Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.

Abstract: An anti-roll stabilizer device for boats includes a container adapted to be mounted on a suspension so as to oscillate around a first axis; a mass rotatably supported inside the container so as to form a rotor that rotates around a second axis transverse to the first axis; and a rotor cooling system having a hollow shaft arranged along the second axis, a first and a second cooling chamber sealed from the container of the rotor and from the outside, arranged at the ends of the hollow shaft and communicating through the hollow shaft, the first chamber having an inlet and the second chamber an outlet that are connected to a forced circulation circuit of the cooling fluid so that the cooling fluid can circulate from the first chamber to the second chamber through the hollow shaft and from the second chamber to the first chamber through the circulation circuit.

Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate inwards and outwards to interact with teeth in the outer element and thereby cause rotation of a fin shaft connected to the outer element or to the gear having the oscillating teeth. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.

Abstract: Described herein is a system for stabilising a watercraft with a hull. The stabilising system comprises a stabilising fin fixed with respect to a shaft of the fin, a driving system comprising an electric motor with hollow shaft and a reduction gear with hollow shaft for turning the shaft of the fin, and a control system configured for receiving identification data on the roll of the watercraft and for driving the electric motor as a function of the roll. In particular, the casing of the driving system comprises a toroidal portion configured for being inserted in an opening of the hull, wherein the toroidal portion comprises features for fixing the casing to the hull. The reduction gear comprises an output connected to the shaft of the fin and an input.

Abstract: A movable structure comprises a spar having a central portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. A first tow line may connect between the first end portion of the spar and a first resistance device. A second tow line may connect between the second end portion of the spar and a second resistance device. A first shock absorber may connect between the spar and a first side of a movable structure. A second shock absorber may connect between the spar and a second side of a movable structure.

Abstract: This disclosure describes hybrid chine hulls, marine vessels including hybrid chine hulls and methods of manufacturing and using hybrid chine hulls. An exemplary hybrid chine hull includes a keel, a single chine section, and a double chine section distinct from the single chine section with respect to a longitudinal direction of the keel and positioned aft of the single chine section.

Abstract: A process is described for controlling the roll motion of a ship, with null or low ship speed, through at least one stabilizing fin. The process comprises the following steps: starting the movement of the stabilizing fin when the roll motion starts; impressing a motion law of the stabilizing fin depending on the roll rate; and ending the movement of the stabilizing fin when the roll motion ends.

Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element and an outer element of the drive element is connected to the fin shaft. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft to interact with and rotate the outer element. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.

Abstract: A vessel hull stabilization system includes a housing having a rotatable shaft mounted thereto, the shaft configured to connect to a fin such that the fin is located on an outside of the vessel hull and the housing is located on an inside of the vessel hull. A drive system is mounted to the housing and includes a motor and a drive element. The motor is connected to a central shaft of the drive element and an outer element of the drive element is connected to the fin shaft. The drive element includes a plurality of teeth positioned between the outer element and the central shaft such that when the motor rotates the central shaft, the plurality of teeth oscillate in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft to interact with and rotate the outer element. A controller receives sensor readings to determine control signals to send to the motor(s) to impart rotation of the fin.

Abstract: A retractable hydrofoil for marine vessels asymmetrically mounted for-aft on opposing sides of the hull of the marine vessel and a control unit for retracting the hydrofoil from a deployed position to a retracted position.

Abstract: This invention provides improvements in the efficiency of a sailing vessel through the use of flaps, hydrofoils, or members on the keel of a sailing vessel. One or more are positioned at the top, or root of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the windward direction to provide a counter-leeward drift force. One or more are located at the bottom, or tip of the keel of the vessel, which primarily generate a force in the leeward direction to provide a counter-heeling moment. Among other benefits, operation of these flaps, hydrofoils, or members during sailing increases the vessel's efficiency, in particular its velocity made good. Further, since they are mounted on one appendage, sailing vessels of a rudder and keel design can be equipped with counter leeward-drift and counter-heeling attributes without the need for additional appendages.

Abstract: A petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading vessel having a hull, a main deck, an upper cylindrical side section extending downwardly from the main deck, an upper frustoconical side section, a cylindrical neck section, a lower ellipsoidal section that extends from the cylindrical neck section, and a fin-shaped appendage secured to a lower and an outer portion of the exterior of a bottom surface. The upper frustoconical side section located below the upper cylindrical side section and maintained to be above a water line for a transport depth and partially below the water line for an operational depth of the petroleum drilling, production, storage and offloading vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining a level of a liquid in a tank with an ultrasonic fill state sensor and at least two reference surfaces for reflecting an ultrasonic wave transmitted by the ultrasonic fill state sensor. A first reference surface is arranged below a second reference surface. The method includes determining a first propagation speed of an ultrasonic wave to the first reference surface on a first measurement path and a second propagation speed from the first reference surface to the second reference surface on a second measurement path. The method also includes measuring a propagation time of an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic fill state sensor to a liquid level of the liquid in the tank, selecting the first propagation speed or the second propagation speed based on at least one selection criterion, and calculating a fill state using the propagation time measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for damping a vessel's motion using a lifting effect, comprising at least one first stabilisation element that extends from the vessel's hull, below the water line, on a side of the vessel, which at least one stabilisation element is configured as a wing, sensor means for sensing the vessel's motion and delivering control signals on the basis thereof, as well as moving means for moving the at least one wing-shaped stabilisation element relative to the hull.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for actively damping a ship's motion, comprising at least one first rotatable stabilization element extending from the ship's hull, below the water line, on a side of the ship, sensor means for sensing the ship's motion and delivering control signals on the basis thereof to driving means for rotatably driving the stabilization element for the purpose of damping the ship's motion being sensed, as well as moving means for moving the stabilization element relative to the ship. According to the invention, the active stabilization system is to that end characterized in that the moving means are configured to impart a precession motion to the at least one rotatable stabilization element in dependence on the ship's sailing speed and the control signals being delivered by the sensor means. Imparting a precession movement to the rotating stabilization elements obviates the need to constantly change the direction of the mass of the stabilization elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable device, pivotally arranged about a pivot axis by means of a rotating electric motor having a rotor and a stator via a reduction gearing for reducing the rotation of the motor to an adjustment movement of the adjustable device, wherein the reduction gearing is a planetary gearing, the axis of the electric motor is coaxial with the axis of the reduction gearing and with the pivot axis of the adjustable device and the reduction gearing and the electric motor to form a compact construction.

Abstract: A marine vessel stabilizer and control including a fin having a stem extending into the hull. An arm is connected to the stem and extends towards a connector which is connected to a rod. A housing is connected to another end of the rod and a screw passes through the housing. A motor is connected to the screw and configured to rotate to rotate the fin. A controller is connected to the motor, a speed sensor, a roll sensor and a fin position sensor such that a control signal can be calculated and the position of the fin can be determined to reduce roll of the vessel both when making headway and when at rest (zero speed). When the vessel is at rest, the fin is be configured to rotate through maximum angles greater than 15 degrees from either side of a neutral position.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus that attaches to a hull of a boat to disrupt water flow around the hull such that a wake created behind the boat is larger, differently positioned, and/or differently shaped. The apparatus includes a base and a blade. The blade is equipped with a mount structure that attaches the base to the blade. The blade can be reversibly mountable to the base such that either face of the blade faces a desired direction. The apparatus provides tool-free adjustment between a first configuration in which the base is mounted to the blade and a second configuration in which the base and the blade are separated. In some embodiments, the apparatus is removably attached to the hull by one or more suction cups. Additionally, the apparatus can be inflatable. The invention further provides a deployable lanyard assembly and a splash deflector for use with the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marine structure platform including: horizontal connecting parts which are disposed under the seawater and connected to one another in a lattice structure; vertical connecting parts which are installed uprightly at four corners of the horizontal connecting parts and protrude from the seawater; and movement damping parts which are extended at the four corners from the vertical connecting parts along the horizontal connecting parts adjacent to one another, the movement damping parts having a plate shape so as to define a vertical gap therebetween.

Abstract: An AC motor hydraulic system which utilizes a plurality of centrally controlled AC servo motor driven hydraulic pumps with integrated reservoirs to effectuate rotation of a plurality of stabilizer fins mounted about a vessel to automatically counter unwanted movement of a vessel.

Abstract: An aircraft having a sponson extending substantially transversely relative to a main body of the fuselage of the aircraft and substantially perpendicularly relative to a vertical anteroposterior plane of symmetry P of the main body of the fuselage when the aircraft is standing on a horizontal support, the sponson including a notch locally reducing a cross-section of the sponson in a connection zone of the sponson, the connection zone being suitable for being arranged in the immediate proximity of the main body of the fuselage of the aircraft from which the sponson emerges transversely, the notch being open at least to a front outside face and to a top outside face of the sponson and being suitable for receiving a bottom portion of a sliding side door when in its open position.

Abstract: A marine vessel stabilizer and control including a fin having a stem extending into the hull. An arm is connected to the stem and extends towards a connector which is connected to a rod. A housing is connected to another end of the rod and a screw passes through the housing. A motor is connected to the screw and configured to rotate to rotate the fin. A controller is connected to the motor, a speed sensor, a roll sensor and a fin position sensor such that a control signal can be calculated and the position of the fin can be determined to reduce roll of the vessel both when making headway and when at rest (zero speed). When the vessel is at rest, the fin is be configured to rotate through maximum angles greater than 15 degrees from either side of a neutral position.

Abstract: A delivery unit for extracting liquid additive from a tank can be mounted on the tank and includes a fill level sensor for measuring the fill level of liquid additive in the tank. The fill level sensor is set up to emit waves into an emission region of the tank, and the fill level can be measured by using a propagation time measurement of the waves reflected by a liquid surface and striking the fill level sensor again. At least one first reference surface extends at least partially into the emission region and is at a first distance from the fill level sensor. The at least one first reference surface is disposed on a separate calibration component mounted on an outer side of a housing of the delivery unit. A tank for storing liquid additive, a motor vehicle and a method for monitoring a fill level are also provided.

Abstract: Thrust vector control for a vehicle having a fluid drive, vehicle having thrust vector control and method of controlling thrust vector. Thrust vector control includes a thrust current region for a thrust current of a propulsion stream having a flow direction; a steering mechanism for the thrust current including at least one steering device arranged at least in a peripheral region of the thrust current region, and the at least one steering device includes a rotational body with a lateral surface and a rotational axis arranged transverse to the flow direction, and the rotational body being rotatable so that a first part of the lateral surface exposed to the thrust current rotates in a first rotational direction, whereby a Magnus effect is produced to deflect the thrust current. The first rotational direction is in a direction of the thrust current.

Abstract: A fin stabilizer for stabilizing a watercraft against rolling movements includes a main fin configured to be pivoted by a watercraft-side fin drive, a tail fin, and an elastically deformable connection between the main fin and the tail fin, the elastically deformable connection being configured to flex whenever a water force acting on the tail fin is greater than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A vessel having at least one hull, a body and a suspension system for supporting at least a portion of the body above the at least one hull is described. The suspension system includes at least one support means, and the vessel further includes at least one gyroscopic stabilizer for attenuating rotation of the body about at least one stabilizing axis.

Abstract: A removable surfboard fin adapter that allows removable fins, fin boxes and fin systems from different manufacturers to be compatible with each other. A two-tabbed type removable surfboard fin is received and secured in the recess of a single-tab type surfboard fin receiving box that would not otherwise be able to receive and secure a two-tabbed type removable surfboard fin. The adapter includes two slots that accept the tabs of the two-tabbed fin. The front, rear, or both front and rear of the adapter include a notch for securing he adapter to the single-tab receiving box. Angled slots are provided for canted fins.

Abstract: A lobster trap stabilization system having one or more hinged fins, each fin enclosed in a containment structure located in a lobster trap opposite the weighted side of the trap, whereby the fins provide increased drag to a trap descending to the ocean floor while the trap is in an improper orientation relative to the ocean floor, thus facilitating trap rotation to achieve proper trap orientation, and provide little to no drag to a descending trap while it is in its proper orientation.

Abstract: A stabilizer fin and an active stabilizer system for a watercraft with a hull includes a fin base arranged to be pivotally mounted to the hull with a pivot and to pivot about a pivot axis, a fin tip, a leading edge, and a trailing edge. A forward direction of the stabilizer fin is defined from the trailing edge to the leading edge at the fin base, and the trailing edge at the fin tip is bent away from a plane defined by the forward direction and the pivot axis, to give the trailing edge a concave profile in a lateral direction perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for actively damping a ship's motion while the ship is sailing including driving at least one first rotatable damping element that extends from the ship's hull, below the water line, on a side of the ship. According to the invention, the method is characterized by the steps of: i) sensing the ship's motion and sailing speed, ii) generating and delivering control signals on the basis of step i), iii) rotatably driving the stabilization elements on the basis of step ii), iv) determining, on the basis of step i), the current frictional resistance experienced by the stabilization elements at the sensed motion and sailing speed of the ship, v) setting the stabilization element at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the ship on the basis of the determined current frictional resistance and a desired minimum frictional resistance.

Abstract: A boat has at least one portion (3, 4) of the freeboard in the region of the stem of the boat arranged movable from a closed position, in which it seals the space (6) inside the freeboard with respect to the exterior of the boat, and an open position, in which it provides an opening (21) between the exterior of the boat and space so as to enable to pick up objects from the water in which the boat floats through the opening. The freeboard portion is arranged to be displaceable along the floor (11) of the space for moving the freeboard portion from the closed to the open position and then gradually increase the width of the opening (21).

Abstract: The inventive technology comprises a wake surf shaper that can be used to modify the wake of a watercraft to make it more “surfable.” It has been discovered that removably attaching the inventive wake surf shaper to one side of a boat's hull interrupts the flow of water diverted around one side of the bow applying force to the hull in such a manner as to dam the column of water diverted around the opposite side of the bow such that the release of water creates an increased wake behind the boat.

Abstract: In order to reduce the switching hysteresis in a dynamic positioning system and/or an autopilot system for watercraft, an arrangement is provided for determining a force acting on a rudder for watercraft. This arrangement includes a processing unit, at least one measuring device for determining values of a physical quantity of a rudder, and means for transmitting the determined values of the physical quantity to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine the force acting on the rudder on the basis of the determined values of the physical quantity.

Abstract: An active stabilization device for stabilizing, for example, a vessel at sea, both in a first operating state in which the vessel moves and in a second operating state in which the vessel is in a rest position, includes at least one fin body (2) and a drive device which is connected to the fin body and is configured to drive the fin body. The device furthermore includes a hinge mechanism (5) which is connected to the fin body and is configured to position the fin body with respect to an outer side (1) of the construction by rotating the fin body about a first rotation axis 4 in such a manner that the fin body can generate a lifting force which can stabilize the construction at least in the second operating state. A vessel at sea which includes the device is also described.

Abstract: A movement inhibiting apparatus for a floating offshore wind turbine and a floating base with the apparatus. The movement inhibiting apparatus for the floating offshore wind turbine comprises at least one layer of an annular shake-reducing panel placed horizontally and surrounding the floating base. A plurality of shake-reducing fins is further arranged on the shake-reducing panel. The plurality of shake-reducing fins comprises a first set of shake-reducing fins arranged on one side of the shake-reducing panel and the shake-reducing fins of the first set are spaced apart vertically around the floating base. The movement inhibiting apparatus for the floating offshore wind turbine can effectively inhibit the movement of the floating wind turbine and is of low cost.

Abstract: A method for maintaining the heading of a ship during movements caused by waves approaching the ship from a stern direction by activating a control surface in a bow of the ship such that the control surface converts a water flow along the bow into a lateral force that opposes roll, yaw, or heeling movements and course changes.

Abstract: A ship for use at high speed and/or heavy seas having a single long and slender hull, a sharp bow and the aft end of the hull has a flat or slightly V-shaped bottom with at least one aft rudder, and at least one propeller or water jet for propulsion whereby the foreship has a draught that is equal or more than the draught of the aft end. The bow has a control surface that converts the water flow along the forward moving ship into an adjustable lateral force.

Abstract: A floating offshore platform is disclosed with one or more extension plates fixedly coupled to one or more pontoons on the offshore platform and extending from the pontoons. As the floating platform moves, the pontoon-coupled extension plates separate the water and cause drag on the platform. The water moving with the extension plates also increases the dynamic mass. The added drag and dynamic mass increases the natural period of the motion away from the wave excitation period to minimize the wave driven motion compared to a platform without the extension plates. The extension plates can be coupled to the pontoons during fabrication at the yard directly or through frame members. The extension plates generally are generally located inclusively between the top and bottom elevations of the pontoons, and therefore do not significantly reduce the clearance between the seabed and the hull at the quayside.

Abstract: A spring-loaded flap rudder or flap stabilizer adapted to be mounted to the hull structure of a ship. In a geared version of the invention, the rudder or stabilizer includes a member and a gear including teeth. The rudder or stabilizer also includes a flap member pivotally connected to the member with a component, such as a spring, arranged to limit jamming between the gear and a movable flap gear. The flap gear includes a rod movably engaged in a socket of the flap member and gear teeth for engagement with the teeth of the gear.

Abstract: By way of overview and introduction what is disclosed is a fin structure for use with watercraft that is configured to provide lateral stability and generate hydrodynamic lift. The fin structure has a first end that can be connected to the underside of a hull. Two sidewalls extend away from the first end down into the water. As the side walls extend away from the hull, they also first diverge relative to one another and then converge to form a generally diamond shaped fin structure that is symmetric across the longitudinal axis and has an opening in between the sidewalls. Preferably, the sidewalls have a cross-section profile with an outer surface having more curvature than the inner surface. The shape of the fin structure provides lateral stability, hydrodynamic lift and maneuverability.

Abstract: An actuator (10) for use in controlling movement of a component (22) of a seagoing vessel comprises a cylinder (12) for coupling to a vessel hull (14) and an actuator shaft (18). A distal end (20) of the shaft (18) is coupled to the component whose movement is to be controlled and, in use, a control force (Fc) is applied to the shaft (18) to control movement of the shaft (18) from a first position, retracted, position to a second, extended, position. The actuator (10) is compliant in response to an opposing force exceeding a selected force to prevent or mitigate damage to the component (22) and/or the actuator 10 which may otherwise result from the opposing force.

Abstract: The system includes at least two units each contained in a watertight housing to be installed on starboard and on port side, each containing inside a blade or a fin having a moving device that retracts or projects the fin outboard when necessary for steering or stabilizing. In both cases the blades or the fins are maintained normally inside their housing to reduce sailing resistance and are extended right or left only when activated for steering or for stabilizing. The motion device essentially consists of a plate joined to the blade or fin tilting on a shaft pivoting inside the housing but holding out at least one end passing through a hub provided with a seal providing water tightness and supporting actuators, and capable of supporting remote monitoring systems that record the exact position of the blade constantly and automatic controls of course or an automatic stabilization system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement (1) for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat, said boat having at least one hull (2) with a stern (3), said arrangement (1) having a housing member (9), an interceptor member (5), an actuating means (10), a drive unit (7) operated by a power supply means (8), and a guiding means (22), said guiding means (22) being arranged to guide said interceptor member (5) between a first end position and a second end position, said actuating means (10) being arranged to displace said interceptor member (5) in a movement between said first and second end positions in relation to said housing member (9) by being driven by said drive unit (7), and said housing member (9) fully enclosing said interceptor member (5) in said first end position and partially enclosing said interceptor member (5) in said second end position.

Abstract: A device for arranging a profiled element on the bow side of a water vehicle and a water vehicle having a wind-impacted element. The device has at least one profiled element (40, 40.1, 40.2) and means for arranging the at least one profiled element (40, 40.1, 40.2) on the bow (20) of a water vehicle (10, 100), wherein the profiled element(s) (40, 40.1, 40.2) is/are or can be supported about a pivot axis (S) which is parallel, preferably horizontal, to the midship plane, wherein the profiled element(s) (40, 40.1, 40.2) can be or is/are connected to a wind-impacted element (14) at a leading point (43) of a wind-impacted-element-driven water vehicle (10, 100) by means of a connecting device (42), in particular by means of a whippletree (42).

Abstract: A variable geometry fin for use in a ship stabilization system is provided. A stabilization element adapted to extend below the water line of a ship. The stabilization element has a foil body and a trailing edge assembly extending from inside of the foil body. The trailing edge assembly includes an extension body having two opposing surfaces, a trailing edge attached to an end of the extension body, a vortex generator having protrusions and/or recesses on the two opposing surfaces, and at least one support guide located on an outboard side of the extension body. A deploy mechanism is attached to the foil body and the trailing edge assembly. The trailing edge assembly extends rearwardly from the foil body producing an additional surface area.

Abstract: An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.

Abstract: A fin assembly includes a fin, a mounting base and a socket base. The mounting base is provided for permanent inclusion within a watercraft. The mounting base defines a cavity that is adapted for receiving the socket base. The socket base further includes a cavity adapted for receiving the fin. The socket base is further adapted for receiving an accessory.

Abstract: A rolling reduction apparatus includes a pair of plate members attached to both ends in a width direction on a bottom of a floating structure. Each of the plate members has a plurality of through-holes arranged in a longitudinal direction of the floating structure. The rolling motion of the floating structure is reduced because eddies are formed to consume energy when water passes through the through-holes.

Abstract: A sponson for a watercraft has a sponson body having a front end, a rear end, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a vane connected to a side of the sponson body and extending away therefrom. The vane has a front end and a rear end. The front end of the vane is disposed closer to the bottom edge of the sponson than the rear end of the vane. A watercraft having sponsons of this type is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a roll-suppression device for an offshore structure. The device includes a damping plate separated downward from a hull to be placed below a bottom of the offshore structure by a connection unit, so that the width of the damping plate may be effectively enlarged without occurrence of collision during shuttle docking or ship-to-ship operation. Accordingly, the device may maximize roll-suppression, as compared with a bilge-keel or a step, and a detachable design of the device facilitates ship construction or shore operation inside a drydock.