Keels Patents (Class 114/140)
  • Patent number: 11780539
    Abstract: A stern rudder fixing structure for fixedly connecting a stern rudder body to a stern rudder base is disclosed. The stern rudder fixing structure comprises a T-shaped bolt, a nut and a rotary rod, wherein the stern rudder body is detachably connected to the stern rudder base. The stern rudder comprises a stern rudder body, a stern rudder base and a fixing structure. The stern rudder and a paddle board provided by the disclosure are matched with a first insertion hole and a second insertion hole of the stern rudder base through the fixing structure, so that the stern rudder body and the stern rudder base are quickly assembled and dissembled in a time-saving and error-saving mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Inventors: Peng Lin, Leqiang Lin, Yongjiang Shi
  • Patent number: 11738488
    Abstract: A method of forming a fin configured for use with a water sports board. The method includes providing a mold having a mold cavity and first and second insert pre-preg sheets each including structural strands respectively bonded by first and second resin materials. The method further includes placing the insert pre-preg sheets within the mold cavity. The method further includes injecting a third resin material under pressure into the mold cavity between the first insert pre-preg sheet and the second insert pre-preg sheet to urge the first insert pre-preg sheet and the second insert pre-preg sheet away from each other and towards respective ones of the pair of mold cavity faces, and dispose the third resin material between the first insert pre-preg sheet and the second insert pre-preg sheet to space at least a portion of the first insert pre-preg sheet from the second insert pre-preg sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: TODOS SANTOS SURF, INC.
    Inventors: Vince Longo, Tony Longo, John Griffin
  • Patent number: 11661184
    Abstract: A method of designing a morphable aerodynamic surface includes discretizing and parameterizing a model of a morphable surface to create a function to optimize; utilizing finite element analysis to solve for displacements and associated errors at an initialization point; and iteratively calculating a gradient cost function, define step size and search direction, step according to defined step size and search direction, and recalculate displacements and associated errors to converge on final thickness vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Naw
    Inventor: Brandon Powell
  • Patent number: 11345456
    Abstract: A cooling system for a water-borne vessel (1) is disclosed. The system comprises a strut (5) for supporting a propeller shaft (4) of the vessel, the strut (5) comprising a fluid inlet (8), a fluid outlet (9), and a channel (10) inside the strut (5) for transporting fluid between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet, one or more fluid conduits coupling the fluid inlet and outlet to a component to be cooled, and a pump for circulating a fluid through the conduits and said channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Oceanvolt Oy
    Inventor: Janne Kjellman
  • Patent number: 10549838
    Abstract: Flexible control surfaces and related methods are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein include an airfoil including a skin, the skin having perforations filled with an elastomer to increase a flexibility of the skin; and a flexible core adjacent the perforations of the skin to support the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Keith Allan Etling, Jennifer R. Green, Stephen L. Spicknall
  • Patent number: 10507907
    Abstract: A deployable vortex generator attached to a lifting surface includes a vane moveable relative to the lifting surface. The vane moves from a deployed position to a retracted position in response to a change in ambient conditions. In the deployed position, the vane acts on the air flow to create vortices. In the retracted position, the vane is closely aligned with the free stream velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Anat Bordoley, Brian J. Tillotson, Michael Chih-Huan Wang, Dan J. Clingman
  • Patent number: 9937984
    Abstract: A wake control system aft of the driveshaft, propeller, and rudder of a vessel includes a fin base and at least one fin slidingly engaged with the fin base. The fin(s) are vertically oriented and extend down into the water surface. The fins are transversely adjustable along the fin base to redirect a wake generated by the boat. In other embodiments, the control system comprises a starboard fin tab adjacent to a port fin tab, each of the independent fin tabs hingeably attached to the aft section of the hull, at the transom. Each fin tab includes at least one extending fin. Fin tabs are selectively deployable and retractable into and out of the water surface to redirect a wake generated by the vessel from one side to the other. A novel underwater exhaust system redirects exhaust depending on speed of the vessel and complements the wake control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Frederick Herrington, Adam Shook, Thomas John “TJ” O'Grady, Thomas O'Grady
  • Patent number: 9937993
    Abstract: A flexible steering fin and passive cambering keel for sailboats having fundamental simplicity yet enhanced performance and superior operation in terms of design and components. The steering fin is a relatively short and elongated flexible blade with its leading edge fixed beneath the hull. A rod passing through the hull functions as a simple lever controlling the trailing edge of the blade, which provides both tilt and curvature for unique handling and ease of use. A separate flexible keel provides the function of tilting the keel as it is cambered, for greater lift. A unique fundamental mastless wingsail is also disclosed having minimal components and simplicity of operation. A mastless wingsail is also disclosed which utilizes a tensioned rod to replace known sail supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventor: David Salz
  • Patent number: 9902142
    Abstract: A part includes a structure and at least one shape memory alloy element that is prestressed and embedded at least in part within said structure. The shape memory alloy is suitable for dissipating the mechanical energy of said structure when it vibrates in a given frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Adrien Fabre, Pierrick Jean, Jean-Pierre Lombard
  • Patent number: 9896168
    Abstract: A swing-range adjustable fin assembly that fits into a standard finbox of a surfboard. A set of fin-stop pin guideways, each having a set of pin fixation locations, and a pin loading port, permit a user to load a pin, move it and fix it into a position where it will constrain the fin swing range. Also disclosed is a surfboard comprising such a swing-range adjustable fin assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: WAVETECH FINS, INC.
    Inventor: Paul Lindbergh
  • Patent number: 9889917
    Abstract: A flexible steering fin and passive cambering keel for sailboats having fundamental simplicity yet enhanced performance and superior operation in terms of design and components. The steering fin is a relatively short and elongated flexible blade with its leading edge fixed beneath the hull. A rod passing through the hull functions as a simple lever controlling the trailing edge of the blade, which provides both tilt and curvature for unique handling and ease of use. A separate flexible keel provides the function of tilting the keel as it is cambered, for greater lift. A unique pivoting resilient steering assembly is incorporated, along with a rotational circular hull section, frame and cam assembly to control the keel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: David Salz
  • Patent number: 9517819
    Abstract: A water walking apparatus having two inflatable pontoons, each with respective holes in their top surfaces for a footwell. A platform support may expand and contract when in use so as to accommodate variable spacing between the pontoons. The platform support may include curved saddle, which straddles over the curved outer surface of a pontoon, securing the platform support to the pontoons. A platform upon which a user may sit may be connected to the platform support by a neck received into a hole in the bottom of the platform. The platform may include a backrest member, and a strap that may serve as a ladder step when the backrest member is rotated rearwardly and down, into the water to allow a user to step on the continuous strap and climb up onto the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Inventor: Kelly K. Souter
  • Patent number: 9463588
    Abstract: A fin for a water sports board including leading and trailing edges, and a base extending therebetween along a longitudinal base axis. A fin axis extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal base axis, both axes residing within a longitudinal plane. First and second opposed side faces are formed on generally opposed sides of the longitudinal plane. First and second insert pre-preg sheets formed of structural strands bonded by a resin material are disposed adjacent respective ones of the first and second side faces on generally opposed sides of the longitudinal plane. An injection molded resin material is disposed between the first and second insert pre-preg sheets. A core is positioned between the first and second insert pre-preg sheets and is of a density less than the injection molded resin material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Todas Santos Surf, Inc.
    Inventors: Vince Longo, Tony Longo, John Griffin
  • Patent number: 9409098
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, systems, and devices for producing a realistic scaled fingertip surfing experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Blackham
  • Patent number: 9038555
    Abstract: An adjustable skeg has a body formed by sidewalls including a closed bottom or base. The sidewalls converge to form a leading edge and a trailing end. The top is generally open and the top and sidewalls define a cavity for receiving a skeg or stub. The skeg may also be of unitary construction with the lower drive unit/gear case of a boat motor. The top and bottom portions of the trailing end project rearwardly to form extensions beyond a central portion of the trailing end. A torque vane is pivotally mounted between the top and bottom extensions. The vane is pivotable to subtend a preselected angle with a respective sidewall for eliminating steering torque. A plurality of receivers is positioned on either the top or bottom extension for locking the vane in place following adjustment. The receivers are identified by respective indicia for calibrating adjustment of the torque vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Marine Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon C. Templeman
  • Publication number: 20150101420
    Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source (e.g., air gun array) of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and the source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes or other issues encountered at the water's surface. Seismic streamers have head floats supporting the streamers. Each of the floats has adjustable buoyancy preconfigured to counterbalance the weight in water of the towed component that the float supports. Acoustic signals from a transceiver at the vessel find locations of the towed components. A towed fish at a lower level than the towed components also uses acoustic signals with a transceiver to further refine the locations of the towed components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Curt Schneider, Timothy A. Dudley
  • Publication number: 20140373769
    Abstract: A hull for a watercraft has a port side, a starboard side, and a keel disposed between the port side and the starboard side. Each of the port and starboard sides has a first portion having a first deadrise angle, and a second portion having a second deadrise angle. The first portion is disposed laterally between the second portion and the keel. A first chine is connected to the first portion. The first portion is disposed laterally between the keel and the first chine. A second chine is connected to the second portion. The second portion is disposed laterally between the first chine and the second chine. The second chine is a soft chine. The first chine has a smaller radius of curvature than the second chine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Sam SPADE, Rick ADAMCZYK, Lonnie LIEB
  • Patent number: 8834220
    Abstract: A stand-up paddle board and nosecap are disclosed. The stand-up paddle board is made using drop-stitching and in inflatable. The nosecap is made using injection molding techniques and is relatively rigid. The nosecap is attached to the stand-up paddle board and provides the board with a displacement hull to more easily move through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Elements, Inc.
    Inventors: Clayton F. Haller, Charles P. Hall
  • Publication number: 20140000502
    Abstract: The disclosure reduces vertical movement of a floating offshore platform by including a centralized open keel plate coupled to the hull that allows water below and above the keel plate. As the floating platform moves vertically, the keel plate separates the water and causes drag on the platform. The water moving vertically with the plate also increases the dynamic mass. The drag results in less vertical movement of the offshore platform without the need to extend legs of the platform to gain an equivalent reduction in vertical movement. The added dynamic mass increases the natural period of the vertical motion away from the wave excitation period to minimize the wave driven motion. The keel plate generally is above or at the same level of the keel, and therefore would not reduce the clearance between the seabed and the keel of the hull at the quayside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: TECHNIP FRANCE
    Inventor: Chan Kyu YANG
  • Patent number: 8593905
    Abstract: A skeg mounts from the stern of a towing vessel and extends below the waterline. A channel in the skeg protects cables for steamers and a source of a seismic system deployed from the vessel. Tow points on the skeg lie below the water's surface and connect to towlines to support the steamers and source. A floatation device supports the source and tows below the water's surface to avoid ice floes. The streamers can have vehicles deployed thereon for controlling a position on the streamer. To facilitate locating the streamers, these vehicles on the streamers can be brought to the surface when clear of ice floes so that GPS readings can be obtained and communicated to a control system. After obtaining readings, the vehicles can be floated back under the surface. Deploying, using, and retrieving the system accounts for ice at the surface in icy regions. In addition, handling the seismic record can account for noise generated by ice impact events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: ION Geophysical Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Gagliardi, Shawn Rice, Curt Schneider, Jeffrey W. Cunkelman, Timothy A. Dudley, Dale Lambert, Mike Burnham
  • Patent number: 8479673
    Abstract: The present embodiments relate to a vessel for oceanographic research and the development and maintenance of renewable energy resources. The vessel can have a hull, a keel with a keel cooler, skegs, watertight interior bulkheads, a main deck, topsides, insulation, sonar tubes, a sonar transducer, an engine room, a propulsion system, propellers and rudders that are operable independently and in tandem, engines with vibration isolation mounts, fuel tanks, a hydraulic bow thruster, generators, a pilothouse, a navigation station, a steering device, a dog house, living quarters, a communication system, lighting, escape hatches, and a knuckle boom crane. The hull can be adapted to sit level on a mudflat during a low tide, enabling crew to initiate emergency repairs to the vessel without having to return to port. The vessel can also have a dynamic positioning processor enabling for continuous vessel positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ledder High Risk Capital Ventures, LP
    Inventors: Mark S. Ledder, Roger Fyffe
  • Publication number: 20130104792
    Abstract: A multi-purpose boat has a two angle V hull with a rounded fore-aft profile and slightly convex deck. The hull has steeply angled edge portions and shallowly angled center portions. The edge portions are sufficiently sloped away from vertical to allow the boat to be lifted and not pushed by waves. The rounded fore-aft profile allows the boat to slide over waves, especially during a beach entry. The boat includes a keel having a horizontal base and separating downward from the hull at the fore and aft of the boat to resist yawing. The dry weight of the boat is about 25 pounds with a foam core with a resin coating and the keel is preferably hollow and includes ports to allow water to enter the keel to add about 25 pounds after entering the water. Approximately four inches of freeboard is provided separating riders from cold water and predators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: Leon Halfon
  • Publication number: 20130074754
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that allows a boat to be anchored and keeled. The invention has a member that can rotate about a first axis from a stowed position to an anchored position. Or the members may be placed downwardly in the ground floor of the body of water, for keeling. The hull of the vessel has a channel for the rotation or movement of the member within the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Lucas Cesario
  • Publication number: 20130074755
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that allows a boat to be anchored and keeled. The invention has a member that can rotate about a first axis from a stowed position to an anchored position. Or the members may be placed downwardly in the ground floor of the body of water, for keeling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Lucas Cesario
  • Patent number: 8286573
    Abstract: An inflatable boat including at least one inflatable tube forming first and second pontoons, the first and second pontoons meeting at a front of the boat to form a stem; a floor constructed of a flexible non-inflated fabric material spanning the area between the first and second pontoons and attached to the bottom of the first and second pontoons; and an inflatable keel formed of an inflatable high-pressure drop stitch material and secured to the bottom of the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Sea Eagle Boats, Inc.
    Inventor: Cecil C. Hoge, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20120186507
    Abstract: A towable buoy having a tow point for connection to a tow cable of a vessel, wherein the position of the tow point is translationally moveable with respect to the remainder of the buoy. Also, a method of operating the towable buoy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ULTRA ELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Ian Nock
  • Patent number: 8215255
    Abstract: A twisted rudder blade for a ship having a twist that is adapted to the configuration of the flow of the water in the region of the rudder blade if no propeller in operation is disposed in front of the rudder blades in the direction of travel of the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Aloys Wobben
    Inventors: Aloys Wobben, Rolf Rohden, Dirk Holtkamp
  • Publication number: 20120103240
    Abstract: The invention comprises a waterborne craft having a hull, board or base, and a fin, keel, centreboard or the like. One or more air conduits exit the hull, board or base at or adjacent at least one side of the fin, keel or centreboard, or exit the fin, keel, or centreboard, excluding the leading edge of the fin, keel or centreboard in use, in a position such that the conduit in use provides or the conduits in use provide air to a position at or adjacent at least one side of the fin, keel or centreboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventor: Cameron Grant Jones
  • Patent number: 8156880
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a keel construction for a floating vessel, where a drop keel (3) can be adjusted from a retracted/extended position to an extended/retracted position for the purpose of varying the steering and gravity point of the floating vessel and through its construction also to be able to absorb impact in the event of a grounding with the drop keel (3). The drop keel (3) is connected with at least one around a fixed point extended and rotating element (7), where the extended and rotating element (7) is connected in the keel house (1) and further is connected with a fluid cylinder (6). An additional fluid cylinder (5) in the keel house (1) is connected to an upper end of the drop keel (3), which fluid cylinders (5, 6) can be controlled in order to readjust the drop keel (3) from a retracted position to an extended position (and vice versa) or to absorb the impact that the drop keel (3) is exposed to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Dag Vilnes
  • Patent number: 8151724
    Abstract: A rudder assembly for a boat has a securing base, a rudder board and at least one engaging bolt. The rudder board is mounted detachably on the securing base and has a bottom and two rudder hooks. The rudder hooks are formed respectively on two ends of the bottom and are connected securely to the securing base with the at least one engaging bolt. The at least one engaging bolt is mounted detachably on the securing base and engages respectively at least one of the rudder hooks on the rudder board. Accordingly, a rudder board can be conveniently detached from the securing base even while an inflating boat is at an inflated condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Dongguan Tiger Point, Metal & Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Chung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110061579
    Abstract: A dynamic or aerodynamic fin comprising at least two parallel arranged fin sections. At least one fin section comprises a rotational axis for installing the fin section by a rotation shaft. An end stop is provided for stopping the rotational movement of the fin section to define an extreme position. In the extreme position the fin sections provide a substantially cambered shape to the fin. The dynamic fin is improved in that it comprises a pair of coupling elements. A first fin section is coupled to a second adjacent fin section by a pair of a first and second coupling elements. The first coupling element is complementary to the second coupling element. The first coupling element is part of, preferably integral, with the first fin section and the second coupling element is part of, preferably integral, with the second fin section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Klaas Boudewijn VAN GELDER
  • Publication number: 20100303634
    Abstract: A fluid dynamic section provides one or more fixed size escapelets through a foil body to reduce the induced and interference drag caused by trailing vortices and similar wake turbulence. The escapelets, which can be provided in both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic structures, such as wings, tail sections; rotary blades, guy wire frames, wing sails, and various underwater keels and wing keels. The escapelets transfer energy from an inlet located in the high-pressure surface of the foil or foil body to an outlet located in the lower-pressure surface, allowing energy that would normally form a vortex at the tip of the foil to be redirected and dissipated in a beneficial way. As a result, drag is reduced and fuel economy is increased, while at the same time increasing the authority of ailerons and similar flight control surfaces, allowing aircraft that were not previously spin recovery rated to become spin recoverable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SUSTAINED ENERGY RECOVERY SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Donald James Long
  • Patent number: 7841285
    Abstract: A vessel (10) for traveling on water comprises a hull (20) and a keel (30) comprising a member (34) depending from the hull, the member (34) comprising two limbs (44) each depending from a respective lateral side of the hull (20), the two limbs (44) defining at least in part an enclosed flow path extending in a bow to stern direction, the enclosed flow path being configured to allow water incident on the vessel to flow over inner and outer surfaces of the limbs (44a, 44b). The limbs (44) each have a zero-lift surface which is angled to generate in use a component of hydrodynamic force directed away from the enclosed flow path when there is a net flow of water along the enclosed flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan Sebastian Howes, James Donnelly Macnaghten
  • Patent number: 7721665
    Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: AJ Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Schreiber
  • Publication number: 20090301376
    Abstract: An improved water tight, chambered planing pontoon assembly incorporates a hollow shell with a cross sectional shape in the form of an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion of the shape is generally semi-cylindrical extending downward and terminates with opposing chines extending the full length of the tube. The lower portion of the shape is formed by equal and opposing planing surfaces which extend upward at acute angles from a vertical center line, then turn outward, perpendicular to the vertical center line, meeting at the chines. The tube terminates on the bow end with an elongate semi-cone and on the opposite end with a water tight bulkhead. The upper and lower portions of the tube are formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal. The semi-cone with opposing chine portions is formed of one homogeneous sheet of metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Phillip L. Hoover, Terry L. Hoover, William G. Price, Donn R. Huber
  • Publication number: 20090283024
    Abstract: A battery keel system for providing electrical power and ballast to a water vessel wherein the system comprises a keel including a cavity, at least one electrochemical cell and at least one electrical circuit extending from the electrochemical cell. The at least one electrochemical cell is positioned within the cavity, such that the electrochemical cell provides electrical power and ballast to the water vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: William Joseph Robertson
  • Publication number: 20090165692
    Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hofbauer
  • Publication number: 20090158983
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Robert William Gale
  • Patent number: 7536968
    Abstract: A combined hull and steering mechanism for a marine vessel has a substantially rectangularly-shaped upper hull joined to a lower hull that is dual-tapered from its sidewalls to both its forward and aft portions. A directional thrust steering mechanism having a pair of vertical rudder blades positioned on either side of a conventional propeller extending from the centerline of the lower hull directs the water from the propeller, thus enabling the vessel to move more efficiently and with greater maneuverability in both forward and reverse directions. The dual-tapered hull permits a significantly better flow of water to and from the propeller and steering mechanism of the vessel, particularly when operating in reverse, thereby allowing the vessel to turn 360° in its own length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: AJ Marine, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Schreiber
  • Patent number: 7530318
    Abstract: This application concerns a method and system using a hydrodynamical effect for producing a potential over a body. The force obtained this way is useful for the propulsion and maneuvering of ships, submarines, aeroplanes, and airships. A body immersed in a fluid at rest is subject to equal pressures on all sides. A stream close to one side of the body will reduce the local pressure and produce a potential over the body. This is currently done by moving the body in the fluid, cf. aeroplane wings. The potential may be produced by setting up a stream or streams over one side of the body. Bodies attached to aeroplanes by hinges are useful for their lift, propulsion and maneuvering, and will make them independent of velocity for lift and maneuvering. The same will be the case for submarines. Airships and seagoing vessels may be designed so as to have their propulsive bodies integrated in their form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Arne Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 7513204
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a fin stabilization system adapted to minimize roll about the longitudinal axis of the boat during sharp cornering at very high speeds. In one form, equipment such as a machine gun is mounted to the bow of the boat and targets are adapted to be engaged in high-speed maneuvers when cornering and the deck of the boat is not excessively rolled whereby blocking visibility in a turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Aluminum Chambered Boats, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Hickok, Mark R. Morgan, Richard M Benson, Michael A. Baker
  • Patent number: 7513205
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventors: Matthew G. Morris, III, Matthew G. Morris, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7509917
    Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: MagnaSail, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas J. Hofbauer
  • Patent number: 7497752
    Abstract: A fin box for releasable attachment of a fin having at least one fin-tab, the fin box adapted for insertion into and retention within a water board, the fin box including: a generally elongate body provided with a substantially rectangular recess open at a first surface of the body, the recess extending to a base proximal to a second surface opposite the first surface, and the recess having a forward end and a rearward end; wherein the structure is provided with at least one angled threaded hole extending from the first surface of the body to emerge at a point within the recess between the first surface and the base of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: John Field
  • Publication number: 20080289555
    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 athwart ships, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew G. Morris, III, Matthew G. Morris, JR.
  • Patent number: 7435147
    Abstract: A marine propulsion device is provided with a breakaway skeg having first and second attachment points. The first and second attachment points are configured to result in the second attachment points disengaging from a gear case or housing structure prior to the first attachment point. The attachment points can comprise open or closed slots and, when an open slot is used for the first attachment point, it can be provided with a first edge along which a first pin can exert a force along a preselected angle in response to an impact force on the skeg. The arrangement of attachment points allows a reaction force at the second pin to be predetermined in a way that assures the detachment of the skeg from the housing structure prior to the detachment of the housing structure from another structure, such as the boat hull, or transom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Charles H. Eichinger
  • Patent number: 7393256
    Abstract: An integrally formed fibreglass fin assembly (1) including a base (2)—that is defined by broken lines (3,4)—for mounting the assembly to an object in the form of a surfboard (5). A primary fin (6) extends upwardly from base (2)—in that it extends upwardly from line (3)—and has a compound arcuate leading primary edge (7) and a compound arcuate trailing primary edge (8). A secondary fin (9) extends rearwardly and upwardly from base (2)—in that it extends from line (4)—and has a compound arcuate leading secondary edge (10) and a compound arcuate trailing secondary edge (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: C & C Fin Designs Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Troy Clutton, Dean Cole
  • Patent number: 7353763
    Abstract: A ship includes semi-bottoms that transition into the ship's sides, and a keel that extends downwardly from the semi-bottoms. The keel and semi-bottoms form an equivalent of 120 degree therebetween. Each of the sides is located in the same planar surface with the appropriate semi-bottom, and the height of the keel is equal to or less than the breadth of the semi-bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Leonidas Verbickis, Vladimir Petrov
  • Patent number: 7311576
    Abstract: The three-degree of freedom fin apparatus and method described herein is for use on a watercraft (such as a surfboard) and allows adjustment of up to three degrees of freedom, including a translational degree of freedom along a longitudinal axis of the fin structure in the fore and aft direction (longitudinal translation or pitch), a first rotational degree of freedom about the longitudinal axis (roll), and a second rotational degree of freedom about a vertical axis centered at a point on the fin (yaw). Pitch adjustment is made by sliding a base plate and fin assembly along the longitudinal axis. Yaw adjustment is made by moving a front portion of the fin assembly about a yaw pivot point and the rear portion along a yaw track in the base plate. A roll adjustment is made by rotating a fin unit of the fin assembly about the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventor: Karl D. Pope
  • Patent number: 7285031
    Abstract: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the invention that consists of a reusable installation guide or router template, (13), which also doubles as a resin dam to secure receptacle, (9), into substrate (19)-(20). Insert (3) resides in receptacle, (9), and accommodates fin, (1), in angled slot (4). The insert, (3), and fin (1), are secured via grub screws, (10), tightened by Allen key (11). This design will accommodate a wide variety of proprietary fins available from numerous manufacturers who bundle their fin mounting systems to be used only with their fins. The fin can be removed, moved laterally within the slot, and canted by changing the insert. The fin is not part of the instant invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventors: Robin Mair, Mitch Haynie