Abstract: A hybrid electrical and mechanical ship propulsion and electric power system, includes a first mechanical power plant configured to drive a first propeller via a first shaft. There is a second electrical power plant configured to drive a second propeller via a second shaft. The second electrical power plant includes HTS generators and a high temperature superconductor (HTS) motor interconnected to the second shaft. There is a first electrical network to which the HTS motor is connected in order to energize the HTS motor to drive the second propeller via the second shaft.

Abstract: A robotic jellyfish comprises a torque reaction engine and a jellyfish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the jellyfish body, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic jellyfish.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including for back-up power sources. In one aspect, a method includes providing a plurality of first battery devices, each first battery device respectively electrically coupled to a respective server rack in a plurality of server racks and having a respective capacity to provide power to the respective rack for a power anomaly for up to a first duration. Providing a second battery device electrically coupled to the plurality of server racks and having a capacity to provide power to the plurality of respective server racks for a power anomaly for up to a second duration, wherein the second duration is longer than the first duration. A power anomaly is a deviation of mains power from one or more of a nominal supply voltage and frequency.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) chip including an array of asymmetrically distributed magnetic field sensing elements. Additionally, an integrated circuit (IC) chip includes a substrate, a sensing coil supported by the substrate and enclosing a portion of substrate, and a Hall effect sensor supported by the portion of the substrate enclosed by the sensing coil.

Abstract: A buoyant vessel having a hull and a drive system mounted to the hull, the system having a rectifier, a generator, an AC bus in communication with shore power or a charging system and the rectifier, a DC bus in communication with the rectifier, at least one energy storage system, an inverter, a prime mover, a load regenerating device, and a control and monitor system which has predefined specifications for at least one of: storage units of at least one energy storage system; stored therein and wherein the control and monitor system is adapted to: automatically control the DC/DC converters, relieve a current draw from one or more storage units, provide charging current, and automatically draw power and redirect energy.

Abstract: A remotely controlled robotic sensor ball and method of operation thereof. The robotic sensor ball includes an outer shell forming a ball, control circuitry positioned within the outer shell, a camera operably connected to the control circuitry, a propulsion system inside the outer shell, and one or more connectors. The control circuitry includes at least one processor, memory, and a wireless communication interface. The camera is configured to generate video signals of a view exterior to the outer shell. The propulsion system configured to cause the outer shell to rotate in response to instructions received via the wireless communication interface. The one or more connectors are configured to operably connect one or more sensors to the control circuitry. The one or more sensors are connectable in a modular manner.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to electric marine propulsion systems with drive trains, and associated systems and methods. In representative embodiments, the disclosed technology includes pre-assembled transmission cartridges, gear reduction planetary gears, and/or component support arrangements that can increase the life of the system and/or reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: The presently disclosure describes a system for a providing an assistive driving force to a wheelchair. The system comprises a power assist system which includes a motion sensing system that is configured to detect the motion of the power assist system, and hence of the wheelchair, and a power assist drive system that is configured to provide an assistive drive force. The system also comprises a sensor, such as may be embedded in a wearable wristband, that is configured to detect the motion of a user's hand and that is in communication with the power assist system. The system may be configured to determine whether the wheelchair is being manually pushed based at least in part on the user motion, and to activate an assistive drive force in response to a manual push. The system may also be configured to determine whether the wheelchair is being manually braked based at least in part on the user motion, and to deactivate an assistive drive force in response to a manual brake.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to watercraft with retractable drive mechanisms. One example provides a watercraft including a hull having a receiving compartment, and also having a deck. The watercraft also includes a drive unit extending through the deck and the hull of the watercraft and being configured to receive rotational input. The drive unit includes a driveshaft and propeller moveable between an extended position in which the propeller is positioned underneath the hull and a retracted position in which the propeller is positioned at least partially within the receiving compartment.

Abstract: A retrofittable watercraft propulsion device enables motorized propulsion and maneuvering of a watercraft occupied by a user. The retrofittable watercraft propulsion device includes an elongated shaft, an impeller pump, a handle, a control input device, a portable power source, a swivel bracket, and a microprocessor. The elongated shaft submerges the impeller pump below the waterline and provides support for the user while the watercraft is in motion. The impeller pump harnesses the water and generates thrust to propel and maneuver the watercraft. The control input device allows the user to throttle or brake the impeller pump. The portable power source supplies electrical energy to the microprocessor and the impeller pump. The swivel bracket swivels the elongated shaft and redirects the thrust of the impeller pump. Finally, the microprocessor controls the impeller pump based on how the user operates the control input device.

Abstract: This propulsion unit for an aquatic vehicle consists of a mobile casing equipped with an azimuth bearing due to its mounting in a pivot connection in relation to a hull element of the aquatic vehicle, the azimuth bearing having a closed volume provided to contain a hydraulic fluid, the propulsion unit having a drive shaft of a propeller, said shaft being mounted rotatably within the mobile casing by means of at least one bearing having a closed space adapted to contain a hydraulic fluid, an electrical machine being adapted to drive the rotary drive shaft in relation to the mobile casing, the propulsion unit having a supply circuit adapted to supply the closed space of the shaft bearing with hydraulic fluid. The supply circuit has a supply duct connecting the closed space of the shaft bearing and the closed volume of the azimuth bearing.

Abstract: A wireless controller configured to operate the propulsion system of a vehicle, and in particular a watercraft, using intuitive, analog controls, whereby the controls allow for movement of the vehicle in forward, reverse, left, and right directions, at varying speeds, with the propulsion system in one embodiment having a pair of fixed motors each with a rotating propeller, with all directional and speed variations accomplished by operating each of the propellers in the same or opposite direction as the other propeller, each propeller operating at various speeds or no speed.

Abstract: A self-contained marine propulsion impeller system, whereby, the impeller is driven from an outer perimeter of a cylinder, thereby, creating thrust. The impeller is connected to an inner wall of the cylinder. The cylinder has a primary end located opposite a secondary end. The primary end of the cylinder has a primary sealing member and a primary bearing member. The secondary end of the cylinder has a secondary sealing member and a secondary bearing member. A plurality of magnets are connected to an outer perimeter wall of the cylinder. The plurality of magnets are located between the first bearing member and the second bearing member. The cylinder is surrounded by a housing. At least one coil winding is connected to an inner wall surface of the housing. The rotating cylinder is suspended within the housing by the first bearing member and the secondary bearing member.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide an engine in which operation of a control system and communication of information can be performed easily form above the engine. A blank part is formed in a top cover provided on an upper surface of an engine arranged in an engine room of a ship so as to penetrate vertically the top cover, an engine side operation part is arranged so as to face the blank part, and an upper end of the engine side operation part is positioned lower than an upper surface of the top cover.

Abstract: A gearless speed reducer or increaser consists of an input shaft, an output shaft, and a motor connected to the input shaft. There is an external race connected to one of the shafts, and an internal race attached to the other shaft. Two ball bearings are disposed between the races and held in place by a finger assist. After the ball bearings have been inserted, the shafts are tilted relative to each other so that the balls become fixed in pockets created between the races and cannot slide within the races.

Abstract: A bow and stern thruster apparatus includes a motor, a propeller, a battery, a radio receiver, control logic, and power driver circuitry; together forming a fully integrated thruster unit that slides up and down along a guide device to a hull attachment fixture near the water line of a boat. The deployed thruster unit can act as a bow or a stern thruster depending on where the guide device and attachment fixture are mounted to the boat. The thruster unit is retracted by raising it along the guide device to be stowed well above the water line, or to be removed entirely from the hull.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including for back-up power sources. In one aspect, a method includes providing a plurality of first battery devices, each first battery device respectively electrically coupled to a respective server rack in a plurality of server racks and having a respective capacity to provide power to the respective rack for a power anomaly for up to a first duration. Providing a second battery device electrically coupled to the plurality of server racks and having a capacity to provide power to the plurality of respective server racks for a power anomaly for up to a second duration, wherein the second duration is longer than the first duration. A power anomaly is a deviation of mains power from one or more of a nominal supply voltage and frequency.

Abstract: A watch device includes a processor, a display and a memory. The memory includes instructions for establishing a network connection between the watch device and an electronic GPS mapping computer of a watercraft for transmitting, receiving or displaying data.

Abstract: An electric watercraft propulsion system includes a battery assembly capable of generating AC power, an electric motor electrically connected to the battery assembly, and an output drive shaft mechanically connected to the electric motor.

Abstract: The invention provides an encapsulated magnetically geared brushless electric marine propulsion system with the principle components arranged axially around the central shaft. The marine propulsion system includes: the brushless DC motor, comprised of the stator fixed to the central shaft and motor magnets fixed within the motor rotor coupled to the central shaft using precision ball bearings; the high-speed magnetic gear rotor coupled to the motor rotor comprising an alternating array of magnets fixed to a ferromagnetic backing; the environmental barrier which protects the motor and additionally houses pole pieces to modulate magnetic flux; the low-speed magnetic gear rotor coupled to the central shaft and comprised of an alternating array of magnets fixed to a ferromagnetic backing; the propeller coupled to the low-speed magnetic gear rotor; and the shroud coupled to the struts of the motor mounting system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for cooling of a pod propulsion device, including a motor casing (3) and a strut (2), which strut (2) is connected at a lower part thereof to the motor casing (3) and is arranged to be connected at an upper part thereof to a hull (1) of a ship, said motor casing (3) including a housing (6) enclosing an electric motor (5) with a stator (51) and a rotor, wherein periodically a forced cooling air flow (W,S) is shifted to use a front duct (2A) as supply (S) for limited time period TF and thereafter shift to use the aft duct (2B) as supply (S) for a limited time period TA. The invention also relates to a ship provided with such a system and method for cooling of pod propulsion device.

Abstract: An activation and operation mode system for an electrochemical battery for the propulsion of marine craft, in particular for torpedoes; the system being equipped with an inlet valve for the inflow of water from the outside environment, a flow rate regulator of the flow input through the inlet valve, an outlet valve for the outflow of the liquids and gases produced by the chemical reaction, and a mode valve movable from a discharge position, in which the fluid produced by the chemical reaction is conveyed to the outlet valve, and a recirculation position, in which said fluid is made to recirculate through the electrochemical cells of the battery; the inlet valve, the outlet valve, the flow rate regulator and the mode valve being grouped in a single external body so as to define a compact monolithic assembly.

Abstract: The converter includes a plurality of input lines and one or more output lines. Each input line is connected to a group of supply circuits and the supply circuits of each group are connected to different output lines. The electric generator comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has a plurality of windings. Each winding has a plurality of phases. Each phase comprises bars connected in series. The phases have a first connection at one end, a second connection at the other end and a third connection in an intermediate position between the first and the second connection.

Abstract: A trolling motor system for a light-weight watercraft comprises: a mounting system attaches to the watercraft, the mounting system includes a bracket and a plate, the plate includes a first end, a moveable end, and a hinge therebetween, a connector removably joins the bracket to the watercraft, a pivot connects the bracket to the first end of the plate; a winch is located adjacent the first end and is adapted to raise and lower the movable end between an up position and a down position; a guidance mechanism is coupled to and below the moveable end, the guidance mechanism includes a wire system for controlling rotational movement of the trolling motor; and a trolling motor affixed to and located below the guidance mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel floatation device useful for use by a snorkeler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a ship's propulsion unit such as a ship's azimuthing propulsion unit. The propulsion unit can include at least one supporting metal sheet arranged between an support section of a shell structure of the propulsion unit and an cylindrical outer surface of a cylindrical section of a motor housing section of the shell structure for providing additional support for the motor housing section of the shell structure at the shell structure of the support section.

Abstract: This underwater vehicle includes an electrolyte-activated electrochemical fuel cell to supply it with electrical power, which fuel cell includes: an electrochemical power production cell (3), a reservoir (4) to contain the electrolyte. means of circulation (7) of the electrolyte between the electrochemical cell (3) and the reservoir (4), comprising a semi-axial flow pump arranged axially in the reservoir and comprising a motorized wheel rotatably mounted in a diffuser, characterized in that the diffuser has the general shape of a dome to direct the flow of the electrolyte coming out of the pump in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the pump, and thus of the reservoir.

Abstract: A trolling motor system for a light-weight watercraft comprises: a mounting plate for attachment to the watercraft, the plate includes a fixed end, a moveable end, and a hinge therebetween, a winch is located adjacent the fixed end adapted to raise and lower the movable end between an up position and a down position, a guidance mechanism is coupled to and below the moveable end, and a trolling motor affixed to and located below the guidance mechanism. The system may also include a quick release mechanism coupling the guidance mechanism and trolling motor to the moveable end. The guidance mechanism may include a wire system for controlling rotational movement of the trolling motor. In use, when the watercraft is moved into or out of the water, portions of the system may be easily removed from the watercraft, so that the entire weight of the system is not a hindrance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a floating vessel for taking liquid samples, comprising a shell (2) that has a hull (3) to be submerged in a liquid medium below the water line and a superstructure (4) arranged above the water line; the vessel also comprises air propulsion means, means for taking and storing samples, and means for remotely controlling the air propulsion means and the sampling means; and the vessel further comprises a secondary detachable shell (32) provided with means for fixing to the shell (2) of the vessel, covering at least the hull of the vessel.

Abstract: The power transmission apparatus may include a battery, a motor generator that is switchable between a driving state and a power generation state, at least a load, an inverter to switch the motor generator to any of the driving state and the power generation state, a charging state detecting means to detect a charged amount C of the battery, an absorbing horsepower detecting means to detect the absorbing horsepower Lp of the load, and a control device to switch the motor generator to any of the power generation state and the driving state by means of the inverter, based on the absorbing horsepower Lp detected by the absorbing horsepower detecting means and the charged amount C of the battery that is detected by the charging state detecting means.

Abstract: A ship includes a main propeller; a pod propulsion unit; and a rudder plate. The main propeller, the pod propulsion unit and the rudder plate are arranged on a hull centerline in this order. The pod propulsion unit includes a pod propeller; and a strut. The main propeller and the pod propeller configure a contrarotating propeller. When rudder angles of the pod propulsion unit and the rudder plate are zero, at least a part of a front end of the rudder plate is in front of a rear end of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a temperature control system for an electrochemical voltage source. It is planned that the temperature control system comprises a fluid moving device for moving a fluid for controlling the temperature of the voltage source.

Abstract: A rudder propeller with an underwater mechanism including a planetary gearing, the planetary gearing including a sun gear, a fixed internal gear and planetary gears, mounted between the sun gear and the internal gear and running on planetary axles of a planet carrier, wherein the planetary gears are mounted on the planetary axles by hydrodynamic slide bearings.

Abstract: A watercraft and controller are disclosed. An embodiment includes a controller for the water craft being configured to operate at least one drive propeller of the drive system of the watercraft below a first propeller rotational speed according to a first operating state by operating at least one drive motor, connected to the at least one drive propeller, via a first alternating voltage; and operate the at least one drive propeller above the first propeller rotational speed according to a second operating state by operating the at least one drive motor via a second alternating voltage. In a transition from the first into the second operating state or vice versa, the first internal combustion engine is operated at such a rotational speed that the at least one drive propeller is driven at the first propeller rotational speed, and the first alternating voltage is synchronized with the second alternating voltage.

Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.

Abstract: A propulsion system, for use by a swimmer in both on-water and under-water applications, includes at least one power supply unit attached to a sleeve secured about and to a forearm of the swimmer, at least one corresponding propulsion unit including a motor and an impeller, the propulsion unit offset from the forearm near to the wrist and away from the head of the swimmer, and control elements that actuate the power and propulsion units. One control element includes a grip upon the flexion axis of the swimmer which controls pitch of a longitudinal axis of the propulsion unit relative to a forearm of the swimmer, the control elements include a pivotally secured bracket, and elements for control of the level of power provided to the propulsion unit, in which the rotation and control elements are both positioned for ease of accessibility by a hand of the swimmer.

Abstract: A vertical travel assistance unit for a trolling motor in which the vertical travel assistance unit is attached to the shaft of the trolling motor by at least one mounting bracket or clamp and is attached to the trolling motor boat mount by at least one mounting bracket or clamp. A power cable connects the trolling motor and the vertical travel assistance unit to provide power to the actuator of the vertical travel assistance unit, which permits the vertical travel assistance unit to raise or lower the trolling motor along a vertical axis and wherein the vertical travel assistance unit, having an actuator comprising an actuator shaft; motor shaft and the trolling motor shaft moves up and down when the actuator shaft moves up and down.

Abstract: A watercraft includes a stern flotation compartment. The hull is carved out underneath the gunwales to admit a vertical cylindrical sleeve extending through the flotation compartment from top to bottom, and sealed top and bottom. A studded vertical mounting tube carrying an electric motor fits within a slotted cylindrical steering tube; the latter is carried on rotatable bearings affixed to the vertical cylindrical sleeve. A steering assembly is affixed to the slotted cylindrical steering tube and a guide tube fits closely within the vertical mounting tube. An electrical power cable is connected to the electric motor and a retraction assembly is affixed to the electric motor.

Abstract: A vessel includes a cargo tank storing LNG, a main engine and a sub engine using the LNG stored in the cargo tank as fuel, and a liquefied gas treatment system which includes: a main BOG supply line configured to compress the BOG generated in the cargo tank by a compressor and supply the compressed BOG to the main engine as fuel; a sub BOG supply line configured to compress BOG generated in the cargo tank by a compressor and supply the compressed BOG to the sub engine as fuel; a main LNG supply line configured to compress the LNG stored in the cargo tank by a pump and supply the compressed LNG to the main engine as fuel; and a sub LNG supply line configured to compress the LNG stored in the cargo tank by a pump and supply the compressed LNG to the sub engine as fuel.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data utilization for aquatic efforts are disclosed. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: In one technique of the present invention, DC electric power from a DC bus is inverted to provide AC electricity to one or more electrical loads, and AC power from a power generating device is rectified to provide a first variable amount of electric power to the DC bus. This technique also includes determining power applied to the electrical loads, and dynamically controlling the amount of power supplied from the power generating device and an electrical energy storage device in response to the power applied to the loads.

Abstract: There is provided an axial gap type generator exhibiting improved precision in positioning stator cores. An axial gap type generator comprises a generator case fixed to a crank case of an engine, a rotor yoke housed inside the generator case, and fixed to a crankshaft of the engine, and a first stator core and a second stator core fixed to generator case inner faces, and disposed flanking the rotor yoke in a rotation axis direction. The generator case is configured through direct connection of a first member to which the first stator core is fixed and a second member to which the second stator core is fixed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric-powered drive system for coupling to a hull of a watercraft. The electric-powered drive system includes one or more mounting units; a first support members, a second support member, a propeller shaft, a propeller coupled to the distal end of the propeller shaft; and a rudder.

Abstract: The present patent application provides a wind turbine with variable blade pitch. The wind turbine with variable blade pitch includes a turbine shell coaxially disposed at a turbine axis; and at least three evenly distributed blade handle bases fixedly disposed at the outer circumference of the turbine shell. A blade handle axis is coaxially configured on each blade handle base. A blade is fixedly disposed on each blade handle axis. A centrifugal blade pitch changing unit is disposed on the turbine shell and configured to adjust the rotation speed of the wind turbine. When the rotating speed of the wind turbine exceeds the rated rotating speed, it is regulated by the centrifugal blade pitch changing unit, so as to avoid the rotating speed of the wind turbine to be greatly increased due to the wind speed rise and make the wind turbine run stably at the rated rotating speed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mounting and controlling a motor on a kayak are disclosed. A motor may be mounted to a kayak by a single interface on the kayak and rotated using foot pegs. The control system provides for responsive input and automatic directional stabilization of the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an amphibious vehicle and especially to an amphibious vehicle having twin internal combustion engines propelling the vehicle in water with a pair of water jet drives and propelling the vehicle on land with one of the same engines having an electric generator powering a pair of electric motors each coupled to a track assembly. Each electric motor and each air brakes are controlled separately to steer and brake the track assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a propulsion apparatus for ships. The propulsion apparatus, which includes a front propeller and a rear propeller to rotate in opposite directions and provides propulsion power to propel a hull of a ship, includes a power unit to supply power to rotate the rear propeller, a main shaft to transfer the power supplied from the power unit to the rear propeller, a hollow shaft extending in a longitudinal direction of the main shaft to allow the main shaft to pass therethrough and coupled to the front propeller, a drive motor including a rotor coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the hollow shaft and a stator supported by the hull, the drive motor rotating the hollow shaft in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the main shaft, and an electricity supply unit to supply electricity to the drive motor.

Abstract: A water vessel having variable geometry is described. The water vessel comprises: a frame; a plurality of hulls coupled to the frame, each one of the plurality of hulls coupled to the frame by a folding mechanism and configured to move, relative to the frame, between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration in which at least one dimension of the water vessel is reduced in respect of the deployed configuration; a plurality of thruster assemblies configured to provide thrust to the water vessel, each one of the plurality of thruster assemblies being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of hulls; and a protective device coupled to a respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies, the protective device for preventing intake of foreign objects into the respective one of the plurality of thruster assemblies.

Abstract: A scuba tank accessory unit improves the diver experience by providing a streamlined diving unit for a back mounted diving device. The diving unit has a propulsion unit having a space for mounting a battery powered electric motor, armature extending out one end of the propulsion unit and further attached to a propellor. A battery pack is contained in a housing unit located either concentrically about the electric motor or atop it such that the electric motor extends slightly therein with a depression or cavity at the bottom of the housing unit.

Abstract: A passively stable personal hydrofoil watercraft that has a floation device, wherein a user can ride in a prone, kneeling, or standing position. The watercraft includes a strut having an upper end interconnected with the flotation device and lower end connected with a hydrofoil. The hydrofoil greatly reduces the power required to travel at higher speed. The watercraft also includes a propulsion system connected to the hydrofoil. Both longitudinal and directional control of the watercraft is via weight shift, eliminating the need of any movable surfaces. The floation device, strut, and hydrofoil may be permanently interconnected or may be detachable.