Abstract: A close coupled exhaust system support assembly comprises a mounting bracket coupled to an internal combustion engine having an extension including a through-hole. A support tab is fixedly attached to the exhaust system and has a terminal end located adjacent to the mounting bracket extension. A through-hole in the support tab is aligned with the through-hole of the mounting bracket extension. A mounting apparatus comprises a ferrule, having a through-hole extending therethrough and a spherical outer surface that is disposed within the through-hole of the support tab. The through-hole of the ferrule and the through-hole of mounting bracket extension define an axially extending receiving passage. A fastener disposed in the axially extending receiving passage fixes the mounting bracket extension relative to the support tab with an axial force exerted on the ferrule that deforms the spherical outer surface of the ferrule against the walls of the support tab through-hole.

Abstract: A stretcher clamp mountable on a gurney designed to be quickly opened for inserting a cylindrical stretcher handle and then quickly closed. When closed, the stretcher clamp remains in a closed, locked position regardless of bumps and jolts received when the gurney is moved across rough terrain. When the gurney reaches its destination, the novel stretcher clamps are easily and reliably openable to release the stretcher handle therefrom. Unlike stretcher clamps of the prior art, the stretcher clamp of the invention is not prone to jamming caused by bending or other distortions during transit. The clamp has two major components: an elongated latch handle and an elongated handle retainer, both rotatively mounted in a rigid, U-shaped frame or base. These two components are interconnected by a linkage assembly that is rotatively connected to the elongated latch handle and the elongated handle retainer and positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A stretcher clamp mountable on a gurney designed to be quickly opened for inserting a cylindrical stretcher handle and then quickly closed. When closed, the stretcher clamp remains in a closed, locked position regardless of bumps and jolts received when the gurney is moved across rough terrain. When the gurney reaches its destination, the novel stretcher clamps are easily and reliably openable to release the stretcher handle therefrom. Unlike stretcher clamps of the prior art, the stretcher clamp of the invention is not prone to jamming caused by bending or other distortions during transit. The clamp has two major components: an elongated latch handle and an elongated handle retainer, both rotatively mounted in a rigid, U-shaped frame or base. These two components are interconnected by a linkage assembly that is rotatively connected to the elongated latch handle and the elongated handle retainer and positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A stretcher carrier is provided for transporting and stabilizing sick and injured patients. The carrier can be quickly converted between a folded, storage configuration and operational configurations. The carrier includes a folding foot prop and a foot prop locking and release mechanism for changing the position of the foot prop. The carrier may also include conventional bicycle-type wheels or special all-terrain wheels.

Abstract: A stretcher carrier is provided for transporting and stabilizing sick and injured patients. The carrier can be quickly converted between a folded, storage configuration and operational configurations. The carrier includes a folding foot prop and a foot prop locking and release mechanism for changing the position of the foot prop. The carrier may also include conventional bicycle-type wheels or special all-terrain wheels.

Abstract: Various kites are described which can be joined together in any of a variety of larger arrays. Each kite includes a generally tubular integral body having two opposing open longitudinal ends and formed by longitudinally extending flexible planar walls, which intersect one another at lateral edges to define a plurality of joints also extending longitudinally through the body. A plurality of identical elongated spars extending longitudinally between the two longitudinal ends of the body. Each of the spars is more rigid and resilient than the kite body walls. Each longitudinal end of each spar is coupled to the body proximal a separate longitudinal joint end of the body. A central portion of each spar between the longitudinal ends is spaced away from each joint connected with either of the longitudinal ends of the spar.

Abstract: A catamaran boat having hollow mast and hulls is provided with a system comprising a manually operable pneumatic pump and flexible conduits communicating between the pump and the interiors of the hollow mast and hulls, whereby the interiors can be pressurized to drive water therefrom through an ejection device provided with check valves. The removal of water not only lightens the weight of the boat for securement of greater speed, but enables the boat to be righted if capsized in a turtle position.