Abstract: The invention relates to a marine energy production assembly (1) comprising: anchoring means (2); a floating wind turbine (4) comprising a turbine (7) having a fixed axis of rotation (A-A) of a rotor (71) with respect to a floating structure (5) of the floating wind turbine (4), means (8) for determining the wind direction (V); characterised in that it comprises: means (81) for detecting an orientation of the floating wind turbine (4) with respect to the wind direction (V); means (9) for detecting an inclination of the floating wind turbine (4); means (10) for controlling the inclination of the floating wind turbine (4); a computation unit (11) for transmitting an instruction to the means (10) for controlling the inclination of the floating wind turbine (4) and altering the orientation of the floating wind turbine (4) with respect to the wind direction (V).

Abstract: The present invention is an improved wind turbine comprising: a wind turbine wheel having a hub, a rim and a cable extending between the hub and the rim; a set of airfoils rotatably carried by the cable and disposed between the hub and the rim; a cinch attached to the cable and disposed between adjacent airfoils; and, an upturned section included in at least one airfoil in the set of airfoils and disposed at a trailing edge of the airfoil wherein each airfoil has a different angle of attack relative to an adjacent airfoil.

Abstract: The invention relates to an at least partially wind-propelled ship, comprising a double airfoil mounted on a structure controlled angularly around a generally vertical axis, where the double airfoil comprises a fore flap and an aft flap separated by a slit. At least one of the fore flap and the aft flap has a fore-to-aft asymmetry, wherein each flap comprises a series of shape members distributed in height. The structure comprises a fore mast and an aft mast connected by a boom member and by a gaff member. The shape members of the fore flap are traversed by the fore mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby, while the shape members of the aft flap are traversed by the aft mast while being able to turn around an axis defined thereby.

Abstract: One embodiment of a deployable reversible camber sail system, based on a deployable shell (58) contained within a mast-sail assembly (11, 12) and supported and controlled by additional assemblies (13-15), is disclosed. The embodiment may be easily and quickly configured into the furled, feathered, port tack and starboard tack sail forms. In addition, this embodiment represents a highly efficient sail module which may be controlled by a single human operator or automated computer-based control system. Additional embodiments, utilizing assemblages of the first embodiment sail system module, are described.

Abstract: A submersible vessel having wing and keel assemblies that are extendable for wind-powered surface operation and retractable to reduce drag for submerged operation or to place the vessel in a more compact configuration. A deployment mechanism including an actuator and linkage pivots the wing and keel assemblies simultaneously between the deployed and retracted configuration. The vessel may have first and second pressure hulls flanking the wing and keel assemblies. A drive mechanism including a motor and a gear train employing pulley-and-cable assemblies rotates either the wing and flap together such that the flap angle relative to the wing is constant, or to change the flap angle relative to the wing with the wing angle of incidence held constant. The invention also provides a retractable wind-powered propulsion apparatus that is mountable to the hull assembly of a submersible or non-submersible vessel.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus comprises a rotor rotatably mounted to a support and a plurality of vanes extending radially out from the rotor and positioned to be engaged by a moving fluid stream. Each vane includes a wing-shaped main blade having leading and trailing edges, and a co-extensive conditioner blade having leading and trailing edges. The conditioner blade is spaced parallel to the main blade so as to define therebetween a slot having an entrance and an exit. A lift-varying device boarders the slot to vary the lift produced by that vane inversely to the speed of the moving fluid stream so that the rotor turns at a relatively constant rate. The rotor, driven by wind or water, may be coupled to the armature of an induction motor/generator to produce electric power.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus comprises a rotor rotatably mounted to a support and a plurality of vanes extending radially out from the rotor and positioned to be engaged by a moving fluid stream. Each vane includes a wing-shaped main blade having leading and trailing edges, and a co-extensive conditioner blade having leading and trailing edges. The conditioner blade is spaced parallel to the main blade so as to define therebetween a slot having an entrance and an exit. A lift-varying device boarders the slot to vary the lift produced by that vane inversely to the speed of the moving fluid stream so that the rotor turns at a relatively constant rate. The rotor, driven by wind or water, may be coupled to the armature of an induction motor/generator to produce electric power.

Abstract: A flyable sailboat includes: a floating member, having a front support, a rear support and one or more air pumps, wherein the top end of the front support is installed with at least one rotating device; one or more rear flaps, installed at the tail end of the floating member and respectively including a horizontal flap and a rotating vertical rudder; two or more lateral flaps, respectively extended from two lateral sides of the floating member; at least one wind resisting device, installed on the rotating device and including at least one sail, at least one boom rod and at least one horizontal rod, wherein the center of the sail is installed with the boom rod having a tail rod and fastened on the rotating device; and one or more power devices, installed at the tail end or at two lateral sides of the floating member.

Abstract: A rigid wing sail fitted to a water-borne vessel. The rigid wing sail includes a pair of elongate rigid panels, and a hinge element designated generally as coupled to the panels to permit pivotal movement of the panels relative to one another. Each of the pair of panels includes an adjoining edge and an opposing lateral edge. The hinge element is coupled to the panels at the respective adjoining edges to form either a closed configuration of the wing with lateral edges of respective panels positioned adjacent one another wherein the rigid wing sail is closed or an open configuration of the wing with the lateral edges of the respective panels separated from one another wherein the rigid wing sail is set at a variable camber.

Abstract: An unmanned ocean-going vessel including a primary hull, a rigid wing rotationally coupled with the primary hull where the rigid wing freely rotates about a rotational axis of the rigid wing, a controller configured to maintain a desired heading, a control surface element configured to aerodynamically control a wing angle of the rigid wing based on a position of the control surface element, where the controller is configured to determine a control surface angle and generate a signal to position the control surface element based on the control surface angle, a rudder, where the controller is further configured to determine a rudder position and generate a signal to position the rudder to the rudder position, and a keel including ballast sufficient to provide a positive righting moment sufficient to cause the primary hull to passively right from any position.

Abstract: A fleet of autonomous sailing vessels that are equipped with monitoring and communication equipment for reporting environmental and other conditions. For optimal stability, the autonomous sailing vessels are multi-hulled vessels (catamarans) with self-righting capabilities. Each sailing vessel sends and receives information via one or more satellite links, using solar power to power the communications equipment as well as the monitoring equipment. Each sailing vessel includes an auto-sailtrim system to maintain a desired attack angle with the wind, and electric propulsion for use as required to maintain a desired heading. A modular design is used to support mission-specific payloads.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A sail propulsion system for boats and the like comprises at least one mast (A) and a jib (F) controlled by sheets and secured to the head of the mast (A), as well as at least two mainsails (RS, RD) rove on two shrouds (S; SR) located one to the right and one to the left of the mast (A) and arranged each on a boom (B) mounted on one of said shrouds (S; SR).

Abstract: A set of rigid sails that have an aerodynamic profile and that may be secured to a boat.

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, at least one pair of two active steering lines being connected to the aerodynamic wing at two points in distance and being coupled to a drive unit at the steering unit, a tractive cable, a first end of the tractive cable being connected at the steering unit to at least two of the tractive lines 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, and, according to a first aspect of the invention, is characterized by a pair of two passive steering lines, wherein each of the two passive steering lines comprises a lower section and an upper section, wherein a second end of the lower section of each passive steering line is connected to a first end of the upper section of the respect

Abstract: A sailing craft propelled by a tilting sail system comprising an aerofoil sail capable of omni-directional attitude for wind propulsion. The sail is fixed to the craft in such a manner as to permit omni-directional attitude. Sail control means allows the sail placement in a forward propulsion attitude relative to wind direction. The sail is rigid and has an asymmetric shape.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water craft comprising a kite-type element, which is connected to said water craft by means of a traction cable. Said water craft is characterized in that the kite-type element is equipped with adjusting devices, which are supplied with energy from the water craft, said energy being transmitted in the traction cable or by an element on the latter.

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.

Abstract: A sailboat has a preferably solid hull with lateral and longitudinal symmetry, a centrally located ring-shaped seat secured to a central portion of the top of an hull, a selectively rotatable carousel being mounted about an outer circumferential wall of said ring-shaped seat, a frame being secured to said carousel for retaining a pair of spaced apart identical sails that slant inward toward one another, a pair of removable selectively rotatable cylindrical booms being positioned on the frame with an associated halyard system for controllably furling and allowing easy reefing of the pair of sails, a pair of selectively removable rotatable hydrofoils each serving as a rudder and centerboard projecting downward from the bottom of and proximate the ends of the hull, a steering wheel being secured to the hull at the center of the ring-shaped seat and linked to each of the hydrofoils, whereby the carousel can be selectively rotated to position the sails at any desired angular position relative to the direction of t

Abstract: The present invention simplifies sailing providing control of one or more sails with a wheel. The proposed system eliminates the need to control boom-footed sails separately, giving benefits of less gear and rig for short handed sailing. The wheel controlling the sails provides visible and obvious correlation between sails control action and achieved result, much like rudder control.

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.

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.

Abstract: An elevated sailing apparatus that includes one or more wings, tethered to a conveyance, and suspended from beneath a streamlined, lighter-than-air blimp. The wings generate both propulsive and lifting forces from the wind. The propulsive force is used to propel a conveyance. The lifting force prevents the apparatus from being pushed into the water by the propulsive force. The wings use stabilizers to orient them to the oncoming wind and control surfaces to adjust the angle of orientation. A ballast weight provides a vertical reference relative to the blimp, so that the propulsive and lifting forces can be controlled independently. A remote control system allows the degree of lifting force and propulsive force to be controlled from the conveyance. Thus the pilot may tack the apparatus and control its altitude. The use of a streamlined blimp and high aspect-ratio wings allows this elevated sailing apparatus to achieve the low drag-angle necessary for high-speed sailing.

Abstract: A marine craft includes a floating body, elements adapted to generate a center-board effect, in particular a center-board projecting beneath the floating body, and a rigging. The rigging includes at least a directional kite forming a canopy and a series of sheets controlling the canopy linked to the craft, the series of sheets including a main sheet and two directional sheets, and a substantially punctiform member for guiding the main sheet and for applying tractive force of the sheet on the craft. The rigging further includes elements for spatial orientation of the axis of the resultant elements the tractive force exerted by the rigging on the craft so as to almost completely eliminate the list whatever the moving speed of the craft and with the guiding and force-applying member located above the water level.

Abstract: A control device for a steering kite on a boat. The steering kite can be steered by a steering device and at least two or three, preferably at least four or five, suspension lines. The control device comprises at least one force introduction rail that extends horizontally over the water line and on which a deviation device for the suspension lines is positioned in such a way that it can move back and forth. The rail is fixed to the boat between the steering kite and the steering device in such a way that the traction force of the steering kite produces torque about the longitudinal axis and/or the transverse axis of the boat in the water, by means of which the leeward side of the boat is lifted upwards.

Abstract: A sailing craft that can transform from wind propulsion mode to flying mode, comprises a body and two sails or wings each pivotally connected to a common boom which is supported by a spar pivotally connected to the body. The dihedral angle between the wings can be varied by a system of adjustable stays between the masts and the upper and lower ends of the spar. In sailing mode, either wing can be tilted essentially upright and swung relative to the axis of the body to derive propulsion from the apparent wind whilst the other is essentially horizontal to develop counter balancing moments. In flying mode, both sails can be tilted essentially horizontal to derive lift from the apparent wind.

Abstract: This water craft (1) comprises a floating body (2), means adapted to generate a lateral resistance effect for opposing leeward drift, in particular at least one leeboard (4, 6) projecting from beneath the floating body, and a rig (8). The rig comprises at least one steerable kite (12) forming a sail (10), and a series of sheets (M, P, Q) for controlling the sail and connected to the craft, the series of sheets for controlling the sail comprising at least one main traction sheet (M) and at least two directional sheets (P, Q), and a member substantially at a point for guiding the main traction sheet (M) and for applying the traction from said sheet to the craft. The rig further comprises means for three-dimensionally positioning the axis of the traction resultant exerted by the sail on the craft so that it is possible to eliminate heeling substantially completely regardless of the point of sailing of the craft, and with said guide and application member situated above the water level.

Abstract: A teardrop shaped boom has an open interior and is rotatable about a fixed, freestanding cylindrical mast. The stays and spreaders rotate and are based on the boom. The stays provide side and back support balancing the forestay. A sail track assembly is also rotatable about the mast in conjunction with the boom to improve the airflow to the leeward face of the sail.

Abstract: An improved rotary gear for sailing boats is provided wherein the connection of the boom to the rest of the rig is such that on the horizontal plane the boom must rotate simultaneously with the rest of the rig, but that it can move up and down in the vertical plane in order to give tension to the sails and wherein the axis widens as it comes through the deck creating a base wide and strong, making it possible to control the rotation of the whole rig from the base, not only because of the necessary rotation control mechanisms, but also because the remaining rig elements are forced to rotate with the base, which permits also the use of rotating shrouds and stays to help in supporting the mast.

Abstract: A sail track and sleeve assembly is provided to rotate about a round mast so as to provide an improved airflow to the leeward face of the sail. A teardrop shaped boom having an open interior is rotatable about the mast and freely rotates with the rotating sail track.

Abstract: A lifting-sail rig and method comprising airfoils, or efficient aerodynamically shaped leading edge soft sails, supported by an improved non-interfering fixed mast rig positioned away from the lifting-sail for increased aerodynamic efficiency and ease of sail or airfoil control. Stable sailboat performance is achieved at a higher speed for multihulls and widened beam monohulls for supporting the lifting-sail rig. The improved lifting-sail rig balances the large wind driven forces that have resulted in the capsizing of conventional monohull sailboats, and the pitch poling of multihulls.

Abstract: A sail rig for a wind driven craft comprising a rotatable gantry mast adapted to support one or more sails within the gantry and a support structure connected to said mast to rotate therewith and which carries an aft sail attachment boom which is pivoted to the support structure at a first end and provided with means for attachment to the clew of the sail or one of the sails at its second end, and a means for controlling the relative angle of the attachment boom in relation to the supporting structure.

Abstract: When it is beneficial for a towing craft, such as a boat, to tow from a point high above its center, an airfoil can be fastened to a tether for improved roll and yaw stability. In the case of a wakeboarder, the upward tow angle afforded by a tall tower improves the wakeboarder's performance, but it causes the towboat to roll excessively when the wakeboarder pulls to the side. An aerodynamic surface can be linked to the tether to safely oppose the rolling moment of the wakeboarder. When the wakeboarder pulls out to the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The boat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: A single or multi-hulled sailing craft has a stub mast 5 upstanding from the hull. A sail 10 has a luff edge 11 secured to a luff boom 20 and a foot edge 12 secured to a foot boom 21 which is connected to the lower end of the luff boom. Part way along the luff boom 20 a pivotal fitting 22 connects the luff boom to the stub mast 5, and a rigid swing boom 26 is pivotally connected between the foot boom 21 and the hull or the stub mast. The fitting 22 can be moved up and down the stub mast 5 by means of a tilt sheet. The swing boom can be connected to a carriage which moves transversely of the hull. The sail is self-tacking and its position is positively controlled to prevent collision of the sail with the stub mast.