Abstract: Portable overhead sun screening structure and canopy are described for shading a surface. The canopy is comprised of at least one sheet spanning a matrix of reinforcing cords that extend to a marginal canopy edge, with beads affixed to the reinforcing cords adjacent the marginal edge. A plurality of elongated poles are spaced apart and set upright along the surface to be shaded. Collars are slidably mounted to the poles for elevational movement thereon. At least two elongated stay members are mounted to each collar, each stay being pivotable between an inoperative position substantially parallel to the associated pole, and an operative position substantially perpendicular to the pole. The stay members on each pole are angularly offset from one another about the associated pole to mount flexible guy cords. Opposed ends of the guy cords are releasable attached to selected stay members about the canopy perimeter.

Abstract: A corrugated building component and system includes a corrugated panel made up of fluted layers of sheet material. The flutes form open passages to receive connecting rods which may extend from one panel and into an adjacent panel, locking the panels together. The panels also include rabbeted edges that interfit, along with the connecting rods to produce a structural unit. A base plate or footing is described within the system with upright tie rods used to secure the assembled panels to the footing or base plate. Top, bottom, and end plates may be provided on sides and ends of elongated panels, to be joined with connecting members and reinforcing connectors.

Abstract: A flow selector valve is described in which a valve housing with a central bore is provided. The housing includes a plurality of axially spaced discharge openings and an intake opening openly communicating with the central bore. An elongated spool member, complementary to the central bore of the valve housing is slidably mounted in the central bore for axial movement therein. The spool member includes an internal chamber extending axially from a closed end within the spool member to an open end. The open spool end is in open communication with the intake opening of the housing. The spool member also includes at least one gate opening between the external spool surface and its internal chamber. A driver is connected to the spool member for selectively moving the spool member axially within the bore.

Abstract: A collapsible raft includes opposed hinged rigid hull and deck members joined by a flexible watertight skirt and surrounded by a peripheral inflatable tube. The hinge plates interconnecting the hull and deck may be selectively locked in an open condition. In the preferred form, the hull and deck members each include a water sealable hatch and appropriately valved ventilator tubes that render the raft invertible and serve to protect the occupant(s) from drowning and exposure. A second form of the invention is embodied in a pleasure craft wherein the deck is open and includes a seating arrangement and provision for mounting an outboard motor.