Abstract: A compression latch is disclosed that is adapted to fold down in both the locked and unlocked positions and that compresses a washer when in the closed position. The latch can couple directly to a hinged body, and does not require a separate housing that is then coupled to the hinged body. The above structure reduces leak points, creates a flush appearance, reduces the risk of injury, and allows greater customizability, as compared to prior art latches.

Abstract: A hinge is disclosed with a barrel having a reduced thickness compared to a conventional barrel hinge. The arms that form the barrel are reduced in thickness prior to curling the arms so that a relatively thin barrel is achieved. The disclosed hinge can therefore be used as a flush mount hinge with minimal alteration to the objects to which it is coupled. The hinge can also be used as a top mount hinge with fewer safety issues in, for example, boating operations, where the hinge may be located in an area typically walked upon by people or animals. The disclosed hinge is easy to manufacture because the small arms require less force to curl, and yet the hinge portions can remain relatively thick to couple together heavy objects requiring high structural stability.

Abstract: A ball valve is disclosed having a pipe with two openings. The ball valve selectively permits the passage of liquids or gasses through the two openings. The ball of the ball valve includes a vent hole that communicates with only one of the openings when the ball valve is in the closed position to allow gases or liquids trapped inside the ball to escape the ball rather than expand and damage the ball.

Abstract: An adjustable friction hinge that implements a sex bolt in the barrel of the hinge is disclosed. One or more washers can be concentrically arranged about the sex bolt and can interact with the portions of the leaves of the hinge to create the necessary friction to maintain a desired hinge position. An indent can also be provided on the friction hinge to abut an interior of the sex bolt and prevent loosening of the sex bolt during use. The sex bolt acts as a more stable structural backbone as compared to the prior art adjustable hinge and includes a receiving portion where a common tool can be used to reduce or increase the amount of friction in the hinge. The washer configuration of the present application exhibits little to no wear characteristics over time.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a marine thru-hull fitting from a single stock material to fit a variety of different sized boat hulls is disclosed. A variety of differently-sized thru-hulls can therefore be formed from the same stock item, reducing the amount of inventory manufacturers are required to maintain.

Abstract: A motorwell throughhull is disclosed having a central portion for threadably receiving end caps or securements thereon. The central portion is sizable, such as by being formed of a material that is easily cut such as plastic. The end caps may be formed of metal to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A motorwell throughhull is disclosed having a central portion for threadably receiving end caps or securements thereon. The central portion is sizable, such as by being formed of a material that is easily cut such as plastic. The end caps may be formed of metal to provide a desirable aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A water intake device is disclosed for mounting on a boat hull so that at least a peripheral portion water-side face thereof is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the boat hull. The water intake device includes a plate or screen having the water-side face and having a plurality of througbores for water uptake. The throughbores are obliquely angled with respect to the water-side face to promote water intake, and preferably are angled at approximately 20 degrees.