Abstract: A sealable engine containment assembly provides a waterproof environment for an internal combustion engine and ancillary equipment, thus performing a “engine room” in a sealable container. The container includes an air inlet port for passage of air from the container exterior, and an exit port for passage of engine exhaust to the container's exterior. Both the inlet and exhaust ports have valves to isolate the port from the container exterior when the engine is not operating. A waterproof coupling for transmission of engine drive shaft output may be provided, along with waterproof couplings for electrical, hydraulic and fuel lines. The engine assembly is of utility in open-hull submersible vessels as well as for use in other environments where potential water ingress could prove deleterious to conventional internal engine assemblies.

Abstract: A personal support device having particular utility for use by personnel in high-performance surface watercraft comprises a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the vessel. The bolster is mounted by pivot means extending between the bolster and a back plate which is rigidly mounted to the vessel. The pivot means permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate. A shock absorber extends between the back plate and bolster to dampen the accelerations which would otherwise be passed to the bolster by the pivot means from the back plate. The bolster is capable of supporting a user in a standing position or receiving a seat assembly to allow an occupant to be seated.

Abstract: A submersible surface-planing vessel has the capability to operate with a lowered profile on surface propulsion to lessen the visibility of the vessel, and sink to the bottom for temporary storage, followed by resurfacing and dewatering to operate as a planing craft. Surface propulsion is provided by an engine system which can be totally sealed when the vessel submerges. A buoyancy system, which may include both open and closed ballast tanks, permit the vessel to sink, refloat or to be of neutral buoyancy as required. The vessel is constructed to maintain the center of buoyancy above the vessel's center of gravity irrespective of the degree of fill of the ballast tanks to maintain the vessel in an upright orientation at all times when under water and transitioning between surface and submerged states.

Abstract: A personal support device having particular utility for use by personnel in high-performance surface watercraft comprises a bolster adapted and dimensioned to support an occupant for shock isolation from accelerations experienced by the vessel. The bolster is mounted by pivot means extending between the bolster and a back plate which is rigidly mounted to the vessel. The pivot means permit the bolster to pivot in an arc with respect to the back plate. A shock absorber extends between the back plate and bolster to dampen the accelerations which would otherwise be passed to the bolster by the pivot means from the back plate. The bolster is capable of supporting a user in a standing position or receiving a seat assembly to allow an occupant to be seated.

Abstract: A sealable engine containment assembly provides a waterproof environment for an internal combustion engine and ancillary equipment, thus performing a “engine room” in a sealable container. The container includes an air inlet port for passage of air from the container exterior, and an exit port for passage of engine exhaust to the container's exterior. Both the inlet and exhaust ports have valves to isolate the port from the container exterior when the engine is not operating. A waterproof coupling for transmission of engine drive shaft output may be provided, along with waterproof couplings for electrical, hydraulic and fuel lines. The engine assembly is of utility in open-hull submersible vessels as well as for use in other environments where potential water ingress could prove deleterious to conventional internal engine assemblies.