Abstract: A marine lighted grab rail that is waterproof and direct current powered for use in a marine environment that produces an indirect light source. The rail portion is made of stainless steel tube that defines an aperture within the length of its structure. The stainless steel tube houses a waterproof transparent housing. A light source is housed inside the waterproof transparent housing, which is sealed, with a pair of plugs, at either end. Only the wires needed to carry electricity to the light source are allowed to exit the waterproof transparent housing's end. The stainless steel tube is mounted on mounting brackets after the above steps have been completed and the wires are connected to a direct current power source.

Abstract: An outboard motor cooling system includes an improved construction to enhancing cooling of the lubrication system, and more particularly, an oil pan of the lubrication system. The oil pan depends from an engine of the outboard motor and into a driveshaft housing. A periphery coolant jacket is provided around the oil pan. A water pool is defined between the oil pan and the driveshaft housing. An exhaust manifold passes through in a hollow of the oil pan and a water curtain is defined between the hollow wall and the exhaust manifold. An upstanding water passage is also disposed through the oil pan. At least one of an upper and lower transverse water jacket extends transversely above or below the oil pan. No drain water from the engine flows through these jackets or passages. The oil pan therefore is sufficiently cooled. In addition, the upper transverse water jacket increases protection of engine components from heat deterioration.

Abstract: A storage system for incorporation in a boat or other vessel. The storage system includes an integrated fish landing net storage compartment which is readily accessible to a fisherman standing on a casting deck of a boat. The dedicated storage compartment keeps a dirty and/or wet landing net away from other stowed items. The storage compartment is accessible via a dual-lid access hatch with latch built into the casting deck. The storage compartment preferably comprises a polyethylene storage box which is self-draining to the bilge, allowing the storage box to be cleaned easily. The storage compartment further has a snag-free design which whereby the storage box has no protruding hardware, Therefore, the landing net will not get caught during retrieval or stowage. In addition, universal and adjustable mounting brackets are used which allow for adaptation to many different boat models, as well as providing the ability to retrofit pre-existing boat models.

Abstract: A propeller deflector system which includes rigid inclined vanes permanently mounted on the bottom of a hull of a water craft and aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the water craft. The vanes extend below a propeller and beyond an arc of the propeller. The propeller deflector system also includes a sensing device adapted to detect objects in water near a path of the water craft. The propeller deflector system is designed to prevent loss of human and animal life in the propeller.

Abstract: An inner frame member, of a length that is less than the entire length of a hull, is joined to the inner surface of the hull that forms a lower portion of a body of a personal watercraft. The inner frame member has an engine mount portion that supports an engine thereon, an impeller shaft support region that supports thereon an impeller shaft of a propulsion device driven by the engine, and bulkheads extending in the lateral direction of the hull and joined to the inner surface of the hull. In accordance with the present invention, the personal watercraft is light weight, but also retains rigidity and assembling efficiency of the hull.

Abstract: A method of forming a hole to a final specified dimension in a fiber reinforced wheel for a motor vehicle, and a fiber reinforced wheel with such a hole. Stud mounting holes, or a hub hole or a valve hole, are drilled through the wheel to an internal dimension larger than the final specified dimension, to sever and expose fiber ends in the wheel surrounding the hole. Thermoset resin with coupling and curing agents is applied to the hole internal surfaces by brushing or spraying, and is thereafter cured, and atomically and mechanically bonded to the internal hole surfaces with exposed fiber ends to form a thin smooth permanent protective layer on the hole internal surfaces defining the hole at final specified dimension. The hole may have frustoconical, spherical radius, and/or cylindrical portions.

Abstract: A railroad grade crossing warning device designed to operate at un-guarded grade crossings without the need for expensive train detection sensors. The system utilizes the sound of an approaching locomotive horn or whistle to activate a warning at a grade crossing. The preferred device is self contained and is powered by solar panel and storage battery to provide a flashing strobe warning on the approach of a train.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved steering system for a water craft and an improved method of steering. The steering system includes at least two variable camber plates or rudders mounted to a hull of the water craft for imparting a steering force to the water craft. Each of the variable camber plates is preferably formed from a flexible material and has a leading edge affixed to the hull. A linkage mechanism is attached to a steering device on the water craft and causes at least one of the plates to move relative to the hull and thereby vary the camber of the at least one plate.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: A jet boat having remote steering to enable pivotal side-to-side steering of a steering nozzle from a pilot seat. A primary coupling between the steering wheel and the steering nozzle. A first pivot arm pivoted by the side-to-side steering of the steering nozzle. A trolling motor mounted pivotally to the rear of the boat and a push/pull cable assembly between the first pivot arm and the trolling motor for corresponding side-to-side pivotal steering of the trolling motor.

Abstract: A structure for a housing for an axle assembly and method for manufacturing same is disclosed. The composite spring seat has the following considerations; heat resistance (i.e., heat deflection temperatures in excess of about 500° F. and arc resistance in excess of 180° F.); high tensile and flexural strength properties in a broad temperature range (i.e., 41 ksi and 82 ksi respectively at 23° C.); and good impact properties (i.e., 41 ft/lb). The composite spring seat provides reduced weight (i.e. 15 lbs. to 6 lbs.), roughly half the manufacturing costs associated with the convention steel forging, and reduced noise transmitted by the composite material.

Abstract: A gate assembly for a railroad hopper car is disclosed. The gate assembly includes a frame defining a discharge opening, a slidable door mounted on the frame for movement between a closed position, wherein the door closes the discharge opening, and an open position, wherein the door is positioned to allow commodity to pass through the discharge opening. Either of two modular components can be arranged in combination with the door on the gate assembly to allow the gate assembly to be conditioned for either pneumatic and/or gravitational discharge or gravitational discharge only of commodity from the gate assembly. A drive mechanism including an apparatus for selectively engaging either the door or either of the modular elements arranged in association with the door is mounted on the frame of the gate assembly, with the apparatus of the drive mechanism preferably being lost motion connected to the door.

Abstract: Fitting and exchanging operations are easily performed without using bolts. In a rubber pad 2 to be equipped to an iron crawler belt 1, a vulcanized rubber material 6 is adhered to a second surface of a flat metal core 5 having a first hook 7 and second hook 8 formed at opposite ends of the metal core 5. The length of the second hook 8 is longer than that of the first hook 7, and the length of concavity 9 formed on a first surface of the metal core 5 opposite the longer second hook 8 is no more than one fifth of the length of the metal core 5 in the cross direction of the iron crawler belt.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is cable by-pass device comprising a guide wheel rotatably mounted to an axle, at least one toothed wheel having a plurality of teeth extending radially therefrom rotatably mounted independently of the guide wheel, a bracket to the rear of the guide wheel, and an attachment portion below the guide wheel.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel includes a hub and a plurality of mounting seats arranged around the hub and pivoted to the hub for pivoting about axes parallel to an axis of the hub. A plurality of spokes have outer ends mounted on a wheel rim, and inner ends mounted on the mounting seats for mounting the wheel rim on the hub.

Abstract: An outboard motor includes an improved arrangement for an exhaust system, in association with a lubricant tank and a cooling system, for a four-cycle internal combustion engine that powers the outboard motor. The cooling system discharges coolant independent of an exhaust pipe and an expansion chamber of the exhaust system so as to inhibit an influx of coolant into the engine should the engine become temporarily disabled. In addition, the cooling system provides a pool or bath of coolant between the exhaust pipe and the lubricant tank to inhibit excessive heating of these components during normal and abnormal running conditions (i.e., if the engine becomes disabled).

Abstract: A bicycle wheel assembly includes a hub disposed coaxially in a metal rim. A spoke unit interconnects the hub and the metal rim. The metal rim defines a tire-retention groove to receive a foam tire therein. The foam tire has an inner section disposed in the groove of the metal rim, and an outer section that projects outwardly from the groove. A tire reinforcing unit is embedded within the foam tire, and includes a non-stretchable strap embedded in the inner section of the foam tire and disposed around the metal rim, and a plurality of angularly spaced apart rigid strings which extend radially from the non-stretchable strap into the outer section of the foam tire.

Abstract: A wave-resistant mega-float comprises a first flat plate provided on a front end portion of a large-sized floating body, penetrating a water surface, and extending downward below a bottom surface of the floating body, the front end portion of the floating body being located on an upstream side in a direction from which waves travel, and a second flat plate attached substantially perpendicularly to a lower end portion of the first flat plate such that the second flat plate extends toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A long distance auxiliary drive tender for railroad locomotives which stores significant quantities of fuel and delivers the fuel to the locomotives while underway and which also includes traction motor drive axles powered by the locomotive generators. The traction motors are also capable of providing dynamic braking. Preferably, the auxiliary drive tender will also store and transfer lubrication oil, water, and sand for the locomotives. The auxiliary drive tender operates much like a B-unit in conventional MU operations except that it does not have its own power source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a connecting structure of a wheel of a golf carrier, which is provided with a receiver on a connecting link to engage with a connecting protrusion of a shaft of the wheel by using a bolt. The connection of the receiver and the connecting protrusion of the shaft of the wheel provides a strong strength to bear pressure when the golf carrier is used. The engagement by the bolt also provides a firm effective connection and prevents the wheel from being broken or released.