Hydro-air drive
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United States of America Patent
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-
Apr 9, 1996
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Sep 21, 1994
filing date -
Jun 2, 1988
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
An improved marine propulsion system that offers an attractive design with no external cables, gears, or the like and exceptional high speed performance is presented. It uses a unique new rotor concept that is supplied with water over the majority of a lower semicircle of its rotation and air over the top half of its rotation in the preferred embodiment. Since the rotor is pumping water over the lower half of its rotation the rotor sees greater average water inlet pressures than a standard full water flow waterjet. This results in improved efficiencies, especially at higher vehicle speeds. It is possible to vary the level of water flow into the rotor vanes by adjustment of an inlet flow regulating valve which results in adjustment in levels of power absorption. It is also possible, in most configurations, to run with the rotor filled with water which offers advantages at low vehicle speeds. Another feature is the aspiration of drive engine exhaust into the rotor which improves engine performance. Further rotor improvements include a rotor vane ring to enhance the structural integrity of the rotor vanes. The rotor vane ring is normally inset into a housing recess with the recess supplied with gas. This improves efficiency since there is little or no hydrodynamic drag of the rotor vane ring. Other features include a bearing oil fill inside of the vehicle and a debris cutter attachment that can be removed with the inspection port cover. There is a steering and maneuvering system whereby the discharge waterjet is directed aft to the steering system during normal ahead operation while it is redirected to a separate maneuvering system for precise low speed reversing and control. In the preferred embodiment, the maneuvering system offers full 360 degree maneuverability by directing fluid discharge through a rotatable nozzle. The nozzle openings can be shielded from water impingement during full ahead operation by water separating steps.
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