Plural Channels Patents (Class 114/290)
  • Patent number: 10926754
    Abstract: A transportation system is disclosed. The transportation system has a vehicle that is self-powered and configured to generate an air cushion on a trackless lane having a substantially flat surface. The vehicle is configured to move over the substantially flat surface on the air cushion. The transportation system also has a guidance system configured to guide the vehicle between peripheries of the trackless lane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Inventor: John Goelet
  • Patent number: 10713918
    Abstract: A swimming pool Smart Boat for pool maintenance and water safety is described. The Smart Boat includes chlorine and pH sensors for monitoring water quality and is capable of releasing chemicals into the pool water based on monitoring. A screen panel is configured to trap debris in the pool. Additionally, the Smart Boat provides for water safety by monitoring water disturbances which indicate a swimmer has entered the pool and sending an alert based on the detection of a disturbance. A remote control unit provides alerts and controls navigation, the release of chemicals and the screen panel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: King Abdulaziz University
    Inventor: Saeed Asiri
  • Patent number: 10647385
    Abstract: Watercraft hulls and parts thereof are disclosed which improve hydrodynamic performance for yachts, sailboards, and other craft. Drag at the transition from displacement mode to planing mode may be reduced to be the same or less than the minimum drag experienced in planing mode. Exemplary embodiments may include a bow with a center planing surface and tunnels to either side. The bow tunnels may each end in a step. At least part of the center planing surface may be cambered. A spoiler and/or interceptor may be provided at an aft end of a camber of a planing surface. For some hulls, the bow is followed by a main lift surface which is followed by a back lift surface (from stem to stern). In the back lift surface behind the main lift surface, a tunnel surface may be provided to add longitudinal stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Inventors: John H. Keller, John Wallace Keller
  • Patent number: 10293886
    Abstract: A watercraft vessel with at least one planing hull, in the form of a single unitary hull or with two or more interconnected hulls, each hull having at its bottom portion a deadrise angle in the interval 5°-70° and provided with at least one water-deflecting surface which extends rearwardly and outwardly in relation to a keel region and which is oriented and configured so as to create a lifting force, and also a forward thrust on the hull. The forward thrust is caused by a lateral spray water stream, which is redirected rearwardly by the water-deflecting surface. The latter should be located laterally outwardly of but adjacent to an approximately triangular bottom part which is submerged at the planing speed. The hull will also provide a smoother ride than conventional, planing hulls, especially in heavy sea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Petestep AB
    Inventors: Peter Bjersten, Jonas Danielsson
  • Patent number: 10059405
    Abstract: A modified V-hull boat has a keel having a horizontal cross-sectional profile of an inverted foil. The leading edge of the keel is a sharp point and the front region of the keel tapers outward along the length of the keel until it reaches its widest point. The widest point is aligned with the center of gravity of the hull. The trailing edge is a rounded blunt edge. The aft region of the keel is substantially shorter in length than the front region of the keel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Chris Rickborn
  • Patent number: 9969464
    Abstract: A watersports boat includes a hull having an underside extending from a forward bow to an aft transom along a longitudinal centerline. The underside defines a running surface that contacts water when the hull moves therein. The running surface includes a bow section and port and starboard midship running surface sections that flatten moving aft to an aft running surface section. The port and starboard midship running surface sections are separated by a keel member. The keel member has an apex lower than the aft running surface section and that inclines toward the aft running surface section aft the apex and forward a propeller positioned beneath the aft running surface section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Correct Craft IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Miller, William Snook
  • Patent number: 9555680
    Abstract: An amphibious motorcycle with a hull that provides desirable buoyancy for the vehicle to float while in the water and yet allows the vehicle to lean/turn during use on land is provided. The amphibious motorcycle has a front wheel with a front suspension system and a rear wheel with a rear suspension system. Also included can be at least one wheel retraction system that is operable to move the front wheel and/or the rear wheel between a deployed position for use of the amphibious motorcycle on land and a retracted position for use of the amphibious motorcycle on or in the water. The amphibious motorcycle also has a hull that can have a center portion with a center bow and two oppositely disposed and spaced apart side portions each with a side bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Alan Timothy Gibbs, Simon James Longdill
  • Patent number: 9555860
    Abstract: A kit is provided to attach two or more boats together either at shore or while in deep water without exiting either boat so the two watercraft function as one, separated by a constant stable distance. A hammock may be stretched between the two boats with hooks and straps. When the hammock is allowed to extend below the surface of the water, ease of entry into and exit from the water is assured. When the hammock is stretched tightly between the boats, a stable, dry platform is provided for items such as fishing supplies, hunting equipment, coolers, camera equipment, etc. An adjustable or fixed distance may be provided between boats for different uses of the hammock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas V. Mackro
  • Patent number: 9409630
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bow ramp for a water vessel (boat) wherein the bow ramp is configured to rotate/pivot to an open position to allow passage from within a hull of the vessel to a shore. The bow ramp is operated in combination with shore penetrating spikes which penetrate a shore or seabed (riverbed, lakebed, etc.) and include a user-actuated shore-engaging spike rotation mechanism which allows a user to move the water vessel further up the shore or alternatively away from the shore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Inventor: Thomas M Day
  • Patent number: 9387908
    Abstract: A boat hull having elongated concave tunnels is described. The elongated concave tunnels reduce the amount of drag and water friction with the boat hull in contact with water. A faster plane mode, better speed, stability, and fuel efficiency are achieved. Air is forced through the elongated concave tunnels during planing, thus producing lift and results in the boat achieving the plane mode faster. At cruising speeds and high speeds, more lift is generated by faster air passing through the elongated concave tunnels thus giving generous lift to the boat hull and hence producing minimal friction and drag in contact between the boat hull and the water surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Inventor: Jesus E Paulino
  • Patent number: 9242699
    Abstract: A hull for a planing type watercraft has a front lift surface, a high lift surface, and a back planing surface. The high lift surface is adjacent a rockered keel area and between the front lift surface and the back planing surface. The center of dynamic lift on the high lift surface is at or in front of a point which is 15% of the hull length behind a total center of gravity of the hull under loading. At least the back one third of the high lift surface is cambered, and a beam of the high lift surface is greater than two thirds of the maximum width of the hull. The average camber of the front lift surface, the high lift surface, and the back planing surface together is less than or equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: K2 Keller Consulting, LLC
    Inventor: John H Keller
  • Patent number: 8991326
    Abstract: A displace hull with a shape that is both laterally symmetric and fore-to-aft symmetric is disclosed. The hull includes a pair of channels that help to manage a flow of water around the hull. The hull also includes sponsons and propellers that are located amidships on the port and starboard sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Carl Jansen
  • Patent number: 8915206
    Abstract: A T-step hull form for monohull planing vessels includes a forward section, an aft section, a transom, a step, and a skeg. The step is transversely oriented and separates the forward section from the aft section, and the skeg extends longitudinally along the length of the hull form from the step rearwardly to the transom, dividing the aft section into a starboard tunnel portion and a port tunnel portion. The starboard and port tunnel portions are ventilated at their respective outboard sides, at the transom, or both. Vents may pass transversely through the skeg. Tunnel flaps may be disposed in each of the tunnel portions and are hingeably attached at the step to allow for adjustability of the step's geometry. The addition of the skeg, which extends from the step to the transom, provides additional longitudinal surface area for the hull form, and in turn increases lateral stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Frederick Charles Herrington, Mark George Hotary, George Benjamin Lewis
  • Patent number: 8881666
    Abstract: A ship has a water flow forming path (3) formed in a bottom (2), and a propeller (6) disposed in the path (3) and a rudder (8) on a rear side of the propeller (6). A movable side of the rudder (8) faces toward a bow (1a). As a result of this, thrust increases due to generation of a rapid stream by the propeller (6) in the path (3), the propulsion performance improves and the steering performance improves because the rapid stream in the path (3) acts on the rudder (8). An outboard motor (14) may be provided with a vertical channel (13) in a stern (4) of the boat. Replacement can be made through the vertical channel (13). As the propeller (6) of the outboard motor (14) is recessed, it is possible to pull the boat onto the beach while leaving the outboard motor (14) as it is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: SI Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichi Igari
  • Publication number: 20140265335
    Abstract: An electrical generation system. A floating vessel is anchored in flowing water. Inlets in the hull of the vessel capture flowing water and direct the water to one or more turbines. The system is designed so that all flows are two-dimensional to the extent possible. The latter feature greatly simplifies both design and construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Bruno Peter Andreis
  • Publication number: 20140196655
    Abstract: A displace hull with a shape that is both laterally symmetric and fore-to-aft symmetric is disclosed. The hull includes a pair of channels that help to manage a flow of water around the hull. The hull also includes sponsons and propellers that are located amidships on the port and starboard sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: ROBERT CARL JANSEN
  • Publication number: 20140041571
    Abstract: A ship has a water flow forming path (3) formed in a bottom (2), and a propeller (6) disposed in the path (3) and a rudder (8) on a rear side of the propeller (6). A movable side of the rudder (8) faces toward a bow (1a). As a result of this, thrust increases due to generation of a rapid stream by the propeller (6) in the path (3), the propulsion performance improves and the steering performance improves because the rapid stream in the path (3) acts on the rudder (8). An outboard motor (14) may be provided with a vertical channel (13) in a stern (4) of the boat. Replacement can be made through the vertical channel (13). As the propeller (6) of the outboard motor (14) is recessed, it is possible to pull the boat onto the beach while leaving the outboard motor (14) as it is.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Seiichi IGARI
  • Patent number: 8323775
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a layer (1) for reducing air resistance of a forward-moving object, which layer comprises a pattern of surfaces (2) rising in a first direction R, and—channels (3) running between the surfaces in a second direction at an angle to the first direction. A flow is brought about on a micro-scale in the channels which damps the occurrence of turbulence in the main flow over the surface, thereby reducing air resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kick Off Ltd.
    Inventor: Jacobus Lambertus van Merkstoijn
  • Publication number: 20120291686
    Abstract: A watercraft hull has a flat pad keel whose beam tapers towards the bow and at the transom is 15% to 25% of the beam at its chines. The hull is symmetric about its centerline, has a fine entry bow, and a pair of hard chines. Between the pad keel and the chines the hull has at least one pair of generally flat longitudinal steps having approximately 0 degrees of deadrise forming planing surfaces symmetrically about the hull centerline. The hull also includes at least one pair of ultra high deadrise panels, outboard of and adjacent to the pad keel, symmetrically about the hull centerline, and extending to the flat planing panels above them. The ultra high deadrise panels have a deadrise approximately 50 degrees. Additional flat planing surface structures having approximately 0° deadrise are installed longitudinally on the hull between the pad keel and the hard chine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: NAVATEK, LTD.
    Inventors: Steven C. H. Loui, Mealani Parish, Scott Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8210116
    Abstract: An engine-powered watercraft includes three parallel hulls, namely a center hull with two or more transverse steps, and two smaller outer hulls or amas on either side of the center hull that are configured to form two vent ducts on either side of the center hull, disposed between the center hull sides and the amas. The amas, steps and vent ducts are disposed along the length of the watercraft and are configured to enable high speed capability and to facilitate pressurization of the vent ducts. The pressurized vent duct maximizes ventilation of the running bottom of the watercraft so as to improve efficiency and to reduce drag thereon. The pressurized vent duct creates an area of lift at the widest, aft-most points of the running bottom, which thereby results in improving the transverse and longitudinal stability of the watercraft and in reducing the trim for better seakeeping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.
    Inventors: Lorne F. Campbell, Steven C. H. Loui, Mealani Parish
  • Patent number: 8201514
    Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted airfoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted airfoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Charles F. Coles
  • Publication number: 20120073489
    Abstract: The present invention generally provides mold modules for constructing boat hulls, methods of constructing boat hulls using the mold modules, and hulls constructed using the mold modules. The modules may be adjustable, and may be included in a kit for building the hull of many boats of different dimensions but generally the same shape. Each mold module generally comprises a mold in a shape complementary to that of a portion of a boat hull, and an edge mold to form the edge of the hull part formed by that mold module. A mold module according to the present invention may also comprise one or more mold adjustment areas, and calibrators for selecting the boat hull dimensions. Methods for using the aforementioned mold modules generally comprise steps of molding hull parts, removing them from the mold modules, aligning them and finally attaching them together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Wallace Martin ROBERTS
  • Publication number: 20110297069
    Abstract: A system for increasing the buoyancy of a boat operating in the water and to reduce the wetted-surface-friction of the water against the hull of the boat. The system includes a multiple of strakes attached to the bottom side of the boat. The strakes are instrumental in creating a multitude of bubbles on which the hull of the boat will ride which increases the efficiency of the power of the motor or motors powering the boat. The strakes are arranged in series along the hull of the boat and can increase in size from the bow of the boat to the stern. The strakes are also increasing in depth from the bow of the boat to the stern. The strakes may be attached to the boat as a retro-fit or may be added when manufacturing the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: John I. Quimby
  • Patent number: 8065970
    Abstract: A high-speed, multi-hull boat that includes at least three hulls (3, 4), and in which, with the boat being considered to be floating and stationary on a stretch of calm water (1), the cross sectional areas (Si) of the space (18) formed between two walls (19) of opposing hulls, the surface of the water (1) and the bottom face (21) of the deck (2) facing this water surface, decrease from the bow to the stern. According to the invention, with the boat being considered to be out of the water, the heights (H) of the hulls between the same horizontal reference (R) and the lowest part (B) of their bottoms, are greater for the outer hulls (4) than for the central hulls (3) in the same cross-sectional plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Richard Sorrentino
  • Patent number: 7908989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a water craft (10) having two spaced hulls (18, 20) and a tunnel (22) defined therebetween. The water craft (10) is provided with a hydrofoil section (38) extending between the hulls (18, 20) and across the tunnel (22). The tunnel facing side of each hull (18, 20) is provided with a recess (50) which extends from a position rearward of the bow (24) of the water craft (10) to the stern (26) of the water craft (10). Each recess (50) includes a side wall (52) which extends upwardly from the keel line of each hull (18, 20) and an upper wall (56) which is inclined downwardly in the direction of the stern (26). Each recess (50) is further provided at a rearward portion thereof with a skirt (58) positioned inboard of the side wall (52) so as to define an open sided channel between the skirt (58), sidewall (52) and downwardly inclined upper wall (56) of the recess (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Makmarine Limited
    Inventors: Simon McLoughlin, Andrew McLoughlin
  • Publication number: 20100269747
    Abstract: The boat hull has an exterior lower surface with at least one step surface therein. A channel extends from the step surface to the bow of the boat, with an opening at the bow, permitting air to flow along the channel. A movable member is positionable within the channel, wherein the movable member and can be positioned at selected locations therealong, defining an adjustable additional step for the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Lloyd T. Hansen, John F. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20090126618
    Abstract: A vessel (1) comprising a hull (2) with a stern (5), bow (7) and bottom (3), an air cavity (6) formed at the bottom (3) of the hull (2) and comprising a cavity top surface (27), a front wall (28) and a front section (10) located nearest to the bow (7), and an air inlet (8) located in the air cavity (6), wherein the vessel comprises a wave deflector (9) defining a lower surface (11) which is situated in the front section (10) of the air cavity (6) and at a distance from the cavity top surface (27) and extends from the front wall (28) substantially in the direction of the stern (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Jørn Paul WINKLER
  • Patent number: 7448927
    Abstract: A shallow draft boat has a hull that protects a propulsion propeller within a tunnel that passes only partially through the hull from stem to bow. The hull causes mixing of water and air at high pressure during motion of the boat through the water, creating lift and a pressure gradient that keeps the tunnel filled. The boat prevents propulsion unit malfunction by keeping obstacles, such as debris, crab pots and mammals such as manatees from contact with the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ralph Brown, Marin Savov
  • Patent number: 7418915
    Abstract: An entrapment tunnel watercraft vessel having three hulls consists of a main hull and two amas arranged outboard of the main hull with the keels of the three hulls being parallel. The main hull is a narrow, vee hull with variable, rearwardly decreasing deadrise. The amas have very fine bows and narrow, asymmetric deep-V hulls, with nearly vertical slab outboard sides above their keels and variable reverse deadrise on their inboard sides with the reverse deadrise angles decreasing from bow to stem. The tunnels on each side of the main hull are formed by three distinct surfaces, the sides of the main hull above its chine, the reverse deadrise inboard sides of each ama upward from their keels and a ceiling surface transversely spanning the aforementioned sides and having rearwardly increasing deadrise and rearwardly decreasing width. The tunnel ceilings slopes down from the bow to a section aft of midship where the ceiling height above the keel remains essentially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Navatek, Ltd.
    Inventor: Lorne Frederick Campbell
  • Patent number: 7371140
    Abstract: A marine vessel and drive combination includes port and starboard tunnels formed in a marine vessel hull raising port and starboard steerable marine propulsion devices to protective positions relative to the keel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Davis
  • Patent number: 7316193
    Abstract: A vessel for water travel that has the stability of a heavy weighted vessel when at rest in the water and the performance of a lightweight vessel when in a planed condition. The vessel comprises at least one hull structure for partially submerged flotation in a body of water and at least two hull elements affixed to or a structural part of the hull structure. The hull structure may further comprise laterally spaced hollow ballast devices that rare open at respective fore and aft ends, thus providing stability when submerged in the water and performance by the evacuation of water when in a planed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: HydroEye Marine Group, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Scott Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 7207286
    Abstract: A marine vessel that planes over the water in a straight ahead mode and has a V-shaped bow configuration, two lateral rails, a water jet intake aft of the bow, and a water jet discharge through the transom above the water line. The vessel's tri-point contact with the water at high speeds permits sled-like movement with minimal wet area under the hull along the center aft of the water jet intake. It moves fast through the water, is stable, moves smoothly and silently through the water, makes little wake, and makes hard turns without loss of velocity. At idle and slow speed it is low in the water, while at high speed it rides high on the water with only the bow and rear rails in contact with the water. Vessel size and scale are not limiting factors. Applications include, but are not limited to, military, recreational, and sporting uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Barran Tafoya
  • Patent number: 7204196
    Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull is modified with chine mounted aerofoils, flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s). Tunnels are created on the V-bottom hull by the chine mounted aerofoils. Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern end of the tunnel to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) may also be provided. Adjustable cambered stern foils are mounted on the transom end of the tunnels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Inventor: Charles F. Coles
  • Patent number: 7165503
    Abstract: A hull of a ship has a front hull part (10) with a deep V-shape contour having an angle gradually increasing from fore to aft to become 180 degrees in a rear hull part (14) with chines extending according to a side hull contour. The chines, starting from the stern, have a lower edge which is situated under the waterline (20) astern of the midship cross section and then raises such that they are radiused with the front hull part (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventor: Luigi Mascellaro
  • Patent number: 7055451
    Abstract: A vessel hull having a pair of vents formed in the chine on each side for allowing air to be introduced to the bottom and a pair of downwardly extending fins formed longitudinally along the chine adjacent to each vent. Each vent can be formed by a recess in the chine dividing the chine into a forward portion and an aft portion. Each fin is preferably formed longitudinally along the aft portion of the chine and extends below the waterline. The fins counterbalance the removal of a portion of the chine to vent the bottom and increase stability during turns. The hull preferably also includes a pair of chine extensions projecting aft of the transom on each side for reducing or eliminating side-to-side oscillation of the stern when the hull is propelled through the water at slow speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Kalil
  • Patent number: 6895883
    Abstract: A hydrofoil craft, particularly a method of economically modifying a conventional hull with cambered foils to obtain and calculate increased lift from dense spray and to achieve enhanced craft performance is disclosed. The present invention improves speed, fuel efficiency and rough water stability, reduced pitch and vertical accelerations. A catamaran or V-bottom hull (20) is modified with chine mounted aerofoils (32, 33, 28, 28A), flexible dihedral cambered foils positioned beneath the water line and on either side of the bow (30, 31) so as to create turbulence in the forward end of a tunnel(s) (26). Fixed forward tunnel cambered foil(s) (28) and/or fixed or adjustable center tunnel cambered foils at the stern (28A) end of the tunnel (26) to generate lift from pressure caused by dense spray in the tunnel(s) (26) may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Charles F. Coles
  • Patent number: 6840825
    Abstract: An amphibious recreational vehicle (motorhome, trailer, SUV, and the like) of conventional RV height, width, and length restricted dimensions necessary to travel on highways and roads, and which upon entering the water, the bottom of the vehicle expands outwardly and upwardly to form a fast planing, wide-beam, ground effects cathedral type double-tunnel hull. The hull makes use of a dynamic air cushion to augment the planing of the hulls, owing to the ground effect created by compression of the ram air stream (and water vapor) rushing through the two tapered tunnels separating the three hulls. The wheels of the vehicle are simultaneously raised out of the water to eliminate parasite drag. The resultant hull is substantially wider than the cabin, providing substantial ocean-going stability for the craft. The folded elements incorporated within the cabin rooftop, raise upward to form a traditional yacht flying bridge, complete with a windshield, steering station, seating, mast, and safety rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Frank Messano
  • Patent number: 6708642
    Abstract: A boat hull having an upper hull section, a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel elongated outer sponsons extending from a forward portion to a stern portion of a bottom of the upper hull section, the outer sponsons and upper hull section defining a tunnel therebetween; and an elongated center sponson extending along the bottom of the upper hull and positioned in the tunnel between and substantially parallel to the pair of outer sponsons and having a forward section with an upwardly extending trailing step wall defining an upward step in the center sponson, and an aft section that is located aft of the forward section, the aft section having an upwardly curved leading edge intersecting the step wall of the forward section. The upper hull section can have planar bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Reflex Advanced Marine Corp.
    Inventor: Ian A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040031428
    Abstract: A personal watercraft tri-hull system for improving stability and handling of a personal watercraft at relatively high velocities. The personal watercraft tri-hull system includes a center hull, a first wing and a second wing extending from opposing sides of the center hull, a first hull connected to the distal portion of the first wing and a second hull connected to the distal portion of the second wing. The first hull and the second hull are preferably positioned within the forward portion of the personal watercraft tri-hull system for providing increased stability during high velocity travel. The first hull and second hull include a first inner portion and a second inner portion respectively which are angled inwardly to provide deceleration when the personal watercraft velocity is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel P. Prevost
  • Patent number: 6679192
    Abstract: A monohull marine platform is provided which includes a plurality of bows each having a flat lower keel. A transverse stern seal is connected to the bows using an inclined lift surface and a pair of outboard seals forming an air chamber. Pressurized air is forced into the air chamber to form a pressurized air cushion under the platform. Respective water flow channels disposed between each pair of the plurality of bows diminish wave energy during operation. As the platform passes through the water, the platform utilizes a combination of flotation, pneumatic, and hydrodynamic for reduced resistant and drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Inventor: Peter C. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6675736
    Abstract: A hull of a boat, which is particularly intended for use with a jet pump propulsion system, is provided with two channels formed in the port and starboard surfaces of the hull and displaced from a keel line. Each channel comprises a forward edge that intersects the hull at an angle to define a continuous surface with a portion of the hull that is immediately forward of the channel. The channel intersects the transom of the boat at a rearward edge. Each channel has a pair of sidewalls which are contiguous with their associated generally planar surface of the channel. The sidewalls are generally parallel to a central vertical plane which extends from a bow of the boat to a transom of the boat and in which the keel line is disposed. Each pair of sidewalls are generally parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Roger W. Schreiber, John O. Scherer, III
  • Patent number: 6648270
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hull with a longitudinal, vertical and lateral axis, the hull further having front end and rear ends and first and second sides. A turbofan engine mounted in said hull, said engine having an exhaust duct. First and second front exhaust nozzles are mounted on the first and second sides of the front end of the hull. First and second rear exhaust nozzles are coupled to the first and second sides of said hull at said rear. All of the exhaust nozzles are rotatable from a vertically downward position to at least a partially horizontal direction and incorporating shudders to adjust the flow rate of exhaust gas from said turbofan engine therethrough. A duct system for coupling the exhaust duct of the turbofan engine to all of the nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Edward L. Burnett, John W. Vinson, Brian Quayle, Michael C. Carter, Kenneth Gousman, Scott Wan Weelden, Steven P. Ericson, Stephen G. Justice
  • Patent number: 6631690
    Abstract: A V-bottom for fast motor boats with longitudinal reaction walls reacting to a lateral trust from an air-water mixture which are substantially parallel and symmetrical in relation to keel is formed so that the reaction walls are the walls of flat-based grooves in a bottom joined to a flat base by a widely curving radius, or the reaction walls are the walls of ribs having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section and a flat horizontal lesser external base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Riccardo Mambretti
  • Publication number: 20030140834
    Abstract: A monohull marine platform is provided which includes a plurality of bows each having a flat lower keel. A transverse a stem seal is connected to the bows using an inclined lift surface and a pair of outboard seals forming an air chamber. Pressurized air is forced into the air chamber to form a pressurized air cushion under the platform. Respective water flow channels disposed between each pair of the plurality of bows diminish wave energy during operation. As the platform passes through the water, the platform utilizes a combination of floatation, pneumatic, and hydrodynamic for reduced resistance and drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Peter C. DeMarco
  • Patent number: 6546886
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Publication number: 20020157591
    Abstract: V-shaped bottom (94) for fast motorboats (90) that presents a number of longitudinal means substantially parallel and symmetrical to the keel having walls that react to the lateral thrust from the water-air mixture, formed either of grooves (15, 18, 91, 92) or of ribs, their sides being widely curved at the junction respectively with the base of the grooves (15, 18, 91, 92) and with the surface of the bottom (94) of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Riccardo Mambretti
  • Patent number: 6425341
    Abstract: A boat hull represented in a high speed attitude relative to a water surface-has a generally monohull section. A forward keel portion is flattened to form a plank-like planing surface having a replaceable shoe including stability extensions. Main bodies of sponsons are configured with air dams or spray walls. The sponsons define outer walls of side tunnels. The hull form, inboard of the side tunnels, provides side planing surfaces that step down transversely to the keel planing surface. Front and rear portions of the sponsons are connected by the air dam or spray walls and bound side tunnels having side planks or planing surfaces disposed at their inner edge. A step in the keel is provided to define a tunnel disposed between two downwardly depending side walls. Across afterplanes an integrated undersurface has an outboard motor insertion space with a continuation of the recess upper surface and provides a lateral boundary of a space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Neville John Devin
  • Patent number: 6345584
    Abstract: A hull for shipping with a mono-three-catamaran architecture comprises a bow point (11) connected to hull sides (14, 15) that ends at a stern (12); a pair of chines (17, 18) disposed laterally to a center line (X—X), a keel (13) extending along the center line (X—X) on the underside of the hull aftward from the bow point (11) for a length less than the distance between the bow point (11) and the midship section (5); a bottom (16) extending laterally between the chines (17, 18), and between every chine (17, 18) and the keel (13), where the keel (13) is present, forming inverted longitudinal bottom channels (26, 27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Luigi Mascellaro
  • Patent number: 6293218
    Abstract: A tunnel-hulled boat that has a high degree of maneuverability at low and high speeds with decreased hydrodynamic drag is disclosed. The tunnel-hulled boat is maneuverable in shallow water and when proceeding in reverse. The tunnel-hulled boat is comprised of a hull having a generally rounded tunnel that extends from proximate amidships to the aft with the depth of the tunnel increasing from its nose end to its aft end. The tunnel has a generally rounded twin entry nose and has a notched aft. A first set of bevels having increasing diameter extend along each side of the tunnel while a second set of bevels are each disposed within a respective one of the first set of bevels proximate the transom of the boat. A pair of sponsons are attached to the transom on each side of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ralph Fern White
  • Patent number: 6293216
    Abstract: A deep-V hull configuration for a surface effect ship (SES) that utilizes a cushion of pressurized air and improves the handling characteristics and efficiency of the vessel is provided by the present invention. The surface effect vessel has an air cushion recess for containing the pressurized cushion of air that has a sloped transition area on a bow side edge. Water redirecting structures on the deep-V hull direct a turbulent water flow toward blow through areas of the air cushion recess and, thus, prevent air from escaping from the air cushion recess. Multiple longitudinal and transverse air compartments are formed in the air cushion recess. Specialized separation portions provide for restricted air communication between the multiple air compartments. Air is introduced into the multiple air compartments at independently adjustable pressures to facilitate turning and to adjust for various operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce R. Barsumian