Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion control system includes a controller to control a movement of a marine vessel and propulsion devices each including a power source and a thrust generator to generate a thrust based on a drive force of the power source. The controller controls the movement of the marine vessel to navigate according to a preset sea route including a target position. The controller reduces the drive force of the power source of each of the propulsion devices when the marine vessel reaches a deceleration start position that is spaced apart from the target position by a required deceleration distance, and, after reducing the drive force of the power source of each of the propulsion devices, cuts off transmission of the drive force from the power source to the thrust generator in at least one of the propulsion devices depending on a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for guiding a first watercraft remotely has a rudder proximate the stern of the first watercraft, having a rudder shaft extending upward from a deck area at the stern, a servo device having an output servo horn coupled to the rudder shaft by a linkage, adapted to turn the rudder shaft in concert with the servo horn, a radio receiver/controller adapted for receiving radio signals for guiding the first watercraft, the radio receiver/controller coupled to the servo device, and a radio transmitter having an input wheel for providing steering commands. The system is characterized in that the input wheel of the radio transmitter is manipulated by a user remote from the watercraft, the radio signals for guiding the first watercraft are transmitted from the radio transmitter to the radio receiver/controller on the first watercraft, and the radio receiver/controller provides operating signals to the servo device to rotate the servo horn either clockwise or counterclockwise, guiding the first watercraft.

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: A method including operating a vehicle in a medium. The vehicle is subject to advection due to movement of the medium. The method also includes measuring, using a navigation system, positions of a vehicle over time. The method also includes measuring, using a directional sensor, a course-through-medium over the time. The method also includes calculating, using the positions and the course-through-medium, a variation of a speed-over-ground of the vehicle over the time as a function of the course-through-medium over the time. The method also includes concurrently estimating, using the variation, 1) an average speed-through-medium for the vehicle over the time, and 2) an advection rate of the medium, and 3) an advection direction of the medium.

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: The present invention is directed broadly to an underwater appendage assembly (10) of a marine vessel (12). The underwater appendage assembly (10) is in the form of a rudder assembly fitted to a bow section (14) of the vessel (12). The rudder assembly comprises an appendage in the form of a rudder foil (18) connected to a flapper member (20). The flapper member (20) is arranged whereby movement and more particularly pitching, of the vessel (12) induces deflection of the flapper member (20) relative to the rudder foil (18). This deflection in the flapper member (20) provides an oscillating movement of the flapper member (20) in a flapping action which is substantially synchronised with movement of the vessel (12) upward and downward. The flapping action of the flapper member (20) is effective in promoting forward propulsion of the vessel (12).

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: Methods and systems for raising deep ocean water include pumping a quantity of fluid through at least one hose. At least one turbine is driven with the quantity of fluid pumped through at least one hose. At least one pump is driven with the at least one turbine. A second quantity of fluid is sucked into the at least one pump and driven through at least a second hose.

Abstract: A device for linear propulsion (1) comprises a support structure (2) for carrying a payload, and one or more wave propulsion modules (3). The or each wave propulsion module (3) comprises a first individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (4) and a second individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (5). The first individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (4) is capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating by spring or dynamics of buoyancy means in response to an incoming fluid flow in the horizontal plane (6). The second individually-pivoted substantially planar blade (5) is capable of producing a reactive force by self-attenuating by spring or dynamics of buoyancy means in response to an incoming fluid flow in the vertical plane (7).

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 float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

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: Disclosed is a ship equipped with a propulsion system using wave force, the ship including: a hull; a tube fixed to the hull to be at least partially submerged in water and having a variable volume; a restorer including weights disposed on a bottom in the tube and elastic members pushing down the bottom of the tube to apply restoring force to the tube so that the volume of the tube is restored; an air discharge unit including an air discharge pipe connected to the tube with an end exposed in water and a first valve disposed on the air discharge pipe to open and close the air discharge pipe; and an air suction unit including an air suction pipe connected to the tube with an end exposed to the atmosphere and a second valve disposed on the air suction pipe to open and close the air suction pipe.

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: In one aspect, a device comprises a means for generating an aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force acting on the device, wherein the aerostatic force acting on the device is a significant portion of a total force acting on the device due to the aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force, a reaction force, and a buoyancy force. In another aspect, a device includes a cavity with a first internal pressure of a first fluid, and a plurality of conduits extending from the cavity to an environment outside of the device with a second pressure different from the first pressure, wherein fluid flows through the plurality of conduits, and an aerostatic force exclusive of a buoyancy force acting on the device is greater than a reaction force acting on the device due to the fluid flow or is a substantial portion of the total force acting on the device.

Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

Abstract: An Endurance Extension Module (EXM) for powering an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. The EXM converts wave motion to locomotive thrust, towing the UUV from point to point or keeping it in place against an opposing current. The EXM may also supply the UUV with electricity for driving an electric motor or powering on-board electronics. The EXM can be refracted onto the UUV when not in use to minimize drag, or it can release the UUV as prologue to a subsequent rendezvous. The EXM-UUV combinations of this invention allow extended autonomous missions over wider territory for purposes such as surveying, monitoring conditions, or delivering cargo.

Abstract: An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel comprises a ballast stabilized stator portion and a rotor portion with wings rotated by wave-induced orbital water particle motion. Phased power generation resists rotor portion rotation when the horizontal component of water motion is in the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel further comprises a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: Equipment and methods which combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle and the waves-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.

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: Many of the known wave-powered devices (“WPDs”) comprise (1) a float, (2) a swimmer, and (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer. The swimmer generates thrust as the float moves up and down due to surface waves. A WPD is provided with a rigid tether that can be moved from (a) a first position (“adjacent position”) in which at least a part of the tether is adjacent to the float to (b) a second position (“extended position”) in which the tether (i) is extended below the float and (ii) is at least in part substantially rigid. The WPD can if desired be transported, stored, or launched while the tether is in the adjacent position, and the tether can be moved into the extended position after the device has been launched and remain in the extended position while the device is being operated.

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: A wave glider system includes a float having geodetic navigation equipment for determining a geodetic position and heading thereof. The glider includes an umbilical cable connecting the float to a sub. The sub has wings operable to provide forward movement to the float when lifted and lowered by wave action on the surface of a body of water. At least one geophysical sensor streamer is coupled to the sub. The at least one geophysical sensor streamer has a directional sensor proximate a connection between the sub and one end of the at least one geophysical sensor streamer to measure an orientation of the streamer with respect to a heading of the float.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

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: There is provided an item which floats in a body of water. The item includes a body having a surface provided to form at least part of the underside of the item and an opposing surface. The item includes apparatus comprising at least one channel which passes between the surfaces and allows the passage of water therethrough. A means provided to influence and/or be influenced by the passage of the water through the at least one channel to exert a propelling and/or controlling force on the item.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

Abstract: An autonomous submersible vessel employs ambient wave energy to both propel itself and to generate required onboard electrical power. The vessel combines a ballast stabilized stator portion and a wave orbit driven rotor portion. Controlled resistance to their relative rotation occurs only when the horizontal component of wave orbit motion coincides with the desired direction of navigation, so increased hydrodynamic drag at that time acts to pull the vessel forward. The vessel incorporates a means to collect and preserve plankton samples. The vessel design enables alternate operation as an oceanographic glider to also navigate in deep water and in calm seas.

Abstract: Many of the known wave-powered devices (“WPDs”) comprise (1) a float, (2) a swimmer, and (3) a tether connecting the float and the swimmer. The swimmer generates thrust as the float moves up and down due to surface waves. A WPD is provided with a rigid tether that can be moved from (a) a first position (“adjacent position”) in which at least a part of the tether is adjacent to the float to (b) a second position (“extended position”) in which the tether (i) is extended below the float and (ii) is at least in part substantially rigid. The WPD can if desired be transported, stored, or launched while the tether is in the adjacent position, and the tether can be moved into the extended position after the device has been launched and remain in the extended position while the device is being operated.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention allows for the replacement of polluting and inefficient diesel-based marine propulsion systems. A natural-gas burning power plant in combination and at least one renewable energy source are combined to drive a ship's propulsion during times when the power plants are not in use for other activities including desalination and oil exploration. Renewable energies are used judiciously to reduce fossil fuel requirements but the present invention does not fully rely on renewable energy, which is not always available.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: Regenerative surfing is utilizing a controllable regenerative braking system to regulate speed while surfing. A vertical sculling hydrofoil boat, utilizes the regenerative braking system and includes a vertical sculling drive system for both propulsion and regenerative braking. The regenerative surfing boat also may include ballast tanks to tune the speed at which the maximum lift to drag ratio appears. The regenerative surfing boat may use an automated surfing control system to control the boat. A method of controlling the trajectory of a surfing boat by controlling a regenerative braking device utilizes a hydrodynamic power collection device for trajectory control as an energy harvesting method.

Abstract: The device according to the invention relates to a device for detecting a risk of aquaplaning which arises during the driving mode of a vehicle. The device contains for this purpose first means which determine a first propulsion variable which describes the propulsion of the vehicle which is to be expected on the basis of the operating state of the engine and/or of the drive train. In addition the device contains second means which determine a second propulsion variable which describes the propulsion occurring during the driving mode of the vehicle and which arises due to the longitudinal acceleration acting on the vehicle. The presence of the risk of aquaplaning is inferred as a function of a deviation between the first propulsion variable and the second propulsion variable.

Abstract: A wave powered vessel includes a plurality of float members suspended by a suspending member on a hull body and movable upwardly and downwardly relative thereto with the rising and falling tides. A plurality of power units, such as gear trains or force pumps, are coupled respectively to the float members to rotate a driven shaft in a uni-direction so as to drive a propeller, thereby propelling the hull body forward.

Abstract: The wave powered (WP) propulsion systems developed in great amount for boats are not in use because of small effectiveness caused by rocking process reducing propellor stroke relatively water. Submarines and special quasi-dipped watercrafts deprived of this disadvantage. Their bodies keeps stable the propellors mounted on conning towers or special props owing to the body's great mass. This factor multiplies the WP propellor effectiveness meeting Navy and Merchant fleet requirements.

Abstract: This is a vibrational water mover, the vibration is caused by the off set shaft on the motor, a rod connecting the the motor to the elements set the elements into vibration, causing large amounts of water to be set into motion, with a minimal amount of effort, the elements can range in design from flat to tubular that set in the water, to angled, flat pieces that set on the waters surface.

Abstract: Method of cyclic anchoring itinerant (CAI) propulsion uses a phenomenon of anchored float horizontal motion as wave rises.

Abstract: To access the inexhaustible energy source like seas and oceans we need to learn how to convert its wave motion to the customized power for our ships, for our existing littoral settlements and our future ocean settlements. Here is an attempt to develop method of the conversion the wave energy to power with floating means based on a gyroscope strong capability to resist against the outer force moment trying to tilt it to any side. The gyroscope is used as the fulcrum torque dynamic supporting instead traditional static base used in the issued devices. Alternate force moment created by the waves and transmitted to the gyroscope (via the floating body and the wave energy converter) inducts alternative gyro precession so as the gyroscope axis hesitates about mean position. This is important because it allows the gyroscope to keep dynamic fulcrum torque in unlimited time.

Abstract: A body board includes a pair of extensions along opposite sides adjacent the stern of the board. The extensions have a rearwardly-facing surface defining a volume for receiving water by which the body board may be propelled. The extensions are formed of a flexible material enabling folding of the extensions onto the surface of the body board to reduce the lateral and height dimensions of the body board for handling, shipping, transportation and storage purposes. To maintain the extensions in operable configuration, an insert is provided for reception within the extensions and is formed of a material more rigid than the flexible material of the extensions.

Abstract: A helical turbine assembly capable of providing high speed unidirectional rotation under a multidirectional ultra low-head fluid flow is disclosed. The assembly comprises an array of helical turbine units or modules arranged, vertically or horizontally, to harness, for example, water or wind power. Each turbine unit or module comprises a plurality of helical blades having an airfoil profile. The modules for wind power may be mounted to rotatable shafts supported by lightweight structures anchored by guy wires to the ground. The helical turbine can also provide ship propulsion by utilizing the power of ocean waves. In a further embodiment, a cylindrical distributor is provided in the helical turbine to channel the fluid flow to the blades of the turbine, thereby increasing efficiency and power output. The helical turbine with distributor may be used to lift or lower a body either being submerged into a fast stream or dragged in the fluid.

Abstract: For any directed sea waves the rocking propelled ship can reach high speeds if it utilizes an sea waves energy by means of1. A rocking propulsor, which is a couple of hydrofoils kept elastic cross by pivots on the extreme points of streamline narrow keel-rocker, extended far out off long sizes of the ship and thus wags hydrofoils vertically with a speed and an amplitude being sufficient for its proper work;2. A "pendulum design" of a rocking propelled ship, described by a light wide body with weight, concentrated in a middle lowest ship's part and having a vertical keel with a heavy bob. This design provides the highest efficiency of an energy transmission from waves to ship rocking.In case of need to increase ship's speed some more its rocker should be rigged by an on-board oscillator, which is a central heavy flywheel, which is alternately twisted up to speed by a serve motor in both directions on cross axle in time (resonance) of ship rocking.

Abstract: A body board having a body member and a pair of extensions removably coupled to the body member. The pair of extensions provide a rearward-facing surface that generally faces away from the stern of the body member so that the force of a fluid delivered against the rearward-facing surface propels the body board. A tongue and groove attachment assembly removeably secure each extension to the body member.