Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting pattern pieces from sheet material with an automatically controlled cutting machine utilizes special control techniques for guiding a reciprocating cutting blade accurately along a desired cutting path defined by the pattern piece peripheries. The cutting machine includes a control computer which also serves as a data processor for generating machine command signals and controlling cutting blade movements. The controller has memory units which contain standard cutting programs and optinal programs. From a program selector panel, the cutting machine operator can select optional programs which modify the standard programs in a manner most suitably adapted to cause the cutting blade to follow the cutting path in the sheet material more accurately. The optional programs vary the feed rate or stroking speed, introduce yaw signals to control blade orientation along the cutting path, or perform other control functions.

Abstract: A control system for an electronic music synthesizer includes a circuit responsive to the keying of a musical instrument for producing a binary coded signal. This signal is converted to an analog signal, for application to a music synthesizer. The analog voltage may be modified, for transposition or for portamento effects. The coding circuit may produce trigger and gate voltages for the synthesizer, whereby blowing of the musical instrument, if a wind instrument is employed, is not necessary. Alternatively, the trigger and gate pulses for the synthesizer may be developed from the output of the transducer coupled to the instrument.

Abstract: The disclosure describes improved apparatus for synthesizing an audible note from its volume, attack-decay envelope and waveshape characteristics. By employing multiplying analog-to-digital converters, the characteristics can be rapidly generated and combined in real time, thereby enabling the use of the synthesis in performing instruments.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument has a keyboard including a plurality of scale keys and a plurality of chord keys. Musical sounds are generated by a programmable frequency divider network capable of producing different output frequencies, depending on which keys of the keyboard are activated. A decoding means connects the keyboard and the programmable frequency divider network to supply signals which cause the programmable frequency divider network to produce different output frequencies, depending on which keys of the keyboard are activated. Means connect the scale keys and the chord keys for altering signals supplied from the chord keys to the programmable frequency divider network, depending on which scale keys are activated. On this basis, compatible chords may be generated with the chord keys for a melody being played with the scale keys. The frequency divider network utilizes lowest common multiples and prime numbers, which substantially eliminates the potential for producing dissonant sounds.

Abstract: An electronic musical instrument is provided with a single controlled type signal processing circuit for processing multiplexed tone source signals corresponding to depressed keys and a circuit for preferentially selecting one of tone identifying signals corresponding to the depressed keys. The characteristic of the signal processing circuit is controlled by a tone pitch signal generated in accordance with the tone identifying signal thus selected, so as to reduce the number of a signal processing circuits.

Abstract: A tone synthesizer generating a marimba effect in which two percussion notes are sounded alternately an ocatve interval apart, simultaneously with and in response to the playing of a sustained note by depressing a key. The marimba tones are synthesized by alternately, at controlled intervals, calculating master data lists of the amplitude values representative of points on the waveforms of the two marimba tones and converting the respective master lists to analog waveforms by feeding the data in series to a digital-to-analog converter. The master data list for each tone in calculated by multiplying a set of coefficients for each tone with a set of sinusoid values. The coefficients correspond in value to the relative amplitudes of the harmonics of the tone. By sounding one set of coefficients with the odd number harmonics all equal to zero, the two resulting tones sound an octave apart.

Abstract: An envelope generator comprises a counting circuit and counting control means capable of controlling a counting mode of the counting circuit, i.e., operation and non-operation of the counting circuit, counting speed, addition and subtraction etc., in accordance with an envelope shape to be obtained. There are various predetermined counting modes corresponding to different envelope shapes and the envelope generator includes selection means for causing the counting control means to select a desired one of the counting modes.

Abstract: A stringed musical instrument having a body which includes a top, back and a neck, with a varied number of strings. The top is a flat sound board assembly, with a sound hole, which has a bridge and, on the underside, a bracing system mounted to the board and directly connected by fasteners through the board to the bridge for transmitting string vibrations via the bridge fasteners and braces on the board to the body interior. The back is a molded unit specifically shaped to increase the volume of sound produced by focalizing and directing it through the sound hole in the board. The combination of the direct fastener connection, bracing system and curved back for focussing the vibrations increases the sound volume and quality.

Abstract: A computerized unit organ relay which utilizes computer hardware and software to interconnect the pipes of the organ with the organ console in such a fashion that the proper pipes are activated in response to the key-stop combinations designated at the console. All of the keys of the various keyboards, and their associated stops, are connected through appropriate input ports to the data processing device which, in a preferred form, comprises a programmed microcomputer. The computer software acts on the input data from the keys and stops to calculate which of the pipes should be activated in response to actuated keys and stops. This information is stored in a continuously updated array and is read out of the computer memory, via appropriate output interface devices, to activate the corresponding pipes of the organ.

Abstract: A power tube is attachable within the bell end of a flared bell musical instrument for improving the musical sound of the instrument and for making the instrument easier to play. The power tube includes a hollow tubular member having a central axis aligned with the central axis of the instrument and including first and second open ends. The first end of the member forms an air tight seal with the interior of the instrument at a point just prior to the point where the flare of the bell of the instrument commences its rapid, outward sweep. The power tube includes a pair of diametrically opposed vents positioned near the first end.

Abstract: A Bb brass horn is provided with a bell which is threaded on to the remainder of the instrument. This provides a thickening of the metal at the position of attachment and hence a relatively rigid ring circumferentially about the bell, enhancing the tonality of the instrument. The bell is detachable for storage and carrying in a relatively flat case resembling an attache case, the axis of the bell being perpendicular to the plane of the body of the instrument. The piston valves are positioned centrally of the circle or ring of the instrument for improved balance.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting and elevating a gun barrel, wherein a pair of telescoping cyclinders are attached to the barrel and frame of the gun, respectively. A piston assembly positioned between the cylinders supports the unbalanced weight of the barrel against a fluid medium with a control valve varying the resulting pressure ratio during elevation of the barrel.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic guns having bolt carriers operated by coil movement of the gun barrel. High pressure gas is bled from the barrel into a gas tube that delivers both mechanical and fluid pressure forces to a piston impactor aligned with the bolt carrier. Special floating rings are arranged on the gas tube to provide controlled escape of high pressure gas from the tube. The floating rings are shiftable radially to compensate for manufacturing tolerance build-ups in the gun components. The invention reduces manufacturing costs and also increases field service capabilities.

Abstract: A spring steel snap ring bearing between the gun barrel and the barrel bushing to remove the relative play therebetween and thus accurately position the barrel relative to the sights on the slide to improve its aiming characteristics. This relative play between the barrel and barrel bushing on the slide is incorporated in its manufacture to permit pivotal as well as longitudinal movement of the barrel relative to the slide containing the bushing.

Abstract: An improved machine tool includes an extendible ram or tool support arm. As the ram is extended, the outer end portion of the ram deflects downwardly under the influence of gravity. To compensate for the deflection of the ram, the angular orientation of the ram relative to upwardly extending tracks is changed to raise the outer end portion of the ram. This is accomplished by means of gibs or deflection compensation cams which are moved to rotate a carriage or saddle on which the ram is mounted. The extent of deflection of the ram varies as a function of the distance which it extends outwardly from the carriage. Therefore it is necessary to store data indicative of the deflection of the ram at various degrees of extension and to adjust the orientation of the ram in accordance with this data as the ram is extended. The data indicating the extent to which the ram deflects is stored by means of a cam mounted on the carriage. The cam is read by a transducer which moves with the ram.

Abstract: A rotary valve in or for a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering mechanism for a motor vehicle, the rotary valve comprising a valve sleeve, a rotor member rotatable within the valve sleeve, the rotor member and the valve sleeve each having axially extending grooves therein which cooperate to control the flow of fluid under pressure through the valve according to the angular disposition of the rotor member relative to the valve sleeve, and a torsion bar connecting the rotor member to the pinion of the rack-and-pinion steering mechanism, wherein the said pinion is cylindrical and is rigidly connected to the valve sleeve by means of an annular coupling member having an end portion which fits over an end portion of the pinion and has internal teeth which intermesh with the teeth of the pinion, the annular coupling member being brazed or otherwise bonded to both the pinion and to the valve sleeve.

Abstract: A hydro mechanical condition-responsive servo control valve for controlling a variable condition, such as position or rate of change of position, of a remote element, comprises a rotary fluid valve controlled by a differential gear train arranged to register differential movement between two input shafts, one of which is connected for movement according to a desired input condition and the other of which is alternatively connected either to register the actual element condition or a reference [datum] condition; the rotary valve including mating stationary and rotary valve plates each incorporating fluid flow ports cooperatively arranged on the mating plate surfaces thereby to control fluid flow from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet in accordance with the relative position or movement of said two input shafts.

Abstract: A method of making a pneumatically operated actuator having a pneumatically operated movable wall interconnected by a feedback tension spring to a pilot valve positioner that is adapted to pneumatically operate the movable wall of the actuator in relation to a pneumatic signal directed to the positioner, the method including the steps of loosely projecting one end of the spring through an opening in the wall after the other end of the spring has been interconnected to the pilot valve positioner and pulling on the one end of the spring while directing a predetermined pneumatic signal to the positioner so that the wall will assume a position thereof relative to the one end of the spring and the actuator that corresponds to the predetermined pneumatic signal whereby the one end of the spring can be secured to the wall while the wall is in that position thereof and the spring is in the pulled condition thereof that caused the wall to move to such position.

Abstract: A system for porting of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulically driven seismic energy vibrator of the reciprocating mass type. A mass is reciprocated relative to an earth contacting frame which includes at least two hydraulic piston rods coacting with internal cylinders within the mass. The piston rods, of the type having double rod ends, each include a single axial bore therethrough in communication with respective opposite sides of the piston ring assemblies, and cross porting is effected between opposite ends of the mass cylinders.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for erecting cartons wherein a flat folded carton blank is conveyed to the apparatus where it is momentarily stopped. Suction cups pull the underside of the blank downwardly against a breaker bar to bow the underside downwardly pulling the leading and trailing ends of the blank toward each other and thus bowing the upper carton side upwardly. With the carton thus partially opened, an overhead opening element rotates into engagement with a trailing side panel of the carton to swing it through an arc of about 90.degree. until it is substantially vertical. An overbreak element thereafter engages the now vertical trailing side panel and swings it through another 90.degree. to overbreak the carton. In this condition, the carton is conveyed out of the erecting apparatus and into transport lugs of the transport conveyor of a cartoner.

Abstract: An air discharge terminal unit comprises a plenum housing having a main air inlet, a main air outlet and an induced air inlet, the induced air inlet being located unilaterally along the flow path of the air between the main air inlet and the main air outlet to control the flow of air from the main air oulet.

Abstract: Air vent consisting of a fixed, gridlike apertured front panel and a stop plate disposed behind it, which plate is movable by a control mechanism in the direction of its plane and to the plane of the front panel and which plate in a position resting against the back of the front panel closes the grid apertures, but which in a separated position opens the grid apertures of the front panel for the passage of air.

Abstract: A cantilevered instantaneous heating brewer for brewing beverages, such as coffee, wherein the heat transfer structure includes a heavy heat transfer mass. Cold water is supplied to the heat transfer mass to have heat transfer association therewith and thereby be heated to the desired brewing temperature. The mass is disposed in overlying relationship to a rear upright portion of the brewer housing so as to provide a stable arrangement of the brewer as against undesirable forward tipping. To further minimize the tendency for tipping of the cantilevered arrangement, the brewing cartridge normally carried on the front portion of the cantilevered head is made to be relatively lightweight. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer structure includes a plurality of stacked relatively heavy massive elements with the stack being disposed at the rear of the head overlying the rear upright portion of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for popping corn by heated air which is circulated in a cylindrical popping chamber having a vertical axis to provide a fluidized bed of swirling and circulating corn to be popped. As the corn is popped, it is lifted upwardly by the moving air and volume of popped corn to form a column of floating corn above the popping chamber and the popped corn is discharged through the open top of the chamber.

Abstract: A cooking grid is disclosed which is adjustable for both length and width. The grid includes special tongs that are provided to lift the grid from a cooking pan and to adjust the length and width of the grid. Removable legs are attached to the corners of the grid to elevate the roast above the roasting pan bottom, as desired.

Abstract: The device comprises a frame, a twisting member rotatably mounted in relation to the frame to carry along and twist two parts of thread, means for driving the twisting member, and a knife. The twisting member consists of a gear-wheel and the means for driving also comprise a gear-wheel which is in gear with the twisting member. The valleys between the teeth of the twisting member are cut deeper than is required to be in gear with the gear-wheel of the driving means.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and a process of, sector engraving metal elements, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an engraving roller having a particular pattern formed thereon, and a workpiece mounting system which is capable of translational movement within two mutually orthogonal directions. When the engraving process is to be performed, the engraving roller is held in contact with the workpiece, and as a result of a first translational movement of the workpiece mounting system in a first direction, a predetermined sector of the engraving roller is caused to contact a predetermined portion of the workpiece whereby a predetermined portion of the roller pattern is reproduced upon the workpiece.

Abstract: High speed printing endorsing apparatus of modular construction capable of automatically printing both fixed and variable information simultaneously upon items fed to said apparatus in a continuous uninterrupted stream of items. Differential gearing and a wrap spring clutch in combination with a cam and follower concentric with the main drive shaft of the apparatus provide means for automatic item batch consecutive number advance by means of relative motion between the cam the printing apparatus. The item batch printing device is demountably removable permitting alteration of the fixed information while the vertical position of the batch printing relative to the item information field format is alterable at will. Automatic means is provided for loading and unloading the print head inking assembly against the print head so as to avoid any bleeding of the inking mechanism when not in use.

Abstract: An automatic plate supplying device for supplying plates to an offset printing machine is disclosed, which operates to sequentially supply original plates to an original plate conveying device adapted to feed original plates to a plate cylinder provided in the printing machine. A pivotable suction means removes plates from the bottom of a stack for delivery to the machine.

Abstract: An inking device for a label printing and applying machine, or the like: the inking device has a multi-link mechanism which comprises yoke arms operated by the squeezing of a hand lever, a supporting member for supporting inking rollers, a plurality of links operatively connecting the yoke arms and the supporting member, and a guiding means formed in the links for guiding the inking rollers; when the hand lever is squeezed, the multi-link mechanism moves the inking rollers into the body of the label printing and applying machine and past the type faces and stores the inking rollers therein.

Abstract: An offset printing system and method wherein a plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder and ink applying means are arranged in cooperative relationship. The ink applying means applies ink to a plate removably carried by the plate cylinder and the ink applied to the plate is transferred as an image to an image receiving surface of a blanket secured to the blanket cylinder and having an image receiving surface comprising a solid fluoroelastomer. In the disclosed embodiment, the fluoroelastomer is a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene of a grade which remains solid and deforms elastically at temperatures in excess of 150.degree. F. The fluoroelastomer has a specific gravity between about 1.82 and 1.86 and the ink applying means may also be provided with a surface comprising a fluoroelastomer which remains solid and deforms elastically at temperatures in excess of 150.degree. F.

Abstract: An air delivered armor piercing and anti-personnel munition which includes pair of spin latched overlay hemispherical shells whose outer surface is fluted and which encase the fragmentation grenade munition. One of the shells is affixed to the munition by a lanyard so that when the munition is released it will be caused to spin by the fluted surface which in turn will result in unlatching of the shells and release of one while the other (drag hemisphere) acts to limit the descent velocity and maintains the munition in an upright position. The grenade is provided with spring loaded standoff legs which are retracted when the grenade is within the shell but assume their extended downward position upon release of the outer shells. The shell separation also initiates the arming of the grenade fuze. The interial force generated by the impact impales the grenade firing pin in the detonator thus commencing the detonation train.

Abstract: A delay actuated explosive device for use in boreholes filled with high explosives is provided which comprises an explosive container having a detonator cord receiving conduit attached to the periphery thereof and a detonator receiving well which is offset from the detonator cord receiving conduit so as to avoid premature detonation. A detonator delay unit having an initiating means communicating with a delay detonator means is provided for use with the explosive container, the detonator delay unit being adapted such that the initiating means can be positioned proximate to the detonator cord conduit when the delay detonator means is positioned within the detonator receiving well of the explosive container.

Abstract: Mild detonating cord confinement, particularly of the type including a metal covered mild detonating fuse as an inner core. The invention is directed to reducing cord diameter and weight, while totally confining explosive effects. The reduction in weight and diameter is achieved by employing a plurality of different coverings for the mild detonating fuse inner core, notably an extruded plastic jacket, a plurality of plastic fiber overbraid coverings and a stainless steel overbraid encircling the plastic fiber as an overbraid. A foamed polyethylene may be employed as the extruded plastic jacket.

Abstract: A system which disperses a payload in a sequential manner. The payload may consist of a number of discrete individual payload units which are composed of two or more sections. The illustrated and described embodiment of the system is utilized in a rocket for dispersing decoy material, such as aluminum chaff, in a sequential burst pattern so as to produce a more uniform, widespread distribution of the decoy material. This is accomplished by sequential bursts of each unit which throw outwardly the payload sections of each unit, whereafter each of the payload sections are exploded. This concept may readily be applied to mortor type decoy rounds, other types of decoy material, or to other types of applications, requiring a sequential dispersion of the payload thereof.

Abstract: A conductor plated on a frangible substrate. The unit is potted in a silicon base compound, placed in a header, and attached to a printed circuit board. This assembly is then encased in a housing using epoxy resin potting compound. The circuit is protected from breakage due to mechanical shock by the epoxy resin but is immediately broken by an explosive shock wave which fractures the substrate and the conductor and opens the circuit.

Abstract: An overhead conveyor includes an I-beam having a web and a pair of side flanges. A pair of opposed interconnected brackets are adapted to support a load, and a trolley wheel assembly is journalled upon each of the brackets and movably mounted upon the I-beam. The wheel assembly comprises a cylindrical shell having an annular shoulder flange at one end and an axial shaft extending from its other end and projected through the upper end of a bracket and secured thereto. A wheel having an axial bore and an internal annular flange has snugly fitted therein a pair of graphite alloy sleeve bearings which bear against the wheel flange, the wheel bearings being loosely disposed upon the shell. The shell flange loosely and retainingly engages one of the bearings and a washer on the shell shaft loosely and retainingly engages the other of the bearings against axial endwise movements respectively.

Abstract: A rail house car with side openings and doors for closing the openings by movement of the doors longitudinally along the car sides and laterally into and out of the openings. Cranks moveably support and retain the doors on longitudinal tracks below the doors and within longitudinal retainers above the doors. The cranks are selectively manually driven for lateral movement of the doors. The top cranks include combination skid and roller devices which permit the doors to move easily because of the rollers when they are longitudinally moved along the track and retainer but which permit the locating of the rollers within recesses in the surfaces of the retainers when the doors are located laterally substantially within their openings along the car sides.

Abstract: A table comprising a vertical column provided at the upper end with a plurality of radially outwardly directed arm members for supporting the table top and at the lower end with radially outwardly directed foot members detachably connected thereto said arm and foot members having their inner cylinder sector-like portions at least the end portions of the column being hollow and the inner sector-like elements of the arm and foot members are dimensioned to form together respectively at least a part of a hollow cylindrical body adapted to be received at least partially inside one of said hollow end portions of the column respectively, sector-like members of different angular amplitudes being provided to be arranged between said inner sector-like elements of the arm members and foot members respectively, which fill the space therebetween when necessary, an expansion locking device being coaxially mounted inside the hole defined in combination by said sector-like elements adapted to apply a radial pressure on said

Abstract: A door-like closure for passageways in high-risk high-security installations includes a multilayer protective plate which has a rather high resistance to mechanical, thermal and chemical damaging influences, but which can be rather easily damaged by the action of explosives. To reinforce the protective plate, a reinforcing grid is juxtaposed therewith at the major surface thereof which faces the interior of the installation so that, when an attempt is made to destroy the protective plate by explosives, the reinforcing grid not only will increase the resistance of the protective plate to damage but also will permit the explosive shockwave and the possible debris of the protective plate propelled thereby to penetrate through the apertures of the grid without causing any considerable damage to the grid. The apertures of the grid have such dimensions that an intruder will not be able to reach through the aperture into the interior of the installation to, for instance, manipulate the lock of the closure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for introducing soil treatment liquids into the ground including a plurality of injection tines having a downwardly directed tip portion and connected to a rotatable crankshaft for reciprocative movement between a raised or non-injection position and an injection position wherein the tine portion is located beneath the ground surface. Flow of the treatment liquid to the tines is controlled by a rotary flow distribution valve which is connected directly to a chain drive sprocket mounted on the crankshaft and which is arranged to selectively supply the treatment liquid to the tines only when they are in the injection position. Each tine has a generally spherical tip made from a high aluminum ceramic material and an internal check valve located near the tip for minimizing the amount of residual liquid which can be shaken from the tine while it is in the non-injection position.

Abstract: A delignification process using amine cooking liquors which also contain a quinoid or hydroquinoid compound. The process also encompasses a pretreatment step using the quinoid or hydroquinoid compounds.

Abstract: In a sewing machine with connectable and disconnectable needle bars driven by a motor for two needle stitching in different directions, a keyboard programmer and control device connected to the programmer to select the needle bar to be disconnected and the number of stitches to be sewn at low speed with only one needle, to shut down the sewing machine, to count the stitches number at the beginning of the sewing in the second direction to connect the needle for restarting the two-needle sewing and to switch the sewing machine back onto high speed. The device comprises two decade meters the first of which, at the end of the first stitches sewing counting, controls the machine shutdown and sends an advancing pulse to the second decade meter and, at the end of the second stitches counting, sends another pulse to the second decade meter which is switched to send a signal for the reconnecting of the needle bar and the de-energizing of the relay of the low speed.

Abstract: A device permitting the rotation of a feed cam to a selected one of two positions in order to multiply the pattern capability of the sewing machine. A feed cam is supported in a sewing machine in a fashion to permit limited circumferential rotation with respect to a cam shaft. An actuator knob is keyed to the feed cam in a fashion to allow limited axial motion thereof while retaining a connection to the feed cam. The actuator is separably keyed to a positioning bushing affixed to the sewing machine cam shaft. Axial shift of the actuator towards the feed cam will disengage the actuator from the positioning bushing and permit rotation of the actuator and feed cams. The actuator may then be reengaged with the positioning bushing in a new position. The feed cam is thus driven through the actuators connection to the positioning bushing affixed to the cam shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a looper while forming zig-zag stitches in a sewing machine. The apparatus is provided with a first drive device for moving and maintaining the looper in alignment with the machine's needle and a second drive device for causing the looper to travel in planes which are parallel when moving to cooperate with the needle in each of its stitch forming positions.

Abstract: A finger guard for a sewing machine is disclosed which fastens to the presser bar and protectively encloses a portion of the needle. The finger guard permits an operator to easily remove an arcuately rotatable snap on presser foot without the necessity of disturbing the finger guard.

Abstract: A lock stitch sewing machine having a bobbin thread run-out indicator which is adjustable to permit initiation of the indication with a selected length of bobbin thread remaining on the bobbin. A bobbin case is supported in a rotating loop taker against rotation therewith and partially extending therefrom. The bobbin is fashioned with two flanges joined by a hub and is carried in a cavity in the bobbin case, the cavity being arranged so that one flange of the bobbin also extends partially from the rotating loop taker. A fibre optic is arranged in the sewing machine frame to extend a light ray through an opening in the bobbin case above the rotating loop taker but in between the flanges of the bobbin, adjacent the hub thereof, and through an opening in the opposite side of the bobbin case to a light sensor. The light sensor is carried so as to be shiftable normal to the direction of the light ray.

Abstract: A rescue signal device of this invention can be used on a life boat and on other objects for rescue, here more concerned about the use on a life boat. The device consists of a signal balloon which can float in the air high above the boat or object when the balloon is inflated with hydrogen in an emergency. The balloon used on a life boat is made of foldable, semi-transparent, red color and air proof material in cone shape having one end flat like a cut football. A circular board serving as a sail is attached to the flat end of the balloon. The balloon is linked to the life boat by several cables tied to the periphery of the circular board. Wind force acting on the face of the circular board gives power to sail the boat for saving the refugee's physical strength. The circular board can change the angle of attack of the wind by operating the cables to co-operate with rudder for proper heading of the boat.

Abstract: Each of compartments of an oil tanker is divided by a flexible membrane into first and second sections one of which is used as an oil chamber. The membrane is made of an oil-resistant and chemical-resistant material. When an oil is loaded, the second section is unloaded, the second section is filled with a ballasting seawater, crashing the first section.

Abstract: A combined tiller extension, holding and controlling device for watercraft embodying an elongated tubular member removably attached at opposing ends to a vessel coaming and tiller, and including spring loaded telescoping and detent retained sections whereby the tiller is extensibly operable and is retained on a predetermined course, but permitting of limited lateral deviations therefrom. In addition, manual rotational control of the tubular sections enables finer course rudder adjustment within such a course.