Abstract: A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage.

Abstract: A thruster unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated above the waterline via a flexible drive member. The propeller is supported by a rolling element bearing disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter of the propeller providing both axial and radial support. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially thin cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the vessel to operate hydro-dynamically while the vessel is underway. This makes it possible for the present invention to remain in the operating position indefinitely even while the vessel is in motion without risking a structural damage.

Abstract: A gun-lock device includes a tubular assembly that fits within the bore and a chamber plug member that fits within the chamber of a firearm. The tubular assembly is partially received into the chamber plug member, wherein spring-loaded expandable arrangement at the end thereof engages with the recess within the chamber plug member to lock the tubular assembly within the barrel. The lock subassembly includes a tumbler cylinder arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the tubular assembly and a set of lock-pins which are disposed parallel to, and in a circular formation about, the longitudinal axis of the tumbler cylinder. The resulting overall arrangement yields a compactly packaged gun-lock device suitable for use in combination with a holster-worn firearm, and the key, with such small size and ornate shape, suitable for being mounted on a ring to be worn by the user at all times. A spring loaded plunger mechanism enhances the speed and ease of operation by adding a self-eject feature to the device.

Abstract: A thrust drive unit for generating side thrust for improved maneuverability of a marine vessel employs a peripherally-driven propeller situated below the waterline and remotely powered by a motor situated well above the waterline via a drive belt. The propeller is supported by the two ends of the coaxial shaft by a pair of supports which are mounted on either side of the casing and are angularly adjustable with respect thereto about the thrust axis to a position which is least resistance-generating for a particular installation of the thrust drive unit on a vessel. The lower portion disposed for submerged operation has a substantially blade-like cross section with a narrow thickness aligned transversely to the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The cross section of the submerged portion is streamline shaped to help further minimize the resistance.

Abstract: An improved disk-tumbler lock and key for use with a gun-lock device includes a key specifically adapted to be ring-mounted so that it may be worn by and is thus available for the user at all times. The particular shape of the key includes those characteristics which would be desirable for such a key which will function as a ring for the most part, including a sufficient strength to endure physical abuse resulting from common use as a ring, attractive appearance so that the user would be willing to wear it for extended periods, and an inconspicuous jewelry-like appearance to avoid unwarranted attention. In addition, the particular shape of the key and the mating keyway in the lock assembly are aimed at further improving the speed and reliability at which the key may be inserted into the lock assembly aided only by the user's tactile senses. The physical shape also lends itself to be easily and inexpensively manufactured using various fabrication processes.

Abstract: A valve mechanism incorporates an unattached valve gate structure having a curved surface facing a valve seat and also having a flat surface. A gate structure mount movable with a controller has a flat mounting surface that faces the flat gate structure surface. The two flat surfaces abut one another, and, in use, this abutment is maintained by the flow of the fluid through the valve seat. The valve gate structure may include a holder having the flat gate structure surface along with a ball member held in the holder and having the curved gate structure surface.

Abstract: A flow meter is adapted to measure the flow rate of a fluid flowing in the interior of a sensing conduit. The flow meter includes one sensor element disposed along the flow path of the fluid externally of the sensing conduit closer to one fluid flow port of the conduit, another sensor element disposed along the flow path of the fluid externally of the sensing conduit closer to the other fluid flow port of the conduit, an elongated structure disposed along the flow path of the fluid internally of the sensing conduit and away from the two sensor elements for reducing the fluid flow space in the sensing conduit, apparatus for heating the sensor elements, and apparatus for detecting a temperature differential between the sensor elements. The elongated structure has an end that engages the sensing conduit at a fluid flow port. The elongated structure may be a wire that is pre-bent or straight prior to its insertion into the sensing conduit, or may be a tube.