Tail assembly for an underwater vehicle

US6572422B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) · US

Inventors

• William J. Kirkwood · Roseville, US
• Farley Shane · Prunedale, US
• Mark Griese · Lompoc, US
• Douglas Au · Folsom, US
• Ed Mellinger · Monterey, US
• Thomas O'Reilly · Pottsville, US
• Joseph Andrew Gashler · Pacific Grove, US
• Knut Strietlien · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 2001
• Grant date: Jun 3, 2003
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63H5/14
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An assembly for an underwater vehicle that includes a motor, a duct assembly, and an actuator. The duct assembly includes a duct and a propeller mounted within the duct, where the propeller is driven by the motor. The actuator is connected to the duct assembly and the vehicle. The actuator pivots the duct assembly with respect to the vehicle. Alternatively, the assembly includes a motor, a duct having a generally cylindrical shape oriented about a longitudinal axis, and a propeller having an axis of rotation. The propeller is mounted within the duct and is driven by the motor. The propeller and the duct are connected such that the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis have a fixed orientation with respect to one another. The assembly includes a configuration for changing an orientation of the axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis with respect to the vehicle.