Abstract: An insulation piece for joining with a similar piece to surround a pipe elbow of a larger diameter such as greater than 9 inches outside diameter is formed by cutting from a block of the insulation material.

Abstract: A clearance between an upper knife and a lower knife of a slitter is set at 30 to 100 &mgr;m, and the slitter cuts a sensitized printing plate. In the sensitized printing plate cut by the slitter, there is a shear droop which is 20 to 30 &mgr;m high at the cut part, and a burr which is less than 50 &mgr;m high. If the maximum height of a surface roughness of a cut surface of the sensitized printing plate is 1.2 &mgr;m to 12 &mgr;m on the average, a hydrophilic property of the cut part improves and the stain of a frame can be decreased.

Abstract: A energetic-based piston actuator system imparts a rotational motion in the piston in a manner that increases system efficiency and reliability. A malleable ring mounted about the piston neck obturates upon initiation of the energetic charge, and rifling provided on an interior surface of the actuator barrel causes the ring to rotate, and causes a counter-rotation in the piston. The rotating ring serves as a seal for preventing gas blow-by and the rotating piston is more dynamically stable throughout its travel down the barrel.

Abstract: A ballistic vent apparatus for use in a cockpit door of an aircraft to provide venting and communication between the cockpit and the cabin of an aircraft while preventing bullets and/or splinters from passing through the ballistic vent apparatus. The present invention provides a frame having a U-shaped cross-section adaptable to receive a cross-section of the cockpit door of the aircraft. A pair of opposing and substantially similar supports are connected to the frame, and each of the supports has a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots formed therein in a substantially parallel manner. A plurality of ballistic vent angles extend through the slots of the supports and are connected to the supports. A ballistic panel is connected to the frame and extends along a back side of the ballistic vent angles to prevent bullets and/or splinters from passing through the ballistic vent angles. The entire ballistic vent apparatus is fabricated from a ballistic material such as stainless steel.

Abstract: A spade assembly for use on an artillery vehicle compensates any gaps which would otherwise be formed between a ground supporting portion of the spade assembly and the soil. The length of the spade assembly is advantageously compensated to maintain the spade assembly in firm contact with the soil. This can increase the accuracy in the weapon in firing, and avoid violent displacement of the gun which can be caused when the spade assembly is not maintained firmly engaged with the earth.

Abstract: An automatic brake booster includes a solenoid and a solenoid plunger which allow a flow path in a valve mechanism to be switched without depression of a brake pedal. The solenoid plunger comprises a rear member on which an atmosphere valve seat is formed, a front member which is disposed to be displaceable with respect to the rear member, and a first spring disposed between the both members. When a current fed to the solenoid is less than a given value, the first spring remains inactive while when the current exceeds the given value, the first spring becomes flexed to reduce a clearance between the rear member and a holder which forms part of a magnetic path of the solenoid together with the rear member. When the booster operates as an automatic brake, a gentle brake operation which allows a precise control with a reduced brake output and a quick brake operation with an increased brake output can be simultaneously achieved in a preferred manner.

Abstract: A vacuum brake booster (10) is described, having a vacuum chamber (16) and a working chamber (18) separated from one another by a movable wall (14), and a control valve (20), which comprises a housing (12) coupled workingly to the movable wall (14) and which to achieve a pressure difference at the movable wall (14) is capable of controlling the supply of atmospheric pressure or above-atmospheric pressure to the working chamber (18) in dependence upon the displacement of an actuating piston (28). The vacuum brake booster (10) has an emergency braking aid comprising a permanent magnet (38) and an armature (36), which cooperates with the permanent magnet (38) and is resiliently biased counter to actuating direction and during an emergency braking operation is drawn into abutment with the permanent magnet (38), with the result that the control valve (20) is held open for the supply of atmospheric pressure to the working chamber (18).

Abstract: Cylinder block (32) of an axial piston compressor (20), in particular for use in a vehicle air conditioner with CO2 as coolant, which comprises at least one, in particular several cylinder bores distributed about a periphery, each of which defines a cylinder face and accommodates a piston (8) consisting of piston shaft (8a) and piston neck (8b), wherein the piston neck (8b) outside the cylinder bore serves for coupling to a swash- and/or wobble-plate drive mechanism (29, 33) operatively connected to a rotatable drive shaft (1), by means of which the piston (8) is movable back and forth within the cylinder bore, between a top-dead-center point (OT) and a bottom-dead-center point (UT), and wherein the edge of the opening of the cylinder face on the drive-mechanism side comprises at least one recess (26d) that can be at least partially engaged by a transitional region (8c) disposed between the shaft (8a) and the neck (8b) of the piston, so that the cylinder face effective for the piston (8) is enlarged or elonga

Abstract: An automated beverage brewing system includes a liquid storage tank and a metering chamber. The metering chamber is at least partially submerged beneath a standing level of liquid in the storage tank. The chamber includes a sealable liquid inlet port communicating with the interior of the storage tank beneath the standing level of liquid. The chamber also includes a liquid outlet port and an aperture that receives compressed air, wherein the compressed air forces liquid from the liquid output port of the chamber for use in preparing a brewed beverage. A pump provides the compressed air and a controller monitors a pressure signal value indicative of the air pressure in the metering chamber. The controller commands the pump on to commence flow of liquid from the metering chamber. The controller then commands the pump off several seconds after detecting a drop in air pressure within the chamber. A baffle is affixed to the distal end of a shaft, which is moved between a first and second position.

Abstract: An automatic popcorn popper which has selectable load capabilities for popping various differently sized loads of corn. A heat control system is provided having a selector switch for selecting one of multiple rates of heat to be delivered to the kettle. An oil delivery system is coupled to the selector switch for selecting one of varying amounts of oil to be delivered to the kettle in conjunction with selecting the rate or amount of heat to be delivered to the kettle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved flattening device for flattening pieces of meat so that said pieces of meat have a larger surface and a reduced thickness. The inventive device comprises a conveyor device (15, 31) on which the pieces of meat to be flattened are supplied to the flattening zone. In the area of the flattening zone mallet rolls or flattening rolls (29) are provided that can be displaced relative to the piece of meat. The distance between the mallet rolls or flattening rolls (29) that can be moved across the piece of meat to be flattened and a counter pressure device or surface (33) can be preferably reduced while the piece of meat is flattened.

Abstract: A substantially horizontal, flat shovel (30), made of thin, perforated metal plate, is integral with a slide (28) which is slidable on a guide (26), itself integral with a mounting (18). The shovel is driven by an actuator (20, 22, 24, 32, 34, 36) for moving forward and backward, while staying tangent to a facing rest shelf, at either of two speeds, a slow speed and a fast speed. The mounting (18) can move to different positions facing respective processing stations (42, 44).

Abstract: A press for removing grease from cooked ground meat includes a main body provided with an upwardly opening cavity for receiving the cooked meat and a front spout, and a lid pivotally connected to the body and provided with a center pressing plate sized to fit into the cavity against the meat. The body and lid are further provided with complimentary left and right handles sized to be squeezed together with the user's left and right hands. Excess grease is pressed out of and removed from the meat by simultaneously squeezing the handles together and pouring the grease from the spout.

Abstract: A large round baler includes a chassis which forms a forward part of a baling chamber, with a rearward part of the chamber being formed by a bale discharge gate. The discharge gate is constructed of first and second, separate parts that are, either each separately pivotally connected to chassis or are mounted such that the second part is pivotally attached to the first part. The parts are arranged such that arms of the second part overlap the opposite sides of the first part. Different embodiments disclose various driving structures for causing one part to be moved by moving the other part, with the arrangement of the two parts resulting in the gate being quickly moved to its open position for discharging a bale.

Abstract: A form roller for use in an offset lithographic printing press comprises a stationary shaft and an eccentric roller supported on the shaft for rotation around the shaft and for oscillation along the length of the shaft. One or more cams are mounted on the shaft for controlling the operation of the rollers therealong. The exterior surface of the roller comprises an impregnated elastomeric material.

Abstract: A seal for a chambered doctor blade (10) of a printing machine, in the form of a rubber-elastic body, which is inserted at the end of the chambered doctor blade in a seal holder (18) and lies against the periphery of a roller (12) against which the chambered doctor blade is placed, wherein the part of the seal (20) taken up in the seal holder (18), is constructed as a solid, rectangular support (22), which lies, with one end face, with a smooth surface (42), in contact with the chambered doctor blade (10) and is surrounded at the three remaining sides by continuous tolerance equalization lips (44).

Abstract: A method and a corresponding inking unit permit positioning of a roller into at least two different operating positions. The roller is, in particular, a vibrator roller of an inking unit for a rotary printing machine. The roller is positioned by controlling or regulating a magnetic bearing device in which the roller is mounted.

Abstract: A tucking device for tucking a printing plate into a gap of a plate cylinder includes a tucker bar having a tucking surface and at least one magnet for creating a repulsive magnetic force at the tucking surface. An actuator connected to the tucker bar is used for moving the tucker bar to tuck the printing plate into the gap.

Abstract: A novel lithographic printing plate precursor is disclosed, comprising a crosslinked hydrophilic layer having a crosslinked structure and containing a hydrophilic polymer compound having a hydrophilic graft chain, provided on a support.

Abstract: A printing system is disclosed including an inking system with a single form roller for applying ink to a printing cylinder. Ink is applied to the form roller by an applicator roller having a surface with an array of interconnected wells and a variable speed drive. The form roller and plate cylinder are rotated at the same rpm while the speed of the applicator roller is varied to vary the amount of ink applied to the plate. A variable speed subtractive roller system removes excess ink from the form roller and returns the ink to a common reservoir. For wash-up, the press drive and form roller are disengaged and the inking system is rotated by an inker roller drive while wash-up fluid is applied to the inking system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for printing multiple TIFF files as a single print job are disclosed. Multiple-TIFF-file data is concatenated into a single stream, without completely merging the data into a single TIFF file with all byte offsets affected. Instead, tag data is used to either delineate which data comes from which files (allowing offset pointers to be offset or reset), or to set an offset adjustment value to interpret byte offsets that do not refer to the beginning of the file stream. A PDL interpreter and/or a TIFF reader on the printer processes the concatenated data, allowing the use of advanced print features and efficient device utilization when multiple TIFF files are printed together.

Abstract: In a printing system including a client, a print server and a printer that are connected to a network, the print server has a database associating printing parameter information with each printed material output apparatus user (i.e., recipient), as well as a data processing unit. When print data is sent from the client to the printer, the printing parameters for the output apparatus user specified by the sender are obtained from the database, and the print data is processed by the data processing unit based on these printing parameters. The processed print data is then output by the printer. As a result, printing can be performed using the printing parameters desired by the recipient.

Abstract: A method is provided for reserving a portion of web to be used as a leader portion. A measurement of the length of a web is obtained, and a plurality of print jobs are received. At least one print job length is determined, and an operation involving the at least one print job length and the web length is performed. In a preferred embodiment, the operation is performed by subtracting a sum of the lengths of the plurality of print jobs from the web length to obtain a difference. Also provided is a system for producing custom printed articles.

Abstract: A high-precision pyrotechnic initiator is well adapted for rapid, precise ignition of solid and liquid energetics. A rigid housing, for example formed of stainless steel, contains a pyrotechnic. When ignited, the reaction, or explosion, of the pyrotechnic is confined to the housing. The release of energy creates a hot particulate in which the formation of solid byproducts is mitigated or eliminated. The flame is directed through an outlet. In one embodiment, a microcapillary tube may be placed in communication with the outlet, the tube including a primary front vent and secondary side vents, which serve to increase system efficiency and reliability. A dual bridge wire may be provided for improving system reliability. The resulting assembly thereby performs the combined functions of both an igniter and a flash tube and a complete ignition train is provided in a manner that overcomes the limitations of the conventional configurations.

Abstract: A securing and arming device has an operating body. Prior to an arming time, this operating body is secured in a position of rest on a support device, namely by means of a securing element, which here is in a securing position. If the securing element is moved into a release position, it releases the operating body to make a movement in relation to the support device. After the arming time, the trigger body is in an operating position by means of a rotating movement in relation to the support device. A delay element is designed to be driven in the course of the rotating movement of the trigger body and to delay the rotating movement of the trigger body. The trigger body and the delay element are arranged inside each other so that they constitute an outer wheel shaft-free wheel and an inner wheel shaft-free wheel. The two wheels have parallel geometric wheel axes and define a ring-like gap.

Abstract: A holding device for a pyrotechnic, incendiary device. More particularly, a holding device for a thermite or thermate based destructive device or enhanced incendiary grenade. The device assembly allows for firm attachment of pyrotechnic, incendiary devices, particularly enhanced incendiary grenades, to targets having various surface shapes and orientations, or formed of various materials. The holding device is inexpensive and easily reproducible.

Abstract: A self-propelling projectile allowing restricted local target effects comprises a penetrator core, a charge for at least partially fragmenting the core at a target, and autonomous ignition device for the charge. The penetrator core has a stepped tip with a forward exterior dart angle and a larger following acute angle and a dart shank that tapers towards a rear end of the core. A coaxial cavity is located within at least a rear portion of the core carries an active substance is next to an explosive charge for opening the cavity at the target. The active substance can either be of lethal or non-lethal characteristics. The projectile can be configured to be usable with conventional launchers and auxiliary equipment.

Abstract: A low observable, brass ammunition cartridge casing with an exterior surface having a colored coating which renders the cartridge casing low observable. The colored coating may be deposited onto the exterior surface by various processes, such as electroplating, chemical deposition, and spray painting. The colored coating may be selected from a variety of different colors such as, black, olive green, silver, brown, tan, gray, and white. The colors are typically obtained using conventional pigments and colorants, such as metal oxides. The brass casing exterior surface may be roughened to reduce the gloss or sheen of the casing on the colored coating. The invention includes ammunition cartridges containing a low observable brass casing described above.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile using an expandable device. Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes a case, and a core within the case including a plurality of munitions. At least one expandable device is in operative communication with at least one of the munitions, and multiple gas generators are associated with the at least one expandable device. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method for dispersing munitions from a projectile which includes separating a case from a core of the projectile, then, after a delay, activating at least one gas generator to deploy plural munitions using an expandable device.

Abstract: A conveyance storage apparatus includes an annular turntable having an outer circumference and a central opening defining a support surface therebetween for supporting a plurality of conveyances, particularly aircraft, on parking spaces thereon. The turntable is supported on a foundation, and a rotation assembly is positioned between the turntable and the foundation for permitting rotation of the turntable on the foundation between storage and enter/exit positions. A stationary core is positioned within the central opening of the turntable and the turntable is mounted for rotation around the stationary core. The turntable can be positioned within an enclosure having an opening sized to permit only a single conveyance to enter or exit the enclosure at a time. The rotation assembly is electronically programmable to respond to a predetermined access code by moving a predetermined parking space to a conveyance entrance/exit position in relation to the enclosure opening.

Abstract: Robotic, preferably cylindrical equipment having the capacity to move within a pipeline or other confined space in both directions and to carry out miscellaneous operations, pulling along an umbilical and carrying accessories, tools, or materials. It includes two identical modules joined by a rotary joint connecting the pistons of hydraulic or pneumatic propulsive piston systems. Each module includes a propulsive piston system which is responsible for the longitudinal movement of module, a positioning tower on which are mounted wheels having a non-reversing system and means for rotating positioning tower through one hundred and eighty degrees with reference to its vertical axis, reversing the direction of movement of equipment. Through the development or attachment of interfaces it is possible to bring tools, equipment, devices or materials to a remote location within a pipeline having bends within the limits of the standards for clearing obstructions, making inspections and other operations.

Abstract: A high-speed transportation mechanism on rail track, wherein sleepers 4 are laid out on gravel 5 on the ground. A first rail (mono rail) 3 for supporting the weight of a vehicle 1 is laid down on the sleepers 4. A second rail (guide rail) 7 is suspended from an upside-down L sectional shape column 8 at an upper position opposed to the lower position of the first rail 3, the vehicle 1 will not fall on its side because a wheel of a lower side carriage 2, is fitted closely to the first rail 3, and a wheel of an upper carriage 6 is fitted closely to the second rail 7. A plurality of vehicles 1 are connected to each other through couplers 9, whereby the vehicle 1 can be run safely and stably at high speeds on a centrifugally forced curved line because it can run at any inclination angle. Thus, risks such as yawing, rising, and derailing of the vehicle 1 can be reduced.

Abstract: A railway car truck having a pair of side frames and a bolster and a transom extending transversely between the side frames. A respective rocker seat is rigidly and permanently attached to each end of the transom and is pivotally supported on a rocker bar that is supported by the tension member of a sideframe. The pivotal connection between the rocker seat and the rocker bar disposes the transom perpendicular to the side frame and provides pivotal movement of the side frame with respect to the transom. The railway car truck is assembled by inserting the ends of the bolster and transom into the window of a side frame, and then inserting the rocker bar through a passageway in the side frame to a position under the rocker seat and on the bottom tension member of the side frame. Springs are then inserted between the transom and the bolster such that the bolster is resiliently supported on the side frame.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a workstation having a base including two spaced apart arcuate legs having a common first radius. A worksurface support assembly is supported on the base and includes two spaced apart arcuate supports. Each support has a common second radius that is equal to the common first radius of the legs. Elongate slots extend through each of the supports. Each of the legs has a central segment that is received in a respective one of the elongate slots in the supports. Each of the supports includes an arcuate member that is slidably fitted on a support track. A worksurface is secured to and supported by the arcuate members. A lift assembly is provided and is configured to move the worksurface support assembly in a generally horizontal direction with respect to the base to vertically adjust the worksurface between upper and lower elevational positions.

Abstract: Shelving comprises uprights and horizontal bracket systems for supporting shelves. The present bracket system comprises two separate parts, a bracket and a retaining member. The bracket has an upper edge forming a support face for carrying a shelf. The retaining member comprises an anchoring section received in a receptacle in the bracket, and a locking section projecting over the support face for engagement with a shelf to prevent it from sliding on the support face.

Abstract: The arrangement is for cleaning and controlling airflow and where appropriate pushing away melt in an air channel of recovery boilers within the paper and pulp industry. By inclining the regulating device 10 at an angle to the horizontal plane and at the same time making the piston of the regulating device run in contact with the side and upper walls 24a, 24b and, respectively, 22 of the air channel, optimum airflow control and a more compact installation can be achieved. The airflow can be adjusted more rapidly with a small regulating movement at the same time as very good penetration of the air into the furnace 4 is achieved.

Abstract: A device for planting different varieties of seeds is provided with a seed hopper or carousel that is selectively placed in open communication with a plurality of seed metering devices. A selectively positionable gate member directs the seeds to specific seed metering devices. The seed metering devices are movable on the device to engage a first metering device with a ground engagement assembly and a second metering device with a discharge container. The seed metering devices operate in alternating seed-dispersing and clearing modes simultaneously to speed planting. A GPS system may be incorporated to track and accurately control the planting operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a planting assembly including a first mounting member having first and second horizontally separated ends, the apparatus comprising first and second rigid support members that extend in the same direction from and substantially perpendicular to the first and second ends of the mounting member and that form first and second support surfaces, respectively, a hopper including first and second lower wall members that together define an upwardly facing cavity and form first and second downward and oppositely facing external surfaces, respectively, the external surfaces sloping downward toward a hopper opening along first and second trajectories, respectively, the hopper positioned on the support members such that the first and second external surfaces are received on the first and second support surfaces, respectively, the first external surface forming a first hopper coupler having an engaging length dimension along the first trajectory and a first locking member having a first

Abstract: Lateral pins are used to provide a tufting machine modular gauge assembly that allows damaged or broken gauge elements to be replaced individually. The modular gauge assembly consists of a gauge bar with a plurality of modular blocks removably attached to the bar. The modular blocks are six sided with a detent and fastener mechanism for attaching the block to the gauge bar. The gauge elements may be attached to the block by dedicated screw-pins or by a lateral pin that passes through all the gauge elements within a block. The lateral pin may either pierce the gauge elements or abut the gauge elements. Abutting pins may be malleable and segmented and secured in position by conical ended bolts.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fabric tensing device for stretching fabric on a sewing machine.

Abstract: A two-thread lock-stitch sewing machine with a thread cutter comprises a shaft which is parallel to the vertical axis of a shuttle and has a lever arm with a thread pulling knife disposed on it. The bobbin case in the shuttle has a holding finger which is directed toward a stitch hole and is held between two cams that are arranged on a rib. Formed between the cams and the workpiece bearing plate is an interspace which the lever arm passes through, together with the thread pulling knife projecting into a space between the motion travel of the sewing needle and the cams so that a thread cutting operation is enabled to be performed with very short thread tail pieces remaining on the lower side of the workpiece. The thread cutting operation excels by simple design and reliable operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating body, especially a floating body used as a support for an underwater tunnel (11). In order to obtain a high degree of freedom and a large amount of stability while at the same time guaranteeing easy assembly, a frame structure (49) is provided in the form of a horizontal grating, wherein floats, ballast bodies, dam chambers or similar useful hollow bodies (50) are fixed in the rectangular, especially quadratic free areas of said grating as tanks.

Abstract: A high-speed marine vessel, the weight of which is supported by a combination of hull elements including planing surfaces, displacing volumes, air cushions, and, at high speeds, also surfaces that are affected by aerostatic and aerodynamic pressure. The size and arrangement of the hull elements are designed to achieve a larger effect for respective lifting and motion damping properties in order to give the vessel advantageous characteristics of speed, resistance, and behavior in waves.

Abstract: A non-permeable bladder is used for transporting oil within a steel compartment onboard an oil tanker. The bladder is contained within a meso-skeleton suspended within the individual metal tank which causes any force which would otherwise puncture the bladder, to be spread evenly over the exterior of the bladder and causes the fluid within the bladder to be expelled through a check valve into one or more smaller containers which can either be maintained onboard the oil tanker or forced into the water through which the tanker had been moving. To provide resistance against terrorism or other acts of war, the upper deck of the tanker has a laminated structure, starting with the upper surface of the tanker down to the bladder, of a layer of steel, a layer of Kevlar, a layer of sodium bicarbonate powder, a second layer of Kevlar, a second layer of steel and then the bladder.

Abstract: A retractable vessel maneuvering device comprising a thrust producing mechanism (6) and (7), which may be moved between an operating position in the water and a safe storage position out of the water at the stern of a vessel by means of a linear deployment device (2) or a rotary deployment device (3). The deployment device may be affixed directly to the stern or to a platform on the stern of the vessel (11), (33). Said vessel maneuvering device is adaptable to any vessel and energy source with no requirement for through hull openings below the waterline of the vessel.

Abstract: A device for securing a rope or cable that may be easily mounted to an object or supporting structure. The device includes a base having a socket for receiving a plunger. A coil spring is located at the bottom of the socket and exerts an upward bias against the bottom of the plunger. Both the upper portion of the base and the plunger have circular apertures that may be selectively vertically aligned by depressing the plunger to permit horizontal passage of a rope through the aligned apertures. By releasing the plunger, a shearing force is applied to the rope due to the misalignment of the apertures, thereby frictionally securing the rope or cable within the device. A foot operated mechanism may be employed to assist the user in depressing the plunger. The plunger may also be selectively and/or releasably locked in a depressed position to maintain alignment of the apertures, facilitating insertion of the rope without the need for maintaining a downward force on the plunger.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.

Abstract: A launch assembly having an elastomeric tube for launching a device is disclosed. To launch the device an outboard end of the tube is movable outwardly along the length of a housing by an extending device, while the inboard end of the tube is restrained by a release mechanism and remains stationary. Thus, as the outboard end moves and the inboard end remains stationary, the elastomeric tube elongates. The tube may be elongated a predetermined amount, at which time the inboard end of the tube is released by the release mechanism. Releasing the inboard end allows it to travel toward the now stationary outboard end with a sufficient velocity to launch the device. The amount of elongation of the tube is related to the amount of possible launch energy. Thus, greater elongation of the tube provides a greater launch velocity, while shorter elongation provides a reduced launch velocity, as desired.

Abstract: Combined herein are the benefits of a flat deck pontoon boat and the speed and versatility of a jet propelled watercraft. The watercraft is equipped with a propulsion source sufficient to move the watercraft at a substantial speed through the water. The seating layout on the deck provides the amenities of an extremely comfortable watercraft capable of seating multiple passengers while providing sufficient storage space for all necessary items for such a voyage. The watercraft is equipped with a substantially flat deck area with an upper bow deck and a lowered recess area which, when filled with water, provides cooling and amusement for the passengers. The watercraft is equipped with a privacy compartment or toilet, a kitchen area, and a double driver seat, which can be rotated from a relaxing position to a driving position. A rear sundeck can be converted into upright seats. Under the kitchen area an ice chest or some other item can be stowed.

Abstract: A collapsible frame for a cloth or canvas-like top for a boat, having latching members which retain the collapsible frame to a plurality of mounting brackets secured to the boat frame. The latching members allow for the boat frame to be quickly orientated in either an open position, providing protection to the occupants of the boat, a closed position, used to store the frame on the boat when not in use, or a travel position, securing the boat cover frame in a manner sufficient to allow movement of the boat on a trailer. In changing the position of the frame, the latching member may be disconnected from the mounting brackets without the use of tools or removable parts that may be lost or misplaced. Additionally, the latching members include a pair of wings including retaining ridges which allow a latching of frame members to one another, securing frame members not in use during various configurations of the collapsible frame.