Patent classifications
B63B1/246
Dual Pumping Hydrofoil System And Balanced Dual Linear Drive Propulsion System And Vehicles And Boats Using Same
A linear drive system adapted for repetitive driving using a linear motor. The drive system may be used to power pumping hydrofoils which drive a boat or ship. Linkages are used to maintain the driven portion in linear motion. A coupled dual drive system in which two driven portions are coupled such that their coupled motions travel at the same velocity in opposed directions. The coupled linear drive system which may be used as a mechanical power source for drive systems used in transportation and industry. A boat with dual pumping hydrofoils adapted for propel a boat using the hydrofoils for both lift and propulsion.
Underwater Appendage Assembly
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).
Foil Board
A foil board with two hydrofoils is described. A first version has a single mast supporting both a leading hydrofoil wing and a trailing stabilizer wing connected to each other with a fuselage. A second version has two masts, with a front mast supporting a stabilizer wing and a rear mast that supports a hydrofoil, or with the front mast supporting the hydrofoil and the rear mast supporting the stabilizer wing. Both versions have a removable propulsion unit, which allows the user to easily remove the propulsion unit for cleaning, maintenance, repair, or even to remove it temporarily so that the foil board can be used for non-motorized applications.
HUMAN POWERED HYDROFOIL VEHICLE AND USE METHOD
The human powered hydrofoil bicycle includes multiple subsystems integrated together including a structural frame subsystem with associated steering and tiller module, a hydrofoil subsystem to provide vehicle lift, and a powertrain subsystem. The structural frame subsystem may be fitted with buoyancy modules to provide the overall vehicle with a near neutrally buoyant character. The structural frame subsystem also supports a seat for an operator and provides structural support for the steering and tiller module for the hydrofoil subsystem and the drivetrain subsystem. The hydrofoil subsystem includes multiple hydrofoil elements at lowermost portions of the vehicle. These hydrofoil elements generally include in a preferred embodiment a larger rear foil and a smaller front foil. The powertrain subsystem generally includes pedals rotatably supported on the vehicle at a convenient location for engagement and driving by feet of an operator. Power transmission elements extend from the pedals down to a prime mover such as a propeller.
Watercraft device with hydrofoil and electric propeller system
A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes: a modular board removably attachable to a power system. The power system includes a modular power supply system, and a modular propulsion system. The power supply system includes a housing including a battery. The propulsion system includes a modular strut, a modular propulsion pod, and a modular hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the power supply system is removably and mechanically attachable directly to the propulsion system.
Watercraft having a waterproof container and a waterproof electrical connector
A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.
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.
WATERPROOF CONTAINER HAVING A WATERPROOF ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR
A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.
WATERCRAFT DEVICE WITH HYDROFOIL AND ELECTRIC PROPELLER SYSTEM
A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes: a modular board removably attachable to a power system. The power system includes a modular power supply system, and a modular propulsion system. The power supply system includes a housing including a battery. The propulsion system includes a modular strut, a modular propulsion pod, and a modular hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the power supply system is removably and mechanically attachable directly to the propulsion system.
ANISOTROPICALLY FLEXIBLE VIBRATION ISOLATING COUPLING MECHANISM
A flexible coupling mechanism may be used to suspend a structural component, such as a propulsion pod, from a support member, such as a strut of a hydrofoil watercraft. The flexible coupling mechanism may include multiple vibration isolating mounts configured to extend through the support member to suspend the structural component. The vibration isolating mounts may include a plurality of elastomeric bushings configured to prevent direct contact between a component rigidly coupled to the support member and a component rigidly coupled to the structural component. The elastomeric bushings may include a tapered outer profile configured to provide a nonlinear force feedback profile in response to rotation of the support member relative to the structural component.