Thomas R Rowe

US Patent:

D3188434, Aug 6, 1991

Filed:

Oct 3, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/417002

Inventors:

Thomas A. Rowe - Redding CA

US Classification:

D12308

US Patent:

52379523, Aug 24, 1993

Filed:

May 7, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/879416

Inventors:

Thomas Rowe - Redding CA

International Classification:

B63G 818

US Classification:

114332

Abstract:

A watercraft having positive static buoyancy is provided which is operable both as a hydrofoil and submersible vessel. It is generally shaped in the form of a dolphin or porpoise, with the equivalent of fins acting as both navigation and attitude control mechanisms. Pectoral or forward fins provide hydrofoil struts when manipulated into one position and then are operable as diving planes when displaced into an alternate position. A dorsal fin provides supplemental rudder control. A pair of flukes or rear fins provide for pitch and/or dive control while the vessel operates in the submerged mode. These fins and a propulsion system are either manually or computer controlled by way of hand held joysticks and foot rudders. Submerged operation is achieved with an internal combustion motor by including an air compressor and air storage tank(s) with an air intake arrangement having automatically operable devices serving to open and close an air intake in response to exposure to water. The vessel also provides positive static buoyancy in the event of any systems failure while submerged.