Abstract: Cooling apparatus for transferring heat from and cooling one or more heat generating components that support or drive a flywheel or other spinning member. The apparatus may include a first heat transfer element attached to and spinning with the spinning member, a second heat transfer element stationary with respect to the spinning member, wherein the first and second heat transfer elements move relative to one another, and wherein the first and second heat transfer elements are shaped and positioned in close proximity to one another so that substantial heat is transferred from the first heat transfer element to the second heat transfer element.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for transferring heat from and cooling one or more heat generating components that support or drive a flywheel or other spinning member. The apparatus may include a first heat transfer element attached to and spinning with the spinning member, a second heat transfer element stationary with respect to the spinning member, wherein the first and second heat transfer elements move relative to one another, and wherein the first and second heat transfer elements are shaped and positioned in close proximity to one another so that substantial heat is transferred from the first heat transfer element to the second heat transfer element.

Abstract: Cooling apparatus for transferring heat from and cooling one or more heat generating components that support or drive a flywheel or other spinning member. The apparatus may include a first heat transfer element attached to and spinning with the spinning member, a second heat transfer element stationary with respect to the spinning member, wherein the first and second heat transfer elements move relative to one another, and wherein the first and second heat transfer elements are shaped and positioned in close proximity to one another so that substantial heat is transferred from the first heat transfer element to the second heat transfer element.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat. The stabilizer includes a flywheel, a flywheel drive motor configured to spin the flywheel about a spin axis, an enclosure surrounding a portion or all of the flywheel and maintaining a below-ambient pressure or containing a below-ambient density gas, a gimbal structure configured to permit flywheel precession about a gimbal axis, and a device for applying a torque to the flywheel about the gimbal axis. The flywheel, enclosure, and gimbal structure are configured so that when installed in the boat the stabilizer damps roll motion of the boat. Preferably, the flywheel drive motor spins the flywheel at high tip speeds.

Abstract: A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat. The stabilizer includes a flywheel, a flywheel drive motor configured to spin the flywheel about a spin axis, an enclosure surrounding a portion or all of the flywheel and maintaining a below-ambient pressure or containing a below-ambient density gas, a gimbal structure configured to permit flywheel precession about a gimbal axis, and a device for applying a torque to the flywheel about the gimbal axis. The flywheel, enclosure, and gimbal structure are configured so that when installed in the boat the stabilizer damps roll motion of the boat. Preferably, the flywheel drive motor spins the flywheel at high tip speeds.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g.