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 amphibious vehicle for one or more operators is equipped with four buoyant amphibious propulsion wheels, the wheels having a number of collapsible pockets disposed about the surface of the wheel. Each pocket comprises an opening oriented in the direction of rotation of the wheel and an outlet means distal to the opening for draining the pocket. Methods for using the amphibious wheel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A screw drive vehicle has a main housing with forward and aft ends and first and second lateral sides. A first support arm rotatably supports a first pontoon assembly from the first lateral side of the main housing. A second support arm rotatably supports a second pontoon assembly from the second lateral side of the main housing. A reversible motor in the housing simultaneously rotates the support arms from positions parallel to one another and the main housing to non-parallel positions. Each pontoon assembly includes a tubular housing with exterior screw thread supported for rotation between distal ends of the arm and a reversible pontoon drive motor operably coupled with the tubular housing so as to rotate the housing and thread in a selected rotational direction.

Abstract: A screw drive vehicle has a main housing with forward and aft ends and first and second lateral sides. A first support arm rotatably supports a first pontoon assembly from the first lateral side of the main housing. A second support arm rotatably supports a second pontoon assembly from the second lateral side of the main housing. A reversible motor in the housing simultaneously rotates the support arms from positions parallel to one another and the main housing to non-parallel positions. Each pontoon assembly includes a tubular housing with exterior screw thread supported for rotation between distal ends of the arm and a reversible pontoon drive motor operably coupled with the tubular housing so as to rotate the housing and thread in a selected rotational direction.

Abstract: A non sinkable, easily re-rightable aquatic vehicle has a lightweight body with a front, a rear, a bottom and opposite sides and contains a seat for supporting a pilot. A pair of front sheaves are rotatably mounted to opposite sides of the body near the front of the body and a pair of rear sheaves are rotatably mounted to opposite sides of the body near the rear thereof. A first flotation track is engaged around and extends between the front and rear sheaves on one side of the body and a second flotation track is engaged around and extends between the front and rear sheaves on the other side of the body. Each said flotation track includes an endless band engaged around a front and rear sheave and a multiplicity of buoyant flotation treads connected to the band at spaced apart locations therealong to form upper and lower series of flotation treads extending between the associated front and rear sheaves.

Abstract: An ice rescue vehicle used to aid a victim who has fallen through thin ice. The ice rescue vehicle is capable of traveling over ice, water, a broken ice and water mixture, mud, snow and solid ground. The vehicle has a buoyant hollow sled pulled behind a traction wheel that includes a plastic, buoyant, rotating drum. The drum has a number of fins to propel the vehicle in water. Mounted to the fins are three annular rings having tangs for traction on ice. A small internal combustion engine provides power to turn the drum via two gear belt drives on each side of the drum. Handle bars are used to steer the vehicle, and a throttle control, similar to those used on motorcycles, provides the rescuer with a means to control the engine and vehicle speed. The sled and drum both provide flotation during travel over broken ice and open water.

Abstract: The present invention includes a boat having a pair of rotatable elongated pontoons on opposite sides thereof. Each of the pontoons has helical flighting for propelling the boat during rotation of the pontoon. The pontoon also is filled with floatation materials so as to add to the buoyancy of the vehicle. Each pontoon is independently rotatable so as to achieve maneuverability even without a rudder.A modified form of the present invention utilizes two independently rotatable paddle wheels.

Abstract: An amphibious vessel has at least two substantially parallel, elongate flotation members (2, 3) which operate on water as hulls. Each flotation members (2, 3) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof so as to be rollable over land. The rotation of one flotation member (2) may be power-driven, while another flotation member (3) may be steerable during travel over land.

Abstract: A manually powered pair of crank operated flat paddles used by a swimmer combines a rotary and paddling motion. One paddle is rotated to engage the water while the opposite paddle is disengaged and provides flotation only. The opposite paddle is then rotated to engage the water while the first paddle is disengaged. This apparatus combines support with propulsion to assist the beginning swimmer. The motion of the swimmer's arms using this device mimics a normal swimming stroke and aids the learning process.

Abstract: An airplane with an enlarged safety door in the lower middle part of the fuselage which can be opened during mid-flight emergencies so as to let emergency exit stairs be hydraulically lowered down therefrom. The stairs have a hydraulically operated slideway on the lower end thereof. Chair assemblies which are slidable on rails and which are normally retained by a flip-up board. The chair assemblies can be moved either manually or by means of a motor driven draw cord. A user propelled water safety device comprising an inflatable chest support, two handlebars two inflatable paddlewheels and two floatation devices. A bouyant, collapsible carry-all which can be used to carry survival and safety items upon exit of the plane and which has holes in the bottom thereof for easy draining. An air-flow system comprising an air exhaust shield, a plurality of fans, air vents distributed at even intervals along the ceiling of the plane.

Abstract: An amphibious vehicle comprises a bicycle wherein the ends of the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel hub shaft are laterally outwardly projected; a water-surface floating apparatus composed of floats each being provided with a foldable air-tight bag and float mounting members therefor loosely rotatable on each of the opposite sides of the bicycle on the front wheel shaft and the rear wheel shaft; a water-surface propulsion apparatus driven through rotation of the rear wheel; and a water-surface steering apparatus mounted on the front wheel.