Abstract: A weight distribution system configured to be integral with a boat or with its structure or hull. The system includes a weight distribution device that translates a cart of weight from one position within a space to another position along a rail. The system is activated by a control that is remote to the system. The system allows for a person to quickly and conveniently alter the weight within the boat to alter, improve or otherwise shape the wake created by the boat.

Abstract: A novel power generation type electromagnetic damping tuned mass damper comprises a connecting plate, a supporting guide rail fixed to the connecting plate, an mass block, a mounting assembly fixed to the mass block and a power generation type electromagnetic damping mechanism mounted on the mounting assembly. The power generation type electromagnetic damping mechanism comprises a power generation type electromagnetic damping assembly mounted on the mounting assembly, a roller rotatably mounted on the mounting assembly, a driving wheel mounted on the roller, a driven wheel mounted at an output end of the power generation type electromagnetic damping assembly and a conveyor belt sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven wheel; the roller is mounted on the supporting guide rail in a rolling manner, and the rotating centers of the roller and the driving wheel are the same and the roller and the driving wheel rotate synchronously.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus that is capable of floating on liquid surfaces, such as bodies of water filled with waste byproducts. The buoyant apparatus supports a plurality of atomizers via rotatable and flexible arms that can achieve 180° adjustments with the respect to a longitudinal axis of the buoyant apparatus, such that the arms can be parallel to a surface of the body of water in both an extended orientation (with the atomizers deployed over the water surface) and a retracted orientation (with the atomizers stored within the surface area of the platform). In addition, the arms can achieve 360° rotational adjustments about the attachment point of the arms to the platform. The atomizers and arms are powered by low voltage direct current (DC) motors that can utilize solar power via photovoltaic cells such that the apparatus can be employed in remote locations without the need for a centralized power grid.

Abstract: Disclosed, as a device for correcting the horizontality of the small ship according to the present invention, is a device for controlling the horizontality of a small ship by using a variable mast, the device comprising: a tilt sensing unit for sensing the tilt of the small ship; a position adjustment unit formed such that at least a portion thereof can move in the horizontal direction on the deck of the small ship, and having a separate mast loaded on an upper part thereof to support the mast such that the mast is located at a predetermined height or higher; and a horizontality control unit for correcting the center of gravity of the small ship by adjusting a position of the mast through the position adjustment unit in correspondence to the tilt sensed by the tilt sensing unit.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle comprising: port and starboard thrusters spaced apart in a port- starboard direction, each thruster being oriented to generate a thrust force in a fore-aft direction perpendicular to the port-starboard direction; a vertical thruster which is oriented to generate a thrust force substantially perpendicular to the fore-aft and port- starboard directions; port, starboard and vertical ducts which contain the port, starboard and vertical thrusters respectively, each duct providing a channel for water to flow through its respective thruster; and a moving mass which can be moved relative to the thrusters in the fore-aft direction to control a pitch of the underwater vehicle.

Abstract: A sailing vessel is disclosed which comprises a hull, a keel depending from the hull and a mast. A ballast bulb is provided at the lower end of the keel. A first control mechanisms is provided for rotating the ballast bulb about a transverse axis to change the angle of attack of the bulb. A second control mechanism is provided for rotating the bulb about a longitudinal axis of the vessel.

Abstract: A craft comprises a torque reaction engine, a beam, and a fin secured to the beam. The torque reaction engine causes the beam to oscillate. The fin, secured to the beam, translates through a surrounding thrust fluid as a result of oscillation of the beam. Translation of the fin through the surrounding thrust fluid produces thrust and/or lift on the fin, propelling the beam and torque reaction engine. The craft may further comprise a harness and be a diver propulsion vehicle.

Abstract: An inspection device for use in a fluid container includes a hull adapted to be received in the fluid container and a control mechanism carried by the hull. The control mechanism movably positions a weight about the hull so as to adjust an angular orientation of the hull within the fluid container.

Abstract: Provided is a capsize risk level calculation system which can calculate a capsize risk level providing an index of the capsize risk on an oscillation of hull without using hull information. This system includes an acceleration sensor detecting a reciprocating motion in an up-down direction of a vessel as an oscillation in an up-down direction of a virtual oscillation center axis; an angular velocity sensor detecting a simple pendulum motion in a rolling direction around the vessel center axis as a simple pendulum motion of the vessel COG around the oscillation center axis; and an arithmetic part calculating a capsize risk level from an oscillation radius connecting between the oscillation center axis and the vessel COG, and a capsize limit oscillation radius connecting between the oscillation center axis and the vessel metacenter, which are obtained on the results of detection by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a device mounted on a watercraft that creates a method of systematic weight distribution, which modifies a vessel's wake as it travels through water. The device uses systematically moveable ballast object(s) that are supported in a variety of positions along a specified path. As a ballast object is selectively moved towards a specific extremity of a watercraft, it causes that side or end to sink deeper in the water, and raises the opposing side or end, thus controlling or influencing the vessel's relative position on a body of water. When the watercraft is operating at higher speeds, the invention's ability to control the vessels' position allows an operator to selectively control the shape, size and slope of the watercraft's wake, as referenced in the disclosed method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inside mobile ballast arrangement for sailboats, said arrangement using a dense material and being preferably in a watertight/gas-tight compartment, the whole system on low friction bearings and being close to the bottom of the hull, this arrangement being able to move longitudinally from front to rear and vice versa, along the X axis, independently or simultaneously with a perpendicular displacement, i.e. from port to starboard and vice versa, along the Y axis.

Abstract: A method for compensating for motion of a boat as it floats on water includes measuring the motion of the boat relative to another element in an area surrounding the boat, generating a driving signal for driving actuators operatively associated between the boat and at least one carrier based on motion of the boat, driving the actuators to hold the at least one carrier substantially stationary relative to the element based on the driving signal and relieving weight on the actuators by at least partially bearing the weight of a load and the at least one carrier by an at least partially passive pressure element.

Abstract: The present invention is a device mounted on a watercraft that creates a method of systematic weight distribution, which modifies a vessel's wake as it travels through water. The device uses systematically moveable ballast object(s) that are supported in a variety of positions along a specified path. As a ballast object is selectively moved towards a specific extremity of a watercraft, it causes that side or end to sink deeper in the water, and raises the opposing side or end, thus controlling or influencing the vessel's relative position on a body of water. When the watercraft is operating at higher speeds, the invention's ability to control the vessels' position allows an operator to selectively control the shape, size and slope of the watercraft's wake, as referenced in the disclosed method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an inside mobile ballast arrangement for sailboats, said arrangement using a dense material and being preferably in a watertight/gas-tight compartment, the whole system on low friction bearings and being close to the bottom of the hull, this arrangement being able to move longitudinally from front to rear and vice versa, along the X axis, independently or simultaneously with a perpendicular displacement, i.e. from port to starboard and vice versa, along the Y axis.

Abstract: An active heave compensation system comprises a motor generator to interact with a load so as to drive the load in a first part of a heave motion cycle and to regenerate at least part of energy with which the load has been driven in a second part of the heave motion cycle, and an electrical storage element for storing the regenerated energy. The active heave compensation system further comprises a power supply electrically connected to the motor generator and the electrical storage element for providing electrical power to at least the motor generator, and a control unit configured to control the power supply substantially in synchronism with the heave motion.

Abstract: A heave compensation system comprises a motor-generator to interact with a load and a control unit being arranged to control operation of the motor-generator. The control unit is arranged to: operate the motor-generator to drive the load in a first part of a wave motion cycle, and operate the motor-generator to regenerate in a second part of the wave motion cycle at least a part of the energy with which the load has been driven in the first part of the wave motion cycle. The heave compensation system comprises an electrical storage element to buffer at least part of the regenerated energy for powering the motor-generator in a following cycle of the wave motion.

Abstract: A balance maintaining equipment for a floating body includes a driving device for rotating a driving shaft; a first eccentric rotating body positioned at one side of the driving device and connected to the driving shaft to rotate around the driving shaft by the rotation thereof; and a second eccentric rotating body positioned at the other side of the driving device and connected to the driving shaft to rotate around the driving shaft by the rotation thereof, while having a phase difference of 180 degrees from the rotation of the first eccentric rotating body. The balance maintaining equipment generates the moment in the opposite direction to the roll of the floating body. Furthermore, when the roll period of the floating body is changed, the balance maintaining equipment varies the angular velocity of the driving shaft to interwork with the roll period of the floating body.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for shaping a wake of a water ski boat. Embodiments of wake shaping systems fixed to portions of a ski boat configured to heel a ski boat towards a starboard side and/or a port side of the ski boat. The wake shaping system comprising a ballast selectively positioned a distance above a waterline of a ski boat, and a distance from a pylon removeably fixed to a portion of the ski boat.

Abstract: The self contained ecological dynamic boat pitch and roll trim system by alteration of the hull water flow, of this invention consists of a main body (1) inside of which an elastic flexible pressure means (5), is being housed properly, located on supporting plates (4), compression-retraction springs (7) of said flexible elastic pressure means (5), spring guides (8), spring housing tubes (9), a hydrodynamic barrier (6), a back guide (2) and a front guide (10) for the hydrodynamic barrier (6) and a cover (3), being characterized in that said flexible elastic pressure means (5) is being independent and self contained, said system is also being capable of operating with no seals by use of only water, requiring no dedicated water pump, is being capable of being self cleaned internally and has the form of a cubic shape.

Abstract: A sailboat, which include an extendable keel having a moveable inner member positioned within a fixed keel and a control system for lowering or retracting the inner member.

Abstract: A balance maintaining equipment for a floating body includes a driving device for rotating a driving shaft; a first eccentric rotating body positioned at one side of the driving device and connected to the driving shaft to rotate around the driving shaft by the rotation thereof; and a second eccentric rotating body positioned at the other side of the driving device and connected to the driving shaft to rotate around the driving shaft by the rotation thereof, while having a phase difference of 180 degrees from the rotation of the first eccentric rotating body. The balance maintaining equipment generates the moment in the opposite direction to the roll of the floating body. Furthermore, when the roll period of the floating body is changed, the balance maintaining equipment varies the angular velocity of the driving shaft to interwork with the roll period of the floating body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a gravity center adjustment device for a wind turbine installation vessel, with the gravity center adjustment device (2) fixedly mounted to the outside of the vessel body (4) of the wind turbine installation vessel. The existence of the gravity center adjustment device (2) according to the present invention is independent from the vessel body and no longer limited by the size of the installation vessel and the size of the ballast bank provided in the vessel body of the wind turbine installation vessel. The size of the gravity center adjustment device (2) may be set as desired so that the adjustment ability of the gravity center adjustment device can be changed, whereby its ability for adjusting gravity center of the wind turbine installation vessel can be improved and the stability of the wind turbine installation vessel can be improved.

Abstract: A keel (1) mechanism for a sailboat (10), wherein the keel (1) comprises a drive mechanism for moving the keel (1) linearly along the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis (x) extending from the fore end to rear end of the sailboat (10), and swinging the keel around the axis extending from larboard to starboard of the sailboat in response to conditions taking place.

Abstract: A yacht having an adjustable ballast assembly comprising a ballast, an elongated hollow ballast guide o mounted to the hull of the watercraft to extend transversely of the hull, the ballast being located within the guide and there being means for selectively moving the ballast longitudinally of the guide between respective opposite end positions in which at least part of the ballast is located laterally outwardly of the hull. The elongated guide may be located within an outer hollow guide and mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the outer guide so as to be capable of projecting telescopically from opposite ends of the outer guide.

Abstract: The present invention reduces loads and saves steel on topsides and grillage of a catamaran system by creating a counteracting moment to offset a sagging bending moment of its self-weight on the topsides during transportation. The present invention can reduce the span of the supports on the topsides on the catamaran float-over barges and move the reaction forces toward inner edges of the float-over barges. The counteracting moment can cause a reduction of stress on the topsides' and grillage's members caused during the topside offloading and transportation. The stress reduction can result in the members withstanding the additional dynamic load caused by a catamaran system without increasing member sizes adequate for an offloading operation. The reduction results in a significant savings, given the size of a typical topsides for a Spar hull.

Abstract: A sailboat, which include an extendable keel having a moveable inner member positioned within a fixed keel and a control system for lowering or retracting the inner member.

Abstract: A submarine vehicle able to control the navigation of a towed submerged object (3). The vehicle includes a body (5) equipped with stabilizing fins (7a, 7b, 7c), at least one of which (7c) is free to rotate and is ballasted, or linked to a ballast, for roll stabilization and/or orientation of the vehicle when it is in motion.

Abstract: A yacht having an adjustable ballast assembly comprising a ballast, an elongated hollow ballast guide mounted to the hull of the watercraft to extend transversely of the hull, the ballast being located within the guide and there being means for selectively moving the ballast longitudinally of the guide between respective opposite end positions in which at least part of the ballast is located laterally outwardly of the hull. The elongated guide may be located within an outer hollow guide and mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the outer guide so as to be capable of projecting telescopically from opposite ends of the outer guide.

Abstract: An external adjustable ballast system for keeled sailboats comprising a weight that is designed for low hydrodynamic drag, mounted through a beam to a shaft running down the leading edge of the fin keel. Turning the shaft moves the weight to optimize hull trim, both fore/aft and athwartships, for a particular point of sail. If the weight and beam are shaped as a lifting body and mounted to the shaft such that it pivots as it rotates to optimize angle of attack, the dynamic balancing component can allow for a lighter weight. Ballast weight and beam can be raised or lowered to optimize performance for expected wind conditions. The leading edge of the fin keel is a rotatable non spherical shaft. When rotated, the shaft creates an asymmetric cross section which improves hydrodynamic efficiency of the keel.

Abstract: A canting ballast twin foil (CBTF) sailing yacht constructed according to the invention includes a sailing hull, a ballast, a ballast-supporting structure, and an onboard ballast drive system. The ballast drive system moves the ballast in order to vary the counter-heeling force it produces underway. Twin foils that depend downwardly from the hull in positions fore and aft of the ballast provide leeway and steering control. An onboard main engine drive system provides power, either directly by suitable mechanical coupling or indirectly through charging of the battery/electric system, for one or more of a canting system, a leeway, and/or steering control system. The onboard main engine drive system may also power a yacht-propelling propeller.

Abstract: The balancing device makes it easy to balance low and medium tonnage ships without needing to use high power. It comprises mainly one or several trains of moving masses mounted on a U track of which the side branches are parallel to the side walls of the ship, the central segment being perpendicular to the center line of the ship. Two drive wheels placed inside the turning points of the U enable driving of the train of moving mass. Application to low and medium tonnage ships.

Abstract: A method is provided for quantifying design parameters for a moving mass ship roll stimulation system given a maximum angle of roll &thgr;MAX to be induced for a ship, a righting moment RM per degree of list for the ship, a natural roll period TN, a damping ratio &zgr; for the ship and a center of gravity for the ship. A total induced moment expression at the natural roll period TN is determined for the moving mass ship roll stimulation system as a function of a plurality of design parameters therefor. The total induced moment expression is equated to 2&zgr;&thgr;MAXRM and values for the design parameters are selected to satisfy the equality.

Abstract: A watercraft has a laterally extendable deck or room extension that is extended by sliding along guides or bearings. The deck or room extension can be extended using a motor, gear pinion and rack arrangement, a hand crank arrangement, a hydraulic cylinder arrangement, or a linear motor arrangement. A keel ballast can be utilized to counterbalance the eccentric load caused by the overhanging deck or room extension.

Abstract: The balancing device makes it easy to balance low and medium tonnage ships without needing to use high power.

Abstract: An improved control system for a sailing vessel for controlling the position of the sail and the rudder, and affixed to a slidable seat apparatus. A movement of the seat apparatus does not alter the position of the sail or the rudder. A ballast control, steering control and sail control are located on the slidable seat apparatus. The slidable seat apparatus provides a ballast control means using the helmsperson's weight and the seat itself as movable ballast. Furthermore, the steering control and the sail controls are mounted to the movable seat and are operable independently and simultaneously with the movement of the seat. A base provides a base connection means for the seat, and in the case of a multi-hull embodiment of the sailboat, the base is substantially in the form of a scissoring “X” shape. The scissoring base functions as both a connecting means and a means to adjust the distance between the hulls for operation or storage.

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: The device makes it possible to stabilize high tonnage ship, when several of them are used. Mainly, it comprises a train of mobile lead masses (12), completed at each end by a pair of jaws (16) pressing against the lateral rails of a housing (3). A single cable (2) serves to pull the train and to control the release of the jaws (16). The control means for displacement and for cable tension are placed on one side of the ship. The winch (20) of one device can be coupled to the winch of an adjacent device, thus allowing compensation should a device fail. Application refers to the stabilization of high tonnage ships, such as aircraft carriers.

Abstract: The invention concerns an autonomous container ship comprising a hull, a propulsion system, loading and unloading systems for loading and unloading containers, and a balancing system. The ship transports containers from larger ports equipped with facilities for loading and unloading containers to smaller ports which may not provide such equipment and may be less than 4 meters deep. The ship includes a propulsion system to propel the ship to cruising speed on the high seas and at lower speeds in estuaries and ports, loading and unloading systems adapted to ports not provided with appropriate equipment, and a balancing system for balancing the ship at sea by providing stability and trim during container handling operations.

Abstract: The device makes it possible to stabilise high tonnage ships, when several of them are used.

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 nautical balance system for installation on small sailboats. The system improves the ability of a helmsman to counter the heeling force of the wind on the sails by providing a swinging seat supported by semicircular rail for supporting the weight of the helmsman outboard of the sailboat. The system enables the helmsman to easily use his weight to limit the heel of the sailboat. The system is independent of mast location and provides for tacking under a low boom.

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: High performance sailing yacht designs are disclosed based on a keelless sailing yacht concept having dynamic gravitational ballast which is laterally movable for heeling resistance which ballast replaces a function of the standard keel. A keelless yacht of this type is disclosed with an adjustable flap mounted on an elongated strut from which the ballast is suspended below the hull to generate a variable heel hydrodynamic control force independently of the counter-heeling effect achieved by the ballast. The foregoing features enhance the effects of disclosed improvements and modifications to hull design in having a duplex form, with upper and lower hull shapes, the lower of low drag shape, and of reduced section, while the upper hull extends laterally abeam from the lower hull to define reserve buoyancy, added accomodation, and surfaces adapted for hydroplaning when the yacht is at a controlled angle of heel.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus for inclusion in a ship comprising a mass (10), that is vibrationally coupled to the ship's hull (12) such that movement of the mass is dampened. The mass (10) is so sized and located as to, when in use it reduces the fundamental and/or harmonics of a transverse two node mode of wave-induced vibration in the ship's hull (12). There is also described an apparatus for inclusion in a ship comprising a mass (10) made up in part of the tackle or fitments of the ship, which also are vibrationally coupled to the ship's hull (12) by a damping such that movement of the mass (10) is dampened so as to thereby, when in use, reduce vibrations in the ship's hull (12). In a preferred embodiment the mass (10) is at least in part a chain locker and that portion of the chain stored therein. By reducing vibrations in the ship's hull (12) significant stresses may be relieved and the performance of the ship enhanced.

Abstract: A control unit incorporated in a stabilizing system in yachts and sailing vessels and intended automatically to control the movements of a weight which is movable transversely across the vessel, said wight being connected with an athwartships tiltable mast in such a manner, that the weight is displaced transversely across the vessel in a direction opposite to the mast tilting direction. The control unit comprises two stops arranged to stop the movements of the weight, and further comprises a shifting device which is actuated by the position of the wight so that one of the stops is given an opportunity to act, i.e. to stop the movements of the weight, when the weight is positioned to one side of the centre line of the vessel in the transverse direction thereof whereas the second stop is then not given an opportunity to stop the movements of the weight, and vice versa. Each stop is controlled by a sensing device responsive to the movements of the vessel.

Abstract: A sailboat without stays for the mast has automatic ballasting which uses a tilting main mast and a tilting pole that has weights traveling up it to counteract increasing wind force upon the sail. The mast and the pole tilt in opposite directions. Their angles are prescribed by a set of gears acting as a motion reversing means, so that as the wind force increases the tilt of the mast, the tops of the mast and pole separate. The weights move up the pole and away from the sailboat's centerline because they are attached to a line fixed to the top of the mast and directed down the pole by a pulley at the pole top. Therefore, as the mast and pole separate, the length of line hanging down the pole is shortened and the weights move up the tilted pole.

Abstract: A linear motor has a stator body securely attached to a marine floating structure and a movable body acting as solid mass. In response to a command signal from a controller which phase-controls a signal from rocking-motion sensor, the movable body is forced to move in a direction of reducing the rocking motion against the floating structure in rocking motion, so that the rocking motion of the marine floating structure is reduced or suppressed.

Abstract: A system for maintaining the hull of a sailing boat in a steady position substantially independent of wind pressures on the sail, comprising a pivoted mast and wires connecting the mast with a weight in the boat hull via a transmission device. Transverse pivoting movement of the mast causes lateral displacement of the weight thereby maintaining the hull in a stable condition.

Abstract: A trim system for a submersible comprises a ball control system and a hydraulic control system. The ball control system includes a tubular ball transfer line 33 substantially through the length of the vessel, a plurality of high-density, solid balls 34 within the ball transfer line 33 which are moveable to alter the weight distribution, a coil 1 at each end of the ball transfer line 33 as a reservoir for the balls 34, brake device 3 for temporarily fixing the position of the balls and sensing device 5 for determining the location of the balls. The hydraulic control system includes vehicle control unit 27, power transfer unit 13, manifold 2, compensator 20 and various valves, filters 17 and quick disconnects 12 for moving preselected balls through the ball transfer line 33.

Abstract: A buoyant boat hull of an amphibious vehicle has concave, quarter cylinder recesses along the sides down from the waterline, such recesses receiving the upper inboard quadrants of helical augers. The recesses confine water between the screw threads and project it directly to the rear for more efficient forward thrust. The engine and pumps for the hydraulic motors are mounted on a slide to be moved forward and aft as desired to shift the center of gravity and aid in transition between land and water travel.