Abstract:
Method and systems for starting propeller driven aircraft and other devices. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a removable fixture (130) that is coupled to the propeller (120) and has at least one portion (131a) exposed to a flowstream to rotate the propeller during engine start-up. The fixture is configured to separate from the propeller after the engine (110) begins to turn over (e.g., after the engine starts and/or rotates above a threshold rate). Accordingly, the system can include a releasable link (132) between the fixture and the propeller.
Abstract:
In a vehicle's driveline, the clutch between drive engine and gearbox has the task of ensuring a final speed adjustement between the engine and the gearbox at the time when the clutch pedal is allowed to rise on completion of a gear change. The invention has the object of reducing the stress on the clutch and the disadvantages which arise from a lengthy sliding-in process with large speed differences. This is achieved by adjusting the engine speed to the gear being engaged, so that only a small speed difference has to be absorbed in the clutch.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a valve arrangement for preventing siphoning effect in an engine (1) which at least in part is arranged below a water line (5), comprising a first conduit (9) and a pump (11) for feeding water from the ambience of the vessel to said engine (1) through the conduit (9), with at least a portion (9') of the conduit (9) having an extension above the water line (5), and a valve arrangement (14) for alternating sealing and opening of said portion (9'). The valve arrangement is characterized in that the valve device (14) is connected to a canal (18) for feeding a pressurized media, with the function of the valve arrangement (14) being controlled depending on the pressure in said canal (18). By means of the invention, an improved valve arrangement is provided, especially for sailboats equipped with engines, using which it is possible to prevent water from leaking into the engine (1) due to siphoning effects.
Abstract:
An outboard jet drive marine system for a boat includes a housing, the housing has front and rear sides, and a top and bottom. The housing is adapted to be affixed behind a hull of a boat. An engine is disposed within the housing. A jet drive unit is releasably mounted to a housing extending from the rear of the housing and is operatively coupled to the engine in the housing. The jet drive unit includes a jet unit housing and drive shaft disposed within and supported by the jet unit housing. The jet unit housing is detachably received by the housing.
Abstract:
A hydrodynamically balanced and fully retractable rudder for small boats for creating a device which enhances small boat performance (kayaks, small sailing craft, canoes and similar craft) which provides a high power, low drag, and low input force mechanism to aid control performance of small boats -- by creating a particularly boomerang shaped, retractable rudder blade which can travel from the deck or other stowed position of the boat to the underside, generally rear of the boat, and align under with the hinge pin of the rudder providing a fully 'balanced' rudder effect, with the shaft of the hinge mating to the wide section of the foil that comprises the rudders ideal,most effective cross section.
Abstract:
A method for controlling a watercraft includes acquiring a desired heading of the watercraft, acquiring an actual heading of the watercraft at time T0, calculating a heading error by comparing the desired heading with the actual heading and determining a rate of change of the heading error. A P gain, I gain and D gain for use in maintaining the heading of the watercraft is determined and used to calculate factors related to heading error, cumulative heading error and rate of change of heading error. These factors are summed to form a control value for deflecting a nozzle of the watercraft to maintain a heading of the watercraft. Further embodiments include methods for calculating and correcting a heading of the watercraft, as well as methods for controlling roll out and sideways motion of the watercraft.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a merchant navy vessel comprising a hull which is provided for accommodating goods and/or people and which comprises at least one rotating rudder propeller that serves as a drive unit. The rotating rudder propeller is arranged in the stern of the hull, preferably in a box-type connecting unit, and the necessary components for controlling the rudder propeller are situated in the hull. The rudder propeller comprises an electric propeller motor and the electrical and mechanical components for supplying power and for controlling the rudder propeller and the electric motor thereof are combined, in part, to form functional modules. Said functional modules are configured as transport containers (1), especially as standard containers, are designed such that they can be completely tested with regard to functionality at the site of production and such that they can be inspected and approved by classification societies, and can be assembled in this form at any assembly location of the vessel using the container floor structure.