Twin turbine-wheel driven boat
US4004544A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 24, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jan 25, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 24, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H1/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A rudderless motorboat propelled and steered by twin-turbine wheels also functioning as traction wheels to carry the boat over sandbars and other submerged bodies to prevent it from running aground. The stern section of the boat hull is provided with a pair of longitudinally-extending tunnels which are symmetrically disposed with respect to the keel. Each wheel is rotatably mounted within a respective tunnel on an axis of rotation which is above the bottom line of the hull whereby only the lower segment of the wheel projects below this line to effect propulsion. Disposed within each tunnel on either side of the wheel therein are inlet and outlet baffles which are contoured to admit water to the propelling segment of the wheel and to discharge water therefrom, the baffles otherwise conforming to the periphery of the wheel to prevent recirculation of the water. A horizontally-mounted inboard motor is operatively coupled to the wheels in a manner whereby the wheels are differentially driven to propel and steer the boat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.