Abstract: A number of compact jet pump and prime mover propulsion units for watercraft. In each embodiment the jet propulsion unit impeller shaft is driven by a prime mover that is disposed at least in part below the jet propulsion unit and which has its output shaft disposed no higher than the jet propulsion unit impeller shaft axis. Various transmission arrangements are disclosed, as are in-line and V-type engines.

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 watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units each having reverse thrust buckets that are controlled by pedals positioned in the operator's compartment. The pedal control is such that both reverse thrust buckets can be operated by a single foot of the operator for reverse thrust operation and braking or so that each pedal may be operated independently for abrupt turning maneuvers. An interlock system is provided so that the engines for the jet propulsion units cannot be started unless the reverse thrust buckets are in their neutral positions and a detent mechanism is provided for holding the pedals and the reverse thrust bucket in this neutral condition.

Abstract: A patrol or rescue boat that is formed with a catamaran hull so as to provide a generally open deck area that extends through the rear of the transom for facilitating the transfer of injured persons onto the deck area from the body of water. In addition, a removable front deck is also provided. The rear deck has a pivotal portion so as to facilitate transfer of injured persons onto the deck and then to form an enclosure so that heated water can be flooded into the deck from the cooling jacket of the engine so as to heat an injured person. A litter is provided that has a pair of side poles and an open netting received on the side poles. The side poles are provided with flotation devices so as to float the body of a victim in the water and so as to facilitate transfer of the victim and litter into the deck area of the patrol boat.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of docking watercraft, each embodying at least one cabin adapted to contain at least one bunk for accommodating a lying passenger. The cabin is disposed relative to the berthing area so that an operator on the smaller watercraft in the berthing area can operate the combined watercraft without his view being substantially obstructed by the cabin. Both forward and side position cabins are disclosed, and in some embodiments, the berthing area extends beneath a seat in a forward passenger's compartment so as to reduce the overall length of the watercraft.

Abstract: Each of female type contact pieces is surrounded by a flexible elastic member. While a female type connector half is connected to a male type connector half, a plurality of water inflow preventive protuberance slightly projected from the foremost end of the male type connector half are forcibly squeezed in the flexible elastic member, causing the respective contact pieces to be watertightly separated from each other. The repulsive force accumulatively arising in the flexible elastic member due to compression of the latter acts to thrust contact parts in the female type contact portions from the outside in the transverse direction. Thus, an intensity of contact pressure between the female type contact pieces and the male type contact pieces is increased, whereby both the female type contact pieces and the male type contact pieces are reliably connected to each other no matter how they are contaminated with oil.

Abstract: A control for a watercraft powered by a jet propulsion unit and having a reverse thrust bucket. In order to permit the operator to easily use the reverse thrust bucket for trim and retardation, a control lever is mounted on the steering handlebar assembly in close relationship to one of the handle grips. A mechanism interconnects the control lever to the reverse thrust bucket and includes a motion amplifying mechanism so that a small degree of movement of the control lever will be transmitted into a large degree of movement of the reverse thrust bucket.

Abstract: A variable wheel-spacing truck is equipped with axle boxes slidably mounted on axles extending between side beams of a bogie frame. Axle box receivers are selectively and releasably connected with the axle boxes at a plurality of predetermined positions by locking members. When the truck is moved from a first railway to a junction railway, auxiliary wheels mounted on the axle box receivers engage with running paths and raise the truck and a vehicle body except the wheel sets and release a locked condition by the locking members. When the truck is moved through a region where the track gauge of the junction railway is changing or where the spacings of inside or outside guide rails is changing, the wheels are pushed by a pair of guide rails or a pair of junction railway rails and shifted transversely together with the axle boxes relative to the axle.

Abstract: A berthing type of watercraft having a main hull that is devoid of any propulsion unit and which defines a passenger compartment to receive a plurality of passengers and a berthing area to receive a smaller watercraft having a propulsion device for powering the watercraft when received in the berthing area. There is provided a pair of storage compartments on the opposite sides of the berthing area where riders may sit with their feet in the berthing area. A detachable table can be stored in a storage compartment on one side of the berthing area for use by the seated riders. A bridge also extends over the rear portion of the berthing area and provides an arrangemen for lifting the rear of the small watercraft out of the water. In addition, a canopy may be attached to the bridge to afford protection for the berthing area and the passengers' area.

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 personal watercraft having a seat and foot arrangement that accommodates a rider either seated in an erect position or kneeling in a crouching position.

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 watercraft having jet propulsion units contained within a tunnel in the hull and wherein the jet propulsion unit is pivotal about a first transversely extending horizontal pivot axis for bringing the jet propulsion unit through trim adjusted positions to an upward out of the water position. In addition, the jet propulsion unit is rotatable about a horizontal longitudinally extending axis so that its downwardly facing water inlet portion may be rotated upwardly for access through an access opening in the hull for servicing. In one embodiment, the jet propulsion unit is only rotatable about the horizontal longitudinally extending axis. A number of embodiments of rudder assemblies are also depicted supported by the steering nozzle for generating steering effects when the steering nozzle is not generating a significant steering effect and which may be pivoted to an out of the water position for protection when underwater obstacles are struck.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet and speed sensor mounting plates that are adapted to be positioned on the hull of a watercraft in underlying relationship to a jet propulsion unit. In each embodiment, a speed sensing device is affixed to the plate and constructions are provided for protecting the speed sensor if an underwater obstacle is struck or if the watercraft is beached.

Abstract: A small watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units each powered by a respective internal combustion engine. A single steering control controls simultaneously the steering nozzles for both jet propulsion units and a single throttle control controls the throttle for each of the engines.

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: Several embodiments of watercraft having a forwardly positioned propulsion unit and a seating area with a combined boarding ladder and tow rope attachment that is slidably supported for storage in a cavity or recess beneath the seat. The tow rope portion of the boarding ladder is defined by an arcuate slot adapted to receive a roller for attachment to the tow rope with the center of curvature being positioned forwardly of the seat.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of hull arrangements for watercraft that permit forward positioning of the propulsion device but also permit the hull to be constructed as a planing hull. In some embodiments, jet propulsion devices are disclosed and in another embodiment an outboard motor propulsion device is shown.

Abstract: A small water powered surface watercraft that is very compact in nature inasmuch as it has only a partial deck for accommodating the upper torso of a rider and passenger in side by side fashion. The watercraft is powered by an electric motor and battery contained within a hatch at the forward portion of the watercraft. An embodiment that employs two powering electric motors and separate controls is also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit having an improved exhaust silencing device that is comprised of an expansion chamber that extends across the rear end of the tunnel and which forms a lower closure therefor. The exhaust silencing device comprises an expansion chamber through which an exhaust conduit extends from the exhaust system of the engine to an underwater exhaust gas discharge. Perforated sections of the conduit communicate the exhaust gases with the interior of the expansion chamber for silencing purposes.