Abstract: Offshore loading system comprising a dynamically positioned vessel and at least two flexible elements, such as hoses extending in different directions from two spaced apart locations according to a preferably double catenary configuration towards a disconnectable coupling provided on an outboard extending arm of the vessel, the arm being swingable inboard and outboard while in the disconnected mode of the coupling. The central position of the coupling is obtained by the catenary configuration of the flexible elements, preferably by giving these elements the form of a double catenary line, obtained by means of a buoyancy device attached to each element and anchored to the sea bottom by a cable or the like.

Abstract: A skimmer craft for removal of a layer of oil or other floating pollutants from the surface of a body of water including a pair of spaced-apart pontoons with a horizontal floor plate extending between the pontoons. A sump box is positioned at the rear of the skimmer plate or floor and defines a fixed water exit with the sump. The floor and sump are vertically adjustable as a unit. The sump box has a horizontally-extending weir through which oil may enter into the sump. The sump includes a comminutor unit which will reduce and break-up agglomerations in the oil. Propulsion units are positioned along the sides of the pontoons and at the bow and stern of the vessel at predetermined locations. The propulsion units may be selectively operated to establish a controlled flow pattern to direct water and the associated oil layer into the floatation pool where the oil layer is skimmed off and directed into the sump. The propulsion units are also operable to pilot the craft.

Abstract: The device comprises a thruster assembly which consists of a housing, thruster motor, thruster propeller, and thruster motor control device. When integrated into a stern mounted main drive, the thruster housing becomes integral with the main drive. The thruster is situated on the transom just above the bottom line of the hull with its axis in line with the transom, horizontal with the water line, and at right angles to the main drive. The thruster control device is connected to the boat's steering wheel linkage so that when the wheel is turned the thruster is activated. Turning the steering wheel causes the thruster to push the boat's stern at right angles to the main drive thus causing the boat to turn. The direction the wheel is turned determines the direction of thrust (right or left) and therefore, the direction the boat turns. Additionally, thruster control can be achieved by connecting the thruster control device to the throttle/shift lever.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner which has a head mounted on wheels, a suction passage through the head, a turbine which is mounted in the suction passage, and a propellor which is driven by the turbine and which propels the head. A rudder, which is oscillated via a gear train driven by the turbine, is used to vary the direction of movement of the head.

Abstract: A fluid coupling is provided in a marine drive between the engine and the propulsion unit. The fluid coupling includes a fluid pump connected to the flywheel of the engine, and a turbine connected to an output shaft leading to the propulsiion unit. A series of vanes are provided between the fluid pump and the turbine, to direct the flow of fluid from the fluid pump to the turbine. The vanes between the pump and the turbine are movable to control the direction of impingement of fluid on the turbine, to regulate the speed and/or direction of rotation of the turbine relative to the speed and direction of rotation of the fluid pump.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a new and improved compass-type, retractable marine thruster apparatus comprises a housing pivotally mounted on a base that can be attached to the stern of a vessel, a tubular member having an upper section extending into the housing, a hub attached to the lower end of the tubular member, a cross-vane hydraulic motor in the hub and having a propeller mounted directly on its output shaft, a swivel assembly at the top of the tubular member arranged so that oil under pressure can be fed to a plurality of lines that are connected to the motor, a steering motor for rotating the tubular member about its longitudinal axis, and an hydraulic cylinder that can be extended to pivot the tubular member, hub and propeller out of the water.

Abstract: A naval propulsion plant that provides a pair of heat engines MT1 and MT2 that drive two independent pumps P1 and P2. In turn these pumps drive two hydraulic motors MR1 and MR2 with which two propellers E1 and E2 are solid in rotation. A suitable distributor 40 makes it possible to idle one of the two propellers in case of a breakdown, or to operate both with one of the heat engines.

Abstract: A watercraft is provided with a propulsion system having a hydraulic power plant driving a propeller through a transmission. The power to operate hydraulic pumps in the power plant is derived from wave motion by buoyant members connected to the power plant by outrigger arms. Undulation of the waves is converted to fluid pressure by the vertical movement of the buoyant members reciprocating pistons in the hydraulic pumps. Pressurized fluid is applied to a fluid motor driving the transmission. A steering assembly is operatively associated with one of the buoyant members.

Abstract: Submersible displacement apparatus 10 for periodically displacing a submersible suction cleaner connected to a suction source by a suction hose is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises a body 11 defining two converging flow passages 12 and 16 therethrough. Flow passage 16 is connectable in the hose with outlet 14 communicating with the source. Flow passage 12 at its inlet has a valve 17 for periodically opening and closing that passage. An actuation mechanism driven by water wheel 28 is provided for opening and closing valve 17. An impeller is rotatably mounted in passage 12 to drive propeller 20 when water is admitted through valve 17 thereby periodically to exert a displacement force on the body and therefore also on the suction cleaner.

Abstract: A highly maneuverable water craft for recreational enthusiasts with two hydraulically controlled and driven reversible propellers directionally fixed to a toroidal peripheral hull section which encircles a thinner interior platform section. The toroidal exterior hull provides stability for the platform in water, allowing the water craft to quickly spin, translate, stop and start. The directionally fixed propellers are not impacted by translation or spin and provide rugged and simplified construction. Placement of two fixed reversible propellers on the peripheral hull section provides maximum turning torque and allows elimination of a rudder or directional actuators. Control is provided by a novel pilot actuator and four-way valves assembly. Bumper strips, propeller guards, handholds and deadman switches can be provided for safety in handling this extremely maneuverable water craft.

Abstract: A boat is disclosed having a conventional inboard motor operatively connected to a primary propeller on the exterior of the boat. A hydraulic motor is operatively connected to the boat in the proximity of the primary propeller. A hydraulic circuit including a hydraulic pump is operated by the inboard motor and is connected to the hydraulic motor for actuating the hydraulic motor. An electrically operated solenoid valve is imposed in the hydraulic circuit to selectively by-pass hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic circuit away from the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is pivotally connected to the boat so that when in a first position, it will drive the boat forwardly, and when in a second position, it will drive the boat rearwardly. Conventional controls are provided to withdraw power from the primary propeller when the hydraulic motor is in operation.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for ships or the like having at least one main propeller or the like drivable by at least one main motor and further having at least one drivable auxiliary mechanism, for example a maneuvering propeller. An energy producer is drivable by the main motor. A further motor is driven by the energy producer and arranged for driving the drivable auxiliary mechanism. An adjusting mechanism is provided for adjusting energy emitted by the energy producer or absorbed by the further motor. A regulator adjusts the adjusting mechanism to a preselected energy output. The main motor and the auxiliary mechanism are sized such that in the higher part of the speed range of the main motor, the sum of the energy required to drive the propulsion means at that speed and simultaneously drive the auxiliary mechanism at that speed exceed the output available from the main motor.

Abstract: The screw of a screw-rudder propulsion assembly for a floating vehicle is suspended on the end of a steering shaft which is housed in a tubular casing which is supported on the vehicle. The shaft is rotated to steer the vehicle and the screw is driven by a hydrostatic receiver unit housed in the screw-rubber assembly. A pair of rotating joints through which oil is circulated to the hydrostatic receiver unit, a trust bearing, and the steering drive for rotating the steering shaft are grouped together at the top of the shaft.

Abstract: A low noise level, rapidly reversible propulsion system for a submarine or other vessel comprises a non-reversible adjustable speed prime mover, a reversible drive mechanism driven by the prime mover and including a fluid-cooled torque converter and speed reduction apparatus, an energy-dissipating load selectively connectable to the reversible drive mechanism, and a propeller driven by the reversible drive mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an emergency propulsion system for both motor powered and sailing vessels which have a single propeller shaft. This emergency system may be used with inboard engines or with a sailing vessel that has a small engine used for moving said vessel and/or docking. While and when under way engine failure may be experienced. Such failure is usually very inconvenient to the user of the boat. Many times such failure can and does become a serious matter. The present hydraulic propulsion system of this invention is intended to provide a "get home" drive for trawlers or sailing vessels using a single engine. A small diesel engine that is used to provide electrical generation is also selectively employed to turn a hydrostatic pump and then through a fluid connected means drives a hydrostatic motor which drives a V-belt to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A self-contained unit for underwater propulsion, for use with scuba tanks. The unit comprises an hydraulic motor which uses a special air compressor oil as an hydraulic fluid and uses the breathing medium to circulate the oil uniformly mixed therewith the mixture being powered by the breathing air supply itself and later separated, the air being then filtered for use as breathing medium by the diver.