Abstract: An autonomous sailing vessel may include a hull, a mast, a sail, and a sail release device. The mast may be mechanically coupled to the hull. The sail may be mechanically coupled to the mast. The sail release device may be operably coupled to the sail and may be configured to automatically release the sail to spill excess wind. Alternatively or additionally, the sail may include a fore sail element coupled to the mast and an aft sail element rotatably coupled at a fore of the aft sail element to an aft of the fore sail element. In this and other embodiments, the autonomous sailing vessel may further include a camber control assembly to automatically set a camber angle between the fore and aft sail elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a rear wheel steering (RWS) system, may include determining, by a controller, whether an abnormality occurs in a rear wheel alignment based on information collected from the vehicle; determining, by the controller, a correction amount of the rear wheel alignment for correcting the abnormality occurring in the rear wheel alignment using predetermined data based on one or more of the information collected from the vehicle when the abnormality is determined to occur in the rear wheel alignment; correcting, by the controller, a rear wheel control position determined based on variable information related to an RWS control using the determined correction amount of the rear wheel alignment; and controlling, by the controller, an RWS actuator of the vehicle based on the corrected rear wheel control position, and an apparatus for controlling an RWS system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for launch and recovery of a vessel (1) from a host ship or platform (13), said host ship or platform comprising a lifting device (2) having at least one first lifting cable (9), characterized in that the vessel (1) comprises at least one fastening device (3), releasably connectable to said at least one first lifting cable (9), and at least one lifting winch (5) comprising a lifting winch cable (11), and at least one mast system comprising a mast (14) connected to at least one lifting winch (5) by one end of the corresponding lifting winch cable (11), said mast system being capable of raising the connected end of the lifting winch cable in a vertical direction. In addition, a vessel suitable for said system, and a method for launch and recovery of such a vessel, is provided.

Abstract: Modular human powered recumbent vehicle has a variable configuration and size. It comprises a group of standardized modules—fast attachable parts connected together by set of cross tubes (4) of variable length. It has three basic modules: middle (1), left (2) and right (3); each module has several modifications. One or more additional modules, like child seat (17), shopping basket (18), additional pedal (15) or electric (16) drive, also can be attached for performing a specific task. Vehicle can be transformed to a powered or unpowered trailer of variable configuration. It can be folded for storage and disassembled for transportation.

Abstract: A sail system for a velocipede uses a swinging gate that pivots between a closed position, flush against the velocipede and an open position for sailing. A spring cord pulls the gate toward the open position while a control cord pulls the gate toward the closed position. A slide slidably disposed on a top tube controls positioning of the control cord and locks this cord in a particular position. A shield is also attached to the velocipede.

Abstract: A skateboard with sail assembly, comprising a skateboard having first and second ends and a through hole. The through hole is positioned in between the first and second ends. A removable post assembly projects from the through hole. A pedal clamp assembly is mounted onto the removable post assembly. A handle bar assembly is also mounted onto the removable post assembly. The skateboard with sail assembly may be utilized with its sail in a deployed configuration or a retracted configuration. In addition, the post assembly may be completely removed so that the skateboard may be utilized on its own.

Abstract: A wind actuated bicycle sail for automatically unfurling a sail assembly to utilize tail winds to facilitate forward movement of a bicycle includes a sail guide member designed for coupling to a bicycle. A sail assembly is coupled to the sail guide member. A sail pivot bracket arm is fixedly coupled to the bicycle and pivotally coupled to the sail assembly. The sail assembly is also slidably coupled to the sail guide member such that the sail assembly moves between an open position and a collapsed position when the sail assembly pivots on the sail pivot bracket arm.

Abstract: A land sail-propelled vehicle includes a one-piece molded body defining a seat in a top surface thereof. At least one tubular rear axle guide is bonded to, or molded into, a rear portion of the body. A rear axle assembly, including at least one rear axle, is removably insertable into the at least one rear axle guide. A tubular port is bonded to, or molded into, a front portion of the body. A steering assembly is removably insertable into the port. Tires, ice blades, or the like are attachable to the ends of the rear axle assembly and steering assembly so as to engage an underlying solid surface. A sail assembly is detachably connected to the steering assembly to propel the vehicle.

Abstract: A cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A frame boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system. The jib sail of the sailing system may be adjusted during use through swing of the jib boom. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays cooperatively support attachment and use of jib sail to recumbent tricycle allowing application of wind force to stably motivate the land cycle. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an electrical system including an electrical generator in cooperation with the rear wheel to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for storage and use with accessories as well as an electrical motor which may be controlled to allow application of mechanical force in addition to wind force for vehicle motivation.

Abstract: A cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A frame boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system. The jib sail of the sailing system may be adjusted during use through swing of the jib boom. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays cooperatively support attachment and use of jib sail to recumbent tricycle allowing application of wind force to stably motivate the land cycle. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an electrical system including an electrical generator in cooperation with the rear wheel to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy for storage and use with accessories as well as an electrical motor which may be controlled to allow application of mechanical force in addition to wind force for vehicle motivation.

Abstract: A land cycle for sailing on land comprising a recumbent tricycle with a first wheel and seat positioned aft of second and third wheels. A boom extending anteriorly of the front wheels engages a tricycle sprint to support a sailing system, which includes a vertically positioned mast engaged with the recumbent tricycle frame between the front wheels. A jib sail is positioned within a butterfly jib boom attached to the forestay and may be adjusted during use by the rider. The mast and combination of forestay, rear stay, mast sidestays and sprint sidestays cooperatively support attachment and use of said jib sail to said recumbent tricycle, thereby allowing a rider to apply wind force to stably motivate said land cycle. Further improvements disclosed and claimed include an independent rear brake, butterfly jib boom sleeve, a tubular jib spar, and a tubular forestay.

Abstract: A mounting system for a boom (14) of a landsailer (1) includes a resilient flexible member (12), at one end engageable with a rearward portion of the landsailer frame (2) and at the other end with the main sheet (13). A steering mechanism includes a shaft (6) which extends through an aperture (5a) in the mast (3) or mast receptacle (3a) and an aperture (5b) in the frame (2). A wheel (8) is connected to one end of the shaft (6) and the driver operates the other end of the shaft (6). The frame (2) includes a cockpit section (20), mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) each engageable to form the landsailer frame (2). The dimensions of each part of the mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) are equal or smaller than the dimensions of the cockpit section (20). The sail (4) includes a pocket (17) to receive the boom (14), and a lower sail portion (4a) extending below the pocket (17).

Abstract: A sail attachment which when connected to the bicycle harnesses wind to drive the bicycle forward. The attachment is adapted to fit on the rear of the bicycle above its rear wheel and is securable to the bicycle seat. The attachment is provided with a wind receiving sail which when attached to the bicycle can harness wind 45 degrees from either the left or right side of the bicycle, 90 degrees from either the side of the bicycle and at the rear of the bicycle to power the bicycle.

Abstract: The bicycle has a frame on which a front wheel and a rear wheel are rotatably mounted. At least one of these two wheels is connected to at least one device using wind-generated Bernouilli force to assist forward motion of the bicycle. Such device has a wind-driven turbine with a plurality of horizontal air foils attached to a shaft rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. It also has a shield positioned adjacent to part of the turbine to deflect wind and prevent it from impacting the air foils when they rotate forwardly. A clutch is operatively connected to the shaft of the turbine to the wheel for transferring the force generated by the wind within the turbine to this wheel.

Abstract: The bicycle has a frame on which a front wheel and a rear wheel are rotatably mounted. At least one of these two wheels is connected to at least one device using wind-generated Bernouilli force to assist forward motion of the bicycle. Such device has a wind-driven turbine with a plurality of horizontal air foils attached to a shaft rotatably mounted about a horizontal axis. It also has a shield positioned adjacent to part of the turbine to deflect wind and prevent it from impacting the air foils when they rotate forwardly. A clutch is operatively connected to the shaft of the turbine to the wheel for transferring the force generated by the wind within the turbine to this wheel.

Abstract: A control yoke anchor system 1 for many uses of wind powered objects. The wind-powered object is tethered by lines 5 to a control yoke 2, which is releasably attached to an anchoring member 3. This anchoring member is attached to an anchor 6. This invention, by putting the control yoke in the center of projected aerodynamic forces path before anchoring them solves the problem of the user having to bear all or a portion of the wind powered object's tensile force in his/her arms and at the same time it allows for unimpaired control.

Abstract: A mounting system for a boom (14) of a landsailer (1) includes a resilient flexible member (12), at one end engageable with a rearward portion of the landsailer frame (2) and at the other end with the main sheet (13). A steering mechanism includes a shaft (6) which extends through an aperture (5a) in the mast (3) or mast receptacle (3a) and an aperture (5b) in the frame (2). A wheel (8) is connected to one end of the shaft (6) and the driver operates the other end of the shaft (6). The frame (2) includes a cockpit section (20), mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) each engageable to form the landsailer frame (2). The dimensions of each part of the mast receptacle (3a), saddle frame (10) and steering section (21) are equal or smaller than the dimensions of the cockpit section (20). The sail (4) includes a pocket (17) to receive the boom (14), and a lower sail portion (4a) extending below the pocket (17).

Abstract: A sail apparatus for a bicycle comprises a pair of sail grids, each having a pivoting mechanism for pivotally attaching a leading edge portion of the sail grids to a frame of the bicycle. A control mechanism, interconnected with the sail grids via a pair of linkage arms, controls the position of the sail grids. A sail is removably secured about each of the sail grids to provide wind resistance. The sail grids are disposed proximate a rear wheel of the bicycle, and, when in a retracted position, are parallel to the rear wheel. For use, a bicyclist actuates the control mechanism, and the sail grids pivot about the pivoting mechanisms out and away from the rear wheel. The sail apparatus further includes a rear sail which has opposed ends thereof connected to second end portions of the sail grids for capturing more air during use of the sail apparatus.

Abstract: A vertically placed, lift generating wing is affixed adjacent to, and forward of the steering head of a bicycle, or pedal cycle. This results in a conversion into a wind powered, sail propelled, vehicle for use as recreational enjoyment, as well as a practical mode of transportation. The resulting sail bike utilizes a mast attachment bracket (8) to support a lift generating wing which is generally comprised of; sail (1), sail luff pocket (2), mast (3), boom (5), sail trim rigging (10), battens (14) and other rigging and fasteners. The sail bike can properly perform all of the functions characteristic of a true sailing vehicle, including; sailing throughout course headings of 270 degrees relative to the wind's direction, beating, reaching, and running, and it will also permit safe and immediate execution of all maneuvers common to sailing vessels, including tacking, jibing and continuous sail trimming.

Abstract: A vehicle 10 powered by a sail 90 as well as by pedals 66 and 48 comprises a tandem bicycle with a stoker seat 38 in line with and behind a captain seat 32 and a vertical mast 86 stepped between the seats, the sail 90 being attached to and between the mast 86 and a horizontal boom 88 rotatably attached to the mast 86 and controlled by means of a rope and pulley system 115, lateral support of the vehicle 10 being provided by wheels 104 laterally displaced from the centerline of the vehicle 10 on each side of the vehicle 10, the seats 32 and 38 having seat backs 34 and 40 and located far enough behind the pedals 48 and 66 to provide a recumbent or semi-recumbent position for the operators.

Abstract: An assembled sail powered vehicle, including: a sail; a frame for supporting the sail, the frame including a plurality of elongated rigid frame members, a plurality of joint assemblies releasably captured between the ends of respective of the frame members, and a plurality of elongated flexible members, the flexible members being connected between respective of the joint assemblies, and the flexible members and joint assemblies cooperating to apply compression loads to the frame members; and structure for supporting the frame for movement across a surface.

Abstract: Rigging for a land or water vehicle comprises a symmetrical sail and a support therefore which is fitted with a tension member, the frame supporting the sail comprises two vertical uprights assembled together by hinged transverse bars, the rigging becoming asymmetrical when the middle tension member is actuated.

Abstract: A human body sail assembly including a rotatable mast with upper and lower horizontal sail braces that swing with the mast, the sail is tensioned by the braces and can be locked in the desired angular position by an easy to operate pawl and ratchet mechanism on the base of the mast, and the sail can be collapsed using quick release pivots at the inner ends of the sail braces.

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

Abstract: A skate sail, to be held by hand, for propelling an individual on a mobile supportive device, such as skates or a skate board, has a central vertical brace, and a horizontal cross brace whose center is attached to the upper portion of the central vertical brace. Identical spars extend from the base of the central vertical brace past the ends of the horizontal cross brace to which they are secured. The edges of the cloth of the skate sail are secured to, and held tightly by the identical spars. The central, vertical brace may be secured to the central axis of the sail, and the ends of the horizontal cross brace can push the spars apart to keep the sail taut. The individual holds the rig at the intersection of the vertical and horizontal braces, which should be near the center of effort of the sail, in a suitable direction to cause any available wind to propel him on his skates or skate board in any of the possible desired direction.

Abstract: A spherical element is disclosed having an external pivotably mounted bail counterbalance by an internal counterweight where the sphere is operable over plane surfaces and water supporting a variety of counterbalanced instrumentalities upon the bail and maintained upright by the counterweight when the spherical unit is moving, as well as when at rest.

Abstract: A sail propelled vehicle for land or sea in which a triangular yoke is pivotally attached at two of the corners thereof on two pontoons, skis, or skateboards at the forward ends thereof. The mast for carrying the sail is mounted vertically on the yoke at the third corner thereof. The operator is carried on the two pontoons, skis, or skateboards and by exerting force thereon through his feet and legs, the operator can pivot the yoke to position the sail on either side of the pontoons, skis, or skateboards to achieve improved stability, maneuverability and control.

Abstract: A sail device to be attached to the back of a bicycle rider. The device has a harness to permit attachment to the rider. A frame is attached to the harness and a further frame is pivotally attached to that frame. There is a control to control pivoting of the two frames. A sail is mounted on one frame and is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The device has controls to extend and retract the sail.

Abstract: A sail assembly for attachment to a bicycle having a frame, a rear wheel and a seat mounted on the frame forwardly of the rear wheel. The sail assembly includes a fork for bridging the rear wheel to mount on the frame and extend upwardly therefrom rearwardly of the seat. A boom is carried on the upper end of the fork to be generally horizontal and to pivot in a horizontal plane. A mast is mounted on the boom to extend upwardly generally in line with the fork, and a sail is attached at a leading edge thereof to the mast and at a lower edge to the boom. The fork is pivotally attached to the frame to enable pivoting rearwardly if the mast strikes an object while riding the bicycle. A flexure device restores the fork and mast to the generally upright position after the force which caused pivoting of the mast is removed. A flexure device also allows the boom to pivot laterally, but then restores the boom to a position generally in line with the bicycle after the force which caused the pivoting is removed.

Abstract: An amphibious pedal powered sailboat apparatus is provided by the present invention. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises in combination a relatively lightweight boat hull having an upper deck portion, a bow portion, and a stern portion; a front pair of wheels mounted on the hull for steering and to provide mobility of the apparatus on land and a rear pair of wheels mounted on the hull to provide traction and mobility of the apparatus on land; a first pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the bow portion of the hull and a second pedalling stand fixedly mounted in the stern portion of the hull; the first and second pedalling stands each comprising a pair of foot pedals mounted for rotational movement about a horizontal axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the hull; and drive mechanism for coordinating operation of the pair of foot pedals on the first and second pedalling stands.

Abstract: A kit for converting a motorcycle to an aircraft or airborne vehicle includes a glider type parachute with fore and aft lines for connecting to and supporting a motorcycle, in a balanced position, with a propeller system including counter rotating propellers mounted on a pair of concentric shafts and driven by rollers drivingly engaging the rear drive wheel of the motorcycle. Directional control by means of control lines attached to the rear of teeter bars suspended below the wing and connected by directional control lines to outriggers attached to the front wheel structure of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A wind powered propulsion device has a sail mount and harness means for retaining the sail mount on the back of a person. A sail is mounted on the sail mount. Preferably the harness means includes a backpack-like device having a back rest and strap for fitting over the shoulders and around the waist of a person. The mount may include a mast for holding the sail in a generally vertical position and a swinging arm. The sail is mounted at a first end of the swinging arm which is pivotal at a second end about an axis through the sail mount.

Abstract: A sail rig is used on a standard bicycle having a frame, a saddle on the frame, a front wheel on the frame forward of the saddle, and handlebars on the frame forward of the saddle and connected to the front wheel for pivoting same and steering the bicycle. The sail rig has a sail frame formed of an upright yard having a center and upper and lower ends and a boom extending generally horizontally rearward from the center and having a rear end spaced horizontally therebehind. An upright sail spanned over the yard and boom is generally symmetrical to either side of the boom. A fitting secured to the bicycle frame between the saddle and handlebars forms a socket between the saddle and the handlebars and a holddown eye forward of the handlebars. An upright rigid mast secured in the socket has an upper end connected by a swivel joint with the sail frame generally at the yard center.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pedal powered amphibious sailboat apparatus. In one embodied form, the inventive boating apparatus comprises a relatively light-weight hull with peripheral air tanks along the interior walls of the hull, two pedalling stands which translate the rotational movement of the foot pedalling by one or two occupants to a gearing system by means of drive chains, which synchronously causes rotational movements of a screw propeller and a pair of wheels in the rear of the hull. Accordingly, the unique pedal powered sailboat apparatus of the present invention is capable of cruising water with pedal power of the occupants and capable of land transportation without use of a fossil fueled combustion engine or electricity.

Abstract: A convertible moveable transparent sail adapted for bicycle to increase forward thrust, journaled for repositioning by cyclist in operation and readily reconfigurable for stowage.

Abstract: A remote controlled model landsailer includes a wheeled vehicle having a sail supported on a mast with a fixed rig position, in which realistic heeling is produced by an outrigger structure including a transversely-mounted resilient wire having wheels at either end thereof, with the elasticity of the wire providing for realistic heeling of the vehicle while at the same time preventing the vehicle capsizing. The model landsailer is remote controlled, in one embodiment, with a single remote control radio channel which is utilized to control the position of the nose wheel of a three-wheel support structure, with the single channel radio controlled operation permitting all sailing maneuvers including heading up, jibes, tacking, coming about and runs, and with the flexible wire outrigger providing realistic visual feedback to the operator of the radio control unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sailing vehicle with a collapsible frame comprising two longitudinal supports, a plurality of identically constructed transverse struts detachably connected to the longitudinal supports, at least one sail mast, at least one seat, two rear moving elements, and one forward moving element, the latter being steerable via a steering suspension, and a cross arm which is detachably connected to the rear end of the longitudinal supports. The mast, the seat, the forward moving element, and the steering suspension are supported by separate ones of the transverse struts and at least the transverse strut supporting the seat is connected to the longitudinal supports for adjustment lengthwise thereof.

Abstract: A wind or pedal propelled sail vehicle for land travel and particularly well adapted for highway travel. This invention relates to non-motorized land vehicles and more particularly to land sailing craft in which a sail is the principle propulsion means. This invention is comprised of a collapsible, metal tube frame of generally triangular configuration, which has attached thereto, three wheels and an occupant propelling means to facilitate locomotion over a hard surface. A conventional sailing rig extends above the frame and a novel rear steering means facilitates navigation. This invention is in no way a boat or sailboat using floats, or an iceboat using runners or skis.

Abstract: An energy efficient passenger carrying vehicle for road use. The vehicle basically comprises a long, narrow body carrying two passengers in a back-to-back relationship. The vehicle is basically a battery powered electric vehicle that can be charged by all free energy sources; namely, the sun, the wind, human muscles and momentum. The vehicle comprises four modules, namely body, solar, and two power modules. An electric power module is located within each end of the body module. This module includes electric motors driving the vehicle supporting wheels and rechargeable batteries to power the motors. Pedals, similar to those on a bicycle, located at each power module, drive generators to help recharge the batteries during operation of the vehicle, or directly help drive the vehicle wheels. A solar module comprising a large electricity generating solar cell panel covers most of the vehicle roof to aid in charging the batteries.

Abstract: A wind-propelled sail vehicle comprises a perimeter frame, a mast and a chassis with three support members such as wheels, pads or skis. Two support members of fixed orientation are situated forward, the third support member, for steering, is situated aft and the mast is placed substantially vertically over the forward support members. The mast is positively mounted in the head of a rigid tripod and fixed with respect to the middle of the front cross-beam of the chassis. One foot of the tripod is mounted to the frame and the other feet to the lateral portions of the frame. The laterally mounted feet at their juncture with the frame form the axles upon which the wheels, pads or skis are mounted. This construction greatly increases manoeuvrability while reducing the overall weight of the apparatus for a given sail surface.

Abstract: A sail arrangement having a hollow flexible boom with a short stiffener rod disposed therein near the forward end, and a stiffener tube which may be moved along the exterior of the boom. The flexible boom provides both automatic sail positioning and the spilling of excess wind during sudden strong gusts. In a second embodiment, a pivoted rigid boom is controlled by an elastic cord. In a third embodiment, a spring assembly permits the mast to pivot to spill the wind during strong gusts.

Abstract: A frame equipped with a fork on the front thereof carries either wheels or runners to engage the surface, and has a transversely extending seat mounted thereon that projects from both sides of the frame. A mast is mounted on the frame forwardly of the fork, and has a rearwardly-extending boom pivotally connected thereto, the mast and the boom carrying a sail. A hand-hold is formed on the boom, whereby a rider seated on the transversely extending seat can manipulate the sail to operate the bicycle, the seat facilitating side-to-side shifting of the rider's weight during operation. A closed loop handle on the fork makes one-hand steering of the bicycle easy to obtain.

Abstract: An energy efficient passenger carrying vehicle for road use. The vehicle basically comprises a long, narrow body carrying two passengers in a back-to-back relationship. The vehicle is basically a battery powered electric vehicle that can be charged by all free energy sources; namely, the sun, the wind, human muscles and momentum. The vehicle comprises four modules, namely body, solar, and two power modules. An electric power module is located within each end of the body module. This module includes electric motors driving the vehicle supporting wheels and rechargeable batteries to power the motors. Pedals, similar to those on a bicycle, located at each power module, drive generators to help recharge the batteries during operation of the vehicle, or directly help drive the vehicle wheels. A solar module comprising a large electricity generating solar cell panel covers most of the vehicle roof to aid in charging the batteries.