Abstract: An aircraft may include a tail having a rudder and a pair of wings. The pair of wings may include at least one flap and at least one roll control device. The aircraft may also include at least two thrust-producing devices. The aircraft may also include a differential thrust control system including a computing device having at least one processor. The at least one processer may be configured to control an attitude of the aircraft by selectively operating the at least two thrust-producing devices, the rudder, and the at least one roll control device based at least in part on a plurality of conditions provided by a plurality of sensors on the aircraft and a selected mode setting of a mode control panel. The computing device may be communicatively coupled to the at least two thrust-producing devices, the rudder, and the at least one roll control device.

Abstract: An aircraft may include a tail having a rudder and a pair of wings. The pair of wings may include at least one flap and at least one roll control device. The aircraft may also include at least two thrust-producing devices. The aircraft may also include a differential thrust control system including a computing device having at least one processor. The at least one processer may be configured to control an attitude of the aircraft by selectively operating the at least two thrust-producing devices, the rudder, and the at least one roll control device based at least in part on a plurality of conditions provided by a plurality of sensors on the aircraft and a selected mode setting of a mode control panel. The computing device may be communicatively coupled to the at least two thrust-producing devices, the rudder, and the at least one roll control device.

Abstract: A hydrofoil system is disclosed, having a fuselage with a propeller mounted to one end of the fuselage and a wing extending laterally from the fuselage. The fuselage is configured for removable attachment to a mast, so that the mast when attached extends from the fuselage in a direction substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and also substantially orthogonal to the wing. A tail wing is connected to the fuselage by a tail strut, so that the tail wing is positioned beyond the end of the fuselage to which the propeller is attached. A motor is housed in the fuselage and has a cable connected thereto, the cable extending outside the fuselage, wherein a removable sealing system inhibits water ingress to the motor at the location where the cable is connected when the sealing system is installed in the fuselage.

Abstract: An electrically driven hydrofoil for fastening to a board in order to lift the board out of the water during travel operation, comprises at least one drive module, which as an autonomous unit is fastened to a portion of the hydrofoil that remains submerged in the water during travel operation, an electric battery, and an electrically operated propulsion device supplied with power by the battery. It is thus possible to equip a conventional hydrofoil and a corresponding hydrofoil board with an electric drive, without the need for modifications to the board or to the hydrofoil. The battery can be arranged in the drive module so that there will be no need to provide external electrical connection between the propulsion device and the battery. The drive module may thus form an autonomous unit that may be attached to the hydrofoil as required, but otherwise is separate from the hydrofoil.

Abstract: An automatic wing control mechanism for sailing vessels is described. The automatic wing control mechanism adjusts a wing orientation with respect to the apparent wind to optimize its efficiency.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit is described. The marine propulsion unit allows for shallow, obstructed, or otherwise impeded operation of a vessel through a novel marine propulsion transfer unit that is, or can be, mechanically coupled to an outboard motor or other similar marine motor. A mount for raising and lowering the marine propulsion unit in a generally vertical direction allows for adjustment of operating depth of the marine propulsion unit to accommodate a wide range of operating conditions from shallow and obstructed water to traditional deep water operation.

Abstract: A hydrofoil shield for protecting a boat motor includes a shield body, two fins, a nose section, and a tail section, wherein the shield body has a central shield portion with fins extending therefrom and the nose section disposed forward of the body, wherein the shield body and fins are symmetrical about a longitudinal axis extending from the nose section to the tail section, and wherein the fins curve toward the central shield portion at a dihedral/sweep angle forming a U-like shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water sport device having a sitting or standing surface (2) for a person practicing water sports, a jet drive (8) and a pivotable nozzle (13), wherein a fin (23) is disposed at the nozzle (13) and is arranged in a fixed position relative to said nozzle.

Abstract: A portable wind-powered sailing vessel includes a plurality of parallel hulls, a plurality of cross-member spars releasably connecting the parallel hulls, a central longitudinal body centrally located between the parallel hulls and releasably connected to the plurality of cross-member spars, a crew seat releasably connected to the central longitudinal body forward of a mast, a kick-up rudder assembly and a foot pedal steering system both releasably connected to the longitudinal body, a rudder releasably connected to the kick-up rudder assembly, and a main sail on the mast, and a jib.

Abstract: A hydrofoil includes a body, an even number of wings disposed at the opposite sides of the body and an even number of floats disposed at both sides of a bottom of the body. Each float is a hollow and flat structure. At a rear edge of the float portion is provided a float propeller. With the design of the float structure, the counterforce caused by the water waves impacting on the floats can be reduced, so that the float can move more stably to improve safety and comfortableness.

Abstract: A portable wind-powered sailing vessel includes a plurality of parallel hulls, a plurality of cross-member spars releasably connecting the parallel hulls, a central longitudinal body centrally located between the parallel hulls and releasably connected to the plurality of cross-member spars, a crew seat releasably connected to the central longitudinal body forward of a mast, a kick-up rudder assembly and a foot pedal steering system both releasably connected to the longitudinal body, a rudder releasably connected to the kick-up rudder assembly, and a main sail on the mast, and a jib.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an elongated member for a hydrofoil, to a hydrofoil with such an elongated member and to a board equipped with such a hydrofoil. The elongated member comprises a front end for affixing to a front blade having a front lift ratio and a rear end for affixing to a rear blade having a rear lift ratio in such a manner that the front blade and rear blade face in a same direction, and the rear lift ratio is greater than the front lift ratio. The elongated member further connects with an end of a post in such a manner that the front blade is further from another end of the post for connecting to the board than the rear blade.

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 personal wind-powered hydrofoil watercraft having a sail supported by a mast coupled to a buoyant body, where the mast is tiltable forward and backward but not side to side, in order to prevent excessive rolling of the buoyant body when it is lifted clear of the water on the hydrofoils. Additionally, the buoyant body may be in the shape of a pontoon, the watercraft may be steerable by a steering mechanism actuated by a human operator's foot or feet, and the front hydrofoil may be associated with a surface tracking means in order to stabilize the altitude of the watercraft.

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 angel. 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 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 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 motorized hydrofoil water craft that has a substantially horizontally disposed flotation device that may be configured to receive an adult human in a prone, sitting or standing position. The craft includes a hydro foil, a motor, and a steering mechanism. The hydrofoil may have various configurations and be detachable, while the motor may be electric and have an associated battery that is situated underwater in use. The steering mechanism may include a canard and be configured for vertical movement of the canard. Several embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a foil system for hydrofoil vessels, where the foil system lifts and carries the total weight of the craft at speed, and comprising a number of adjustable control fins/-surfaces (3-5), supporting legs (7-9) between the foil system and the hull of the vessel, and means to adjust the control fins/-surfaces. The foil system is characterized in that it is formed by one single approximately horizontal foil body comprising two generally mirror symmetric foil arms (1, 2) which extend aft to each side in almost equal angle, in that the forward corner of the angle lies in the center line (11) of the craft, and the foil arms extend aft to each side in an almost equal angle (12) with the longitudinal centerline (11) of the craft.

Abstract: A water craft having a motorcycle suspension which makes the craft more maneuverable and, therefore, safer to ride especially over rough and choppy water at high speeds. It also has plural flotation tanks to provide a margin of safety if one of the tanks is punctured. The water craft also has a rear brake spoiler to slow the craft down so the operator will not have to rely on the resistance of the water to bring the craft to a halt.

Abstract: A watercraft employs three or more supercavitating hydrofoils. The elements that connect the hydrofoils to the hull may flex to thus raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The relative motion between the hydrofoils and the hull is dampened by shock absorbers or the like. A control system operated by the pilot may apply forces tending to raise or lower the hydrofoils relative to the hull. The stern hydrofoil is mounted on a support that also carries a power driven propeller and a rudder.

Abstract: A wind powered vehicle including an operator platform having tilting and stationary sections coupled together via a plurality of hanger bearings and a longitudinal pivot axle. The platform section tilts with foot pressure applied at a stirrup to direct a forward steering assembly. The stationary platform section includes a resilient suspension and supports an opposite foot of the operator. The forward steering assembly provides a tilting, center biased steering turntable and axle. Adjustable axle bearing collar support and shock absorbers support forward and aft pairs of skis, wheels or runners which are tilted at opposite caster angles. The steering assembly, hanger bearings, cable truss supports and a sail coupler are each longitudinally adjustable along the length of the platform. In alternative configurations, wheels are mounted to the fore and aft axles; the platform includes spray guards; or the vehicle is constructed with water skis and the platform is constructed to provide flotation.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for a hydrofoil type watercraft embodying a fully submerged hydrofoil. A flywheel is supported for precessive effect and is operatively connected to the steering shaft for effecting movement of the steering shaft and associated hydrofoil for generating a stability force on the hull in response to leaning thereof.

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: The present invention concerns a steerable wind-powered vehicle, which comprises a base supported on at least two wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils, at least one of the wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils being arranged to be steerable, a mast carrying a sail and being pivotally and rotatably mounted with respect to the base, and a mechanism responsive to pivotal movement of the mast for controlling directional movement of the or each of the steerable wheels, skis, skates or hydrofoils.

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 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: Provided is a trimming and stabilizing arrangement for motor-driven vessels of the type in which the engine of the vessel is placed in the stern thereof and comprises either an outboard engine or an inboard engine with an outboard drive, wherein the propeller driven by the engine is located beneath a holding device in the form of a fin, serving as a stabilizer, and wherein the steering of the vessel is effected by pivoting the propeller about a vertical axis. A plate is arranged to coact with the fin and extends over the propeller and beyond the propeller sternwardly of the vessel. The plate has a downwardly facing planar surface, the edges of which in the direction of movement of the vessel are curved downwardly. The holding device and plate comprise at least two parts, one of which co-acts with and embraces the motor leg of the engine immediately above the propeller, and the other part comprises a planar plate co-acting with the holding device via attachment apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic takeoff control system for hydrofoil craft characterized in that the control surfaces of the craft are caused to automatically assume predetermined positions during takeoff, obviating the necessity for special levers, lever settings and special operator procedures which were involved in making a transition from hull-borne to foil-borne operation in accordance with prior art techniques.

Abstract: Apparatus for steering a hydrofoil ship by the combination of one or more trailing-edge or spade rudders in combination with means for controlling the side forces on a vertical, fixed strut or horizontal foil which pierces the water. The means for controlling side forces comprises an elongated roller or rollers mounted on the leading edge of the strut or foil. In the case of the vertical strut, the roller is stationary and has no effect when the craft is not turning. However, when turning, the roller is rotated about its own axis in the direction of the turn to produce a pressure decrease which minimizes the resistance to water flow on the side facing the direction of turn. In the case of a horizontal foil, the roller rotates in a direction to decrease pressure on the upper surface and increase it below, thereby creating greater lift.

Abstract: An engine powered water craft comprising a hull including a pair of spaced apart hull elements extending rearwardly therefrom configured to support the craft on the water in combination with a twin rudder system for directional control. The hull further comprises an upper and lower foil extending between the hull elements. The twin rudder system comprises a pair of rudders each including a substantially vertical rudder element having a super cavitating foil element attached to the outer side thereof. The super cavitating foil element comprises a knife-like member extending upwardly at an angle from the vertical rudder element. To counteract engine torque, the rudders are vertically offset relative to each other.

Abstract: A hydrofoil vessel in which the hydrofoils comprise pairs of rotary members which are inclined in a downwardly inboard direction from opposite sides of the hull or body portion of the vessel. The rotary members have foil-shaped peripheral portions extending into the water at an acute angle with respect to the water surface and are movable both axially and angularly to achieve optimum lift consistent with the vessel's speed.

Abstract: A boat is provided having front and rear ends, a bottom and upwardly projecting sides extending upwardly to an elevation spaced above the static water line of the boat. A depending central strut (fixed or upwardly retractable) projects downwardly from the bottom and a pair of elongated downwardly convergent opposite side flexible foils including leading and trailing longitudinal edges facing in front and rear directions, respectively, of the boat are provided and have their lower ends anchored to the lower end portion of the strut. The upper end portions of the foils are anchored relative to upper portions of the corresponding sides of the boat above the static water line thereof outwardly of the boat sides and the foils are free of support from the boat intermediate the upper and lower ends of the foils.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the lateral position of a marine seismic cable relative to water current which is effective through utilization of one or more cable paravanes having a thrust adjustable hydrofoil and/or stabilizer elements. The hydrofoil is constructed as a pivotally supportable frame having an elastomeric skin which is supported on the sides of the hydrofoil by movable support members, and a servo-controlled reversible motor is controlled to reciprocate the opposite side support members relative to the hydrofoil longitudinal center line. One or more hydrofoils may then be controlled as to angle of attack and camber from the towing ship by means of acoustic energy transmission and reception at the paravane.