Abstract: A method includes detecting an initialization position of a processing zone within a graphical user interface, the processing zone having boundaries and a predefined direction extending away from the initialization position, the graphical user interface comprising displayed point cloud data, the displayed point cloud data being based on a scanning of a three dimensional space. The method also includes applying a Kalman filter to the track points to identify a trajectory of a guideway and generating a model of the guideway based on the track points and the trajectory. The method further includes detecting one or more of a turnout region or an object associated with the guideway. The method additionally includes generating a map comprising the model of the guideway and one or more of the turnout region or the object, and at least one label identifying the turnout region or the object included in the map.

Abstract: A method includes detecting an initialization position of a processing zone within a graphical user interface, the processing zone having boundaries and a predefined direction extending away from the initialization position, the graphical user interface comprising displayed point cloud data, the displayed point cloud data being based on a scanning of a three dimensional space. The method also includes applying a Kalman filter to the track points to identify a trajectory of a guideway and generating a model of the guideway based on the track points and the trajectory. The method further includes detecting one or more of a turnout region or an object associated with the guideway. The method additionally includes generating a map comprising the model of the guideway and one or more of the turnout region or the object, and at least one label identifying the turnout region or the object included in the map.

Abstract: An anti-broaching sidehull fence for a surface effect ship. The surface effect ship includes a central pressurized plenum chamber which is defined by the upper wet deck, forward and stern seals and sidehull fences positioned along the longitudinal sides of the surface effect ship. These sidehulls are configured to provide a seal preventing pressurized gas from escaping from the plenum chamber with minimum water emersion therealong while the surface effect ship is traveling at maximum forward speed.

Abstract: A water jet inlet as used in a surface effect ship, cavitation free environment is provided of a fixed round or rectangular inlet geometry, within the confines of inlet velocity ratios pertaining to the ship velocity immersion design profile. An additional embodiment is disclosed that enables the instant invention to operate at a range of drop fractions, including negative drop fractions, and allows for a truly flush inlet, resulting in minimizing the drag of the ship and potential ingestion of large floating debris.

Abstract: The invention pertains to apparatus for preventing the flooding of an enclosed plenum chamber pressurized by a source of pressurized gas provided through a duct system leading from a plenum chamber open to the surface of the water over which the ship rides. The inlet to the duct system located within the open plenum chamber is formed to reject by deflection a substantial quantity of water adjacent the inlet from entry. Any small amount of water entering the duct that is not initially rejected from the inlet is ramped through the duct and collected in a stern holding tank. The holding tanks include a float controlled water exhaust valve that opens to the atmosphere and exhausts that collected water therein with the aid of plenum pressure. Any water reaching the closed plenum chamber is constantly exhausted therefrom through apertures in its walls. An additional embodiment is disclosed that prevents substantially all water from entering the enclosed plenum chamber.

Abstract: A heave alleviation and control device for a surface effect ship having a central plenum chamber pressurized from a source of pressure interconnected to a stern seal plenum chamber by a duct. The duct contains a first valve positioned between the inlet from the central plenum chamber and the outlet to said stern seal plenum chamber for controlling the flow of pressurized gas therethrough. The rear wall of the duct has an opening therethrough to the atmosphere. A second valve is positioned adjacent the opening within the duct to control the flow of gas under pressure therethrough. The two valves are interconnected by levers to a piston translatable within a cylinder for simultaneous movement with the piston. One side of the piston is exposed to the central plenum chamber pressure and the opposite side is exposed to a source of hydraulic fluid under a preselected pressure. Directional movement of the piston is provided by the pressure differential between the sides of the piston.

Abstract: A passive stern seal for a plenum chamber of an air cushion marine vehicle comprising a front rectilinear planar seal member with an upward extending curvilinear rear tip, a plurality of front seal member supporting stay members adjacent to the underside of the planar seal, and pivotally attached to the vehicle at their forward surfaces, strut members pivotally attached and extending from the front planar seal member adjacent the curvilinear tip; a rear seal member extending from an attachment to the vehicle downward and to an attachment to the front planar seal member forward of the curvilinear tip, the free end of the strut members are attached to the upper surface of the rear seal member and a plurality of forming members are attached between the rear seal member and the vehicle. The forming members cooperate with pressure within the stern seal and form at least one transverse convolute in said rear seal member.

Abstract: A temperature compensating strain gage for measuring elongation of parent elastomeric material. The strain gage comprises an elongated elastomeric strap having the same or similar temperature characteristics as the parent elastomeric material, a clamp secured to the parent material for securing one end of the strap, a transducer, a pair of side by side spaced apart transducer mounts, one of the mounts is attached to the free end of the strap and the other is attached to the parent material, a heat transferring medium is positioned between the parent material and the strap intermediate the ends and a strain gage element is mounted on the transducer.