Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a self-undecking crane having retractable legs with extendable jacks for elevating and supporting the crane upper. Hydraulic cylinders move the legs between a retracted position and an extended position in which the jacks are engageable with the ground and isolation valve devices in the hydraulic circuit prevent retraction of said legs when the crane upper is supported on the extendable jacks.

Abstract: A sea anchor for a vessel, which is formed in a generally symmetrical configuration of a hollow and baseless truncated body or paraboloid with a wide mouth member at the edge of the cone base of strong material forming a hollow generally truncated body which is attached to a wide mouth strength member and in which the strong material has orifices in it so as to cause energy dissipation by the increased velocity therethrough and with the area of the orificial opening being not greater than 75 percent of the surface area of the truncated body and where the depth of truncated cone is such that the ratio of the diameter of the base of the body to the height or depth is in the range of 80 to 90 percent. The sea anchor of the invention has a bridal means attached to the wide mouth strength member arranged to have members meet at the longitudinal centerline of the cone for joining to a single anchor line from said vessel. The joining point the distance from the base of the body in the range of 1.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit pivotable about a first steering axis to steer a marine vehicle, a trim tab mounted on the propulsion unit and pivotable about a second steering axis for assisting in steering the vehicle, and a hydraulic sensing arrangement for sensing torque on the propulsion unit relative to the first steering axis to pivot the trim tab in response to the torque. The device also includes steering mechanism for pivoting the propulsion unit about the first steering axis to steer the vehicle. The steering mechanism includes a steering member connected to the propulsion unit, and operable to move the steering member to pivot the propulsion unit. The steering mechanism operable to move the steering member includes a push-pull cable with a core and a flexible housing.

Abstract: An ejection mechanism for imparting an ejection force to substantially constant locus of points on a payload ejected from a spacecraft is disclosed. The ejection mechanism includes a rod having a contact end for abutting contact with the locus of points. The rod is slideably mounted within a housing defining a first aperture from which the rod is driven toward the locus of points. Means are provided for driving the rod toward the payload to eject the payload, and means are provided for securing the housing to the spacecraft. The ejection mechanism also includes means for permitting the contact end of the rod to substantially maintain abutting contact with the locus of points as the rod is driven toward the locus and the payload is ejected from the spacecraft.

Abstract: An outboard motor including an improved mounting arrangement for electronic components wherein they are mounted so that induction air will pass across and cool them. In addition, the electronic components are mounted on a circuit board and the mounting of the circuit board relative to the engine is in such a direction that the vibrations generated by the outboard motor are less likely to damage the electronic module.

Abstract: A fast forward flight helicopter is provided with a multiple speed helicopter rotor transmission. The transmission allows a variation in main rotor RPM or tail rotor RPM or both, dependent upon the desired flight conditions, while maintaining satisfactory lift and performance. With this means, noise is controlled without loss of aerodynamic performance. In one embodiment a helicopter is provided with a transmission for interconnecting the power input shaft through the main rotor shaft and tail rotor shaft in common. The transmission employed is a planetary gear transmission. A brake means is provided for clutching the planetary gear transmission from a first and second transmission speed so that power is continuously delivered, and shifting is accomplished in a smooth manner, thereby allowing the helicopter to remain in smooth flight. In another embodiment the main rotor is driven through the planetary gear transmission and the tail rotor is directly driven.

Abstract: A retractable leg structure for undecking a crane's upper from its carrier including a box member having a circular cross section and a longitudinal axis affixed to the upper, a beam retained within the box and rotatable about the longitudinal axis relative thereto, and an L-shaped leg, including a tubular member having a free end hinged to the beam, the leg being manually swingable about the hinged connection between a stowed position in which the tubular member is oriented horizontal and inboard of the upper and a deployed position in which the tubular member is horizontal and outboard of the upper. There is a lock pin device for selectively securing the leg in one of the deployed and stowed positions, and an extendable jack secured to the fee end of the tubular member along with a crank arm attached to the beam. A hydraulic ram connected to the crank arm moves the leg between the deployed position and an operative position wherein the tubular member is oriented vertically adjacent to the ground.

Abstract: Arrangement for a boat (1) which has a boom projecting out from a mast (2) and designed to be connected to a sail, especially on a sailing boat (1). The invention enables the boom to be prevented effectively and reliably from swinging around the mast too rapidly on occasions when this is not desired, and thus reduces the risk of personally injury occasioned by the boom. The arrangement (5) is connected via one section (5A) to the boat (1) and is connected via a further section (5B) to the boom (3), the two said sections (5A and 5B respectively) being mutually connected in such a way that the arrangement (5) forcibly urges the boom (3) to swing towards a position substantially transverse to the boat (1).

Abstract: The landing gear comprises: a rod including nested first and second tubes between which there slides a cylinder whose outer end supports a running gear; a strut surrounding the top of the rod and including a steering mechanism cooperating with a rotary tube disposed between the rod and the strut; and a fluid actuator constituted by at least one chamber between the strut and the rod and having a feed inlet only. The landing gear is particularly applicable to helicopters that are required to "kneel down" camel fashion, e.g., for storage in the hold of an aircraft carrier or a cargo plane.

Abstract: A pipe flotation assembly, packageable in kit form, includes interfitting interconnected frame members having flotation devices secured to the bottom thereof and an adjustable clamping assembly for securing a wide variety of pipe sizes.

Abstract: A self-propelled pontoon aquatic vehicle is presented which comprises a central pontoon having a seat, pedals and steering mechanism thereon. Paddle wheels are located on either side of the pontoon and include an inner tube with cleats fused thereon surrounding a foamed core. Preferably, the pontoon is comprised of a foamed plastic material.

Abstract: A portable outboard motor foot control device of the pull-pull cable type characterized by a cable house adjacent to the control pedal which, in highly embodiments, contains a pulley system for each of two cables and a pulley-bearing lever arm to move the cables. The lever arm is moved on a pivot shaft turned by the pedal to impart movement to the cables, providing considerable ease of operation. Some preferred embodiments include a pedal having a foot-contact surface well spaced from the pivot axis of the pedal, preferably above the axis.

Abstract: An extendible boom utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism to enable reciprocating movement of a work head such as a spray for agricultural application beneath orchard trees, the boom comprising a hollow section having a substantially rectangular cross-section containing a slot along the lower wall, running on internally disposed supporting rollers, having a rack extended therealong, mated with a driven pinion wheel to enable boom movement.

Abstract: A safety capsule structure comprising semi-cylindrical half-sections provided with yieldable and buoyant lining secured on the inner periphery thereof, the half-sections being adapted for installation in a boat hull, or the like, for stabilization of the boat structure against capsizing and to provide a flotation force for the boat, the half-sections being further adapted to be secured together along a common longitudinal side edge to provide alternate open and closed positions with respect to a pair of the half-sections, the closed position of the half-sections providing a protective capsule for an occupant for protection of the occupant during hazardous ambient conditions, such as a tornado, or the like.

Abstract: A space-based solar operated power module is configured for storage aboard a shuttle and then automatic deployment in the assigned orbit. It includes an articulated base support which is coupled to the ship's frame during deployment, and a chassis module, which also serves as a housing for electrical components of the power supply, and which is connected to the base support. A pair of oppositely extended foldable arms are movably mounted on the chassis sides and each carries an assembly of collapsible solar panels for converting incident radiant energy to electrical energy. The chassis also supports radiator panels which extend from the top of the chassis in the craft's vertical plane. At the start of deployment the shuttle's remote controlled cargo arm is used for lifting the chassis and its appendages from the hold of the ship.

Abstract: A vibration isolation module (30) includes termination members (34, 36) at each end to which are connected electrical wires or cable (39), and a braided rope of aramid fiber (32). A plurality of compliant members (40) of polyurethane hose having tapered ends are inserted at intervals within the braided strands of the rope (32). Some of the compliant members (40) may be filled solid with polyurethane. Variable lengths of hose or variable diameters and wall thicknesses may be used to vary the compliance of the compliant members (40). Between the compliant members (40) are positioned a number of spacer members (38) which provide support for the hose (37) and electrical wires (39). This structure is carried within an oil filled stretchable hose (37) fastened to the termination members. When the module (30) is subjected to forces in tension, the load is carried by the aramid fiber rope (32) which, as the load is increased, tends to squeeze down and compress the compliant members (40).

Abstract: Apparatus for aerial scattering or spreading comprising a flying wing formed by an aerofoil from which a frame is suspended by a mast and on which frame there is a cockpit and at least one engine driving a propeller. A scattering device is mounted on the flying wing and comprises a laterally extending spraying or atomizer tube, at least one tank for the product to be scattered and connected to a motor-driven pump, the pump being connected to the tube, and a control for regulating the flow and/or pressure of the product to be scattered.

Abstract: A propeller thruster installation includes a propeller unit rigidly supported in an inner tunnel tube which in its turn is elastically coaxially supported in an outer tunnel tube which is rigidly secured to the hull of a ship. In order to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations from the propeller unit to the interior of, an ship the annulus between the outer and inner tunnel tubes is filled with elastic gas cushions, or a continuously maintained "bubble curtain" of air.

Abstract: A boat has an inflatable buoyancy tube attached to a rigid hull by clamping an edge portion of the hull between flexible flanges secured to the tube, using comparatively rigid clamping strips. The clamping strips are pressed together by a releasable securing arrangement passing through the gunwale of the hull, for example nuts and bolts spaced along the strips. Tightenable straps anchored by the bolts may be added for extra security.

Abstract: A device to be used in pairs for mooring a boat alongside a dock, each device including an elongated cylinder preferably of polyvinyl chloride, a first piston for movement within the cylinder, a first piston rod preferably of stainless steel having one end affixed to the first piston and the other end designed to be removably attached to the boat, a first helical spring surrounding that portion of the first piston rod within the cylinder, a second piston with movement within the cylinder, a second piston rod preferably of stainless steel having one end attached to the second piston and its other end being removably attached to the dock, and a second helical spring floating within the cylinder between the first and second pistons.