Thrust-reversing nozzle assembly for watercraft
US6592413B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H11/113
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides an improved nozzle assembly for waterjet-propelled watercraft such as a personal watercraft. In particular, the invention features an improved reverse gate assembly used to travel in a reverse direction. The reverse gate is linked to the steering-controlling waterjet outlet nozzle and pivots laterally with it to provide significantly enhanced steering response and control when the reverse gate is extended for reverse direction travel of the watercraft. The reverse gate actuation linkage assembly enables such linkage of the reverse gate and the steering-control nozzle member even when the nozzle is configured to pivot vertically (in addition to laterally) to “trim” the attitude of the watercraft in the water. Differential or laterally asymmetric design of the reverse gate compensates for vorticity or swirl in the waterjet to help ensure uniform watercraft performance when travelling in a reverse direction and turning either to the right or to the left.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.