Abstract: A ship maneuvering system includes a propulsion unit to steer a ship body, a trim adjuster disposed on the ship body, and a controller. The controller is configured or programmed to correct a change in the traveling state of the ship body due to operation of the trim adjuster.

Abstract: A ground effect craft having a ground effect wing, a plurality of sponsons, and a control system is disclosed. The ground effect wing may include a fore ground effect wing and an aft ground effect wing. The ground effect wing may generate a stabilizing moment on at least one sponson to stabilize the ground effect craft. The plurality of sponsons may be dynamically coupled to the body. The plurality of sponsons may be dynamically coupled to each other. The dynamic coupling may permit the sponsons to move relatively independent of the body and each other, thereby stabilizing the ground effect craft. The ground effect craft may include a stabilizing wing.

Abstract: A floating wind power generation device comprises: a main buoyant body which has buoyancy and a space portion provided in the center; an auxiliary buoyant body which has buoyancy and is connected to the main buoyant body by being inserted into the space portion of the main buoyant body; a plurality of wind power generators which are vertically provided on top of the auxiliary buoyant body and generate power; a location control means which is connected to the main buoyant body and controls the location of the main buoyant body; an oscillation inhibiting means which is connected to the main buoyant body and enables the main buoyant body to maintain an equilibrium state by absorbing the sea waves; and a dock connection unit which is connected to the main buoyant body and enables a ship to lie at anchor on the sea.

Abstract: A universal hydrofoil comprises a hydrofoil assembly, a universal mount assembly and a plurality of lateral connectors. The hydrofoil assembly has a longitudinal axis and includes a centerfoil having first and second longitudinal ends. A foil assembly is disposed at the centerfoil second end and includes a fuselage, a wing at a fuselage first end and a tail at a fuselage second end. The universal mount assembly comprises a base having first and second mounting surfaces. The second mounting surface defines a mounting interface configured to reversibly mate with the centerfoil first end. Lateral supports having a pair of arms projecting from a central beam are selectively engageable with the base. The lateral connectors are adjustably secured within the lateral channel and configured to engage a structural feature of a craft.

Abstract: A marine catamaran craft, comprising at least one forward hydrofoil fixed to each of the catamaran hulls and at least one rear hydrofoil in which: At least one forward hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation At least one rear hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation at low speeds and for planing operation at higher speeds A rear part of each of the catamaran hulls remains wetted at all speeds.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a keel having a support mount disposed proximate a bow end of the keel and a power plant disposed proximate an aft end of the keel, a support rotatably mounted to the keel at the support mount and supporting a cabin or equipment, a canard mounted to the keel, and an airfoil mounted to the support. The canard is adjustable to thereby adjust an amount of lift provided to the bow end of the keel, and the airfoil is adjustable to thereby adjust an amount of lift provided to the support.

Abstract: A floating cabin or cockpit for a marine vessel to achieve smooth rides in rough seas when traveling at high speeds. In response to vessel speed, the cabin is aerodynamically lifted and suspended between upper and lower limits. The cabin includes a wing structure for aerodynamic lift; a suspension and tethering mechanism interconnecting the cabin with a hull structure of the vessel to allow substantially free, unimpeded vertical, lateral and/or longitudinal excursions of the cabin between predefined limits when underway at high speeds; and a helm station to control the vessel and/or orientation of the cabin when freely floating. A multi-wing structure may provide addition lifting force and/or spring biasing may be provided to reduce aerodynamic lifting requirements for heavy cabin loads. The invention also helps to reduce vessel displacement, which improves fuel economy.

Abstract: A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.

Abstract: A mono boat hull power boat with extendable and retractable surface effects wings. The boat hull has wing cavities housing the wings inside the hull. At the front of wing cavity wing pivots are located, and at the rear of the wing cavities extending mechanisms are located, allowing for the pivotal extension and retraction of the wings in to the hull cavities.

Abstract: Transport ships having a relatively large structure over the water line, such as a pure car carrier, container ship and a passenger ship tend to receive the air resistance during the sailing. When sailing aslant against the wind, check helm had to be effected so far to cancel the swinging moment causing an extra increase in the underwater resistance. A low-fuel-consumption transport ship described has a structure over the water line, including a bow of a shape integral with the bridge of a hollow nearly semispherical to quarter-spherical shape or a partly cylindrical shape which is smoothly continuing to the stern to decrease the air resistance. The low-fuel-consumption transport ship further has a vertical tail incorporating a chimney and is rotatable on the uppermost stern deck to cancel the swinging moment in the air, without almost requiring check helm and, therefore, decreasing the underwater resistance.

Abstract: A mono boat hull power boat with extendable and retractable surface effects wings. The boat hull has wing cavities housing the wings inside the hull. At the front of wing cavity wing pivots are located, and at the rear of the wing cavities extending mechanisms are located, allowing for the pivotal extension and retraction of the wings in to the hull cavities.

Abstract: A multi-wing, multi-engine, multi-hull amphibious aircraft is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the aircraft has an open frame structure without a fuselage.

Abstract: A hydrofoil trim tab for use with each of a pair of seaplane floats, each tab including a substantially planar shaped body secured to an inside facing location of each float such that a pair of tab bodies are arrayed in opposing and inwardly directed fashion relative to the floats. Each tab is further constructed as a two piece article, a first portion being either mechanically secured or welded to the surface of the float, with a second portion being releasably/breakaway attached to the first portion, such as by frangible fasteners engaging a slidably connection location between the portions. In this fashion, inadvertent breakage of a trim tab at the frangible location will prevent damage to the float.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing sinkage and wetted surface, and thus hydrodynamic drag of a high-speed boat through the generation of aerodynamic lift while decreasing overall aerodynamic drag. At least one lift-generating front wing proximate a bow section of the boat with at least one corresponding front air channel may be provided. At least one lift-generating rear wing proximate a transom section of the boat with at least one corresponding rear air channel may also be provided. At least one of the wings may be adjustable to generate aerodynamic lift with one of: (1) a neutral; (2) a transom-lifting; and (3) a bow-lifting pitching moment about a center of inertia of the boat. At least one wing proximate the leading edge of the tunnel of a multi-hull boat may be provided to increase the operational envelope.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing sinkage and wetted surface, and thus hydrodynamic drag of a high-speed boat through the generation of aerodynamic lift while decreasing overall aerodynamic drag. At least one lift-generating front wing proximate a bow section of the boat with at least one corresponding front air channel may be provided. At least one lift-generating rear wing proximate a transom section of the boat with at least one corresponding rear air channel may also be provided. At least one of the wings may be adjustable to generate aerodynamic lift with one of: (1) a neutral; (2) a transom-lifting; and (3) a bow-lifting pitching moment about a center of inertia of the boat. At least one wing proximate the leading edge of the tunnel of a multi-hull boat may be provided to increase the operational envelope.

Abstract: A system for improving the performance of a powered boat that includes both methods and apparatuses that provide a powered boat ways to stabilize, control, and optimize the powered boat's performance when the powered boat is in powered motion. The system provides capabilities of enhancing the powered boat's performance by responding to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects upon the powered boat when the powered boat is in motion. Some embodiments of the system are capable of altering its way of responding to aerodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion, and still other embodiments are capable of altering the powered boat's response to both aerodynamic and hydrodynamic effects while the powered boat is in powered motion.

Abstract: A retractable-airfoil vessel has surface-effect wings (1) that are hinged or otherwise attached extendedly to a vessel (3). The surface-effect wings are extendable to a use mode in proximity to a surface of water (5) at sides (2) of the vessel for surface-effect lift of the vessel at elevated speeds. At low speeds when pleasure cruising or fishing, when stopped for water activities or when adjusting to rough waters and storm conditions, the surface-effect wings can provide wide-area buoyance on water at sides of a center of gravity of the vessel. The best of all worlds, it can be made to ride-out a storm as safely and securely as an anchored buoy and yet have high-speed efficiency, low-speed pleasure cruising and stopping for swimming and marine exploration. Then for docking in vessel slips and for maneuvering in close proximity to docks and harbor structures, the surface-effect wings can be retracted onto the vessel in a non-use mode for non-interference storage and for docked-living shelter.

Abstract: A retractable-airfoil vessel has surface-effect wings (1) that are hinged or otherwise attached extendedly to a vessel (3). The surface-effect wings are extendable to a use mode in proximity to a surface of water (5) at sides (2) of the vessel for surface-effect lift of the vessel at elevated speeds. At low speeds when pleasure cruising or fishing, when stopped for water activities or when adjusting to rough waters and storm conditions, the surface-effect wings can provide wide-area buoyance on water at sides of a center of gravity of the vessel. The best of all worlds, it can be made to ride-out a storm as safely and securely as an anchored buoy and yet have high-speed efficiency, low-speed pleasure cruising and stopping for swimming and marine exploration. Then for docking in vessel slips and for maneuvering in close proximity to docks and harbor structures, the surface-effect wings can be retracted onto the vessel in a non-use mode for non-interference storage and for docked-living shelter.

Abstract: A sailing craft including a single hydrofoil assembly, an aerofoil assembly, and a hull assembly with a rigid beam interconnecting the hydrofoil assembly, the aerofoil assembly, and the hull assembly. The hull is separate and displaced from the hydrofoil assembly and is, in use, supported above the water by the rigid beam. The hydrofoil assembly, the aerofoil assembly, and the hull assembly are preferably interconnected such that the hydrofoil assembly and the aerofoil assembly are disposed at opposite ends of the rigid beam and the hull is connected to the beam therebetween.

Abstract: An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine can be obtained from similar opening(s). A secondary wing may be placed above the main wing to help direct airflow over the upper surfaces of the main wing. A gas cushion seal is provided that has the ability to control gas flow and thereby reduce blower power requirements. Further, steps may be inset into the sides of the hull(s) that reduce drag in rough seas but yet are protected by hull chines when the hull is transitioning into planing mode.

Abstract: There is provided a motorized watercraft having a hull. The hull has an upper portion located substantially above the water line. Thus hull includes a front portion and a rear portion. The upper portion of the hull has a front portion and a rear portion. A drive motor being attached to the rear portion. First and second stabilizers are attached to the front portion of the hull so that the hull may be stabilized during operation by providing a downward force on the front portion of the hull.

Abstract: An improved marine vehicle that offers very high efficiencies made possible by pressurized gas cushion(s) disposed between its hull(s) and a water surface is presented. The gas cushion(s), in the ideal arrangement, is supplied with pressurized gas by a powered blower that obtains at least part of its inlet gas flow from an opening(s) in upper surfaces of a wing shaped cabin structure referred to as the main wing. In an optional arrangement, gas supply to a propulsion system engine, normally a gas turbine, can be obtained from similar opening(s) in an upper surface of the main wing and, further, gas discharge from a propulsion system engine can be used to aid in pressurizing the hull's pressurized gas cushion or, in another arrangement, can be directed out openings in an upper surface of the main wing. The main wing is aerodynamically shaped on its upper surface which increases vehicle efficiency.

Abstract: The invention concerns a ground effect vehicle comprising hydrofoils or hydrofoil outer parts (18) which can pivot about a parallel line relative to the longitudinal axis of the body in order to increase the speed range when flying close the ground. In addition, the hydrofoils and the body can be provided with trailing edge flaps (19) which are articulated so as to pivot about a horizontal axis and, depending on the selected angle of incidence of the hydrofoils or hydrofoil parts, can be controlled as lift-increasing ailerons or flippers.

Abstract: An improved multi-hull gas cushion supported vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment, capable of transition to air-borne ground effect operation is presented. This vehicle, normally a marine vehicle known as SeaCoaster, has optional elongated knife shaped bows that slice into waves, fine entry bows and low angle of divergence sidekeels, water rejecting steps that extend high onto the sidehulls, and retractable water stabilizer to insure optimum performance in heavy seas. The Retractable water stabilizers are preferbably in the form of inverted-T hydrofoils and/or small boat shaped members. Several variations of hydrofoil configurations are presented. It also has special, normally inverted-V shaped, gas cushion and wetdeck aft seals to insure minimum effect of wave impacts in those areas. The gas pressurization system normally includes powered blowers where a flap-like sealing device can be installed to seal gas leakage.

Abstract: An improved pressurized gas supported marine vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment long and slender and stabilized by outrigger hulls, is presented. This vehicle, known as SeaLance because of its optimal very fine entry bow and narrow fine main hull, is also capable of full or partial airborne operation when equipped with sidewings. When waterborne, an artifically pressurized gas cushion is disposed in an open bottomed recess in the main hull. First and second, forward and aft, air cushions can be used to maintain a higher gas cushion pressure aft than forward which reduces water blowout at the bow and aids in trimming of the vehicle. Further, labyrinth seals can be disposed on recess intermediate and aft seals to aid in sealing of gas flow. An optional feature of SeaLance is one or more water stabilizers that can include hydrofoils and/or a small lifting body. The water stabilizer(s) would normally retract into an open bottomed recess in the main hull when not used.

Abstract: An air lifted motion isolation system (100) includes a support structure or pod (110) for supporting equipment and/or personnel to be isolated from the motion of a waterborne craft (102). The support structure is coupled to the waterborne craft structure by a pivotal coupling assembly (120), permitting the support structure to be displaced both vertically and laterally. The motion of the support structure is stabilized by a lift producing body (130) disposed in the air above the waterborne craft and coupled to the support structure by a tether (112) for applying a substantially vertically directed force thereto. The pivotal coupling assembly (120) includes a plurality of pivotal coupling elements (122, 154) for buttressing the support structure above the structure of the waterborne craft. Each of the pivotal coupling elements (122, 154) may provide dampening to further stabilize and isolate the motion of the support structure from that of the waterborne craft.

Abstract: A surface effect vehicle includes a vehicle body having opposed longitudinally extending sides and a longitudinally extending deck having an upper and lower surfaces extending widthwise between the sides. The lower surface together with opposed inner surfaces of the sides form a downwardly depending air entrapment chamber extending longitudinally beneath the lower surface. The chamber is reactive to provide substantial surface effect ram air lifting force on the vehicle in response to forward motion of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle includes an airfoil spaced above and interconnected with the vehicle body to provide substantial out of surface effect lifting force on the vehicle in response to such forward motion. Further the vehicle vertical stabilizers serving not only to provide vertical stabilization but also to interconnect the airfoil with the vehicle body.

Abstract: An improved pressurized gas supported marine vehicle that is, in its preferred embodiment long and slender and stabilized by outrigger hulls, is presented. This vehicle, known as SeaLance because of its optimal very fine entry bow and narrow fine main hull, is also capable of airborne operation when equipped with sidewings. When waterborne, an artifically pressurized gas cushion is disposed in an open bottomed recess in the main hull. First and second, forward and aft, air cushions can be used to maintain a higher gas cushion pressure aft than forward which reduces water blowout at the bow and to aid in trimming of the vehicle. Further, labyrinth seals can be disposed on recess intermediate and aft seals to aid in sealing of gas flow. An optional feature of SeaLance is one or more water stabilizers that can include hydrofoils and/or a small lifting body. The water stabilizer(s) would normally retract into an open bottomed recess in the main hull when not used.

Abstract: A high speed, high efficiency, stable catamaran boat hull which comprises a boat hull structure having an under surface, a curved bow and a generally flat stern, a pair of spaced-apart sponsons on either side of the keel line of the hull and extending generally substantially from the bow of the hull, wherein the sponsons generally come to a point, to the stern of the hull. The sponsons generally have vertical, downwardly extending, inner side walls and a generally horizontal underwall connecting the inner walls to form an air tunnel, the inner side walls tapering inwardly from the bow to the stern of the hull structure to compact the air passing through the tunnel to lift the hull in operation.

Abstract: A twin-hull seaplane comprising two hulls spaced apart by a suitable distance, a cabin provided on the hulls integrally therewith, a front wing and a rear wing provided on the cabin and having a length not greater than the width of assembly of the two hulls or foldable to a length not greater than the width, aero-propulsion engined mounted on the front wing or the cabin, and a rudder attached to the rear wing. Each of the hulls is provided with hydro-propulsion means at a rear portion thereof.

Abstract: A wind driven craft comprising a body and a pair of wings extending therefrom. The wings are pivotally connected to the body of the craft. The wings provide lift and thrust to the craft such that it is able to move under influence of the wind.

Abstract: A clamped-down bridge comprises a superstructure supported by pontoons, each end of the bridge being fixedly secured to the bottom by means of anchors and anchor cables and clamped down to the expected maximum load by means of sinkers and sink cables. The anchor cables and the sink cables are wound in pairs onto common shafts in such manner that winding up of the sink cables causes unwinding of the anchor cables, and vice versa. The shafts are, by a motion transfer arrangement, connected with each other and with an automatic locking device which allows vertical adjustment of the bridge due to changes in the water level, but which locks against vertical adjustment due to wave action or the bridge being loaded.

Abstract: An aerodynamic wing apparatus for use with a boat to reduce drag on the hull of a boat by lifting the boat partially out of the water. The wing is movable fore and aft so that it may be positioned near the center of gravity of the boat as the center of gravity changes depending upon the loading of the boat. The wing has variable pitch to provide for a relatively constant amount of lift over a range of boat speeds.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle combines a flying vehicle and a motorized surface vehicle, such as a boat, car, or truck or snowmobile. The flying vehicle is tethered to the surface vehicle by four rods, each of which is rotatably connected to the flying vehicle and surface vehicle, so that the angle of attack of the flying vehicle relative to the surface vehicle remains constant or decreases, depending only on altitude. On/off, throttling, and steering of the motorized surface vehicle are controlled by the pilot of the flying vehicle. The flaps of the flying vehicle are automatically lowered for landing to increase drag and lower the stall speed and raised following take-off to reduce drag. Ailerons are automatically controlled to roll the flying vehicle during turns.

Abstract: A control for a high performance watercraft that will automatically cut engine power and stabilize pitch attitude when the watercraft is airborne. This device maintains a manually trimmed pitch attitude when fully airborne. A gyroscope senses the boat's attitude and, when airborne, causes an airfoil or airfoils to correct a nose high or low attitude so that when the craft re-enters the water, it is at the proper, safe attitude. When back in the water, the engines return to the throttle position selected and the airfoil or airfoils return to the previously manually trimmed position. When in the water, the airfoil or airfoils can be manually trimmed so as to fine tune the craft for both water and wind conditions. It is this tuned position that the gyroscope seeks to attain while airborne.

Abstract: A high speed planing watercraft includes a pitch stabilization system having variable pitch canard airfoils controlled by a control system incorporating a gyroscope for accommodating constantly changing hydrodynamic forces on the hull.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the aerodynamic control system includes a pair of airfoil shaped vertical stabilizing structures rising above the aft deck portion of the motorboat. A vertical stabilizer is disposed on either side of the deck. Each vertical stabilizer includes a movable rudder along its aft region which arcuately moves about an axis longitudinally extending through the rudder. The control system also includes an airfoil shaped elevator structure having end portions fixed to inboard opposing top sections of the vertical stabilizers and an arcuately movable elevator portion extending between the fixed first and second ends. A control mechanism arcuately moves the elevator portion thereby altering the angle of attack attitude of the elevator. Another control mechanism synchronously moves the rudders to assist steerage of the motorboat.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a small craft comprising a hull, a control handle supported on the hull adjacent its bow for pivotal movement in a substantially vertical plane that includes the center line of the hull. The handle extends rearwardly over the hull and is adapted to be manually operated. A wing is connected to the handle so as to have an angle of attack which changes as the handle is pivoted.

Abstract: A deck structure adapted for a watercraft in which the rider rides on the rear deck to steer gripping the handles. Side fences with a riding floor formed between them are disposed so as to be adjustable in the transverse directional position of the hull. Further, with another arrangement, the side fences and a saddle-type seat placed on the center line of the hull are removable, and either or both of them can be fixed on the deck for steering in a desirable posture.

Abstract: A flying craft which is pushed by a surface vehicle which follows the flying craft is disclosed. The craft includes a winged body which is connected by an elongated push pole to a ground engaging propelling vehicle. The control of the winged body is accomplished by changing the vertical position of one end of the elongated push pole relative to the opposite end of the flying craft. The surface vehicle limits the angle which the pole makes relative to the surface to prevent the surface vehicle from overtaking the flying craft.

Abstract: A water conveyance having two hull members spaced from each other and carrying a hydrofoil toward the stern thereof and an airfoil or wing toward the bow. The hydrofoil and airfoil cooperate to lift the hull members from the water to reduce water resistance and increase travel speed. The hydrofoil is movable vertically to accommodate the raising and lowering of the hull members during start up and slow down. Flaps on the wing control the attitude of the conveyance and, in a preferred embodiment, the flaps are controlled automatically to maintain a generally horizontal attitude.

Abstract: A boat having an airfoil, providing aerodynamic lift, attached to the aft portion of the boat stabilized with canted vertical stabilization fins, an airfoil, providing and having aerodynamic lift, attached to the forward portion of the boat. Specifically, a boat is disclosed having an elongated air foil, pivotally attached to the forward portion of the boat and a stacked pair of elongated airfoils pivotally attached to the aft portion of the boat. The angle of attack of each of the airfoils can be independently adjusted. In addition, the aft pair of stacked airfoils as an assembly can be raised, lowered, and adjusted with respect to its angle of attack. Vertical stabilization fins are provided for the ends of the aft airfoils and the ends of the forward airfoils. The aft stabilization fins are canted to provide lateral stability and to concentrate forces acting on the boat to the middle of the boat.

Abstract: A water ski boat having separate air foils attached to the forward and aft portions of the boat arranged to exert more lift on the aft portion than on the forward portion of the boat. Specifically, a water ski boat is disclosed having an elongated air foil, pivotally attached to the forward portion of the boat and a stacked pair of elongated airfoils pivotally attached to the aft portion of the boat. The angle of attack of each of the three airfoils can be independently adjusted. In addition, the aft pair of stacked airfoils as an assembly can be raised, lowered, and adjusted with respect to its angle of attack. In a further embodiment, vertical stabilization fins are provided for the ends of the aft airfoils and the ends of the forward airfoils. All of the airfoils are removably attached to the water ski boat so that the boat can be readily configured with or without airfoils.

Abstract: A high performance marine vehicle capable of attaining record-breaking velocities is disclosed herein having an elongated hull supporting aft mounted and outwardly extending wing members from which side ski-floats downwardly depend. A frontal ski-float is carried at the bow of the vehicle hull. All three of the ski-floats incorporate an almost triangular aft platform on which the vehicle is supported in a high speed planing mode of operation. Horizontal chine strips are affixed from bow to stern along the opposite sides of the hull. Horizontal chine strips are also affixed to the aft portion of the three-ski-floats. Aerodynamic and hydrodynamic steering and stability are employed by the vehicle as well as a rocket propulsion system. The mass of the vehicle is distributed so that the center of gravity is well forward of the vehicle's center of lift to assure longitudinal stability and prevent a pitching divergence.