Abstract: A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the fish body, including through a flexible wing, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic fish.

Abstract: A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the fish body, including through a flexible wing comprising a disk, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic fish.

Abstract: A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the fish body, including through a flexible wing, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic fish.

Abstract: A multihull stepped planing boat with multiple independent elastic planing surfaces includes: a main hull, X front planing sub-hulls arranged side by side under a front portion of the main hull, and Y rear planing sub-hull arranged side by side under a rear portion of the main hull; wherein X and Y are positive integers, and 3?X+Y?8; the X front planing sub-hulls are equally spaced, and the Y rear planing sub-hulls are also equally spaced; there is a gap between the X front planing sub-hulls and the Y rear planing sub-hulls. The planing surface of the main hull is formed by a plurality of independent and spaced sub-planing surfaces. There is a certain elastic buffer space between each sub-planing surface and the main hull, and the shock absorption structures can absorb most of the shocks, thereby reducing the impact of water surface waves during high-speed navigation.

Abstract: A personal watercraft comprising a body having a seat and a hull, the seat configured to support a user with the body floating in water, a plurality of hydrofoils extending outwards from the body and coupled to a positioning system, the plurality of hydrofoils being configured, in combination, to raise the hull of the personal watercraft above a waterline in the water when the personal watercraft is in use and under the influence of a propulsion force, one or more sensors that provide sensor data of the watercraft during use, a computer-readable medium having a processor and a memory having instructions that, when executed by the processor read the sensor data, and based on the read sensor data, send a signal to the positioning system to adjust the position for at least one of the plurality of hydrofoils.

Abstract: A boat stabilizer having an upper harness for attachment to a vessel having bow, stern, port and starboard sides; the upper harness having: four beams forming a rectangular shape with four corners, each beam running along a different side of the vessel, a rudder and an assembly control system and four wing assemblies, each one attached to the assembly control system and the upper harness and having a rod junction connected to the upper harness, two rods connected to the rod junction, a wing connected to the two rods, and a wing mount attached to the wing by a wing pole and the upper harness by a control pole. The assembly control system may adjust wing pitch angle and rotate the wing assemblies to and from the water. Adjustment of wing angles may increase stability, reduce wear and tear, increase fuel efficiency, and maintain vessel safety.

Abstract: An underwater propulsive device of a watercraft including a flotation unit on which a user rides. The propulsion device includes: a hollow body coupled to the flotation unit through a strut and extending in a propulsive direction of the watercraft, the inside of the hollow body being divided into a first compartment and a second compartment; a motor in the first compartment; a propeller in the second compartment; and a power transfer shaft extending in the propulsive direction and connecting the motor and the propeller to each other. The first compartment has a waterproof structure. The second compartment has a water inlet disposed closer to the bow than the propeller is and extending along a circumference of the power transfer shaft and a water jet outlet disposed at a stern-side end of the second compartment. The propeller is smaller than the first compartment in diameter.

Abstract: A powerboat comprising a hull, a plurality of dynamically adjustable hydrofoils positioned below the waterline towards the rear of the hull, and a control system, wherein the cross sectional area of the hull below the waterline decreases towards the rear of the hull, and the control system is configured to adjust the hydrofoils in operation of the powerboat to control the running trim of the powerboat. The powerboat can operate efficiently at over a wide range of Froude numbers, in particular both low (displacement mode) speeds and high (planing mode) speeds.

Abstract: Wakeboat hull control systems and methods are provided to permit the accurate reproduction of a wake behind a wakeboat. The onboard wake control system receives data from a draft measuring system. Incorporation of the data from the draft measuring system permits accurate reproduction of a wake behind the wakeboat after a change in an onboard variable such as the number, weight or position of passengers, the weight or position of cargo and the position of trim tabs or amount/location of ballast.

Abstract: A submersible vessel having wing and keel assemblies that are extendable for wind-powered surface operation and retractable to reduce drag for submerged operation or to place the vessel in a more compact configuration. A deployment mechanism including an actuator and linkage pivots the wing and keel assemblies-simultaneously between the deployed and retracted configuration. The vessel may have first and second pressure hulls flanking the wing and keel assemblies. A drive mechanism including a motor and a gear train employing pulley-and-cable assemblies rotates either the wing and flap together such that the flap angle relative to the wing is constant, or to change the flap angle relative to the wing with the wing angle of incidence held constant. The invention also provides a retractable wind-powered propulsion apparatus that is mountable to the hull assembly of a submersible or non-submersible vessel.

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: A power plant includes a structure and a vehicle having at least one wing including a first wing part and a second wing part. The vehicle is arranged to be secured to the structure by at least one tether. The vehicle is arranged to move in a predetermined trajectory by a fluid stream passing the wing. The vehicle includes at least one turbine connected to a nacelle having a generator. At least the first wing part is arranged at a first angle relative to a horizontal center line of the wing. The nacelle is arranged to be attached to a surface of the wing facing the direction in which the first wing part is angled.

Abstract: A watercraft can include a foil configured for movement between an undeployed position and a first deployed position in which the foil raises the relative position of the watercraft relative to the water line as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby facilitating planing of the watercraft. The foil can be configured for movement to a second deployed position in which the foil lowers the relative position of the stern end of the watercraft as the watercraft moves forward through the water, thereby modifying the wake produced by the watercraft.

Abstract: A hovercraft assembly includes a vehicle that may be driven. A pair of propulsion units is provided and each of the propulsion units is coupled to the vehicle. Each of the propulsion units may urge air outwardly from the body. Thus, the vehicle may levitate with respect to support surface. Each of the propulsion units may direct the air in a selected direction with respect to the body. Thus, the propulsion units may urge the vehicle along the support surface in a selected direction. Each of the propulsion units is operationally coupled to the handlebars such that the handlebars control operational parameters of each of the propulsion units.

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 method and system for calculating an energy efficient route is disclosed. A route calculation application calculates one or more routes from an origin to a destination. For each of the routes, the route calculation application uses segment cost data associated with each segment in the route. The segment cost is calculated by adjusting an energy consumption value by subtracting a bias term for each segment with known slope data. The bias term causes segment costs associated with segments having a slope that can be traveled with typical efficiency, a zero slope, and an unknown slope to be substantially the same. The bias term also causes the segment cost associated with a segment with a slope that can be traveled efficiently to be less than the segment cost associated with a segment with unknown slope, and the segment cost associated with a segment with a slope that causes inefficient travel to be greater than the segment cost associated with a segment with unknown slope.

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: A marine vessel control system that includes at least one primary marine propulsory mechanism providing a thrust vector and being movably attached to the vessel. An actuating system is coupled to the at least one primary marine propulsory mechanism manipulating the orientation of the thrust vector. At least one servo control is linked with the actuating system. At least one attitude sensor provides a signal that indicates the attitude of the vessel. A central control computer is operatively coupled to the actuating system, the servo control and the attitude sensor. The central control computer controls the actuation of the at least one primary marine propulsory mechanism's thrust vector in response to the signal from the attitude sensor indicating the attitude of the vessel. The attitude, stability and motion damping and at least one of the pitch, roll and yaw axes of the vessel is controlled.

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: 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: A method and system for detaching one or more compartments attached to a watercraft in response to a detected event, the method including detecting an event with respect to a compartment attached to the watercraft and causing, in response to detecting the event, a release of one or more attaching members that attach the compartment to the watercraft.

Abstract: A tri-foil sailboat and powerboat are described having retractable hydrofoils with independently adjustable angles of attack allowing the hull to be fully lifted from the water and the sailboat to travel at more than twice the wind speed.

Abstract: A foil structure for providing buoyancy and lift to a floating device is provided. The foil structure comprises an elongated left hand side floating device section and an elongated right hand side floating device section. The left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section are placed at a predetermined distance to a longitudinal axis of the floating device and oriented substantially parallel thereto. A left hand side foil and a right hand side foil protrudes from the left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section, respectively, towards a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis and is oriented at an acute angle to a horizontal plane. A leading edge of each foil intersects the respective floating device section in proximity to a bow portion thereof. Each foil extends along the respective floating device section and terminates in proximity to a stern portion thereof.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a removable foil improves acceleration, maneuverability, and control of craft such as boats or rideable boards (surfboards, sailboards, and the like) and also reduces repetitive stress exerted on the hull by foil bending and torsion. An off-center ball-and-cup joint in the mounting allows the foil to yaw and roll within a limited range in response to changes in lateral fluid pressure. A resilient pad in the mounting then exerts a restoring force to return the foil to a neutral orientation as the lateral pressure equilibrates. An elastically deformable cushion on the base of the foil may contribute to the resilient adaptation while excluding ambient water from the mounting. Optionally, the entire assembly may be mounted in a translation cage that allows adjustment of the foil's longitudinal position. Variations on removable foils, and cushions for the bases of foils, have thickened trailing ends to reduce turbulence.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrofoil arrangement for a hydrofoil craft with at least one fully submerged lifting wing. The hydrofoil arrangement includes at least two struts pivotally arranged on the hydrofoil craft with each strut being connected to a lifting wing. The struts are arranged with their centers of effort of hydrodynamic forces behind the pivot axes of the struts during forward travel of the hydrofoil craft. They are arranged to pivot relative to the hydrofoil craft when the hydrofoil craft experiences a disturbance in roll-angle. This results in a transversal movement of the hydrofoil craft relative to the water surface during forward travel. The hydrofoil arrangement also increases the roll- stability for a hydrofoil craft.

Abstract: An active stabilization device for stabilizing, for example, a vessel at sea, both in a first operating state in which the vessel moves and in a second operating state in which the vessel is in a rest position, includes at least one fin body (2) and a drive device which is connected to the fin body and is configured to drive the fin body. The device furthermore includes a hinge mechanism (5) which is connected to the fin body and is configured to position the fin body with respect to an outer side (1) of the construction by rotating the fin body about a first rotation axis 4 in such a manner that the fin body can generate a lifting force which can stabilize the construction at least in the second operating state. A vessel at sea which includes the device is also described.

Abstract: A watercraft device according to the invention includes a central body and two lateral hulls, each having a shape optimized to reduce resistance to the advance motion and connected to the central body through at least one connecting arm, causing the central body to be in raised position with respect to the lateral hulls. The connecting arms have a given angle from the horizontal plan of the device, and the lateral hulls and the central body are oriented with longitudinal axes, or axes in the bow-stern direction, essentially parallel to each other. The central body connecting the lateral hulls is shaped like wing, which helps in sustaining the weight of the vehicle at high speed and exploits ground effect to increase aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, each of the lateral hulls has one or more mobile and/or fixed hydrofoil elements that extend below the corresponding lateral hull.

Abstract: A watercraft including at least one hydrofoil which is height-adjustable between a position disposed in the region of the hull and a position remote from the hull, with a recess being provided in the hull which accommodates the hydrofoil in the region of the hull.

Abstract: A foil structure for providing buoyancy and lift to a floating device is provided. The foil structure comprises an elongated left hand side floating device section and an elongated right hand side floating device section. The left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section are placed at a predetermined distance to a longitudinal axis of the floating device and oriented substantially parallel thereto. A left hand side foil and a right hand side foil protrudes from the left hand side floating device section and the right hand side floating device section, respectively, towards a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis and is oriented at an acute angle to a horizontal plane. A leading edge of each foil intersects the respective floating device section in proximity to a bow portion thereof. Each foil extends along the respective floating device section and terminates in proximity to a stern portion thereof.

Abstract: A marine vessels comprising at least one foil extending downwards from the keel under the body of the vessel. The marine vessel comprises a foil being fully submerged in the water and the angle of attack of which can easily be changed by a low drive force and which can bear the propellers.

Abstract: The problem of providing a submerged vehicle with above-the-surface communications to a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite while traveling at operating speed is solved by an efficiently deployable tethered tow body having a hydrodynamic and buoyant hull body and incorporating a lift-generating wing that provides hydrodynamic lift to efficiently lift the tow body containing antennas and other communications devices to the surface. The tow body allows for stable operation during underwater tow, surface tow, and transitions between underwater tow and surface tow. Disclosed embodiments include communications apparatuses encompassing the principles of the tethered tow body, as well as various underwater systems that incorporate a tethered tow body or communications apparatus for establishing communications with a nearby vessel, shore platform, or satellite.

Abstract: To a watercraft which includes a main hull and at least one outrigger which is fastened in a height-adjustable manner to the main hull.

Abstract: A marine vessel comprising: a command module; first and second buoyant tubular foils; and first and second struts for connecting the first and second buoyant tubular foils to the command module, respectively; wherein the first and second buoyant tubular foils provide substantially all of the buoyancy required for the marine vessel; and wherein the marine vessel further comprises first and second engines enclosed within the first and second buoyant tubular foils, respectively, and first and second propulsion units connected to the first and second engines, respectively, for moving the marine vessel through the water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrofoil arrangement for a hydrofoil craft with at least one fully submerged lifting wing. The hydrofoil arrangement includes at least two struts pivotally arranged on the hydrofoil craft with each strut being connected to a lifting wing. The struts are arranged with their centers of effort of hydrodynamic forces behind the pivot axes of the struts during forward travel of the hydrofoil craft. They are arranged to pivot relative to the hydrofoil craft when the hydrofoil craft experiences a disturbance in roll-angle. This results in a transversal movement of the hydrofoil craft relative to the water surface during forward travel. The hydrofoil arrangement also increases the roll-stability for a hydrofoil craft.

Abstract: A towable buoy having a tow point for connection to a tow cable of a vessel, wherein the position of the tow point is translationally moveable with respect to the remainder of the buoy. Also, a method of operating the towable buoy.

Abstract: A sea bed anchor of the plug-and-socket type, in which the depth of the socket (2) needed to keep the plug in the socket against tidal force is reduced by downwards force from a hydrofoil (5). The same force is used to lock the plug and socket positively together. The effective area of hydrofoils (5) can be increased when the tide is flowing, and reduced when it is not. Downwards force from hydrofoils is also used to enable submersible vessels to drill sockets in rock or to embed suction anchors in sediment.

Abstract: A steering system for hydroski-borne watercraft eliminates the need for conventional steering mechanisms such as rudders or thrust vectoring from propulsion units. Complete steering and navigable control is achieved by rolling or otherwise banking individual hydroskis thereby creating a side force on each hydroski. This force is proportional to the sine of the bank angle or roll angle. The sum of the forces and moments from the individual hydroskis are of sufficient magnitude and can be appropriately balanced to effect coordinated watercraft steering and navigable control.

Abstract: A hydrofoil boat stabilizer having a cross-sectional area with the configuration of a true hydrofoil is provided. The hydrofoil includes a slip-on yoke designed to compressively fit on a cavitation plate of a boat motor lower drive unit. The wings of the hydrofoil include at least one angle of attack, and preferably, a plurality of angles of attack. The hydrofoil is shaped to reduced drag and minimize cavitation. A low-drag surface is included on at least a portion of the outer surface of the hydrofoil.

Abstract: A marine vehicle with at least one hydrofoil at the lower hull of such marine vehicle, and at least one drive element for retracting a pair of hydrofoils mounted side-by-side on both sides of the symmetry axis of the hull of the marine vehicle. When hydrofoils are in the retracted position, the marine vehicle is converted to a conventional marine vehicle.

Abstract: A water craft including a hull having a main longitudinal axis defining a direction of travel of the craft, a plurality of discs mounted at respective opposed sides of the main longitudinal axis to and below the hull and in combination having sufficient buoyancy to support the hull above the water, each disc comprising an essentially circular convex skimming surface adapted to skim upon the water as the craft moves at low speed, wherein the discs are mounted to the hull such that the skimming surface of each disc faces downwardly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the hull, and adapted for movement between a low speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the circular convex skimming surface to the water surface and a high speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the edge of the disc to the water.

Abstract: A multihull hydrofoil watercraft incorporates a stabilization system wherein the buoyancy of the hulls is used as a sensing and control mechanism for the hydrofoils. The use of hull buoyancy to adjust the hydrofoil lift provides for automatic control of altitude, pitch and roll, and allows the craft to accommodate varying weather and sea conditions while providing a smooth ride for passengers. The stabilization technique eliminates the need for extraneous sensing mechanisms placed in or on the water surface which are subject to fouling, damage, or disruption by localized surface disturbances.

Abstract: A water craft including a hull having a main longitudinal axis defining a direction of travel of the craft, a plurality of discs mounted at respective opposed sides of the main longitudinal axis to and below the hull and in combination having sufficient buoyancy to support the hull above the water, each disc comprising an essentially circular convex skimming surface adapted to skim upon the water as the craft moves at low speed, wherein the discs are mounted to the hull such that the skimming surface of each disc faces downwardly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the hull, and adapted for movement between a low speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the circular convex skimming surface to the water surface and a high speed orientation in which the discs present a portion of the edge of the disc to the water.

Abstract: A rudder and dynamic trim adjusting apparatus for a boat includes a rudder, a rudder shaft extending from the rudder and being rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof to rotate the rudder, trim fins extending from the rudder, along at least one transverse axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, and a mechanism connected to the trim fins, and being operable, independently of rotation of the rudder shaft to rotate the trim fins about the at least one transverse axis. Methods of controlling an attitude of a boat hull are provided.

Abstract: A mechanism for transferring total weight of outboard engine from a boat to be loaded onto water surface comprises mainly of two parts, first part is to be fixed to the boat and second part to be fixed to an engine where the second part connected to the first part through a connecting component controllable in such a manner that the second part can either move freely vertically or fixed tightly relative to the first part while the first part is stationary to the boat. There is ski structure at the lower end of second part to help carrying weight of the engine and to pass the load onto the water surface while the boat is moving at high speed.

Abstract: A watercraft capable of operating in hydrofoil mode or ground-effect mode with self-righting retractable V-shaped foil, fiberoptic control systems, and a plurality of aircraft style engines with variable pitch propellers for speed and direction control. The V-shaped foil can be fully retracted into the hull allowing operation in shallow water, and the ability to execute a beach landing. Propeller pitch can be reversed allowing the craft to backup. Each engine and propeller can be controlled individually allowing rotating in-place for precise maneuvering control. The hull is a flying wing, airfoil shape for efficient high-speed operation. Engine nacelles are located on airfoil shaped struts, angled in a V-shape, for self-righting effect at high speed. Fuel tanks are within the nacelles, thus outside the main hull for safety.

Abstract: A wind driven sailing craft is disclosed with a hydrofoil element which provides variable lift to the stern of the craft to maintain a level trim when the craft is operated under power propulsion. The hydrofoil element includes a hydrofoil wing which rotates on a transverse axis to provide the desired lift.

Abstract: A hydrofoil unit for attaching to the stern of the hull of a boat. The unit includes a mount that mounts to the stern of the hull of the boat, a hydrofoil that is pivotally attached to the mount, a pivot assembly that pivotally attaches the hydrofoil to the mount, and apparatus for pivoting the hydrofoil relative to the mount. In one embodiment, the apparatus is automatic and includes an hydraulic cylinder that is pivotally attached to the transom of the boat and a strut that is pivotally attached to the hydraulic cylinder and the hydrofoil. In another embodiment, the apparatus is manual and includes an upper threaded rod that is pivotally attaching to the transom of the boat, a turnbuckle that is attached to the upper threaded rod, and a lower threaded rod that is attached to the turnbuckle and the hydrofoil.

Abstract: A wave riding surfing board with a pair of transversely oriented hydrofoils, each attached to respective front and rear struts, for supporting a surfer in a prone or kneeling position. In operation, the front canard hydrofoil is arranged for piercing the surface of the water and partially supporting the weight of the rider and the board, while the fully submerged rear hydrofoil is arranged for supporting the remaining 90–100 percent of the weight. The rigging angle of the front canard hydrofoil can be adjusted. The surfing board can be maneuvered by banking the board. In a preferred embodiment, a pair of control handles and a control mechanism give rider a control over the front canard hydrofoil and the flap surfaces on the trailing edge of the rear strut to enable precision maneuvering.

Abstract: A simple, lightweight, manually-controlled device for stabilizing and increasing the performance of small, sail-assisted watercraft, containing a single moving part and comprising a curved spar or iako (1) joining a main hull and a single outrigger hull or ama, a tubular shaft (2) with a handle (7) at one end and an “L” shaped hydrofoil (5 and 6) at the other end. The tubular shaft (2) is joined to the iako (1) by two or more struts (3) that are fixed to the iako (1) at their upper ends and have machine screws (8) or sleeves (4) at their lower ends by means of which the tubular shaft (2) is permitted to rotate around its longitudinal axis and is prevented from moving horizontally in relation to the curved iako (1), thereby making the entire assembly a truss or girder that resists vertical distortion or flexion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of gas cavities to reduce frictional drag on underwater surfaces such as hydrofoils, struts, fins, rudders, keels, propeller blades, ship hulls, underwater bodies, and wetted surfaces in general. Each gas-filled cavity is formed behind a discontinuity in the surface that causes the water boundary layer to separate from the surface. Gas is ejected into a region behind the discontinuity to fill the cavity; the gas can be air. If a cavity is open to the atmosphere, then air can typically fill the cavity naturally without air ejection. Cavities can either be closed or open. A low drag hydrofoil may have a closed cavity on one side, and an open cavity on the other side. For closed cavities, the underlying surface can be shaped to minimize cavity closure drag. Various ways to generate cavities, change hydrodynamic forces, and duct gas internally on hydrofoils and struts with cavities are covered.