Abstract: A kit for locating on the steering wheel of a watercraft a switch assembly for operating actuating mechanisms for tilting upwardly or downwardly the outdrive of a motor associated with the watercraft to enable the operator of the watercraft to keep both hands on the steering wheel especially when the watercraft is travelling at a high rate of speed. The kit comprises a switch assembly for mounting on the steering wheel; a cable reel assembly having a rotary housing and a stationary housing mounted to the vehicle; and a wiring harness having a first end electrically connected to the switch assembly, an intermediate section fixed to the rotary housing and coiled into a plurality of convolutions within a chamber in the stationary housing for expansion within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in one direction and contraction within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in the other direction, and being operatively connected to the actuating mechanisms which causing the tilting of the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible internal liners for reducing the amount of oil spilled by oil tankers due to groundings, collisions, and other major accidents. The liner comprises a flexible oil-resistant impermeable plastic or rubber, which preferably is reinforced by steel mesh or woven aramid fibers. In one embodiment, a independent segment is provided in each bay between two stiffeners. The horizontal edges of each liner segment are coupled to the stiffeners, near the ends of the stiffeners, to provide enough material for the liner to be pushed inward a substantial distance if a collision or grounding occurs. The edges can be secured by detachable clamps; this will provide watertight seals during normal operation, while allowing the segment to be detached and opened when the hull is inspected.

Abstract: A float assembly for buoying ropes, cables, pipelines, or any other type of line, completely surrounds the line to which it is attached. The assembly is formed from a plurality of preferably identical circumferentially adjacent float pieces. The pieces attach to one another along radial planes which contain semipermanent attachment means. As each chamfered circumferential piece is added to the last the line is gradually surrounded by the whole of all the pieces. This allows the float to be attached or removed to an existing long line without the need to thread the line through the float assembly. Bands or straps are used to permanently secure the individual float pieces in place upon the line. The line passage hole may be sized or shimmed so as to firmly secure the float assembly on the line.

Abstract: A watercraft employs three or more supercavitating hydrofoils. The elements that connect the hydrofoils to the hull may flex to thus raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The relative motion between the hydrofoils and the hull is dampened by shock absorbers or the like. A control system operated by the pilot may apply forces tending to raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The stern hydrofoil is mounted on a support that also carries a power driven propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve device is provided for use in a cooling system for the engine of a marine propulsion unit. The pressure sensitive valve device of the invention communicates with the coolant line pressure of an engine cooling jacket at both a coolant input port region of the cooling jacket and a coolant output port region of the cooling jacket. When the difference in pressure between these two regions exceeds a predetermined limit the pressure sensitive valve device opens, thereby permitting coolant to pass therethrough. The cooling system also employs a temperature sensitive valve device positioned in parallel with the pressure sensitive valve device. The temperature sensitive valve device is operative to control coolant flow within the engine in the low RPM operation range, while the pressure sensitive valve device becomes operative to control coolant flow in the high RPM operation range, where the thermal load of the engine is great.

Abstract: An actuator mechanism for operating the shutter door of a torpedo tube indes two hydraulic cylinders connected in series and a plurality of interconnected links pivotally connected between the inner hull and the shutter door. In operation, the combined movement of the hydraulic cylinders rotates an elongated torque arm and a transfer link about a rotatable shaft. As the transfer link rotates it moves the end of the link inwardly away from the outer hull. As the transfer link further rotates away from the outer hull, it draws the connector link and the shutter door inwardly. The added throw of the two cylinders cooperate with the longer torque arm to provide an increased moment, and hence greater opening force on the shutter door.

Abstract: The flexible bearing is formed of a sleeve-shaped smooth bearing 6 fixed in a flexible block 4 nested in a housing 3 of the boat so as to absorb the bending deformations of the mainpiece without transmitting them to the structure. The housing 3 is streamlined so as to block the flexible block.

Abstract: A braking and stabilizing system for use by a roller blade skater comprises an elongated shaft adapted to be manually held by the skater and having a roller on at least one end thereof adapted to be biased against a skating surface and a brake mechanism controllable by the skater for braking rotation of the roller.

Abstract: A diverter nozzle assembly for use on jet boats. The diverter nozzle assembly has a nozzle portion with a collar at the nozzle entrance and a reversing chamber at the exit end. The reversing chamber contains the entrance of a reversing nozzle and the exit of the reversing nozzle extends to the bottom of the diverter nozzle assembly. A ride plate a flat planer portion which curves upwardly to the forward edge of the assembly and curves slightly downwardly just before the forward edge of the outlet of the reversing nozzle. The ride plate provides a quicker planing action to the boat and reduces drag.

Abstract: A weight release system for selectively releasing a weight from a body. The system includes a retaining member pivotally attached to the body. The retaining member is also releasably engaged to the body distal the pivotal attachment so as to retain and secure a weight relative to the body, so that the center of mass of the weight is substantially between the pivot and the releasable engagement of the retaining member. Upon releasing the retaining member from the body, the weight causes the retaining member to pivot relative to the body so that the weight is below the pivot, thereby permitting separation of the weight from the body.

Abstract: A method and a device for power transmission from a motor having a supercharging assembly, particularly a supercharged diesel-engine (7), to a gear (3) with a surface water driving propeller mechanism (4) mounted in a boat of the planing variety and preferably with a large propeller with a large pitch. A turbine coupling (10), which can be filled to a variable extent, is mounted between the supercharged motor (7) and the gear (3). The motor is designed to drive the pump portion (15) of the turbine coupling (10), and the turbine portion (17) of the turbine coupling (10) is connected to the input shaft (6) of the gear (3). The turbine coupling (10), when the boat is started, is emptied completely or partially, in such a way that it is at least partially disconnected from the gear. The motor is then accelerated to such a speed that the supercharging assembly of the motor (7) is connected.

Abstract: A trailer coupling has a removable unitary coupler-receiving element that includes both a ball configured to receive a spherical cavity coupler and a cylindrical neck configured to receive a drawbar eye. A latch is movable about a vertical axis between a closed position, where it engages the coupler-receiving element, and prevents removal of the eye from the neck, and an open position where it is separated from the coupler-receiving element and permits use of the ball. A locking mechanism locks the latch in its closed position and holds it against free movement from its open position. A trigger located in a finger-receiving cavity in the latch releases the locking mechanism. Because the latch rotates about a vertical axis, it can have a low profile and not extend substantially above the ball in the orientation.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible hinge for mounting a first panel to a second panel with both the first and second panels having a complex contoured surface. In the disclosed embodiment, the panels are a door panel and the windshield of a boat. The hinge includes brackets mounted to the door panel and the windshield. A flexible pin is inserted into adjoining sockets on the brackets to interconnect them and permit them to pivot with respect to one another. The flexible pin bends as the brackets pivot permitting the brackets to deflect with respect to one another along the longitudinal centerline of the sockets. The preferred flexible pin includes a coil spring and a core pin with the core pin being inserted into the coil spring to increase the shear strength of the coil spring.

Abstract: A tandem propeller assembly for use with a marine propulsion unit is disclosed wherein a single shock-absorber assembly is utilized to assure damping effects for both propellers so as to protect the propulsion system from being damaged when either propeller is obstructed by drifting wood or other debris. Each of the preferred embodiments disclosed provides a simple structure for absorbing impacts upon either propeller in a tandem propeller assembly while minimizing any increase in the surface area of contact with the water which would increase the propulsion resistance and would result in speed loss.

Abstract: A shock absorbing seat is provided in a personal watercraft or boat. The seat has an elongated configuration and is mounted at the front end thereof to the hull or other structural member of the watercraft for limited pivoting motion relative to the hull or structural member. A shock absorber assembly which includes a fluid filled cylinder, a piston therein, and a coil spring externally mounted to the cylinder piston combination, is mounted for limited motion relative to the hull or other structural member of the watercraft, and to the seat so as to support at least a substantial portion of the weight of the seat and occupant thereof, and to absorb forces generated between the hull and the seat while the watercraft is in motion.

Abstract: An elastically retractable towing strap used for towing one vehicle with another vehicle is disclosed. A first strap of elastic material, encased in a sleeve of woven fabric material, is connected to a second strap of a woven fabric towing line. The ends of the elastics strap are connected to the ends of the fabric towing line by weaving the elastic strap through a double loop connector, and riveting the connector to the fabric towing line. Further, the sleeve, which encases the elastic strap, is connected to the fabric towing line at a number of points along the length thereof. The sleeve may also serve the dual purpose of both encassing the elastic strap and functioning as the towing strap.

Abstract: A unit for cushioning and at least partially absorbing shock motions for use with marine or water equipment whereby wave and water motion is absorbed to eliminate shock wave effects. The unit includes a tension spring device extensible upon movement of the marine device for which cushioning is desired with the extension being to a limited amount and thereafter provide tight line or direct connection for uses such as retrieving an anchor or pulling in a moored boat. The unit is useable in anchoring boats and other objects in various desired positions where the desired effect is a smooth ride upon the water surface.

Abstract: A restraint system for restraining a person in a vehicle includes a cam release assembly with an open strap lug chamber. Right and left shoulder straps are anchored to a vehicle frame and attached to the release assembly. Right and left lap straps are anchored to the frame and attached to the release assembly. A leg strap is attached to the right lap strap and the left lap strap, and has a center portion attached to the cam release assembly. An adjustable length sternum strap is attached to the shoulder straps. A kidney belt is attached to the lap straps. Right and left chest pads are attached to the shoulder straps and have enlarged portions that overlap under the sternum strap and may overlap under the shoulder straps. A pelvic pad is positioned between the cam release assembly and the person being restrained. The strap lugs can pivot about 15.degree. about the axis of the retainer pins. Separate length adjusters are provided for each shoulder strap, each lap strap and for the kidney belt.

Abstract: A muffler for an exhaust system of an outboard engine is constructed in two parts, one being longer than the other with the longer portion being of standard length for various engine applications, while the shorter length muffler section is constructed to have variable lengths to accommodate various engine and propulsion unit applications. The lower muffler section is resiliently mounted to reduce transmittal of vibrations to the engine housing and associated structure. By constructing one of the muffler sections of a standard length for all engine applications, molding costs for various applications are reduced.

Abstract: A catamaran sailing vessel has both of its hulls articulated to provide substantially equal length forward and aft hull sections that are pivotally connected to one another about axes parallel to the yaw axis. A rigid deck structure spans the two hulls and is pivoted about axes parallel to the yaw axis to the aft sections of each articulated hull. The deck structure is pivotally and slidably connected to the forward sections of the two hulls to enable rotation of these relative to the deck structure about axes parallel to the yaw axis and to allow the forward hull sections to slide relative to the deck structure about axes parallel to the roll axis of a vessel. A cross member is transversely shiftably mounted on the deck structure and is pivoted to the articulated hull sections on their pivot axes so that when the cross member is driven toward one side or the other the two hulls will bend in unison.