Patents Assigned to Skysails GmbH & Co. KG
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Patent number: 8740153Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force in the direction of the tractive cable when the airflow direction is about perpendicular to the tractive cable. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wing is provided being coupled to a steering unit located close below the wing via a plurality of tractive lines of different elasticity.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Specht, Xaver Paulig, Robert Drechsler, Stephan Brabeck
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Patent number: 8695924Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wing, including an upper deck extending in operation in a longitudinal direction and in a transversal direction; wherein the upper deck is shaped and arranged to produce a vertical lifting force which is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal and the transversal direction when the aerodynamic wing is exposed to a wind flow in a direction oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction; wherein a plurality of ribs are connected to the upper deck, said ribs lying in a plane parallel to the direction of the vertical lifting force and the direction of the wind flow; the aerodynamic wing being coupled to a base platform arranged below the wing in service via a plurality of fastening lines, whereby the fastening lines are secured to the ribs of the wing, at least two fastening lines are secured to one rib at two line attachment points arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction; wherein the at least two line attachment points are connected to eachType: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Specht, Robert Drechsler, Xaver Paulig
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Patent number: 8607722Abstract: An aerodynamic wind propulsion device is provided, particularly for watercraft, in form of an aerodynamic wing connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, at least one pair of two active steering lines being connected to the aerodynamic wing at two points in distance and being coupled to a drive unit at the steering unit, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected at the steering unit to at least two of the tractive lines and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force, and two passive steering lines are connected to each other to form a continuous passive steering line section passing through the steering unit in order to passively follow a deformation of the aerodynamic wing.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2007Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Bernd Specht, Stefan Wortmann
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Patent number: 8215588Abstract: The invention relates to a steering unit for a wind propulsion system, the steering unit comprising a first fixed attachment means for securing a first end of a tractive cable the second end of which is secured to a device or a vehicle to which a tractive force shall be transferred, a second attachment means for attaching a number of tractive lines, the second end of which being secured to an aerodynamic wing element, a mechanical support frame connecting the first attachment means to the second attachment means for transferring a tractive force. The invention aims at providing such a steering unit with improved design for better maneuverability and stability.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Stephan Brabeck
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Publication number: 20120111251Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, at least one pair of two active steering lines being connected to the aerodynamic wing at two points in distance and being coupled to a drive unit at the steering unit, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected at the steering unit to at least two of the tractive lines and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force, and, according to a first aspect of the invention, is characterized by a pair of two passive steering lines, wherein each of the two passive steering lines comprises a lower section and an upper section, wherein a second end of the lower section of each passive steering line is connected to a first end of the upper section of the respectType: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2007Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Bernd Specht, Stefan Wortmann
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Publication number: 20120060736Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of tractive lines, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable being connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force in the direction of the tractive cable when the airflow direction is about perpendicular to the tractive cable. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wing is provided being coupled to a steering unit located close below the wing via a plurality of tractive lines of different elasticity.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2008Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Specht, Xaver Paulig, Robert Drechsler, Stephan Brabeck
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Patent number: 8117977Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit by a tractive cable, having a first end of the tractive cable connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable connected to a base platform, a guiding line having a first end connected to the aerodynamic wing or to the steering unit, a pole being connected to the base platform. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wind propulsion device as mentioned above is provided, characterized in that a second end of the guiding line is connected to the base platform during and between starting and landing maneuvers wherein the guiding line is guided through or along the pole and is capable of transferring a tensile force onto the aerodynamic wing at least during starting or landing.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bastian Reusch
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Patent number: 8056490Abstract: The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite-type element, which is connected to said water craft by means of a traction cable. Said water craft is characterized in that the kite-type element is equipped with adjusting devices, which are supplied with energy from the water craft, said energy being transmitted in the traction cable or by an element on the latter.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2010Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Skysails GmbH Co. KGInventor: Stephan Wrage
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Patent number: 7971545Abstract: The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite element, which is connected to the water craft by a traction cable. The water craft is characterized in that the kite element is equipped with adjusting devices and an energy generation unit, which delivers energy when the tractive force that is exerted on the traction cable is modified.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stephan Wrage
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Publication number: 20110052391Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercraft, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit located below the aerodynamic wing and coupled to the aerodynamic wing via a plurality of lines, particularly steering lines and/or fixing lines, a tractive cable, wherein a first end of the tractive cable is connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable is connected to a base platform, the aerodynamic wing having an aerodynamic profile which generates a lifting force in the direction of the traction cable when the air stream direction is about perpendicular to the tractive cable, a plurality of reefing lines located across the aerodynamic wing for increasing and decreasing the lifting force by changing the shape and/or dimension of the aerodynamic wing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2007Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicant: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Bernd Specht, Stefan Wortmann, Hannes Gerdes
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Publication number: 20110041747Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind propulsion device, particularly for watercrafts, comprising an aerodynamic wing being connected to a steering unit by a tractive cable, having a first end of the tractive cable connected to the steering unit and a second end of the tractive cable connected to a base platform, a guiding line having a first end connected to the aerodynamic wing or to the steering unit, a pole being connected to the base platform. According to the invention, an aerodynamic wind propulsion device as mentioned above is provided, characterized in that a second end of the guiding line is connected to the base platform during and between starting and landing maneuvers wherein the guiding line is guided through or along the pole and is capable of transferring a tensile force onto the aerodynamic wing at least during starting or landing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2007Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Bastian Reusch
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Patent number: 7866271Abstract: Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Johannes Böhm
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Publication number: 20100282153Abstract: The invention relates to a steering unit for a wind propulsion system, the steering unit comprising a first fixed attachment means for securing a first end of a tractive cable the second end of which is secured to a device or a vehicle to which a tractive force shall be transferred, a second attachment means for attaching a number of tractive lines, the second end of which being secured to an aerodynamic wing element, a mechanical support frame connecting the first attachment means to the second attachment means for transferring a tractive force. The invention aims at providing such a steering unit with improved design for better maneuverability and stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: November 11, 2010Applicant: SkySails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Stephan Brabeck
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Patent number: 7798083Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning device for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element that comprises a profiled wing, is used as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit, and is connected to a watercraft via a traction rope. The positioning device is provided with a winch that encompasses means which cause the traction rope to be taken in when a given first tractive force is not attained and/or when the flow is about to stop or has stopped abruptly and/or cause the traction rope to be veered when given a second tractive force and/or a given inflow velocity are/is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stephan Wrage
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Patent number: 7672761Abstract: Disclosed is a wind-powered watercraft in which a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element that is provided with a profiled wing and is used as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit is connected to the vessel only via one traction rope, said traction rope optionally fanning out into a number of holding ropes. The wind-attacked element can be modified via at least one active drive element that is disposed thereupon and is effectively connected thereto by modifying the aerodynamic effect thereof in order to be guided into a given position relative to the watercraft or to dynamically maneuver.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Stefan Müller
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Patent number: 7546813Abstract: Disclosed is a positioning device for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element that comprises a profiled wing, is used as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit, and is connected to a watercraft via a traction rope. The positioning device is provided with a winch that can cause the traction rope to be taken in when a given first tractive force is not attained and/or when the flow is about to stop or has stopped abruptly and/or cause the traction rope to be veered when given a second tractive force and/or a given inflow velocity are/is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Stephan Wrage
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Patent number: 7504741Abstract: The present invention provides a device for converting wind flow energy into mechanical energy, comprising a wind-engaging member having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force in the direction of a load cable when the airflow direction is perpendicular to the load cable, a steering mechanism configured to produce a steered movement about a first axis or in a first direction of the wind-engaging member and about a second axis or in a second direction that is different from the first direction or axis of the wind-engaging member, relative to the airflow direction, and a control unit configured to use the steering mechanism to move the wind-engaging member along a predetermined flight path in a flight plane perpendicular to the load cable. The present invention further provides a method for converting wind flow energy into mechanical energy and a docking station for use with the device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Stephan Brabeck
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Patent number: 7287481Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic profile element for energy production using traction force, in particular for driving watercraft. The invention further relates to a launch and retrieval arrangement for a profile element, and a drive arrangement for a watercraft including the profile element and the launch and retrieval arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Stephan Wrage, Stephan Brabeck
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Publication number: 20070228738Abstract: The present invention provides a device for converting wind flow energy into mechanical energy, comprising a wind-engaging member having an aerodynamic profile which generates an uplift force in the direction of a load cable when the airflow direction is perpendicular to the load cable, a steering mechanism configured to produce a steered movement about a first axis or in a first direction of the wind-engaging member and about a second axis or in a second direction that is different from the first direction or axis of the wind-engaging member, relative to the airflow direction, and a control unit configured to use the steering mechanism to move the wind-engaging member along a predetermined flight path in a flight plane perpendicular to the load cable. The present invention further provides a method for converting wind flow energy into mechanical energy and a docking station for use with the device.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 4, 2007Applicant: SKYSAILS GMBH & CO. KGInventors: Stephan WRAGE, Stephan BRABECK