Abstract: A wind surfing apparatus formed with a hull supporting a mast and sail includes a removable daggerboard having a weighted mass in a lower end portion thereof to lessen the tendency of the hull to be unstable or flip during use. The weighted mass may either be integrally molded into the daggerboard lower portion such as with fiberglass materials, or may be releasably attached to the daggerboard to allow for selection of a desired amount of weight. The wind surfer apparatus further includes a ratchet mechanism for controllably selecting and maintaining a desired orientation of the daggerboard stabilizer relative to the hull during use. A hinge connects the mast to the hull through two separate connecting mechanisms. One of the connecting mechanisms between the hinge and mast permits pivotal movement of the mast/sail unit in the plane of the sail only. The other connecting mechanism between the hinge and hull enables rotation of the mast/sail unit about the mast axis only.

Abstract: The present invention features test systems and methods for detecting a hepatic disorder in a mammal and especially a primate. Preferred use of the invention involves staging the hepatic disorder in a human patient.

Abstract: A wind surfing apparatus formed with a hull supporting a mast and sail includes a removable daggerboard having a weighted mass in a lower end portion thereof to lessen the tendency of the hull to be unstable or flip during use. The weighted mass may either be integrally molded into the daggerboard lower portion such as with fiberglass materials, or may be releasably attached to the daggerboard to allow for selection of a desired amount of weight. The wind surfer apparatus 10 further includes a ratchet mechanism for controllably selecting and maintaining a desired orientation of the daggerboard stabilizer relative to the hull during use. A hinge connects the mast to the hull through two separate connecting mechanisms. One of the connecting mechanisms between the hinge and mast permits pivotal movement of the mast/sail unit in the plane of the sail only. The other connecting mechanism between the hinge and hull enables rotation of the mast/sail unit about the mast axis only.

Abstract: A wind surfing apparatus formed with a hull supporting a mast and sail includes a removable daggerboard having a weighted mass in a lower end portion thereof to lessen the tendency of the hull to be unstable or flip during use. The weighted mass may either be integrally molded into the daggerboard lower portion such as with fiberglass materials, or may be releasably attached to the daggerboard to allow for selection of a desired amount of weight. The wind surfer apparatus further includes a ratchet mechanism for controllably selecting and maintaining a desired orientation of the daggerboard stabilizer relative to the hull during use.