Abstract:
Non-planing vessel with single hull (2). A foil (10) is fitted below the waterline at the place where the greatest flow constriction exists, in other words at the transition from the relatively broad part (9) to the narrowing part. This foil is situated at a distance from the hull (2) and preferably extends horizontally over as large a part of the hull as possible at a constant distance from the latter. The foil is designed in such a way that, apart from a lifting force, a forward propelling force is exerted. The performance of the vessel can be improved by fitting such a foil.
Abstract:
Passenger boats are accelerated along a submerged guide rail structure that is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as linear guide track structures that extend in parallel between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an under-ground tunnel arrangement. The launching and operating speed of each boat relative to the other is controlled so that the boats approach and pass in close proximity to each other and then recede from each other as they travel in opposite directions along adjacent guide track sections, and in passing, project water spray onto each other.
Abstract:
Passenger boats are accelerated along a submerged guide rail structure that is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as linear guide track structures that extend in parallel between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an under-ground tunnel arrangement. The launching and operating speed of each boat relative to the other is controlled so that the boats approach and pass in close proximity to each other and then recede from each other as they travel in opposite directions along adjacent guide track sections, and in passing, project water spray onto each other.
Abstract:
Passenger boats are mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The passenger boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted on a guide rail structure. Thrust is applied to the racing boats by magnetically conductive reaction plates that are attached to the undercarriage assembly and are movable through linear flux slots formed in the induction stators of the linear induction motors. The submerged guide track structure is arranged in various closed loop courses, including “Figure-Eight,” an hour-glass, serpentine and oval patterns, as well as parallel guide track structures that extend between a launch station and a return station. A dual “Figure-Eight” watercourse includes a simulated jump ramp and an underground tunnel arrangement. In the continuous loop guide structure, two or more boats are launched and separation is maintained by a safety block arrangement.
Abstract:
Magnetic forces developed from electromagnets, superconductor magnets, or other magnets, serve as the basic elements to move, control, direct and stabilize ships in locks chambers and canals. Basic requirements include, but are not limited to, a power supply, the magnetic devices and a system for operation and control of the magnetic devices. This process of moving ships through canals and locks chambers will eliminate other, more expensive means currently in use. The magnetic system will speed the process of canal transit because of its simplicity of operation. It will require much less hardware and human resources to operate and maintain. The magnets would be installed in the locks chamber floors. In canals and approach lanes, the magnets could be placed on a substructure at the bottom of the channel using different structural elements depending on the channel's shape, size and dredging needs. The essence of this invention is to use the most advanced technology of magnetism available to move ships through locks and canals safely, efficiently and economically.
Abstract:
Racing boats compete in a simulated race including forward and return heats. In the forward heat, the racing boats are accelerated along parallel guide channels from a forward launch station into a shallow splash lake, and then hydroplane to a forward heat finish line. In the return heat, the racing boats are accelerated through the same guide channels from a return launch station located on the opposite end of the splash lake. Passengers continue to face the reverse launch station as the racing boats plunge into the shallow splash lake and hydroplane to the return heat finish line. Each racing boat is mounted on an undercarriage assembly that includes rail-mounted centering wheels. The racing boats are accelerated by linear induction drive motors mounted adjacent the guide rails. Thrust is applied to the racing boats by magnetically conductive reaction plates that are attached to the undercarriage assembly and project laterally into linear flux slots formed in the induction stators of the linear induction motors.
Abstract:
A tabular iceberg is used as an energy source for a propulsion system which propels the iceberg across vast distances of the ocean with minimal fuel consumption. The iceberg thus becomes, in effect, a self-propelled vessel in which potential energy associated with the iceberg is converted to kinetic energy to power the propulsion system. Two propulsion mechanisms can be used, preferably in conjunction. The first mechanism uses the gravity flow of melting ice to provide propulsive thrust, while the second mechanism utilizes the temperature differential between the iceberg and the surrounding water to power a heat cycle engine, which, in turn, drives a generator to provide electricity which runs propeller drive motors.
Abstract:
A vehicle adapted to be advanced in a fluid by deforming itself progressively along its length, the vehicle comprising a head containing a fluid compressor and a body connected to the head and having a flexible and deformable envelope. An assembly of longitudinally displaceable rings is mounted in the body and the rings are connected to longitudinal and toroidal muscle elements for applying radial and longitudinal forces to the envelope at spaced locations along the length thereof to form a continuously generated progressive wave along the envelope which serves to propel the vehicle in the fluid.
Abstract:
1. A METHOD OF LAYING A PIPELINE ON THE FLOOR OF A BODY OF WATER FROM A VESSEL FLOATING ON SAID BODY, SAID METHOD COMPRISING: (A) ANCHORING ONE END OF THE PIPELINE TO THE FLOOR OF THE BODY OF WATER; (B) MOVING THE VESSEL IN THE DIRECTION IT IS DESIRED TO LAY THE PIPELINE AND PAYING OUT THE END OF THE PIPELINE ANCHORED TO THE FLOOR OF SAID BODY OF WATER; (C) CONTROLLING THE PAYING OUT OF THE PIPELINE AND MOVEMENT OF THE VESSEL TO HOLD THE PIPELINE UNDER PRESELECTED TENSION SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN THE BENDING AND AXIAL STRESSES APPLIED THERETO WITHIN A PREDETERMINED RANGE; (D) TERMINATING THE PIPELINE ON THE VESSEL AT THE LENGTH THEREOF DESIRED TO BE LAID, THUS FORMING ANOTHER END; (E) SECURING A DRAWLINE BETWEEN SAID OTHER END OF THE PIPELINE AND THE VESSEL; AND, (F) PAYING OUT THE DRAWLINE TO LOWER SAID OTHER END OF THE PIPELINE TO THE FLOOR OF THE BODY OF WATER, THE PAYING OUT OF THE DRAWLINE BEING CONTROLLED TO HOLD THE PIPELINE UNDER PRESELECTED TENSION SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN THE BENDING AND AXIAL STRESSED APPLIED THERETO WITHIN A PREDETERMINED RANGE.
Abstract:
A water transportation system of the kind in which a vessel is driven by a submerged moveable propulsion cable, particularly one which may assume greatly varying depth. The vessel is connected to the propulsion cable by flexible tension members, such as connecting cables, and there are winches aboard the vessel on which the connecting cables may be wound. The winches are controlled by electronic control equipment which, in addition to radio signals received from shore, is governed by tension and declivity sensors monitoring the connecting cables. Provisions of different kind are made available for changing the effective moment arm about the vessel centroid at which the members linking the vessel to the propulsion cable are connected to the hull longitudinally thereof.