A water propulsion apparatus operatively connected to a body moving on or through a body of water, may produce a propulsive force by sweeping fins in an oscillating motion in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The fins may be mounted on opposite sides of a frame and are rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the center longitudinal axis of the frame. Drive members rotatable about a second axis that is canted relative to the first axis may be operatively connected to the fins. The oscillatory motion of the fins may be controlled by torque applied at the canted second axis by reciprocating the drive members in a generally vertical plane parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the frame. The oscillating fins may provide a propulsive force during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

A water propulsion assembly operatively connected to a watercraft moving on or through a body of water, may produce a propulsive force by sweeping fins in an oscillating motion in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. Drive members rotatable about a second axis that is canted relative to the first axis may be operatively connected to the fins. The oscillatory motion of the fins may be controlled by torque applied at the canted second axis by reciprocating the drive members in a plane generally parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The oscillating fins may provide a propulsive force during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

A water propulsion assembly operatively connected to a watercraft moving on or through a body of water, may produce a propulsive force by sweeping fins in an oscillating motion in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a first axis coplanar to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. Drive members rotatable about a second axis that is canted relative to the first axis may be operatively connected to the fins. The oscillatory motion of the fins may be controlled by torque applied at the canted second axis by reciprocating the drive members in a plane generally parallel to the center longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The oscillating fins may provide a propulsive force during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.

What is provided is a propeller guard apparatus that may be readily configured to a variety of different boat motors. Described embodiments of the propeller guard apparatus comprise a cylindrical housing configured to circumferentially enclose a propeller from all sides in order to protect humans, pets, and aquatic wildlife from being entangled or cut by the propeller. Described embodiments of the propeller guard apparatus also comprise a protective structure, such as a skid plate comprising of at least two pieces of metal attached from the cylindrical housing to an end of the outer casing to form a folded T-shaped configuration. This type of configuration serves to protect the propeller from damage caused by submerged objects and aquatic wildlife found in shallow water. Also, the folded T-shaped configuration may push vegetation, weeds, manatees, and other aquatic wildlife away from the path of the moving boat and its propeller.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

A marine vessel engine in which moving parts found in conventional marine engines are eliminated, wherein such engine is used for the propulsion of marine vessels. In the marine vessel engine, no lubrication or cooling is required, and a column of water replaces the conventional piston in a cylinder of the engine, wherein such water column partially fills such cylinder. The marine vessel engine comprises a cylinder, a bent tube with a plurality of openings and two ends, a flapping member, at least one solenoid valve, and an exhaust. In operation of the marine vessel engine, a column of water fills the cylinder through the bent tube openings, and is purged outside from the cylinder through the flapping member. The at least one solenoid valve controls the flow of a power source into the cylinder.

A marine vessel engine in which moving parts found in conventional marine engines are eliminated, wherein such engine is used for the propulsion of marine vessels. In the marine vessel engine, no lubrication or cooling is required, and a column of water replaces the conventional piston in a cylinder of the engine, wherein such water column partially fills such cylinder. The marine vessel engine comprises a cylinder, a bent tube with a plurality of openings and two ends, a flapping member, at least one solenoid valve, and an exhaust. In operation of the marine vessel engine, a column of water fills the cylinder through the bent tube openings, and is purged outside from the cylinder through the flapping member. The at least one solenoid valve controls the flow of a power source into the cylinder.

A V-hull boat design having the engine placed forward of the longitudinal centerline offers advantages over traditional boat designs. The engine is placed forward of the longitudinal centerline of the boat and under the walking deck within the passenger cabin such that it does not interfere with the placement of passenger seating within the boat. Placement of the engine in a position forward of the longitudinal centerline of the boat moves the center of gravity of the boat forward compared with traditional I/O, V drives, and direct drives. By placing the engine forward of the longitudinal centerline, in a location that is generally not utilized in the hull of the boat, substantial passenger and cargo room is preserved in the aft half of the boat. Bow rise during acceleration is reduced; ride comfort is improved through chop or waves; and wake performance behind the boat is improved.

The present invention provides an apparatus, method and system for utilizing commercial cargo containers. The present invention utilizes containers made autonomous by coupling a container with a detachable propulsion system, having a motor and navigation and steering controls, permitting the rapid, controlled, efficient and safe delivery of cargo containers individually by water. Ballast units, deployment systems and control via remote units are also disclosed. The containers, utilizing their inherent buoyancy, can move autonomously according to a preplanned or remote controlled route to a specific location.

The disclosure relates to a fluid outlet interface for a personal watercraft, so that the latter can collect and divert a very small portion of the fluid pressurized by said vehicle and thus create a sufficient Venturi effect to drive the emptying of the bilge of said vehicle. The disclosure also relates to a personal watercraft, or more generally any floating device delivering a pressurized fluid, comprising such an interface.