Thomas P Lang

US Patent:

6439148, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Oct 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/689698

Inventors:

Thomas G. Lang - Solana Beach CA 92075

International Classification:

B63B 124

US Classification:

114278, 114 6112, 114272, 114282

Abstract:

The invention is gas-filled cavities that reduce drag on the underwater surfaces of marine vehicles. Hydrofoils, struts, boat and ship hulls, pontoons, underwater bodies, fins, rudders, fairings, protuberances, submarine sails and propulsors are underwater surfaces that may be covered by the gas-filled cavities to reduce drag on them. The gas-filled cavities are to be used on underwater surfaces of marine vehicles, such as hydrofoil craft, monohulls, catamarans, SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) craft, SES (surface-effect ships) and WIG (wing-in-ground effect) vehicles. Each gas-filled cavity is formed by ejecting air near the end of each nosepiece. Air is ejected at a speed and direction which is close to that of the water at the local cavity wall. The cavity is formed behind the nosepiece. The nosepiece is adapted to control the shape of the cavity.

US Patent:

20020082065, Jun 27, 2002

Filed:

Dec 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/748454

Inventors:

David Fogel - La Jolla CA, US
Timothy Hays - La Jolla CA, US
Douglas Johnson - San Diego CA, US
Thomas Lang - Rancho Santa Fe CA, US

International Classification:

A63F009/24

US Classification:

463/008000, 463/030000

Abstract:

A server-based video game system maintains a number of video game characters having computer-simulated genetic (“digenetic”) structures that prescribe a number of physical and cognitive performance traits and characteristics for the video game characters. The system allows end users to establish remote online access to the game characters (via, e.g., the Internet). The results of competitions and training activities are based upon the game characters' digenetics, the conditions of the game environment, and the game characters' current levels of physical and cognitive development. The game characters' performance capabilities and cognition are updated continuously in response to the results of competitions and training activities. Competition and training results can be processed by the game servers and transmitted to the end user presentation devices for graphics rendering. In this manner, the video game system need not be burdened by network latency and other delays. The game system also supports game character breeding; game character evolution based upon the digenetics; and game character buying, trading, selling, and collecting.

US Patent:

20020082077, Jun 27, 2002

Filed:

Dec 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/748362

Inventors:

Douglas Johnson - San Diego CA, US
David Fogel - La Jolla CA, US
Timothy Hays - La Jolla CA, US
Thomas Lang - Rancho Santa Fe CA, US

International Classification:

G06F019/00

US Classification:

463/030000, 463/043000

Abstract:

A server-based video game system maintains a number of video game characters having computer-simulated genetic (“digenetic”) structures that prescribe a number of physical and cognitive performance traits and characteristics for the video game characters. The system allows end users to establish remote online access to the game characters (via, e.g., the Internet). The results of competitions and training activities are based upon the game characters' digenetics, the conditions of the game environment, and the game characters' current levels of physical and cognitive development. The game characters' performance capabilities and cognition are updated continuously in response to the results of competitions and training activities. Competition and training results can be processed by the game servers and transmitted to the end user presentation devices for graphics rendering. In this manner, the video game system need not be burdened by network latency and other delays. The game system also supports game character breeding; game character evolution based upon the digenetics; and game character buying, trading, selling, and collecting.

US Patent:

20050109257, May 26, 2005

Filed:

May 11, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/852616

Inventors:

Thomas Lang - Solana Beach CA, US
James Lang - Palo Alto CA, US

International Classification:

B63B001/24

US Classification:

114274000

Abstract:

The invention relates to the use of gas cavities to reduce frictional drag on underwater surfaces such as hydrofoils, struts, fins, rudders, keels, propeller blades, ship hulls, underwater bodies, and wetted surfaces in general. Each gas-filled cavity is formed behind a discontinuity in the surface that causes the water boundary layer to separate from the surface. Gas is ejected into a region behind the discontinuity to fill the cavity; the gas can be air. If a cavity is open to the atmosphere, then air can typically fill the cavity naturally without air ejection. Cavities can either be closed or open. A low drag hydrofoil may have a closed cavity on one side, and an open cavity on the other side. For closed cavities, the underlying surface can be shaped to minimize cavity closure drag. Various ways to generate cavities, change hydrodynamic forces, and duct gas internally on hydrofoils and struts with cavities are covered. Different designs of hydrofoil boats, hydrofoil ships and ship hulls that are amenable to drag reduction are presented.

US Patent:

44401035, Apr 3, 1984

Filed:

Aug 14, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/293083

Inventors:

Thomas G. Lang - Solana Beach CA

International Classification:

B63B 2500

US Classification:

114 61

Abstract:

A semi-submerged ship having a superstructure supported on struts above a pair of submerged buoyant hulls, the structure being arranged in such a manner that cargo can be stored in or passed through the struts and submerged hulls. Internal structure is minimized by using double walled load bearing construction, with easy access through the struts between the superstructure and the submerged hulls. The arrangement is adaptable to solid or liquid cargo, with provision for circulating liquid and for thermal control when required. The structure can be applied to a wide range of design configurations to suit various size, performance, function and payload requirements.

US Patent:

40894924, May 16, 1978

Filed:

Jan 27, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/763271

Inventors:

Thomas G. Lang - San Diego CA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B64B 170
B64B 120

US Classification:

244 30

Abstract:

Two groups of tension lines depending from the forward and aft portions of n airship are each connected to a separate vertically oriented elongate strut. The struts are dimensioned to extend through and below surface waves of a body of water. Optionally, electric thruster/generator units are mounted in pods on the bottom of the struts to either propel the airship or act as generators while drifting. Laterally reaching hydrofoils extend from the pods and either work to reduce drag or ensure responsive operation. The combination of the tension lines, struts, thruster/generator units and hydrofoils permits precise maneuvering at the surface for off-loading and on-loading at sea, allows for long endurance and range and gives a capability for operating as a quiet platform.

US Patent:

43959652, Aug 2, 1983

Filed:

Dec 23, 1980

Appl. No.:

6/219463

Inventors:

Thomas G. Lang - Solana Beach CA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC

International Classification:

F42B 1900

US Classification:

114 20R

Abstract:

A low drag underwater vehicle utilizing boundary layer suction is provided herein the vehicle includes a hull having nose, mid and tail sections. A permeable shell is mounted in a spaced relationship about the hull so that ambient water can be drawn into the space therebetween. The space between the permeable shell and the hull is divided into nose, mid and tail compartments. A pump is provided. Separate passageways are provided for connecting the nose and tail compartments to the pump and for connecting the mid compartment to the pump. The pump is capable of pumping the nose and tail compartments at a greater rate per unit area of permeable shell than the mid compartment. With this arrangement boundary layer suction through the permeable shell is greater at the nose and tail portions of the underwater vehicle than at the mid portion where the tendency toward turbulence is not as severe.

US Patent:

61678295, Jan 2, 2001

Filed:

Oct 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/948242

Inventors:

Thomas G. Lang - Solana Beach CA

International Classification:

B63B 124

US Classification:

114278

Abstract:

The invention is gas-filled cavities that reduce drag on the underwater surfaces of marine vehicles. Hydrofoils, struts, boat and ship hulls, pontoons, underwater bodies, fins, rudders, fairings, protuberances, submarine sails and propulsors are underwater surfaces that may be covered by the gas-filled cavities to reduce drag on them. The gas-filled cavities are to be used on underwater surfaces of marine vehicles, such as hydrofoil craft, monohulls, catamarans, SWATH (small waterplane area twin hull) craft, SES (surface-effect ships) and WIG (wing-in-ground effect) vehicles. Each gas-filled cavity is formed by ejecting air near the end of each nosepiece. Air is ejected at a speed and direction which is close to that of the water at the local cavity wall. The cavity is formed behind the nosepiece. The nosepiece is adapted to control the shape of the cavity.