Abstract: A shaft coupling for an outboard motor includes an improved construction that can be held under a good lubricative condition. The outboard motor includes an engine. An engine body defines a first aperture through which a crankshaft extends and is journaled. A recessed portion of the crankshaft defines inner spline grooves. A support member that supports the engine body has a second aperture. A driveshaft extends through the second aperture toward the recessed portion. The driveshaft has a tip portion defining outer spline grooves that are coupled with the inner spline grooves. A first seal member is disposed between an outer surface of the output shaft and an inner surface of the first aperture. A second seal member is disposed between an outer surface of the driveshaft and an inner surface the second aperture. The engine body, the support member, the output shaft, the driveshaft and the first and second seal members together define a lubricant chamber to enclose lubricant.

Abstract: A fold out bench type boat seat assembly is attached to the bulkhead of a boat. The seat assembly comprises two sections: a backrest that is fixedly attached to the bulkhead, and a seat unit that is movable from a vertical stored position against the boat bulkhead to a horizontal seating position the major portions of which are detachable from the bulkhead when not needed.

Abstract: A rescue sled for picking up victims of water or ice accidents and transporting them to safety, which sled can be carried in the back of an ambulance or other vehicle.

Abstract: A bitt with a freely rotatable line-handling surface includes a frame having a first side and a second side. The first and second sides of the frame each include first and second ends, and the first and second sides of the frame are substantially planar. The first and second sides adjoin each other at the first ends and define an angle therebetween. The first and second sides of the frame are arranged for being attachable to a surface of a marine vessel at the second ends of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second shafts extend outwardly from the planes of the first and second sides of the frame, respectively. The first and second shafts each have a longitudinal axis. The axis of each of the first and second shafts extends approximately perpendicularly to the plane of the first and second sides of the frame. First and second rollers each have an axis, and the first and second rollers each define a bore along the axis of the respective roller.

Abstract: A device for reducing the resistance to the advancement on water of a motorboat (1), including a keel (2), on the underside of which at least one step (3) is provided; projecting element (6) for increasing the points of separation of the motorboat (1) from the water are provided at the step (3) and extend away from its free edge, on the projecting element (6) there acting the weight of the boat which is hence distributed over a greater number of points than those of the step (3), the projecting element provided regularity in the streams of air and water which flow below the keel (2) downstream of the projecting element, and creating a microvotex effect between the projecting element and the keel which contributes to the support of the boat, such that there is a smaller resistance to the advancement of the motorboat on water, with consequent higher boat speed.

Abstract: A V-bottom for fast motor boats with longitudinal reaction walls reacting to a lateral trust from an air-water mixture which are substantially parallel and symmetrical in relation to keel is formed so that the reaction walls are the walls of flat-based grooves in a bottom joined to a flat base by a widely curving radius, or the reaction walls are the walls of ribs having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section and a flat horizontal lesser external base.

Abstract: A device for reading x-rays including mechanism for transporting a plurality of x-rays to and from a x-ray reading station; the transporting mechanism including a web and mechanism for securing a plurality of x-ray films to the web; the plurality of x-ray films may be spaced one from another along the web; the device including mechanism for controlling the movement of the web to sequentially transport the x-ray films to the reading station; mechanism for sensing the web and overlying x-ray film to identify the location of each x-ray film; sensing mechanism being disposed upstream of the x-ray reading station; mechanism for activating light sources behind the x-ray film and avoiding activating light sources behind the web portions not having overlying x-ray film; light activating mechanism disposed at the x-ray reading station whereby light is passed through said x-ray film and light is not passed through the web not having overlying x-ray film.

Abstract: A vessel of the OBO or bulk carrier type for transportation of bulk cargo, comprising transverse bulkheads (1, 2), is provided with at least one longitudinal centreline bulkhead (100) intersecting the transverse bulkheads (1, 2), the transverse bulkheads and the longitudinal centreline bulkhead (100) forming longitudinal cargo holds (11), and the cargo holds (11) are provided with hatch openings (21) which essentially cover the tank top area (41) of the respective cargo holds (11), providing a substantially “open hatch”, which hatch openings (21) are provided with single piece hatch covers (31).

Abstract: A self-propelled underwater transport vehicle provides propulsion for one or more divers to allow submerged travel over extended distances. The vehicle has a cylindrical open hull supporting a deck upon which a diver is supported in a prone position. A blunt bow extends upwardly from the front of the hull, and develops a flow shadow in which the diver is positioned. A control yoke, operable by the diver, is connected to steering elements, which may include bow planes and a pivoting thruster. The cylindrical hull allows the vehicle to closely approach objects without contact therewith, while the flow shadow developed by the bow minimizes drag, despite the open structure of the vehicle.

Abstract: A primary goal of the present invention is to improve the prior art assembly system. The present invention provides a boat of simple ultra light construction with the fewest number of parts that can be easily assembled without tools. Then, when disassembled provides a compact lightweight package suitable for long range or rough terrain portage or back packing. A plastic coated nylon waterproof cover or like skin can be conveniently slid onto, and off of the assembled hull and quickly fastened in place to provide waterproofness for the hull. Another goal of this invention is to introduce a watercraft construction method whose components can be made from extruded corrugated plastic and other plastic materials that are lightweight, but strong, and can be inexpensively mass produced using rule dies and the like inexpensive tooling and assembly methods.

Abstract: A “V”-shaped sail is mounted to flexible tubular members. The tubular members are permitted to flex as wind speed increases. This lowers the effective center of effort and the area of the sail and increases the stability of vessels and vehicles to which the sail is mounted without the need for operator involvement. The sail frame is mounted to a “Y” shaped yoke having a cylindrical stem. The stem is inserted into a locking base that permits rotation of the stem in 30 degree increments while preventing the stem from being removed from the anchor while the sail is set at an operating angle. The locking base can be mounted permanently or temporarily to the vessel and vehicle. One unique aspect of this invention is that no lines (sheets) or similar apparatus are required for any operational function of raising, lowering or sailing this sail kit.

Abstract: An outboard motor auxiliary fuel tank/fuel pump assembly includes an auxiliary fuel tank disposed in an engine compartment and a fuel pump joined to one side of the auxiliary fuel tank for supplying fuel stored within the auxiliary fuel tank to fuel injection valves of an engine. A float of a float valve provided within the auxiliary fuel tank is supported in the auxiliary fuel tank via a pivot shaft that is parallel to a tilt shaft of an outboard motor. First and second mounting bosses on which the fuel pump can be mounted are formed on the right side face and the front end face of the auxiliary fuel tank.

Abstract: A mobile undersea habitat includes an elongated vessel having a hull providing an elongated recess opening downwardly to the sea, and a cooperatively dimensioned elongated column seated within the recess. The column includes an elongated structural member with a conduit extending along its length and an elongated panel providing a closure for the hull opening which also functions as a support member in the column. A support member pivotally mounts one end of the support member in the hull, and a pivot pivotally mounts one end of the structural member in the hull at a point spaced from the support member pivot. A habitat is provided at the other end of the column and it is pivotally mounted to the structural and support member so that it maintains a horizontal attitude at any angular portion of the column. The conduit provides a passage from the vessel to the habitat in which a transport capsule carries personnel and supplies.

Abstract: A convertible control system for a kayak having a first and second unit. The first unit comprises a guide mounted with each side of the hull forward of the seat. A mounting bar is carried by each guide with each mounting bar carrying a plate and a shaft adjacent one end and in substantially perpendicular relationship thereto. A locking member is associated with each guide for releasably locking each mounting bar in a selected position along the longitudinal axis of to the guide. The second unit comprises a rudder connected with the stern, a rudder pedal pivotally mounted with each guide by way of the shaft in a position normally spaced from the associated plate. A cable extends between each rudder pedal and the rudder, whereby movement of the rudder pedals results in a corresponding movement of the rudder.

Abstract: A remotely controlled rescue craft for use in fast moving water to rescue victims. A line is strung and secured across the moving water and the craft is tethered to the line. The craft has a water passage port that runs through the length of the craft. Within the passage port are a remotely controlled rudder for steering the craft, and at least one remotely controlled stabilization plate for controlling the pitch of the craft. Pressure relief channels run from the passage port to each side of the craft to keep the craft from rocking from side to side. A sealing ball is in each pressure relief channel and is pressed against a seal in an opening in the channel when the channel fills with water. A remotely deployed life preserver can also be onboard the craft. A control box controls all the onboard systems.

Abstract: Connection arrangements for a male probe and female receiver for selective connection of a spider buoy with a turret for mooring a vessel in offshore waters. A resilient member is provided in the male probe to absorb forces on the probe as it is being pulled into the receiver. A seal is provided between surfaces of the probe and the receiver to seal seawater from the interior of the turret. Contact rings at the bottom opening of the receiver and at the base of the male probe are machined of hardened strengthened steel and test assembled together prior to bolting of the rings to the receiver and the spider buoy respectively.

Abstract: A feet-propelled water vehicle including a buoyant body having a user-supporting platform attached to a rigid frame secured to a pair of pontoons. A pair of propelling paddles is attached to the rigid frame. Each propelling paddle defines a corresponding effectuating section and a corresponding blade section. The supporting platform defines flexible foot contacting regions for transferring the weight shifting action of an intended user to the effectuating sections of a corresponding propelling paddle. Each effectuating section allows the transformation of the force generated by the foot of the user into a corresponding pivotal movement of the paddle relative to the frame. The blade section attached to the effectuating section allows transformation of the pivotal movement of the paddle into a vehicle propelling force for propelling the vehicle across a body of water.

Abstract: A self-righting floatation seat for an infant that includes a body holding the infant and a harness detachably attached to the body. The body includes a lower portion receiving the infant, a handle extending upwardly from the lower portion, and a canopy detachably attached to the handle and the lower portion by a pair of quick disconnect clips and shields the head of the infant. The lower portion has an inner floor so configured so as to allow the infant to be in a reclining position, is separated from the lower portion by floatation foam, and has a plurality of perches extending upwardly therefrom to which the harness is attached. The lower portion has a pair drain holes in which a pair of check valves are disposed. The harness is a five-point harness including a pair of shoulder straps, a crotch strap, and a pair of waist straps.

Abstract: A cover fastening system for affixing a cover to an object, e.g., a boat. A generally U-shaped retaining clip is affixed to the cover and is sized to fit about and selectively engage an outwardly protruding portion of the boat. In one embodiment, the retaining clip engages an aluminum extruded rail positioned generally about the perimeter of the boat. The retaining clip includes a retaining clip hook and the outwardly extending portion of the boat includes a protrusion. The retaining clip hook engages the protrusion to hold the retaining clip in place. The retaining clip hook is preferably positioned on a leg of the generally U-shaped retaining clip, which, in use, maintains a generally horizontal position. With this configuration, a generally horizontal force may be applied to the retaining clip to operably position same and engage the retaining clip hook with the protrusion.

Abstract: In operation for wave avoidance the WAY presents only a small profile and a small part of its total structure to the most dynamically active part of all ocean waves, their surface and crests. This includes all storm and rogue waves. In this mode the bulk of the vessel is distributed through lower more quiescent water and spans differentiated deep wave effect. In this mode the WAY has low above surface reserve buoyancy-able-to-induce unwanted motion. In wave avoidance mode when not underway, the WAY is stabilized by low reserve buoyancy of its wave piercing causeways (12). Underway the WAY behaves as a small wing effect hydrodynamic flying body and does not rely upon wings or hydrofoils which receive undesirable acceleration forces and motion from deep wave effect. Flight path is controlled by orientation which is controlled by a large separation between center of buoyancy and a purposefully moveable center of mass.