Abstract: A watercraft comprising a battery ballast system is shown and described. The battery ballast system comprises a plurality of carriage assemblies, each comprising a plurality of tiers along the watercraft's height axis, and each being movable along the watercraft's length axis. The batteries sit on movable supports that are movable along the watercraft's width axis. Each tier is loaded to less than 50 percent with batteries and battery supports so that the batteries in each tier can be moved along the ship's width axis relative to the hull in a manner that will affect the ship's list. The carriage assemblies occupy a portion of the length along which they are movable so that they can be moved along the ship's length axis relative to the hull to affect the ship's trim.

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved nozzle for an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), and a method for operating the same. The nozzle includes a first rigid member operatively coupled to a UUV steering mechanism. The nozzle also has a second rigid member, coupled to the first rigid member by a flexible bellows according to a configurable operating angle. The nozzle does not extend beyond a bounding surface when stored but does when deployed. Water traversing the first rigid member and contacting the second rigid member produces a reactive force according to the configurable operating angle. Simultaneous and independent control of the volume of fluid traversing several such nozzles in the UUV, and their respective orientations and operating angles, permits automatic station-keeping or navigation according to another guidance objective.

Abstract: A device, which is autonomous or which can be associated with another structure, for propulsion in a liquid environment, is described. The device has a bladder body made of a soft material, developing along and around a central longitudinal axis, defining an internal chamber between a dorsal wall and a ventral wall; in the bladder body, an inlet opening and an outlet opening of a liquid in and out of the chamber, arranged at a longitudinal end of the body; and drive means for driving a contraction of the bladder, arranged on the dorsal wall and having a mechanical connection with the ventral to cyclically attract the ventral wall to the dorsal wall, thereby causing a pulsed ejection of a propeller jet from the chamber through the outlet opening.

Abstract: Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safe, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drives jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increase stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safe, and good for the environment.

Abstract: A jet flow propelled surfboard assembly comprises a longitudinally forwardly elongated structure including a flotation board to support a surfer and two positive displacement pumps which pistons can be manually operated in seesaw-like actions by feet of the surfer to generate jet flows to propel the surfboard assembly.

Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.

Abstract: A jet flow propelled surfboard assembly comprises a longitudinally forwardly elongated structure including flotation means to support a surfer and other means which includes a positive displacement pump which spring-loaded piston can be manually operated by the feet of the surfer to generate jet flow to propel the surfboard assembly. Also, a jet flow propelled surfboard assembly comprises a longitudinally forwardly elongated structure including flotation means to support a surfer and other means which including two positive displacement pumps which pistons can be manually operated in seesaw-like actions by feet of the surfer to generate jet flows to propel the surfboard assembly.

Abstract: A float member has a top surface, a bottom surface, a front end and a rear end. A pair of elongated chambers extend in the float member between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each elongated chamber has respective openings at the top surface and bottom surface and rear end. Flap valves are provided for permitting water to enter through the bottom openings of the elongated chambers and foot pumps are provided for ejecting water through the rear ends of the chambers.

Abstract: A water borne boat is propelled by manually energized water pumps that propel the boat by induction and reaction forces, the water pumps being manually energized by a person standing on drive members of the pumps, which are operated in the manner of a treadmill.

Abstract: An air motor for small manually powered recreational boats. The overall system includes a manually powered pump which supplys pressurized air to accumulator tanks through check valves, a throttle to pass selected quantities of pressurized air from the tanks to an air motor, and the motor which converts the air pressure to rotational motion which drives an underwater propellor to move the boat. The air motor includes at least two sets of valves and power piston assemblies. A control cam and a power cam are mounted on a rotatable crankshaft which also drives the propellor. The control cam actuates the valves to direct air therefrom in a properly timed sequence. The power piston rods press on the power cam (functioning as a lever arm) to cause rotation of the crankshaft. This air motor assembly is compact, lightweight, smooth running and energy efficient.

Abstract: A surfboard type boat convertible into a sailboat or buoy and comprising a circular floating board enclosed by a shell of polyethylene and containing foamed polystyrene. A cone-shaped keel likewise filled with foamed polystyrene is provided on the lower side of the floating board. A hollow cylinder extends upwardly from and perpendicularly to the floating board and a piston provided with a handlebar at its upper end is slidably mounted within the cylinder. A water ejection tube extends transversely of the lower end of the cylinder through the cone-shaped keel. A rudder operable by the heels of the user of the boat is mounted downstream of the outlet of the water ejection tube. By lifting the piston water is sucked into the cylinder and by vigorously pushing down the piston the water is expelled through the ejection tube and the boat is propelled. The piston can be replaced by a mast for a sail without boom operable by the user.

Abstract: A buoyant craft, such as a boat or raft, propelled by a water jet thrust of high efficiency. Such thrust is provided by a wedge shaped chamber, such as one including a substantially flat plate pivotally mounted forwardly and on the underside of the craft and having two vertical sides. Pedals are provided on an extension of the flat plate. A modification involves the use of two separate wedge shaped jet thrust chambers with a common central wall to permit better steering. Still another modification involves the use of a wedge shaped chamber made of rubber or other flexible elastomer which is squeezed by pivotal movement of the pedal-operated flat plate to effect jet propulsion.