A mechanical system includes a curved beam and a motor coupled to the curved beam. The curved beam is configured to buckle at two different locations along the positive and negative portions of its load/displacement curve, corresponding to opposite and equal sense bending directions. The motor is configured to impart a flapping motion to the curved beam.

A mechanical system includes a curved beam and a motor coupled to the curved beam. The curved beam is configured to buckle at two different locations along the positive and negative portions of its load/displacement curve, corresponding to opposite and equal sense bending directions. The motor is configured to impart a flapping motion to the curved beam.

A vehicle using an action-reaction principle is proposed. More particularly, there is proposed a vehicle using an action-reaction principle, the vehicle being able to be moved forward by reaction that is generated when a propelling member repeatedly slides.

A Pulsed Locomotor (120), for propelling media, fluids and crafts, in fluids and on land, comprising a blade (124) securely connected to a drive shaft (122). Upon reciprocation, the ambient medium is forced towards the trailing edge of the blade (124) thereby causing a reactive locomotion of the apparatus, substantially along the plane of the blade. Apparatus is secured to motor M by fastening through aperture (130). The apparatus can be operated directly by motor M, and indirectly by the reaction momentum imparted to a supporting platform P. Thrust is directed by steering handle (128) about a bearing (126), rotatably coupling to platform P and base C. Lubricant L is supplied to outlets (134) via conduit (136) and inlet (132), to coat the apparatus with a lubricant cavity, for drag reduction. The blade (124) planes along a figure 8 reciprocation path s1e1s2e2s1. Crafts are embodied.

Disclosed is a propulsion unit for propelling a vessel. The propulsion unit comprises a main body configured to be arranged at a keel of the vessel and comprising a pivot point, a fin being movably arranged in relation to the main body, and an actuator assembly for generating a heave motion of the fin in relation to the main body. The actuator assembly comprises at least one actuator. The fin is connected to the pivot point, such that the fin is arranged to pivot around the pivot point when the at least one actuator generates the heave motion of the fin, thereby generating a pitch motion of the fin.

Disclosed is a propulsion unit for propelling a vessel. The propulsion unit comprises a main body configured to be arranged at a keel of the vessel and comprising a pivot point, a fin being movably arranged in relation to the main body, and an actuator assembly for generating a heave motion of the fin in relation to the main body. The actuator assembly comprises at least one actuator. The fin is connected to the pivot point, such that the fin is arranged to pivot around the pivot point when the at least one actuator generates the heave motion of the fin, thereby generating a pitch motion of the fin.

An oar assembly for a paddleboard is disclosed herein. The oar assembly according to one embodiment, allows the user to propel in a forward as well as a reverse direction. The oar assembly comprises a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A first geared coupler having a first toothed surface extends from the bottom end of the shaft. A second geared coupler having a second toothed surface is configured to couple to the first geared coupler. An oar blade extends from the second geared coupler. A pair of brackets is configured for assembly on the shaft, the first geared coupler, and the second geared coupler. According to one aspect, a meshing of the first toothed surface with the second toothed surface facilitates hingeable movement between the first geared coupler and the second geared coupler, and thereby between the shaft and the oar blade.

This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO.sub.2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

This invention provides a vessel system and methodology that can be used to promote growth of phytoplankton in the oceans. Unmanned self-controlled wave-powered vessels are equipped with storage units for dispensing a fertilizer, and with sensors to monitor ocean conditions and effects. Fleets of vessels move autonomously by on-board processing of GPS and directional information, piloting a path that is coordinated by a central processing unit. The vessels travel through a defined target area, creating a detailed survey of chemical and biological characteristics that affect grown. The data are processed in a computer model to identify precise locations and precise amounts of fertilizer that will produce the best results. Projected benefits of fertilizing plankton include sequestering CO.sub.2 from the atmosphere, and enhancing the marine food chain to improve the fish stock in and around the treated area.

An oar assembly for a paddleboard is disclosed herein. The oar assembly according to one embodiment, allows the user to propel in a forward as well as a reverse direction. The oar assembly comprises a shaft having a top end and a bottom end. A first geared coupler having a first toothed surface extends from the bottom end of the shaft. A second geared coupler having a second toothed surface is configured to couple to the first geared coupler. An oar blade extends from the second geared coupler. A pair of brackets is configured for assembly on the shaft, the first geared coupler, and the second geared coupler. According to one aspect, a meshing of the first toothed surface with the second toothed surface facilitates hingeable movement between the first geared coupler and the second geared coupler, and thereby between the shaft and the oar blade.