Abstract: A method and a system for controlling the winding/unwinding of a rope portion onto/from a rotary drum, comprises the step of making available a rope which is at least partially wound onto a rotary drum, wherein the rope is guided from the rotary drum along a defined path as far as a hauling point, wherein a traction force acts on the rope beyond the hauling point. The method comprises unwinding or winding the rope by executing a rotation of the rotary drum, such that a defined rope portion is moved along the defined path; and determining the length of the defined rope portion in the region of the defined path. The method comprises determining an angle difference corresponding to the rotation of the rotary drum; and controlling the rotary drum for further winding/unwinding taking into account the length and the angle difference. A calibration in the region of the defined path during the use of the rotary drum provides a control for the rotary drum.

Abstract: A connector cover is proposed that protects the web loop portion of a foresail from exposure to UV radiation. The connector cover is formed of UV-resistant material and is configured to include a tab portion that passes through the shackle and a shroud portion that wraps around the tab and web loop in a manner that maintains the cover in place. Various hook-and-loop fasteners can be used to fix the connector cover in place, as well as external ties, cording, or any other suitable type of releasable fasteners. Advantageously, the connector cover is configured to remain in place and provide protection, but is also easy to remove and replace as necessary.

Abstract: An insert is removably fastened in an opening on a bicycle frame for securing cables, cable pulls, or lines routed through the opening. The insert includes a pass-through opening for the cable, the cable pull, or the line. The insert includes at least one thrust block to be inserted in the opening, by which the insert is supported in the region of the opening on the inner side of the bicycle frame after being inserted in the opening. The insert is removably fastened by at least one fastening element disposed at a distance from the thrust block such that the insert makes sealing contact at least in segments under pre-tension due to the interaction of the fastening element with the thrust block in the edge region transitioning into the peripheral contour of the underside of the insert facing the bicycle frame.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a crewmember with the ability to retrieve the halyard and shackle at the head of a mast of a contemporary sailing vessel from the deck. A clamshell device containing a magnetized component is pre-installed on the halyard shackle and a related magnetically active cylinder is attached to a companion non-loaded halyard running just beside the loaded halyard. The clamshell is attached at the top of the shackle just below the halyard that is attached to the shackle.

Abstract: A coupling device for a semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion comprises a first end and a second end. A first passage and a second passage extend from the first end to the second end, where the second passage is coextensive with the first passage at the first end and at the second end. The first body portion is configured to receive a continuous shroud and to allow the continuous shroud to pass therethrough. The second body portion is coupled to the first body portion and is configured to receive an end portion of a discontinuous shroud.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provide a crewmember with the ability to retrieve the halyard and shackle at the head of a mast of a contemporary sailing vessel from the deck. A clamshell device containing a magnetized component is pre-installed on the halyard shackle and a related magnetically active cylinder is attached to a companion non-loaded halyard running just beside the loaded halyard. The clamshell is attached at the top of the shackle just below the halyard that is attached to the shackle.

Abstract: The invention is a sailboat rigging system and method for forming same. It is formed from a plurality of resin prepreg high strength fiber strands, tows or roving. The fiber are laid out in a preferred rigging configuration with the fiber strands, tows or roving being placed under generally equal tension. The resin in the prepreg fibers bonds the fiber strands, tows or roving to consolidate them together substantially without open spaces therebetween. If desired, the fiber strands, tows or roving can be branched out at branching points to provide for continuous rigging, and selective fibers can be dropped at various sections of the rigging for weight savings.

Abstract: A semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including at least one discontinuous shroud and one continuous shroud. The discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud are coupled at their end portions to attachment points on a sailboat or other structure by terminal coupling devices. The continuous shroud is further coupled to the sailboat at one or more intermediate locations between its first end portion and its second end portion. These intermediate locations are coupled to the boat by non-terminal coupling devices. A hybrid coupling device may be used in place of a terminal and a non-terminal coupling device at one or more attachment points on the sailboat. The semi-continuous rigging system provides for achieving a desired balance of certain performance characteristics of a sailboat by utilizing a combination of discontinuous shrouds, continuous shrouds, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminal coupling devices.

Abstract: A semi-continuous composite rigging system is provided including at least one discontinuous shroud and one continuous shroud. The discontinuous shroud and the continuous shroud are coupled at their end portions to attachment points on a sailboat or other structure by terminal coupling devices. The continuous shroud is further coupled to the sailboat at one or more intermediate locations between its first end portion and its second end portion. These intermediate locations are coupled to the boat by non-terminal coupling devices. A hybrid coupling device may be used in place of a terminal and a non-terminal coupling device at one or more attachment points on the sailboat. The semi-continuous rigging system provides for achieving a desired balance of certain performance characteristics of a sailboat by utilizing a combination of discontinuous shrouds, continuous shrouds, terminal coupling devices, and non-terminal coupling devices.

Abstract: A spreader tip which can be applied to a variety of different spreader bars having different shapes and sizes. The spreader tip features at least one mounting arm which is positioned to bear against a portion of the spreader bar's exterior. The engagement between the at least one mounting arm and the exterior of the spreader bar is discontinuous, in that it engages less than the entire circumference of the spreader bar's exterior.

Abstract: A continuous composite rigging system for sailboats. The rigging has a branched shroud rigging harness having a plurality of generally straight and elongate portions and at least one branched portion and at least one spreader end fitting for engaging the at least one branched portion of the branched shroud rigging harness.

Abstract: A continuous composite rigging system for sailboats. The rigging has a branched shroud rigging harness having a plurality of generally straight and elongate portions and at least one branched portion and at least one spreader end fitting for engaging the at least one branched portion of the branched shroud rigging harness.

Abstract: A pultruded composite tension rod of hexagonal cross section is provided, as are larger composite rods made up of assemblies of smaller, nested-together parallel hexagonal tension rods that are re-pultruded together. A manufacturing process involving assembling and re-pultruding the smaller rods is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pultruded composite tension rod of hexagonal cross section is provided, as are larger composite rods made up of assemblies of smaller, nested-together parallel hexagonal tension rods that are re-pultruded together. A manufacturing process involving assembling and re-pultruding the smaller rods is also disclosed.

Abstract: For use with a computer system having an intelligent mass storage disk array subsystem, including a microprocessor controller, a method for the distribution of data within the disk array based upon logical commands issued by the computer system. The disk controller reads a logical command and translates the commands into multiple drive specific commands, including drive physical parameter information such as head, sector and cylinder selection. The calculation of these physical parameters is based upon a number of factors including the operating system installed in the computer system, the type of interleave scheme, if any, specified by the computer system configuration, and disk specific parameters. The physical drive requests are then placed in a queue and executed by the microprocessor controller.

Abstract: The mainstay rig is an improved standing rig system for wind-powered vehicles that travel on water, snow, ice, land, or rail. Mainstay rig uses a mast at a rake and uses a vertical mainstay to support mainsail luff, which gives less disturbance of airflow at mainsail luff and greater driving force. Mainstay rig can use jib-furling mechanisms for mainsail furling. Mainstay rig eliminates backstay and gives a greater choice of mainsail shape which allows more efficient energy extraction from wind because sails can be shaped with larger roach or be shaped closer to an ideal elliptical shape. Additionally, mainstay rig can use one shroud, which reduces windage.

Abstract: A rigging cable cleaning device primarily, although not exclusively, adapted for use on sailboat rigging cables, such as main sail cables, lanyard cables, and the like. The rigging cable cleaning device comprises an outer flexible fabric cover and an inner cleaning pad which can be folded or wrapped about a sailboat rigging cable. Holes with grommets are located on the ends of the outer fabric cover for receiving a releasable locking mechanism to thereby hold the cable cleaning device on a rigging cable. In this way, the device can be physically moved up and down or along the cable for cleaning same. The cleaning pad is removably attached to the inner surface of the fabric cover so that one type of cleaning pad can be substituted for another.

Abstract: Two spaced halyard restraining devices that are fixed to spreaders attached to a sailboat's mast. The two spaced spreaders are horizontally disposed from and fixed to opposite sides of an interposed vertically disposed mast. The halyard restraining devices are identical and each is shaped like a U-shaped bracket having one leg fixed to a spreader while another outer leg is a longer leg with a rounded free end. Each restraining device has a legs joining bight portion with the opened side facing generally either towards the boat's bow or stern. The halyard or the like are pulled into engagement with the device's bight portion to restrain their movement towards the mast by placing them under increased tension. To accommodate two different common cross sectional types of spreaders, round or wing shaped, the outer opposite side bearing surfaces of the inner leg may be shaped differently to complement these two types of spreader's shapes thus allowing for their dual-use with two different shaped spreaders.

Abstract: Apparatus to stop the slapping of halyards against a mast includes a ring or other halyard encircling member lightly engagable with the halyard. A cleat or other line securing member is affixed to a shroud located outboard of the mast and halyards. A pulley or other line entraining means is affixed to the halyard above the line securing member. A line is tied to the ring entrained outward through the pulley and downward to the cleat where it is tied. Light tension in the line is sufficient to prevent halyard slap as a result of interruption of the resonance of the halyard.

Abstract: A unique fluid drag reducing structure arranged such that the center of mass of the apparatus, when assembled, is positioned forward of the center of rotation of the apparatus when installed. Such an arrangement assures that the apparatus will be flutter free, while still allowing the apparatus to feather into the wind. The structure of and method for assembly provides for easy installation and removal of the apparatus on existing cylindrical structures without the need to disassemble the existing structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sail boat having a single main sail having a corner between a taut luff edge and a foot edge. A snatch lock is provided at the corner for securing the corner to the bow of the boat, e.g. to U-bolt. When it is required to change tack, the corner is unhooked from the bolt, passed around the rear of the mast (16) and resecured to the bolt (46), in other words, the sail then lies on the other side of the mast and so the boat can sail away on the opposite tack.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for applying a tensioning force on a cable or rope used to secure a load by fixing its free end to an anchoring device. The device includes a pair of outwardly-protruding horn-like projections interconnected by a generally serpentine body, with one of the horns having friction-enhancing capabilities to prevent slippage of the cable or rope thereon, while the other horn functions similar to a pulley or block to provide a mechanical advantage in combination with the anchoring device.

Abstract: A device for hoisting the sail of a sailing boat has a track mounted on a support extending transversely across the deck of a boat. A sliding mechanism engages with the track and is slidable to and fro the length of the track. A clew of the sail is fixed to the slide allowing the sail to be orientated without a need for a boom. The height of the track is adjustable for adjusting the belly and twist of the sail.

Abstract: The traveler has a car movable on an athwartship track. The mainsheet is connected to the car. Two oppositely facing hooks are pivotally mounted on the car for similar, simultaneous movement between a latching position and an inoperative position. A spring biases the hooks to latching position. Control lines are connected to each end of a bar which has sliding engagement with the hooks. When a control line is tensioned, the bar moves towards the line and actuates the hooks to inoperative position. When both lines are slack, the hooks are in operative position to engage stop pins positioned on either side of the center of the track.

Abstract: A device which allows hanking characterized by improved apparatus in a boat with a conventional mast, a plurality of lines and accessories, roller furling jib headsail, comprising a large diameter ring disposed about the furling jib system and furled said headsail wiht rollers that allow said ring to move vertically along said furling jib system and headsail without damage to said headsail for most efficiently controlling a cruising spinnaker sail in a vertical plane. Also disclosed are details of the rings and rollers thereon.

Abstract: A sailboat mast is provided with a non-conducting upper end portion. The non-conducting portion is formed by wrapping a plastic core with resin-impregnated fiberglass and molding the wrapped core. The lower end of the non-conducting portion is provided with a necked-down portion which is inserted into the upper end of a conventional metal mast. The trailing side of the non-conducting portion has a pair of longitudinally extending grooves, and a plastic luff track includes a pair of attaching flanges which are inserted into the grooves.

Abstract: An automated sail tension control system has a cunningham, outhaul, and vang that are automatically tensioned and eased, as the boom is sheeted in and out, respectively, on either side of the sailing vessel. The system comprises: a mast; a boom connected at its forward end to the mast; a vertical axis of pivot for the boom at its connection with the mast; a cunningham and outhaul that are led from points on the boom substantially aft of the vertical axis of pivot to points on the mast or deck that are substantially forward of or laterally from a projection of the vertical axis of pivot; and a vang whose lower end is usually mounted somewhat forward of a projection of the vertical axis of pivot or on an arced means that allows it to slide laterally more than fore and aft.

Abstract: A sailboat mast is provided with a non-conducting upper end portion. The non-conducting portion is formed by wrapping a plastic core with resin-impregnated fiberglass and molding the wrapped core. The lower end of the non-conducting portion is provided with a necked-down portion which is inserted into the upper end of a conventional metal mast. The trailing side of the non-conducting portion has a pair of longitudinally extending grooves, and a plastic luff track includes a pair of attaching flanges which are inserted into the grooves.

Abstract: A device for use in a sailing vehicle for automatically adjusting the angular position of a boom supporting a sail in response to varying wind pressures is disclosed. A pulley and an adjustment block are mounted for slidable movement inside an elongated tubular housing which is attached to the boom by a pair of brackets. A compression spring is also disposed inside the tubular housing between the pulley and the adjustment block for urging the pulley away from the adjustment block. An end block is fixedly mounted on the end of the housing nearest the adjustment block. An attachment line having a stop at one end extends into the housing through the end block around the pulley and back out through the end block. Structure is provided for selectively fixing the position of the adjustment block in the housing so as to set a predetermined initial pressure on the spring. In using the device, the other end of the line is secured to the body of the sailing vehicle and the adjustment block set to the desired position.

Abstract: A self-locking covering device (15, 16) for standing rigging (3, 4, 6) of a boat consisting of first and second elements adapted to be positioned about the standing rigging and including mating tongues and grooves which, upon engagement, hold the two elements together in a self-locking condition.

Abstract: Sail handling apparatus comprises an elongate guide element, e.g. a rod or a cable, located along a path along which a tie locating an edge portion of a sail is required to move during sail handling operations. The tie is attached to the guide element by a load-transfer device comprising a pair of rotatable recessed wheels having a guide member located between them at the periphery of the wheels. When the tie is moved along the guide element it can pass intermediate attachment members supporting the guide element with such members being received in the recesses in the wheels which then rotate with respect to the guide element to pass the attachment members through the load-transfer device. In other embodiments, the load-transfer device forms part of the intermediate attachments for the guide element to enable the sail securing ties to pass such attachment points.

Abstract: A traveler assembly for a sailboat or other sailcraft comprises a car slotted to ride in the traveler track and having a pair of transverse major holes in the middle thereof and a transverse minor hole on each end. A sheet for a sail of the sailcraft is bent to one of the major holes and reeved via the sail through the other major hole. Lines bent to the minor holes permit positioning of the car along the track to be instantly controlled from a position on the sailcraft remote from the traveler, e.g., if the sail is a jib sheeted down on the leeward side, the traveler position may be controlled from the windward side of the sailcraft.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved spinnaker which is lighter-than-air and designed to float ahead of the boat and to retain its shape when subject to wind variations.

Abstract: An electrical isolation system is disclosed for use on sailboats having metal masts and shrouds for preventing accidental shocking or electrocution of persons who contact lower portions of the mast or shrouds and/or electrical conductors appended thereto when the top of the mast or shrouds come into contact with an electrical high voltage distribution or transmission line with the system including an insulating member separating the upper portion of the mast from a lower portion of the mast.

Abstract: A yacht foresail or mainsail support and change-over device. The support comprises at least two tracks on which said slides are slidingly captivated. The support is mounted against longitudinal movement with the lower end thereof upwardly of the lower end of the supporting fixture. A sail slide storage magazine is detachably mounted to the lower end of the support. The magazine incorporates a track(s) complementary to and abutting with the tracks of the support. Thus, a sail can be pre-loaded in the magazine and, with mounting to the support as aforesaid, raised. At the same time, conventionally immediately thereafter, a previously raised sail can be lowered into the empty magazine in readiness for re-raising or storage therewith.

Abstract: A mast collar system for securement to a surface at the location where the mast extends down through the surface includes a rigid collar which loosely encircles the mast. Positioned in the gap between the mast and the collar is a resilient ring. An annular groove extends down into the ring and a spline is pressed down into the groove so that a fluid-tight gasket is formed between the mast and the collar. The ring or spline also includes a fin which resiliently engages the mast directly above the annular line of sealing engagement between the mast and the ring per se.

Abstract: A spinnaker header and rig adapted to high performance racing sailboats for adjusting the height from which the spinnaker is flown, characterized by gear adjustable as to height along the forestay under control of a halyard and downhaul, and by a backhaul to take the driving force of the spinnaker.

Abstract: Halyards may be secured by capturing such halyards inside the turns of a plastic helix and then also concurrently capturing a shroud or other securing line within said helix.

Abstract: An outrigger sailboat having a drive outrigger hull is disclosed herein. A pair of movable keels is rotatably connected to a bottom portion of the drive outrigger hull. The movable keels are adapted to rotate in opposite directions. A pair of masts is mounted on the outrigger hull. Each of the masts receives a sail. The drive outrigger hull is connected to a load hull by a connector frame. The outrigger sailboat is preferably sailed with the load hull to windward and the drive outrigger hull to leeward. The load hull holds the drive outrigger hull upright even in strong winds. The movable keels act as both keels and rudders to provide directional control.

Abstract: In the roll-furling mainsail arrangement disclosed herein, the clew of the sail is trimmed to a boom by means of a car which is freely slidable along the boom. An outhaul line rigged to pull aft from the tip of the boom passes forward through a block on the car, thence through a block at the clew of the sail and then back to the car where it is secured. The balance of forces on the car automatically bias it to a position providing an advantageous drawing angle for shaping the mainsail, even at varying stages of partial furling.