Abstract: Various implementations include a sports board storage device. The device includes a housing, one or more linkages, a foot, and one or more linkage members. The housing has a first prong and a second prong. The one or more linkages are pivotably coupled to the first prong. The foot is pivotably coupled to the one or more linkages. The one or more linkage members are coupled to at least one of the one or more linkages. The one or more linkage members are movable relative to the housing to cause rotation of the one or more linkages and to cause the foot to move between a retracted position and an extended position. The foot is closer to the second prong in the extended position than it is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for inerting a gas volume. A first exhaust gas that is provided by a fuel cell, and a second exhaust gas that is provided by a hydrogen reformer, can be mixed to form an inert gas mixture. The mixture can be fed into the gas volume for inerting.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining relative motion between equipment systems positioned on a structure that is subject to deformation due to vibrations, using accelerometers. Relative motion between equipment systems can introduce error into the targeting information provided to a system such as a weapons system, and thus the method facilitates compensation for such relative motion. A method is disclosed in which the raw accelerometer signals are filtered, then combined with attitude signals in a displacement calculation module (DCM). Within the DCM, the signals are manipulated to calculate, for each equipment system, the translational and rotational displacements due to hull modal vibration and the translational and rotational displacements due to force vibration. The sum of these values represent the movement of each of the affected equipment systems. Relative motion between systems is calculated as the difference between the calculated movement values.

Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the speed of a ship, in which the engine speed (nMOT) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop engine speed control system as an inner closed-loop control system, the ship's speed (vS) is automatically controlled by a closed-loop ship's speed control system as an outer closed-loop control system, and the ship's set speed (vSL) is influenced as a reference input of the closed-loop ship's speed control system as a function of an external signal source. The ship's set speed (vSL) is corrected as a function of the underwater topography (TOPO).

Abstract: Device for launching missiles from a ship, includes at least one missile launch ramp, includes a ditch delimited by side walls of which at least two constitute bulwarks which extend around the periphery of the ship, the ditch being open above the exterior deck of the ship, in that the launch ramp is positioned in the ditch so it can be used to launch a missile over a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship. It includes an element for discharging the missile propulsion gases including a duct opening onto an orifice in a lateral bulwark of the ditch extending around the periphery of the ship, and the lateral bulwarks of the ditch are of a height tailored to conceal the missiles in place on the ramp, for angles of incidence of between 0 and ?5° with respect to the deck of the ship.

Abstract: Apparatuses, vehicles, and methods to reduce loads applied to a store when the store is launched from the vehicle are disclosed. A particular apparatus includes a launch chamber and a flap. The launch chamber has a first portion configured to receive a store. A second portion is configured to be positioned over an opening in a hull of a vehicle. The chamber has a forward end and an aft end. The flap is positioned a distance from the aft end of the launch chamber. The flap has a first end rotatably mounted proximate to the first portion of the launch chamber and has a second end extending toward the second portion of the launch chamber. The flap is configured to rotate about the first end when the store impacts the flap due to the forces applied to the store by the fluid when the store is launched.

Abstract: The foldable ramp is intended to store, carry and launch relatively large size tube-launched missiles typically on board of relatively small sized naval surface ships. Accordingly, the foldable ramp comprises a frame suitable for carrying one or more canisters for launching rockets or missiles and support elements, which are pivotably attached to the frame and which are adapted to pivotably connect to the launching platform so as to allow rotary movement of the frame with respect to the launching platform. A lifting device lifts the front end of the frame whereby the rear end of the canisters displace a horizontal distance towards the rear of the ramp as said lifting device lifts the frame. Adverse effects of the aft flame of the launched rocket or missile is securely displaced to the outside of the vehicle while foldability of the ramp enables to prevent or reduce radar and eye visibility of the launcher, particularly when mounted on a naval surface ship.

Abstract: A method for diverting a sailing vessel is disclosed. A watercraft equipped with a harpoon having a hull-piercing head and a tail attached to a cable may swiftly approach the vessel in the aft position. Upon piercing the hull, an extraction-preventing means, such as spokes unfolded from the head, latching it in the hull and preventing the harpoon's withdrawal. Via a cable attached to the tail of the harpoon the watercraft may use low-speed high-traction propulsion means such as Voith-Schneider Propulsion (VSP) to pull and divert the vessel at the stern to a desired course. The watercraft may preferably have a combination of lifting hydrofoils with propellers and VSP propellers to provide the respective low-traction high-speed and high-traction low-speed modes of operation.

Abstract: Unmanned marine vessels are disclosed featuring various structural properties. A raised deck leveling with the upper side of the vessel allows for larger compartments below deck and implicates special hatching considerations. A upper appliance support frame is provided for positioning external appliances on board the vessel. Air sucked in by the engine may be used to cool compartments of the vessel. Tie points of the vessel may be position on the deck.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fin stabilization system adapted to minimize roll about the longitudinal axis of the boat during sharp cornering at very high speeds. In one form, equipment such as a machine gun is mounted to the bow of the boat and targets are adapted to be engaged in high-speed maneuvers when cornering and the deck of the boat is not excessively rolled whereby blocking visibility in a turn.

Abstract: A submarine is equipped with an extending apparatus on whose free end a container (4) resistant to underwater pressure is arranged, in which an essentially recoil-free gun (5) lies. The container (4) in the submerged condition of the submarine may be brought to the water surface (15) by way of the extending apparatus, and pivoted out so that one may also shoot in the submerged condition.

Abstract: A marine vessel equipped with a countermeasure system having a substantially vertical launch tube that is at least generally rotatable about a vertical reference axis that extends through and along a length of the launch tube. This rotation capability of the launch tube may be used to affect an aiming of an associated countermeasure cartridge at least generally disposed therein. One or both the launch tube and countermeasure cartridge of this countermeasure system are generally equipped with a rotation inhibitor for substantially preventing independent rotation of the countermeasure cartridge relative to the launch tube at least when the countermeasure cartridge is disposed within the launch tube. The present invention is also designed to enable the associated countermeasure cartridge to be pitched over to a predetermined pitch angle (relative to the reference axis of the launch tube) to affect a desired flight path after launch of the countermeasure cartridge.

Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.

Abstract: A communications apparatus using an adaptive antenna having in a high frequency unit an antenna unit including a plurality of antenna elements and a plurality of adjustment units, provided corresponding to the plurality of antenna elements, for adjusting directivity of an entire antenna, comprising:

Abstract: A system and method for transferring fluid from a vessel to a shore-based facility, the system including at least one vessel and at least one coupling structure which is established at an unloading location. The vessels travel in continuous shuttle traffic between a loading station and the coupling structure and are organised such that at least one of the vessels is periodically connected to one of the coupling structures so that the fluid is conveyed from each vessel through the coupling structure and directly ashore via a pipeline system for further distribution of the fluid. Vessels are provided with storage tanks for storing natural gas in its liquid state, a vaporizer for regasifying the liquefied natural gas on arrival at the unloading point and equipment for connection to the coupling structure for transferring natural gas from the vessel to a submerged pipeline system.

Abstract: A warship is provided with a plurality of interior volumes defined by an inner wall structure and an outer wall structure spaced apart from the inner wall structure. The space between the inner wall structure and the outer wall structure includes a syntactic foam-macrosphere composition between the wall structure which dissipates force applied to an outer wall structure.

Abstract: An unmanned marine surface vehicle (UMSV) featuring structural incorporation of the hull of a typical commercially distributed, recreationally enjoyed personal watercraft (PWC). The intrinsic qualities of the PWC hull, especially as pertains to superior seaworthiness and smaller size, avail the UMSV and UMSV system according to this invention. A contoured upper casing which is coupled with the PWC hull serves not only to further the fluid-dynamic integrity of this invention's UMSV but also to house electrical or mechanical components which are designed for effectuating specific military or civilian missions. This invention's UMSV is small, compact, lightweight, durable, rugged, uncomplicatedly direct-driven and quite seaworthy, and hence offers possible advantages over vessels conventionally considered for autonomous or semi-autonomous operations, particularly in terms of cost-effectiveness, expendability, deployability, recoverability, maneuverability and versatility.

Abstract: A ship of the 50 ton class includes a deep-V hull shape which is a partially monohedron fully planing hull with a hand chine and two bottom risers, a water jet propulsion system cooperating with a motor, and control apparatus for controlling the motor and propulsion system. Preferably, the motor is a 16 cylinder marine diesel engine having a maximum speed of between about 1800 and 2100 rpm and a maximum power of about 1900 kW, while the water jet is a high speed, high rpm water jet having a maximum water jet speed of between about 1400 and 1600 rpm, the water jet coupled to the motor by means of a reduction gear between about 1:1.15 and 1:1.

Abstract: A system for mounting a device on board ship which experiences normal vibrations of a predetermined frequency and which may be subjected to high intensity shock forces including a plurality of preloaded liquid springs operable in tension and compression and oriented in a truss configuration between the deck of the ship and the device, the casings of the liquid springs having a natural frequency in excess of the normal shipboard vibrational frequencies and by virtue of being preloaded providing rigid linkages for transmitting normal shipboard vibrational frequencies to the device, the preloading being of such a magnitude to permit the liquid springs to yield in either tension or compression when the ship is subjected to high intensity shock forces such as weapons effect pulses, and the liquid springs resetting the device to its normal position relative to the ship after termination of the high intensity shock forces.

Abstract: On a ship, the longitudinal beams and the framework girders of different decks or of the inside bottom are arranged in identical vertical planes. In at least some of the rectangles defined by the longitudinal beams and the framework girders, there are access openings located vertically above one another. The openings in a vertical group are practically all the same size and aligned with one another vertically. Between corresponding junction points of the longitudinal beams and the framework girders above one another, vertical props running intercostally are located at the corners of each access opening. At least the third and subsequent access openings from the top are closed, preferably in a water-tight manner, by identically-sized removable access covers having at least two pieces each.

Abstract: Rectangular base mounting-platform structures for removable combat-equipment, for example, guns and other support units like radar which are mounted on rectangular openings on a ship-deck, are provided with interchangeability. In order to achieve interchangeability of units which have mounting-platform structures of unequal size, the platform rectangular dimensions as well as the dimensions of the corresponding rectangular openings are so designed that the base length of the smallest unit is made equal to the width of the next bigger rectangle and so forth; in order to mount the smallest rectangular base on the immediate next larger rectangular opening, the length of the smallest rectangular base is aligned with the width of the larger opening; mounting is so done as to leave an open space towards only one side, leaving only one longer side of the smallest rectangular base unsupported within the area of the mounting opening.

Abstract: A warship with individual standardized operating units and a central command post unit has standardized information transmission lines independent of the type of units arranged on the individual standard platforms. A data processor (11', 11", 12' to 31') is provided inside each standardized operating unit (11, 12 to 31). The information to be transmitted is brought into a suitable form for transmission via the standard information transmission lines. Furthermore, the information received via the standard information transmission line is transformed into a form suitable for processing in the standardized operating units (11, 12 to 31).

Abstract: The weapons units of a warship may be formed in remotely prefabricated modular sub-assemblies which are capable of interchangeable mounting at different locations on the warship by an arrangement which includes a standardized adapter device structurally formed as part of the warship and defining the opening of a compartment into which the modular sub-assembly of the weapons unit is mounted. The weapons unit modular sub-assembly consists of a container within which the weapons unit is prefabricated. The weapons unit container and the adapter unit on the warship are both formed with mating structural parts having standardized sizes and configurations in order to enable interchangeability of the sub-assemblies. Although each sub-assembly may be formed with a different weapons unit, the container for the weapons unit of each sub-assembly is uniformly structured in a standardized manner complementing the adapter unit on the warship.