Abstract: A system to keep any type of vessel afloat in case of entry of water, by means of providing inflatable flotation elements through the outside of the hull of the vessel, including a variety of mechanisms that are activated automatically when a water level detecting device inside the vessel detects that water has reached a maximum permitted level, which causes the opening of an electrically operated valve to allow pressurised fluid to pass in order to unfold said flotation elements. Alternatively, another unfolding mechanism may consist of a pair of cylinders screwed themselves, through the wall of the hull, of which the interior cylinder encloses the flotation elements and the exterior includes a cover on its outside face that can be ejected by the pressure exerted from the interior. FIG. 1.

Abstract: A system for making closed vessels unsinkable. The separate parts of the system are at least one air compressor, a compression chamber, a compressor/propeller clutch, at least one airbag, heating elements, and a diameter restrictor/gauge track. Additional features of this invention include sonar equipment for warning to avoid potential harm to the vessel and a re-entry system which transfers air from the inflated airbags to the inside of a repaired vessel. Upon activation, the air compressor charges the compression chamber, which, by way of a timed valve, distributes compressed air into inflatable bags.

Abstract: A damaged boat floatation system for providing floatation to damaged boats. The damaged boat floatation system includes a floatation assembly including air inflatable tubular members being attached end-to-end to form an endless tube being adapted to fit about sides of a boat; and also includes a compressed air container for filling the endless tube with compressed air; and further includes a carrying case for carrying the floatation assembly and the compress air container.

Abstract: The present invention is a drain plug apparatus designed and configured to remain in the drain hole of a conventional pleasure water vessel, regardless of whether the vessel is in or out of the water. This drain plug apparatus includes a body assembly having at least two chambers. One chamber will house a shut-off valve for enabling the boater to open or close the drain plug apparatus. This will render water to escape or prevent entrance to the boat, respectively. A safety assembly is included in the second and each subsequent chamber. The safety assembly will prevent water passage into the water vessel should the user forget to close the drain plug assembly, prior to placing the boat in water.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seating substrate, an outer seat covering, and a housing containing an integrated self-inflating floatation device. The self-inflating flotation device includes one or more inflatable flotation bladders and an inflator that is activated to automatically inflate the one or more inflatable flotation bladders when the seat or a vehicle to which it is attached is immersed in water. The one or more inflatable flotation bladders are releasably received and secured within the housing when the bladders are deflated. The housing is received within the vehicle seat such that upon activation of the inflator the one more inflatable flotation bladders inflate and are completely released and detached from the housing and from the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An anti-capsizing watercraft for propulsion over rough water includes three flotation members radially and circumferentially spaced connected with a hub member and an occupant platform rotatably connected with said hub member whereby at least two floatation members support the craft during rolling movement in the rough water with the occupant platform maintaining a stable level orientation.

Abstract: Canoe and kayak mid-point sponsons attach to the canoe or kayak only at the mid-point of the sponsons, to enable the sponsons to rotate around the midpoint in order to reduce drag in waves and simplify attachment and detachment to the canoe or kayak, while also permitting much greater sponson buoyancy volume than any other type of sponson, without interfering with normal paddling to safety. They are attached to any canoe or kayak by material such as only one adjustable strap and two clips, extending to kayak deck fittings adjacent the cockpit or a canoe middle thwart, in such a manner as to facilitate normal paddling of the stabilized craft in life threatening emergencies. They can be directly attached to both sides of the hull near the waterline. The mid-point sponsons can be solid buoyant material, waterproof and airtight stowage bags containing bulky lightweight items such as sleeping bags, orally inflatable sponson floats, and gas cartridge inflatable sponson floats.

Abstract: A watercraft, e.g. a passenger vessel, a ferry, a hazardous-substance freighter or the like, with a deck and with a buoyancy chamber in the deck, it being the case that, in a first operating state, the buoyancy chamber contains air, is characterized in that, in a second operating state, the buoyancy chamber is filled with a foam which has a high cell volume with closed cells and a dimensionally stable state of aggregation.

Abstract: A radio controlled surfing toy is provided comprising a multi-jointed, moveable figurine pivotally attached to a jet-propelled surfboard. The surfing toy surfs similar to a real life surfing professional in waves ranging from 3" to 5' in height. The surfing toy is capable of fielding and catching waves on its own and riding a left or right breaking wave into the shore operating on a synchronized 4-way steering system controlling the figurine's body to move from one side of the board to the other and allowing dramatic realism and high performance surf stunts. A balloon recovery system is employed to right the surfboard after a wipe-out in conjunction with a righting mechanisms built-in to the surfboard's design.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for an inflatable life raft, wherein the life raft has a flotation body, including at least one support tube and a bottom and further having a roof structure, including an inflatable support and a cover, has at least one bracket positioned exterior to the roof structure and spanning the roof structure. The at least one bracket includes a closed, inflatable hollow body and a pressure medium connector for inflating the closed inflatable hollow body with a pressure medium. Fasteners connected to the at least one bracket are provided for connecting the at least one bracket to the life raft.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an optical element on the surface of a substrate by ejecting a curable light guide forming liquid from a nozzle onto the substrate and curing the curable light guide forming liquid. A waveguide may be formed by moving the nozzle in a linear pattern over the surface of the substrate during ejection of the liquid from the nozzle. Curing the liquid may include exposing the liquid to ultraviolet radiation, and the radiation may be applied to only a small portion of the liquid. A multilayered waveguide may be formed by ejecting a further light guide forming liquid onto the first and curing it. A core and cladding may be formed simultaneously by ejecting core forming liquid from an inner tube and cladding forming liquid from an annulus about the inner tube. The waveguide may be formed in a groove, and a splitter may be formed by branching a second waveguide from a first, or by laying out two parallel waveguides and connecting them.

Abstract: A small watercraft having a hull with a bow portion and stern portion. A raised pedestal is provided on the hull and supports an elevated seating assembly that includes a seat for accommodating at least one rider. A buoyant storage assembly extends transversely outward from the raised pedestal and is formed integrally with the hull in the stern portion so as to increase the buoyancy and stability of the watercraft in the stern portion when said storage assembly is at least partially immersed in water.

Abstract: A water craft includes a rigid tubular hull structure corresponding to the structure of inflatable tubulars of known rubber dinghies. Preferably, the hull is made of polyester reinforced with glass fiber, plastic or metal. The external shape of the tubular hulls is cylindrical or other similar shape, and in the internal part, the tubular hulls are provided with a structure that considerably increases the internal space of the hulls, while maintaining the typical shape of rubber dinghies. Lateral seat backs may be provided on hinges on the upper external edge of the craft, and built-in seats are provided on the upper, external surface of the craft.

Abstract: A bailing device is used with a watercraft having a hull adapted to sit in a body of water and having a deck normally above a waterline defined by the body of water and formed centrally with a cockpit. The bailing device has a pair of inflatable flexible enclosures of a volume sufficient when the enclosures are inflated to support the watercraft out of the water. The enclosures are attached to the deck above the waterline to either side of the cockpit and a tube interconnects the enclosures so that air can pass through the tube between them. The enclosures can be inflated with air while they are attached to the deck. When thus inflated with the craft in the water the watercraft can be inverted and supported on the inflated enclosures to drain water from the cockpit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for reducing the skill required of a paddler to right a capsized kayak without exiting it, and to thus avoid the dangers associated with exiting a kayak after capsize. In broad terms, the paddler is provided with a simple and rapid means of creating a buoyant force to one side of the capsized kayak, which can be used to produce a generous amount of torque for righting. More specifically, an inflatable flotation device is held in place on the deck of the kayak and is provided with a handle. Upon capsize the paddler grasps and pulls the handle, whereupon the flotation element is released from its securing container and automatically inflated from compressed gas cartridges. The paddler can then lean on the handle and attached flotation element to right the kayak without exiting it.

Abstract: A protection device for a boat having a rigid hull with a waterline, gunwale and a cockpit is provided. The device consists of a first inflatable bumper mounted to the rigid hull about the gunwale, which will absorb impacts to the hull when the boat is pulled next to a dock or the like. A second inflatable bumper is mounted to the rigid hull at the waterline to keep the rigid hull afloat if it becomes cracked. A mechanism is in the cockpit, for selectively inflating the first inflatable bumper and the second inflatable bumper.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an outboard marine engine is able to improve cruising performance of a boat particularly during acceleration or travelling on a curved course. An attitude angle sensor senses a three-dimensional attitude of the outboard engine including a trim angle, a bank angle and a yaw or steering angle thereof, and generates corresponding attitude angle signals. A controller controls engine control parameters based on various signals indicative of engine operating conditions inclusive of the attitude angle signals in such a manner that the output power of the engine increases in accordance with an increasing trim angle, whereas it decreases in accordance with an increasing bank and/or yaw (steering) angle.

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: A system for containing oil or other contaminants which have leaked from an oil tanker or similar structure is disclosed. A protective housing surrounds the structure. A plurality of covers are each pivotably mounted at its upper edge to a lower outer edge of the housing to depend therefrom. Each cover is retained in a closed position with a lower edge of the cover adjacent the side of the structure to form a storage cavity defined by the cover, the housing, and a portion of the side of the structure. A series of interconnected collapsible float assemblies is contained within the storage cavity. In case of an oil leak, a triggering mechanism located within the housing sequentially releases the covers from the closed position and the float assemblies fall away into the water. In this manner a continuous curtain may be provided to surround the structure to prevent passage of all or most of the leaking contaminant.

Abstract: A small jet propelled watercraft having a partially open rider's area covered at least in part by a roof. The construction and orientation of the roof is such to insure that the watercraft cannot be inverted in the water.

Abstract: Several embodiments of hull configurations for small watercraft wherein the gunnels at the side of the watercraft are raised and provided with sealed storage areas that increase the buoyancy of the hull and which can be flooded for assisting in re-entry.

Abstract: Auxiliary flotation apparatus to provide supplemental flotation for a vessel which may be in danger of sinking. The apparatus is a self-contained cannister capable of being connected to a source of pressurized air. To assure stability of the disabled vessel, two or more of the cannisters would preferably be mounted at an outboard end to each side of the hull of the vessel at spaced locations below the water line. Should the need arise, the source of pressurized air can be manually or automatically activated for introduction into the cannister. In response to the pressurized air, a projectile is propelled in a direction away from the vessel and caused to rupture a frangible membrane located substantially flush with the hull of the vessel. The projectile proceeds far beyond the vessel and draws with it an attached inflatable tubular sheath of flexible, air impermeable sheet material.

Abstract: The cylindrical shape tube consists of a pressure valve and a safety valve. Whether the tube's contents be made of metal, expandable or non-stretchable materials, it has the ability to retain low air pressure. For safety purposes, any excess air pressure is released through the safety valve when the belts are made of metal content, the lengthwise belts have flares and grooves, the crosswise belts have oblong holes. When the belts are made of expandable or non-stretchable materials, snap head and grooves are cast within the lengthwise belts, the crosswise belts have round holes. The metal crosswise belts with their oblong holes can be engaged onto both the snap heads of the expandable lengthwise belts and flares of metal lengthwise belts. The expandable crosswise belts with their round holes can be snapped onto the snap heads of the expandable lengthwise belts and flares of the metal lengthwise belts.

Abstract: Kayak safety sponsons having two parallel inflatable tubes along the waterline on each side of the kayak adjacent the cockpit. These tubes join together below the waterline by means of material such as straps and above the waterline at both ends by a fastener such as a strap with a quick-release buckle, at each end of the cockpit. They can be attached and inflated by the kayaker seated in the cockpit while using a paddle. Deflated, the sponsons are flat and tightly drawn against the hull by the two fasteners for minimal water resistance. Inflated, the sponsons taper toward both ends for minimal water resistance, increasing maximum waterline beam of the kayak adjacent to the cockpit area but not affecting foreward and aft lines of the craft, permitting normal handling due to minimal change in underwaterlines and minimal increase in water resistance.

Abstract: A boat flotation collar is set forth wherein a generally "U" shaped upwardly oriented bumper guard is positioned longitudinally of a boat and attachable thereto. Within the upstanding "U" shaped bumper guard is an inflatable bag or series of bags that upon raising of a float within the interior of a boat by rising water will open a valve secured to a compressed gas bottle. Inflatable pneumatic cells positioned within the "U" shaped bumper guard will thereby be inflated to prevent the associated boat from sinking.

Abstract: A safety boat assembly which includes air bags, a breathing device, a tubular pole containing a dense material, safety belts, a gravity on/off light switch, and a view finding window disposed therein for improving buoyancy and stability and for reducing the dangers associated with boating accidents when the boat assembly is turned over.

Abstract: This invention relates to a small scale semi-submersible boat for naval combat comprising a hull of which a first, water-tight part is insubmersible and a second part is submersible.In the submersible part of the hull is accommodated at least one balloon or caisson serving as float which has a wall capable of being perforated and is inflated by means of a gas to enable the boat to float, the said boat also having a device for perforating the wall of the aforesaid balloon or caisson of a similar boat of an opponent, so as to damage the buoyancy of the opponent's boat.

Abstract: A device for releasably connecting a rigid deck and a rigid hull to the covers of the bladders of an inflatable boat comprises an assemblage of two rigid plates joined together along their edges to form a sealed chamber which is fastened to the covers of the bladders, or directly to these latter, through bolts acting through the intermediary of suitable pressure elements. Holes passing through the edges of the two rigid plates are provided for the bolts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a boat including a hull which forms a closed engine compartment. The compartment is air-tight at and above the water line or draft level which is formed when the boat is overturned in the water. The boat further includes an air inlet duct and an exhaust duct which extend into the engine compartment. Each of the ducts has one end which opens in the compartment above the draft level, and another end which is out of the compartment and below the draft level, thereby forming an air space in the compartment when the boat is overturned.

Abstract: An aluminum boat is provided including laterally outwardly bowed gunnels and each of the gunnels has an outer side tubular aluminum flotation member extending therealong, bowed to conform to and welded to the outer side surface of the gunnel. The opposite ends of each tubular flotation member are sealingly closed and the interior of the tubular member is occupied by non-liquid absorbing lightweight flotation material. The tubular flotation member is secured to the corresponding gunnel by first tack-welding one end of the tubular member to a generally straight rear portion of the gunnel and then yieldingly biasing the forward end of the tubular flotation member laterally inwardly while effecting localized heat to the tubular member in the area in which it diverges outwardly from the bowed portion of the gunnel to thereby reshape the tubular member to conform to the bowed area of the gunnel and enable the bent portion of the flotation member to be welded to the gunnel bowed portion.

Abstract: A capsize prevention device for a multihull vessel which may be mounted to an existing vessel or be integrally manufactured therewith. The device includes first and second tubes disposed longitudinally along the lower portion of the keel of the vessel through which seawater flows during the sailing of the vessel. Each of the tubes includes forward and rearward watertight valves. When the valves are open, water is free to flow through the tubes. When the valves are closed, water will be trapped within the tubes, thus adding the mass of the trapped water to the keel. The mass of the water within the tubes serves to prevent capsize about one of the outriggers of the vessel.

Abstract: A device, a method, and a system for reducing the draft of large vessels to allow the successful navigation of shallow waterways which could not otherwise be traversed due to the depth of the draft of the vessel. The implementation of this system will eliminate unnecessary dredging and facilitate full utilization of the ships' cargo capacity. The system is comprised of several buoyancy modules, control tender vessels, base point grids, appropriate computers, air compressors, and all other necessary equipment. Each buoyancy module of the system consist of two inflatable/deflatable pneumatic lift cells contained by sleeves positioned one at each end, with a base webbing connecting the two ends and forming the middle supportive portion of each module. The base webbing is positioned beneath the vessel oriented so as to position one pneumatic lift cell on each side of the vessel.

Abstract: The device renders unsinkable a boat such as a habitable boat having a cabin and a cockpit. The device comprises three inflatable envelopes two of which are placed on starboard side and port side bunks respectively whereas the other envelope is placed on the floor of the cabin between the two bunks. A compressed gas container controlled by a valve is connected to all the envelopes for inflating the envelopes when required.

Abstract: Sea-going lifeboats made of thin-walled, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (F-R P), with an oversupply of poured-in-place urethane foam in functionally advantageous spaces; having totally watertight or weathertight covers; with bow-pull hand-propeller replacing rowing oars. A hand driven, multi-purpose flywheel for Diesel engine starting, dynamo for lights and radio, et-cetera; with hanging steel pipe structure in the bilge supporting heavy items, which are compacted close to the keel. Outer hull doubling allows space for stowage of an automatic inflatable rubber air tube on each side of the lifeboat.