Abstract:
The instant invention is directed toward a marine craft having a semi-enclosed surfacing type propeller (11) in a tunnel that draws air through the specific areas located and shaped to enhance performance and compensate for prime mover torque and horsepower characteristics. The invention consists of these air induction features (30) with description of their relationship to craft performance and operating characteristics. This invention also relates to certain structures and configuration of these elements, as to enhanced control of said marine craft. The control of these elements having no moving parts or operator interface. Its sequencing is established by the hull movement and the water around it.
Abstract:
A system and method is disclosed for controlling aereation of a surface-piercing propeller (302) of a marine vessel. The system includes a valve (602) configured to be coupled to an aeration conduit (304,902) of a marine vessel. The valve is configured to be responsive to a valve control signal (908) having a first value so as to be open and to provide air to the aeration conduit, and the valve configured to be responsive to the valve control signal having a second value so as to be closed and not provide air to the aeration conduit. The aeration control system also includes a control device (904), electrically coupled to the valve, that provides the valve control signal (910) to the valve
Abstract:
A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a high-pressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate. A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; at least one venturi injection ring positioned adjacent to the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to create a passageway between the at least one venturi injection ring and the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, wherein the passageway is characterized by a fore opening, an aft opening, and an intermediate opening disposed between the fore opening and the aft opening, and wherein the intermediate opening is smaller than the fore opening and the aft opening; at least one fluid opening formed in the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil adjacent to at least one of the intermediate opening and the aft opening; and at least one passageway connecting the at least one fluid opening to a source of fluid.
Abstract:
An aeration control system and method for a marine vessel. The system includes a valve configured to be coupled to an aeration conduit of a marine vessel. The valve is configured to be responsive to a valve control signal having a first value so as to be open and to provide air to the aeration conduit, and the valve configured to be responsive to the valve control signal having a second value so as to be closed and not provide air to the aeration conduit. The aeration control system also includes a control device, electrically coupled to the valve, that provides the valve control signal to the valve
Abstract:
A marine propulsion unit comprises a cowl (10), a propeller shaft (4) mounted on the cowl, and a propeller mounted on the propeller shaft. The propulsion unit can be mounted on a boat simply by attaching the cowl (10) to the hull of the boat (1). To avoid increasing the draught of the boat, the underside of the hull can be provided with a recess 2, so that the propeller (3) is received in the recess (2) when the propulsion unit is fitted to the boat. The propulsion unit may also include a blade (7) mounted downstream of the propeller (3). Rotating the blade about a substantially vertical axis deflects the thrust generated by the propeller (3) so as to steer the boat to which the propulsion unit is applied. The boat (1) can be provided with means (20) for directing air towards the propeller (3) of the boat. Directing air towards the propeller (3) promotes cavitation at the propeller thereby reducing the drag exerted by the water on the propeller. In consequence, the propeller is able to rotate faster for a given torque, and thus provides a greater power output.
Abstract:
A marine vessel comprising: at least one buoyant tubular foil; and at least one baffle plate positioned about the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil so as to protrude into the flow of water passing by the perimeter of the at least one buoyant tubular foil, whereby to create a highpressure zone fore of the at least one baffle plate and a low-pressure zone immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate, whereby to create a dense stream of supercavitated water immediately aft of the at least one baffle plate.
Abstract:
Assembly for use as a ship propeller (11) or a turbine in a current of water, comprising a propeller section (15) with at least one propeller blade (15a), a rotor part (25) arranged about and co-rotating with the propeller section (15), which rotor part (25) in its periphery comprises magnet devices (27) or windings for the generation of magnetic fields, so that the rotor part (25) constitutes the rotor of an electric motor and/or generator. The assembly further comprises a stator part (23) that surrounds the rotor part (25), which stator part (23) comprises magnet devices or windings (29) for generation of magnetic fields. The assembly is adapted for the supply of gas in at least one gap (31) between the rotor part (25) and the stator part (23), for displacement of any liquid in the gap (31) for the reduction of frictional forces in the gap (31) during rotation of the rotor part (25) in relation to the stator part (23).
Abstract:
The invention describes a marine propulsor that has a rotor (46) that is, at least in its majority, enclosed by structure (54) where said rotor receives water over at least a majority of its lower portions and gas over at least part of its upper portions. It is possible to delete the gas flow by a valve (48) which also directs water to the rotor vanes (52) and preferably has a curvilinear water contacting surface so that water will adhere to and follow that surface. The strength of the rotor can be increased by a rotor ring (47) that can be inset into a recess (53) in the adjacent housing to minimize drag of the rotor ring. A steering and reversing system for the marine propulsor is also proposed. It includes a steering rudder (45) that is in mechanic communication with reversing guide vanes (44) such that movement of the steering rudder causes a common movement of the discharge flow when in reverse. A water deflecting flap (51) is optionally provided to deflect water from hitting the reversing guide vanes or nozzles when operating in a high speed.
Abstract:
An assembly in a marine vessel comprising a unit (2) arranged in a water tight chamber opening in a hull of a vessel, wherein the unit is adapted to extend into the water below the vessel when at its mounted position, which assembly comprises a connection path (630) between in inside and outside of the vessel which connection path is provided with a sealing system (604) and which sealing system (604) divides the connection path (630) to outside connection path portion (630') and inside connection path portion (630''). The assembly comprises a gas inlet system opening (640, 640') to the outside connection path portion (630').