Abstract: A cup anemometer providing accurate wind speed measurement in a cost-effective configuration. A rotor of the anemometer, e.g. a single-piece molded rotor, may be assembled to a shaft using a cap. In some embodiments, the hub of the rotor and the cap provide symmetry in the area of the cups and arms of the rotor and/or the bottom of the hub and the top of the cap may be positioned above and below, respectively, the planes defined by the tops and bottoms, respectively, of cups of the rotor. In some embodiments, each of the of the cups may be generally conical having a cone angle of nominally 114 degrees and/or each of the arms of the rotor may have a front surface that is co-planar with a front surface of an associated one of the cups.

Abstract: A measurement device includes a frame member rotatably supported about a first axis line, a detection body disposed inside of the frame member and rotatably supported relative to the frame member about a second axis line, and a vane disposed on one end side of the detection body in a direction orthogonal to the second axis line and that directs the other end side of the detection body in the direction orthogonal to the second axis line toward an air flow upstream side upon receiving an air flow. The measurement device includes a wind direction sensor disposed in the detection body that detects a wind direction as a direction of the other end side of the detection body in the direction orthogonal to the second axis line, and a wind speed sensor disposed in the detection body that detects a wind speed of the air flow.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for the hydrostatic interlock of a lifeboat includes a pressure cylinder provided with a valve. A positive-negative pressure annular fastener made of soft plastic material is assembled on the topside of the pressure cylinder and has its topside formed with an attaching surface. A U-shaped support frame is fixed at the outer side of the pressure cylinder, and a telescopic support holder is connected to the U-shaped support frame. An anchor base is positioned under the telescopic support holder, and a manual pump has a tube connected to the valve, and installed with a pressure gauge. The testing apparatus for the hydrostatic interlock of a lifeboat in the invention can simulate the launchings pressure of a lifeboat to carry out actual hooks release in a lifeboat drill, able to ensure safety of lives of the personnel who participate in the drill.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for sensor-based sailboat sails, including a device to detect whether a flow on a sail is attached or separated including a flow separation sensor; a device using data from the separation sensor to trim the sail; a wind history device for storing a history of wind conditions on the sail; a UV-exposure sensor for measuring UV-exposure on the sail; an acceleration sensor to measure an attitude of the sail; a stress or strain sensor to measure stretch and loading of the sail; an energy supply to provide energy to the sensors; and a data display to show data from the sensors to a user.

Abstract: A system for detection of turbulent air flow across a sail of a sailboat, comprising at least one base module arranged to be attached to said sail; an elongate body arranged to move in said air flow, which is attached to said at least one base module at one end; a power source on said at least one base module; at least one sensor on said at least one base module arranged to detect movement of said elongate body; and a signalling device arranged to output signals to a sailor on said sailboat in response to signals received from said at least one sensor; wherein said base module comprises at least one radiator which is arranged to transmit electromagnetic or optical radiation in the direction of said elongate body moving in said air flow; and said at least one sensor on said base module is arranged to detect reflected radiation from said elongate body moving in said air flow.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a sail assist device, which includes a wind direction sensor for measuring a wind direction, a ship position acquiring module for acquiring a latitude and a longitude of the ship, and a display module for calculating a layline based on the latitude and longitude of the ship, a latitude and a longitude of a target position of the ship, and the wind direction, with the target position being a reference, and displaying a target mark indicating the target, a ship mark indicating the ship, and the layline.

Abstract: An embodiment of concentrically-mounted disks, designed for sailing, which can be used in conjunction with a navigational chart and/or a compass to calculate boom/mainsail angles in degrees relative to a sailboat's course heading, calculating all sailable compass headings. Calculations factored by transitioning boom/mainsail angles, apparent wind ratios, angle of attack, and the areo-hydrodynamics of sailing. Further providing depictions of course heading, relative position of boom/mainsail, apparent wind direction, and coordinates relative to a navigational chart.

Abstract: A device for determining the flow regime and/or the direction of a fluid flow close to an element exposed to the flow, such as a sail, includes at least one dog-vane (1). The device further includes at least one flexible strip (2), one region (5) of the strip being fastened to the element (7) exposed to the flow and another region (15) of the strip being free relative to the element, so as to enable the strip and the free region extending substantially parallel to the element to flex, the dog-vane being fixed via one of its ends to the free region of the flexible strip. The device includes conversion element (3, 3?, 3A, 3B, 3?A, 3?B, 3C, 3D, 3?C, 3?D) for converting the deformations undergone by the strip into an electrical signal, relative to a reference position, and processing element (4) for processing the electrical signals.

Abstract: A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis.

Abstract: A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis.

Abstract: A system for detection of turbulent air flow across a sail of a sailboat, comprising at least one base module arranged to be attached to said sail; an elongate body arranged to move in said air flow, which is attached to said at least one base module at one end; a power source on said at least one base module; at least one sensor on said at least one base module arranged to detect movement of said elongate body; and a signalling device arranged to output signals to a sailor on said sailboat in response to signals received from said at least one sensor; wherein said base module comprises at least one radiator which is arranged to transmit electromagnetic or optical radiation in the direction of said elongate body moving in said air flow; and said at least one sensor on said base module is arranged to detect reflected radiation from said elongate body moving in said air flow.

Abstract: A device and apparatus for determining wind conditions around a sailboat. The device includes means for receiving a measured wind angle and wind speed readings from a wind sensor attached to the sailboat and readings of boat heading and boat speed through the water, means for storing wind angle correction data, a computing unit for computing a corrected wind angle reading using the measured wind angle reading, the boat speed reading and the wind angle correction data and for computing a wind direction using the corrected wind angle reading and the boat heading reading, and means for displaying the wind direction. The device additionally includes input means for receiving a wind direction error tack to tack, means for determining the current tack state of the sailboat using the measured wind angle reading, and means for modifying the correction data. Thus, powerful and intuitive correction of wind direction readings is possible.

Abstract: The masthead wind direction indicator illuminator of the present invention provides three significant improvements over the prior art including elimination of wiring and switches, greatly extended lighting element life and automatic on/off control. Elimination of wiring and switches greatly reduces the complexity of the illuminator system, use of LED light source elements greatly increases the life of the illuminator, and use of a light sensitive switching element provides automatic control of the illuminator.

Abstract: A bird-deterrent device including a hub with fingers radiating from the hub to prevent or inhibit birds from perching on the top of a sailboat mast. In one embodiment, the hub is mounted to the top of a mast by a fastener which also secures a post of a wind indicator having a vane rotatable on the post to indicate wind direction. In another embodiment, the hub is mounted or fixed about the post of the wind indicator. In another embodiment the hub is fixed to a post which is connected to the halyard to be raised above or lowered below the mast.

Abstract: A device and apparatus for determining wind conditions around a sailboat. The device includes means for receiving a measured wind angle and wind speed readings from a wind sensor attached to the sailboat and readings of boat heading and boat speed through the water, means for storing wind angle correction data, a computing unit for computing a corrected wind angle reading using the measured wind angle reading, the boat speed reading and the wind angle correction data and for computing a wind direction using the corrected wind angle reading and the boat heading reading, and means for displaying the wind direction. The device additionally includes input means for receiving a wind direction error tack to tack, means for determining the current tack state of the sailboat using the measured wind angle reading, and means for modifying the correction data. Thus, powerful and intuitive correction of wind direction readings is possible.

Abstract: A device for determining the flow regime and/or the direction of a fluid flow close to an element exposed to the flow, such as a sail, includes at least one dog-vane (1). The device further includes at least one flexible strip (2), one region (5) of the strip being fastened to the element (7) exposed to the flow and another region (15) of the strip being free relative to the element, so as to enable the strip and the free region extending substantially parallel to the element to flex, the dog-vane being fixed via one of its ends to the free region of the flexible strip. The device includes conversion element (3, 3?, 3A, 3B, 3?A, 3?B, 3C, 3D, 3?C, 3?D) for converting the deformations undergone by the strip into an electrical signal, relative to a reference position, and processing element (4) for processing the electrical signals.

Abstract: A new and improved tell-tale comprised of a flexible array of light emitting diodes (LED's) that is integrated into a fabric tell-tale strip. A port side tell-tale includes a flexible array of red color emitting LED's and a starboard side tell-tale includes a flexible array or green colored LED's. Electricity is conducted to the tell-tale strips by foil conductors that are embedded within adhesive backed plastic strips which adhere to the sail.

Abstract: A method for measuring channel flow discharge comprising the steps of: locating a platform carrying a fluid flow measurement device at a plurality of stations at spaced locations across a channel; determining the velocity of the platform at each station by averaging the differences between the position of the platform at a first time (t) and the position of the platform at a second time equal to the first time plus a position averaging interval (PI) for a plurality of different first times; obtaining current flow vs. depth profiles at each station by adjusting current velocity as measured by the current flow measuring device for the platform velocity; determining the flow discharge at each station.

Abstract: Wind indicator apparatus for indicating air flow comprising: a direction pointer, including a vane member, for providing a visible indication of air flow direction; pivoting means including a fixed portion for coupling to a sailing craft and a pivotable portion able to pivot with respect to said fixed portion and with which said direction pointer is entrained for movement therewith; and a counterbalance extending from said pivotable portion of said pivoting means and arranged to move therewith, the mass of the counterbalance being disposed so as to maintain the direction pointer in a substantially level position.

Abstract: A vane designed to get oriented in the axis of an ambient airflow. The vane allows for the intake of differential pressure presenting the aerodynamic incidence &agr; of the vane. According to the invention, the differential pressure intake is balanced when the vane is oriented naturally in the axis of the airflow.