Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a vehicle that may detect the presence and/or absence of an operator of the vehicle. The vehicle may determine that the operator is present and/or absent from a control area of the vehicle (e.g., an area where the operator may provide instructions for the piloting of the vehicle) and/or from the entire area of the vehicle and provide instructions responsive to the determination.

Abstract: A sea anchor includes a textile tube and a resiliently flexible support. The textile tube may include a first end and a second end. The first end may have a rim defining a mouth and the second end may be closed. In various embodiments, the resiliently flexible support is coupled to the first end of the textile tube. The resiliently flexible support, in response to the sea anchor being deployed, may be configured to expand the mouth and retain the mouth open. In various embodiments, the textile tube has a conical shape, with the mouth of the first end being a base of the conical shape and the second end being a point of the conical shape. The resiliently flexible support is a ring coupled to the rim of the first end of the textile tube, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: Systems and associated methods for rapid integration and control of payloads carried by a multi-mode unmanned vehicle configured to accommodate a variety of payloads of varying size, shape, and interface and control characteristics. Mechanical, power, signal, and logical interfaces to a variety of payloads operate to enable environmental protection, efficient placement and connection to the vehicle, and control of those payloads in multiple environmental modes as well as operational modes (including in air, on the surface of water surface, and underwater).

Abstract: The present invention of MagDrag relates to methods and apparatus of a magnetic hull attaching sea anchors to slow down and impair the forward motion of sea vessels. The basic MagDrag device includes four major components, a large magnet, a pump, a sea anchor bag and a buoy.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for a dinghy brake including a cone-like member having a smaller front end and a larger rear end connected in line between a towing boat and a towed dinghy in such a way that if the towing boat should slow or stop suddenly, the towed dinghy would be stopped from overtaking or colliding with the towing boat. The dinghy brake includes a cone-like central member comprising a plurality of panels connected inside a plurality of cords so that the apparatus can be tied or connected between the towing boat and the towed dinghy.

Abstract: The present invention of MagDrag relates to methods and apparatus of a magnetic hull attaching sea anchors to slow down and impair the forward motion of sea vessels. The basic MagDrag device includes three major components, a large magnet, a sea anchor bag and a buoy.

Abstract: A projectile includes an instant adhesive rubber directly connected to a high tensile strength rope and a water parachute. The projectile can be aimed at, for example, the front one-third of the vessel. Upon impact, an energetic material, such as lead azide, can be initiated to push the rubber onto the vessel and simultaneously deploy the water parachute. The parachute may be weighted to cause the parachute to submerge in the water. A tension generated by the vessel dragging the water parachute would arrest the motion and limit the speed and mobility of the vessel without significant damage to the surface vessel or occupants.

Abstract: The present invention of MagDrag relates to methods and apparatus of a magnetic hull attaching sea anchors to slow down and impair the forward motion of sea vessels. The basic MagDrag device includes three major components, a large magnet, a sea anchor bag and a buoy.

Abstract: A projectile includes an instant adhesive rubber directly connected to a high tensile strength rope and a water parachute. The projectile can be aimed at, for example, the front one-third of the vessel. Upon impact, an energetic material, such as lead azide, can be initiated to push the rubber onto the vessel and simultaneously deploy the water parachute. The parachute may be weighted to cause the parachute to submerge in the water. A tension generated by the vessel dragging the water parachute would arrest the motion and limit the speed and mobility of the vessel without significant damage to the surface vessel or occupants.

Abstract: A marine safety device for deployment in water upon unwanted entry by a person into the water to indicate the location of and to provide buoyancy for that person; the assembly comprises a cover for retaining components of the device as an undeployed package, an inflatable mast having a proximal end which engages the cover and a distal free end, means for inflation of the inflatable member upon contact between the device and a body of water. A weight is located at or near the proximal end of the inflatable member to bias the inflatable member to a generally upright position. The device further comprises means to enable a person in the body of water to gain floatation from the assembly via at least one grippable member attached to the inflatable member.

Abstract: An engine for reducing the temperature at the surface of a body of water during a storm includes at least one floatation member for supporting the engine, an elongate tube mounted on the floatation member configured to receive a stream of air therethrough, the elongate tube having first and second ends, a constricted center section therebetween and means for distributing water into the tube adjacent the constricted center section, a wind turbine having at least one rotor, a differential and a shaft connecting the rotor to the differential, a pump operatively connected to the wind turbine and extending into the body of water to a depth where the temperature of the water is less the water temperature at the surface and wherein water from beneath the surface of the body of water is pumped into the manifold and distributed into the elongate tube to cool the stream of air.

Abstract: An engine for reducing the temperature at the surface of a body of water during a storm includes at least one floatation member for supporting the engine, an elongate tube mounted on the floatation member configured to receive a stream of air therethrough, the elongate tube having first and second ends, a constricted center section therebetween and means for distributing water into the tube adjacent the constricted center section, a wind turbine having at least one rotor, a differential and a shaft connecting the rotor to the differential, a pump operatively connected to the wind turbine and extending into the body of water to a depth where the temperature of the water is less the water temperature at the surface and wherein water from beneath the surface of the body of water is pumped into the manifold and distributed into the elongate tube to cool the stream of air.

Abstract: Suction pile installation method comprising the steps of lowering a suction pile to the sea bed, while keeping a top end substantially closed providing openings in the suction pile near a lower end, the interior of the suction pile being in open fluid communication with the exterior via the openings, dropping the pile onto the sea bed, while allowing air to escape from the pile via said openings, and allowing the suction pile to penetrate into the sea bed driven substantially by its weight over such a distance that the openings become closed from the exterior, and pumping air from the suction pile for driving the pile further into the sea bed.

Abstract: A drogue attachment consisting of two symmetrical shaped arms is affixed to one end of a shaft, that end of the shaft being attached to a fishing line. The other end of the shaft is tied to a leader, which is in turn tied to a baited or lure-equipped fish hook device. When the fish hook device is pulled through the water by a fish, water opens the shaped arms; when pulled in the other direction by the angler, the arms fold in against the shaft.

Abstract: A drift bag that includes one or more narrowing members to reshape a mouth of the drift bag in the vertical direction to reduce a draft of the drift bag.

Abstract: A device for providing stability and directional control to a boat. The device includes a flexible water container for being deployed from one quadrant of the boat and including opposing sides, a top and a bottom, a relatively large forwardly-directed mouth opening for capturing a predetermined large quantity of water at a predetermined rate, a relatively small aft-directed drain in the opposite end of the container for discharging aft a quantity of water at a rate substantially lower than the rate at which water is captured by the mouth, and forward attachment lines carried by the container proximate a bottom side of the mouth for securing the device in close proximity to the boat by attachment to at least one forward attachment point carried by the boat amidship with the mouth in an open condition for capturing water therein, and additional attachment lines carried by the container proximate a top side of the mouth for securing the container to the boat.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizer ring for a sea anchor, in particular a parachute sea anchor. The preferred embodiment of the stabilizer ring comprises a ring supporting a domed arch. The domed arch has two arch supports that divide the ring into a plurality of sections. Each arch support has a vertex and the two arch supports are connected at their vertices. The domed arch is pivotally connected to a swivel. The swivel has two loops pivotally connected by a bolt.

Abstract: A water trampoline including a supporting shell and a plurality of concentrically disposed inflatable rings disposed within the supporting shell to form a stable, low profile buoyant platform. A trampoline mat is attached to an inner edge of the supporting shell to resiliently support it over the central opening of the platform. A zippered access opening is provided on the inner edge of the shell below the trampoline mat to provide access to the inflatable rings.

Abstract: A device for providing stability and directional control to a boat. The device includes a flexible water container for being deployed from one quadrant of the boat and including opposing sides, a top and a bottom, a relatively large forwardly-directed mouth opening for capturing a predetermined large quantity of water at a predetermined rate, a relatively small aft-directed drain in the opposite end of the container for discharging aft a quantity of water at a rate substantially lower than the rate at which water is captured by the mouth, and forward attachment lines carried by the container proximate a bottom side of the mouth for securing the device in close proximity to the boat by attachment to at least one forward attachment point carried by the boat amidship with the mouth in an open condition for capturing water therein, and additional attachment lines carried by the container proximate a top side of the mouth for securing the container to the boat.

Abstract: The present invention is a stabilizer ring for a sea anchor, in particular a parachute sea anchor. The preferred embodiment of the stabilizer ring comprises a ring supporting a domed arch. The domed arch has two arch supports that divide the ring into a plurality of sections. Each arch support has a vertex and the two arch supports are connected at their vertices. The domed arch is pivotally connected to a swivel. The swivel has two loops pivotally connected by a bolt.

Abstract: A deep ocean, mid-water farming apparatus, for propagating bi-valves, kelp and sea weed comprising a plurality of air-containing tanks arranged in a frame and including a lower frame element and an upper frame element, a device for anchoring the tanks in deep water and including connectors to connect the anchor to the lower frame element for holding the device in deep water, a plurality of upwardly directed elongated tubular substrates, on which to grow the bi-valves, the substrates arranged about a vertically-oriented center strut, each substrate defined by a first, lower terminal end, for connection to the upper frame element, and a second, upper terminal end, spaced-apart from the first end and, a top hat centered about the strut for connecting to the upper ends of the tubular substrates for holding them in a fixed configuration thereabout.

Abstract: A sea anchor having a leading edge that is outfitted with a flexible, resilient hoop member that biases the leading edge to self-expand. The hoop member is constructed from a material having no shape retaining memory and in a presently preferred form comprises a looped length of a coated spiral spring. A relatively substantial float extends along a substantial portion of the leading edge circumference and is mounted between a pair of short tether lines. Weights are mounted to the leading edge diametrically opposite the float and between a pair of longer tether lines. Vents mounted between the float and trailing edge release trapped air as the anchor inflates with collected water. A retrieval line is secured to guides along the length of the anchor and a storage strap is secured to the anchor.

Abstract: A pile for anchoring a floating structure in deep water includes an elongated body provided with a tapered pointed tip at the lower end thereof and a closure disc at the upper end thereof. A plurality of radially and axially extending fins are secured to the pile adjacent the upper end thereof. The elongated body of the pile is filled with material having a high specific gravity distributed in such a manner that the center of gravity of the pile is located well below its center of buoyancy. The process for installing the pile uses the potential energy generated by the free fall of the pile from a vessel in order to ensure that the pile penetrates the ocean floor.

Abstract: An arrangement for towing a disabled ship comprising a wire on a wire drum having an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of a ship at the stern or stem of the ship, the wire being permanently connected with the ship at one end behind the drum and at the other end with a painter, the painter being a buoyant line stored in a magazine in which it is coiled without being twisted, the magazine being placed between the wire drum and a launching pipe for a buoy with which the other end of the painter is connected wherein the buoy is inflatable and connected with and encapsuled in a box in the form of a floating anchor, the box being launchably mounted in the launching pipe.

Abstract: The drogue of the present invention induces drag for a plurality of underer tow lines. A tail section is axially movable within a nose section and extends partially therefrom. A tow line passes through the nose section and is coupled to the tail section. A rod is fixed to the nose section and extends through and axially away from the nose section into the tail section. A spring couples the nose section to the tail section such that the spring is placed in tension when the tail section and nose section are caused to move axially towards one another. In turn, the nose section and tail section are caused to move axially away from one another when the spring is allowed to relax. Drag wings mounted on the tail section are movable between a first minimal drag position and a second maximum position. Movement of an actuator mounted in the tail section causes corresponding movement of the drag wings between the first and second position.

Abstract: A collapsible sea anchor or drogue (50) having first and second hollow frusto-conical body parts (74, 80) which are made from strong flexible material, such as canvas. Four flexible lines (60, 62, 64, 66) connect the two body parts (74, 80) together and to a nose portion (52) to which a towing line can be connected. The sea anchor or drogue (50) is very effective in that the drag is large having regard to the diameter of the body parts (74, 80) and, moreover, it can be compactly stored when in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: A square bag (28) open at the top or front with holes (30) in the bottom or opposite end for drainage and flow through. Tow members (16) secured to the periphery of the bag (28) at the open end of the body in a hinging fashion so they can be neatly folded down in the bottom of the bag (28). The anchor rode (10) is secured to these tow members (16) and faked down into the bag (28). Battens (32B) and reinforcing material (20) are used to force the bag (28) to stand up in the open position facilitating ease of feeding rode (10) in and out of bag (28). Tow members (16) hinge outward and Batten Reinforced Anchoring Bag (35) becomes a sea anchor when thrown overboard. Holes (30) in bottom of bag let water flow through bag (28) somewhat slowed down, facilitating in bag (28) staying open and creating drag which is the object of the sea anchor.

Abstract: A sea anchor or boat drag apparatus formed from a cylindrical tubular body and designed for inflated deployment from a fishing boat or the like and arranged to provide controllable or selectable drag forces ranging from zero drag force to a substantial drag force. The cylindrical tubular body is provided with a mooring line and a flow control line, with the mooring line being arranged for attachment to the hull of the boat, and with the flow control line being arranged to control the size or magnitude of the outlet of the cylindrical tubular body, thereby constricting the flow of water through the cylindrical tubular body.

Abstract: Drogues are formed in a flat configuration having a central portion and peripheral edges consisting of a plurality of spaced inner and outer intersecting belts or webs which may be separately secured to one another at the points of intersection, or integrally formed, and wherein first supple reinforcements are secured rearwardly of the front surface of the belts along the peripheral edges and second supple reinforcements are secured to the belts extending from edge to edge generally centrally of the drogues so that the drogues automatically open when deployed and are pulled through water. In a preferred embodiment, the central portion of the drogues include a generally imperforate panel.

Abstract: The invented sea anchor is made from two sheets of flexible material sewn together to create a generally frustum-shaped body. The body is collapsible and has a first end defining a first opening of a predetermined dimension and a second end defining a second opening of a predetermined dimension smaller than the predetermined dimension of the first opening. The anchor includes at least one fin mounted on, projecting outward from, and extending in an axial direction along the frustum-shaped body. The anchor also includes a flexible stiffener encircling a portion of the first opening. The anchor may also include strapping joined to and extending transversely and axially across the frustum-shaped body. The transversely extending strapping may interconnect a plurality of fins.

Abstract: Stabilizing apparatus for stabilizing boats comprising a weighted concave body which is suspended from the boat and which is formed as a grid defining openings through the body and a flexible flap in the concavity of the body, the flap blocking the openings when the body rises in the water due to rolling of the boat so as to inhibit rolling and the flap moving away from the openings to permit the apparatus to rapidly fall as the boat rolls in the opposite direction. A pair of bodies are provided on opposite sides of the boat to inhibit rolling in both directions.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the stabilization of drifter buoys and the like and more particularly to surface or near surface Lagrangian Drifter Buoys launched from aircraft or surface vehicles and to an underwater suspension system adapted for stabilizing and maintaining the buoy at a predetermined depth in an upright position. The suspension assembly for use in combination with a buoy, having a generally elongated cylindrical hull, is comprised of two main components including 1) a collapsible longitudinal stabilizer means for providing horizontal drag and 2) a vertical stabilizer means suspended below and transverse the axis of the buoy. These two components act together to maintain the buoy in an upright position and to maintain it within the layer of water in which it is placed. The assembly is also compliant and as such the assembly has the ability to function for extended periods of time without the need for the use of inordinately strong or expensive materials.

Abstract: A speed reducing device for use from a fishing boat when fishing in a boat moving with the wind and/or a current comprising a rearward portion formed as an essentially circular end panel of water impervious material having the buoyancy to float in water; an intermediate portion formed of a plurality of similarly shaped mesh panels adapted to allow the flow of water therethrough while precluding the passage of debris into the device, each panel having a generally triangular configuration with a rearward edge and side edges converging and meeting at the forwardmost position, the panels being stitched together along the side edges into the general configuration of a cone with the small end of the cone constituting the forward end of the device and with the large end of the cone constituting the rearward end of the device, the end panel being stitched along its periphery to the rearward end of the mesh panels; and a forward portion being formed by the folded midpoints of cords jointly coupled together at the smal

Abstract: A sea anchor assembly for a kayak having two ends and one or more occupant seats, the assembly comprising: an anchor assembly comprising joined end-to-end in succession, an anchoring rope, a collapsible sea anchor, a deployment rope and a float, a ring secured near one end of the kayak, a cleat to releasably secure the anchor rope and the deployment rope proximate the seat, a tubular cover to removably retain the sea anchor therein in a collapsed condition, the cover secured to the kayak between the ring and the rope securing cleat, the anchor assembly extending from an end of the anchoring rope at the rope anchoring through the tubular cover and then through the ring to the float, wherein, with the collapsed sea anchor in the cover, on pulling the deployment rope, the deployment rope on passing through the ring draws the sea anchor out from the cover then through the ring for deployment in water, and wherein, with the sea anchor deployed, pulling the anchoring rope draws the sea anchor through the ring and i

Abstract: A sea anchor comprising a hollow body having a front part and a rear part and at least one water outlet located adjacent to the rear end of the front part. The front part has water inlet openings, and the rear part is moveable relative to the front part between first and second positions. In the first position, the forward end of the rear part engages the rear end of the front part to close at least one water outlet. In the second position, the forward end of the rear part is separated from the rear end of the front part to define the water outlet. The front part contains attachment means for attaching a line for towing the body in a forward direction.

Abstract: A sea anchor or drogue having a body comprised of a front section which tapers forwardly to a nose, and a hollow, rearwardly tapering back section. Longitudinal open channels are formed in the front section and lead into the back section, with vanes or tubes defining the sides of the channels. In certain embodiments, baffles are fixed in each channel and oriented so as to direct water into the back section to create the drag effect.

Abstract: A sea anchor and apparatus for deploying the sea anchor into water and for storing it when not in use. An associated method provides for the deployment of the sea anchor into water and storing the sea anchor after use.

Abstract: A system for reducing roll of vessels comprises at least one and preferably a pair of hydrofoil devices suspended from lines rigged on each side of the vessel, preferably from outrigger booms. The devices are asymmetrical foils which are arranged to provide a downwardly acting hydrodynamic force as the devices move with respect to the water. The center of the hydrodynamic force, the center of gravity of the device, and the suspension line attachment being in vertical alignment to provide a balanced foil. The devices function when the vessel is under way and when the vessel is stationary. The hydrodynamic force provides tension in the suspension lines which serves to damp the tendency of the vessel to roll while under way. The hydrodynamic force assures that the devices will not suddenly lose their damping effect or loose control and jerk or breach. When not under way, rolling is damped by differential resistance of the devices to upward movement through the water.

Abstract: An anchor device for use with inflatable rafts and cushions includes a compartmentalized cylindrical tray. The tray is designed to store beverage containers and the personal effects of an individual floating on a raft or cushion. A sunshade may be adjustably secured to the tray. A pair of attaching loops are utilized to connect the floating tray to an anchor and to an inflatable raft or cushion. A spoon type anchor is disclosed for use in lakes and ponds and a weighted anchor is disclosed for use in pools. The anchor and raft attaching loops may be pivotally mounted on the circular tray. The sunshade mounting socket may be slidably mounted. A styrofoam filled compartment may be provided in the cylindrical tray for ensuring flotation.

Abstract: A recoverable sea anchor for a vessel wherein the anchor is made from a flexible sheet material with a periphery and a center. A plurality of lines interconnect a plurality of spaced points around such periphery to a ring which in turn is connected via a releasable connecting means to a swivel. A mooring line is then used to connect such swivel to the vessel. The releasable connecting means is operative to release the connection between the swivel and the ring in response to a predetermined load to put into play a disabling line, in a slack inoperative condition which then interconnects the swivel and the center of the chute or another portion of the chute to disable or collapse the concave chute. A modification of the sea anchor is to make it frusto conical or tubular in shape.

Abstract: A life buoy 1 in the form of an inflatable ring with a floor 10 has a textile, invert cone keel 11 filled with water and held open by a ballast mass 14. Around the keel hangs an open mesh textile sea anchor 25. Steps 18, braced 20 to the keel, assist a man overboard in entering the life buoy. The life buoy is detachably provided with a sling 30, having a lifting eye 31 for lifting the man overboard from the life buoy.

Abstract: A sea anchor wherein the shroud may rotate about a mooring line to suppress shroud line fouling and including a trip line configured for drawing the center of the shroud forwards a vessel embodying the sea anchor. The sea anchor finds use in liferafts.

Abstract: The assembly includes a fishing line having a hook, lure or other fish-securing device adjacent its free end, and a fish drag in the form of a collapsible or foldable, umbrella-like water scoop secured to the line, with the openable end thereof facing the fish-securing device. The scoop may be a ribbed umbrella fabric with its apex fixed to the line and with support struts connected to a slide ring adjacent the open end of the scoop. When the line is trolled, the scoop is folded or collapsed. When a fish strikes the lure or hook pulls the line the opposite direction, the scoop is opened. In another embodiment the scoop can be plurality of interconnected plates hingedly connected to the apex which is fixed to or slideably secured over the line. A lock block, preferably bearing primary or secondary hooks and/or lures, releasably holds the scoop plates in the collapsed position until a fish strikes. The drag quickly tires a fish to facilitate its rapid recovery. The assembly is simple, durable and efficient.

Abstract: A reinforced seam and method of sewing the seam for joining adjacent fabric panels in an assembled relationship using a conventional sewing machine wherein a first panel is folded over and stitched to a reinforcing cord which extends along at least a portion of the length of the seam after which an adjacent panel is folded over the stitched fold of the first panel and a second stitch is made through both panels and the reinforcing cord. The stitches are made so that all materials extend outwardly of the throat of the sewing machine thereby enabling numerous panels to be assembled in joined relationship to form such products as sea anchors, drogue chutes, parachutes and the like.

Abstract: A sea anchor for a vessel, which is formed in a generally symmetrical configuration of a hollow and baseless truncated body or paraboloid with a wide mouth member at the edge of the cone base of strong material forming a hollow generally truncated body which is attached to a wide mouth strength member and in which the strong material has orifices in it so as to cause energy dissipation by the increased velocity therethrough and with the area of the orificial opening being not greater than 75 percent of the surface area of the truncated body and where the depth of truncated cone is such that the ratio of the diameter of the base of the body to the height or depth is in the range of 80 to 90 percent. The sea anchor of the invention has a bridal means attached to the wide mouth strength member arranged to have members meet at the longitudinal centerline of the cone for joining to a single anchor line from said vessel. The joining point the distance from the base of the body in the range of 1.

Abstract: Structures and methods for constructing sea anchors having body portions defined by at least three spaced corners or vertices wherein bail ropes are sewn to and extend diagonally inwardly from each corner toward the center of the body portion so that stresses applied to the stitching are distributed and absorbed by stretching the material along its diagonal lines. In one embodiment of the invention, a sail is disclosed which is reinforced by the method of the present invention and which thereby is capable of serving as a sea anchor during emergencies.

Abstract: This cold-proof water-proof garment is designed to be worn by someone working in cold seas, or aboard a ship in distress at sea, to protect the life of the wearer if he should fall into the sea.

Abstract: A device of the nature of a sea-anchor has a body tapered to the nose where it is attachable to a cable from a boat and formed with ports normally closed by spring-loaded closures but opened, by predetermined cable tension, to increase resistance to passage through water. Tail fins behind the body, and water passages through the body restrict rotation of the device. A chamber in the body when air-filled converts the device to a distress buoy, the tail fins uppermost to serve as a radar reflector, aerial for a distress transmitter in the body and carrier for a light.

Abstract: A tandem array of sea anchors is provided. Each sea anchor is generally umbrella shaped and has a relatively small opening at the apex. A single tow rope from a boat is secured to a plurality of strands from the periphery of each sea anchor and extends through these small apex openings of each sea anchor save the last. A single control cable also extends through the apex opening of each sea anchor save the last and is secured to each sea anchor adjacent the apex opening for simultaneously partially inverting said sea anchors to vary the drag of said tandem array of sea anchors. The number of anchors can be varied in accordance with the size, etc. of a boat.

Abstract: A device of the nature of a sea-anchor has a body tapered to the nose where it is attachable to a cable from a boat and formed with ports normally closed by spring-loaded closures but opened, by predetermined cable tension, to increase resistance to passage through water. Tail fins behind the body, and water passages through the body restrict rotation of the device. A chamber in the body when air-filled converts the device to a distress buoy, the tail fins uppermost to serve as a radar reflector, aerial for a distress transmitter in the body and carrier for a light.