Abstract: The VEHICLE WITH TRAVELING WAVE THRUST MODULE APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS include force or forces applied to an arc-like flexible sheet-like material to create a deformed crenated strip fin with strained-deformations. The strained-deformations take on a sinusoid-like form that express the internal energy state of the flexible sheet-like material after it has been configured into a crenated strip fin. After being incorporated into a mechanism with couplings that prevent the crenated strip fin from returning to its un-strained state, the strained-deformations persist. Actuators may be used to sequentially rotate vertebrae attached to the fins causing the travel of sinusoid-like deformations along the fins. The fin, fin actuator or actuators, power source and central controller may be incorporated into a thrust module. Two thrust modules coupled to a central body via roll actuators and flexible coupling members may form a vehicle with exceptional maneuverability.

Abstract: A robotic eel may comprise a plurality of torque reaction engines, an inertial mass, and a fin. Each of the plurality of torque reaction engines oscillates an inertial mass about an axis, producing a torque reaction on and oscillation of an external shaft. Oscillation of the external shaft bends a beam of the robotic eel. Bending the beam of the robotic eel produces at least one of a traveling or a standing wave in the beam. The traveling wave may be communicated to a second torque reaction of the plurality of torque reaction engines and to the fin, producing thrust.

Abstract: A robotic eel may comprise a plurality of torque reaction engines, an inertial mass, and a fin. Each of the plurality of torque reaction engines oscillates an inertial mass about an axis, producing a torque reaction on and oscillation of an external shaft. Oscillation of the external shaft bends a beam of the robotic eel. Bending the beam of the robotic eel produces at least one of a traveling or a standing wave in the beam. The traveling wave may be communicated to a second torque reaction of the plurality of torque reaction engines and to the fin, producing thrust.

Abstract: The system is a type of gliding device capable of gliding through different mediums, such as water. The body of the gliding device is comprised of buoyant material and is ideally chosen based on the best material to utilize the hydrographic printing process. The body encourages the system to rise in water and wings extend from the body and resist vertical motion providing little resistance to forward motion. A third wing may extend from the distal end of the body and have a rudder pivotably connected thereto, allowing a user to manipulate the flight path of the system through the water while the system slowly rises to the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.

Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus and a method for aquatic propulsion by use of a swimming aid comprising an anchoring article and handles that are compressed and retracted in a scissor-like fashion by a User. This inward and outward motion translates by way of a pivot point to the other end of the handle, causing another set of arms operably connected to the anchoring article by way of two sets of straps, to pivot in a manner perpendicular to the motion of the handles, thus causing two vertical fins to move laterally through the water, displacing water, and propelling the user in a forward direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, foldable fin arms are attached to the second set of arms that is manipulated by the straps.

Abstract: A drift control system including at least one drift control device for use with a small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current comprising a rudder-like member adjustably coupled to the small boat by a mounting assembly including a first mounting bracket coupled to the small boat and a second mounting bracket rotatably coupled to the first mounting bracket by a coupling member and attached to the rudder-like member, and an adjustable locking assembly to selectively secure the rudder-like member in one of a plurality of positions relative to the small boat to effect the direction and speed of drift of the small boat against the forces of wind and current.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a propulsion device for use with a fluid may include a shaft coupled to a drive system that rotates the shaft, one or more cranks rigidly coupled to the shaft, and one or more connecting structures that are movably coupled to one of the one or more cranks. A foil may be rigidly coupled to the one or more connecting structures. One or more slide structures or one or more linkages may be coupled to the foil and arranged to restrain movement of the foil when the foil is actuated by the one or more cranks via the one or more connecting structures, such that rotational motion of the shaft is translated to a combination of motion of the foil between an inner extent and an outer extent and motion of the foil within an angular range between first and second limits.

Abstract: A combination kayak and paddleboard watercraft includes a hull formed from a substantially solid foam core. A rigid exterior coating is positioned on an exterior surface of the hull. A seating area is formed on the exterior coating proximate to a top surface of the hull and has a seating cavity extending into the substantially solid foam core. A foot hold area is formed on the rigid exterior coating proximate to the top surface of the hull and has at least two foot cavities extending into the substantially foam core. A standing area is formed on the rigid exterior coating proximate to the top surface of the hull and is positioned substantially between the seating area and the foot hold area, wherein the standing area further comprises a standing pad affixed to at least one of the hull and the rigid exterior coating.

Abstract: A propulsion device and a watercraft including the propulsion device. The propulsion device comprises a flexible fluke that is pivotable about a horizontal axis, for propelling a floating watercraft. The propulsion device is adapted for connection to an output drive shaft that transmits rotary motion. The propulsion device comprises a fluke oscillation drive having gear reduction of the rotary motion transmitted by the shaft and a mechanism for converting the rotary motion transmitted by the shaft to oscillatory motion of the fluke.

Abstract: A fish tail propelled water vessel uses a pair of back and forth reciprocating pedals to rotate a flywheel back and forth, the paddle blade of the vessel attached to the flywheel so that the reciprocating flywheel swishes the blade through the water in side to side fashion thereby propelling the vessel. A cable attaches each pedal to its respective side of the flywheel in order to cause rotation of the flywheel. A pedal cable helps balance the pedals thereby assuring smooth pedaling of the device. Holding one of the pedals forward of the alignment point with the other pedal, holds the blade to that side, thereby steering the vessel to the opposing side.

Abstract: A watercraft having a plurality of flexible section secured to a mount, having a drive assembly, wherein the water craft can move the flexible section upwardly and downwardly to propel the watercraft through the water.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device 10 has a linkage comprising a vertical drive link (20), a support link (12), an upper control link (50) having a forwardly extended handle bar (52), and a lower propulsion link (30) having a horizontal propulsion fin (32) backwardly extended therefrom. The control and propulsion links (50, 30) are interconnected by said drive link (20), which is capable of conveying propulsive oscillatory motion to the propulsion link (30) by means of a linear power actuator (90), and by the support link (12), which is pivotally connected a transom bracket (60) about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: A propulsion device is disclosed for propelling a floating watercraft. In at least one embodiment, the propulsion device includes a flexible fluke that is pivotal about a substantially horizontal fluke pivot axis, and at least one device for transmitting an oscillatory motion about the fluke pivot axis to the fluke. The propulsion device may be reconfigured between two or more modes or combinations of modes, for example: a manual power mode, in which a hand-lever is mechanically engaged with the fluke for transmitting an oscillatory, propulsive motion to the fluke by way of a reciprocating movement of the hand-lever; a motor-powered mode, in which a motor is mechanically engaged with the fluke, and the motion of the hand-lever is isolated from any propulsive motion of the fluke about the fluke pivot axis; a forward mode, in which a main portion of the fluke extends astern of the pivot axis; and a reverse mode, in which a main portion of the fluke extends afore of the fluke pivot axis.

Abstract: A watercraft propulsion device 10 has a linkage comprising a vertical drive link (20), a support link (12), an upper control link (50) having a forwardly extended handle bar (52), and a lower propulsion link (30) having a horizontal propulsion fin (32) backwardly extended therefrom. The control and propulsion links (50, 30) are interconnected by said drive link (20), which is capable of conveying propulsive oscillatory motion to the propulsion link (30) by means of a linear power actuator (90), and by the support link (12), which is pivotally connected a transom bracket (60) about a substantially vertical axis.

Abstract: Human powered watercrafts, propulsion systems, and methods of propulsion are provided. A watercraft having an upper deck is configured with a cam plate having a pedal above the deck and a plate and cam below the deck, the cam engaging a cam follower of a fin bar, the fin bar having a substantially vertical propelling fin at an aft end and a pivot to the craft at a forward end. In another embodiment the craft receives two cam plates with pedals, a plurality of fin bars and two propelling fins, all operatively interconnected by a pulley and belt such that a leg thrust upon a pedal opens the fins and an opposite leg thrust upon the opposing pedal closes the fins, propelling the craft. In still another embodiment, an open, hollow surfboard remove-ably receives the propulsion system and a user activate-able buoyancy compensator making a submersible human powered watercraft.

Abstract: A manually operated boat includes a propelling device including an upright driving rod extending through and rotatable relative to a floating member and having opposite upper and lower end portions that extend outwardly of the floating member, an operating member connected fixedly to the upper end portion of the driving rod, and a paddle member connected fixedly to the lower end portion of the driving rod so as to allow co-rotation of the operating member with the paddle member. The paddle member has a resilient paddle body having first and second paddle surfaces opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the driving rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water craft with a preferably closed buoyancy body (1), a propulsion motor (2), arranged within the buoyancy body and a propulsion fin (14), driven by the propulsion motor, designed to generate drive by means of a reciprocating movement. An efficient close to natural movement of the water craft is possible, wherein the propulsion fin (14) comprises an elastic retainer body (6), fixed to the buoyancy body (1) at a joint and an attachment point is provided at a given distance from the joint (16) which is engaged by an operating mechanism to exert a torque on the retainer body (6).

Abstract: A rowboat roving fin system that includes two rotating fin assemblies mounted on the watercraft's opposite sidewalls. Each fin assembly includes a rotating vertical post held on the outside surface of the sidewall by a mounting bracket. When held by the mounting bracket, the upper end of the post extends above the gunwale while the lower end of the post extends below the mounting bracket. In a first embodiment, a pivoting fin arm with a flexible fin attached thereto is pivotally attached to the lower end of each post via a stop hinge. The stop hinge acts to limit the rotating of the fin arm along a vertical arc around the lower end of the post. The fin is perpendicularly aligned and attached to the fin arm. Attached to the upper end of each post that extends near the gunwale is a perpendicularly aligned handle bracket. The handle bracket is perpendicularly aligned with the post and with the rotation arc of the fin arm. A rowing handle is pivotally attached at one end to the handle hinge.

Abstract: A collapsible watercraft for personal recreation. The collapsible watercraft includes a tubular frame that has a first portion and a second portion. Each of the portions are generally rectangular and are hingably coupled together allowing them to be folded one portion on top of the other. Two sets of pairs of floatation members are hingably mounted to the frame and are positionable between being adjacent the outer side of the frame for use, and adjacent the inner side of the frame for storage or transit. A human-powered oscillation of a fin member propels the craft. The fin member also serves as a rudder for steering. A foldable seat with a backrest along with a cargo net behind the seat is provided. A canopy is mountable to the frame for protection of the user from the elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for utilization of a sinusoidal pattern of movement for propulsion or energy recovery. The system comprises a plurality of rigid hull elements, completely or partly submerged, arranged in a row, rotatably attached to one another for rotation about parallel axes of rotation across the longitudinal dimension of the row of hull elements. The system further comprises movement devices for rotating the hull elements relative to one another or movement devices for recovery of energy as a result of rotating the hull elements relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for propelling a small boat through a body of water by use of a sculling action. The apparatus may be comprised of a vertical stock attached to a vertical surface of the boat, normally the transom. A wide, flexible fin may project outwardly and rearwardly from the bottom end of the vertical stock. A tiller may extend from the top end of the vertical stock towards the bow of the boat. The pumping action on the tiller causes the fin to move back and forth in a sculling action so as to propel the boat through the water. The apparatus may be easily folded into a compact package for storage in the boat either for emergency use or for storage of the boat. The fin may be bifurcated into a plurality of panels for more compact and efficient storage. Plates provided to hold the fin in a vertical orientation may have flanges along their upper edges to provide a step for easy reentry of a swimmer into the boat.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for utilisation of a sinusoidal pattern of movement for propulsion or energy recovery. The system comprises a plurality of rigid hull elements, completely or partly submerged, arranged in a row, rotatably attached to one another for rotation about parallel axes of rotation across the longitudinal dimension of the row of hull elements. The system further comprises movement devices for rotating the hull elements relative to one another or movement devices for recovery of energy as a result of rotating the hull elements relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for propelling a small boat through a body of water by means of a sculling action. The apparatus may be comprised of a vertical stock attached to a vertical surface of the boat, normally the transom. A wide, flexible fin may project outwardly and rearwardly from the bottom end of the vertical stock. An actuating means, typically a tiller, may extend from the top end of the vertical stock towards the bow of the boat. The pumping action on the actuating means causes the fin to move back and forth in a sculling action so as to propel the boat through the water. The apparatus may be easily folded into a compact package for storage in the boat either for emergency use or for storage of the boat. The fin may be bifurcated into a plurality of panels for more compact and efficient storage. Plates provided to hold the fin in a vertical orientation may have flanges along their upper edges to provide a step for easy reentry of a swimmer into the boat.

Abstract: An underwater propelling apparatus includes a body and a plurality of vibrating units. The plurality of vibrating units are placed in parallel to each other on a rear side of the body. Each of the plurality of vibrating units vibrates repeatedly and reciprocally to produce thrust.

Abstract: An underwater propelling apparatus, includes a body and a plurality of vibrating units. The plurality of vibrating units are placed in parallel to each other on a rear side of the body. Each of the plurality of vibrating units vibrates repeatedly and reciprocally to produce a thrust.

Abstract: A rigid or inflatable water craft propelled by a double-flipper device for safe displacement both for the user and nearby swimmer.consists of a floater specifically linked to a propelling system comprising a pedal mechanism with discoid branches with protected pedals actuating two cog wheels secured to two rods connected by pivot pins and sliding in two tubes at the end of which are fixed aquatic flippers. The rotation of the cog wheels, acting as a reduction gear box, about the axles fixing them to the outer hull open in its rear part enables to obtain effortlessly a constant and continuous flapping movement of the flippers in a common vertical plane, such as that produced by a human and known to be most efficient. The device is particularly designed for the general public for use in an aquatic environment in the form of nautical activities for leisure, sport or exercise.

Abstract: A swimmer propulsion device includes a harness with attached frame and resilient tail assembly. A foot-operated driver on the frame rotates and forces an apex member against the fluked tail assembly, while tensioning propulsion bands. As the apex member rotates beyond perpendicular, the band snaps the upwardly displaced tail assembly downwardly, thus thrusting the swimmer forward. The tail assembly has a spine with resilient vertebrae and a resilient portion that are all deformed as the tail assembly is displaced upwardly by the apex member. As the tail assembly moves downwardly, the resilient portion and the vertebrae return to the undeformed state, thus adding thrust to that provided by the bands. Interchangeable drivers and propulsion bands are provided that adjusts the amount of thrust provided by the system. Interchangeable flukes and dorsal fins are also provided. A single piece tail assembly is also provided as an alternate.

Abstract: A swimming aquatic creature simulator having a body which propagates waves of undulation of and along that body to thereby propel the simulator through a fluid in a lifelike manner. The body is formed of an elastomeric material and may be shaped like a fish. Applying oscillating rotational motion to the body at a location forward of the center of mass of the body produces undulating movements of the body which propel the simulator. The oscillating motion input may be provided by twisting a rigid shaft or flexible cable, which is connected to the body at a point forward of the center of mass. An internal motor can also be used to provide the oscillating motion input.

Abstract: A pelagic free swimming aquatic vehicle includes a rigid forebody having a predetermined volume; a watertight chamber in the forebody; and a flexible afterbody having a lesser volume than the forebody and including a maneuvering and propulsion propulsion structure and a drive system for driving the structure with a traveling sinusoidal wave motion.

Abstract: A diving apparatus includes an elongated hollow body which can completely accommodate a human body extending in the longitudinal direction of the hollow body but which differs from the external shape of the human body. In this case, the hollow body is designed elastically at least in one region for propulsion movement, and merges in its rear region into at least one propulsion fin.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit including a conduit having opposed, inlet and outlet ends. A first pivot pin is pivotally secured within the conduit adjacent its inlet end. A second pivot pin is pivotally secured within the conduit adjacent its outlet end. The forward end of a flexible sheet is secured to the first pivot pin, and the rearward end of the flexible sheet extends freely from the outlet end of the conduit. The flexible sheet is also secured to the second pivot pin between the forward and rearward ends thereof in a longitudinally compressed manner so as to impart a waveform to the flexible sheet. At least one crank arm is secured to the first pivot pin for oscillating the first pivot pin to cause the rearward migration of the waveform in the flexible sheet from the first pivot pin to the second pivot pin.

Abstract: A fin drive for a watercraft (1) has a lever arm (7, 7') operable with muscle force, which lever arm is connected to an up and down movable carrier (2) through a joint, on which the fin (25) is fastened. The fin (25) is fastened on the carrier (2) on a swivel axis (37) extending transversely in a travelling direction. A rod (26, 27), which can be moved up and down against the force of springs (69 to 72) relative to the carrier (2), is arranged on the front side and the backside of the carrier (2). The fin (25) is pivotally arranged about an axis (36, 38) parallel to the carrier swivel axis (37) on each rod (26, 27). The stroke of the rods (26, 27) can be adjusted relative to the carrier (2).

Abstract: A water teeter-totter is provided having a seating member for two or more persons. The seating member is pivotally mounted to a floating, buoyant support member, such as one defined by a pair of pontoons. The seating member is rockable relative to the floating support member by seated persons in a seesaw motion. In an embodiment, a propeller or other mover is operably connected to the seating body and propels the water totter device through the water upon rocking of the seating member relative to the floating support member(s).

Abstract: The windsurf board comprise a revolving sail, reciprocating fins and single sided pedal. The revolving sail rotates a drum to drive the reciprocating fin. On the drum, there are multiple cycles of slot knotched on the drum. One revolution of revolving sail will induce multiple flip-flop reciprocating motion of the reciprocating fin. The single sided-pedal uses the reciprocating motion to drive the reciprocating fins to propagate forward.

Abstract: A water vessel comprising a hull, at least one retractable hydrofoil apparatus configured for disposition in an extended orientation for vessel operation in a hydrofoil mode and for disposition in a retracted orientation for vessel operation in an undersea mode and propulsion apparatus providing propulsion of the vessel in both the undersea mode and the hydrofoil mode.

Abstract: A swimming aid includes a paddle with two blades for alternating arm strokes and a vertical blade attached to both feet for side to side leg motion in cooperation with the arm strokes. The two paddle blades are at opposite ends of a hand held shaft. Each blade has a rigid leading edge and a flexible following portion. When pushed forward, the blade lies in a plane for minimal hydrodynamic resistance. When pulled backward on a power stroke, the following portion bends out of the plane, creating increased hydrodynamic resistance for enhanced forward propulsion. This pulling action causes the legs to move laterally, alternating from side to side as the arm strokes alternate. A vertical blade has a narrow anterior portion with foot pockets for both feet side by side. The blade is widest at its trailing edge which may be forked and acts like a fish tail fin forcing the body forward. The propulsion is provided by the torso muscles moving the legs side to side not by leg muscles kicking as in swim fins.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a shoe assembly for attachment to the individual feet of the user, an outwardly projecting rigid support frame, a pivoted web, and a strap or band for yieldably limiting the extent of pivotal movement of the web relative to the supporting frame about a transverse pivotal axis. The web has a plan configuration that includes a substantially straight transverse trailing edge and a leading edge in the shape of a swept-back ellipse. Longitudinal sections across the web have proportional sectional configurations and a constant maximum thickness to length ratio between the upper and lower web surfaces.

Abstract: A floatation apparatus including a buoyant body for supporting a passenger, which is preferably lens-shaped and made of transparent plastic material, and controls for the direction and propulsion of the floatation apparatus when in water including a rotatable shaft positioned within a vertical channel extending through the buoyant body having one end attached to a flexible flap and another end attached to a handle. The rotatable shaft is preferably located in a positioned eccentric with respect to the center of the buoyant body and is manipulated by the handle to move the flap in one direction or the other so as to propel the buoyant body and alter the course of the buoyant body in the water.This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 122,532, filed Nov. 9, 1987, now abandoned, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 923,496, filed Oct. 27, 1986, now abandoned.

Abstract: A water craft includes a pair of spaced buoyant panels mounted to a substantially H-shaped frame. A pair of fins mounted along a central longitudinal member of the frame between the panels provides propulsion and steering control. Propulsion is maximized by means of a combined cam, linkage and telescoping support structure that varies the length of the aft fin so as to oscillate the fin in a substantially figure eight path. Further, the rigidity and flexibility of the fin may be controlled through a tension cable and hand actuator.

Abstract: The exercising apparatus described herein is an exercising board having a maneuverable fin which may be used to propel the board by its upward and downward motion. The board is used on water and may be used in surf riding. The rider stands on the board and moves a vertical handle backward and forward. The lower end of this handle is angled in such a manner that a fin attached at the lower end moves a flexible fin upward and downward in a manner similar to a fish's fin and provides a propelling force. The force required to move this handle and the attached fin provides a very beneficial exercise to the arms, legs and body.

Abstract: A steerable, self-propellable surfboard has a steering arrangement attached to a weight-bearing buoyant member such as normally forms a surfboard and arranged for being actuatable by a surfer lying prone on the buoyant member and permitting the surfboard to be maneuvered under control through a liquid in which the surfboard is disposed. The steering arrangement includes a rudder assembly arranged for changing a direction of travel of the surfboard, and a fin assembly which permits the surfer to propel the surfboard through a calm liquid body by causing the member to fishtail or undulate through the liquid in which the surfboard is travelling.

Abstract: A watercraft, which is propelled by a swivellable propulsion fin, which extends from its swivel axle parallel to the longitudinal direction of the watercraft and which is swivellable laterally by a drive device. The swivellable propulsion fin is arranged on the stern of the watercraft in the prolongation thereof.

Abstract: A watercraft, which is propelled by a swivellable propulsion fin, which extends from its swivel axle parallel to the longitudinal direction of the watercraft and which is swivellable laterally by a drive device. The swivellable propulsion fin is arranged on the stern of the watercraft in the prolongation thereof.