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US 4,757,779 AGranted
Aerodynamic device with reversible flexible and lowerable concavity for the propulsion by the force of the wind
OwnerJean M. N. Gravelineinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Device for producing the concavity of a thick profiled sail and making it reversible and remotely controllable to pass through all aerodynamic profiles comprising a rotatable mast (1), at least six assemblies sliding on the mast, each comprising a leading edge profile (3) provided with an inflatable part (4), and a mechanism (2) having two flexible battens (5) arranged symmetrically on either side. The trailing edge or rear end of the battens is controlled by a system of crow feet and sheet arms (6). The device is intended particularly for the propulsion of boats.
Claims18
A sail device comprising:
- a rotatable mast;
- a plurality of profiled sail supporting assemblies slidably supported on said mast substantially perpendicular thereto, each sail supporting assembly comprising,
- a ring member slidably mounted on and rotatable with said mast,
- at least two flexible battens supported on said ring member in spaced relationship with respect to each other, said battens each having a free trailing edge,
- sheet means attached to said trailing edges so that said trailing edges are movable with respect to each other,
- a plurality of braces spaced longitudinally along and connecting said battens together, and
- means for linking said battens with said ring member so that rotation of said mast deflects said battens to form substantially concave and convex profiles on opposite sides of said assembly and the degree of rotation of said mast controls the amount of deflection of said battens;
- and
- a covering on said plurality of said supporting assemblies forming a sail surface conforming to said profiles.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.