Abstract: A water craft includes two parallel, spaced-apart pontoon hulls, and a superstructure bridging between the pontoon hulls. A propeller is operatively connected to foot pedals so that the propeller can be rotated to drive the craft. The propeller is supported between the two pontoon hulls, in such a way as to allow the propeller to shift laterally across the spacing between the pontoon hulls. Two rudders are provided aft of the propeller, and a steering arrangement simultaneously controls the angulation of the rudders and shifts the lateral position of the propeller toward the pontoon hull which would describe the outside arc for the turning maneuver in the desired direction.

Abstract: A self-propelled vehicle includes a body and a set of four internal-force generating devices, in the form of radial piston engines. Each device has a central axis about which some internal portions rotate. The four devices are configured in two opposed pairs, the two devices of one pair having parallel axes but turning in opposite directions, the two devices of the other pair also having parallel axes but turning in opposite directions. The axes of one pair are at right angles to the axes of the other pair. Each device provides an eccentric orbit for each of three pistons about a central axis the piston cylinders being defined by a rotor which rotates uniformly about that axis. As a result, the angular momentum and resulting centrifugal effect generated within each cylinder at its furthest displacement from the axis is significantly greater than the angular momentum and centrifugal effect when it is at its closest approach. The difference in these two effects is utilized to generate lift.

Abstract: There is provided the combination of a stationary frame, a stationary sun gear on the frame, and a rotary frame pivoted about the axis of the sun gear. The rotary frame carries three crankshafts at substantially 120.degree. intervals, and for each crankshaft there is provided a cylinder in the rotary frame, and a piston mounted for reciprocation in each cylinder. Each crankshaft is fixed to rotate with a respective planetary gear and all planetary gears mesh with the sun gear and have the same pitch diameter as the sun gear. Thus, any point on the pitch circle of a planetary gear describes a cardioid as the planetary gear rotates around the sun gear once. The crankshaft eccentricity is about one-third of the pitch radius of a planetary gear, and each piston has a connecting link to its respective crankshaft. Fuel metering means, such as a carburetor, are provided for delivering a combustible mixture to the cylinders.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine combines the efficiency of a radial engine with the practicality of a piston and crankshaft arrangement. A stationary frame supports a stationary sun gear, and a rotor is pivoted about the axis of the sun gear. The rotor carries three crankshafts at 120.degree. intervals, each having an eccentric portion. Each crankshaft is fixed to rotate with a respective planetary gear, and all the planetary gears mesh with the sun gear and have the same pitch diameter as the sun gear. The crankshaft eccentricity is substantially 1/3 times the pitch radius of a planetary gear. The eccentric portion of each crankshaft has roller means rotatable about the same axis as the connection between the connecting rod and the eccentric portion, and a ring member with an internal surface surrounds and contacts all of the roller means simultaneously, the ring member being free to rotate about its own axis. Three valves admit the combustible mixture to each cylinder.