Abstract: A wakeboard tower having an elevated tow point and a bimini or other sun cover integrated to the tower in a manner that does not interfere with the tow point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a towing equipment for towing a person by a vehicle. The towing equipment comprises a proximal portion intended to be associated with said person, a distal portion intended to be connected to said vehicle, and a junction region interposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The proximal portion includes a first flexible branch and a second flexible branch, which are connected to the distal portion at the junction region. A proximal end of said first flexible branch comprises a handle; a proximal end of said second flexible branch is configured to be associated with the waist of said person. The present disclosure further relates to an abdominal belt intended to be used in conjunction with a towing equipment. The present disclosure also relates to a method for towing a person by a vehicle or the like. In particular, the person is a water skier and the vehicle is a motor boat.

Abstract: an apparatus comprising a sensor system and a controller. The sensor system may be configured to provide information about an angle of a ski rope relative to a ski pylon. The controller may be configured to provide (i) a first indication if the sensor indicates the ski rope reaches a target angle within a target time and (ii) a second indication if the sensor does not indicate the ski rope reaches the target angle be within the target time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the handling, the attaching to a drag line and the putting to sea of a submersible craft, dragged by a surface vessel. The invention includes a system for automatically attaching and handling submersible craft towed by a tow line, comprising an automatic attaching device for carrying out the mechanical attaching of the submersible craft to the drag line and the linking of the submersible craft to the structure conveying the signals and the energy in this same line. The system according to the invention also includes an automatic device for handling the submersible craft, on which device the submersible craft is positioned when it is not attached to the drag line and from which it is separated after attachment, and which makes it possible to automatically position the submersible craft with respect to the drag line in such a way that the attaching and detaching can likewise be done automatically.

Abstract: The problem of providing a submerged vehicle with above-the-surface communications to a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite while traveling at operating speed is solved by an efficiently deployable tethered tow body having a hydrodynamic and buoyant hull body and incorporating a lift-generating wing that provides hydrodynamic lift to efficiently lift the tow body containing antennas and other communications devices to the surface. The tow body allows for stable operation during underwater tow, surface tow, and transitions between underwater tow and surface tow. Disclosed embodiments include communications apparatuses encompassing the principles of the tethered tow body, as well as various underwater systems that incorporate a tethered tow body or communications apparatus for establishing communications with a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite.

Abstract: A variable stiffness tow cable comprising a plurality of strands. Most of the strands comprise a polymer with interstitial spaces filled with a ferrofluid comprising nanoparticles. And, least one of the strands is a nanoparticle control field source. The stiffness is varied for a number of control objectives such to dampen motion. In another application, strum is controlled by electrical input rather than by changing the length of tow cable let out.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a water-sport boarding apparatus is provided, comprising an elongated hoard including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, wherein a first end segment of the elongated board comprises a first half-circle portion of the outer edge, a second end segment of the elongated board comprises a second half-circle portion of the outer edge, a middle segment of the elongated board unifies the first end segment with the second end segment, the middle segment comprises two substantially linear portions of the outer edge, the top surface is substantially flat, the bottom surface under the middle segment is convex along the width of the elongated board, and the bottom surface comprises a plurality of elongated ridges disposed parallel to a length of the elongated board, the elongated ridges forming a water channel on the bottom surface along the length of the elongated hoard.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the production of acoustic pulses used in marine seismic surveys. A source array system comprises a plurality of acoustic sources suspended from a float in a plurality of layers positioned at different vertical levels. A bridle is coupled to the plurality of layers to enable towing of the source array system. The bridle is constructed and connected in a manner such that the arrangement of acoustic sources substantially retains its nominal shape during towing.

Abstract: A water sport training device is disclosed comprising, in one embodiment, a raft having a distal nose portion and a proximal rear portion. A relatively rigid platform is positioned within the raft and configured to provide a stable surface for the person during use of the device. A tow rope attachment means is secured to the raft for selectively towing the device over a body of water, the attachment means comprising at least one tow rope attachment point located on the nose portion of the raft, below a nose portion mid-plane. The device is configured such that a back half of the device has a center buoyancy sufficient for providing a stable surface to support the weight of a person while floating on water both at standstill and as being pulled through the water as by a boat.

Abstract: An elongate article (100) such as a prefabricated pipeline of several kilometers length is towed through water. The article is provided along its length with buoyancy adjusting material (102) fitted closely to the article. The buoyancy adjusting material is sufficient to give the article overall a positive buoyancy so that it will not sink to the seabed, and is distributed unevenly along the length of the article so as to create regions of negative buoyancy. This causes the article to adopt a wave profile with peaks (+) and troughs (?) along its length. The article is connected at its extremities to lead and trail tugs (104, 106) for controlling movement of the article through the water. Intermediate peaks are optionally coupled to intermediate tugs (108) or buoys (702) via self-adjusting ballast chains (110). The wave profile allows the towed structure to extend without undue tension on the article itself.

Abstract: A tow rope for a water ski which provides a manner to communicate a majority of the force from a tow rope engaged to a boat directly to the water ski during deep water starts by a skier. The force is transferred to a handle held by the skiers hands once the skier has reached a substantially standing position and is on top of the water. A quick release is provided which will disconnect the tow rope should the skier activate it or fall.

Abstract: A method of moving a floating wind turbine relative to a body of water, the floating wind turbine having a buoyant body with a nacelle at the upper end thereof, including the steps of floating the floating wind turbine in the body of water, and towing the floating wind turbine whilst holding the buoyant body in an inclined position, whereby the nacelle is held clear of the water. As the wind turbine is held in an inclined position, it can be towed through regions of shallower water than if it were in a vertical position.

Abstract: A paravane for a seismic acquisition system includes a float, a frame suspended from the float, deflectors affixed to the frame, and means for coupling a tow rope to a lead-in functionally extending between a forward end and an aft end of the frame. The paravane includes means for selectively changing an effective position along the lead-in of the means for coupling the tow cable.

Abstract: An airborne tugboat with three hulls (4): an underbody (4), surface body (5) and inflatable body (6). When stationed on shore the inflatable body is not activated, but is folded up against the surface body. Gas turbine (1) drives the propeller (3) via the reduction gear (2). The rotatable ring (8) round the propeller makes the airborne tugboat maneuverable, and when the disabled ship is towed, it will be able to influence towing direction without the risk of the airborne tugboat heeling over. By its design the airborne tugboat should be regarded as a slow-moving towing boat where the speed is low but the power in the towing direction is great. The design is characterised by low weight in all machinery and equipment. The amount of fuel restricts the operating time, but the helicopter and airborne tugboat, for example, use the same fuel, thus providing the advantage that the helicopter can refuel the airborne tugboat before it returns to base.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a rope tender is rotatably affixed to the center pull on the tower to carry the rope over wakeboard racks. The rope tender is clamped to the center pull on the tower by a clamp. The rope is then pulled through an end loop on the rope tender and attached to the center pull on the tower. In one embodiment, the rope tender is looped one or more times in the middle to achieve a flexible, spring effect for the rope tender. The rope may also be pulled through the middle loop for support.

Abstract: The water board includes a substantially planar board forming a pair of bat shaped wings adapted to be towed by a water vehicle. A pair of upstanding handles is disposed on the top surface of the planar board, which the user may grasp for towing the user and maneuvering the board. A pair of fins depends from the bottom surface of the planar board to stabilize and control maneuvering of the water board both above and below the water. A towing bracket with a towing ring is secured to the top surface of the planar board so that the board may be connected to the water vehicle via a towline.

Abstract: A control device (10, 5O, 100) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or a towed instrumented cable array (streamer) with the possibility to control the individual instrumented cables, both in shape and position, in relation to other instrumented cables and by that counteract cross currents and/or other dynamic forces which affect a towed array behind a seismic survey vessel. The control device (10, 50, 100) is adapted for plain and rapid mounting and demounting so that the streamer easily can be deployed and recovered, and in an easy way be reeled onto and out from a drum. The control device is further entirely or partly arranged for wireless/contactless transfer of energy and/or communication, i.e. signals/data, between a main body and wings. The control device, motor and drive gear housings (51) provided with wings (52) or wings (11, 102) house drive means (22), power supply (23), electronics and sensor means.

Abstract: A towed array deployment system is provided that uses the flow of fluid through the interior of a tube to deploy a towed line array. The system includes a small surface water craft such as an unmanned surface vehicle having a length between seven and eleven meters and a U-shaped tube mounted to the outside of the hull of the watercraft below the waterline. A towed array is fed from a winch aboard the surface craft, through one end of the tube, and the fluid is introduced through into the interior of the tube to force the towed array for deployment through the tube and out a second end of the tube near the stern of the watercraft.

Abstract: A heave compensation system provides a direct acting heave compensator that reduces stress and fatigue on a line, the system includes a single sheave system that compensates for heave as it carries a load line and moves along a curve profile of the heave compensator tangent to the point the load line comes off of a line handling system. The length of the line extending from the line handling system to the sheave remains substantially the same length during heave compensation operations, and the point where the line takes off from the line handling system is substantially the only point of changing stress on the line.

Abstract: A mounting of a ski line bracket includes the attachment of a ski line bracket (1) of the type whereby the ski line can roll along a circular tube by means of a pulley, wherein attachment of the bracket uses an attachment device of the outboard engine to the transom of the boat. The attachment allows that the operating position of the bracket to be set and fixed while the bracket can be lifted with some friction. Mounting elements have flanges (4) with holes that correspond to those of the outboard engine attachment device.

Abstract: A towrope winch with a safety shutoff device includes a winch configured to wind a rope; and a safety shutoff device which deactivates the winch if, during winding of the rope, a foreign object enters a winch intake along with the rope to actuate the safety shutoff device.

Abstract: A system for starting from a dead start position may comprise a towrope winch, and a computing device configured to send and receive data to and from the towrope winch, in which the computing device is configured to operate the towrope winch and watercraft based on data inputted by the user to the computing device. A computer program product for operating a towrope winch from a dead start position may comprise a computer usable medium having computer usable program code embodied therewith, the computer usable program code comprising computer usable program code configured to prompt a user to enter data regarding the operation of the towrope winch from a dead start, and computer usable program code configured to operate the towrope winch based on data inputted by the user.

Abstract: An at least partially self-propelled vehicle is configured for being towed by a towing vehicle, by way of a tow line. Operation of the vehicles may be coordinated so that, for a length of the tow line that connects the vehicles, the length of the tow line is curved in a manner that inhibits the tow line from transferring oscillatory motion between the vehicles while the entirety of the length of the tow line may be under tension.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cleaning process for an immersed and towed seismic streamer (1), characterised in that a cleaning appliance (11), including a tool for cleaning the seismic streamer, is engaged around the seismic streamer, together with a hydrodynamic drag structure which results in the free movement of the cleaning appliance along the length of the seismic streamer (1).

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel having an operator station located generally amidships, a vertical support unit fitted across a beam of the vessel near the operator station, and adjustable ballast. An upper portion of the vertical support is at a height substantially above a level of the operator station, and a container is onboard and proximate the starboard and port sides, wherein water from a body of water within which the vessel is operating is directed into the container for weighing down a stern of the vessel to provide the ballast so as to modify a wake created for a wakeboarder or the like being towed by the vessel using a tow rope attached to the upper portion of the vertical support.

Abstract: An open ocean floating algae farm built around a ship. The ship provides propulsion power for navigation, storage capacity for materials and algae products, machinery for harvesting and processing the algae, housing for crew, and facilities for maintenance of the floating farm. The invention is also comprised of transparent tubes that circulate a broth of seawater saturated with CO2, nutrients, and algae. The circulation path flows from the ship through the tubes and back to the ship where the algae is filtered out to be processed. The fields of transparent tubes circulating the algae broth are supported by a square matrix of pressurized tubes filled with seawater. This matrix is neutrally buoyant and submerged just below the ocean surface. The internal pressure in the tubes causes the matrix to be stiff in the horizontal plane, but flexible in the vertical dimension so as to conform to long ocean waves.

Abstract: Sub-ordinate and host maritime vessels are connected to each other by a tow loop trailed by the host vessel through a capture frame which engages the sub-ordinate vessel. The capture frame acts to engage the sub-ordinate vessel in the transitional coordinate space shared jointly between the sub-ordinate and host vessels, which vessels can be either or both surface-going, submersible, and/or non-surface vessels. The capture frame possess features which allow it to disengage from the host vessel while remaining semi-related and recoverable by a linkage of one or more tensioned lines to the host vessel during the time that its tow loop is connected to the sub-ordinate vessel.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.

Abstract: A device used when towing a user with a watercraft includes a tow-rope and a tow-rope retraction device receiving the tow-rope. The tow-rope retraction device is configured to selectively retract the tow-rope so as to accelerate a user being towed by the watercraft on the tow-rope. A method of towing a user with a watercraft includes selectively retracting a tow-rope while towing the user to accelerate the user.

Abstract: A buoyant device has a body and an elongate tail. The body carries a payload. The tail is moveable, e.g. by pivoting, between a closed and an open position. This movement changes the position of the center of mass of the device relative to the center of buoyancy. As a result the device can move through the water, with the tail in the closed position, with minimal drag. However, when the tail moves to the open position, the body pivots in the water so that the body, and hence the payload is supported in a stable manner.

Abstract: A normal belt capstan assembly for arrays towed by vessels includes a drive wheel mounted on the vessel and adapted to deploy and discharge an array. The drive wheel has a continuous groove throughout an outer edge thereof with opposed rims on either side of the groove. The assembly further includes a normal belt mounted on a plurality of rollers and disposed along a portion of the periphery of the drive wheel, the belt having a continuous central groove formed in a surface facing the drive wheel. The combined drive wheel groove and central groove are adapted to receive the array and termination module, and a retaining groove on either side of the central groove are adapted for receiving the drive wheel rims. The normal belt provides a normal force to the array and termination module.

Abstract: An improved wake tower assembly that can be readily mounted on powerboats of various constructions that includes a novel navigation and tow module that is carried on the upper portion of the wake tower and includes both a tow rope connector element and a light that can be positioned for use as a running light, or alternatively can be positioned for illuminating the cabin of the powerboat.

Abstract: A towable lift system and components and accessories therefore, particularly for use in sports and recreational activities coupling the airfoil to a rider.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an escort vessel towline force responsive apparatus comprising a rotative winch system mounted to the deck of an escort vessel so that when the tow line between a distressed vessel and the winch system of an escort vessel angularly changes, the escort vessel winch system will automatically rotate until the line of force is substantially in linear alignment with the center line of the escort vessel winch system.

Abstract: A specialist tow cable termination for sustaining the tensile load when an object is towed at high speeds at the end of an cable behind an aircraft, the termination comprises a closed eye bolt attached to the cable and a U-bolt looped through the eye bolt attached to the object. The arrangement allows significant pivoting bending stresses to the tow cable.

Abstract: This apparatus provides an automatic release of a resilient buoyant tether from a water-skimming board device. In use, a tether (100) is attached to a waterboard (50) at one end and secured to an anchor (30) at the other. By maneuvering the board, a rider (20) first stretches the tether and then releases the force stored in the stretched tether to propel the board (50) with rider over the water at high speed. As the board approaches the anchor point (30), the tether (100) automatically releases to reduce drag for an unencumbered ride. When used on a river, the described hook (140) and loop (120) apparatus is easily retrieved by the rider and reconnected to the board (50) in preparation for the next ride. Safety features ensure protection of the rider and of observers. The coupling mechanism may be built in to new water boards or retrofitted to others.

Abstract: A mounting of a ski line bracket includes the attachment of a ski line bracket (1) of the type whereby the ski line can roll along a circular tube by means of a pulley, wherein attachment of the bracket uses an attachment device of the outboard engine to the transom of the boat. The attachment allows that the operating position of the bracket to be set and fixed while the bracket can be lifted with some friction. Mounting elements have flanges (4) with holes that correspond to those of the outboard engine attachment device.

Abstract: Marine seismic survey systems and methods are presented. One system comprises a source array, a tow vessel, one or more source tow members, one or more deflecting members operatively connected to the source array; one or more streamers connected to the tow vessel by a corresponding number of streamer tow members, one or more of the streamers positioned by corresponding one or more active or passive streamer deflectors, one or more source separation members connecting one or more source tow members to one or more streamer tow members, and optionally one or more streamer separation members connecting one or more streamer tow members. The one or more source separation members help position the source array in conjunction with the one or more. deflecting members. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An aquatic recreational device is configured for towing with a towline and has a rider-support structure for supporting a rider during travel in water. The device has a hook for releasably retaining the towline, the hook being movable between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the rider-support structure, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the rider-support structure for engaging the towline.

Abstract: An aquatic recreational device is configured for towing with a towline and has a rider-support structure for supporting a rider during travel in water. The device has a hook for releasably retaining the towline, the hook being movable between a first position, in which the hook is oriented to be substantially within the rider-support structure, and a second position, in which at least a portion of the hook is located exterior of the rider-support structure for engaging the towline.

Abstract: An elevated tow device comprised of: first and second substantially vertical support members, each slidably and pivotally engaging a boat support structure on a lower end and forming an apex on an upper end, the height and width of which can be adjusted; a tether attachment point at the apex adapted to mechanically engage a tether for connecting to a towed object; at least one forestay connecting the device to a bow of the boat; and at least one rear stay connecting the device to the boat support structure, the forestay and rear stay providing stability to the device. Because of the way that the device is connected to the boat support structure, the device is adjustable in height and width and is also collapsible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for surf skiing. The apparatus includes a pair of surf skis for attaching to each foot of a surf skier and using the force and momentum of a wave to propel the surf skier.

Abstract: A marine handling craft and system is intended for use in deploying, inspecting and receiving vessels and payloads to and from locations on, under, over or near water and wet soils in potentially turbulent aquatic or atmospheric conditions. The marine handling craft may operate as a robot, or deployed from a crane or boom on a mother ship or other platform or helicopter so that it can transport and mate and dock at various locations, such as supply ships or autonomous marine vessels, at a stand off distance to limit potential harm to valuable assets. A sliding fastener and track are included on the marine handling craft so that it can be tethered and lifted by a single line or cable, and so can be manipulated by a single crane or helicopter. The utility of the handling craft is not limited to the transport of payloads and it may function as a stand-alone vessel for various remote sensing purposes.

Abstract: A tow body is provided with an attachment point to connect to a tow cable. The attachment point is positioned nominally at a nonzero angle relative to the length of the tow body. Propulsion components of the body generate thrust. The body is capable of accepting electric power for a propulsion motor within the body. The motor provides the power for the propeller or other propulsion equipment. The power for the motor can also provided by a tow cable. The addition of forward thrust by the propeller decreases cable scope (the need for long lengths of cable) and required winch volume for storing the cable.

Abstract: A method for intercepting and yawing an errant sailing vessel is disclosed, wherein the vessel might have been hijacked or malfunctioned and in danger of colliding with an object. The method comprises dispatching a pair of watercraft to approach said sailing vessel, providing a tow rope to be secured at one end to first watercraft and the other end to second watercraft. The tow rope is brought to extend between the first and second watercrafts over the hull of said sailing vessel. The first watercraft is then secured to one side of said sailing vessel's hull, while second watercraft pulls the tow rope away from the direction of sailing on the other side of said vessel's hull. In an alternative embodiment, the tow rope end held by the first watercraft may be secured directly to the vessel's hull, thus freeing the first watercraft to evacuate crew from the vessel to a safer distance.

Abstract: A deflector device (22) for use with a tow lie between a towing vessel (10) and a tow (16) in water behind the vessel, the device comprising a principal wing-shaped body (28) shaped to produce in use a sideways force which urges the tow line (16) laterally with respect to the direction of movement of the towing vessel, a boom (32) extending rearwardly from the principal wing-shaped body (28), and an auxiliary wing-shaped body (52), smaller than the principal wing-shaped body (28), secured to the end of the boom (32) remote from the principal wing-shaped body (28) and shaped so as to produce in use a sideways force in generally the opposite direction to that produced by the principal wing-shaped body (28).

Abstract: An elevated tow device comprised of: first and second substantially vertical support members, each slidably and pivotally engaging a boat support structure on a lower end and forming an apex on an upper end, the height and width of which can be adjusted; a tether attachment point at the apex adapted to mechanically engage a tether for connecting to a towed object; at least one forestay connecting the device to a bow of the boat; and at least one rear stay connecting the device to the boat support structure, the forestay and rear stay providing stability to the device. Because of the way that the device is connected to the boat support structure, the device is adjustable in height and width and is also collapsible.

Abstract: A safety device automatically raises and lowers a warning flag over a boat based on the tension applied to a line towed by the boat. For the device, the tow line is anchored to a tower mounted on the boat. Further, an arm is pivotably connected to the tower for movement between first and second orientations. Structurally, the arm is partially enclosed within a housing mounted to the tower. Also, the warning flag is pivotably mounted to the housing. Within the housing, the device includes a mechanism for translating movement of the arm to movement of the flag between raised and lowered orientations. When the tow line is slack, the arm is biased toward the first orientation by a spring. However, when the line becomes taut, the tension in the line overcomes the spring force and the arm is moved to its second orientation.

Abstract: A system and method for towing a water sports apparatus over a body of water behind a towing vessel. The system includes a rider towline for coupling a rider of the water sports apparatus to the towing vessel. The rider towline includes a distal end adapted to the gripped by the rider, to enable the rider to be pulled over the body of water on the water sports apparatus during forward motion of the towing vessel. The towing system also includes a lift apparatus coupled with the rider towline and adapted to lift the rider towline during forward motion of the towing vessel, so that an uppermost point of the rider towline is above and behind the towing vessel.