Abstract: A semi-submersible offshore vessel including a rectangular ring-pontoon having a first transverse pontoon section at a first end of the vessel and a parallel second transverse pontoon section at a second end of the vessel, and two parallel pontoon sections extending between the first and the second end of the vessel. Four support columns extend upwardly from respective edge-portions of the ring-pontoon to support an upper deck structure. The first pontoon section has a vertical mean cross-section area (A) which exceeds the corresponding vertical mean cross-section area (B) of the second pontoon section, and the support columns in the second column pair each has a water-plane area (F) which exceeds the water-plane area (D) of each of the support columns in the first column pair.

Abstract: The invention relates to an active roll stabilisation system for ships, comprising at least one rotatable stabilisation element extending below the water line, sensor means for sensing the ship's movements and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to driving means for rotating the stabilisation element for the purpose of damping the ship's movements that are being sensed. The object of the invention is to provide an active roll stabilisation system for ships that can be used both while the ship is sailing and while the ship is at anchor. According to the invention, the active roll stabilisation system is to that end characterized in that the system furthermore comprises displacement means for moving the stabilisation element with respect to the ship.

Abstract: Corrective stabilizing motions are applied to a sea vessel hull during seawater travel in response to stern flap displacement by hydrodynamic forces induced at the buttock of the vessel hull and by the lower flap surfaces at the stern end of the sea vessel hull in response to angular displacement of flap elements from a deployed position in either in-phase or out-of-phase relation to each other in rough seas. An angle of attack range for limiting angular displacement of the flaps is selected so as to minimize resistance to travel and optimize fuel saving during propulsion of the vessel hull at different speeds under different seawater conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive stabilizer (3) which is installed in the lower part of a tanker used in floating production systems which make use of a mechanism which enables the tanker (1) to rotate about a vertical axis (turret). The stabilizer gives the tanker greater directional stability and makes it possible to install the turret in a more central position along the tanker.

Abstract: The motion reducing apparatus has an orthorhombic shaped floating main body, a horizontal plumb plate supported horizontally on one side section of the floating main body by stay members, and flow sections for flooding with incoming water are provided between the floating main body and the horizontal plate in such a way that the horizontal plate is at about the same height as the bottom surface of the floating main body.

Abstract: An oscillation suppression device comprises a base body to be secured to a ship body, a gimbals secured to the base body, a damper, a flywheel provided in the gimbals, and a motor for rotating the flywheel, etc. The gimbals is supported by bearings built into a pair of side walls of the base body, respectively, such that it can rotate around a first axis. The flywheel can rotate around a second axis. A rotor member of the motor is attached to the flywheel, and a stator member is attached to the gimbals. The rotor member and stator member are located inside the locus-of-rotation of the gimbals. The base body includes a cover portion covering the outer surface of the gimbals.

Abstract: Depressors mounted on the stern of a marine vessel are deployed by displacement from positions retracted from the seawater to positions immersed therein so as to divert exit flow of the seawater along retarded flow paths from the stern during vessel travel. Such deployment of the depressors is regulated under motion stabilizing control to produce corrective roll and pitch inducing forces on the vessel in response to diversions of the exit flow by the depressors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive stabilizer (3) which is installed in the lower part of a tanker used in floating production systems which make use of a mechanism which enables the tanker (1) to rotate about a vertical axis (turret). The stabilizer gives the tanker greater directional stability and makes it possible to install the turret in a more central position along the tanker.

Abstract: A floating body 1, which is substantially rectangular when seen from above, is provided with at least a protrusion 3 on at least either of sides in a transverse direction 5 of the floating body 1 at a level lower than a waterline 4.

Abstract: A device for providing stability and directional control to a boat. The device includes a flexible water container for being deployed from one quadrant of the boat and including opposing sides, a top and a bottom, a relatively large forwardly-directed mouth opening for capturing a predetermined large quantity of water at a predetermined rate, a relatively small aft-directed drain in the opposite end of the container for discharging aft a quantity of water at a rate substantially lower than the rate at which water is captured by the mouth, and forward attachment lines carried by the container proximate a bottom side of the mouth for securing the device in close proximity to the boat by attachment to at least one forward attachment point carried by the boat amidship with the mouth in an open condition for capturing water therein, and additional attachment lines carried by the container proximate a top side of the mouth for securing the container to the boat.

Abstract: A ballast system for a sailing boat includes an elongate body having a first end and a second end. A mounting is provided at the first end of the elongate body for suspending the elongate body from a hull of a sailing boat. A ballast weight is positioned at the second end of the elongate body. A motor and gear assembly are provided for moving the second end of the elongate body relative to the hull of the sailing boat. The described ballast system decreases the amount of ballast weight required without sacrificing the safety of operation of the sail boat. The decrease in ballast weight, decreases the over all displacement of the sail boat, and permits increased speed.

Abstract: A stabilization apparatus for ship movements has adjustable stabilizers, drive devices by means of which the position of the stabilizers can be adjusted, a control device by means of which control signals corresponding to the required positions of the respective stabilizers can be produced and can be applied to the respective drive device a measurement device by means of which the rolling movements of a ship can be detected and measurement signals corresponding to the detected rolling movements can be produced and can be applied to the control device. In order to provide optimum stabilization.

Abstract: Stabilization apparatus (12) for a watercraft (10) having a hull (14), including at least one hydrofoil (20) with a leading edge (22) and a trailing edge (24), the edges defining a chord (26) extending therebetween, the at least one hydrofoil being mounted below an underside of the hull and arranged for rotation about an axis (30) that is generally perpendicular to the chord and directed towards the underside (28) of the hull, and control apparatus (40) that rotates the at least one hydrofoil about the axis in response to roll of the watercraft so as to stabilize the watercraft against the roll. Preferably the axis passes generally through the chord's center.

Abstract: A dampening device for dampening the vertical wave-induced motion component of a floating structure. The dampener projects in the form of a skirt down below the bottom of the floating structure (11) and consists of a plurality of channels (47) which extend substantially horizontally and converge from an inlet opening (27, 28, 36, 37, 38) to an outlet opening (16, 46) leading away from the floating structure (11). When the structure (11) moves downwards water is forced from the underside through the channels (47) and creates a jet effect which acts with dampening effect on the vertical motion of the structure.

Abstract: An anti-rolling apparatus according to the present invention includes rail members which are formed in straight form and disposed perpendicular to a rolling axis of an object whose rolling is to be reduced, a movable weight capable of reciprocating along the rail members, and two springs for generating a stability force for the movable weight, wherein the two springs are elongated or contracted alternately when the movable weight is reciprocated.

Abstract: A refuelling system for aircraft, and in particular to a cellular system for refuelling long range aircraft crossing oceans. A floating refuelling station for aircraft includes at least one container hull which is movable and a sloping platform supported by the container. The sloping platform has at least one runway thereon for take off and landing of aircraft. The container hull may be used to store aviation fuel for refuelling the aircraft, the movability of the hull may be used to orient the runway with respect to the direction of the wind and the runway has a ramp section inclined at an angle to help slow down landing aircraft and/or to help speed up aircraft taking off. The height of the runway above the sea surface needs to be sufficient to accommodate any loss of buoyancy due to outpourings of gas from the sea bed.

Abstract: A float master (12) for a watercraft (14) comprising a telescopic arm (16). A structure (18) is for securing a first end (20) of the telescopic arm (16) to a deck (22) of the watercraft (14). An inflatable raft (24) is provided. A component (26) is for attaching the inflatable raft (24) to a second end (28) of the telescopic arm (16). A facility (30) connected to the telescopic arm (16) is for extending the telescopic arm (16) in an angular direction down towards a body of water (32) about the watercraft (14). An assembly (34) connected to the inflatable raft (24) is for inflating the inflatable raft (24) in the body of water (32) after the telescopic arm (16) is completely extended, so that the inflatable raft (24) will stabilize the watercraft (14) in an upright position within the body of water (32).

Abstract: A stabilizer system is used to stabilize a marine vessel hull. The system includes at least one stabilizer assembly attached to the hull and the stabilizer assembly is capable of moving with respect to the hull in response to ambient sea surface conditions detected by the system. Each stabilizer assembly includes an outrigger arm and a float arm which has a float attached to one end. The float arm can expand and contract in order to keep the float in contact with the sea surface or lift it from contact. Additionally, the float can have the ability to change its cross-sectional shape and volume with respect to the waves. The entire stabilizer assembly, and various components thereof, have the ability to position themselves in response to commands generated by the system. The system predicts impending adverse motions, such as oncoming waves, in order to position the stabilizer assemblies and the vessel in optimum positions so as to negate the effect of the oncoming wave on the vessel.

Abstract: A boat hull cleaning system, particularly for sail and motor yachts, prevents the contamination of sewers and open waters by recirculating the cleaning water within the system without discharging it therefrom. The system includes a trailerable container, of a size up to the size of conventional, large ocean-going shipping containers, which is fitted with a catch basin having side and end walls that extend upwardly thereon. Hinges between the basin and the walls permit the latter to be folded downwardly into a position in which the walls are downwardly inclined towards the basin. Corner plates connect the adjacent edges of the side and end walls and with the latter form a water drain surface which directs used, contaminated water into the basin. The basin is covered with a water permeable, metal mesh floor which carries supports for holding the boat hull during cleaning.

Abstract: A vibration damping apparatus includes a frame having a rail member and end plates at longitudinal ends of the rail member. The frame is a hollow box-shaped element or a hollow tubular element. The rail member defines a downwardly arcuate surface. The frame is fixed on a vibrant structure. A vibration damping body is movably located on the rail member such that it can naturally oscillate thereon upon vibrations of the structure. An energy of vibration of the structure is transferred to and absorbed by the damping body so that the vibration of the structure is attenuated. By appropriately determining a radius of curvature of the rail member, a natural period of the damping body is set to be equal to that of the structure. First and second magnets are mounted on the end plates and third and fourth magnets are mounted on opposite end faces of the damping body. The first and third magnets have the same polarity and the second and fourth magnets have the same polarity.

Abstract: A device (10) for orientating a load to be suspended and moved by a crane includes a flywheel (11) mounted for rotation in a housing (14). A turntable (17) is pivotally connected to the housing (14) and is drivable relative to the housing using a driven worm gear (23) meshing with an annular set of teeth (22) on the turntable (17). The turntable has an axle (18) to which loads can be attached. When the flywheel (11) is spinning at high speed, it resists movement out of its plane of rotation so as to stabilize the cable in winds, etc. The flywheel (11) also allows the worm gear to react against it so as to turn the load relative to the flywheel (11). Maneuvering of the load is therefore made easier.

Abstract: An oscillation suppression device is provided for attenuating oscillation of an object to be controlled by a gyro torque of a control moment gyro having a flywheel rotating at a high speed. The oscillation suppression device includes an angular velocity detector for detecting an oscillation angular velocity of the object to be controlled. A control unit is connected to a gimbal shaft of the control moment gyro for controlling the angular velocity .theta. of the gimbal of the control moment gyro so as to absorb an external torque generated in the object to be controlled. The control unit operates in response to the oscillation angular velocity .PHI., which is detected by the angular velocity detector.

Abstract: A watercraft has a buoyancy hull with an upwardly bode rail forming an arcuate guide for a passenger stand which allows the passenger to remain substantially upright as the buoyancy hull rolls beneath the stand. The stand can have rollers riding on the rail.

Abstract: A fin with trailing edge fixed flaps for ships, characterized in that it is made of a main fin (1) to which are associated one or several pairs of fixed flaps (2a and 2b) of mean camber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system for stabilizing a marine vehicle against rolling and pitching motions and for providing steering control to the marine vehicle. The system includes at least two rudders rotatably affixed to the marine vehicle aft of marine vehicle propellers and canted approximately 45.degree. to the vertical; at least two rudder actuators, one actuator associated with each of the rudders, for providing a predetermined dynamic rotational motion to each rudder; at least one power unit for providing power to the rudder actuators; and a control unit for determining the predetermined dynamic rotation of each of the rudders and for generating control signals corresponding thereto.

Abstract: An improved fin stabilizer control system which has an automatic gain control (AGC) system which uses the difference between the control laws demand signals and the actual fin angles to calculate a gain factor to reduce the control laws demand until the non-linearities almost disappear. If more than one control law is used to generate a demand, the control laws can be prioritized and the available actuator power thus rationed. In particular, the automatic gain control (AGC) sub-system of the control law monitors the motions of the fins and detects when each fin is not following the control law demands. It adjusts the gain of the control law so as to reduce the slew rate limit and the fin angle limit effects.

Abstract: A stabilizer for a ship includes a track shifting mechanism, pulleys fixed on the track shifting mechanism, pulleys fixed on the ship and a continuous running body such as belt or chain running in a closed loop at high speed around the pulleys, thereby generating, absorbing or changing an angular moment to suppress the rolling of the ship.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an outboard marine engine is able to improve cruising performance of a boat particularly during acceleration or travelling on a curved course. An attitude angle sensor senses a three-dimensional attitude of the outboard engine including a trim angle, a bank angle and a yaw or steering angle thereof, and generates corresponding attitude angle signals. A controller controls engine control parameters based on various signals indicative of engine operating conditions inclusive of the attitude angle signals in such a manner that the output power of the engine increases in accordance with an increasing trim angle, whereas it decreases in accordance with an increasing bank and/or yaw (steering) angle.

Abstract: Stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing boats comprising a weighted concave body which is suspended from the boat and which is formed as a grid defining openings through the body and a flexible flap in the concavity of the body, the flap blocking the openings when the body rises in the water due to rolling of the boat so as to inhibit rolling and the flap moving away from the openings to permit the apparatus to rapidly fall as the boat rolls in the opposite direction. A pair of bodies are provided on opposite sides of the boat to inhibit rolling in both directions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the stabilization of drifter buoys and the like and more particularly to surface or near surface Lagrangian Drifter Buoys launched from aircraft or surface vehicles and to an underwater suspension system adapted for stabilizing and maintaining the buoy at a predetermined depth in an upright position. The suspension assembly for use in combination with a buoy, having a generally elongated cylindrical hull, is comprised of two main components including 1) a collapsible longitudinal stabilizer means for providing horizontal drag and 2) a vertical stabilizer means suspended below and transverse the axis of the buoy. These two components act together to maintain the buoy in an upright position and to maintain it within the layer of water in which it is placed. The assembly is also compliant and as such the assembly has the ability to function for extended periods of time without the need for the use of inordinately strong or expensive materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a vessel to drastically reduce the rolling and/or pitching of floating vessels, platforms, or the like. At least one stabilizer is suspended by a bridle secured from a vessel so as to be submerged in the water. The stabilizer is formed having a pair of hingedly connected wing members, so-called with regard to their shape which is formed by a sequence of longitudinal sections associated by dimension and angle to provide a differential convexity over their breadth. This wing shape actuates rapid configural changes in the stabilizer so that the wing members assume an open span resisting bridle tension, or a folded swiftly sinking phase when the bridle is not tensioned. The wing shape is adjustable in camber and aspect ratio to retain optimal efficiency at any scale.

Abstract: An improved fluid actuating system for imparting motion to a body such as a spacecraft is disclosed. The fluid actuating system consists of a fluid mass that may be controllably accelerated through at least one fluid path whereby an opposite acceleration is experienced by the spacecraft. For full control of the spacecraft's orientation, the system would include a plurality of fluid paths. The fluid paths may be circular or irregular, and the fluid paths may located on the interior or exterior of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A system for reducing roll of vessels comprises at least one and preferably a pair of hydrofoil devices suspended from lines rigged on each side of the vessel, preferably from outrigger booms. The devices are asymmetrical foils which are arranged to provide a downwardly acting hydrodynamic force as the devices move with respect to the water. The center of the hydrodynamic force, the center of gravity of the device, and the suspension line attachment being in vertical alignment to provide a balanced foil. The devices function when the vessel is under way and when the vessel is stationary. The hydrodynamic force provides tension in the suspension lines which serves to damp the tendency of the vessel to roll while under way. The hydrodynamic force assures that the devices will not suddenly lose their damping effect or loose control and jerk or breach. When not under way, rolling is damped by differential resistance of the devices to upward movement through the water.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system is provided for ships. Port and starboard ductways are provided with radial constrictor axial-flow impellers, and the output flow therefrom is divided between hull-bottom and hull-side discharge outlets. A stabilizer system is provided comprising pivotal deflectors in the hull-side jet outlets and means to automatically control these deflectors responsive to both rate of roll and angle of roll to counteract rolling of the vessel.

Abstract: The drogue (1) has a steering system (8) which may be assisted by a rudder (4). The drogue is steered by varying the towing angle by applying a longitudinal differential force to the rope (6). The drogue is highly stable. It is capable of effectively countering the heeling torque of a boat (5). It may also be used for performing experiments at a distance from acoustic interference from the towing vessel. It may also be used for steering the course of a free balloon above the waves within a downwind sector.

Abstract: A device for avoiding capsizing of catamarans, in which a mast of the catamaran is pivotally mounted on a transverse beam of connection between two hulls and kept in position by two shrouds which, starting from the top of the mast and winding around tensioning pulleys and positioning pulleys, are connected to a movable point of a piston device, which is of the oleodynamic-mechanical type and generally comprises a piston head kept in position in a cylinder by resiliency and made of two parts connected to each other by a calibrated helical spring. A pipe with a pump and unidirectional valves and for the oil of the oleodynamic device are provided outwardly of the cylinder. When the load on the mast exceeds the value of calibration of the spring, the piston head opens to uncover apertures for the passage of the oil which in this manner circulates and permits shifting of the piston head in the cylinder. The mast only bends if the wind acting on the sail exceeds the calibration value of the spring.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated fin stabilizer system for counteracting the tendency of a ship to experience rolling and/or list or side sway, wherein a gyroscopic sensor and a pendulum type sensor are either hydraulically or mechanically coupled to generate an integrated differential hydraulic signal used to control the adjustment of stabilizing fins.

Abstract: A device for eliminating the risk of disturbing heeling at loading and unloading of a ship (10) lying at a quay (12). The device includes a motor-operated winch (18) on the ship, the winch having a drawing member (20) in the form of one or more wires, belts or the like. This drawing member is arranged for attachment to the quay and runs out from the ship at a place (24) below the surface of water.

Abstract: My invention is directed to a means and method for positioning a stabilizer on a boat such as a small pleasure boat and a fishing boat. There is a boom on the deck of the fishing boat. The guide on the end of the boom assists in positioning the line and the stabilizer on the end of the line away from the hull of the boat.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a ship, a boat and the like, comprises an inner hull having a longitudinal horizontal axis and a transverse horizontal axis, an outer hull surrounding the inner hull and arranged movable relative to the latter about at least one of the horizontal axes, and a plurality of ball bodies arranged between the inner hull and the outer hull so as to allow the movement of the outer hull relative to the inner hull about the at least one horizontal axis.

Abstract: A vessel, such as a ship, a boat and the like, comprises a hull having an inner hollow, a movable body located in the inner hollow of the hull, and device for guiding the movable body in the inner hollow of the hull and formed so that when the hull turns about any horizontal axis in a first direction under the action of waves, wind and the like, the body urges to turn the hull back about the same any horizontal axis in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction so as to stabilize the ship.

Abstract: A stability indicator for a marine vessel. The indicator continuously determines a GM value for the vessel equal to the square of the vessel's beam length times the square of the vessel's rolling constant divided by the square of the vessel's rolling period. The rolling period is determined by means of a gravity sensor whose output is an electrical signal corresponding to the instantaneous magnitude and direction of the roll angle. Electronic level adjustment and gain selection means are also provided, to compensate for the fact that the stability indicator may often be installed with the gravity sensor off-horizontal. The signal from the gravity sensor is input into a data processor that computes the rolling period by first analyzing the roll angle signal to establish a zero level and threshold levels above and below the zero level.

Abstract: A vessel, for example a semi-submersible is provided with at least a chamber for stabilizing it against any or all of heave, roll and pitch. The chambers are mounted on or in the vessel and disposed to lie at least partly below the surface of the water. Valves are provided for controlling the buoyancy of the chambers. Each valve has a first position in which the respective chamber is connected to atmosphere to permit air to enter or leave the chamber, and a second position in which the chamber is not so connected.

Abstract: A vessel with a ballast system including a plurality of ballast tanks provided with pumps for feeding water into the tanks and expelling water therefrom and an air bubbling system including underwater openings and compressors for blowing air through said openings into the water surrounding said vessel. The ballast system and the air bubbling system include a common tube system being alternatively connectable to the ballast tanks, for operating the filling and emptying of the tanks, and to the air bubbling system for conducting air to the underwater openings as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,580,204.

Abstract: A capsize prevention device for a multihull vessel which may be mounted to an existing vessel or be integrally manufactured therewith. The device includes first and second tubes disposed longitudinally along the lower portion of the keel of the vessel through which seawater flows during the sailing of the vessel. Each of the tubes includes forward and rearward watertight valves. When the valves are open, water is free to flow through the tubes. When the valves are closed, water will be trapped within the tubes, thus adding the mass of the trapped water to the keel. The mass of the water within the tubes serves to prevent capsize about one of the outriggers of the vessel.

Abstract: A ship stabilization system, which utilizes the rudders to compensate for nd and wave induced roll motions, includes a hydraulically actuated mechanism for controlling the position of the rudders; a pump coupled to the hydraulic mechanism for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid; and a flow control device connected to the pump for controlling the flow rate of fluid through the pump. The ship stabilization system also includes a first actuation device for translating helm steering command signals into control impulses for the flow control device and a second actuation device for translating helm steering command signals and roll reduction control signals into control impulses for the flow control device. A coupler is connected to the first and second actuation devices and the flow control device for disengaging the first actuation device from the flow control means when the second actuation device is activated.

Abstract: A ship stabilization system, which utilizes the rudders to compensate for nd and wave induced roll motions, includes a hydraulically actuated mechanism for controlling the position of the rudders; a pump coupled to the hydraulic mechanism for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid; and a flow control device connected to the pump for controlling the flow rate of fluid through the pump. The ship stabilization system also includes a first actuation device for translating helm steering command signals into control impulses for the flow control device and a second actuation device for translating helm steering command signals and roll reduction control signals into control impulses for the flow control device. A coupler is connected to the first and second actuation devices and the flow control device for disengaging the first actuation device from the flow control device when the second actuation device is activated.

Abstract: A system for sailboats for the purpose of maintaining the trim or attitude of the hull in a level position and at the same time adjusting the rigging and keel. The mast is made so that it can tilt to port or starboard and apparatus is provided to produce a force or torque tending to urge the mast back to its upright position and to produce a righting moment on the hull. Alternative apparatus is provided to produce these forces. A rotatable keel is provided which is automatically adjusted when the mast tilts to compensate for the tendency of the craft to make leeway while under way. An auxiliary mast is provided, suspended from the top of the regular mast which is swung to port or starboard to keep the mainsail substantially upright. A horizontally movable jib boom is provided for the foresail and sheets are provided so that the helmsman can adjust the aspect of the foresail to keep it aligned with the mainsail when the mast tilts.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for reducing the relative motion of a vessel and for reducing the intensity of waves reflected from the vessel. According to the invention, the vessel is provided with at least two specially designed tanks or cavities, one on the starboard side of the vessel and one on the port side of the vessel. The tanks extend above and below the mean water line of the vessel. In one embodiment of the invention, each tank has (a) a bottom plate which extends substantially laterally outward from at least a portion of the bottom of the vessel and which is freely accessible to the surrounding water; (b) vertically aligned, transversely extending, outwardly directed, perforate plates which are spaced apart along a longitudinal length of the tank, and (c) a vertically aligned, longitudinally extending perforate plate or bulkhead which is spaced apart from the vessel along a longitudinal length of the tank.

Abstract: A slope or list sensor placed on a floating vessel detects listing thereof in either direction and produces an electrical signal which is proportional to the degree of list. An overhead movable flowable material delivery means responds automatically to the signal from the sensor and moves laterally of the vessel to load the vessel in such a way that the list is corrected automatically during the complete loading of the vessel. Various types of material delivery devices capable of responding to a signal can be employed.