Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system is presented that uses hydrofoils mounted on the vessel. The hydrofoils create a counteracting force to the waves that would otherwise cause the vessel to roll and pitch. The hydrofoil is connected to the vessel in both passive and an active modes. The hydrofoil consists of a number of configurations that include a number of attached struts and foils which provide additional counteracting forces in response to wave action.

Abstract: A device for reducing the drive power requirement of a ship and even for not very quick ships of all types, in particular for slow, wide ships, such as tankers, bulkers and tugboats, and for improving the propeller blower stream as well as for producing a pretwist includes a front nozzle fixedly installed on the hull with fins or hydrofoils placed in the inner space thereof.

Abstract: A foil shaped lifting body is attached by means of a strut to the underwater body of a vessel in such a manner as to cause a standing wave to be developed when the vessel is in operation in order that the standing wave will induct water into machinery intakes. The technology of this invention is particularly applicable to the operation of waterjet marine propulsion systems.

Abstract: A foil guard for sporting devices having hydrofoils covers the exposed edges of the foils and thereby prevents damage to persons or property from accidental contact with the foils. The guard may include cords or elastics to secure the guard to the foils, and may float in water to prevent loss of the guard.

Abstract: A high-speed, multi-hull boat that includes at least three hulls (3, 4), and in which, with the boat being considered to be floating and stationary on a stretch of calm water (1), the cross sectional areas (Si) of the space (18) formed between two walls (19) of opposing hulls, the surface of the water (1) and the bottom face (21) of the deck (2) facing this water surface, decrease from the bow to the stern. According to the invention, with the boat being considered to be out of the water, the heights (H) of the hulls between the same horizontal reference (R) and the lowest part (B) of their bottoms, are greater for the outer hulls (4) than for the central hulls (3) in the same cross-sectional plane.

Abstract: A collapsible or compactable hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism that may be collapsed into a compact size for transport and storage. The steering mechanism includes several releasably coupled components that are in turn coupled to a drive platform and drive foil. The drive platform may be configured in a plurality of embodiments that each achieve ready disassembly and reassembly. The drive foil may be configured of multiple releasably couplable sections.

Abstract: A ship hull includes at least one float (10) and a centre of buoyancy (CB) situated behind the centre of flotation (CF), the distance between the centre of buoyancy and centre of flotation is greater by 5% than the waterline length L of the hull.

Abstract: The disclosed is for a specifically designed ski structure to support a vessel's hull above the water surface while the vessel is underway so that the hull encounters minimal or no resistance from the water, the viscosity of which is 800 times greater than air. The skis, which may number more than two per vessel, are arranged in parallel to the vessel's direction of travel and support the hull from beneath via stanchions that may be of a fixed nature or capable of lifting and lowering the hull relative to the ski structures' planing position on the water surface. The skis would normally be positioned to the sides of the hull's beam to impart maximum stability to the vessel. The ski structures are designed to have multiple functions: a.) to enable sea vessels to travel at very much higher speeds than conventional designs afford; b.) To provide a lightweight, rigid structure that is able to be reinforced within itself; c.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to fluid working devices including reciprocating internal combustion engines, compressors and pumps. A number of arrangements for pistons and cylinders of unconventional configuration are described, mostly intended for use in reciprocating internal combustion IC engines operating without cooling. Included are toroidal combustion or working chambers, some with fluid flow through the core of the toroid, pistons reciprocating between pairs of working chambers, tensile valve actuation, tensile links between piston and crankshaft, energy absorbing piston-crank links, crankshafts supported on gas bearings, cylinders rotating in housings, injectors having components reciprocate or rotate during fuel delivery. In some embodiments pistons mare rotate while reciprocating. High temperature exhaust emissions systems are described, including those containing filamentary material, as are procedures for reducing emissions during cold start by means of valves at reaction volume exit.

Abstract: A vessel (10) for travelling on water comprises a hull means (20) and a keel (30) comprising a member (34) depending from the hull means, the member (34) comprising two limbs (44) each depending from a respective lateral side of the hull means (20), the two limbs (44) defining at least in part an enclosed flow path extending in a bow to stem direction, the enclosed flow path being configured to allow water incident on the vessel to flow over inner and outer surfaces of the limbs (44a, 44b). The limbs (44) each have a zero-lift surface which is angled to generate in use a component of hydrodynamic force directed away from the enclosed flow path when there is a net flow of water along the enclosed flow path.

Abstract: A method for preparing and assembling parts of a skin for a curved structure, and apparatus for use in connection therewith. A gantry may be used to carry cutting torches and welder heads along predetermined paths to cut skin plates accurately into skin parts and to weld the skin parts together again after they have been fastened to internal frame elements.

Abstract: A method for preparing and assembling parts of a skin for a curved structure, and apparatus for use in connection therewith. A gantry may be used to carry cutting torches and welder heads along predetermined paths to cut skin plates accurately into skin parts and to weld the skin parts together again after they have been fastened to internal frame elements.

Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system is presented that uses hydrofoils mounted on the vessel. The hydrofoils create a counteracting force to the waves that would otherwise cause the vessel to roll pitch. the hydrofoil is connected to the vessel in both passive and an active modes. The hydrofoil consists of a number of configurations that include a number of attached struts and foils which provide additional counteracting forces in response to wave action.

Abstract: An apparatus for underwater propulsion. The apparatus may include a hydrofoil, a buoyancy compensator connected to the hydrofoil, a tank containing air, and a controller regulating the passage of air from the tank into the buoyancy compensator. The controller may also regulate the escape of air from the buoyancy compensator. By positioning the hydrofoil underwater and alternating between positive and negative angles of attack, a diver may generate forward propulsion by manipulating the controller to correspondingly alternate the buoyant force produced by the buoyancy compensator between levels below and above neutral buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for reducing wing-tip vortex energy during seismic exploration. The apparatus includes a vortex concentrator of deployed proximate a tip of a hydrofoil and a vortex reducing device deployed proximate the vortex concentrator.

Abstract: A wind driven sailing craft is disclosed with a hydrofoil element which provides variable lift to the stern of the craft to maintain a level trim when the craft is operated under power propulsion. The hydrofoil element includes a hydrofoil wing which rotates on a transverse axis to provide the desired lift.

Abstract: A power boat having an improved hull including concave aft sections, and which hull is capable of operations at a wide range of speeds with low relative horsepower for vessel weight and improved fuel economy is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the boat is a 38 foot power boat having an improved hull which can achieve speeds of up to about 18 knots, with a 200 hp engine and which burns about 10 gals. per hour. The hull preferably includes a negative deadrise angle at the aft sections, the deadrise angle being positive at the bow and transitioning to a negative angle at the aft sections of the hull.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted aerofoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted aerofoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft includes a hull having a longitudinal axis, a pylon secured to and extending beneath the hull and a lifting foil secured to the pylon. The lifting foil has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface of the lifting foil is substantially planar and the lower surface of the lifting foil is not coplanar with the upper lifting surface. The lifting foil has a fore portion and an aft portion that are traversed by a longitudinal axis and wherein the longitudinal axis is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hull and the thickness of the foil is greater at the aft portion than at the fore portion.

Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a fore and aft longitudinal axis and a bow includes a three dimensional low drag submerged lifting body secured to the bow below the design waterline of the hull.

Abstract: A shock mitigation system for a hydrofoil marine craft is provided, the shock mitigation system includes a pair of stacked lifting bodies, where an upper lifting body is used to provide initial lift for the craft. To mitigate the wave effects on the craft when operating at cruise speed, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and the waterline is proportionally related to the operational wave height. When operated within the selected operational parameters, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and waterline prevents the upper lifting bodies from becoming wetted and producing sudden increases in lift from wave impact.

Abstract: A wave riding surfing board with a pair of transversely oriented hydrofoils, each attached to respective front and rear struts, for supporting a surfer in a prone or kneeling position. In operation, the front canard hydrofoil is arranged for piercing the surface of the water and partially supporting the weight of the rider and the board, while the fully submerged rear hydrofoil is arranged for supporting the remaining 90–100 percent of the weight. The rigging angle of the front canard hydrofoil can be adjusted. The surfing board can be maneuvered by banking the board. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of control handles and a control mechanism give rider a control over the front canard hydrofoil and the flap surfaces on the trailing edge of the rear strut to enable precision maneuvering.

Abstract: A motorized hydrofoil water craft that has a substantially horizontally disposed flotation device that may be configured to receive an adult human in a prone, sitting or standing position. The craft includes a hydro foil, a motor, and a steering mechanism. The hydrofoil may have various configurations and be detachable, while the motor may be electric and have an associated battery that is situated underwater in use. The steering mechanism may include a canard and be configured for vertical movement of the canard. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-propelled hydrofoil device having front and rear foils, a support structure and a steering mechanism. The device is preferably fabricated with a flexible steering and/or support member that permits the drive foil to move in an appropriate manner through water to propel the device forward. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Low drag underwater submerged lifting bodies which can be used as underwater displacement portions of a vessel whose main hull is at sea level are asymmetrical and have improved lift to drag ratios. The lifting bodies have outer surfaces whose shapes are defined in plan and elevation by generally parabolic curves which are different on opposite sides of the lifting bodies.

Abstract: A power boat having an improved hull including concave aft sections, and which hull is capable of operations at a wide range of speeds with low relative horsepower for vessel weight and improved fuel economy is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the boat is a 38 foot power boat having an improved hull which can achieve speeds of up to about 18 knots, with a 200 hp engine and which burns about 10 gals. per hour. The hull preferably includes a negative deadrise angle at the aft sections, the deadrise angle being positive at the bow and transitioning to a negative angle at the aft sections of the hull.

Abstract: A shock mitigation system for a hydrofoil marine craft is provided, the shock mitigation system includes a pair of stacked lifting bodies, where an upper lifting body is used to provide initial lift for the craft. To mitigate the wave effects on the craft when operating at cruise speed, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and the waterline is proportionally related to the operational wave height. When operated within the selected operational parameters, the distance between the upper lifting bodies and waterline prevents the upper lifting bodies from becoming wetted and producing sudden increases in lift from wave impact.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull (20) is modified with chine mounted aerofoils (32, 33, 28, 28A), flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow (30, 31) so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s) (26). Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) (28) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern (28A) end of the tunnel (26) to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) (26) may also be provided.

Abstract: A hydrofoil system for lifting a boat out of water an amount sufficient to reduce drag while still allowing the boat to be powered by a conventional inboard-outboard drive. The hydrofoil system includes a front hydrofoil unit, a center hydrofoil unit, and a pair of rear hydrofoil units. The front hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil portion that dependingly mounts to a mounting portion thereof that depends from the bottom of the hull at the bow thereof. The center hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil that dependingly extends equidistantly outwardly from a pair of stanchions thereof that depend from the bottom of the hull at the substantial center thereof. Each rear hydrofoil unit includes a hydrofoil that dependingly extends equidistantly outwardly from a pair of stanchions thereof that depend from port and starboard trim tab units of the hull, respectively.

Abstract: A motorized hydrofoil water craft that has a substantially horizontally disposed flotation device that may be configured to receive an adult human in a prone, sitting or standing position. The craft includes a hydro foil, a motor, and a steering mechanism. The hydrofoil may have various configurations and be detachable, while the motor may be electric and have an associated battery that is situated underwater in use. The steering mechanism may include a canard and be configured for vertical movement of the canard. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a foil system for hydrofoil vessels, where the foil system lifts and carries the total weight of the craft at speed, and comprising a number of adjustable control fins/-surfaces (3-5), supporting legs (7-9) between the foil system and the hull of the vessel, and means to adjust the control fins/-surfaces. The foil system is characterized in that it is formed by one single approximately horizontal foil body comprising two generally mirror symmetric foil arms (1, 2) which extend aft to each side in almost equal angle, in that the forward corner of the angle lies in the center line (11) of the craft, and the foil arms extend aft to each side in an almost equal angle (12) with the longitudinal centerline (11) of the craft.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic device for use with a recreational water vessel such as a surfboard, disrupts a flow of water under the recreational water vessel. A channel member (12) and a fixing device (14) are attachable to an underside of the recreational water vessel. The fixing device (14) may have lugs (44) arranged to be received in corresponding recesses in the underside of the vessel. Water flowing between the underside of the vessel and the channel member (12) passes from a high water-pressure zone to a low water-pressure zone, which enhances forward thrust of the recreational water vessel in the water.

Abstract: A trimaran vessel having a central hull (10) and two outer hulls (11) each small and of less draft compared to the central hull (10), the arrangement of the vessel being such that the draft of the vessel lessens when moving at speed due to dynamic lift developed by the movement and whereby because of the change in draft, the outer hulls (11) have little if any effect on buoyancy of the vessel when moving at speed. The increase in lift can be achieved by the use of foils (20) and/or other lifting surfaces and/or by the use of a planning hull design of at least the central hull (10). The vessel is particularly suitable for a load carrying vessel such as a ferry.

Abstract: A Wing In Ground Effect Vehicle has a pair of supercavitating endplates (17) which extend below the fuselage (2) such that they can be immersed in water during flight thereover. The endplates have a nose (28) defining a leading edge (20) and adapted to generate a supercavity. The endplates (17) typically pivot about a pivot axis P to provide a stabilising weathercock-type effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to hulls for planing or semi-planing water craft. The hull (4) has an abruptly down-swept trailing edge portion (18) which, in the preferred embodiment, is in the form of a flap extending across the full width of the transom of the hull and which projects beyond the level of an upswept portion of the underside (14) of the hull by only a small fraction of the length (L) of the hull. According to another aspect of the invention, a hull (4) having a lightly cambered nose portion (5, 10, 12) is also described and claimed. The claimed hulls offer higher lift coefficients and lift/drag ratios than conventional planing hulls, and can operate at zero angle of attack at design speed.

Abstract: A stabilization system for vessels that comprises at least one pair of stabilizer elements (E) each arranged on a side of the vessel and well under its water line, each of said stabilizer elements being hinged to the hull (C) of the vessel such that they can be made to rotate (XX′) between a deployed, active, position and a non-deployed, inactive, position in which they are received in corresponding housings (A) provided in the hull and the configuration of said stabilizer elements (E) being such that, in the aforesaid inactive position, they define, together with the rest of the hull (C), a surface without interruption of continuity. Movement between said active and inactive positions is achieved by actuating means provided inside the hull or mounted on the outside thereof, but inside said housings (A) for receiving the aforesaid stabilizer elements.

Abstract: A sailing craft including a single hydrofoil assembly, an aerofoil assembly, and a hull assembly with a rigid beam interconnecting the hydrofoil assembly, the aerofoil assembly, and the hull assembly. The hull is separate and displaced from the hydrofoil assembly and is, in use, supported above the water by the rigid beam. The hydrofoil assembly, the aerofoil assembly, and the hull assembly are preferably interconnected such that the hydrofoil assembly and the aerofoil assembly are disposed at opposite ends of the rigid beam and the hull is connected to the beam therebetween.

Abstract: Presented is a highly efficient and stable ship concept that is at least partially supported by an artificially produced gas cushion(s). Addition of a stern bustle aft of the gas cushion(s) improves hull efficiency. Special location of water inlets for waterjet propulsors allows the inlets to take in the ship's boundary layer to thereby enhance the waterjet's efficiency. Other features of the invention include an aft stabilizer that can have trim capabilities, a forward stabilizer that can include trim capabilities and that can also provide an expansion of gas cushion area, and forward stabilizing fins that can retract into the gas cushion recess which is an advantage when operating in shallow water or near docks. A further enhancement includes water deflectors disposed mainly in a gas cushion recess(es) whereby impingement of a bow wave on such water deflectors adds to the overall lift and hence efficiency of the ship especially at low to medium speeds.

Abstract: A boat has one or more jet pumps with appropriate water intakes and jet nozzles to drive the boat and one or more outboard motors to drive the boat. The boat may also have one or more hydroplane fins allowing the hull of the boat to be lifted out of the water for fast hydroplaning motion. The hydroplane fins are extendable and retractable and the one or more jet pumps and/or outboard motors are movably mounted and can be lowered so as to be disposed below the water level in efficient operating position even when the hydroplane fins are extended and the hull of the boat is lifted out of the water for fast hydroplaning motion.

Abstract: A high efficiency extremely stable marine vehicle that is connected to and supported by submerged supporting structure(s) is presented. The submerged structure(s) are normally airfoil shaped to insure maximum efficiency and are, in the preferred embodiments, air lubricated on their undersides by pressurized air to reduce wetted area frictional effects. Propulsor(s) take in water from the boundary layer adjacent the upper surfaces of the submerged supporting structure(s) which provides boundary layer control and also enhances the efficiency of the propulsor(s).

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft using a novel propulsive system able to greatly reduce wave making resistance at a sailing time is provided. Therefore, a semi-submergence type hydrofoil craft has a craft main body having a water surface craft body located above the water surface at the sailing time, an underwater craft body located below the water surface, and one or plural struts vertically connecting these craft bodies. The above underwater craft body has a water suction port opened to suck water from a front face of the underwater craft body, a propeller for sending-out the sucked water backward, at least one water injection port opened to inject the water sent-out from the propeller backward, at least one water sending passage extending from the rear of the propeller to the at least one water injection port, and at least one pair of wings projected from both side faces of the underwater craft body.

Abstract: A multi-hulled watercraft adapted to travel above the surface of a body of water includes deck structure disposed between the hulls and defining with the hulls and water surface a channel through which air is compressively funneled with forward travel of the watercraft. The deck structure includes a bridge component having an airplane wing airfoil configuration. At least one air-moving propulsion unit is mounted on the deck structure at an elevation such that its thrust axis is above the bridge component. Elevon and rudder components located at the rear of the watercraft control the movement of the watercraft when airborne and when riding on the surface of the water. During forward travel, lift is imparted to the watercraft by the combined effects of the channelled air flow beneath the deck structure, and the airfoil configuration of the bridge component.

Abstract: A sailing vessel has a hull, two outriggers, one on either side of the hull, a rudder, and rigging supporting at least one sail. Wings are secured to the outriggers and arranged to be located below the surface of the water during sailing. The leeward wing being arranged, as the vessel moves through water, to exert an upwards directed force and the windward wing being arranged to exert a downwards directed force to counteract the rotational force from the sails.

Abstract: The invention features a hydrofoil device for reducing wake formation on a partially immersed hull of a sailing or motor vessel.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft using a novel propulsive system able to greatly reduce wave making resistance at a sailing time is provided. Therefore, a semi-submergence type hydrofoil craft has a craft main body having a water surface craft body located above the water surface at the sailing time, an underwater craft body located below the water surface, and one or plural struts vertically connecting these craft bodies. The above underwater craft body has a water suction port opened to suck water from a front face of the underwater craft body, a propeller for sending-out the sucked water backward, at least one water injection port opened to inject the water sent-out from the propeller backward, at least one water sending passage extending from the rear of the propeller to the at least one water injection port, and at least one pair of wings projected from both side faces of the underwater craft body.

Abstract: The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull (20) is modified with chine mounted aerofoils (32, 33, 28, 28A), flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow (30, 31) so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s) (26). Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) (28) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern (28A) end of the tunnel (26) to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) (26) may also be provided.

Abstract: A monohull keel sail boat is provided with a bow foil structure, a keel foil structure and a stern foil structure. The bow, keel and stern foil structures have foils with may be moved to provide a variable angle of attack and thus variable lifting forces. The stern foil structure has a ladder foil arrangement and includes vertical struts to provide steering control thus replacing a conventional rudder. The three foil structures work in concert to lift the hull of the boat, but not the keel, completely out of the water so as to provide near listless sailing.

Abstract: A Hover Effect craft is disclosed that includes a a forward wing element; a plurality of high-pressure air valve elements; at least one air conduit member disposed to a leading edge of the forward wing element; at least two engine/prop assemblies; each engine/prop assembly including at least one floatation tank element; each one of said engine/prop assemblies depending from the terminal ends of the forward wing element; a platform element disposed to the trailing edge of the forward wing element so as to be rigidly affixed to the trailing edge of the forward wing element; the platform element including cutout cavities for a plurality of inflatable members and cutout cavities for a plurality of air-fan blower elements; a suspension device; a passenger compartment member disposed above the suspension device.