Abstract: Device for generating energy using the current of a river (2) or similar, which device (1) includes a paddlewheel (11) and at least one generator set (14) of which the drive shaft (17a) is coupled to the shaft (11) of the paddlewheel (10), characterized in that the paddlewheel (10) is self-floating and that the device (1) is provided with an at least partly submerged housing (3) with an open bottom (4) that is located at a height (A) above the bed (5) of the river (2), wherein the paddlewheel (10) is bearing mounted and of which the internal space (8) is pressurized to regulate the height of the water level (12) in the housing (3).

Abstract: Propulsion device for boats or device or energy production comprising: a first track (6a) a second track (6b); driving wheels (3a-d) each having a peripheral surface (4) comprising a friction device (5) rotatably arranged in at least one frame (2), wherein the first track (6a) is arranged in contact with the friction devices (5) at a first set of driving wheels (3a, b), the second track (6b) is arranged in contact with the friction devices (5) at a second set of driving wheels (3c, d), such that the tracks move with the same speed as the peripheral surface of the rotatable driving wheels where the track is in contact with the friction devices when the driving wheels rotate; a plurality of shovel rollers (7a-d) each comprising a first (8a) and a second end (8b) and between the ends a device (9) with an outer periphery, wherein the first ends (8a) of the shovel rollers are arranged in the first track (6a) and the second ends (8b) of the shovel rollers are arranged in the second track (6b) such that the shovel r

Abstract: A paddle wheel yacht includes a ship body and a ship power device that is arranged on the ship body and consists of a propeller driven by a main engine. The propeller consists of two paddle wheels. The lower edges of the paddle wheels are lower than the bottom surface of the ship body and are symmetrically arranged on the two sides of the ship body. Paddles are uniformly distributed on the outer edges of the paddle wheels in the radial direction and continuously flap the water surface down-backward at high speed when the paddle wheels rotate at high speed. Only the tail part of the ship body contacts with the water surface and the ship body slides on the water surface, so as to avoid large water resistance and obviously improve the propulsion efficiency to realize the high speed and economical navigation of the ship.

Abstract: A paddlewheel thruster for propelling a marine vessel is provided with a trimming device to automatically trim the paddlewheel independently of the vessel. Automated trimming primarily achieved by means of a buoyant rudder and a fin and an articulated paddlewheel support. Augmentations including the use of sensors and control regulators are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved amphibious drive system for a watercraft. The amphibious drive system features a paddled drive wheel which is operatively mounted to a drive frame. The drive frame pivots about a horizontal pivot joint. The drive wheel can thereby be raised and lowered with respect to the watercraft. In the elevated position the drive wheel is only partially submerged in the water (such that the drive wheel may operate like a paddlewheel). In the lowered position the drive is submerged more deeply in the water. The amphibious drive system also features a mount plate for attaching the amphibious drive system to the transom of the watercraft. A swing-arm frame links the drive frame to the mount plate. The swing-arm frame pivots in the horizontal direction relative to the watercraft via a vertically-oriented kingpin. This action angularly offsets the thrust from the drive wheel, thereby allowing steering.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating power from a water current in a body of water comprises a longitudinally extending flotation platform for maintaining the apparatus afloat in the body of water and a water turbine operatively carried by the platform for generating power in response to water current in the body of water. The platform is configured to enhance the flow of water current over the turbine blades and, as well, to enable a number of like platforms each with an associated turbine or turbines to be arrayed in a cooperative manner. The water turbine may comprise a turbine rotor with a plurality of relatively narrow, flexible elongated blades arranged in circumferentially spaced rows extending along the rotor. In each row, the blades are distanced from each other in succession by a space.

Abstract: A marine outdrive attachable to the transom of a boat having a conventional inboard engine and transmission. Said drive includes an aft support member extending rearwardly and pivotably attached to the transom whereby hydraulic actuators control vertical elevation of said member. Said member supports an axle upon which is journalled a cylinder with a plurity of contiguous and articulated blades, suitably attached so as to produce thrust when cylinder is rotated about the axle in a radial manner and said blades are brought into contact with water. Said cylinder is operably connected to the transmission in a conventional manner, which is operably connected to the engine in a conventional manner. Said blades are operably connected to an eccentric load cam within said cylinder that controls said blade angle throughout rotation, whereby delivered thrust can be continuously adjusted while underway. Said blades having unique shape and attributes whereby said blade's ability to produce thrust is optimized.

Abstract: The vessel of this invention has a relatively uniform weight distribution throughout the length of the vessel which maintains a level trim under all operation conditions thereby maximizing the efficiency of the design and operation. This is, in part, accomplished by locating the engine and major transmission drive components inboard of the boat rather than outboard astern, and by locating the operator and the rudder assembly at the bow of the boat. Unique features of the invention include the propulsion and steering systems consisting of a paddle wheel, a power supply, a clutch, a gear reduction system to transfer power to the paddle wheel, an optional splash guard mounted between the stern of the boat and the paddle wheel, a frame to attach the propulsion members to the boat and a rudder mounted to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: A paddle wheel propulsion device kit is shown which can be removably affixed to a canoe and the like watercraft. A steering unit having a tiller and a rudder shaft detachable from an elbow with a safety cable can be removably attached to the watercraft. A folding and removable paddle wheel fender prevents water entering the watercraft while moving under power. The propulsion power includes a chain drive from a bicycle type mechanism with soft pedals and removably anchored inside the watercraft.

Abstract: The vessel of this invention has a relatively uniform weight distribution throughout the length of the vessel which maintains a level trim under all operation conditions thereby maximizing the efficiency of the design and operation. This is, in part, accomplished by locating the engine and major transmission drive components inboard of the boat rather than outboard astern, and by locating the operator and the rudder assembly at the bow of the boat. Unique features of the invention include the propulsion and steering systems for a boat consisting of a paddle wheel, a power supply, a clutch, a gear reduction system to transfer and reverse power to the paddle wheel, an optional splash guard mounted between the stern of the boat and the paddle wheel, a frame to attach the propulsion members to the boat and a rudder assembly mounted to the bow of the boat.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion system is provided for maneuvering and positioning a dredge or weed harvesting craft in shallow waterways and includes a pair of booms positioned adjacent the port and starboard sides of the craft. Submersible and reversible motors are provided at the remote end of each pivotally mounted boom for independently driving wheels provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced blades. The wheels include an enclosed buoyancy chamber to offset the weight of the wheels and the booms, and the blades are removable and may be provided in different configurations to accommodate different operating conditions. A pumping unit including a cutterhead is provided whereby the watercraft can perform dredging or aquatic weed harvesting operations.

Abstract: An aquatic vegetation harvester comprises a barge having a vegetation cutter extending forwardly thereof and a conveyor extending aft. Hydraulic cylinders effect elevation of the aft end of the conveyor relative to the barge. A pair of laterally spaced, laterally adjustable paddle wheels on the sides of the barge effect propulsion thereof.

Abstract: An amphibian vehicle which can travel both on land and on the water is disclosed wherein a front wheel which can be controlled in direction by operation of a handle, is provided at a front portion of a body having float members therearound while a drive shaft adapted to be rotated by driving means is disposed at a rear portion of the body and in a direction perpendicular to a direction of movement of the body, and that a wheel is supported for rotation on the drive shaft such that, during running on land of the amphibian vehicle, it may be directed perpendicularly to the drive shaft, and during running on the water, it may be directed obliquely to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A power assembly for converting a conventional commercial pontoon boat usually driven with an outboard motor to a paddle wheel driven boat.

Abstract: An aquatic craft for a swimmer; including a pair of pontoons, a frame therebetween on which the swimmer reclines, and a paddle wheel powered by the swimmer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed to transport and position a drilling rig over dry land, marshland and water. Surface effect vehicles having drive and positioning means that develop thrust against the surface over which they travel are used to lift and transport a drilling barge, after which they may be used as support and supply vehicles. Provision is made to adjust variable cargo loads so as to balance the assembled unit during transport.

Abstract: An inflatable boat includes a mechanical propulsion assembly operable by the legs of the user. The inflatable boat has three independent air chambers inflatable to give the boat an operative fork shape. A throw-like shaft mounted in bushes on the branches of the fork shape receives propulsive force from the user's feet. A pair of paddles keyed to the throw-like shaft propel the boat. Shoe-like sheaths may be included on the throw-like shaft for resting the user's feet. When dismantled, the boat does not occupy much space, is easily transportable and is inexpensive.