamping arrangement whose holding force can be adjusted.

Abstract: An active electromagnetic influence firing system has transmitter coils and eceiver coils mounted on a single warhead section. One set of receiver coils has vertical look capability for detecting surface ships and another set has 360.degree. look capability for detecting submarines. An influence electronics package automatically nulls out directly induced electromagnetic radiation and passes only the signature received from targets. Amplitude, duration, and frequency criteria implemented by circuitry in the influence electronics package determine whether there is a valid target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for loading and discharging tanks (1) for transporting oil, a method for transporting oil in tankers (1) and a pipe and valve system (6, 7, 8) in a tanker (1) for performing the method. According to the invention, gassing of hydrocarbon containing gas during loading and unloading is reduced by loading or unloading the cargo tanks (2) while the oil is maintained in contact with a generally saturated HC gas. This is done by saving the HC gas which is developed during loading or unloading, this gas later being used in further loading and unloading. This is made possible by a pipe and valve system (6, 7, 8) according to the invention. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the tanks are filled completely so that the oil is present in tank hatches (10) and risers (11) located at the top of the tanks (2).

Abstract: A hull configuration for a small personal watercraft having a hull configuration that permits the watercraft to be ridden and leaned like a motorcycle and which will preclude excess spray from passing upward beyond the gunnel. A ventilating cover assembly is provided for accessing the engine compartment and a forwardly positioned fuel tank is incorporated having a filler neck that is accessible at one side of the deck.

Abstract: A ventilator wind scoop system is disclosed for attachment to a boat deck hatch having a hinged hatch cover which opens to uncover the hatch opening whereby the scoop system communicates through such opening with the boat's below deck space. The scoop system has a flexible air entrance unit formed of first and second fabric panels fixed in line contact with each other along their forward edges. The first panel, which is positioned forward and over the front edge of the hatch cover, contains a screened, rectangular opening through which air passes to flow over the top of the second panel that extends under the hatch cover and between two triangular side wedges. The second panel provides a louvre that collects any water entering the screened opening and carries it forward, away from the hatch opening. The wind scoop system is easily customized to fit a wide variety of hatch sizes and when not is use folds into a compact size for easy stowage.

Abstract: A marine sanitation holding vessel basically comprising a welded aluminum barge; a waste removal system mounted on the barge; and a ventilation system mounted on the barge. The barge is of modular construction and comprises three basic sections: first and second end sections and an elongate middle section. The waste removal system includes first and second pumps, a battery for storing power for operating the pumps, a receptacle for receiving waste from portable toilets, and a solar generating system for charging the battery. The first pump withdraws waste material from the holding tank to be emptied and deposits it into the barge storage tank. The second pump provides water for cleansing the receptacle for receiving waste collected in portable toilets. The ventilation system comprises a hollow mast painted black to heat the mast and thus generate an upward draft within the mast which draws the fumes from within the storage tank.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for ventilating the interior of a structure, and more particularly a wind scoop for directing a flow of air into the interior of a marine craft through an opening such as a hatch on the deck of the marine craft. The wind scoop has an adjustable top cover for preventing rain water from entering the opening while continuing the flow of air to the interior.

Abstract: A slight, 13.2 psia, underpressure is created, and dynamically maintained, in the ullage space of the oil tanks of an unmanned barge in order to prevent or reduce the spillage of oil due to any rupture of the tanks. The underpressure is created by ejecting a high pressure gas, preferably 500 psia inert nitrogen gas in a 16 ft.sup.3 storage bottle, through an ejector that is also flow-connected to the ullage spaces of the barge's tanks. The gaseous mixture within the ullage space is preferably inerted so as to prevent combustion or explosion by mixing with the same high pressure inert gas that is otherwise used to energize the ejection. All flow connections are controlled by electric valves managed by a control computer that responds to tank level, pressure, and/or gaseous mixture sensors.

Abstract: In a ballast tank internal gas controlling type tanker in accordance with the present invention which comprises an inert gas main pipe 1a which supplies inert gas from an inert gas generator 1 to a cargo oil tank via a fan 2 and a ballast main pipe 5 which sucks ballast water from the bottom of a ballast tank 11 via a suction bell-mouth, an air intake pipe 3 is installed which can be connected to the fan 2 by selectively switching over from the inert gas generator 1, and a connecting pipe 4 having a valve is interposed between the ballast main pipe 5 and the inert gas main pipe 1a, so that a gas which is allowed to flow into the inert gas main pipe 1a from one of either the inert gas generator 1 or the air intake pipe 3 via the fan 2 is transferred to the ballast main pipe 5 to control the internal gas in the ballast tank 11.

Abstract: A gasoline powered boat safety ignition system has a start timer that requires the engine room blowers to operate for a time prior to allowing engine start up. It has a second timer sequence that permits a hot or warm start shortly after the engine has been shut down without as much of a delay for blower operation as for a cold start. Also, the system has a timer that cyclically turns the blowers on for short periods while the engine is operating and has a switch for overriding the safety system in case of an emergency.

Abstract: A safety system associated with an engine of a marine vessel wherein the safety system includes a blower, a control unit, and a plurality of sensors. An intake pressure detection device is coupled to the intake manifold of the engine for the detection of pressure at the intake manifold. A sensor is coupled to the engine to monitor oil pressure and, along with the intake pressure detection device, transmits a signal to the control unit, with the signals each having a characteristic corresponding to the respective engine pressure. Detection of an engine pressure associated with engine idling or low cruise operation causes the control unit to activate the blower. The safety system includes interactive heat sensors and vapor sensors to monitor the atmosphere in an engine compartment. Detection of a volatile environment activates the blower and triggers both an audio and a visual warning.

Abstract: A fume exhaustion safety device is designed for use on a boat having an internal combustion engine mounted within a closed engine compartment. An exhaust vent tube extending from the engine compartment to exhaust gaseous fluid to the exterior of the boat includes a blower fan to move the gases through the vent tube. The safety device includes a shutter or sail pivotally mounted within the vent tube to operate a microswitch when gaseous fluid moves through the vent tube. The microswitch is electrically connected to the ignition switch of the boat, the engine starter and the blower fan so as to prevent the connection of electrical power to the starter when the blower fan switch is on but no gaseous fluid is flowing through the vent tube.

Abstract: A fuel overflow collection device having a bag which is placed under a fuel outlet or overflow on a vehicle, such as a boat, to collect fuel spillage or overflow during the refueling process. A first embodiment is attached to a side of a vehicle, such as by adhesive means, underneath a fuel overflow so as to collect fuel therein. A second embodiment attaches to a fuel outlet or overflow so as to collect fuel overflow or spillage during the refueling process.

Abstract: A ventilator for attachment to a conventional deck hatch. The ventilator has a top panel which abuts the open cover of the deck hatch so that the top panel slopes upwardly from the deck. First and second triangular side panels extend downwardly from the side edges of the top panel to the deck, and an outer front panel extends downwardly from the upper edge of the top panel to a lower edge which is a spaced distance above the deck. An inner front panel extends upwardly from the deck, and is sloped inwardly so that its upper edge is higher than, and is spaced inwardly from, the lower edge of the outer front panel, forming a passage for the entry of air. The overlap between the two front panels eliminates any direct path by which rain or sunlight could pass into the boat through the hatch opening.

Abstract: The invention is an air-to-subsurface missile system which has an acoustic oming torpedo and a directional sonobuoy held in the missile behind the torpedo by a cowling means which includes fins for aerodynamic stability. When the missile reaches the desired location in a body of water, the torpedo and sonobuoy are released. The sonobuoy has the ability to search for targets and to communicate both with the homing torpedo and with a tactical command station. Thus the torpedo can be guided to a target by the sonobuoy and command station, even at ranges at which the torpedo could not locate a target with its own homing system.

Abstract: In combination with a water craft (10) having an engine compartment (12), a blower (14) for purging the compartment of noxious vapors, an electrical system (16) for energizing the water craft, a manual blower switch (18), and a speedometer (20) including a tube (22) which provides fluid pressure thereto for sensing the speed of the water craft (10) through ambient water, an improvement comprising a normally closed pressure switch (24) connected to the tube (22). The pressure switch (24) is openable in response to fluid pressure in the tube (22) at speeds above a pre-determined speed of the water craft (10). Electrical connections (26, 28) are provided between the pressure switch (24), the electrical system (16) and the blower (14). The pressure switch (24) bypasses the manual blower switch (18) so that the blower (14) is operated pressure-responsively, irrespective of the manual blower switch (18) when the speed of the water craft (10) is below the predetermined speed, thereby enhancing boating safety.

Abstract: A small boat comprising a helmseat positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, and a control stick for steering the boat positioned at the front of this helmseat. Since the helmseat is positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, the driver is located approximately equidistant from the left and right gunwales, which makes it easier to steer the boat. In addition, a control stick is positioned to the front of the helmseat, and, because this control stick can be used to steer the boat and also to change the direction of the boat, the amount of space required to steer the boat is less than that required in a design wherein steering is performed by turning a circular steering wheel, such as with the prior art already described. This is effective particularly for a small boat moving at a high speed.

Abstract: An automatic fan controller for energizing a ventilation fan motor to eliminate fuel fumes from an engine compartment of a motorboat. A relay which provides electrical power to the motor of the ventilating fan when energized is controlled by an electronic circuit responsive to engine ignition circuit pulses, to keep the fan operating whenever engine speed is below a desired value. Additionally, a temperautre-controlled switch may be provided to energize the relay providing power to the fan motor until engine temperature reaches a certain level. A timer is provided in the electronic circuitry to prevent momentary activation of the ventiliation fan should the engine speed be varying slightly about the minimum engine speed.

Abstract: A venting and drain arrangement for a small watercraft that is formed with a tunnel in which the propulsion unit for the watercraft is formed. The venting arrangement includes a vent pipe that extends through a venting recess formed in the hull to the engine compartment. A well is formed in the venting recess in which water can accumulate and a drain conduit extends from the well to the tunnel for discharging water to the body of water in which the watercraft is operating without necessitating holes that will be visible when the watercraft is operating.

Abstract: A hull configuration for a small watercraft of the jet propelled type that is designed to accommodate one or more riders seated in straddle fashion on a seat with a pair of depressed foot wells on opposite sides of the seat that extend through the transom of the hull. An elongated cavity is formed in the hull and a pair of transversely spaced apart flotation devices are positioned in the hull to add to its buoyancy whether erect or inverted. A vent system is provided for the cavity for ventilating the engine compartment formed therein and also for insuring against the inclusion of water in significant amounts in the cavity when the watercraft is inverted. An improved flap type check valve is provided in the foot areas for permitting water to drain therefrom and preclude water entry thereto.

Abstract: A corner vent for windshields having rearwardly extending panels utilizes a hollow corner post having a concave inner surface with one or more adjustable ventilators therethrough and communicating with the interior of the post. A vent door is formed in an outer convex surface of the post and hingedly attached adjacent a rearward edge of the post. A lever attached to an inside surface of the vent door extends through the inner surface of the post to open and close the vent door. In the closed position, the post gives the appearance of a solid post, and in the open position, air flow is directed into the interior and through the ventilator. The corner vent is applicable to power boats and the like.

Abstract: A safety system associated with an engine of a marine vessel wherein the safety system includes a blower, a control unit, and a plurality of sensors. A vacuum sensor is coupled to the intake manifold of the engine of the vessel for the detection of pressure at the intake manifold. The vacuum sensor transmits a signal to the control unit, with the signal having a characteristic corresponding to the pressure at the intake manifold. Detection of a vacuum condition associated with engine idling or low cruise operation causes the control unit to activate the blower. The safety system includes interactive heat sensors and vapor sensors to monitor the atmosphere in an engine compartment. Detection of a volatile environment activates the blower and triggers both an audio and a visual warning.

Abstract: A wind or breeze directing assembly used to direct air into and through the hatch of a boat or through any type of opening into the interior of a given structure comprising a frame supporting a plurality of interconnected panels movable relative to one another for selective positioning between an operative and a stored position and constructed to be essentially self-supporting relative to the opening with no moving parts and unattached to any other supporting structure such as a halyard or the like on a boat.

Abstract: An ignition delay vapor expulsion module is provided for accessory use with a boat. When activated, the module energizes an accessory ventilating fan for a predetermined time period. After this time period the fan automatically stops and the ignition is enabled so that the operator can start the engine. By preventing the operator from activating the ignition either before or during the ventilation process, explosive fumes may be safely and completely ventilated. An electronic timer and latching relays are used to implement the timing/switching functions.

Abstract: A deck hatch assembly for marine craft is formed in the upper deck surface of the marine craft on the port and starboard sides. A submerged surface is integrally formed in the upper deck surface, being provided with a hatch opening surrounded by a raised peripheral ridge. The raised ridge, together with the submerged surface and the upper deck surface, forms a drain channel for directing water away from the stern of the marine craft. A pivotably mounted hatch cover is provided for normally sealing and closing off the hatch opening. The hatch cover may be raised upwardly from the bulkhead of the marine craft toward the stern for the purpose of providing ventilation to below deck compartments and for allowing access to the upper deck surface from below deck areas. A pair of gas spring assemblies is provided for positively and automatically retaining the hatch cover in the closed, or any one of a number of open positions.

Abstract: The wind deflecting ventilator comprises an open frame attached to a fabric scoop-like receptacle for turning the direction of moving air down an opening hatch on a small boat. The sides of the frame are connected at the corners by flexible couplings. Secured to the upper side of the frame is an enlongated cord having divided end lengths fastened to a lower side adjacent to spaced couplings. Included is a pair of short lengths of cords attached to the divided cords having loose ends for fastening the frame and receptacle to the sides of an opened hatch.

Abstract: A marine propulsion installation for use on a boat having an exterior and an interior, the marine propulsion installation comprising an engine, and a rotatably mounted propeller driven by the engine, a source of fuel adapted to be located interiorly of the boat, a supply conduit communicating between the source of fuel and the engine, and a fuel impermeable housing conduit sealingly connected to the source of fuel and surrounding the portion of the supply conduit located interiorly of the boat.

Abstract: A grill to be mounted over a ventilation opening of a boat has a molded plastic primary section and separate indentical molded plastic end sections. Interengaging fingers automatically align the sections at installation. To accommodate vent openings of different lengths, only the primary section has to be changed.

Abstract: A ship, with several decks and several areas located one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the ship, which areas are separated by bulkheads. Each of these has several areas, each supplied by its own air delivery and discharge ducts from at least one ventilation system. At least some of the areas separated by bulkheads are designed as separate ventilation areas, each of which has its own ventilation system and whose air delivery and discharge ducts connected to this ventilation system are not laid through the adjacent bulkheads into adjacent separate ventilation regions, but are laid exclusively within its separate ventilation region.

Abstract: A wind scoop for ventilating the enclosed interior area of a boat through a hatch opening thereof is disclosed. The wind scoop comprises a flexible sail for continuously directing an air flow into the hatch opening independent of the direction of the boat with respect to the wind, a mast for rotatably supporting the sail above the hatch opening, and fasteners for holding the mast to the boat above the hatch opening. A wing mechanism responsive to changes in the direction of the wind for changing the orientation of the sail and a swivel mechanism for rotating the sail on the mast are also disclosed. An auxiliary scoop for mounting within the boat to further direct air flow within the boat, and a rain cover for mounting above the wind scoop may be provided.

Abstract: A plurality of tanks situated in the vessel, each of the tanks housing a quantity of air under pressure for use in the system. Each tank connected in series would supply air via a line system to each living quarter in the vessel, perferable at two points along opposite walls of each quarter. There would be further provided an automatic switching mechanism, for example, a pendulum switch, so designed so that when the vessel would tilt beyond a "point of no return", the switch would automatically activate normally closed valves to open and allow air into the lines of the system. In addition, there could be provided a air port within each sleeping quarter to be equipped with a valving mechanism on the entrance port into the quarter so that the valving mechanism could either be automatically or manually activated to allow the pressurized air into that particular quarter.

Abstract: The transmission of prelaunch weapon communication in a submarine is accoished without the use of an umbilical cord. Acoustic transducers transmit and receive acoustic data through water in place of the umbilical cord. The data transmitted through the water from the launch tube wall to the weapon is in serial format having been converted from parallel data by multiplexing.

Abstract: A desiccant container is removably connected to the vent line of a fuel tank of a boat or the like to prevent accumulation of moisture in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for an engine room of a small watercraft. The engine room is defined by an engine encasement, has an engine inside and is hermetically sealed with an engine cover. The pressure relief device has an opening provided in the engine encasement and a one-way valve which closes watertightly the opening through a grommet under normal conditions when the engine room pressure is below a given level of pressure, while it opens only outwards when the inside pressure goes up over the given level. It is desirable to employ a fastening member to secure the one-way valve on the opening in the engine encasement.