Abstract: A cold gas thruster having a two-stage solenoid is provided. Pressurized gas from the inlet flows to the back side of the piston to hold the piston closed. The pressure is maintained by a check ball held by the solenoid armature. When the solenoid is energized, the armature allows the check ball to move to bleed off the pressure holding the piston closed. The piston moves away from its seat and allows the pressurized gas to flow to the outlet creating thrust. When the solenoid coil is de-energized, the check ball is forced against its seat, which blocks the escape of pressure on the back side of the piston, so that it can re-pressurize back up to the inlet pressure. This creates a force imbalance and moves the piston to close the valve and stop the thrust. Different nozzles can be used for different thrust profiles without changing the solenoid.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: A removable boat windshield is provided that includes a transparent pane with a top end and a bottom end. At least one male portion is attached to the pane. At least one female portion is attachable to a deck of a boat. The at least one female portion defines a receiving opening for receiving at least a portion of the at least one male portion therein. The removable boat windshield also includes a securement device, operable with the at least one female portion, to releasably connect the male portion to the female portion.

Abstract: An attachment system for attaching a flexible enclosure to a boat windshield frame includes a frame trim piece with a longitudinally and transversely extending groove retaining a resilient insert. The insert has a pair of legs extending from one end of a shank and touching to conceal the groove. A screw snap stud can be inserted at any selected position along the groove to self-tap into the walls of the groove and releasably retain a cooperating fastener on the flexible enclosure. If the stud is removed, the insert legs return to the original position. Alternatively, the insert is not used or the insert does not include the legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing an open area of a boat includes a canvas system with a fabric sheet having an edge formed thereon, a header extrusion mounted on an upper edge of a boat windshield, the header extrusion having a longitudinally extending and outwardly opening slot formed therein, and a plurality of fasteners attached to the fabric sheet at spaced apart locations, each fastener including a hook releasably engaged in the slot.

Abstract: An abrasion wear resistant coated substrate product is described comprising a substrate and an abrasion wear resistant coating material comprising carbon, hydrogen, silicon, and oxygen. The abrasion wear resistant coating material has the properties of Nanoindentation hardness in the range of about 2 to about 5 GPa and a strain to microcracking greater than about 1% and a transparency greater than 85% in the visible spectrum. The coated products of the present invention are suitable for use in optical applications such as ophthalmic lenses or laser bar code scanner windows. In the method for making the products, the substrate is first chemically cleaned to remove contaminants. In the second step, the substrate is inserted into a vacuum chamber, and the air in said chamber is evacuated. In the third step, the substrate surface is bombarded with energetic ions and/or reactive species to assist in the removal of residual hydrocarbons and surface oxides, and to activate the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting a curved panel to a landing. The apparatus includes an elongated extrusion having in cross section a side portion coupled to a base portion. The extrusion is shaped along a curve, and the base portion angles away from the side portion to lie flat against the landing. The extrusion is secured through the base portion to the landing. The curved panel is secured to the side portion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel photoresist processes and compositions having high resolution novalac resins, high resolution photoactive components with several diazoquinone groups per molecule, and solvents having a high solvency power, better safety, improved photospeed, higher contrast and equivalent cast film thickness from lower percent solids formulations.