Abstract: The invention relates to a sample collection system for collecting sub-samples from a material stream, the system including a valve arrangement and a static cone splitter, and wherein the valve arrangement is arranged to enable operation of the static cone splitter to collect a non-biased sample of the material stream fed to the static cone splitter under first and second operational conditions, the first operational condition requiring the material stream to be at substantially atmospheric pressure and flowing at a minimum functional flow rate, and the second operational condition requiring the material stream to be pressurised above atmospheric pressure and at a flow rate higher than the minimum functional flow rate. The invention also relates to a static cone splitter for use with the system, together with a cone member for use with the static cone splitter.

Abstract: A collapsible mast and rigging for a sailboat. A collapsible mast is provided having a base section and one or more telescopic sections. A plurality of mast rings are also provided, each mast ring having a sail attachment portion for attaching the mast ring to the sail of the sailboat, and a ring-shaped portion for fitting around a selected one of the telescopic sections and, thus fitted, sliding on the outer surface thereof. A hydraulic fluid pump may be used to power the collapsible mast.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus and a locking mechanism for the same. The shackle is of a thimble type design and includes a locking mechanism for locking the shackle open and closed. The shackle apparatus allows for secure locking, easier operation, higher strength and less susceptible to problems of wear. The locking mechanism includes a plunger pin connected to a knob that mates with the shackle body to prevent the plunger pin from rotating and/or retracting, and the shackle from opening. This design prevents the plunger from both rotational as well as translational movement during extreme flogging, dragging and impact to prevent accidental opening. The shackle can be operated with one hand for the inside surface of the hook is “proud” above the surface of the clevis. This arrangement transforms any force applied to the latching side of the shackle into a moment which helps the hook close and allows the plunger pin to be snapped closed with the use of one hand.

Abstract: A “U” shaped bail attached to a sailboat boom has a roller placed between it and the shackle attaching the sheet to the bail. This allows a smooth transmittal of the sheet load to the boom as the angle and intensity of the sheeting load changes.

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: Sails made with threads running in the direction of principal stresses in a laminate made of the threads laminated to a film material, such as Mylar.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, the sail portion of a sailboard has upper and lower sections, and the lower edge (foot) of the upper section is lapped relative to the upper edge (head) of the lower section. Apparatus is provided to cause the lower edge to be on the upwind side of the upper edge, regardless of the tack that the boat is on. Such apparatus comprises a rotating boom which rotates through the sail, in such manner as to shift from one side of the sail to the other and also cause the above-described lapped relationship to occur in either tack. The diclosure further relates to a combination of the sail system with the board, to the method of achieving the indicated lapped relationship and of rotating the boom, and to other important features.

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 marine shackle has a body with an integral post projecting from it, the integral post having an integral enlarged head. Retaining means for the shackle is an eye part an aperture in which can be passed freely over the head of the post. To retain the eye in the shackle a split collar is placed around the post between the aperture of the eye and the head of the post which is of dimensions such that the aperture is now not free to pass back over the head of the post. A spacer may be then positioned between the aperture of the eye and the body of the shackle to maintain the eye part permanently around the split collar. A particular conformation of latch for the closable/openable loop of the shackle is also disclosed.