Abstract: Two embodiments of jet-propelled watercraft having an arrangement wherein both the jet propulsion unit and engine of the watercraft can be accessed through access openings formed in the hull to the rear of the passenger's compartment. In addition, a telltale system is provided for discharging the water from the engine cooling jacket in a locale where the operator can readily view it to assure himself that the engine is receiving adequate coolant.

Abstract: A small watercraft has a longitudinally extending seat for the operator of the watercraft and one or more passengers. Located on each side of the longitudinally extending seat is a side seat which is configured to seat an additional passenger. This configuration allows an operator and up to four passengers to ride in the watercraft. The watercraft also has a rear deck positioned to the rear of a passenger area which has a ladder and a pair of hand grips to facilitate embarking and disembarking of the watercraft. The hull of the watercraft has a V-bottom to improve stability and maneuverability. The V-bottom hull includes a pair of angularly disposed surfaces terminating at a pair of longitudinally extending chines. Inclined side surfaces extend generally upwardly from the chines and a sponson is located on each of the side surfaces, proximate the rear of the watercraft, to improve the stability, buoyancy and maneuverability of the watercraft.

Abstract: A number of embodiments and accessories for a watercraft that is comprised of a main hull that defines a berthing area to receive a small self-propelled watercraft. The main watercraft hull has no propulsion device of its own and is adapted to be propelled by the propulsion device of the smaller watercraft. The controls of the smaller watercraft are accessible from the passenger compartment of the main hull so that the main hull need carry no controls of its own. Various arrangements for accommodating passengers, permitting attachment of an outboard motor to the main hull for its own propulsion and for improving the utility of the main hull are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus synchronizes a voice coder and a voice decoder which are of the vector-coding type in order to prevent a false synchronization even when a signal having the same period as a string of synchronizing bits is inputted. A noise component adding unit adds a noise component to an input voice signal. Therefore, even if the input voice signal has the same period as that of a string of synchronizing bits and is completely periodic, the periodicity of the input voice signal is lost by the added noise component. Based on the input voice signal which is no longer periodic, a vector-coding unit, a quantizing signal vector generating unit, and a code book index transmitting unit generate code book indexes and transmit the generated code book indexes to a voice decoder. Therefore, the voice decoder is prevented from developing a false synchronization.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet propelled watercrafts having reverse thrust mechanisms and wherein an indicator is provided for indicating to following watercraft when the watercraft is being rapidly braked or rapidly turned. The watercraft has adjacent throttle and shift lever controls and various control lever positions are disclosed for facilitating ease of operation and compact construction.

Abstract: A small watercraft passenger compartment, control and seating arrangement. The passengers' compartment is relatively small and a control is disposed in association with a seat so that the seat may be positioned either behind the control for seated operation or to the side of the control so that an operator can stand behind the control. This facilitates boarding and also permits the operator to be at an optimum position if he desires to operate the watercraft in either the seated or standing conditions.

Abstract: A variable wheel-spacing truck includes a pair of left and right bogie frames which are transversely movable relative to each other and can be fixedly connected with each other by releasable locking devices. At least one of the wheels is slidable relative to the wheel shaft in an axial direction of the shaft. When the truck moves from one railway onto a junction railway of a different track gauge, running paths push auxiliary wheels of the locking devices upwards to release the locking devices. When the truck moves through the junction railway section, a pair of guide rails or a pair of rails push the wheels of the truck, thereby laterally shifting the left and right bogie frames relative to each other. After a predetermined relative transverse movement of the bogie frames and wheels is completed, the running paths lower the auxiliary wheels of the locking devices, thereby activating the locking devices into a locking condition.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of small personal watercraft each embodying a V-type engine. Arrangements are shown wherein the engine is mounted either with its output shaft extending in a longitudinal direction or in a vertical direction. Various placements for the engine are disclosed and in all embodiments a straddle-type seat is incorporated for accommodating at least the rider and in some instances additional passengers. Various types of exhaust systems including watertrap devices are incorporated and the watercraft is provided with a pair of fuel tanks in several embodiments that are disposed in longitudinal alignment with the seat and on opposite sides thereof for improving balance.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet-propelled watercraft embodying a combined jet propulsion unit and propulsion unit condition sensor. The condition sensor is contained within the outer housing of the jet propulsion unit and may be formed either in the grilled inlet opening, the water inlet portion, the straightening vane portion, or the discharge nozzle portion.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet propelled watercraft having an improved pedal operated reverse thrust bucket mechanism. The pedal for operating the reverse thrust bucket is positioned so that it is generally flush with the floor area when the reverse thrust bucket is in its forward drive mode and can be depressed into a recessed area of the floor area for effecting trim or reverse thrust operation of the reverse thrust bucket. In this way, the pedal does not obscure the rider's foot area but is still readily accessible for the rider.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet propelled watercrafts having reverse thrust mechanisms and wherein an indicator is provided for indicating to following watercraft when the watercraft is being rapidly braked or rapidly turned. The watercraft has adjacent throttle and shift lever controls and various control lever positions are disclosed for facilitating ease of operation and compact construction.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of personal watercraft having safety switches for enabling a kill switch if the operator falls overboard. In addition, a key-operated waterproof main switch is provided in the circuit to facilitate locking and to avoid drainage of the battery when not in use. A number of mounting arrangements for assuring further watertightness are also disclosed.

Abstract: A small watercraft powered by twin jet propulsion units, each driven by a respective engine. The engine is concealed within a hatch cover that has a larger portion which is removable for removal of the engine and a smaller portion which is pivotal for servicing of the engine without removing the larger portion. A centrally positioned operator's seat has a seat back with a handle so as to facilitate mounting of a rear deck and facilitate a passenger standing on the rear deck during operation. There are disclosed a pair of driving engines positioned within a V-hull in a central location so as to improve stability and yet permit extreme maneuverability. A fuel tank supplies fuel to the engines and is separated from the engines by a bulkhead with both the fuel tank and the engines being accessible when the smaller hatch cover is opened.

Abstract: A small watercraft powered by twin jet propulsion units, each driven by a respective engine. The engine is concealed within a hatch cover that has a larger portion which is removable for removal of the engine and a smaller portion which is pivotal for servicing of the engine without removing the larger portion. A centrally positioned operator's seat has a seat back with a handle so as to facilitate mounting of a rear deck and facilitate a passenger standing on the rear deck during operation. There are disclosed a pair of driving engines positioned within a V-hull in a central location so as to improve stability and yet permit extreme maneuverability. A fuel tank supplies fuel to the engines and is separated from the engines by a bulkhead with both the fuel tank and the engines being accessible when the smaller hatch cover is opened.

Abstract: Several embodiments of personal watercraft being adapted to accommodate at least two riders seated in straddle, tandem fashion. The watercraft are powered by a combined jet propulsion unit and powering internal combustion engine which is positioned vertically above the jet propulsion unit and which is positioned at the extreme rear of the hull beneath a rear seat portion. The hull is wider at the rear than the front so as to provide added buoyancy and the center of gravity is disposed to the rear of the hull to improve turnability. This affords a large area for locating engine accessories and storage compartments as well as buoyant masses for the hull.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of small personal watercraft each embodying a V-type engine. Arrangements are shown wherein the engine is mounted either with its output shaft extending in a longitudinal direction or in a vertical direction. Various placements for the engine are disclosed and in all embodiments a straddle-type seat is incorporated for accommodating at least the rider and in some instances additional passengers. Various types of exhaust systems including watertrap devices are incorporated and the watercraft is provided with a pair of fuel tanks in several embodiments that are disposed in longitudinal alignment with the seat and on opposite sides thereof for improving balance.

Abstract: A variable wheel-spacing truck includes a pair of left and right bogie frames which are transversely movable relative to each other and can be fixedly connected with each other by releasable locking devices. At least one of the wheels is slidable relative to the wheel shaft in an axial direction of the shaft. When the truck moves from one railway onto a junction railway of a different track gauge, running paths push auxiliary wheels of the locking devices upwards to release the locking devices. When the truck moves through the junction railway section, a pair of guide rails or a pair of rails push the wheels of the truck, thereby laterally shifting the left and right bogie frames relative to each other. After a predetermined relative transverse movement of the bogie frames and wheels is completed, the running paths lower the auxiliary wheels of the locking devices, thereby activating the locking devices into a locking condition.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of watercraft having generally opened passenger's areas that are closed on their sides by an upstanding wall and which incorporates a pivoted control mast that has a portion carrying one or more watercraft propulsion unit controls for operation of the watercraft by either a standing or seated rider within the rider's area. Various types of seating arrangements are disclosed and in some embodiments, the seats are foldable between a lowered, horizontal position and a position wherein a seatback is provided. Alternate cover arrangements are also provided for covering the control mast when in its lowered position.

Abstract: Two embodiments of small watercraft having a straddle-type rider's seat with a seat back and a deck to the rear of the seat back. A handle is provided on the seat back for grasping by a rider standing on the rear deck. In addition, a pivotally supported boarding ladder assists in entry of the watercraft from the body of water in which it is operating. The handle assists in this boarding operation. There is also provided a ventilating system for the engine compartment and a storage compartment for containing an auxiliary fuel tank which may transfer fuel to a main fuel tank positioned in the engine compartment.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet propelled watercraft wherein the jet propulsion unit is positioned in a recess on the under side of the hull. A part of the water inlet opening of the jet propulsion unit is removable from above so as to permit clean-out of the jet propulsion unit water inlet and impeller when still mounted in the hull. Various locations and access openings are disclosed. In addition, embodiments of safety arrangements for disabling the prime mover when the removable part is removed for servicing are described.