Abstract: A block including first and second generally identical side plates that engage one another and rotatably capture a sheave between them. The side plates may includes interlocking tabs to secure the engagement between the side plates or a separate clip may be used to engage elements of the side plates to secure the plates to each other.

Abstract: Hydraulic pump applications sometimes require the pump to be able to provide relatively low pressure with larger amounts of fluid moved, while other applications call for relatively higher pressures but less fluid moved. The multi-speed hydraulic pump can operate at multiple speeds so as to provide multiple outputs of pressure and flow. In a two-mode version, the pump has one mode of operation that provides for lower pressure/more fluid moved and another mode of operation that provides for higher pressure/less fluid moved. Having multiple modes of operation in the pump allows for a single pump to provide greater movement or greater pressure while working within the limits of the force or speed at which the pump is actuated.

Abstract: A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is configured to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.

Abstract: An adjuster for use with a sailboat which permits rapid movement of a movable end with respect to an opposite fixed end. A threaded shaft extends through the adjuster and a rotating barrel in fixed to a nut engaging the shaft. A lock is positioned about a lower body of the adjuster and releasably engages the barrel. Engagement of the lock and the barrel permits barrel to be turned to change the length between the fixed and movable ends. Releasing engagement of the lock and the barrel permits the barrel to rotate freely about the shaft and permit rapid movement of the movable end with respect to the fixed end.

Abstract: A block with a rotating sheave mounted between a pair of side plates. Captured between the side plates may be a post about which a mounting loop may be mounted. The post is removable from the between the side plates to permit the loop to be attached or detached from the block.

Abstract: An arrangement for raising and lowering relative light weight objects from a ground position to a high storage position. A bracket is secured to the high storage position and supports a vertical rotatable shaft, with a pair of horizontal reels and an automatic lock position. A rod is detachably attached to the shaft and extends horizontally downwardly to the ground position. Rotation of the shaft around its central axis causes rotation of the reels. The reels are affixed to two lines which extend generally horizontally from the reels, with the free ends of the lines extending over spaced pulleys and extending downwardly for attachment to the ground level. Rotation of the shaft allows raising and lowering of the object. A spring loaded mechanism associated with the shaft causes automatic locking of the reels in any position, and locks the reels upon raising to the high storage position.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking a sail having a tack, clew and head, the sail being mounted to batten or sail cars above a boom when the sail is stowed, furled or fully lowered. More specifically, most of the cars are compacted or stacked by diverting cars onto several lower tracks, such that the height of the stacked cars is approximately halved. Cars adjacent the boom and tack of the sail may be slidably mounted on at least two of the lower tracks, and carrying the sail between the at least two of the lower tracks. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

Abstract: An arrangement for raising and lowering relative light weight objects from a ground position to a high storage position. A bracket is secured to the high storage position and supports a vertical rotatable shaft, with a pair of horizontal reels and an automatic lock position. A rod is detachably attached to the shaft and extends horizontally downwardly to the ground position. Rotation of the shaft around its central axis causes rotation of the reels. The reels are affixed to two lines which extend generally horizontally from the reels, with the free ends of the lines extending over spaced pulleys and extending downwardly for attachment to the ground level. Rotation of the shaft allows raising and lowering of the object. A spring loaded mechanism associated with the shaft causes automatic locking of the reels in any position, and locks the reels upon raising to the high storage position.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for compactly stacking batten or sail cars above a boom when a very tall sail is stowed, furled or fully lowered. More specifically, most of the cars are compacted or stacked by diverting cars onto several lower tracks, such that the height of the stacked cars is approximately halved. If more than two lower storage tracks are used, the height reduction of the stacked cars can be greater.

Abstract: A fairlead and cam cleat assembly for a sailing vessel is provided, in which the fairlead at the entrance of the cam cleat is of inverted U-shape, allowing a line passing through the cam clear to be bent at severe angles relative to center line or normal entrance of the line into the cam cleat.

Abstract: A fairlead and cam cleat assembly for a sailing vessel is provided, in which the fairlead at the entrance of the cam cleat is of inverted U-shape, alwing a line passing through the cam cleat to be bent at severe angles relative to center line or normal entrance of the line into the cam cleat.

Abstract: A lifting device comprises a rotatable pawl with a pawl arm held in a pawl sleeve. The pawl has an open position in which a rope may be freely adjusted in tightening or loosening directions, and a closed position in which the rope is lockably engaged between the pawl and the pawl sleeve. The pawl has a pawl arm against which the locked rope may be directed to rotate the pawl into an open position. The lifting device also includes a pulley for mechanical advantage, and a base for mounting to a surface. A preferred embodiment of the lifting device of the invention comprises a plurality of pulleys for additional mechanical advantage, and is pivotally attached to an overhead surface.

Abstract: A boom vang system for sailboats has a rear facing pivotal cam cleat arm hingedly connected to a rigid tang on the sailboat mast. When the boom vang rotates off the centerline of the boat, as for instance will occur when the boat is sailing downwind and the boom and sail are blow off the centerline of the boat, the pivotal connection of the cam cleat arm, to the tang allows for the cam cleat to be urged into alignment with the sailor regardless of his position on the boat. The cam cleat arm may rotate along an arc lying in a plane substantially parallel to the boat deck. Sheeves and pulleys may be rigidly connected to the rigid tang to prevent tangling of lines.

Abstract: A lifting device for lifting elongate objects such as watercraft from trailers or the like to overhead storage positions has a plurality of individual lines passing over a plurality of pulleys generally configured in a rectangular shape and supported from an overhead support such as a ceiling. First ends of each of the individual lines are attached to slings underlying the watercraft. Second ends of the individual lines pass through gathering means along a longitudinal axis. A multiple purchase block and tackle system also runs along the longitudinal axis, and has first and second ends attached by a hauling line. The individual lines each have second ends attached to the first end of the block and tackle system, so that as the block and tackle first end is moved each of the individual lines is moved simultaneously and an equal distance. Uniform, mechanically advantageous lifting of the watercraft is thereby achieved by manipulation of a single hauling line.

Abstract: A furling sail system for rotatably dispensing and retrieving a furling sail has a rotating swivel and drum for attachment to the sail. Each of the drum and swivel have a body with a perimeter, with cordage attachment means on the body for attaching the furling sail with a length of cordage. The cordage attachment means have a pair of cooperating passages for guiding a length of cordage about at least 40% of the respective body perimeter.

Abstract: A bearing block has a head, a central hub, bearing means facilitating rotation of the sheave about the central hub. The block further has locking means for removably locking a length of high strength, fibrous material, such as cord, to the block for tethering the block to a boat deck or the like. The locking means may be a part of the block head, cheeks, or may be located at the block central hub. Preferred locking means are a plurality of passages for the cord ends to pass through, with set screws in two of the passages for removably holding the cord ends therein. A center portion of the cord length thus forms a loop for tethering the block.

Abstract: A traveler comprises a track with two lateral side grooves and a top surface, and a car slideably held on the track. The car has first and second lateral side portions, with bearing means in each portion for engaging respective of the track side grooves. The car further has thrust bearings removably held in a race in a car center portion for engaging the track top surface when the car may be tilted towards one or the other lateral sides, as may occur when the car is under a load from that lateral side.

Abstract: A flexible bearing retaining cage has a flexible spine with bearing retaining means for rotatably retaining bearings. A flexible bearing cage assembly comprises a flexible bearing retaining cage with bearings rotatably retained. The flexible cage of the invention may be configured in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, linear, oval, eliptical, and circular. The cage of the invention may also be cut to a desired length to fit a particular race.

Abstract: A tethering device for anchoring a tether has a cup rotatably held within a cylinder, with the cylinder mounted approximately flush in a flat surface, such as a boat deck. A loop of fibrous material, such a strap, has a first end removably anchored in the cup by passing around an anchoring pin. A second fibrous loop end is exposed above the deck surface for tethering a block, fitting, or the like. The tethering device provides for a low profile tether anchor, for rotation of the loop, and is water tight to prevent water flow through the device.

Abstract: A traveler comprises a car slideably held on a track, and is useful for applications including trimming a sailboat mast or sail. The car has two side portions each with a race with an open portion. Ball bearings are contained in each race that are rotatably engaged between the race open portions and the grooves on the sidewalls of the track. The car further has retaining means for holding the ball bearings in place along the open portion of the race when the car is removed from the track. The retaining means are movably received by the track groove, and otherwise allow for free rotational engagement of the groove by the bearings.