Abstract: A system and method for towing a water sports apparatus over a body of water behind a towing vessel. The system includes a rider towline for coupling a rider of the water sports apparatus to the towing vessel. The rider towline includes a distal end adapted to be gripped by the rider, to enable the rider to be pulled over the body of water on the water sports apparatus during forward motion of the towing vessel. The towing system also includes a lift apparatus coupled with the rider towline and adapted to lift the rider towline during forward motion of the towing vessel, so that an uppermost point of the rider towline is above and behind the towing vessel.

Abstract: An attractive wake tower assembly of a unique, generally U-Shaped configuration that can be readily pivotally mounted on powerboats of various constructions to enable the wake tower assembly to be pivoted from an upstanding to a lowered position. The wake tower assembly is of a high-strength, simple construction that does not interfere with the visibility of the boat operator. Each of the side members of the assembly has an upper portion and a lower portion, each of which is generally oval in cross section. The lower portion of each of the side members have a first width and the upper portion of each of the sides having a second width less than the first width; and a bight portion interconnecting the upper portions of the sides, the bight portion being generally circular in cross section.

Abstract: A swivel/quick release device having a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end operated associated with a bearing means at its other end; a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted. A release and attachment means is disposed in the housing around the bearing means releasably retaining an attachment for a tow rope. Spring means is present within the housing and engaging the shaft such that as a load is increasingly applied to one end of the shaft, the spring means is compressed within the housing until the attachment for a tow rope is released.

Abstract: Wakeboarding performance is improved using a vessel which is fitted with a skeletal towing frame having spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel while coupling upper extremities of the supports with a horizontal bridging portion, to which a tow rope attachment point is fitted.

Abstract: This float comprises a fuselage (6) analogous to classic floats, but which here is topped by a leg (7) such that the fuselage (6) is completely submerged. This arrangement, combined with others that are secondary, makes it possible to reduce the vertical oscillations of the float produced by the sea swell while still ensuring good directional stability and satisfactory stability relative to other disturbances. Thus, a structure (1) suspended from the float (5) and which is part of a line (2, 3) towed by a ship remains at a constant depth. This invention can be applied, for example, to seismic tests at sea.

Abstract: System for controlling cables and streamers in a seismic tow arrangement comprising at least one deflector (13) connected to one side of a tow vessel (10) via at least one wire (12), leading or the like, wherein the deflector is located in a position at a distance perpendicularly to the direction of movement (5) of the tow vessel, the vessel being equipped with a navigation system for measuring the position of the vessel. The system is characterised by comprising a command unit and a number of control units, where the control units are located on at least some of the streamers and are adapted to measure and report about their positions, that the command unit comprises means for receiving the position information from each individual control unit and calculation of possible deviations from predetermined positions, and that the system comprises means for changing the position of the streamers for re-establishing the positions of the control units.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tugboat. The design comprises a towing installation which can turn through 360° in the horizontal plane about a vertical shaft. Above the towing installation there is a pilot house, and beneath it there are one or more propellers. This design provides optimal thrust in all directions in line with the rowing cable, in combination with good resistance and swell properties.

Abstract: A hydraulically activated device for spacing plural towed lines includes a toroidal and inflatable tube member defining an aperture in an opening of the toroid shape. A plurality of connectors each secure a corresponding one of the plural towed lines to the toroidal and inflatable tube member. The toroidal and inflatable tube member is inflated with sea water to a predetermined volumetric configuration suitable to an operating speed range of the towed lines and upon inflation will space the towed lines in a three-dimensional arrangement therearound. A sheath may also be formed around the toroidal and inflatable tube member, the sheath being formed in cross section as a tear drop or similar streamlined shape.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a towing bar that allows the tow line connection point to move with respect to the watercraft. This movement of the point of force application reduces moments created on the watercraft resulting in pitch, yaw, and roll. The towing bar can be formed as an inverted V-shape. The towing bar can also be formed as a flexible beam that bends in the lateral direction of the object being towed. The watercraft may also include a pylon that can be moved between an operative position and a stowed position. The pylon is selectively supported on one of two longitudinally and vertically displaced mounts and at an upper lateral support member formed by the grab handle.

Abstract: A hydraulically activated device for spacing plural towed lines includes a toroidal and inflatable tube member defining an aperture in an opening of the toroid shape. A plurality of connectors each secure a corresponding one of the plural towed lines to the toroidal and inflatable tube member. The toroidal and inflatable tube member is inflated with sea water to a predetermined volumetric configuration suitable to an operating speed range of the towed lines and upon inflation will space the towed lines in a three-dimensional arrangement therearound. A sheath may also be formed around the toroidal and inflatable tube member, the sheath being formed in cross section as a tear drop or similar streamlined shape.

Abstract: A spreader arm aperture generation system for use with a towed array is provided. The spreader arm aperture generation system broadly comprises a plurality of lines and a plurality of hydraulically activated, inflatable tubes for generating horizontal and vertical separation among the lines. Each of the tubes is filled with seawater to a desired pressure to achieve the desired horizontal and vertical line separation. Preferably, each of the tubes is formed from a high strength woven fabric.

Abstract: A swivel/quick release device having a shaft adapted to receive a load at one end operated associated with a bearing means at its other end; a housing in which said shaft is slidably mounted.

Abstract: System for controlling seismic arrays comprising at least one deflector coupled to one side of the towing vessel through at least one wire, lead-in or similar, the detector being positioned at a distance perpendicular to the vessel's direction of movement, the vessel being provided with a navigation system for measuring the position of the vessel. The vessel comprises calculation means for, on the basis of the vessel's position, calculating deviations in vessel's position from a predetermined path. The wire is coupled to the vessel through control organs, e.g. a winch, adapted to vary the wire length from the vessel to the deflector. The control organs are coupled to the calculation means for adjusting the wire length based on the deviations in the position of the towing vessel, thus to avoid corresponding deviations in the movements of the deflector.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a wakeboard performer being towed by a vessel having a bow, stern, opposing gunnels and an operator station comprises fitting a skeletal towing frame to the vessel with first, second and third spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel and coupling the upper extremities thereof together with a horizontal bridging portion, to which is fitted a tow rope attachment point.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for steering one or more cables towed through water by a vessel. In general, a diverter attached to the one or more cables may comprise a float, a vane extending from a bottom surface of the float, and one or more vortex generators disposed on a suction side surface of the vane. The one or more vortex generators may prevent stall of the diverter at high attack angles.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel non-motorized water sports devices which facilitate and improve the usage of “tow-behind” water sports devices. Said devices of the present invention comprise a hull having an aft deck surface sized for accommodating at least one rider; at least one tow attachment point; a handle column; a handle bar attached to said handle column; and at least one rudder fin attached to said hull. Said devices are usually towed by a watercraft having a propulsion mechanism, by means of a tow rope or similar device(s).

Abstract: In a device for towing riders on or through the water it is known to have planar board(s) or wing(s). In this invention, there are two independently operated symmetrical wings hinged to wing supports. The fore mounted wing supports are secured to, and are perpendicular to, the longitudinal body of the craft which creates a front to rear axial line. The wings have hand hold openings through them at their trailing edge and are manually operated, up or down, by the slightly forward arms of a single prone rider who is aft of the wings. A belly board secured on top of the body of the craft and aft of wings, a knee brace perpendicular to the body of the craft and aft of the belly board, and a foot rest perpendicular to the body of the craft and aft of the knee brace; secures, and makes comfortable, the rider to the craft.

Abstract: A towed vehicle for positioning a towed device about a submarine, comprising: (a) a housing having a wing for providing lift when said housing is towed through water; (b) means coupled between said submarine and said housing for towing said housing; and (c) means coupled to said housing for varying the relative positions between the center of buoyancy and the center of gravity of said housing to dispose said wing in a given position.

Abstract: The present invention is for an elevated tow device made of a superstructure extending skyward from a towboat, where the superstructure raises an attachment point of a tether above 10 feet from the waterline, where the towboat is 25 feet or less in length, and a tether connecting the towboat to a towed subject. The present invention may further include an aerodynamic surface whose angular position is guided by the tether and which acts to stabilize the towboat as the towed subject applies lateral loads. When the towed subject pulls on the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The towboat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: A universal boat accessory rack that provides a lighted hitch, a first support, a second support, a cross-bar connecting the first support to the second support, and a plurality of fasteners, which connect the first support and second support to a boat hull. More specifically, the lighted hitch may be attached to one of the supports, and the first support, the second support and the cross-bar are all adjustable in length. Therefore, the boat accessory rack has a light located at the highest point on the boat accessory rack and an adjustable height, width and depth. In addition, the fasteners are capable of being attached in a vertical, horizontal or angular position with respect to the boat hull. In this manner, a boat owner may quickly and easily install the boat accessory rack on boats embodying a number of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: A detachable handle system (10) includes a connector which in a first embodiment (33) pins (34) to a handle tube (21), and which in a second embodiment (433) attaches through a resilient tube (437) that is radially expanded. The detachable handle is in the preferred embodiment provided with a readily replaced handle grip (22). By detaching the handle (21) and replacing the handle grip (22), a multitude of grips may be fabricated in diverse colors and geometries for a single handle, thereby satisfying the desires of each individual user. A tow rope (35) is attached to the connector (33, 433) through a hole (36) in the connector (33) and then circumferentially about the connector (33), independent of the handle tube (21).

Abstract: A tow-line-attachment assembly for mounting atop a towing structure on a boat includes a tow-line-attachment portion to which a tow line can be connected for towing a water sports performer, and a light portion, disposed above the tow-line-attachment portion, for emitting light. Preferably, the tow-line-attachment assembly also includes a neck portion for connecting the assembly to the towing structure, and the tow-line-attachment portion is a spool-shaped sleeve that is rotatably mounted about the neck portion. Also disclosed is a boat tower including such a tow-line-attachment assembly, and a boat provided with a tower having such an assembly.

Abstract: A flexible nose assembly for an underwater vehicle provides increased energy-absorbing capabilities and facilitates recovery and handling of the vehicle. The flexible nose assembly includes a flexible nose cap, at least one retrieval device, and at least one cable that is strong in tension, yet weak in compression which is coupled between the retrieval device and the UUV body. The flexible nose cap has a gap formed therein allowing the communication of environmental water into the region between the vehicle body and the nose cap. Optionally, the retrieval device may be recessed into the flexible nose assembly, thereby reducing hydrodynamic drag and overall vehicle length. Energy-absorbing ballast can be positioned within the nose cap in order to further enhance survivability.

Abstract: A towrope retriever system for a watercraft for simplifying and improving the safety of the towrope handling, storage, reeling out, and reeling in of a towrope, in which the towrope retriever is connected to or integrated into a support unit such as a tower or pylon securely attached to the watercraft, substantially increasing the overall height of the watercraft, and allowing the performer to jump higher and perform more challenging aerial maneuvers, is disclosed. The towrope retriever may be rotatable to allow the performer a greater flexibility of movement and may be easily removed for storage.

Abstract: A method for reducing strum in tow cables. Such tow cables typically extend from a marine vessel and have their lengths controlled by a winch on the deck of the ship and have a tow component at their distal end. The length of the cable is adjusted so that the number of longitudinal waves is an integral number of the number of transverse waves is an odd integral number.

Abstract: System for controlling seismic arrays comprising at least one deflector coupled to one side of the towing vessel through at least one wire, lead-in or similar, the detector being positioned at a distance perpendicular to the vessel's direction of movement, the vessel being provided with a navigation system for measuring the position of the vessel. The vessel comprises calculation means for, on the basis of the vessel's position, calculating deviations in vessel's position from a predetermined path. The wire is coupled to the vessel through control organs, e.g. a winch, adapted to vary the wire length from the vessel to the deflector. The control organs are coupled to the calculation means for adjusting the wire length based on the deviations in the position of the towing vessel, thus to avoid corresponding deviations in the movements of the deflector.

Abstract: A recreational water sled that is designed to be towed by a speed boat or a jet ski. The water sled has an elongated boat body having a superstructure extending upwardly from its top surface. The superstructure has a rider seat portion and a nose portion having a dashboard located on its tear end. The top end of a steering column extends from the dashboard and it has a handle bar secured thereto. The bottom end of the steering column is secured to a rudder in the form of a ski or disk-shaped rudder. The front end of the boat body receives a tubular quick release housing that is structurally secured therein. A front end of a tongue assembly is releasably captured in the tubular quick release housing. The tongue assembly has a floating tow rope attachment assembly secured to its rear end. A hand actuated lever on the handle bar releases the tongue assembly from the boat body.

Abstract: A shock absorber for water-skiing 59 provides multiple adjustments to the adjacent cores 14 of the duplex core 15, and a weave assembly 29 securing a multipurpose assembly 48 in the cavity thereof, and provides attachment means 40,45 for use between the boat and the tow line assembly. In addition, the pneumatic duplex core 15 provides emergency floatation properties.

Abstract: A tender towing system for motor yachts employing a retractable tow line coupled to a rotatable spool. The rotatable spool is controlled by an operator of the motor yacht by a centralized hydraulic or electrical system. A harness is placed between the tow line and the towed tender to absorb excess shocks. A skeg is located on the transom of the tender to provide proper tracking of the tenders that do not have integrated rudders. A docking port is positioned on the transom area of the motor yacht which in combination with the line retrieval system is used to secure the tender to the transom area of the motor yacht thereby allowing close quarter operation such as that required in marinas and the like docking situations.

Abstract: A method for improving the performance of a wakeboard performer being towed by a vessel having a bow, stern, opposing gunnels and an operator station comprises fitting a skeletal towing frame to the vessel with first, second and third spaced supports attached on opposite sides of the vessel and coupling the upper extremities thereof together with a horizontal bridging portion, to which is fitted a tow rope attachment point.

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

Abstract: The improved flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The improved flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.

Abstract: A device for performing yo-yo seismic shooting on the sea bed by means of a sled. An umbilical traction cable connecting the vessel to this sled passes over a set of sheaves whose relative distances apart are controlled by an actuator enabling a determined length of cable to be let out or to be taken in so as to obtain discontinuous movement of the sled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the efficiency of marine cable tow operations. Indentations such as dimples in the cable exterior surface reduce frictional drag forces and reduce strumming of the cables as the cables are towed through the water. The size, configuration and orientation of the indentations can be selected to control the desired water flow parameters.

Abstract: A streamer handling and towing system for a seismic survey vessel comprises a beam (42) secured to the underside of the deck (50) of the vessel immediately above the streamer deck (20), so that it extends generally longitudinally of the vessel above normal head height. The beam (42) is pivoted at its stern end, and supported at its other end (54) by a telescopic arm (56) which can lower that end towards the streamer deck (20). A carriage (60) supporting a spooling block (34) for the streamer (28) is movable in both directions along the beam (42). During towing, the beam (42) is held in its raised position, with the spooling block (34) at the stern end of the beam. When it is desired to work on the streamer, the carriage (60) is moved along the beam (42) to the other end, which is then lowered towards the streamer deck (20) to provide convenient waist high access to the streamer.

Abstract: The present invention is for an elevated tow device made of a superstructure extending skyward from a towboat, where the superstructure raises an attachment point of a tether above 10 feet from the waterline, where the towboat is 25 feet or less in length, and a tether connecting the towboat to a towed subject. The present invention may further include an aerodynamic surface whose angular position is guided by the tether and which acts to stabilize the towboat as the towed subject applies lateral loads. When the towed subject pulls on the side of the towboat, the angle of attack on the aerodynamic surface increases proportionally, and the lateral forces approximately cancel. The towboat proceeds safely with little or no roll perturbation.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard is enhanced by a towing apparatus which includes vertical supports rigidly attached starboard and port side gunwales of the vessel at a location generally outboard an operator station. A frame including rigid U-shaped bridging supports transversely extends across the beam of the vessel. The frame is pivotally fitted to a forward portion of the vertical supports for rotation from an operating position to a stored position on the deck of the vessel. The U-shaped bridging supports extend substantially above the level of the operator station. One of the U-shaped bridging supports is readily removably attached to the vertical support. A ball assembly is carried by detachable ends of the frame, while a socket assembly is carried by the vertical support. A shaft extends through the socket and has one end threaded for engaging a threaded bore of the ball.

Abstract: A tow line connector including a base attached to a towable vehicle, a free end extending out from the base, an opening disposed between the base and the free end, and a pair of notches formed between the opening and the free end. A loop formed in a tow line is threaded through the opening, extended over the free end to engage the notches, and pulled taut to form a quick and easy connection of the tow line to the towable vehicle. In one embodiment, the base includes an attachment flange that is heat sealed to the towable vehicle, and in a second embodiment, the base includes a closed slot that receives a towing strap of a towable vehicle.

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

Abstract: A reciprocating barge coupling device for removably coupling adjacent barges floating on a water body and allowing vertical movement of the barges with respect to each other typically due to the wave-induced rise and fall of the barges. In a preferred embodiment the reciprocating barge coupling device is characterized by a pair of coupling units of substantially identical construction mounted on the respective barges, each of which coupling units is fitted with an elongated, vertical coupling channel and a T-bolt. In application, the barges are positioned in adjacent, end-to-end relationship to each other, with the vertical coupling channels of the respective coupling units in substantially aligned, facing relationship with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a virtual slalom course and display which allows a water skier to develop the skill and timing to maneuver through a slalom course without the need for an official course. The apparatus is operable to display to the skier where the virtual slalom buoys are (or where they would be), where the skier is in relation to the buoy, and/or where the skier should be at any moment in time if the skier is to optimally traverse the virtual slalom course. The apparatus includes inputs for the speed of the boat, the dimensions of the desired virtual slalom course (preferably the dimensions of an official slalom course) and the length of the rope in order to calculate the skier's ideal position. Feedback through a rope angle sensor preferably facilitates the display of the skier's actual position.

Abstract: A rigid water recreation board for towing behind a water vessel. There is an eyelet extending through the board. A rope is attached to the vessel and freely passes through the eyelet. A handle is attached to the rope and is dimensioned such that it may not pass through the eyelet. A rider may lie upon, kneel upon, or stand upon the board as it is being towed by the vessel. The rider has the option of holding onto the handle or letting the handle be pulled against the upper surface of the board while the board is in tow by the vessel. A towing harness is provided which ensures that force from the rope may be applied through the towing harness to each side of the rigid water recreation board in order to minimize the downward diving of the rigid water recreation board when it is towed with no rider thereon.

Abstract: Towing apparatus for towing a personal watercraft at a desired distance behind a tow boat includes towing units having straight tubular walls, the towing units diverging from the personal watercraft toward the tow boat, each towing unit including a central tow line tensioned between the ends of the tubular wall, with each tubular wall in compression, enabling managed flexing of the wall of each towing unit for controlled lateral and altitudinal movements of the personal watercraft relative to the tow boat while maintaining the desired towing distance between the personal watercraft and the tow boat.

Abstract: A tether apparatus (100) has a tether (101), loops (104a-f) formed from the tether (101), and clamps (106a-f) maintaining the loops (104a-f). The clamps (106a-f) are operable to fail upon application of a predetermined amount of tension in the tether (101). The loops (104a-f) may be placed in alternating orientations along the longitudinal axis of the tether (101). The tether (101) may comprise a strap (118) operable to couple flotation devices (116) to the loops (104a-f).

Abstract: A three legged tripod tower is suitable for attaching to a tow rope using fixed or rotating joints and universal joint structures of various sizes and which may be fixed a various locations for the purposes of towing persons engaged in watersports or for towing objects safely. The structure has only three fixing points on a vessel, namely, one on the bow or stern, and one on each side of the beam, with two mounted to pivot in parallel to enable rapid deployment and stowage.

Abstract: A steerable towcraft is provided with a steering fin mounted on a lateral surface to allow the user to control the direction of travel of the towcraft while being pulled behind a watercraft.

Abstract: The improved flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends generally perpendicular to and downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The improved flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski.

Abstract: A deflector for towing behind a vessel, especially for use in relation to seismic surveys, being adapted to pull equipment to a transversal position in relation to the moving direction of the vessel, comprising at least one connection point for connecting, through wires or similar, to the vessel and the equipment to be towed. Two or more deflector wings are adapted to provide the deflector with a lifting force transversally in relation to the moving direction of the vessel, at least one of the wings being provided with a rotating cylinder positioned in front of the wing adapted to increase the lift of the deflector wing, and a drive unit for driving the rotating cylinder with corresponding devices for power supply.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard is enhanced by a towing apparatus which includes vertical supports rigidly attached starboard and port side gunwales of the vessel at a location generally outboard an operator station. A frame including rigid U-shaped bridging supports transversely extends across the beam of the vessel. The frame is pivotally fitted to a forward portion of the vertical supports for rotation from an operating position to a stored position on the deck of the vessel. The U-shaped bridging supports extend substantially above the level of the operator station. One of the U-shaped bridging supports is readily removably attached to the vertical support. A ball assembly is carried by detachable ends of the frame, while a socket assembly is carried by the vertical support. A shaft extends through the socket and has one end threaded for engaging a threaded bore of the ball.

Abstract: The aerial performance characteristics of a performer using a water sport implement such as a wakeboard, and being towed by a vessel while maintaining stability of the vessel includes a first relatively rigid vertical support fitted to one side of the, a second relatively rigid vertical support fitted structure to an opposing side, and a horizontal bridging portion extending between upper extremities of the first and second vertically extending supports, at a height substantially above a level of the operator station for the vessel. A tow rope is attached to the horizontally extending bridging portion for towing the performer from the horizontally extending bridging portion while operating the vessel in a body of water. By pivotally attaching the first and second supports to the respective sides of the vessel, they can be rotated downwardly so that the vessel may pass underneath a bridge or into a boat house.