Abstract: A foil system is used with a towed marine cable array to provide downward, upward or lateral lift to the array. The foil system can be coupled with the cable and configured to bias the submerged payload toward a target position. The foil system can include a group of foil sections each having a leading edge collectively defining an angle of attack, and a group of through-cables supporting the group of foil sections within the foil system. A subset of through-cables of the group of through-cables are arranged through front halves of the group of foil sections. This subset of through-cables can be selectively tensionable, and manipulatable to define a tensioned one of the subset of through-cables as being offset from a chord that is defined between the leading edge and a trailing edge of any of the foil sections. The foil system can thus induce one or more angles of attack for the group of foil sections, based on a rotational constraint defined by the tensioned one of the through-cables.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of marine towing operations for marine seismic survey systems and seismic data gathering. More specifically, the present invention relates to seismic sources and receiver sensor cables, streamers, floats etc., that have means for adjusting and keeping a desired position in an array during a tow behind a vessel. The apparatus comprises a pulley apparatus, being a kind of miming block (1), connected with and supporting marine equipment (3, 3?). The miming block (1) is configured to attach to the deflected lead wire or tow wire (2, 9). It has means for traveling along the wire (2, 9).

Abstract: A watersport support system includes a flotation vest having a back surface, a front surface and side surfaces. At least one adjustment belt is positioned horizontally around the main body of the vest. A pair of tethers engage the adjustment belt along both sides of the vest, and a pair of handle gripping devices are removably connected to the end of the pair of tethers. Each of the handle gripping devices includes an elongated strap that terminates into a malleable curved gripper body, and a hand strap is positioned adjacent to each gripper body. As the user squeezes the gripper body and the tow handle, the pulling force from the handle is transferred from the user's arms to the pair of tethers and the adjustment strap that loops around the back of the user's torso. When the user releases the gripper body, the body disengages the handle.

Abstract: Described is a tugboat 1 for assisting a marine vessel 2 to manoeuvre. The tugboat 1 comprises a hull 11 having a perimeter P. The tugboat 1 also comprises a line handling system 10 comprising a line guide mechanism 100. The line guide mechanism 100 protrudes, or is positionable to protrude, away from the hull 11 for guiding a line 20 of the marine vessel 2 towards a predetermined region R of the perimeter P.

Abstract: An adjustable surf wake system enhances a wake formed by a watercraft travelling through water. The system may include a flap for deflecting water traveling past the stern of the watercraft, and/or a positioner operably connected to the flap for positioning the flap relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft between a neutral position and an outward position. Positioning a port flap in its extended position enhances a starboard surf wake, and positioning the starboard flap in its extended position enhances a port surf wake.

Abstract: Tubing, such as medical tubing for administration of intravenous fluid, can include an outer layer on an inner layer, and, optionally additional layers, in which at least the outer layer and the inner layer are made of a same polymeric material but the outer and inner layers have differing amounts or differing types of a plasticizer such that a hardness of the outer layer is greater than a hardness of the inner layer.

Abstract: Described is a tugboat 1 for assisting a marine vessel 2 to manoeuvre. The tugboat 1 comprises a hull 11 having a perimeter P. The tugboat 1 also comprises a line handling system 10 comprising a line guide mechanism 100. The line guide mechanism 100 protrudes, or is positionable to protrude, away from the hull 11 for guiding a line 20 of the marine vessel 2 towards a predetermined region R of the perimeter P.

Abstract: An emergency ship arrest system includes a vessel attachment system, a retrieving system, and an anchor system. The vessel attachment system is configured to connect to a vessel at sea, and includes a bridle system and a hawser line. The bridle system is operatively connected to the hawser line's proximal end. The bridle system is configured to engage fittings on two sides of a foredeck of the vessel to distribute the load over the foredeck. The retrieving system includes a retrieving line with a proximal end that is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a setup position. The anchor system includes a main rode and a para sea anchor. The main rode's proximal end is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in an anchor position.

Abstract: An emergency vessel towing system includes a vessel attachment system, a retrieving system, and a towing line. The vessel attachment system is configured to connect to a vessel at sea, and includes a bridle system and a hawser line. The bridle system is operatively connected to the hawser line's proximal end. The bridle system is configured to engage fittings on two sides of a foredeck of the vessel to distribute the load over the foredeck. The retrieving system includes a retrieving line with a proximal end that is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a setup position. The towing line is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a towing position.

Abstract: A safety tether for providing a user with a connection to a vehicle includes a substantially rigid, elongate handle graspable by the user and a flexible line extending from one end of the handle and being attachable to a vehicle. An opposing end of the handle is free to move relative to the flexible line. The flexible line is elastically extendible from a relaxed configuration having a relaxed length to a taut configuration having a taut length, the taut length being greater than the relaxed length.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments for improving the safety of tow-based watersports. Specifically exemplified embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for retrieving a tow rope that facilitates the provision of a tow rope to a wake surfer, dispensing of the tow rope while wake surfing and presenting a rope to a downed wake surfer at a safe and ideal position relative to boat.

Abstract: An embodiment can include a vessel-towed system that includes a first towing/communication interface system, e.g., a first tow cable with a fiber optic system, and spaced apart buoys for supporting the first tow cable. A first mobile structure including a first control system and first type of emitter, e.g., an attraction system, is connected to the first tow cable. A second mobile structure is provided that can include an underwater towed emitter such as an audio emulation system. The first and second emitters can be configured emit a first and second plurality of emissions for inducing a receiving entity response. The second mobile structure is coupled with the first mobile structure with a second tow cable that comprises another fiber optic cable. An automated response or manual control systems can be provided on the towing vessel and the first mobile structure adapted to operate the first and second emitters.

Abstract: There is provided a connector in which a plug is put to a socket in any rotational direction around an axis and is guided to a normal position smoothly thereby providing proper connection with a simple structure. On opposite surfaces of the plug and the socket, there are provided a tilted cam surface and a cam follower with which the plug and the socket are slidably contacted to each other, rotated and positioned in a rotational direction around the axis when the plug is fitted onto the socket axially. At the center of one of the opposite surfaces of the plug and the socket, a pin-receiving hole is formed, and a center pin at the center of the other fits into the pin-receiving hole before the tilted cam surface comes in contact with the cam follower.

Abstract: A boat tethering and launching system and device including a first longitudinally extending length of tethering material having a first modulus of elasticity, the first length of tethering material having a first end and a second end; a second longitudinally extending length of tethering material having a second modulus of elasticity, the second length of tethering material having a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second end of the first length of tethering material being coupled to the first section of the second length of tethering material; a biasing member having a length that is shorter than that of the second section of the second longitudinally extending length of tethering material, the biasing member having a third modulus of elasticity; and wherein each of the first, second, and third moduli of elasticity have different values.

Abstract: A wake enhancement apparatus is disclosed. The wake enhancement apparatus has a receiver assembly that is watercraft-attachable, an attachment assembly that is removably attachable to the receiver assembly, a connecting assembly having a first end portion attached to the attachment assembly, the connecting assembly extending downward from the attachment assembly, and a lower assembly attached to a second end portion of the connecting assembly. The lower assembly has a first portion extending from the connecting assembly and a second portion extending from the first portion. The first portion is bent downward and the second portion is bent upward.

Abstract: A tow body arrangement for a towable device in a sonar system includes a bridle having a front for connecting to a first tow cable and back for connecting to a second tow cable. The tow body arrangement also includes a tow body rotatably connected to the bridle between the front and back of the bridle. The tow body is shaped to generate hydrodynamic forces tending to rotate the tow body perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the bridle.

Abstract: An unmanned surface vehicle (USV) including a main body; a slideway; and an automatic recovery unit. The slideway includes pulleys, slide rails, sleepers, end plates disposed at two sides of the sleepers, and baffle plates. The automatic recovery unit includes a buoy, a connection rod, a downhaul, an electromagnetic fixer, a winch, an upper cable, a storage box, and a recovery net. The slideway is fixed on the afterdeck of the main body and the tail end of the slideway sticks out the side boundary of the afterdeck. The baffle plates are disposed on the upper end of the end plates. The vertical height of the end plates is larger than the maximum vertical height of the pulleys and the slide rails. The baffle plates on the upper end of the end plates limit the displacement of the buoy in the vertical direction.

Abstract: An emergency vessel towing system includes a vessel attachment system, a retrieving system, and a towing line. The vessel attachment system is configured to connect to a vessel at sea, and includes a bridle system and a hawser line. The bridle system is operatively connected to the hawser line's proximal end. The bridle system is configured to engage at least four fittings on a foredeck of the vessel to distribute the load over the foredeck. The retrieving system includes a retrieving line with a proximal end that is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a setup position. The towing line is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a towing position.

Abstract: A watersports boat includes a hull having an underside extending from a forward bow to n aft transom along a longitudinal centerline. The underside defines a running surface that contacts water when the hull moves therein. The underside includes one or more features that enhance the boat's performance.

Abstract: An emergency ship arrest system includes a vessel attachment system, a retrieving system, and an anchor system. The vessel attachment system is configured to connect to a vessel at sea, and includes a bridle system and a hawser line. The bridle system is operatively connected to the hawser line's proximal end. The bridle system is configured to engage at least four fittings on a foredeck of the vessel to distribute the load over the foredeck. The retrieving system includes a retrieving line with a proximal end that is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in a setup position. The anchor system includes a main rode and a para sea anchor. The main rode's proximal end is detachably connected to the hawser line's distal end in an anchor position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus, optionally mounted on a stand up paddle board, or surfboard, to lift the board above the water surface and support the board in a stable position above the water surface while a rider standing on the board and maintaining a speed in the water via paddling. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a strut; a fuselage connected to said strut; a back foil portion connected to an aft end of said fuselage wherein the back foil portion includes two back wings extending outwardly from said aft end of said fuselage; and a forward foil portion connected to a fore end of said fuselage wherein the forward foil portion includes two front wings extending outwardly from said fore end of said fuselage and wherein the forward foil portion has a maximum thickness located at first distance from the fore edge of the forward foil portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for towing a water sports performer including a first leg, a second leg, a header, and a tow-line-attachment structure. Each of the first leg and second leg is adapted for attachment to one of the port side of a centerline of a boat or the starboard side of a centerline of a boat. The header is capable of assuming a plurality of different header lengths, and includes a first header portion, a second header portion, a housing, and a locking mechanism. The housing connects the first header portion and the second header portion. The housing includes a first receiver configured to receive a second end of the first header portion at a plurality of different positions. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the second end of the first header portion to the housing in one of the plurality of different positions to set the header length.

Abstract: A method and a system are described for operating a bathing unit system to provide swim-in-place functionality to a swimmer. A communication link is established between the bathing unit system and an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer. A signal conveying information associated with the swimmer and originating from the auxiliary device is received. Control signals for controlling operational settings associated with a propulsion assembly of the bathing unit system are derived at least in part by processing the information conveyed by the signal originating from the auxiliary device. The control signals are then released to control the operational settings associated with the propulsion assembly. In another aspect, a graphic display is provided presenting the user with a customized set of selectable swim-in-place configurations derived at least in part by processing a signal originating from an auxiliary device worn by or implanted in the body of the swimmer.

Abstract: An embodiment can include a vessel-towed system that includes a first towing/communication interface system, e.g., a first tow cable with a fiber optic system, and spaced apart buoys for supporting the first tow cable. A first mobile structure including a first control system and first type of emitter, e.g., an attraction system, is connected to the first tow cable. A second mobile structure is provided that can include an underwater towed emitter such as an audio emulation system. The first and second emitters can be configured emit a first and second plurality of emissions for inducing a receiving entity response. The second mobile structure is coupled with the first mobile structure with a second tow cable that comprises another fiber optic cable. An automated response or manual control systems can be provided on the towing vessel and the first mobile structure adapted to operate the first and second emitters.

Abstract: System including a dead weight and equipment on a trolling line released from and retrieved to a receiving structure of a vessel, the dead weight including a controllable element for blocking and unblocking the line, so as to immobilize the line relative to the dead weight in the blocked configuration, and to allow the line to run relative to the dead weight in the unblocked configuration; a first detection element for detecting whether or not or not the equipment has moved to a predefined distance from the dead weight; a control element configured, in case of an order to release: —in a step 2L, to release the equipment from the structure, —in a step 3L, when the first detection element detects the equipment has moved to the predefined distance, to then release the dead weight and control the blocking and unblocking element to shift to the blocked configuration.

Abstract: The towing system for a tugboat consists of a ring arranged on the deck of the tugboat along which a cart moves on which a winch is arranged. At a larger diameter of the ring manufacturing inaccuracies of the cart respectively the ring respectively deformations can be absorbed in a particularly efficient way by arranging springs between the wheels that engage the ring-shaped base and the cart on which the wheels are arranged. In particular, such springs are rubber springs such as neoprene springs. These can be arranged as blocks, bushes or the like. Preferably, the cart includes a relatively stiff box on which a winch and, more in particular, an electrical winch is arranged. In particular, the cart is a ring, extending around circumferentially.

Abstract: Method and marine acoustic source array for generating an acoustic wave in a body of water. The marine acoustic source array includes a first depth sub-array set of first acoustic source points configured to be provided at a first depth (z1), the first acoustic source points having different inline first locations along a longitudinal axis (X); and a second depth sub-array set of second acoustic source points configured to be provided at a second depth (z2), the second acoustic source points having different inline second locations along the longitudinal axis (X). The first locations do not coincide along the longitudinal axis (X) with any of the second locations.

Abstract: An alerting device can be attached to one or more tow lines for towing a watersport participant via a watercraft. In some instances, the alerting device can be spaced from the watersport participant and the watercraft during use. The alerting device can be deployed automatically, such as when tension in the one or more tow lines is reduced due to the participant being downed in the water so as to no longer be towed.

Abstract: A tow rope engagement system for a water ski or wakeboard or configured to communicate a majority of the force from the boat engaged to the tow rope, directly to the water ski or wakeboard during deep water starts by a rider. The lesser force required to ride is transferred to a handle held by the skiers hands once the skier has reached a substantially standing position and is on top of the water. A quick release is provided which will disconnect the tow rope should the rider activate it manually or by falling.

Abstract: A hydrofoil, suitable for kite surfing and jet skiing, comprises a keel fin having a first end portion for fastening to a board; and a front wing and a rear wing which are arranged one behind the other in the travel direction and are connected to a second end portion of the keel fin; wherein a connecting rod is situated on the second end portion of the keel fin and detachably connects the wings to the keel fin; and wherein a plate is situated on an outer side of the keel fin and on an outer side of at least one of the wings, and via detachable fastening means is braced to the connecting rod so as to detachably fasten at least one of the wings to the keel fin.

Abstract: A watersports boat includes a hull having an underside extending from a forward bow to an aft transom along a longitudinal centerline. The underside defines a running surface that contacts water when the hull moves therein. The underside includes one or more features that enhance the boat's performance.

Abstract: The presently disclosed technique includes a method that compensates for constantly changing headings as occur during coil shooting acquisition. In one aspect, the presently disclosed techniques include a computer-readable program storage medium comprising: accessing a set of heading data for a seismic spread acquired while traversing a curved path; and normalizing the accessed heading data to a dynamic frame of reference defined relative to the seismic spread.

Abstract: A boat tower, comprising a support frame comprising a first leg having an upper end and a lower end attachable to a first side of a boat, a second leg having an upper end and a lower end attachable to a second side of the boat, and a cross member extending from the upper end of the first leg to the upper end of the second leg; and a vibration dampening apparatus having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and connected to the support frame in a substantially perpendicular relationship to a vertical plane which laterally bisects the cross member between the first leg and the second leg in a way that the vibration dampening apparatus mitigates lateral vibrations of the tower when the first and second legs are attached to the boat.

Abstract: A tow bar holder for securing a tow bar to a boat having an outboard engine has two separate securing elements secured to the stern of the boat. The securing elements each have a fixing element for securing to an engine plate, and a receiving element. The feet of the tow bar can be plugged into a receiving space of the receiving element. In this case, the internal dimensions of the receiving space are larger than the external dimensions of the feet of the tow bar, such that the tow bar is tiltable and/or is fixable in various positions in the receiving space.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an accessory. The assembly can be configured to permit the accessory to pan, rotate or tilt. The assembly includes a mounting member attachable to the support structure and having a mounting member electrical connector. The assembly also includes a docking member releasably attached to the mounting member and having a docking member electrical connector communicably coupled to the mounting member electrical connector. The accessory is attached to the docking member.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an accessory to a support structure. The assembly can be configured to permit the accessory to pan, rotate or tilt. The assembly includes a mounting member attachable to the support structure and having a mounting member electrical connector. The assembly also includes a docking member releasably attached to the mounting member and having a docking member electrical connector communicably coupled to the mounting member electrical connector. The accessory is attached to the docking member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Motorized Water Vehicle (MWV) adapted so as to operate as a fluid-compression station in addition to the primary transport function thereof. Such an MWV can thus supply compressed fluid to a third device. In a preferred and non-exhaustive manner, such an MWV can supply a passenger propulsion device allowing the latter to move through the air or through a fluid. The invention thus preferably relates to a propulsion system in which a remote station is a motorized water vehicle adapted such as to engage with a propulsion device.

Abstract: A system for a more efficient towing of a marine seismic array comprising one or more diverters attached to each lead-in cable. Because each lead-in cable has its own diverter, the need for dedicated towing ropes and taglines between lead-in cables is eliminated, thereby reducing the overall drag and fuel consumption. The diverters of the present invention are directly attached to the respective lead-in cables and are submerged, eliminating the need for taglines and additional flotation. The diverter of the present invention comprises of either a single span-wise hydro foil or two foil sections and is steerable. Similarly, the diverters of the present invention can be installed on the umbilical cables of seismic source subarrays to obtain the same benefits. As such, at least one diverter of the present invention can be attached directly to at least one umbilical cable of the seismic source subarray.

Abstract: A wakeboard tower having a tower leg pivotally mounted to a folding support system, the folding support system including includes an upper support arm, a spring, a lower support arm, and a base member. The tower can be folded between a plurality of positions between an elevated position relative to the boat hull and a lowered position relative to the boat hull.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an escort vessel towline force responsive apparatus comprising a rotative winch system mounted to the deck of an escort vessel so that when the tow line between a distressed vessel and the winch system of an escort vessel angularly changes, the escort vessel winch system will automatically rotate until the line of force is substantially in linear alignment with the center line of the escort vessel winch system.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting an accessory to a support structure. The assembly can be configured to permit the accessory to pan, rotate or tilt. The assembly includes a mounting member attachable to the support structure and having a mounting member electrical connector. The assembly also includes a docking member releasably attached to the mounting member and having a docking member electrical connector communicably coupled to the mounting member electrical connector. The accessory is attached to the docking member.

Abstract: A tow bar holder for securing a tow bar to a boat having an outboard engine has two separate securing elements secured to the stern of the boat. The securing elements each have a fixing element for securing to an engine plate, and a receiving element. The feet of the tow bar can be plugged into a receiving space of the receiving element. In this case, the internal dimensions of the receiving space are larger than the external dimensions of the feet of the tow bar, such that the tow bar is tiltable and/or is fixable in various positions in the receiving space.

Abstract: A tow line controlling device and a method of operation of a tow line controlling device in which the tow line controlling device is positioned in a deck of a vessel. The tow line controlling device includes at least two vertical tow pins that are movable between a passive position and at least one active position, and includes a gap between two of the tow pins, and the gap is spanned by a bridge formed by the two tow pins at least when the tow pins are in one of their active positions. The tow line controlling device also includes a lower stopper that is movable between a passive position and at least one active position and is positioned between two of the tow pins.

Abstract: A method and a marine towing system for towing streamers or sources. The towing system includes a connecting line; a first paravane connected to the connecting line, wherein the connecting line is configured to connect the first paravane to a vessel; a spur line connected to the first paravane and configured to provide a tension to maintain streamers apart from each other; and a second paravane connected to the connecting line, between the first paravane and the vessel. The second paravane is configured to increase an angle (?4) between the connecting line and the spur line.

Abstract: A tow body and associated method have an acoustic projector that can be rotated about a vertical plane while the tow body is being towed through the water. In some embodiments, the tow body and method allow the tow body to be coupled to a tow cable while the tow cable is being towed through the water and under tension.

Abstract: A variable rigidity tow cable for attaching a first vehicle with a second vehicle. The tow cable includes a tension control cable having a first end and a second end. Tension on at least one of the ends of the tension control cable can be controlled to increase or decrease the length of the tension control cable. A plurality of beads are slidingly disposed on the tension control cable between the first end and the second end. The beads are free to move relative to one another on the tension control cable when the tension control cable is slack, and the beads are engaged with each other to form a rigid structure around the tension control cable when tension is applied to the tension control cable.

Abstract: An improved elongated board for a flying ski designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device. The elongated board comprises a front end and a back end. The front end extending from a front edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, the back end extending from a back edge to about one-half of the length of the elongated board, and the back end has a greater mass than the front end.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a rope tender is rotatably affixed to the center pull on the tower to carry the rope over wakeboard racks. The rope tender is clamped to the center pull on the tower by a clamp. The rope is then pulled through an end loop on the rope tender and attached to the center pull on the tower. In one embodiment, the rope tender is looped one or more times in the middle to achieve a flexible, spring effect for the rope tender. The rope may also be pulled through the middle loop for support.

Abstract: A variable drag area tow system including a tow cable, and a variable drag area device having a variable projected area, the variable drag area device is configured to have a smaller projected area as the velocity of the variable drag area device with respect to a fluid increases. A method of maintaining tension on a tow cable, the method including deploying at a first velocity a variable drag area device having a variable projected area, increasing the first velocity to a second velocity, and decreasing the projected area of the variable drag area device as the first velocity is increased to the second velocity.

Abstract: This discloses a water ski rope safety device. Water ski ropes can become disconnected from the tow boat. They can also become loose or gain excessive slack. In such cases, the rope can whip around or entangle the skier. Any of these might injure the skier. The safety device prevents such a disconnected or loose rope from entangling or striking the skier. The device consists of a flexible sleeve into which the rope is contained along with other components which accomplish the purpose.