169 results about "Powered watercraft" patented technology

A hybrid fuel / electric powered watercraft includes an electronic turning machine (ETM), and internal combustion engine, and a propulsion system, which are operatively connected to each other, preferably via one or more clutches. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls the ETM, clutch(es), and engine. At low speeds, the ECU disengages at least one clutch and solely uses the ETM to power the propulsion unit and propel the watercraft. At high speeds, the ECU engages the clutch and uses both the engine and the ETM or just the engine to power the propulsion system. When the watercraft's battery discharges, the ECU operates the ETM in a generator mode and runs the engine to charge the battery. The watercraft can also include a shore button feature that selectively limits / governs the speed of the watercraft. A clutch may be used to avoid driving the propulsion system when the engine is idling or being started.

A propulsion system for watercraft for personal enjoyment that incorporates human power with electric motor assistance, energy storage and optional solar power to achieve increased watercraft speeds and / or reduced pedaling effort. Control electronics enable operator-adjustable electric motor assistance to the propulsion, thereby providing flexible pedal cadences and efforts and enjoyment for a wide variety of operators. An optional photovoltaic solar panel augments the power generation to extend travel time with motor assistance, and recharges the energy storage system. This invention enables a pleasure watercraft that is simultaneously lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, environmentally friendly with zero pollution, ultra-low noise, and thrilling to operate, while simultaneously providing a means of enjoyable exercise for operators of nearly all abilities.

Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.

Disclosed is a wind-powered watercraft in which a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element that is provided with a profiled wing and is used as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit is connected to the vessel only via one traction rope, said traction rope optionally fanning out into a number of holding ropes. The wind-attacked element can be modified via at least one active drive element that is disposed thereupon and is effectively connected thereto by modifying the aerodynamic effect thereof in order to be guided into a given position relative to the watercraft or to dynamically maneuver.

Disclosed is a positioning device for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element that comprises a profiled wing, is used as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit, and is connected to a watercraft via a traction rope. The positioning device is provided with a winch that can cause the traction rope to be taken in when a given first tractive force is not attained and / or when the flow is about to stop or has stopped abruptly and / or cause the traction rope to be veered when given a second tractive force and / or a given inflow velocity are / is exceeded.

Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.

Embodiments of the disclosure include a flotation device or watercraft propelled through the water using a lever powered propulsion system. The lever powered propulsion system includes human powered actuating levers operably connected to a reciprocating propulsion device. As a rider powers the levers up and down, that motion translates to the propulsion device, which cycles through a high drag propulsion phase and low drag recovery phase. In an embodiment, the propulsion system comprises a hydraulic system. In addition, the hydraulic system drives a carriage that orients a device or devices in a high drag state, then reorients the device or devices in a low drag state. Such devices capable of orientation are referred to herein as “hilos,” or “hilo devices.”

Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.

The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft with the rider in a seated position. The flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks. More particularly, the position of the rear blade may be selectively movable with respect to the fuselage to change the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flying ski.

A water driven pedalcraft in which water propelling blades or paddles and a drive mechanism for driving the blades or paddles are associated with a framing system removably mounted atop a buoyant pontoon system. The drive mechanism preferably comprises conventional parts of a bicycle that are operably coupled to flexible and rigid drive shafts, or drive belts, which mechanism transmits torque to drive the water engaging paddle or propeller blades. The pontoon system includes a forward pontoon and a rearward pontoon, the pontoons being movable from a first position, wherein the pontoons are “in-line” with one another, and into a second position, wherein the pontoons are at an angle to one another, when the user desires to steer the watercraft into another direction.

A powered watercraft system including a watercraft body, a propulsion system, a sensor configured to measure a value indicative of a manually-generated time-variable first propulsive force resulting from a body motion of the user to move the watercraft body, and a controller configured control the propulsion system to generate a second propulsive force for powering the watercraft body based on the value indicative of the first propulsive force, the generated second propulsive force being at least partially contemporary with the first propulsive force.

Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element (101) in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element (101) comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope (1.1). Said wind-attacked element (101) can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture (181) is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element (101) can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to an sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device (181) is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element (101) on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.

A watercraft includes at least one hull having at least one planing surface, at least one vertical step in the planing surface, and an onboard propulsion engine. An exhaust-venting system is provided for venting exhaust from the onboard propulsion engine at the vertical step in the planing surface while under way in order to introduce gas along the planing surface. The hull of one embodiment takes the form of an M-shaped boat hull. The invention also applies to any of various other watercraft hulls, including watercraft with multiple hulls such that each of the multiple hulls includes one or more planing surfaces with one or more vertical steps at which exhaust is vented.

A one-person watercraft, with a unique design and basic innovative modular catamaran style structure that makes the craft transformable, and useful for different hybrid water sports. The watercraft enables the user to either stand or sit while providing power to the craft, is disclosed. The craft comes in multiple versions, and the user may provide power to the craft through either hand-driven levers or foot-driven pedals / skis while standing up and / or sitting down and moving in an elliptical motion. These turn a propeller, at the back of the craft. The craft utilizes the Venturi effect (with a flexible drive shaft and a retractable propeller rudder system) to increase the propulsion created by water flowing through the propeller. The craft is designed to float stably to ensure users' safety. The craft may be used for leisure recreational activity, exercise, physical rehabilitation, transportation to travel across water, or any combination of the above.

A marine vessel, typically a power boat, lifting system includes a remotely operated transmitter module, a receiver module, a level sensing module, a motor control module, and motors are integrated to automatically position a cradle to the desired position relative to the waterline of the marine vessel. The lifting system is initialized by a signal input, a button pushed and released, from either the remote transmitter or the motor control module to begin movement of the lifting cradle to a desired position. The received signal initiates the motors, and a light to indicate energized motors through a visual signal, to move in the desired direction, either lifting or lowering the cradle. The level sensing module returns a signal to the motor control module to terminate the motors, and thus the visual indicator, when the desired cradle position has been reached.

A paddle clip for a human powered watercraft, comprising a first flexible resilient portion with an opening to fit around the gunwale or cockpit rim of the watercraft. A second portion of the paddle clip includes a flexible portion for removably receiving a cylindrical shaft of an oar or a paddle used for propelling the watercraft. The paddle clip may further comprise at least one accessory clip for receiving an additional cylindrical shaft or an accessory. The paddle clip is configured to be quickly installed, repositioned or removed from the watercraft without tools or hardware.

A watercraft includes at least one hull having at least one planing surface, at least one vertical step in the planing surface, and an onboard propulsion engine. An exhaust-venting system is provided for venting exhaust from the onboard propulsion engine at the vertical step in the planing surface while under way in order to introduce gas along the planing surface. The hull of one embodiment takes the form of an M-shaped boat hull. The invention also applies to any of various other watercraft hulls, including watercraft with multiple hulls such that each of the multiple hulls includes one or more planing surfaces with one or more vertical steps at which exhaust is vented.

A drive system pivot assembly for a personal user powered watercraft is provided. The drive system pivot assembly pivots a drive system between a deployed position and a parked position. The drive system pivot assembly includes a catch arrangement for securing the drive system pivot assembly in the parked position.

A propulsion system for hybrid electric watercraft for personal enjoyment that incorporates human power with electric motor assistance, energy storage and optional solar power to achieve increased watercraft speeds and / or reduced pedaling effort. Control electronics enable operator-adjustable electric motor assistance to the propulsion, thereby providing flexible pedal cadences and efforts and enjoyment for a wide variety of operators. An optional photovoltaic solar panel augments the power generation to extend travel time with motor assistance, and recharges the energy storage system. This invention enables a pleasure watercraft that is simultaneously lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, environmentally friendly with zero pollution, ultra-low noise, and thrilling to operate, while simultaneously providing a means of enjoyable exercise for operators of nearly all abilities.

The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft by a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped member for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along an upper portion for enhanced structural integrity. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The rear blade may be located above the front blade for avoiding turbulence from the front blade. The present flying ski accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks. The position of the rear blade may be moved forward or backward to change the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flying ski. In addition, the present flying ski includes a detachable back support that allows handicapped riders to enjoy the thrills of using the ski. The present flying ski also provides for quick and easy attachment and detachment of component parts of the ski. This feature allows the ski to be more easily transported when not in use and reduces the risk of accidentally dropping or otherwise damaging the ski.

The invention discloses a novel LNG gas-feeding integrated module device, and belongs to the field of ship transportation. The device is designed according to the standards of ISO shipping containers, and comprises a liquefied natural gas gas-feeding device case and a case frame; wherein the liquefied natural gas gas-feeding device case comprises a liquefied natural gas storage tank, an operation valve case, a liquid transportation pipeline, a gasifying device, an emergency cut-off device, a gas flowmeter, a gas transportation pipeline, a pressure releasing pipe, and a vertical ladder; the case frame comprises a front end frame, a rear end frame, a upper side beam, a lower side bean, a diagonal brace, an upper diagonal member, a lower diagonal member, a bottom plate, and a bearer; the operation valve case comprises a liquid-phase operation pipeline, a gas-phase operation pipeline, a backup pipeline, and a control system, and the liquid-phase operation pipeline, gas-phase operation pipeline, backup pipeline, and control system are concentratedly arranged through low-temperature stainless steel pipes. The device solves the problems of difficult gas feeding for a diesel oil-LNG bi-fuel source ship. A gas-feeding station can utilize the integrated module device to safely butt-join a diesel oil-LNG bi-fuel source diesel engine, provide gas for the ship to be fueled, and control the gas volume. The transportation cost is reduced, and the transportation efficiency is improved.

The present flying ski is designed to be towed behind a conventional powered watercraft utilizing a standard ski tow rope or similar device having a handle that can be held by a human rider. In use, the rider is seated on the seat of the flying ski and towed by the watercraft. The improved flying ski comprises an elongate board and a seat that extends generally perpendicular to and upward from the board to support the seated rider's buttocks. The seat preferably includes a flexible C-shaped for absorbing impacts during use. The rider's legs extend toward the front of the board and are secured by a pair of foot holders that attach to the board. An elongate strut extends downward from the board and couples the seat to a planing blade. The elongate strut is preferably formed with a V-shape wherein the length from the front edge to the back edge of the strut is greater along a top end portion for enhanced structural integrity. The planing blade advantageously has a front blade and a rear blade interconnected by a fuselage. The rear blade may be vertically displaced from the front blade for reducing the effects of turbulence from the front blade. The present flying ski also accommodates a variety of rider skill levels by incorporating a mechanism and system that allows the rider to selectively adjust performance characteristics of the ski. In particular, the rider can control stability, lift and maneuverability ski characteristics to accommodate the rider's particular skill level and the particular challenge that the rider seeks. More particularly, the position of the rear blade may be selectively movable with respect to the fuselage to change the hydrodynamic characteristics of the flying ski.

Disclosed is a placement system for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked element in a watercraft in which the kite-type wind-attacked element comprising a profiled wing is connected to the vessel body via a traction rope. Said wind-attacked element can be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level. An azimuthally pivotable fixture is provided by means of which the wind-attacked element can be brought into a position in which the same is exposed to a sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking receiving device is provided which is to be removably connected to the docking adapter of the wind-attacked element on the side facing away from the wind while also allowing the wind-attacked element to be furled with the aid of automatically engaging holding means.

An engine-powered watercraft includes three parallel hulls, namely a center hull with two or more transverse steps, and two smaller outer hulls or amas on either side of the center hull that are configured to form two vent ducts on either side of the center hull, disposed between the center hull sides and the amas. The amas, steps and vent ducts are disposed along the length of the watercraft and are configured to enable high speed capability and to facilitate pressurization of the vent ducts. The pressurized vent duct maximizes ventilation of the running bottom of the watercraft so as to improve efficiency and to reduce drag thereon. The pressurized vent duct creates an area of lift at the widest, aft-most points of the running bottom, which thereby results in improving the transverse and longitudinal stability of the watercraft and in reducing the trim for better seakeeping.

The invention discloses an LNG power ship fuel cold energy comprehensive utilization method and further discloses a system achieving the LNG power ship fuel cold energy comprehensive utilization method. Firstly, the cold energy of deep cooling LNG fuel is converted into electric energy through Rankine cycle power generation; and secondly, the cold energy of intercooling LNG fuel is recycled by a refrigerant and is applied to each refrigeration demand unit of a power ship grade by grade for cooling, so that the temperature of the liquid low-temperature LNG fuel is raised to a temperature required by power ship air intaking. The LNG power ship fuel cold energy comprehensive utilization method and the system have the advantages that the cold energy of LNG fuel fed to a main engine of a ship is first used in ship power generation, low-temperature cold storage, seawater desalination, high-temperature cold storage, air conditioning and the like grade by grade and then the temperature of theLNG fuel reaches the temperature required by air intaking of the main engine, and the LNG is fed to the main engine for combustion; and the cold energy of the LNG fuel is reasonably utilized grade bygrade, so that the cold energy and cold exergy (imgfile =' DDA 0001765784070000011. TIF 'WI =' 45' he =' 51' / ) comprehensive utilization efficiency can be improved, and the operating cost of the shipis reduced. The cold energy of the limited LNG fuel can be reasonably distributed and utilized to a great extent on different types of ships through corresponding adjustment according to refrigeration requirements of the different types of ships and working conditions under different space-time conditions.

A watercraft with a propulsion engine includes at least one hull having an underside. A dual exhaust system includes a first exhaust conduit defining a first exhaust flow path leading to the underside (e.g., a step in a planing surface on the underside) and a second exhaust conduit defining a second exhaust flow path to atmosphere. One embodiment is self proportioning. In another embodiment, an onboard proportioning system varies first and second proportions of the exhaust flowing through respective ones of the first and second exhaust conduits according to exhaust back pressure. First and second valve mechanisms selectively restrict the first and second exhaust flow paths under computer or manual control according to pressure sensed by a back-pressure-sensing component in order to thereby direct the exhaust in desired proportions for enhanced operating characteristics and reduced thermal signature.

The invention discloses an LNG fuel cold energy comprehensive utilization method used for a dual-fuel power boat. According to the method, LNG fuel cold energy of a deep cooling part is converted intoelectric power through Rankine cycle power generation, and a coolant of a low-temperature refrigerator circulation unit is utilized to recover LNG fuel cold energy of a moderate cooling part; when cold supply to the low-temperature refrigerator circulation unit is achieved, cold supply to all refrigerating demand units which are sequentially nested with one another in series connection in the low-temperature refrigerator circulation unit is carried out, and then a coolant of an air condition refrigerating unit is utilized to recover LNG fuel cold energy of a mild cooling part; at last, main cylinder jacket water is utilized to heat an LNG fuel to raise the temperature of the cold liquid LNG fuel until a power boat main machine air feeding requirement is met. Meanwhile, the invention alsodiscloses a system capable of implementing the method. The method is particularly suitable for the dual-fuel power boat, traditional fuel feeding can be combined, and cooling units are increased and decreased according to actual demands of the boat and the LNG cold amount, so that the method is flexible and applicable. The system is highly integrated and is small in scale, short in LNG circulationline and higher in safety.

A one-person watercraft, with a unique design and basic innovative modular catamaran style structure that makes the craft transformable, and useful for different hybrid water sports. The watercraft enables the user to either stand or sit while providing power to the craft. The craft comes in multiple versions, and the user may provide power to the craft through elliptical movement, hand-driven levers or foot-driven pedals / skis while standing up and / or sitting down and moving in an elliptical motion. These turn a propeller, at the back of the craft. Embodiments of the craft utilize the Venturi effect (with a flexible drive shaft and a retractable propeller rudder system) to increase the propulsion created by water flowing through the propeller. The craft is designed to float stably to ensure users' safety, and may be used for leisure recreational activity, exercise, physical rehabilitation, transportation to travel across water, or any combination of the above.