Abstract: A steering system for a marine vessel includes a cable translatable in response to a steering input command. The steering system also includes a rudder pivotable to steer the marine vessel. The steering system further includes a link member operatively coupled to the rudder. The steering system yet further includes a sensor positioned to detect a load associated with the cable in response to the steering input command. The steering system also includes an electric power steering system in operative communication with the sensor to receive a signal from the sensor and provide a powered assist to the link member.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for hydrofoil assemblies with planing blades that may be adjusted, and securely maintained in varying tilts with respect to a support member, using a curved indexing system with a curved ridge and a counterpart groove that utilize interacting position retaining elements to retain a desired tilt in different adjustable positions. In one illustrative system, a planing blade may have a convexly curved ridge disposed on a surface thereof with a series of transverse grooves disposed in the curved ridge. A support member may have a counterpart concavely curved receiver with a series of counterpart transverse grooves formed therein. When a user places the planing blade in position with the convex ridge contacting the concave receiver, the blade may be tilted to a desired position. The counterpart transverse grooves interconnect to provide an indexed positive interlock, securely maintaining the blade in the desired position.

Abstract: A traction system for a watercraft, including a sail and a fixed station that includes a mast and a winch which is connected to the sail by a traction cable, the system further including a bottom part that is supported by the traction cable, and fold lines, each of which has an end that is attached to a leading edge of the sail, and another end that is supported by the bottom part. The fixed station includes a base that accommodates the bottom element when the sail is retracted by the winch; and structure for grasping each fold line and pulling same towards the mast so as to retract the leading edge against the mast and fold the sail once the winch has retracted same close to the station.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for lifting and moving an object that is underwater. The apparatus including a first (12) and a second (14) chamber, both chambers containing a first (16) and a second (18) fluid. There is a conduit (20, 21) in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, the first and second fluids moveable between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes an engine, a driveshaft powered by the engine, a propulsor shaft coupled in torque-transmitting relationship with the driveshaft, and a propulsor coupled to the propulsor shaft and rotatable to produce a thrust. A housing supports the propulsor shaft therein. The housing has fore and aft skegs projecting from a bottom surface thereof.

Abstract: A power train for an amphibian operable in land and marine modes includes a prime mover having an integral speed change transmission, at least a first land propulsion unit, at least a first marine propulsion unit, and a power transmission unit including a drive member configured to couple the prime mover to the at least first marine propulsion unit, wherein the prime mover is arranged to drive the at least first land propulsion unit through/via the integral speed change transmission in the land mode, and the prime mover is arranged to drive the at least first marine propulsion unit through/via the power transmission unit in both the marine mode and the land mode.

Abstract: Manually propelled water skis support a person skiing on water. The water ski includes a base having a binding on an upper surface and stationary propulsion structures with uniform height on the bottom surface. The propulsion structures include a rearward facing and vertical propulsion surface and a forward facing and sloped surface such that drag is greater when the water ski is moved rearwardly. The propulsion surface may be arcuate, V-shape, U-shaped, or other shaped in a horizontal plane and may also be circularly concave in a vertical plane. Buoyancy structures may be secured to the upper surface of the base forward and rearward of the binding. Water ski poles including elliptically- or cylindrically-shaped floats at the bottom ends may be used to provide a synergistic increase in waterskiing speed. Straps on the base near the binding may be used to secure the water ski poles to the base in order to form an outrigger.

Abstract: The invention discloses a binocular robot for bridge underwater detection based on 5G communication. The robot includes a body, a base, a power arm, a video collection component, a communication component and a power component. The underwater part of the bridge may be collected in the form of a video by the configured video collection component, and the robot may be driven by the power component to move underwater. Driven by a first motor, a binocular camera may rotate to observe various orientations underwater, and meanwhile may drive a cleaning component coordinated with an electric top block to wipe the lens of the binocular camera, so that the video information may be collected clearly underwater. Finally, the video information may be transmitted to a worker on the water through the communication component to achieve the effect of remote detection, which saves the underwater detection cost and improves detection efficiency.

Abstract: A swimming board having a buoyant board body having an upper surface defining, with a continuous body sidewall, a channel recessed into the board body and disposed proximal to the second end of the board body and having a strap fastening assembly coupled to the board body and with a groin strap and a waist strap that define apertures for receiving a user's legs and retaining the user to the board body.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion apparatus includes an eccentric crank assembly operatively connected to a pair of fins adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft fixedly secure to the bottom of the hull of the watercraft. A drive linkage assembly operatively connecting the eccentric crank assembly to the pair of fins imparts a torque force to oscillate the pair of fins. The oscillating fins provide a propulsive force to propel the watercraft longitudinally forward during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

Abstract: Systems and methods to allow a user to be both towed by and control a personal flotation craft from behind and underneath while engaging in underwater exploration comprising one or more propulsion devices, an optionally foldable tow shaft and one or more directional controllers. Wherein the systems and methods may further comprises one or more remotely controllable speed modulators, controlled by a user from behind and underneath the personal flotation craft, while engaging in underwater exploration.

Abstract: A movable structure comprises a spar having a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. A first tow line may connect between the first end portion of the spar and a first resistance device. A second tow line may connect between the second end portion of the spar and a second resistance device. A first shock absorber may connect between the spar and a first side of a movable structure. A second shock absorber may connect between the spar and a second side of a movable structure.

Abstract: A molded boat with a seat drain. The boat includes a molded hull having been molded using a first material to cause the boat to have a front portion and a rear portion. The boat is molded with a bench, having been molded together with the hull using the first material. The bench includes a drain hole formed through, an otherwise solid face of the bench allowing water to flow from the front portion of the boat to the rear portion of the boat, wherein the drain hole formed through the bench is formed by using a tube molded into, and under the bench, the tube comprising a material having a higher melting point than the first material.

Abstract: A roller assisted low friction reefing grommet that facilitates movement of a reefing line through the grommet. The roller assisted low friction reefing grommet includes a grommet ring having a roller therein that reduces friction of the line traveling through the grommet. A line channeling guide is formed within the interior of the grommet ring by a low friction material positioned on either side of the grommet, with a channel formed by the line channeling guide and the roller for receiving and guiding the reefing line.

Abstract: A connection device is for connecting a compressed gas cylinder to an inflatable device. The connection device has a releaser providing a fluid connection between the compressed gas cylinder and the inflatable device. The releaser has a primary activation mechanism for controlled puncture of the compressed gas cylinder via a piston provided with a bunching dart. The primary activation mechanism has means for axially displacement of the piston towards the compressed gas cylinder. The releaser further has: a rotatable adapter with means for irreversible fastening of the compressed gas cylinder to the adapter; a secondary trigger device adapted for puncturing the compressed gas cylinder, the secondary trigger device having a displacing means for axially displacing a trigger towards the compressed gas cylinder, where the secondary trigger device is in an activated position when the adapter is in an axially displaced position.

Abstract: A unique watercraft that includes a plurality of flotation elements which are aligned longitudinally and fit together end to end, comprising the watercraft hull. Unlike other watercraft, it does not rely upon a low center of gravity for stability. A front flotation element pivots about an axis and this pivotal motion is used for both steering and for maintaining balance. The effective profile of the hull changes dynamically as the front flotation element is turned. These hull changes allow the operator to balance and make agile maneuvers. Equilibrium can be easily maintained in this manner when the watercraft is moving forward and when it is otherwise stationary in water. In a preferred embodiment, the watercraft is ridden like a bicycle. Balance is actively maintained by a rider who steers right and left to adjust transverse weight distribution. The riding experience feels similar to operating a conventional bicycle on land.

Abstract: An underwater energy harvesting drone has a primary hull to be submersibly received in ocean water and a plurality of thermoelectric modules, each module of said plurality of thermoelectric modules having a first operational interface in thermal contact with the primary hull. A thermal transfer element is in contact with a second operational interface on the plurality of thermoelectric modules and an electrical power storage device is connected to the plurality of thermoelectric modules. Positioning of the submersible primary hull to create a thermal gradient between the primary hull and the thermal transfer element induces electrical power generation by the thermoelectric modules thereby charging the electrical power storage device.

Abstract: A sea anchor includes a textile tube and a resiliently flexible support. The textile tube may include a first end and a second end. The first end may have a rim defining a mouth and the second end may be closed. In various embodiments, the resiliently flexible support is coupled to the first end of the textile tube. The resiliently flexible support, in response to the sea anchor being deployed, may be configured to expand the mouth and retain the mouth open. In various embodiments, the textile tube has a conical shape, with the mouth of the first end being a base of the conical shape and the second end being a point of the conical shape. The resiliently flexible support is a ring coupled to the rim of the first end of the textile tube, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: First to fourth exhaust passages are provided in a raw blank of a cylinder block, which can be used for both a first exhaust route and a second exhaust route, one of which is selected for use as an exhaust passage. In the first exhaust route, a fifth exhaust passage couples between opening ends of the first and second exhaust passages and is formed in a separate member from the cylinder block, exhaust gas is allowed to flow via the fourth, first, fifth, second, and third exhaust passages, and a catalyst is placed in the exhaust passages. In the second exhaust route, a communication hole is provided in a partition wall between the fourth exhaust passage and the second exhaust passage while the opening ends of the first and second exhaust passages are closed, and the exhaust gas is allowed to flow via the fourth, second, and third exhaust passages.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.