Sail Or Control Means Therefor Patents (Class 114/102.1)
  • Patent number: 10526096
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a solar wing are disclosed. A solar wing sail generates power from a series of parallel, spaced-apart solar rib assemblies, each assembly having a solar array mounted on top. A sail is formed of transparent material that surrounds the solar rib assemblies, forming an airfoil. The power generated by the solar wing sail can be used to charge batteries and operate onboard electronics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: SubSeaSail LLC
    Inventors: Chris Todter, Mark Timothy Ott, Michael B. Jones
  • Patent number: 9440716
    Abstract: A system for automatically deploying boat fenders, comprising a basket for lowering fenders, said fender attached to a line, said line coupled to a winch, said winch coupled to a motor, and said motor controlled by a controller, said controller being activated via a wire line or wireless control signals, wherein a computing device with a software is used to control one or more controllers of the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Inventor: Shmuel Sam Arditi
  • Patent number: 9416770
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aerodynamic wind energy conversion device and a method for controlling such a device. The aerodynamic wind energy conversion device comprises an aerodynamic wing; at least a first tractive line and a second tractive line; wherein ends of the tractive lines are connected to line connection points located at the aerodynamic wing; at least a first and a second reefing point located across the aerodynamic wing and is characterized in that the length of the second tractive line is shorter than the length of the first tractive line; and wherein the first reefing point is spaced from the first line connection point in a first reefing distance and the second reefing point is d spaced from the second line connection point in a second reefing distance, such that the second reefing distance is longer than the first reefing distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: SKYSAILS GMBH
    Inventors: Xaver Paulig, Bernd Specht
  • Patent number: 9371121
    Abstract: A high-tailed wing sail is provided. A wing sail device includes a wing body including a wing tip and a wing base configured to rotationally couple with a vessel. The wing body is configured to freely rotate with respect to the vessel about a rotational axis. The wing sail device further includes a wing tail coupled to the wing body such that a top end of the wing tail is higher than the wing tip of the wing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: PHOTON COMPOSITES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Elliott Jenkins, George Seyfang
  • Patent number: 9254903
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an inflatable sail guide arrangement for use in a sail collapsing arrangement. The sail collapsing arrangement is used for collapsing (also called “dousing” or “snuffing”) a sail such as a spinnaker. The sail guide arrangement can be deflated for convenient storage and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Holland Vallings Family Trust
    Inventors: Alexander William Vallings, Fraser Caldwell Brown
  • Patent number: 9010260
    Abstract: A shaft mount sail device that may have a sail made of a lightweight, flexible material that is capable of being tightly wound about the shaft of a paddle, push-pole or other shaft, a mechanism for attaching the sail to the shaft, and a clamping member coupled to the sail and configured to releasably clamp onto the shaft. The sail may be rolled tightly about the shaft and the clamping member fit over the shaft to secure the sail in the stowed position. The clamping member in the stowed position may serve as the handle by which a user grasps and operates the shaft. Various embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8919272
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a device having aerodynamic lift surfaces that is capable of rotation about a stayed mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher Robert White
  • Patent number: 8869725
    Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for sensor-based sailboat sails, including a device to detect whether a flow on a sail is attached or separated including a flow separation sensor; a device using data from the separation sensor to trim the sail; a wind history device for storing a history of wind conditions on the sail; a UV-exposure sensor for measuring UV-exposure on the sail; an acceleration sensor to measure an attitude of the sail; a stress or strain sensor to measure stretch and loading of the sail; an energy supply to provide energy to the sensors; and a data display to show data from the sensors to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: WB-Sails Ltd
    Inventor: Mikko Brummer
  • Patent number: 8762022
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for efficiently changing controlled engine speed of a marine internal combustion engine in a marine propulsion system for propelling a marine vessel. The system responds to the operator changing the operator-selected engine speed, from a first-selected engine speed to a second-selected engine speed, by predicting throttle position needed to provide the second-selected engine speed, and providing a feed forward signal moving the throttle to the predicted throttle position, without waiting for a slower responding PID controller and/or overshoot thereof, and concomitant instability or oscillation, and then uses the engine speed control system including any PID controller to maintain engine speed at the second-selected engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Jason S. Arbuckle, Matthew W. Snyder, Thomas S. Kirchhoff
  • Patent number: 8740153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SkySails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bernd Specht, Xaver Paulig, Robert Drechsler, Stephan Brabeck
  • Patent number: 8726824
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sailing vessel control device having a cleat means, a resistance means, a line having a first end located through the cleat means and a second end attached to the resistance means, and a sensor adapted to detect the extent to which the line is pulled through the cleat means and to output a line signal corresponding to the position of the line for use in controlling the sailing vessel. The line signal which can be used to control the sail(s) of the vessel can be generated in a traditional, manual manner (i.e. by pulling on the line). The present disclosure further relates to a sailing vessel control system having one or more of the sailing vessel control devices, one or more sail actuators, and a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Karsten Jarke
  • Patent number: 8635965
    Abstract: A sail system comprising a substantially isosceles-triangle-shaped sail with two booms and an arc-shaped element. The two booms are arranged along substantially equal sides of the sail and articulated to one another with a joint that defines a vertex of the triangle. The arc-shaped element is coupled to a deck of a boat for pivoting about a transverse axis between a raised position and a lowered position on the deck. Each boom has a coupling element on the arc-shaped element, the coupling element being slidable both along the arc-shaped element and along the respective boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: SEAGATE S.r.l.
    Inventor: Marcello Segato
  • Publication number: 20130340661
    Abstract: A paddle for stand-up paddle boards includes a paddle blade at a lower end of the paddle shaft and a sail assembly slidingly stowed within the shaft, with the sail deployed by sliding the sail assembly distally out of the shaft upper end. The sail assembly may include a sail and support frame. A method and system for transporting a user across water or other surfaces has a board for the user to stand upon and a paddle with sail slidingly deployed from inside a paddle shaft via an opening in the upper end. To propel via paddling, the user leaves the sail stowed within the shaft. The propel via wind, the user deploys the sail out of the shaft, places the blade onto the board upper surface, and angles the paddle and sail to catch the wind and propel the user across the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Curt Siverts, Hanson Siverts
  • Patent number: 8424477
    Abstract: A sailing device for efficient uses of wind energy which use at least one mast connected to the ship and two sail areas which are attached to the mast. The at least one mast is fitted with a top holder at the upper end facing away from the ship as well as a bottom holder at the lower end that is connected to the ship in order to maintain and adjust the sail areas, and ends of the sail areas are guided within the holders, adjustable in the longitudinal or transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Burghardt Burandt
  • Patent number: 8402905
    Abstract: A kite ship contains a ship and a kite for pulling the ship, wherein the kite includes a kite main body, the upper and the lower ends of which are respectively connected with an upper and a lower end ropes, the other end of the upper end rope is fixed on a traction apparatus, the other end of the lower end rope is fixed on a connector, a traction apparatus pulling rope is fixed on the traction apparatus; the other end of the traction apparatus pulling rope is wound on a stranding cage connected with a motor through a speed reducer; a tension dynamometer is fixed on the connector; the tension dynamometer connects with a connector pulling rope; the other end of the connector pulling rope is wound on another stranding cage connected with the motor through the speed reducer; a buoyant balloon is arranged on the kite main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Kwong Kun Fung
  • Patent number: 8117977
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bastian Reusch
  • Publication number: 20120031319
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sailing vessel control device comprising: a cleat means, a resistance means, a line having a first end located through the cleat means and a second end attached to the resistance means, and a sensor adapted to detect the extent to which the line is pulled through the cleat means and to output a line signal corresponding to the position of the line for use in controlling the sailing vessel. The line signal which can be used to control the sail(s) of the vessel can be generated in a traditional, manual manner (i.e. by pulling on the line). This allows emulation of traditional sailing rigging to control a sailing vessel electronically and thus technological innovation can be incorporated into the sailing experience without detracting from the sailor's enjoyment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Karsten Jarke
  • Patent number: 8104415
    Abstract: A sailboat includes a sail assembly with opposing upper and lower ends, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The sail assembly is normally offset from the hull and oriented for generation of a propelling force substantially free of heeling moments. A support structure supports the sail assembly for rotation about an axis inclined relative to vertical and substantially parallel to the leading edge. The support structure includes an upper rotary joint mounting the upper end of the sail assembly to the support structure and a lower rotary joint mounting the lower end of the sail assembly to the support structure. The rotary joints are positioned to allow unobstructed rotation of the sail assembly fully through 360 degrees about the inclined axis. At least part of the support structure is mounted for rotation together with the sail assembly and the inclined axis relative to the hull, largely eliminating weather helm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: John Matthew Higginson
  • Patent number: 8100072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fabric sail (1) which maintains a minimal surface. An elastic boundary is attached to the edges of an elastic membrane, and the edges (4) are shaped so that the membrane of the sail maintains a minimal surface configuration despite being deformed by the boundary. The sail therefore distributes strain across the sail surface and is thus free of wrinkles and creases. Points on the elastic membrane itself can be displaced but still form a minimal surface as defined by the boundary and the displaced surface connection points. In addition, strain matching allows the boundary and the elastic membrane to optimally share the strain caused by any deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Keith Wilkinson, Paul Stuart Baglin
  • Patent number: 7866271
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Wrage, Johannes Böhm
  • Publication number: 20100282152
    Abstract: Disclosed is an articulating sail feeder that solves problems associated with furling and reefing sails on yachts, particularly large yachts. The inventive sail feeder includes hinge tracks arranged in articulating column that bends and rotates freely, but limits the axial twist of the sail as during furling and reefing. The inventive hinge tracks have a cross section that includes a batten end receptacle with channels for headboard cars. Hinge tracks with the inventive cross section absorb the wind-generated compressive forces exerted by the battens on the batten pockets, reducing chafing, and eliminate the need for sail slides, which would otherwise lock the sail in place during furling and reefing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Fred C. Cook, William H. Donaldson
  • Publication number: 20100282153
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: SkySails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Wrage, Stephan Brabeck
  • Patent number: 7798084
    Abstract: In a battened sailboard sail a sail attachment device is attached to the leading edge of the sail and the sail attachment device is connected to a camber-inducer by a line that is acted on by a batten to evenly distribute the batten tension load between the sail and camber-inducer. The batten is able to move chordwise relative the camber inducer when the sail is rotating about the mast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Neil Pryde Limited
    Inventors: Robert Stroj, David Starbuck
  • Patent number: 7798083
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Wrage
  • Patent number: 7752987
    Abstract: A sail assembly having a single, closed-loop support batten that supports a flexible sail. The sail is a hollow body defining a substantially hemispherical shape when fully expanded by captured wind. The support batten is housed in a perimeter sleeve at the front end of the sail. The support batten is stiff enough to support the sail, yet elastic enough that it can be twisted and coiled as three contiguous coils for compact folding. The sail has a significantly smaller size in the folded and coiled orientation, and is capable of rapid self deployment due to the energy stored in the folded batten. The deployed sail can be fastened to the deck of a small watercraft, hand held, or fastened to the blade end of a paddle or oar for capturing the energy in the wind to propel a small watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas Mark Wiltz
  • Patent number: 7578252
    Abstract: A whisker pole for a sailboat is provided. The whisker pole includes an inflatable portion that can be pressurized to maintain the position of a headsail. The whisker pole can be deflated for stowage. The length of the whisker pole can be adjusted for different boats and rigging requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Urbanek
  • Patent number: 7568442
    Abstract: A sailboat is disclosed wherein the sailboat includes a three degree-of-freedom pivot assembly, sail-mounted ballast, and sail control system. These three features increase sailing efficiency and reduce both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic drag on the sailboat. This sailboat incorporates a rigid sail with sail-mounted ballast to balance the rolling moment and pitching moment produced on the sail by the wind. The rigid self-supported sail increases sailing efficiency by eliminating the need for supporting wires and structures and by taking advantage of the superior aerodynamic characteristics of rigid sails over flexible sails. Finally, the sail control system controls the sail's orientation by rotating the components of the three degree-of-freedom pivot assembly to maximize the sail's aerodynamic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Alan William Kruppa
  • Publication number: 20090173265
    Abstract: A hand held, light weight, multi-purpose, extendable and collapsible omni-wind sail assembly for providing wind propulsion for vehicles such as kayaks, surfboards, small boats, iceboats, land vehicles, and the like. The assembly includes a flexible wind responsive sail surface having a transparent portion for user viewing therethrough, the sail surface attached at each side to masts having an attachable handle for manual maneuverability of the sail. The assembly may be stretched tautly, collapsed, tipped vertically, rotated horizontally, or all in combination simultaneously as the wind conditions may warrant, the masts having length extension means for varying the height of the sail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Richard T. Marvin, III, Wylie Hurd, Amy J. Marvin
  • Patent number: 7546813
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Skysails GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Stephan Wrage
  • Patent number: 7497181
    Abstract: A safety system, which stops the motion of a sail boat when a person falls off the boat, is comprised of a wireless transmitter carried by the person, a receiver-controller, an actuator, and a separable member which ordinarily holds a sail or a sail assembly in its working position. When the person falls off the boat and or the boat moves away, the diminution in wireless signal causes the actuator to separate the connecting member which holds sail in place, thus reducing the propulsive power and altering the motion of the boat. A preferred actuator stores manually input energy, to enable the use of a compact and low power solenoid type coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Autotether, Inc
    Inventors: Anthony G. Viggiano, Martin J. LoSchiavo
  • Publication number: 20080302289
    Abstract: A power or manually operated winch mechanism for handling the running rigging lines of a sailing yacht. The winch includes a winding drum, operating in conjunction with a level wind mechanism, which winds and stores the line during line retrieving operations and controllably releases the line when desired. Novel level wind features enable the lines to be appropriately tensioned during retrieval, to assure proper windup of the line in organized coils on the drum. During line release, the line is placed under tension by the level wind mechanism and thus positively drawn from the unwinding winch drum even when the line is not under load from the sail to which it is attached. The arrangement enables lines to be automatically released from one winch and retrieved on a second which, under a common control, as when tacking or resetting the sails of a yacht, all without the necessity of any physical line handling by crew members, resulting in a significant improvement in the safety and convenience of the crew.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Samuel J. Mann
  • Patent number: 7461609
    Abstract: A steerable wing-type sail system for a wind powered craft. The system includes first and second secondary airfoils and that are spaced outwardly to the sides of the plane of the main wing, and that are positioned rearwardly of the trailing edge of the wing. The secondary airfoils are selectively pivotable so as to steer the main wing in one direction or the other. The main wing is also provided with a pivoting flap at its trailing edge, which pivots simultaneously with and in the same direction as the secondary airfoils. The secondary airfoils are carried on elongate horizontal booms mounted near the mid-span height of the main wing. The secondary airfoils pivot about vertical axes at the distal ends of the booms, and are operated by control cables that are retracted and paid out by linear actuators or similar mechanisms. The craft may be multi-hull vessel, such as a catamaran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Harbor Wing Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Ott, David W. Hubbard
  • Patent number: 7448337
    Abstract: A wind energy apparatus has a shaft, a plurality of masts extending radially outwardly of the shaft, a plurality of dihedral sails respectively affixed to the plurality of masts, and a plurality of lanyards respectively connected to an outward surface of the plurality of dihedral sails. A controller is connected to the lanyards for contracting and extending the lanyards relative to the position of the masts. A generator is interconnected to the shaft for producing electrical energy relative to a rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: George R. King
  • Publication number: 20080257244
    Abstract: A sailboat includes a sail assembly with opposing upper and lower ends, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The sail assembly is normally offset from the hull and oriented for generation of a propelling force substantially free of heeling moments. A support structure supports the sail assembly for rotation about an axis inclined relative to vertical and substantially parallel to the leading edge. The support structure includes an upper rotary joint mounting the upper end of the sail assembly to the support structure and a lower rotary joint mounting the lower end of the sail assembly to the support structure. The rotary joints are positioned to allow unobstructed rotation of the sail assembly fully through 360 degrees about the inclined axis. At least part of the support structure is mounted for rotation together with the sail assembly and the inclined axis relative to the hull, largely eliminating weather helm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: John Matthew Higginson
  • Publication number: 20080245284
    Abstract: A sailboat is disclosed wherein the sailboat includes a three degree-of-freedom pivot assembly, sail-mounted ballast, and sail control system. These three features increase sailing efficiency and reduce both hydrodynamic and aerodynamic drag on the sailboat. This sailboat incorporates a rigid sail with sail-mounted ballast to balance the rolling moment and pitching moment produced on the sail by the wind. The rigid self-supported sail increases sailing efficiency by eliminating the need for supporting wires and structures and by taking advantage of the superior aerodynamic characteristics of rigid sails over flexible sails. Finally, the sail control system controls the sail's orientation by rotating the components of the three degree-of-freedom pivot assembly to maximize the sail's aerodynamic efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Alan William Kruppa
  • Patent number: 7419561
    Abstract: A method of casting a sail comprising supplying a carrier film, supporting the carrier film along a support mechanism, forming a sail form with the support mechanism, pulling the carrier film across the support mechanism, forming a first coating, wiping the resin to control resin amount for forming the first coating, applying a yarn on the first coating in a pattern, applying a yarn on the first coating in a second pattern, dispensing a resin onto the carrier film to form a second coating covering at least one of the first pattern and the second pattern, wiping the resin to control the resin amount for forming the second coating, applying an additional element to at least one of the first coating and the second coating, applying a top film on the second coating, calendering the first and second coating, and curing the resin of the first and second coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Thomas Ward Omohundro
  • Patent number: 7415935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system adapted for sailors in order to determine the air flow conditions around one or more sails, in conjunction with which both sides of the sails are equipped with a number of ultrasonic sensors that are distributed over the surface and communicate the flow conditions in their vicinity to a central unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Wings AB
    Inventor: Stefan Witte
  • Patent number: 7406922
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler anchoring sail that counters the swinging and jerking of a sailboat during anchoring or mooring, thereby providing a convenient, comfortable and secure environment to sailors. The anchoring sail comprises a first wing, a second wing attached to the first wing at a common edge, and a spoiler attached to the first wing and the second wing at the common edge. The spoiler, the first wing and second wing are oriented in a manner, such that, an angle between the spoiler and first wing and an angle between the spoiler and second wing is greater than or equal to about an angle between the first wing and second wing. The first wing and the second wing cause dihedral effect and the spoiler is capable of cutting off wind to one side of the anchoring sail, while channeling the wind to other side of the anchoring sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jess Gregory
  • Publication number: 20080098941
    Abstract: An apparatus to measure and display the pressures developed on the surfaces of a boat sail. This apparatus uses an electronic module that attaches to the sail to measure and calculate the surface pressures or differential pressure and transmit this data via wireless link to a separate display unit. The display unit provides a visual display of the measured pressures and a peak indication of the maximum or minimum pressures measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Malcolm Duane Groves
  • Patent number: 7341014
    Abstract: A system for one person raising and lowering the mast of a sailboat wherein the mast is less than about forty feet in length and in the down position the mast is laid horizontally along a median line of the hull of a sailboat. The system includes rigging to raise the height of the mast from the hull and then to pivot the mast with the pivot being near the lowest point of the mast. Means is provided to pivot the mast about the lowest point of the mast until the mast is in a vertical position. The mast is then brought down into an upstanding vertical position with means to support the mast on the sailboat at the mast's lowest point and upwardly therefrom. The same rigging may be used to lower the mast to the horizontal. The operations occur by a winch located towards the rear of the sailboat to either pay out a line thereon when lowering the mast to the horizontal or conversely to take up the line when the mast is pivoted to the vertical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony J. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080029008
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler anchoring sail that counters the swinging and jerking of a sailboat during anchoring or mooring, thereby providing a convenient, comfortable and secure environment to sailors. The anchoring sail comprises a first wing, a second wing attached to the first wing at a common edge, and a spoiler attached to the first wing and the second wing at the common edge. The spoiler, the first wing and second wing are oriented in a manner, such that, an angle between the spoiler and first wing and an angle between the spoiler and second wing is greater than or equal to about an angle between the first wing and second wing. The first wing and the second wing cause dihedral effect and the spoiler is capable of cutting off wind to one side of the anchoring sail, while channeling the wind to other side of the anchoring sail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Jess Gregory
  • Patent number: 7267065
    Abstract: A lateen rigged sailing vessel having a mast; a luffspar; a boom; a pair of lateral struts; and a lateen sail, has a lower end of the mast mounted forward on the vessel and positioned on the vessel's longitudinal center line in a canted fashion raked aft. The boom is rotationally supported in a lower journal fixedly engaged medially on the vessel at the center line. The luffspar is joined pivotally with a forward end of the boom and, when rigged for sailing is positioned below and in parallel with the mast. The luffspar is rotationally supported in an upper journal wherein the upper journal, upper end of the mast, and upper ends of the pair of lateral struts are all engaged in a common fixture held in place by the mast and the lateral struts. The upper and lower journals are arranged on a common journal center line. The lower ends of the lateral struts are engaged with the vessel at the port and starboard gunnels. The sail is engaged along a luff edge with the luffspar and along a toe edge with the boom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Robert J. Short
  • Patent number: 7263939
    Abstract: An elevated sailing apparatus that extracts traction power from the wind. It operates without the heeling moment (typical of conventional sailboats), which constrains the design and limits the power that can be used. A wing or sail is attached beneath a streamlined blimp with aerodynamic stabilizers that keep both the blimp and the wing (or sail) directed into the wind. The blimp is directed into the wind for minimum drag. The wing (or sail) is directed into the wind for a desired angle of attack. The apparatus is tilted so that a combination of dynamic lift and lateral propulsive force is generated in addition to the static lift generated by the blimp. A single tether transfers these aerodynamic forces to a boat or other vehicle. Conventional electronically operated automatic and remote control systems can be used to adjust the tilt and to tack the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Malcolm Phillips
  • Patent number: 7234406
    Abstract: This invention belongs to the field of wind propelled vehicles. The goal of the invention is to provide large sails creating no overturning force. This is achieved by placing the top part of the sail above the vehicle and the bottom part of the sail aside from the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventors: Sergey Antonov, Alexei I Antonov
  • Patent number: 7213529
    Abstract: An emergency sail system for disabled watercraft comprises a mast receptacle for interfacing with the watercraft structure and a multi-segmented main mast supported by the mast receptacle in a substantially vertical orientation and removable therefrom. A sail assembly is affixed to the main mast with a rotational joint wherein the sail assembly is rotatable about a vertical axis of the main mast in a first direction and is also rotatable about a horizontal axis substantially at right angles with respect to the main mast in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventor: Paul C. McKain
  • Patent number: 7177735
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a hull with a four-cycle engine installed thereon can perform engine stop processing by quickly detecting a turnover state of the hull while suppressing a turnover determination delay due to noise superposition. The apparatus includes a turnover determination part that determines, based on a detection signal from a turnover detection switch, whether the hull is in a turnover state, and an engine stop part that stops the engine upon determination of a final hull turnover state. The turnover determination part increments a detection ratio counter each time a detection signal indicative of a hull turnover state is input thereto, counts up a continuous turnover counter each time the detection ratio counter value indicates a predetermined determination ratio value or above. When the continuous turnover counter value reaches the predetermined determination value or above, the turnover determination part determines that the hull is in the final turnover state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiki Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 7152543
    Abstract: A vang assembly for manipulating a sailboat boom which is hingendly connected to the lower portion of a sailboat mast (12). The vang assembly includes a rigid and unextensive vang (strut) (20) connected both to the mast (12) and to the boom. The first end portion is hingendly attached to the lower portion of the mast below the boom, and the second end portion is hingedly attached to a traveller (26) sliding on track (30) fixed to the boom at a location spaced outwardly from the lower portion of the mast. Traveller fore and aft movements are controlled by block and tackle system. Traveller sliding allows to control boom vertical position. When traveller is pulled forward (toward the mast), the boom is forced upwardly by rigid vang working as a strut, when traveller is pulled aftward (opposite the mast), boom is forced downward by the rigid vang working as a tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Inventor: Antonio Raimondo
  • Patent number: 6986318
    Abstract: A sail assembly includes a sail, a mast, a coupler, and a fastener. The mast is attached to a first side of the sail. The coupler is attached to the mast and is used to couple the mast to a handle portion of a paddle. The fastener is attached to the sail at a location opposite the first side of the sail and is used to fasten the sail to the blade portion of the paddle. The sail is held in an open position when the mast is coupled to the handle portion of the paddle at a right angle to the paddle and the sail is fastened to the blade portion of the paddle. Thus, when the mast is supported upright and the end of the sail is connected to the paddle, the sail is open and usable to propel the boat under power of the wind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Evelyn S. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 6971430
    Abstract: An apparatus for casting sails comprising a roll stand configured to supply a carrier film. The apparatus contains a support mechanism for the carrier film, and further comprises of a drawing mechanism, a first resin dispenser, a first wiper portion, two yarn applicators, a second resin dispenser, a second wiper portion, an element applicator, a calendar, and curing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Ward Omohundro
  • Patent number: 6957621
    Abstract: A stanchion attached to a sail boat is provided where the stanchion supports a lifeline near the top of the stanchion and the lifeline runs generally along the outer edge of the deck of the sail boat and the connection of the lifeline to the stanchion can be characterized in part by the maximum deflection point of the lifeline and the stanchion has attached thereto a generally vertically disposed slide disposed away from the central plane of the sail boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Mark J. Halman