Circumferential ring propulsors and control assemblies for manned or unmanned underwater vehicles
US8585451B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | Nov 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB63H2023/005
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A propulsor and control system for an underwater vehicle having annular fore and aft circumferential shrouds surrounding the hull. The fore and aft circumferential shrouds form respective fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps between the fore and aft circumferential shrouds and the hull. Fore and aft propulsor blades are situated substantially or completely within the fore and aft circumferential shroud gaps; the blades counter-rotate in one preferred embodiment. The fore or aft circumferential ring propulsors can have front control vanes located in front of the respective propulsors blade sets, and back control vanes located behind the respective propulsors to control the direction of the flow of water in order to maneuver the underwater vehicle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.