Abstract: A boat stabilizer for attachment to the lower drive unit of a boat motor. The stabilizer comprises a first lifting member having a first interior side wall for positioning adjacent to a first side of the drive unit and a first arm portion for extension around the drive unit, and a second lifting member having a second interior side wall for positioning adjacent to a second side of the drive unit and a second arm portion for extension around the drive unit toward the first arm portion. The second interior side wall is spaced from and opposes the first interior side wall forming a slot therebetween for receiving the drive unit. The first and second arm portions are removably attached together and selectively movable toward and away from each other for varying the width of the slot. The ability to vary the width of the slot for receiving the drive unit allows the stabilizer to be adjusted to fit virtually any conventional outboard or inboard/outboard boat motor.

Abstract: A sonar support system that is suspended beneath a ship in a low drag U-sed hydrofoil mounting assembly is provided. The assembly is attached at its upper end to suitable means for pivotally rotating the transverse hydrofoil strut containing a sonar array from a streamed position under the ship's hull to a maintenance or stowed position in brackets on the ship's forward deck. The tranverse strut may be positioned at varying distances below the hull, and the assembly including vertical struts may be constructed to pivot about an axis above or below the waterline as required.

Abstract: A hydrofoil adapted for attachment to a boat propulsion unit. The hydrofoil defines a recessed area on its underside in which a trolling plate may be positioned. A pivot shaft couples the plate to the hydrofoil permitting upright deployment of the plate for slowing of the watercraft. A locking bar on the hydrofoil serves to engage stops on the plate to lock same in retracted and deployed positions. A control permits remote operation of the locking bar.

Abstract: The Disclosure is concerned with lift and rudder fin attachments for outboard engines and inboard engines with outboard drives of the type used in the propulsion of boats. The attachments may be adjusted to vary the amount of lift that is produced under a given set of operating conditions, and they also have the added advantage of greatly enhancing steering control at slow speeds and during slow speed operations such as trolling and docking.

Abstract: The invention refers to a variable geometry hydrofoil boat, equipped for this purpose with secant foils supported by articulated arms operated automatically or manually. The invention makes it possible to obtain a craft which, depending on operational requirements, may function either in the "totally submerged foil" mode or in the "secant foil" mode, that is to say with a variable foil surface. The secant foils supported by arms articulated to the hull may, in a variant of the embodiment, also be applied to fast-moving and streamlined naval units of the semi-planing type, for the purpose of damping their rolling and pitching movements.

Abstract: A sea-going craft has a main central body with two wings affixed to the body and extending horizontally away to either side. A catamaran-type hull is attached to each wing end, and provides flotation. The rearward edge of each wing is generally closer to the water than the forward edge when the craft is under power, thus adding lift due to the ground-effect phenomenon. A hydrofoil is affixed to each hull and extends downwardly, and a third hydrofoil is affixed to the central body, extending downwardly. The craft includes propulsion apparatus.

Abstract: A water-borne craft includes a hull having a pair of wing-like foils positioned on the bottom of the hull toward the rear or stern portion of the craft and in equally spaced relation on opposite sides of the fore and aft center line or symmetry axis of the hull such that the foils are immersed in the water when in use. The foils are each arranged so as to be movable between a first position such that they meet the relatively moving water and generate a lifting force which reacts with the hull so as to lift the rear portion of the hull upwardly, and a second position wherein no lifting force is generated by the foil as, for example, during turning motion of the hull. By exerting the lifting force on the rear portion of the hull, the planing angle is reduced thus reducing hydrodynamic drag and allowing for an increase in speed.

Abstract: A thrust collar is disclosed for mounting around the upper portion of the propeller of an inboard/outboard engine. Each thrust collar supports a horizontal hydrofoil wing extending laterally from the collar. A second, similar wing can be provided on an opposing side of the collar. Where the collar is used in pairs on paired engines on a catamaran hull, a single hydrofoil wing can be supported between the thrust collars. The thrust collar is preferably used in conjunction with hull lifting structures. One hull mounted hydrofoil structure is supported at the lower end of the strut extending and includes a generally curvilinear gull-wing shaped lower surface. For V-type hulls, a pair of elongataed mechanical lifting structures, symmetrically positioned on either side of the keel substantially in the vicinity of the keel are attached to the hull so as to extend generally traversedly to the sloping side surfaces of the hull intersecting at the keel.

Abstract: A high-speed planing catamaran is comprised of hulls, each of which has a canard planing surface well forward of the catamaran's center of gravity and a main planing surface aft of and closer to the center of gravity. At planing speeds, the canard surface leaves a trough in the water which substantially encloses the hull portion aft of the canard surface. The main planing surface rides on water between the hulls, but outside the trough. The angle of incidence of all surfaces may be adjustable, as may the vertical and lateral positions of each hull's propeller.

Abstract: Hydrofoil marine apparatus comprising a hull, a pair of hydrofoils, each including first and second planar surface portions, pivotal mounting apparatus for mounting the pair of hydrofoils onto the hull, and apparatus for selectably and variably determining the dihedral angle between the first and second planar surface portions.

Abstract: A hydrofoil apparatus for attachment to a marine vessel having a first pivot means for positioning the rotational axis of a gooseneck shaft parallel to the yaw axis of the hull and a trailing load support arm having a forward end coupled to the gooseneck. A planing surface sensor or planing foil rides on the water surface. The planing surface provides a hydrodynamic force to hold the planing surface sensor on surface as the vessel moves with forward velocity. An elongated body member is pivotally coupled to rotate on a first pitch axis with respect to said planing surface sensor. The elongated body member is pivotally coupled to the trailing load support at its aft end. A vertical fin is coupled to support the elongated body member. The fin maintains the planing surface sensor forward of said second pitch axis. A lifting foil raises the bow of said marine vessel by provide a lifting force via the fin.

Abstract: A submersible positioning device, such as a paravane coupled to a distant end of a towing cable may include a front cylindrical stabilizer having a wing diametrically disposed therein and having a predetermined angle of attack coupled to a towing bridle which in turn is coupled to the towing cable. A rear stabilizer may be coupled to the front stabilizer by a shaft, extending from the lower surface of the wing, and a plurality of struts coupled to the perimeter of the front stabilizer. A buoy coupled to the uppermost point of the front stabilizer may be pulled underwater while under tow, but returns the paravane to the surface for recovery purposes while not under a tow.

Abstract: A catamaran including two hulls defining a tunnel between them. The tunnel is bridged below the waterline by transversely arranged hydrofoils. The relatively larger mainfoil is located behind, and the smaller trimfoil in front of, the longitudinal center of gravity of the catamaran. This arrangement considerably reduces the high hump resistance of the catamaran.

Abstract: A hydrofoil flap control rod system for communicating forces between an actuator and a hydrofoil flap. Guide (40), having a rectangular conduit defined by its guide surfaces (66, 72, 74 and 88), accommodates a rectangular-shaped control rod (36) upon which wear pads (42) are mounted. Simple planar machining requirements of the guide and control rod reduce the time and cost of construction of the system. One element (76) of the guide (40) is readily detached to allow lateral removal of the control rod (36) for maintenance and repair, negating the need for substantial axial clearance for rod removal.

Abstract: A hydrofoil catamaran boat equipped with sail or power propulsion having mechanical type automatic heel, pitch and height control. The hydrofoil configuration has but one main load carrying foil located forward of the center of gravity necessitating two stabilizing hydrofoils at the stern which are differentially operated in angle of attack to provide heel control. Pitch control is attained by cooperative action of the main load carrying hydrofoil's automatic height control and the tracking capability of the stern stabilizing foils. All foils are retractable to facilitate beaching, trailering and storage. The configuration confines the main hydrofoil to the space between hulls thereby reducing normal hydrofoil configuration beam dimensions to more acceptable limits.

Abstract: The invention discloses a catamaran type boat having two similar boat demi-hulls which are spaced apart and which are substantially parallel, each demi-hull having a base line (BL). The boat further includes a superstructure connecting the two demi-hulls transversely; an open space in the form of a tunnel defined between the superstructure and the two demi-hulls; a longitudinal center of gravity position (LCG) for the boat; at least one trim hydrofoil having a chord line (CL) extending between its leading edge and trailing edge and being located in the stern region of the boat and extending at least partially across the tunnel; and an attachment element for attaching all hydrofoils to the demi-hulls substantially along a transverse plane (TP) which is substantially at right angle to the longitudinal vertical center plane of the boat, and having an angle of between 1.degree. and 7.degree.

Abstract: A vessel having adjustable hydrofoils. The vessel is preferably a multi-hull sailing vessel such as a catamaran or trimaran. The hydrofoils diverge upwardly and outwardly from a location below the waterline of the vessel and in the plane of the longitudinal axis of the vessel. The hydrofoils are pivotally mounted at the inner lower ends thereof to permit said hydrofoils to pivot forwardly and rearwardly to alter the angle of attack of said hydrofoils.

Abstract: A hydrofoil craft strut (365) steerable when the craft (5) is foil-borne and retractable when the strut (365) is not in use. In a preferred embodiment, the strut (365) is provided with a spherical bearing (185) disposed at the intersection of a steering axis (S--S) and a retraction axis (R--R). The bearing (185) allows a steering assembly (200) to steer the strut (365) about the steering axis (S--S). A downlock assembly (390) constrains the strut (365) in a vertical portion during the strut steering mode and releases the strut (365) during the retraction mode. During the retraction mode, a retraction assembly (385) rotates the strut (365) about the retraction axis (R--R) from its vertical position to a position within a recess (40) within the craft (5) in which it is fixed by an uplock assembly (715).

Abstract: A water-borne vessel propelled by a plurality of propulsion wheels each of which has a plurality of hydrofoil units disposed circumferentially around the drive shaft of the propulsion wheel on a support. In one embodiment, a tire for a land vehicle, is provided coaxially with the hydrofoil units on the drive shaft. The tire has a radius greater than the radial distance between the shaft and the units to form an amphibious vehicle.

Abstract: A continuous flap hinge and sealing device for hingedly connecting a control flap (45) to the trailing edge (46) of a flexible fluid foil (41) comprising a span-wise hinge block (52) having a continuous comb-like hinge member interconnected with a comparable comb-like hinge member (50) integral with the foil trailing edge (46) and defining alternating interdigitated hinge elements (51, 54) secured together by a span-wise continuous hinge pin (55) and wherein such continuous hinge block (52) is received within a continuous span-wise leading edge slot (56) formed in the flap leading edge (48) with the flap leading edge being fixedly secured to the hinge block (52) at two span-wise spaced inboard and outboard points ("X", "Y") defining "hard" pivotal connections wherein relative movement between the hinge block (52) and flap (45) is retrained; yet, wherein fore and aft relative sliding movement of the hinge block (52) within the flap leading edge slot (56) is permitted at all span-wise points intermediate the tw

Abstract: A strut release mechanism for the forward strut of a hydrofoil craft will predictably fail when the strut experiences a predetermined impact. The failure occurs about a horizontal axis so that the strut follows a predetermined path while separating from the craft and thereby avoids impact damage to the strut or to the craft. Shear failure and tension failure structures are disclosed.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable water sled device is disclosed which includes a joystick for controlling a rudder and an elevator. The base of the water sled device is provided with upwardly extending, hollow side, front and rear walls which are individually fillable with water to vary the buoyancy of the device. A preferred embodiment of this invention further includes a hydrofoil assembly downwardly extending from a forward section of the device and a flotation mattress attached to an upper surface of the device to provide for user comfort and to further allow the buoyancy of the device to be controlled.

Abstract: An improved utility class hydrofoil boat having an integrated hydrofoil suspension and steering system wherein pairs of foils may be inclined at various angles, to the lateral axis of the boat, converting from surface piercing to submerged type foils when operated in concert and, in combination with the production of a yawing force about the vertical axis, may be used to produce coordinated turns by introducing a differential in the angle of inclination between starboard and port foils or by introducing a differential in the sweepback angle between starboard and port foils. In the preferred embodiment, a symmetrical, submerged tail foil having a positive dihedral is rotated to produce a yawing moment in proportion to the bank produced by manipulation of the pairs of foils, resulting in coordinated, banked turns with a single control movement.

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 combined, liner retainer and seal for use with hydrofoils in which fluid foils have trailing control flaps, keyed together. The control flaps are hingedly engaged to the trailing end of the foils and are rotated on the hinge for control purposes. The flaps are segmented to form a series and in each pair a key extends from a driving flap into a keyway in a driven flap so that the flaps are rotatable together. There is an elastic liner within the keyways and into which the key fits, the liner serving to protect the metallic surfaces of the keys and keyways. The combined seal and retainer extends between the flaps from the trailing end of the foil to the trailing edge of the flaps and has openings through which a hinge pin and the key extends. The retainer is elastic and holds the liner within the keyway so as to prevent its dislodgment and destruction.

Abstract: An improved leading edge contour for control flaps of the type suitable for use with hydrofoil vessels and the like wherein discontinuities or gaps between the leading edge of the flap and the trailing edge of the fluid foil to which it is attached are held to a minimum; yet, wherein localized or discontinuous differential deflection of the flap leading edge and the foil trailing edge, which inherently occurs as the vessel moves through a fluid medium, does not result in interference between the two edges, thereby minimizing the problem of reduced fatigue life; and, wherein excessively large discontinuities are not required between the two edges in those edge areas where no significant differential deflection occurs, thereby significantly improving the performance characteristics of both the flap and the flap/foil combination.

Abstract: A non-heeling sailing vessel having:a payload bearing first displacement hull with a pair of longitudinally spaced control surfaces rigidly mounted thereto in fixed alignment and extending downwardly therefrom into the water,a rigid support structure rigidly fixed to said hull and extending laterally,at least one upstanding sail rigidly mounted to the support structure, the sail being spaced laterally of and inclined toward the control surfaces for generation of a resultant force directed away from the control surfaces and upwardly in response to the wind,and,a second displacement hull mounted to the support structure intermediate the first displacement hull and the sail.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hull for a sea vessel having at least one pair of flow tubes mounted to the hull and extending substantially parallel to and symmetrically with the keel line of the hull below the water line. The flow tubes themselves are preferably of an elliptical cross-section having an inlet at the forward section of the hull and an outlet at the aft section of the hull for the flow of sea water therethrough. The flow tubes are movably mounted to enable the raising and lowering corresponding to the velocity of the hull through the water and the water conditions respectively. The sea vessel with the improved hull design is preferably propelled by an airscrew engine or a jet engine.

Abstract: A hydrofoil sailboat having a sailing frame that is secured by swivel connection to a conventional hull, the frame comprising a plurality of prestressed interconnected spars, guys and a sail, a pair of buoyant hydrofoils, one at each of the leeward extremities of the frame, and a single manually operable tiller situated at the hull for governing the direction of movement by articulating the hydrofoils in accordance with the point of sailing and the direction of the wind. The tiller is operatively associated with the hydrofoils through pairs of spreaders and multiple cables. The sail is inclined to the vertical axis, and is tightly stretched to define an air foil spaced laterally away from the hull. The crank adjusts the inclination of sail and the hydrofoils cancel out listing moments. The sail frame exerts a towing force on the hull.

Abstract: A sailboat having a hull, a sail assembly and a keel. The keel is shaped as a longitudinally and horizontally extending hydrofoil which developes a vertically downward force. When the boat is traveling in a heeled position, the keel member exerts a downwardly and outwardly directed keel force having a lateral force component to substantially counteract an opposite lateral aerodynamic force component exerted by wind against the sail assembly, thus diminishing the yaw angle in the travel of the boat. Further, the keel force acts through the center of gravity of the boat to produce a righting moment which tends to counteract the capsizing moment developed by the force of the wind against the sail assembly.

Abstract: A foil for a hydrofoil comprises a rigid part and a deformable trailing or leading edge part. The deformable part comprises a movable core jointed to the foil proper and having a resilient layer deposited on it, the resilient layer providing continuity of profile between the rigid and the deformable part.

Abstract: A kit containing a plurality of hydrofoil assemblies which can be easily and quickly attached to a conventional boat hull thereby causing the boat to operate with the hull of the boat spaced above the surface of the water. There are three separate hydrofoil assemblies, with one being located at the stern of the boat in conjunction with the outboard motor. The other hydrofoil assemblies are located approximately amidship with one on the starboard side and the other on the port side. The midship hydrofoil assemblies are interconnected together through a flexible band which functions to securely attach these hydrofoil assemblies to the boat hull. Each of the hydrofoil assemblies are adjustable with respect to the hull of the boat. In a larger boat, there may be four (in number) or more of the hydrofoil assemblies attached to the boat hull.

Abstract: Vane members are movably mounted on the hulls of watercraft to serve steering and stabilization functions. Several embodiments are disclosed, some of which rotate between extended and shielded positions, others of which fold to vary the angle at which they extend from their associated hull, and still others of which both rotate and fold to facilitate storage alongside planar hull portions. Both shaft and surface bearing vane mounting systems are described. In preferred practice, the vanes are used on hydrofoil-carrying semidisplacement ships, and the provision of stowably mounted hydrofoils, planing surfaces, and wave form generators on such ships is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised of a high speed sailboat partially or completely supported by canted retractable hydrofoils with or without an antiheel device. The antiheel device consists of controllable stabilizers mounted on rudders and provides inherent pitch direction stability and manual control of attitude and motion in the lateral, heel and pitch directions. The antiheel device is applicable to both displacement and dynamic supported sailboats.

Abstract: A hydrofoil strut assembly for a hydrofoil ship. The assembly has two major parts, the first part serves as a strut and is mounted at one end to the ship's hull foundation and carries a hydrofoil at the other end; the second part serves as a rudder, completely envelopes the first part and is rotationally mounted thereabout. The rotational mounting is provided by an upper bearing and a lower bearing. The upper bearing connects the rudder to the strut so that all loads are transferred via the strut to the hull. The lower bearing aligns the rudder about the strut next to the hydrofoil and carries loads to the first part or strut structure.