Abstract: An elevator shaft assembly and a method for forming the same includes a plurality of modules, each of the modules having a plurality of walls with an upper perimeter edge and a lower perimeter edge and spaced apart elevator rails. Adjacent modules are aligned with each other along mating upper and lower perimeter portions with complementary aligning members that are joined together with a fastener, the modules when joined together forming a tubular structure.

Abstract: A hoist system and a method for lifting and lowering an object such as a boat include a support structure, a support member supported by the support structure and a hoisting assembly. The hoisting assembly includes an attachment assembly and a set of at least three flexible members operably coupled to the support member and the attachment assembly to retract and extend the attachment assembly vertically relative to a reference axis. The hoisting assembly is supported by the support structure and configured with the support member so as to space apart the flexible members from each other, and wherein each flexible member defines an oblique angle with the reference axis parallel to the vertical reference axis.

Abstract: A deployment and recovery assembly for use on a vessel that includes a tiltable ramp section mountable to a vessel to tilt into and out of the water. The ramp section is configured to support the craft. A capture and release assembly that includes a rotatable tire and wheel assembly is mounted to the ramp section to tilt therewith and is disposed on the ramp section so as to engage a hull of the craft. The capture and release assembly further includes a one-way clutch assembly coupled to the tire and wheel assembly allowing free rotation of the tire and wheel assembly in a first direction and retarding or inhibiting rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A hoist system and a method for lifting and lowering an object such as a boat include a support structure, a support member supported by the support structure and a hoisting assembly. The hoisting assembly includes an attachment assembly and a set of at least three flexible members operably coupled to the support member and the attachment assembly to retract and extend the attachment assembly vertically relative to a reference axis. The hoisting assembly is supported by the support structure and configured with the support member so as to space apart the flexible members from each other, and wherein each flexible member defines an oblique angle with the reference axis parallel to the vertical reference axis.

Abstract: A procurement information system is provided. The system includes an electronic mail interface configured to receive an information request over a communication link, and to transfer over the communication link retrieved information relating to the information request. Also provided is a processor configured to process the information request to determine the retrieved information, and to retrieve the retrieved information from a database. The information request includes a price quote request for a first item unavailable for shipment at the time the information request is received. The retrieved information includes a price quote for a second item available for shipment at the time the information request is received.