Abstract: A transmission mechanism in a slot-in drive comprises a chassis respectively connected to a motor, worm, worm gear and a plurality of spur gears, a rubber roller, transmission sheet and control sheet, in which one of the spur gears and the rubber roller are connected to a same rotating shaft and can be driven by the adjacent spur gear; another spur gear can drive a rack of the transmission sheet to allow the transmission sheet to drive the control sheet to move; fewer components are installed in the whole structure, the assembly and the manufacturing are easier and the production cost can be reduced.

Abstract: An opener to assist in the opening of a threaded lid from a threaded jar. The opener is a body at least partially to embrace the peripheral wall of a lid. Preferably it allows for an expansion to facilitate application, and a shoulder to be abutted by a thumb or finger to add torque to the removal efforts.

Abstract: A composite hammer comprising a head having a periphery and a longitudinal axis, a collar disposed substantially about the periphery and having an inner surface and a neck tube projecting radially outwardly therefrom, the neck tube being inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, and a handle having a proximal working end received in the neck tube and a distal end.

Abstract: A dual headed hammer is a hammer with special features for framing and finishing applications. A first head of the hammer has a smaller head and face for finish carpentry applications, and may have a gridded-face to prevent nail slippage. A nail-extractor is located midway between the head and the handle. The opposite end of the hammer has a larger second head for framing applications. Additionally, the larger second head has a plurality of nail holders, complete with magnets, on the top and lateral sides of the second head. The handle is sized such that the total length of the invention is exactly 17.5 inches to aid in construction of walls that use 2×4 studs, 16 inches on center.

Abstract: Ratchet wrenches are provided that allow for drive on both the forward and return strokes of the ratchet handle. A combination ring gear, sun gear and planetary gear system is used in combination with a drive pawl arrangement to achieve power drive in both directions of operation, regardless of whether a tightening or loosening operation is desired. Accelerated speed of operation is attained upon the return stroke as a function of gear sizing. In other embodiments, the planetary gear system is replaced with an intermediate gear assembly external to any interengaging both a drive and driven gear. In other embodiments, the planetary gear system is replaced with an intermediate gear assembly external to and interengaging both a drive and driven gear.

Abstract: A torque wrench for applying torque to a component (21) is described. The torque wrench has an engaging member (18) for engaging the component (21) to be rotated about an axis (22) and a ratchet member (25) connected to the engaging member (18). A drive lever (14) is connected to the engaging member (18) via the ratchet member (25) such that rotation of the drive lever (14) in one sense about axis (22) applies torque to the engaging member (18) and rotation of the drive lever (14) in the opposite sense applies torque below a predetermined value to the engaging member (18). A connecting member (12) is pivotably connected to the drive lever (14) remote from the engaging member (18) and is adapted to be engaged by a head (10) of a piston (6) having reciprocating linear movement to alternately rotate the drive lever (14) in opposite senses about axis (22). The connecting member (12) is slidable relative to the piston head (10) in a direction transverse to the direction of reciprocal linear movement.

Abstract: A ratchet screwdriver having a base assembly including a handle and an insert, and having a can rotatable on the base assembly, and there is pawl mechanism which is controlled by the cap. There is an intervening member in the form of a detent to serve as a stop for restricting the axial movement of the cap relative to the base assembly, so the cap cannot be removed from the base assembly until the detent is released. The detent, or other parts of the screwdriver, can serve as a rotation stop for the can which has selective positions for setting the ratcheting position of the screwdriver.

Abstract: A limited access building connection for connecting a holding structure and a held structure which includes an anchor member having a threaded end adapted for connection to holding structure. A nut having an inner threaded wall threadably engages the threaded end of anchor member. Nut has a base which engages connector structure. Connector structure is adapted for connection to held structure. A nut rotational member is provided for imparting rotational motion to nut. Connection has dimensional limited access parameters existent between nut and connector structure and held structure. A linear power member is dimensioned and configured to work within the dimensional limited access parameters and is adapted for engaging and imparting rotational energy to nut rotational member.

Abstract: A wrench assembly is mounted on a key ring, which keeps the wrench readily available for use in removing a vehicle antenna for washing the vehicle or reattaching the antenna after the vehicle. The wrench also protects the antenna mount by being temporarily attached thereto while the vehicle is being washed.

Abstract: A palm type spanner comprises a driving head having a receiving portion for receiving a driving tool; and a handle body being an integral plate-like structure; one end of the handle body being formed with an opening portion; the driving head being pivotally installed to the handle body; thereby the driving head being rotatable along the pivotal shaft; and the handle body having a hollowed groove which has a size capable of receiving the driving head.

Abstract: A hand tool having an adjustable head with a joint lock mechanism. The joint lock mechanism comprises a first engaging device, a push button, a second engaging device, a first elastic device and a second elastic device. The push button is formed with a through hole and a first engaging portion. The second engaging device passes through the through hole and is disposed with a second engaging portion. When the first engaging portion engages the second engaging portion, the front end of the first engaging portion abuts the front end of the second engaging portion such that the second engaging device engages the first engaging device and is prevented from moving.

Abstract: A wrench is cooperated with a fastener. The fastener has a plurality of surfaces jointed with each other at respective corners of the fastener. The wrench has a driving cylindrical member including an enclosed opening formed therein and having six corner spaces and six sides provided therein. Each of the six sides of the driving cylindrical member includes two cambered bulges formed and provided therein for engaging with the surfaces of the fastener, and a recess is formed between said cambered bulges.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a screwdriver bit with a drive section (14) and a front section (1) that contains a profiled penetrating section (2) and is manufactured by compression molding and subsequently sintering a hard metal powder, where the front section is connected to the drive section. Thus, according to the invention, the length of the front section (1) is not greater than 2.5-times the length of the penetrating section (2) and/or the ratio of the length of the front section (1) to the diameter or the width across corners of the penetrating section (2) is not greater than 2.2 (FIG. 7).

Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.

Abstract: An omnidirectional twisting tool comprises a handle; the handle being a hollow tube body; one end of the handle being opened; a strain gauge installed at a lower portion of the handle; the strain gauge including an integrating element and a connecting unit for connecting the integrating element and the driving portion; a driving head at a front end of the spanner body; a rotary unit at another end of the driving head; an annular groove being formed at a lateral wall of the rotary unit; the rotary unit being pivotally installed at one end of the handle so that the driving head can rotate through 360 degrees around an axis of the handle; a connecting rod extending from a lower end of the rotary unit; the connecting rod being received within the handle; and the connecting rod being connected to the connecting unit.

Abstract: A process for generating a curved surface on a workpiece with high speed is disclosed, in which an acceleration of a slider is set to a predetermined desired acceleration while a rotating velocity of a work spindle is made varied to keep the acceleration of the slider as constant as possible. Rotation of the work spindle and movement of an X-axis table are made synchronized with the movement of the slider having the desired acceleration to generate a preselected desired curve on a surface of the workpiece, which lies in perpendicular to a Y-axis along which a cutting tool moves in and out, thereby shortening the cycle time it takes for the curve generation on the workpiece.

Abstract: A process for sawing a substrate strip marks corresponding to substrate areas of substrate strips which are arranged side-by-side on a plate. A saw machine is mechanically moved to the substrate areas and positioned by the alignment marks of corresponding substrate areas for cutting the substrate areas of the substrate strips in the first phase. Then the saw machine is further mechanically moved to the substrate areas again and is positioned by the alignment marks of corresponding substrate areas again for cutting the substrate areas of the substrate strips in the second phase. Therefore, an error in any of the substrate areas in the first phase and second phase will not accumulate to the subsequent substrate areas in the substrate strip.

Abstract: A material handling system for a table saw that controls the orientation and speed of material as it moves through the system. The material handling system includes an idler device having upper and lower support surfaces configured to maintain a piece of processed material in the processing path until it substantially passes the upper support surface. The material handling system includes a ramp configured to deliver a piece of processed material from the processing path to a return conveyor.

Abstract: An article conveying, guiding, and locating device includes a treadle including a web guide plate, a knock lever mechanism having a knock lever arm configured to co-act with a stationary platen as the treadle is moved relative to the stationary platen during a severing operation so as to retract the follower wheel away from the drive wheel to release a web carried therebetween to enable lateral centering of articles carried in the web. The device also includes a web conveyor having a servo pick assembly and a servo helper assembly driven by a servo motor. The web conveyor is configured to move a web of articles. The servo pick assembly is carried by the treadle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for chopping long unwound items like fiber, fiber strands, yarn, etc. The chopper has a backup roll, a blade roll and a biasing system for forcing the backup roll and the blade roll together at a desired force during set up and operation. The biasing system contains a mechanism such as a slip clutch or a limited torque stepping motor for maintaining a substantially constant biasing force at set up and during operation while allowing the rolls to separate slightly to pass a temporary thicker feed without recoil that currently shortens blade and backup roll working layer life.

Abstract: Adjustable length punch assemblies are disclosed. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention may be used with a punch press including a tool holder adapted to receive punch assembly and a ram adapted to move longitudinally along a ram axis. An adjustable length punch assembly in accordance with present invention preferably includes a punch body assembly disposed in threading engagement with a drive body assembly having a surface adapted to be struck by ram of punch press. The length of punch assembly may be adjusted by rotating of one body relative to other body. The adjustable length punch assembly preferably includes a lock mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the punch body assembly relative to the drive body assembly. The lock mechanism preferably comprises a lock shaft coupled to one of bodies and a lock key slidingly coupled to other of bodies such that lock key slides along a lock key path.

Abstract: A security monitoring and enforcement system is provided for monitoring and enforcing control in a secure environment, such as an aircraft. The system includes a security monitoring and enforcement unit (SMEU) having a visual surveillance system and an audio surveillance and communication system. The visual surveillance system is mounted to an enforcement system and housed in a ceiling of an aircraft. The SMEU is remotely operated and monitored by remote control system located on the ground. The security monitoring and enforcement system is operable continuously or when a security breach is detected. The enforcement system is activated and fired to subdue a suspect.

Abstract: A static pressure sliding block which can exhibit a stable function for a long time while flow control member 23 is pressed onto recess surface 21b of static pressure receiving surface 21a for fixing it onto main body 21 formed of a brittle material by employing elastic deformation of connecting member 22 so that damage of main body 21 can be avoided because flow control member 23 is fixed without screw holes and only by applying compression stress.

Abstract: A swash plate compressor that prevents a slide plate from being separated from a swash plate. The compressor includes a drive shaft. A slide plate is rotatable relative to the swash plate. Two shoes is arranged on the swash plate and the slide plate. A bearing arranged between the swash plate and the slide plate and in between the shoes. A piston is connected to the swash plate and the slide plate by the shoes and is reciprocated to compress gas. The swash plate includes a swash plate support surface, and the slide plate includes a slide plate support surface, in which each surface is for contacting the bearing. The swash plate is formed so that a clearance between the swash plate support surface and the slide plate support surface increases radially inwardly of the swash plate and the slide plate.

Abstract: A linear actuator for vehicle power steering systems with at least three steered wheels of a double-acting type that comprises a cylindrical body, closed at opposite ends; a piston, accommodated inside the cylindrical body axially slideable between the ends; and a stem, rigidly associated with the piston, coaxial to the cylindrical body, and protruding from at least one of the ends, the piston dividing the cylindrical body into two chambers, each provided with an inflow/outflow opening formed at the two opposite ends; and at least one pair of one-way valves, provided in the piston with a respective inlet connected to a respective chamber and outlets mutually connected, each valve having a stem slideably accommodated in the respective inlet with one end associated with a respective flow control element and the opposite end that protrudes externally from the piston, so as to open a respective valve.

Abstract: A high pressure piston for use within a liner for a reciprocating pump comprises an elastomeric seal and an annular bearing ring. During the pump's pressure stroke at least a portion of the bearing ring elastically expands radially to narrow or close the extrusion gap, thus tending to block elastomer extrusion and establish sliding contact between the bearing ring's outer surface and the liner. An extrusion control groove located radially inward from the peripheral bearing ring contact surface of certain embodiments also tends to block elastomer extrusion. Under reduced pressure on the pump's return stroke, the bearing ring elastically contracts radially, slightly widening the extrusion gap. On the pump's return stroke the slightly wider extrusion gap allows cooling water directed generally toward the proximal flange of the piston hub to better cleanse, as well as cool, the liner wall.

Abstract: A bread maker including a main body forming an oven compartment; a pair of kneading drums inside the oven compartment, each kneading drum having a holding part holding opposite ends of a mixing bag filled with bread ingredients; a drum driving part rotating the kneading drums in clockwise and counterclockwise directions to knead dough contained in the mixing bag; and a controller controlling the drum driving part to separate the mixing bag from the holding part of a first one of the kneading drums and wind the mixing bag on a second one of the kneading drums after kneading the dough, and to rotate the second one of the kneading drums in a releasing direction opposite the winding direction after the mixing bag is wound on the second one of the kneading drums to unwind the mixing bag from the second one of the kneading drums.

Abstract: A barbeque grill system include a barbeque grill, a heat source, a thermoelectric generator operable for producing electric power, and a barbeque-grill accessory capable of using electric power. In further detail, the thermoelectric generator is activatable by heat produced from the heat source, so as to produce electric power. In addition, the barbeque-grill accessory is designed so as to receive electric power produced by the thermoelectric generator, once the thermoelectric generator has been activated by heat produced from the heat source.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for marking a sheet-shaped workpiece using a marking tool. The marking tool is mounted in a punch holder of a punch press and a counter-support is fixed in place on a side opposite of a marking surface of the workpiece to be marked. The surface of the workpiece is marked by displacing the workpiece in its plane while engaging the marking tool with the workpiece. In one form, a support roller provides counter-support. In another form, an elastic element is cooperatively associated with the punch stroke of the punch press to translate an exactly defined contact pressure force between the tool tip and the workpiece to be marked.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a medium in sheet form that can be used for the sublimation transfer of an ink onto an imprintable medium; the medium in sheet form comprises at least one supporting layer, at least one adhesive coating and a plurality of granular or elongated elements designed to be applied to the adhesive coating; the method comprising the steps of preparing the granular or elongated elements so as to render them sensitive to the action of an electromagnetic field and applying the granular or elongated elements to the adhesive coating with the interposition of the electromagnetic field having lines of force f that are substantially perpendicular to the supporting layer, so as to arrange a monolayer of granular or elongated elements according to a predefined distribution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing onto vials. The vials may be connected in a series, the vials having an open end and a closed end. The apparatus comprises a conveyor for moving the vials, the conveyor having a mandrel for receiving the open end of the vials. The mandrel may contain a plurality of receiving post, for capturing the vials. The apparatus may further include a vial depressor for depressing the vials onto the receiving post of the mandrel, a first offset inking transfer device for printing a first ink pattern onto the vials, and a first ultra violet dryer positioned to receive the vials from the first offset inking transfer device and provide for curing of the ink pattern from the first offset inking transfer device.

Abstract: An improved fuze for a submunition grenade designed to be launched from a cargo projectile comprising a fuze, a charge and a casing; the improved fuze comprising a fuze housing; a threaded firing pin having a pointed tip, oriented coaxially with the submunition grenade, and threadedly engageable to a threaded hole in a weighted insert that is able to reciprocate within the fuze housing; a slider slidingly moveable in a substantially radial plane tangential to the axis of the firing pin, between a safe position and an armed position; the firing pin being able to rotatably reciprocate forwards and backwards by rotation of the firing pin with respect to the weighted insert along the threadedly engaged screw threads; the fuze further comprising a fully mechanical inertial releasable safety apparatus for preventing swiveling of the swivel mounted striker, to prevention initiation of the time delay detonator ignition system.

Abstract: Apparatus within a warhead for expelling a payload from the rear of the warhead after a tail assembly has been removed. A separate thrust chamber within the warhead has an apertured thrust tube at one end which extends into the thrust chamber and a pusher plate at the other end for propelling the payload. The thrust chamber includes a propellant which, when ignited generates high pressure gas causing a rocket effect out the thrust tube to move the pusher plate and associated payload. The pusher plate may be disconnected from the thrust chamber to slow the expulsion process.

Abstract: A device for moving a machine or the like between plural workstations includes: a mechanism for suspending the machine, a guide, a structure for supplying the guide with electrical energy, a mechanical linkage between the machine and the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to the guide, a connector for electrically connecting the machine to each workstation, and a switch for changing the electrical energy supply source of the machine when it is connected to both a workstation and to the guide. Further a management and control device controls moving the machine and its electrical energy supply.

Abstract: System for the secondary suspension of a superstructure (1) of a rail vehicle, having a hydropneumatic spring unit (3), with an assigned suspension accumulator (7) as an active spring element, placed between the superstructure (1) and a bogie (2) arranged below it, which active spring element ensures at least one raised travelling level (NF) for the superstructure during the travel of the rail vehicle, in which case, by way of the hydropneumatic spring unit (3), by means of a level control, in addition to the raised travelling level (NF), a lowered station platform level (NB) for the superstructure (1) can also be adjusted, the suspension accumulator (7) being blockable when the rail vehicle is stopped in order to relieve the level control during a change of load, and in that, for an emergency operation caused by a pressure drop, additionally at least one emergency spring cylinder (18) is provided which, in the event of a pressure failure, by means of an independent moving-out, ensures an emergency spring lev

Abstract: A stacking table system includes: a first table having a first top, first peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the first top and a plurality of alignment projections extending downwardly from the first peripheral support rails; a second table having a second top, second peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the second top and a plurality of alignment projection receptacles that receive respective alignment projections when the first table is in a stacked position on the second table; and a table hoist having a plurality of cables being selectively attachable to the tables. The first table may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the first table and a stack of the first and second tables may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the second table.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible table for use with a miter saw or for recreational use. A support structure includes a truss that is expandable and collapsible in the horizontal direction. A pair of expansion leaves are pivotally connected to opposing sides of the support structure. A support arm and extension arm work in combination with a locking mechanism to maintain the expansion leaves in the horizontal position or alternatively to allow the expansion leaves to collapse to a vertical position.

Abstract: An elevation adjustment device in the legs of table includes a rectangular leaf and four legs connected to the underside of four corners of the leaf. The legs each has a first tube and second tube slidably inserted into the first tube having graduation on outer periphery, a tubular sleeve engaged with the lower end of the first tube, a tubular stopper with a circular pad pressed into the lower end of the second tube, a pushing rod connected to a threaded shank inserted into a circular through hole of the first tube and a protrudent radial through hole in a segmental retaining bar, an enlarged retaining ring, a washer and a spring sequentially wrapped on the threaded shank and secured by a internally threaded cap from the inner end of the shank.

Abstract: A solid fuel burner using a low oxygen concentration gas as a transporting gas of a low grade solid fuel such as brown coal or the like and a combustion method using the solid fuel burner are provided. The solid fuel burner comprises a means for accelerating ignition of the fuel and a means for preventing slugging caused by combustion ash from occurring. Mixing of fuel and air inside a fuel nozzle 11 is accelerated by that an additional air nozzle 12 and a separator 35 for separating a flow passage are arranged in the fuel nozzle 11, and the exit of the additional air nozzle 12 is set at a position so as to overlap with the separator 35 when seeing from a direction perpendicular to a burner axis, and additional air is ejected in a direction nearly perpendicular to a flow direction of a fuel jet flowing through the fuel nozzle 11. An amount of air from the additional air nozzle 12 is varied corresponding to a combustion load.

Abstract: A system for transferring and transplanting plants from a plant supply tray includes a first table having a plurality of matrix openings for holding the plant supply tray, where one or more plants are removed from the tray via the matrix openings. The first table also includes an indexing frame that positions the plant supply tray such that the one or more plants from the plant supply tray are aligned with the plurality of matrix openings. The system also includes a second table that holds a plant receiving area, a supporting frame that holds and aligns the first and second tables relative to one another, and a plant removal mechanism for removing the one or more plants from the plant supply tray.

Abstract: An integral cast seed boot is provided with a mounting assembly for securing the seed boot to a planting unit frame. A single furrow opener disc is rotatively mounted to the planting unit frame by a bearing assembly. The seed boot defines a seed entry passage having an inlet for receiving seed from a seed meter and an outlet for depositing metered seed into a seed planting furrow formed by the furrow opener. The seed inlet is located in front of the mounting assembly. The seed entry passage slopes continuously and uniformly downwardly and rearwardly from the inlet to the outlet. The outlet is located below the bearing assembly of the furrow opener disc.

Abstract: A vertically reciprocatable needle (41) that is extremely fine in its lengthwise direction, having a leading end portion of a triangular pyramidal shape. Edges (41b) are formed on a periphery of the leading end portion, and an engaging portion (41c) is formed at a base thereof. The engaging portion comprises a recess (41d) and a tongue (41e) covering the recess. Below the engaging portion, a tapered guide surface (41f) continues straight from a point on a periphery of the needle to the recess. The recess is recessed in a needle axial direction. The tongue has a diameter smaller than the maximum diameter of the guide surface. The artificial hair may be hooked by the engaging portion during vertical movement of the needle, which assures relative movement of the needle at a pitch or width of high accuracy. Accordingly, the transplanting pitch of the artificial hair is controlled with high accuracy.

Abstract: An embroidery frame is disclosed which is detachably attached to an embroidery unit and provided with outer and inner frames that clamp therebetween an embroidery cloth extending across an underside of the inner frame. The embroidery frame includes a first inclined surface which is provided at least on a part of a cloth-clamping surface of the outer frame that holds the cloth between the inner and outer frames, and which is upwardly inclined toward an inside of the outer frame. The embroidery frame further includes a second inclined surface which is provided in a portion of the cloth-clamping surface of the inner frame corresponding to the first inclined surface, the inner frame holding the cloth between the outer and inner frames, and which is upwardly inclined toward an inside of the inner frame.

Abstract: A sewing machine includes a cylinder bed extending in a predetermined direction and accommodating a shuttle and a shuttle shaft for driving the shuttle, a cloth holding frame for holding a work cloth, a moving member for supporting the cloth holding frame, the moving member being guided by the shuttle shaft so as to be moved in the predetermined direction, and a moving member driving unit for driving the moving member in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A module for a boat lift that combines features of both pontoon type and modular type constructions. Each module includes upper and lower pontoons, and can be connected in-line to form one side of a lift, and in parallel to form opposed sides of a lift. A typical lift includes four modules connected with two on each side.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a vessel has a liquid-plane greater than one meter2/(metric ton)2/3 and includes a hull having a total length and a plurality of hull portions each having a length that is less than the total length. Each hull portion buoys the vessel. Each hull portion also protrudes above the liquid-line and includes a wetted area that does not contact the wetted areas of other hull portions when the boat accelerates through Froude numbers between 0.4 and 0.6. In addition, each hull portion includes a cross-sectional area having a perimeter defined by the edge of the wetted area and having an area defined by a plane that intersects the hull portion at the perimeter. The vessel's liquid-plane is the sum of each hull portion's cross-sectional area divided by the cube root of the square of the weight of the boat is at least one.

Abstract: Presented is a beachable high speed marine vehicle with air cushioned hull(s) capable of transporting heavy loads at very high speeds to beachheads and then departing the beachhead under its own power. The artificially pressurized air cushions allow the bow of the vehicle to be raised to the water surface at all speeds including when stationary. The design of the forward end of the air cushion recesses allows both high speed breaking of water from the hull at that point and backing off of the beachheads in spite of sand, rocks, and the like being inside the air cushion forward end. An optional upward raising secondary bow is also described. Monohull, multi-hulled such as catamaran, and outrigger hull versions of the same conceptual invention are disclosed with all derived from the same basic concepts regarding loading and unloading of cargo, beaching abilities, air cushion performance, and other features.

Abstract: In a steering apparatus for a ship propeller in which a steering handle is provided within a ship body, a propelling unit is fixed to a steering shaft rotatably supported to an attaching bracket fixed to the ship body. A steering cable connected to the steering handle is coupled to a steering arm fixed to the steering shaft. A motor-driven steering assist apparatus for assisting a steering force applied to the steering handle by a driver on the basis of a torque generated by the electric motor is interposed between the steering handle and the steering cable.

Abstract: A brake apparatus is provided for a water craft which has a hull. The brake apparatus includes a craft attachment unit attached to the hull of the water craft. A pair of combined hinge assembly/hinge-to-plate connection brackets is connected to the craft attachment unit. A brake plate is connected to the combined hinge assembly/hinge-to-plate connection brackets. A brake plate control assembly is connected to the brake plate. The brake plate control assembly includes a brake cable and a cable winder assembly which is connected between the brake cable and the brake plate for lifting and lowering the brake plate. The craft attachment unit is attached to a rear or stern portion of the water craft. Preferably, a return spring assembly is connected to the cable winder assembly. The return spring assembly returns the brake plate to a nonbraking mode or locked condition when braking action is no longer needed.

Abstract: A tethering apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated flexible line, a spool and a biasing member adapted to urge the spool to automatically uptake portions of the elongated flexible line. A locking device is attached to an end portion of the elongated flexible line to assist in tethering the watercraft to a mooring structure.