Abstract: A a reinforced musical drum rim including a drum rim in which: a concavity is cut out of the underside of said drum rim; in said concavity is established a honeycomb-like reinforcement structure comprising a chain of hexagonally shaped reinforcements; a plurality of equally spaced screw hole units through which respective clamping screws are passable are disposed within the reinforcement structure so that deformation occuring in the drum rim due to the tightening of the clamping screws is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth including a central housing formed with a series of release buttons directed through an upper surface of the housing cooperating with grooves formed in forwardly extending drum sticks to selectively secure and release the drum sticks from the housing to vary the number of drum sticks secured by the housing to accordingly effect drum harmonics during play of a drum instrument. The organization further includes a longitudinally aligned, rearwardly extending handle formed with a thumb rest mounted thereon and a counter-weight positionable and mounted to a rear terminal end of the handle to accommodate and counter-balance the housing weight and varying drum stick weight, dependent on the number of drum sticks secured to the housing.

Abstract: External sound signal coupled through a MIC IN terminal is fed through an operating switch panel section to an A/D converter for conversion to a digital signal. The digital signal is stored in a record memory through a waveform R/W controller under the control of a CPU. The digital signal stored in the record memory is read out from the CPU according to control data stored in a work memory to be fed to an external sound system for sounding.

Abstract: A container of a pressurized gas has an elongated inlet/outlet tubular neck which extends into a housing passage. A cap sealed over the inlet/outlet neck has a platelike member connected to the neck via a hollow support or column. A piston is slidingly received within the housing passage for movement toward the platelike member and has a rod which can be brought into contact with the member eccentrically of the hollow support. A squib on being discharged driving the piston toward the platelike member and rod cantilevers about the hollow support causing it to break and release the gas for use.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anti-ice protector for use on open-ended projectile launch tubes. The protector is made of resiliently deformable material and is hinged to permit the protector being removed by the emerging projectile.

Abstract: A mechanical servosystem for connecting the pivoting weapon support to an tical aiming device such that the optical sighting axis remain in alignment with the elevation of the weapon is described. A motion input mechanism is connected to the pivoting weapons mounting. The optical device is connected to a mechanical motion output mechanism which, in turn, is connected to the motion input mechanism via a flexible motion transmission device. A linkage interconnects the weapon mounting with the motion input mechanism such that any elevational movement of the weapon is automatically transferred to the optical aiming device to maintain the alignment of the optical axis with the weapon.

Abstract: A plunger (52) having a cylindrical body with a smooth surface (61) thereon which joins an semi-spherical atmospheric seat (62) with a conical surface (60) to define with a section (31) of bore (30) a flow path through which air is communicated from the environment to a rear chamber (20) without the creation of noise. The smooth surface (61) is made of a porous material (51) that absorbs sounds without substantially effecting the flow of air.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster in which the guiding sleeve (14) for the push rod (29) has an annular ring which defines a cylindrical guiding surface (22) and is guided, in axial movements of the guiding sleeve, by a guide bore in the housing (10) of the control valve.

Abstract: For detecting the pressures occurring at a control valve pressure pickup cells are provided and for processing the pressure measuring signals evaluating electronics are provided which together with the pressure pickup cells is arranged on an intermediate plate associated with the control valve. With this arrangement signals may be formed which monitor and control the mode of operation of the consumer governed by the control valve. By arranging the components necessary for the control circuit on the intermediate plate a standardized design is made possible in which the constructional expenditure is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A device designed to actuate the positive clutches of gearbox sliding gears following synchronization of the respective pairs of gears. A cylinder mechanism is provided on each sliding plate of the gearbox, as well as solenoid valves which are controlled by an electronic calculator to select and actuate the cylinders. Each cylinder mechanism includes two oppositely acting pistons, each connected to the sliding plate, and each sliding in its own cylinder which also includes a return spring which operates against each piston and which practically eliminates the clearance above the piston as the piston is about to be acutated.

Abstract: A steering angle limiter is built into an auxiliary power steering mechanism wherein the limits of steering can be variably preset to any predetermined degree within limits in a continuous manner. The limiter is a device built into the power cylinder. Such device comprises a mechanism having threaded telescopic members. One member is axially fixed and manually rotatable by a tool exteriorally of the cylinder to axially shift the other member to a predetermined distance from a respective end of the power piston. The other member may be non-rotative and threaded to the first member or it may be rotative but threaded to the housing. In either event, it is guided for axial movement. The axial setting of the other member effects a limit stop or abutment for the moving piston for such distance of movement as desired to limit the steering angle of the vehicle wheels in a particular direction of steering. For a double acting cylinder a steering limiter as described is provided for each end of the cylinder.

Abstract: An improved fluid supplying and exhausting arrangement for fluid-powered rotary motion actuating devices of the dual piston rack-and-pinion type. A first conduit arrangement includes a central opening through an axial end wall of the actuator housing and a fluid transfer tube fitted in such opening and extending axially through the adjacent piston into the intermediate fluid chamber between the two pistons for delivering fluid and exhausting fluid from the intermediate chamber, with the adjacent piston being slidable on the transfer tube in sealing contact therewith. A second conduit arrangement includes another axial opening in the end wall into the adjacent outward chamber of the housing and another transfer tube fixed to and extending axially through one piston and extending axially through the other piston to open at the opposite ends of the tube into the two outward fluid chambers of the device, with the other piston being in axially slidably sealing contact with the second tube.

Abstract: An actuating piston assembly (10, 110) for a torque transmitting device (11). The actuating piston assembly (10, 110) has a seal subassembly (35, 135) with a supporting annulus (36, 136) and a seal member (38, 138). The seal member (38, 138) is preferably bonded to the supporting annulus (36, 136). A generally radially oriented first wiping lip (55, 155) extends outwardly with respect to said seal subassembly (35, 135), and a generally radially oriented second wiping lip (56, 156) extends inwardly with respect to said seal subassembly (35, 135). A plurality of circumferentially spaced bores (41, 141) penetrate the supporting annulus (36, 136) and the seal member (38, 138). A plurality of dowel-like connecting rods (42, 142) are presented from at least selected bores (41 and 58 or 141 and 158).

Abstract: A corner vent for windshields having rearwardly extending panels utilizes a hollow corner post having a concave inner surface with one or more adjustable ventilators therethrough and communicating with the interior of the post. A vent door is formed in an outer convex surface of the post and hingedly attached adjacent a rearward edge of the post. A lever attached to an inside surface of the vent door extends through the inner surface of the post to open and close the vent door. In the closed position, the post gives the appearance of a solid post, and in the open position, air flow is directed into the interior and through the ventilator. The corner vent is applicable to power boats and the like.

Abstract: An air outlet having a housing with stationary and swivelling lamellae which are arranged to influence air circulation. the stationary lamelae are arranged parallel to each other. The swivelling lamellae are pivotally supported in the housing about their respective swivel axis which are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the stationary lamellae. Each swivelling lamella includes first and second cooperating partial lamellae, each of which includes at least one lamellar tongue. Each tongue of the first partial lamella is positioned adjacent to a tongue of the second partial lamella such that the tongues are arranged to alternate with each other and operatively associate a respective swivelling lamellae with stationary lamellae. The first and second cooperating partial lamellae of each swivelling lamella are coupled to each other to permit independent displacement of each partial lamella so that the outlet may be adjusted to diffuse the air passing therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic household-type machine of a kind which comprises a percolation chamber having an outlet conduit for dispensing the coffee percolate, a heated water storage boiler, a pump having its delivery side communicated with the chamber and suction side communicated with the boiler, and an electronic control device linked operatively to a timer for activating the pump for pre-set time periods, further comprises a heater plate carried on a machine base and a manually operated two-way valve mounted on the free end of the outlet conduit from the percolation chamber. Connected to respective outlets of the valve are a first conduit for dispensing espresso coffee and a second conduit extending cantilever-fashion over the plate and being adapted to dispense German coffee percolate.

Abstract: A compact oven for preparing freshly baked cakes, muffins, and breads from a pourable batter or vertically oriented disk-shaped molds. A hinged cover completes the enclosure. Heat is applied to each vertical side of the molds.

Abstract: A baling press, comprising two substantially parallel press plates (1, 2) and at least four substantially parallel hydraulic pull cylinders (4, 5, 6, 7) which have been disposed to connect the press plates (1, 2) with each other and to pull them against each other.

Abstract: An electrically actuated can crushing apparatus having a housing, a reversible motor mounted within the housing, a threaded shaft coupled for rotation with the output shaft of the motor, and an arm threadingly engaged to the threaded shaft. An antirotation device prohibits the arm from rotation thus permitting the arm to move upwardly and downwardly, dependent upon the direction of rotation of the threaded shaft. An uppermost pressure plate is secured to the arm at an angle skewed to the longitudial axis of the vertically disposed threaded shaft. The housing supports a lowermost pressure plate which is affixed in a horizontal plane and is adapted with an upwardly directed protrusion to accommodate the depression usually found in the base of cans to be crushed. Upon the actuation of the motor, the uppermost pressure plate, which is constantly maintained at a slight angular relationship with the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft, approaches the lowermost pressure plate.

Abstract: A date-stamping apparatus having a casing, a bridge member located at the lower end of the casing, a tension roller located above the casing and forced upwardly, an endless date-printing belt having printing letters on its outside surface and spanned between the bridge member and the tension roller, a date-belt driving wheel located within the casing at a substantially intermediate portion. The date of driving wheel has a circumferential engagement section co-operating with the belt and being contacted by the outside surface of the belt, and an electric motor intermittently energized by a timing circuit and operatively connected with the belt-driving wheel, so that stamped date is electrically adjusted.

Abstract: An improved dampener roll is used to transfer dampening fluid from a reservoir to a printing plate in a lithographic printing press. The dampener roll includes an array of bristles which extends between opposite ends of the dampener fountain roll. The array of bristles includes a central portion and first and second end portions which are disposed at opposite ends of the roll. The bristles at the first and second end portions of the array of bristles are longer than the bristles at the central portion of the array of bristles.

Abstract: A hand operated stamp with two slidable housings, one inside the other, adapted to compress springs when slid together and also to rotate a stamp die from an ink pad contacting position inside the inner housing to an imprint positioin at the bottom of the inner housing. The compression springs are attached to and removable with a cap on the outer housing to save space and allow easy replacement of the ink pad.

Abstract: A gripper finger for a sheet gripper system for a printing press, to which gripper unwanted paper dust, dirt, debris, or the like cannot stick, the profiled retaining surface of the finger has in its front part a single bead-like protuberance which contacts the sheet, has a bead radius (R) of from 0.4 to 1.0 mm, extends parallel to the front edge of the sheet and is coated with a hard substance.

Abstract: Electronic intervalometer circuitry utilizing a combination of mechanically ctuated switches and solid state logic components to carry out a predetermined program of deployment and sequential detonations of a plurality of underwater explosive charges.

Abstract: A minehunting apparatus is carried by an underwater transporting drone to the mooring cable of a mine. The minehunting apparatus includes a housing and clamping levers pivotably mounted on the housing to close around the mooring cable. Inside the housing are explosives which are detonated by a coded sonar signal. To improve the maneuverability of the transporting drone, the weight of the minehunting apparatus is balanced so that the apparatus has an essentially neutral buoyancy during the transporting process in the water. After the clamping mechanism has clamped itself around the mooring cable, a lighterweight is released to cause the remainder of the minehunting apparatus to float upwardly toward the mine.

Abstract: A control system for a magentic submarine mine adapted to be fired automaally upon the approach of a vessel and in which the possibility of premature detonation of the mine by a minesweeper is substantially reduced. For example, some of the magnetic mines being laid in a particular mine field may be set so that after several actuations by a minesweeper a few of the mines will be exploded, the remaining mine field requiring a larger number of signals before detonation. By varying the number of signals before a mine is detonated the particular mine field after being swept is still considered lethal because many of the mines are left in the armed condition and others awaiting to be armed by subsequent minesweeping or the passage of vessels, as the case may be.

Abstract: In combination with a cartridge case having a tubular wall and a head closing one end of the wall, a primer disposed through the head and a propellant charge in the case, a collapsible basewad is disclosed which comprises a unitary body between the charge and the head. The unitary body has an upwardly concave upper portion opening to the propellant charge and a generally cylindrical base portion. The upper portion is deflectable. These portions and the tubular wall define therebetween an annular cavity rearward of the propellant charge. This cavity is collapsed upon ignition of the propellant charge by deflection of the upper portion thereby reducing the recoil felt by the shooter without adding any parasitic weight to the projectile load. The upper portion of the basewad preferaly has an inverted truncated hollow cone shape.

Abstract: An anti-material projectile of trangible alloy for fragmenting due to impact shock on hitting a target thereafter penetrating the target causing damage. The projectile is preferably high density frangible alloy having a ratio of compressive to tensile strength of 20 to 1. The projectile is useful against soft targets suct as aircraft as well as armor targets where initial impact is at the armor plating. The projectile may be a composite of pyrophoric windscreen with a projectile body of frangible alloy and armor piercing alloy.

Abstract: A good transporting arrangement (1) utilizing a goods transporting path in the form of a guide device (2) and two wheels (4,6) capable of co-acting with opposite sides of the guide device. The two wheels co-act drivingly with the guide device through a drive arrangement. The rotational speed of one driving wheel (4) is adapted independently of the rotational speed of the other driving wheel (6) by co-action of one driving wheel (4) with a first electric motor and by co-action of the other driving wheel (6) with a second electric motor.

Abstract: A double turnout rotary guideway switch is provided with an elongated structural frame member having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on each of two sides of the switch compatible with the guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure of the guideway. Two elongated beams form the sides of the frame and, with cross connected end beams, operating as the principal structural members for the frame. A curved beam extends from one of the elongated side beams inwardly and to one of the end beams. Opposite sides of the curved beam provide respective surfaces for a left turnout tire path on one of the two sides of the switch and a right turnout tire path the other side of the switch.

Abstract: A guideway switching station for a people mover guideway system includes a guideway section with a rotary guideway switch having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to route cars from an entry path to one of two exit paths. On another switch side, similar structure routes cars from the entry path to the other exit path. When the switch is in a first rotary position, one of two tire paths is provided by fixed guideway structure and the other tire path is provided by interfaced switch and guideway structure. In a second rotary switch position, the two tire paths may by provided as in the case of the first rotary position, or both tire paths may be provided by interfaced switch and guideway structure.

Abstract: A single turnout rotary guideway switch is provided with an elongated structural frame member having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on each of two sides of the switch compatible with the guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure of the guideway. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis. One elongated beam acts as a principal structural member of the frame and provides a tire path on one of the switch sides for main line car routing by the switch. Another curved beam is secured between the one beam and another elongated beam that extends generally parallel to the one beam. The curved beam cross-supports the frame and provides a tire path on the other switch side for car turnout routing by the switch. In a crossover switching station in a dual lane guideway, a pair of the single turnout rotary switches are combined with an interface guideway section to provide for lane-crossover car routing by the switches.

Abstract: A rotary switch is provided for a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration. The rotary switch routes a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of the two exit guideway paths or vice versa. A movable elongated structural switch frame member has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths in one of two switch positions; the movable switch frame further has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on another side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths in the second switch position. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180.degree. degrees about its longitudinal axis. A first fixed frame supports a drive shaft which in turn supports a first end of the movable switch frame.

Abstract: A rotary switch operates in a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration to route a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of two exit guideway paths or vice versa. The switch has an elongated structural frame having guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on one side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths. The switch frame member is further provided with guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure on another side compatibly with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths. The switch is supported by first and second shafts at its two ends. One of the two shafts is driven to rotate the switch frame between first and second rotational positions corresponding to alignment of the respective switch sides with the guideway.

Abstract: A rotary switch for a people mover guideway having a predetermined tire path, guidebeam and electric rail configuration routes a transit car from one entry guideway path to at least either of two exit guideway paths or vice versa. The switch has an elongated structural frame that has guidebeam, electric rail and tire path structure compatible with the guideway configuration to provide car routing to one of the two exit paths on one switch side and to provide car routing to the other of the two exit paths on another switch side. Switching is achieved by rotating a movable part of the switch 180 degrees about its longitudinal axis. First and second shafts support the two ends of the switch frame and one of the shafts is driven to rotate the switch frame between first and second rotational positions in which the switch is locked and the switch sides respectively line up with the guideway configuration.

Abstract: An ironing table of adjustable height and adapted to be collapsed during storage comprising a table member of predetermined width having a front leg and a rear leg for supporting said table member connected thereto, together with a means for adjusting the height of said table, a transverse hollow tubular foot member for at least one of said legs is connected to said leg at the outer circumferential surface of said member, at least one hollow tubular sleeve means is located within said foot member and coaxial therewith, a pair of tubular extension members is located within each said foot member and coaxial therewith, wherein a portion of each of said extension members protrudes from the respective end of said foot member and cap members are located on the protruding ends of the extension members. In a preferred embodiment the cross section of the caps is sufficiently large to prevent the "bottoming" of the middle portion of the foot member when pressure is placed on the table.

Abstract: A batch-type pyrolysis furnace burns a load of organic combustibles on metal parts without a significant risk of explosion because of a combination of two necessary conditions: (a) a primary water spray is maintained during a large portion of the burn cycle while the main burner is neither turned off nor attenuated until a major portion of the load is combusted; and, (b) the temperature in the main chamber is controlled by a "micro-ramped" programmable temperature controller (PC). By setting the ramp for micro-steps of no more than 2.degree. F. per minute, and actuating the primary water spray to maintain the set-point temperature while it is ramped upward, the criticality of the location for the single thermocouple is obviated, and it is unnecessary to measure the temperature in the throat. The micro-steps eliminate soak periods during the ramp. The main "burn" progresses during the ramp, and at the upper set-point of the ramp (say 800.degree.) with normal fuel supply to the main burner ("high-fire").

Abstract: An incinerator for drying then cleanly burning trash. The incinerator includes an upper rotating trash drying tumbler for receiving and drying trash and a lower rotating trash burning tumbler interconnected to the upper tumbler for receiving dried trash therefrom. The lower rotating tumbler includes a meshed screen thereabout for complete combustion of the trash therein. The heat produced from the burning trash in the lower tumbler causes the drying of trash in the upper tumbler. A rotating fire tray is situated below the lower tumbler for collecting and reburning any material falling from the lower tumbler and for retaining combustible material for igniting the dried trash in the lower tumbler. When the interior temperature of the incinerator is high enough, the trash in the lower tumbler is self-ignited and heat produced from burning material in the fire tray is no longer necessary. Air exhausted from the drying and burning of the trash is filtered before being exhausted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method for disposing by incineration of oil contaminated waste material after removal of solids of various kinds by performing multiple steps in its handling wherein the composite material is first subjected to a first classification step for extracting a high percentage of contaminant free material. After subjecting the material to a second classification cyclone where the gases that are used to transport the ground matter can be separated while the solids are subjected to classification by the use of a vibratory screen where the paper, fluffy waste, and similar material can be separated from the smaller and harder particulate components. The separated components are subjected to individual impact grinding steps prior to being recombined in the combustor where incineration takes place.

Abstract: A mobile seedling transplanting machine adapted to transfer growing seedlings from propagating containers to a field in proper position for further growth. The machine includes indexing apparatus for indexing the seedling propagating cells in sequence past a transfer mechanism which ejects the seedlings and transfers them to a handling device having two pairs of rotatable discs, the first pair of which grips each seedling by its root end and moves it part way toward the ground and the second pair of which subsequently receives each seedling from the first pair, grips it by its foliage end, and moves it closer to the ground. The second pair of discs releases each seedling in succession to a prepared planting ground formed by a plough shoe or the like.

Abstract: A field planting system for use in conjunction with large span and wheel tower irrigation apparatus to place seed in a field across a number of rows simultaneously. Seed is suspended uniformly in a gel solution and injected into a stream of carrier water. The seeds, suspended in water, travel in piping separate from irrigation piping to a manifold suspended from the overhead span section. Each manifold distributes seed and carrier water to a plurality of drop tubes. A tube valve locate in each drop tube is closed to permit the manifold to be charged with seeds and water under pressure. Once the manifold is charged, the tube valves open simultaneously and the water and seed discharges from the manifold through drop tubes to a planting shoe. The planting shoe includes a forward nozzle to emit a high pressure stream of water to excavate a small trench or furrow into which the seed is dispensed.

Abstract: A tufting machine having a broken yarn detector including a multiplicity of yarn engaging fingers mounted in a support block secured to the frame of the tufting machine. Each finger has an eyelet at one end for receiving a strand of yarn and is pivotably mounted on a rod externally of the mounting block so that the fingers may be supported by the yarn in a raised position during normal operation, but pivotably drops when the yarn is broken. The rod is secured in position by a number of clamping blocks attached to the mounting block, the clamping blocks also having slots aligned with the slots in the mounting block at the location where the clamping blocks are secured for receiving the external ends of the fingers so as not to impede the pivotable movement. A light generator and a photoconductive receiver are mounted for detecting when a finger drops, the finger interrupting the transmission of the light beam to provide a signal which may be used to stop the tufting machine.

Abstract: A rotary looptaker includes a looptaker body rotatable about a vertical axis and a bobbin case restrained from rotary motion with the looptaker body. A plurality of annular protrusions are provided on a flange of the bobbin case so as to extend in a circumferential direction of the bobbin case and are in engagement with a flat surface formed on a raceway of the looptaker body. When the looptaker body is rotated, the bobbin case slides relative to the looptaker body through a very small contact area between the annular protrusions and the flat surface, thus reducing sliding friction between the looptaker body and the bobbin case. Accordingly, noise and vibration are decreased when a rotation restraining projection of the bobbin case contacts a restraint element secured to a machine frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed an overlock sewing machine. The overlock sewing machine includes a looper switching unit for selecting an overlocking operative state or overlocking inoperative state, a needle clamp member having a first needle holding hole in which two needles are mounted separately in the manner that the two needles are positioned in parallel and a second needle holding hole positioned slightly eccentrically at the front side of the cloth feeding direction and perpendicular to the cloth feeding direction, whereby eight types of overlocking operations and one type of double-loop stitching operation can be effected.

Abstract: A portable, single-thread chain stitch bag closing machine has a movable needle guiding device. A looper mounted so as to be slidable in a feed direction of a workpiece and pivotable transversely to the feed direction is protected against damage or breakage by a needle guide which guides a needle in the feed direction of the workpiece when the looper pivots towards the needle. The needle guide thereby ensures that a point of the looper reliably pivots past the needle, without coming into contact with the needle.

Abstract: The invention comprises an arrangement for controlling a machine by means of the body movement of the operator. It is used for controlling a sewing machine intended for a handicapped person or for an operator not using the foot control. A pulse (18) consisting of a number of periods of 40 kHz sound waves are emitted from a loud-speaker (15). The sound waves are reflected by the head of the operator and a digital circuit measures the time takes the sound pulse to return to the receiver (16). The distance measured to the head of the operator is then used to proportionally control the speed of the machines motor.

Abstract: A sailing yacht having a hull and a sectional mast holding a sail, is equipped with a canard rudder and two rolling keels. Each rolling keel has a ballast container. A three point wing system is formed by wings carried by the canard rudder and by the two rolling keels for producing buoyancy, for steering, and for stabilizing. Thus, the three point wing system has a fore wing (9) forming an end wing of the canard rudder and two aft wings (11, 11') forming end wings of the rolling keels (10, 10'). The rolling keels (10, 10') are tiltable about rotational axes extending above the water line approximately in parallel to the hull axis, whereby the rolling keels (10, 10') are normally above the water line and only the long end (14, 14') of the wing (11, 11') dips into the water, so that the end disk wing (15) functions as a lift producing surface. The ballast is shiftable between two ballast containers 17, 17'.

Abstract: Side protectors for a water craft include a base which may be affixed to the hull of the craft and into which fits an inflatable bladder. The protectors are modularized and a plurality of the protectors may be affixed to the craft along either horizontal rows or individual protectors may be vertically orientated, depending on the anticipated need for protection. A snap lock type connection, including mating extensions and recesses in a chamber closed at one end, is provided for affixing the bladder edges to the base holder. A space is left between the legs of bladder connector so that when high pressure air is added to cause inflation of the bladder, the same air also creates additional pressure maintaining the bladder coupled to the base. An air compressor and operators panel are provided which permits any of the various bladders to be inflated depending on the particular need at the particular time.

Abstract: A water fillable chute, to be employed as a submerged tractor device is cected to a plurality of wire severing grapnels by means of a metallic chain for sweeping command type river mines.

Abstract: In a fishing boat, a built-in tank which serves the combined function of a livewell for holding fish that are caught and a bait well for receiving a minnow bucket. An electric pump powered by the battery of the boat pumps water from the lake into the tank in a manner to aerate the water and circulate it in the tank. A drain tube drains off water from the tank and prevents overflow. One half of the tank serves as a bait well in which a minnow bucket may be suspended. The other half of the tank is a livewell which receives newly caught fish. The livewell and bait well have separate hinged lids.