An underwater vehicle able to float on the surface of the water comprises a body delimited at least partially by a curved surface, the body defining an enclosure, the underwater vehicle comprising an arm mounted with at least one emitter or at least one receiver of electromagnetic waves, the arm being linked to the body by an articulation joint with a degree of freedom in rotation about an axis of rotation, the articulation joint allowing the arm to pivot reversibly between a retracted position, in which the arm is housed in the enclosure and is flush with the curved surface of the body, and a deployed position in which the arm extends out of the enclosure, the arm comprising a curved outer surface along the length of the arm, being flush with the curved surface of the body when the arm is in its retracted position.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction apparatus and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the stationary point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction apparatus includes: a streamlined fairing or wind deflector positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe disposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes; a wheel assembly with a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke; a wheel with a tapered spoke having a thin aerodynamic profile near the rim and tapering to a round profile toward the central hub; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A method and apparatus for shielding critical faster-moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds reduces vehicle propulsive counterforces needed to countervail mechanically magnified upper wheel drag forces combined with drag forces on the apparatus itself. The apparatus includes various upper wheel fairings of FIGS. 1-6. Each fairing shields a critical primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surface from headwinds otherwise impinging thereon.

A mooring buoy comprising a buoyant body, an attachment point for attaching the buoy to a marine vessel, a controller, an RF communication device for receiving a vessel ID identifying the marine vessel and a movement sensor, wherein the controller is arranged to determine when the marine vessel is moored to the mooring buoy based on the received vessel ID and the movement sensor.

A vehicle exhaust pipe disposed for gases ejected therefrom to divert headwinds from otherwise impinging directly upon critical faster-moving upper wheel surfaces reduces vehicle propulsive counterforces needed to countervail mechanically magnified upper wheel drag forces upon the primary vehicle-drag-inducing upper wheel surfaces.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe diposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced. The drag reduction means includes: a streamlined wheel cover positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; a streamlined wind-deflecting fairing positioned on a vehicle to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces from headwinds; an engine exhaust pipe diposed on a vehicle whereby exhaust gases deflect headwinds to shield the faster moving upper wheel surfaces of an automotive wheel; an automotive spoked wheel having streamlined oval-shaped wheel spokes arranged in one or more rows for greater axial strength; a streamlined tailfin rotatably attached to a wheel spoke, which thereby may pivot about the spoke in response to varying crosswinds; and a tire having streamlined tread blocks arranged in an aerodynamic pattern.

A mooring buoy comprising a buoyant body, an attachment point for attaching the buoy to a marine vessel, a controller, an RF communication device for receiving a vessel ID identifying the marine vessel and a movement sensor, wherein the controller is arranged to determine when the marine vessel is moored to the mooring buoy based on the received vessel ID and the movement sensor.

The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatuses, and systems for unmanned underwater vehicles capable of operation in the Arctic region. An example unmanned underwater vehicle includes: a hull; one or more guide rails extending from the hull and attached to the hull by one or more legs; a vertically-deployed mast, wherein the vertically-deployed mast is configured to penetrate through an ice sheet; and a communications antenna, wherein the communications antenna is deployed with the vertically-deployed mast and enables communication above the ice sheet. The dorsally-located guide rails of an example define an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the guide rails disposed in the extended position are disposed further from the hull than the guide rails disposed in the retracted position. Embodiments described herein include systems employing air-deployable buoys, water-deployed buoys and small UUVs, and ice-penetrating buoys to support communications in the Arctic region.

A boating and water sports lighting safety system is provided. The system is designed to enhance visibility and safety of watercraft and individuals participating in aquatic activities, particularly during low-light, nighttime, or adverse weather conditions. The system comprises a flagpole removably attached to a mounting bracket suitable for various boat surfaces, wherein the flagpole comprises at least one integrated or externally mounted waterproof light source. The flagpole further supports a high-visibility flag. The system additionally comprises at least one wearable waterproof safety bracelet with embedded lighting elements. A remote control device allows a user to control lighting patterns, intensity, color, and signaling modes for each lighting component individually or in coordination.