Abstract:
A propulsion system comprises of a flow passage (173) having an intake (175) for communicating with a source of working fluid such as seawater and an outlet (177). A mixing zone (209) is disposed within the flow passage (173) between the intake (175) and the outlet (177). An injection means including annular nozzle (217) is provided for injecting a hot compressible driving fluid (175) such as steam into the mixing zone (209) in a flow direction towards the outlet (177). The arrangement is such that the interaction between the steam and the seawater in the mixing zone (207) develops a pressure reduction in the mixing zone (207) to cause seawater to be drawn from the source into the mixing zone (207) and propelled towards the outlet (177). A marine drive unit incorporating the propulsion system is also claimed. A heat recovery system comprising a refrigerant circuit with a heat exchanger for extracting heat from a heat source to vapourise a refrigerant in the circuit and means to convert heat energy in the vapourised refrigerant to torque and, a nozzle means (217) having an inlet, an outlet (177) and a flow passage (173) the size of which is selectively variable are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A thruster assembly that in addition to propulsion provides water flow to/from compartments and systems on board a vessel. In a first position, the thruster assembly provides propulsion/steering. Pivoted to a second position, operation of the thruster in a first direction draws a flow into the vessel and in a second direction draws a flow out of the vessel. The flows may be conveyed to/from compartments/systems on board the vessel via conduits in communication with a chamber having an opening through which the thruster drives the flows. The flows may be used to submerge/surface the vessel, or to provide systems cooling or serve other functions. Pivoted to a third position the thruster assembly is retracted and enclosed within the chamber to form a hydrodynamically clean exterior.
Abstract:
A thruster assembly that in addition to propulsion provides water flow to/from compartments and systems on board a vessel. In a first position, the thruster assembly provides propulsion/steering. Pivoted to a second position, operation of the thruster in a first direction draws a flow into the vessel and in a second direction draws a flow out of the vessel. The flows may be conveyed to/from compartments/systems on board the vessel via conduits in communication with a chamber having an opening through which the thruster drives the flows. The flows may be used to submerge/surface the vessel, or to provide systems cooling or serve other functions. Pivoted to a third position the thruster assembly is retracted and enclosed within the chamber to form a hydrodynamically clean exterior.
Abstract:
A marine catamaran craft, comprising at least one forward hydrofoil (4) fixed to each of the catamaran hulls (2a, 2b) and at least one rear hydrofoil (5) in which: • At least one forward hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation • At least one rear hydrofoil is arranged for shallowly submerged operation at low speeds and for planing operation at higher speeds • A rear part of each of the catamaran hulls remains wetted at all speeds.
Abstract:
A system (2300) for mounting a motorized cassette to a watercraft body comprises a mounting assembly (2311) configured to releasably secure the system to the watercraft body, a housing (2331), a tiller (2301), and a motorized cassette. The housing includes a receiving space and the motorized cassette is configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving space. Manipulation of the tiller causes rotation of the housing relative to the mounting assembly such that the tiller can be used to steer the watercraft body.
Abstract:
A water jet propulsion unit for watercraft includes a propeller pump housed in a pump housing (3) which has provided therein an inlet opening (3a) which is connected to a water delivery conduit (6) extending to a water intake opening (7) located beneath the water line of the watercraft, and an outlet opening (3b) through which a jet of propulsion water is generated when the pump is in use. For the purpose of preventing fouling in the water delivery conduit (6), or the formation of ice in the delivery conduit, when the propulsion unit is not in use, there is provided a means (8) for closing the outlet opening (3b) of the pump housing in an essentially airtight manner and means (9, 10) for supplying air under pressure to the delivery conduit (6) in a manner to force from the conduit any water present therein.
Abstract:
A semi-rigid inflatable boat (10), or "S-RIB", comprising permanently interconnected inflatable gunwale (12), a flexible bow hull (18) portion and a rigid hull (18) portion located aft of the flexible bow hull portion (18). The S-RIB may additionally comprise a flexible hull portion (18) located aft of the rigid hull portion (16). The flexible hull portions (18) are suitably inflatable, and in certain embodiments comprise an air cell structure, but in preferred embodiments, comprise a drop-stitch structure, which renders them substantially rigid when inflated.
Abstract:
A marine vessel is propelled through water using a hydro-compress gas powered engine including a chamber having a hydropower motor in an upper section and a compressed gas motor in a lower section. In a first cycle of the engine water is introduced into the hydropower motor that driving a drives a crankshaft using the kinetic energy of falling water. Concurrently a portion of a compressed gas stored in a tank is introduced into the compressed gas motor.
Abstract:
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) (200) for recording seismic signals during a marine seismic survey. The AUV includes a body (202) having a base (204) and sides (205); a propulsion system (918) for guiding the AUV (200) to a final target on the ocean bottom; a pump-jet (210) connected to an inlet (212) and plural base outlets (214i), wherein the plural base outlets (214i) are distributed on the base (204); a processor (108) connected to the pump-jet (210) and configured to activate the pump-jet (210) when the base in on the ocean bottom; and a seismic sensor (922) configured to record seismic signals. The pump-jet (210) has a first low speed so that water jets expelled at the plural base outlets (214i) fluidize the ocean bottom underneath the base (204) and buries the AUV (200).