Abstract: A CNC machine makes a single speed reducer by forming a worm recess, a worm gear recess, and a worm shaft groove that is discontinuous at the worm recess in a first solid block of aluminum. Matching recesses and grooves are formed in a second solid block of aluminum in the same way so that a worm cavity, a worm gear cavity, and a worm shaft bore are formed when the two blocks are placed in juxtaposition to one another. The worm shaft bore enables the reducer to have two different mounting configurations. A double speed reducer made by the same techniques has even more mounting configurations. The design also minimizes gear lash, end play, and inertia generated coasting and accommodates power transmission systems other than gear trains.

Abstract: The cost of building a five thousand pound boat lift is substantially cut in half by using three pilings instead of four. The three pilings include a pair of outboard pilings and a single inboard piling. A boat-supporting cradle includes a leading frame member having an outboard end positioned near a leading piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single inboard piling. A trailing frame member has an outboard end positioned near a trailing piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single piling. A longitudinally disposed brace interconnects the leading and trailing frame members near their respective outboard ends and a longitudinally disposed plate interconnects the frame members near their respective inboard ends. An equalizer assembly is pivotally mounted to the plate and opposite ends of the equalizer assembly are connected by separate cables to a winch that surmounts the single piling.

Abstract: A three piling boatlift includes an inboard piling to which is secured a master/slave cable assembly. A first master cable extends from a first end of a master drum to a first outboard piling and a second master cable extends from a second end of the master drum to a second outboard piling. A first slave cable extends from a first end of a slave drum to a first inboard end of a boat lift cradle and a second slave cable extends from a second end of the slave drum to a second inboard end of the boat lift cradle. The slave drum is interconnected to the master drum so that winch-driven rotation of the master drum effects simultaneous and corresponding rotation in the slave drum. The weight of a boat lifted by the boatlift is distributed equally between four cables and all four cables are wound and unwound in synchronization with one another.

Abstract: The cost of building a five thousand pound boat lift is substantially cut in half by using three pilings instead of four. The three pilings include a pair of outboard pilings and a single inboard piling. A boat-supporting cradle includes a leading frame member having an outboard end positioned near a leading piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single inboard piling. A trailing frame member has an outboard end positioned near a trailing piling of the pair of outboard pilings and an inboard end positioned near the single piling. A longitudinally disposed brace interconnects the leading and trailing frame members near their respective outboard ends and a longitudinally disposed plate interconnects the frame members near their respective inboard ends. An equalizer assembly is pivotally mounted to the plate and opposite ends of the equalizer assembly are connected by separate cables to a winch that surmounts the single piling.

Abstract: A water vehicle lift includes a winch which is operable to extend and retract an elongated flexible cable to lower and raise a platform on which a small water vehicle may rest. The winch is preferably mounted on a piling with the platform moving up and down adjacent the piling. On the face of the platform immediately adjacent the piling, a wheel is provided which rolls on the surface of the piling to maintain the platform slightly spaced away from the piling.

Abstract: A water vehicle lift includes a winch which is operable to extend and retract an elongated flexible cable to lower and raise a platform on which a small water vehicle may rest. The winch is preferably mounted on a piling with the platform moving up and down adjacent the piling. On the face of the platform immediately adjacent the piling, a wheel is provided which rolls on the surface of the piling to maintain the platform slightly spaced away from the piling.