Patent classifications
B63B1/246
Multi purpose electric hydrofoil
A hydrofoil assembly adapted to be attached to a watercraft includes a mast having a mast head adapted to be removably engage with the watercraft and disposed exterior to the watercraft. The hydrofoil assembly also includes a propulsion assembly coupled to the mast and including a propeller and an electric motor for rotating the propeller. The hydrofoil assembly also includes at least one wing coupled to the mas. Moreover, the hydrofoil assembly includes a battery coupled to the mast head and adapted to be arranged exterior to the watercraft.
Submerged gas conveyance of constant pressure and buoyancy
Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method, by which a gaseous chemical, e.g., hydrogen gas, can be retrieved by, stored within, and transported by, a low-cost autonomous vessel. The vessel is deployed, and operates, within a body of water. A submerged portion of the vessel is subjected to an ambient hydrostatic pressure that is used to compress the stored gases. A spar buoy that floats adjacent to a surface of the body of water regulates and stabilizes a depth of the submerged portion. A single pressure-tolerant chamber within the submerged portion is used to acquire gas from a gas provider and to equilibrate the pressure of the gas so acquired. The pressure-equilibrated and/or pressure-balanced gas is then drawn into a first gas storage tank through a venting of an approximately equal volume of another gas, e.g., air, from a second gas storage tank, resulting in a gas transfer at an approximately constant pressure. The processing and storage of acquired gases at pressures approximately equal to the ambient hydrostatic pressures permits the use of thin-walled tanks, and makes possible a low-cost gas acquisition, storage, and transportation, vessel.
Powered hydrofoil board with spaced control flap
A hydrofoil board having a hydrofoil and individually controllable flaps configured to be controlled to stabilize the board in a level position even when incurring waves. The flaps are spaced from the hydrofoil to generate a gap, and direct fluid flowing under the hydrofoil through the gap, and over the flaps. The flaps control the pitch and direction of the hydrofoil board when propelled in motion. A processor uses an internal measurement unit (IMU) to obtain orientation and acceleration information of the hydrofoil board. A global positioning system (GPS) unit is also used as an additional speed and location sensor. The processor combines IMU data with a user/rider's input, such as selected speed and direction via handheld wireless controller, and individually controls the flap motors to position the flaps, and the propulsion motor to set speed. In one example, the controller is configured to bring the hydrofoil board to a complete and stabile stop.
Free flow artificial upwelling system and method
An upweller array configured to be disposed in a body of water and that has one or more upweller systems. The one or more upweller systems include a buoy configured to float on the surface of the body of water, a tether coupled to the buoy and a hydrofoil rotor coupled to the tether. The hydrofoil rotor is configured to be disposed in the body of water based on a length of the tether.
AUTONOMOUSLY CONTROLLED HYDROFOIL SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a hydrofoil system the includes a controller; a foil for engagement with the waterborne vessel, the foil comprising a plurality of adjustment members operable to vary the lift characteristics of the waterborne vessel; a propeller; an engine and gearbox located adjacent the foil and operable/in mechanical communication with the propeller; a plurality of sensors in electrical communication with the controller, each sensor configured to monitor flight parameters of the waterborne vessel and generate measured flight parameter data; wherein the controller is in communication with the adjustment members, the engine and the sensors and wherein the controller is configured to receive measured flight parameter data from the sensors and to control the operation of the engine and the position of the adjustment members in dependence upon the received measured flight parameter data. Further provided is a waterborne vessel including such a hydrofoil system.
WATER VEHICLE WITH A HYDROFOIL AND ADDITIONAL SECOND STABILIZER
The water vehicle with hydrofoil includes an above-water platform, a supporting mast connecting the above-water platform with a hydrofoil, including a fuselage with a front wing and a first horizontal stabilizer, drive means (6) for creating horizontal thrust and a second horizontal stabilizer located in the vertical direction between the fuselage and the above-water platform, where the second horizontal stabilizer in the longitudinal direction is being located behind the front wing. It is possible that the second horizontal stabilizer is mounted to the above-water platform, the mast, to the additional structurally supporting parts, to the parts that serve to change the angle of attachment of the main horizontal stabilizer, to the fuselage or drive means by means of a support element with the possibility of changing the vertical position.
Composite hydrofoil components and systems
This disclosure extends to systems, apparatus, and methods for hydrofoil assemblies with components that may be constructed from multiple materials to achieve reduced weight and/or portion with relatively less rigidity. In one exemplary system, a planing blade has as underlying framework or first structural body including rib elements that define voids. The first structural body may be formed from a relatively stiff and rigid first material to provide strength and rigidity to the component. The voids are filled and at least a portion of the framework covered by a second relatively softer and more flexible material. The second material may cover one or more edges of the planning blade. In some embodiments, a mast member may have a structural member formed from a relatively stiff and rigid first material with at least a portion of the member covered by a second relatively softer and more flexible material.
ELECTRIC-POWERED BOAT WITH RETRACTABLE HYDROFOIL
An electric-powered watercraft with at least one retractable hydrofoil and an advanced guidance and control system is described. The retractable aspect of the at least one hydrofoil allows for simpler dry-land and shallow-water transport and handling of the watercraft. The guidance and control system allows for improved maneuverability, better stability, greater motor efficiency and reduced power consumption.
WATERCRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM
A power and control module for a watercraft propulsion system having an electric motor unit is disclosed. In one embodiment. the module includes a housing having a first surface including a first region for receiving an appendage supporting or containing the electric motor unit and a second surface including a second region for contacting an underside of a hull of the watercraft; an electrical power source located within the housing; and an electrical interface for completing an electrical circuit including the electrical power source and the electric motor unit.
Powered hydrofoil board with integrated control flap
A hydrofoil board having a hydrofoil configured to be automatically controlled to stabilize the board in a level position even when incurring waves. The hydrofoil includes a pair of individually controllable flaps that control the pitch and direction of the hydrofoil board when propelled in motion. A processor uses an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to obtain orientation and acceleration information of the hydrofoil board. A global positioning system (GPS) unit is also used as an additional speed and location sensor. The processor combines IMU data with a user/rider's input, such as selected speed and direction via handheld wireless controller, and individually controls the flap motors to position the flaps, and the propulsion motor to set speed. In one example, the controller is configured to bring the hydrofoil board to a complete and stabile stop.