Helical Screw Patents (Class 440/48)
  • Patent number: 11542949
    Abstract: The helicoid in a tube is an energy conversion device. The helicoid in a tube converts energy in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a) converting the inertia of the mass of the flow of a fluid through the helicoid in a tube into rotational energy; b) converting a rotational energy into a change in the inertia of the mass of the flow of the fluid through the helicoid in a tube; and, c) converting the inertia of the mass of the flow of a fluid through the helicoid in a tube into fluid turbulence, cavitation, and heat in the form of friction. The helicoid in a tube incorporates a turbine stator and a turbine rotor. The turbine rotor installs in the turbine stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Inventor: Tracy T. Bell
  • Patent number: 10407137
    Abstract: To be able to improve the flexibility in handling containers, a container ship configured to transport containers includes: an opening 106 through which cargo may be handled by moving a wheeled platform 501 between the container ship and a dock, the wheeled platform 501 including a plurality of containers 401 placed thereon; and a floor board 108 or a rail configured to support the wheeled platform 501 loaded from the dock through the opening 106.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: SHIBAKAI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Manabu Araki, Toru Araki
  • Patent number: 9926057
    Abstract: A system where a shaft runs through a center of a hydro screw helical gear main bearing. The helical gear positioned at approximately the end of the horizontal shaft and connects to the vertical power shaft and mating helical gear. Two main and two truss (shoe type) bearings position the screw/auger. There is on the hydro shaft a pressure seal in the Power Keel. The pitch angle is one turn (RPM) to 7.5 feet of travel with a four feet wide screw built into the blades-flukes off the screw/auger. The bearings are 12,000 RPM capable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Gary Louis Brodtke
  • Patent number: 8579056
    Abstract: A transport device includes a support base, at least two spiral drives, at least one drive device, a control device and a power source. Each one of the at least two spiral drives are preferably driven by a single drive device. However, a single drive device could drive the at least two spiral drives through some type of drive system. The at least two spiral drives are rotatably retained on the support base. The at least two spiral drives are rotated through any suitable drive system. The power source supplies power to the at least one drive device through the control device. The control device controls the rotation and the amount of power sent to the at least one drive device. An object to be transported is placed on the support base. However, multiple transport devices may be attached to multiple sides of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Lowell C. Frank
  • Patent number: 8388391
    Abstract: The present invention features a screw propeller system for use in a machine including a watercraft or an aircraft. The system features two or more screw propellers installed in the machine. Each screw propeller comprises an axle with a spiral blade disposed on the axle, and a tube hub. A differential and disc-brake device is operatively connected to each the first screw propeller and the second screw propeller. The differential and disc-brake device functions to steer the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Vladimir Vorobyev, Anait Serobyan
  • Patent number: 7481687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel and non-obvious propulsion system for watercraft, especially, but not limited to, watercraft less than about 50 feet in length. Propulsion system of the present invention provides a system that is less prone to being impeded by debris, water plants and the like; less likely to cause motor stalling or motor over heating if said propulsion system does become clogged or impeded and is designed to provide increased thrust resulting in, for example, more efficient operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Brad J. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20080076308
    Abstract: The invention is a direct replacement for conventional propellers on aquatic vehicles that utilize them. The cincture (26) (26A) being a integral part with the propeller makes a significant improvement over conventional propellers. Being so manufactured means that it can be conformed to virtually all types of propeller applications. Such as mounting requirements, the number of helical screws (20), their pitch and direction of rotation, and rear or forward mounted propellers. The cincture (26) (26A) being of one piece with the propeller means it is of the same material (plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, teflon, bronze, etc, etc.) as the propeller. Giving an enhanced performance and safety capability in a single article of manufacture for each desired application. Being beneficial not only for the owner, but the aquatic vehicle and its surroundings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventor: Steven Randall Green
  • Patent number: 7001229
    Abstract: In this specification regarding water vehicle propellers, the gist of the technical disclosure resides in the construction of a propeller having elongated blades which extend in a helical path and longitudinally of the hull of a water vehicle in an unbroken length, singly or in aligned sections following the contour of the hull, for substantially its entire length or that portion of the length of a water vehicle in contact with the body of water when under way. The elongated propellers are rotated on their longitudinal axis. In addition, two of such elongated propellers or aligned sections of such propellers are mounted parallel for rotation in opposite directions either within a tubular housing open at the front and rear or mounted directly adjacent the hull with one or more on either side. Spaced apart longitudinal support members are secured below the elongated propellers to prevent contact with an object or objects from below and to support the propellers and hull above any such objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Ernest Kettelson
  • Patent number: 6562206
    Abstract: A propeller attachment is disclosed including a body, the body including an anodic material, at least one projection projecting from the body, and a fastener coupled to the body. An anode is also disclosed including an annular body constructed from an anodic material, a fastener disposed centrally in the annular body, and at least one extension coupled to the annular body, the at least one extension is configured to allow for gripping of the anode. A fastener for coupling a propeller to a drive shaft of a lower unit is disclosed including a fastening portion configured to threadably engage the drive shaft and retain the propeller. The fastener further includes an anodic portion disposed around the fastening portion. The anodic portion is shaped to form at least one grip, and the anodic portion preferentially corrodes to prevent corrosion of the lower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn Showcatally
  • Patent number: 6431926
    Abstract: A ribbon drive propulsion apparatus and method for water-borne vessels such as surface craft and submersibles is disclosed. The vessel is equipped with an extended tube having an intake at a first end and an outlet at a second end. A ribbon formed of helical coils is mounted in the tube for rotation and the frequency of the coils decreases from the first end to the second end of the tube. Water is collected at the first end, an axial component of momentum of the water is increased via the rotating ribbon, and the water is ejected from the second end to provide propulsion to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Jonathan B. Rosefsky
  • Patent number: 6213042
    Abstract: A small waterplane area multihull (SWAMH) vessel having an upper hull platform located above the design water line of the vessel which is maintained above the surface of a body of water by at least two cylindrical submerged hulls joined thereto by supporting struts. A buoyant core material is contained between inner and outer walls of the submerged hulls which define a cylindrical space in which a rotary propulsive means is housed. An engine means is situated on the surface platform and is joined to the rotary propulsive means through a work translating means which converts the output of the engine to provide a propulsive force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Barry E. Delfosse
  • Patent number: 5411422
    Abstract: A propeller is presented which comprises a one piece blade that spirals out from an angular solid hub portion in smooth transition as a continuous screw spiral (or helix). Throughout its length, the spiral screw portion has an open center, (i.e., axial void) which when rotating is filled totally by water both inside the center void and in all spaces between the spiral blades. The spirals of the spiral screw portion are angled so that the pitch angle has a concave face or pushing surface which results in water trapped within the center and between the pitch faces being forced to pulse and thus be thrown back with great force from the end of the spiral screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Inventor: David H. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5392871
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a hull and pair of multiple-flighted outriggers which coact to stabilize and propel the vehicle over land and water. The speed and direction of the vehicle is controlled by a joystick allowing an operator to move the craft over land and water with a single hand. The multiple flighting and positioning of the outriggers adds efficiency and stability to the vehicle while the joystick control adds ease of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Douglas McFarland
  • Patent number: 5269714
    Abstract: A boat with a pair of air hose augers with a rubber ridge type surface and two wheels of a ridge surface or sled runners for holding a boat on the rails of a railroad track, the boat has a double snow plow blade for cleaning away the snow from streets, railroad tracks, etc., the air hose auger of six inches would handle a small boat easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Inventor: Albert R. Wilshusen
  • Patent number: 5203274
    Abstract: A buoyant boat hull of an amphibious vehicle has concave, quarter cylinder recesses along the sides down from the waterline, such recesses receiving the upper inboard quadrants of helical augers. The recesses confine water between the screw threads and project it directly to the rear for more efficient forward thrust. The engine and pumps for the hydraulic motors are mounted on a slide to be moved forward and aft as desired to shift the center of gravity and aid in transition between land and water travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Crude Tool Works
    Inventors: Douglas S. Hart, Larry D. Beller, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5203729
    Abstract: An auger-driven remotely controllable amphibious vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a buoyant hull in the general configuration of a speedboat. An auger is mounted for rotation along each side of the vehicle. The generally cylindrical augers with helical screws are nested closely in approximately quarter-cylinder recesses formed along the lower sides of the hull at the waterline so that a considerable portion of the water moved by the augers is contained in the narrow spaces between the augers and the hull, and is then thrust directly rearward (or forward) for increased efficiency in propulsion. A propulsion mechanism and other components are preferably mounted in the center of the vehicle for balance. The vehicle preferably includes control apparatus and signal receiving apparatus for remote operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventors: Larry D. Beller, Douglas S. Hart, Robert L. White
  • Patent number: 5125677
    Abstract: A machine powered by forces exerted by the machine user on machine driving members, such as pedals, which drive a rotary driven member through a unique variable ratio drive system. The machine may be constructed and arranged for use as either a vehicular conveyance for the machine, user or a stationary exercise machine both of which operate in a manner that provides an effective therapeutic exercise for certain orthopedic problems, particularly spine and leg problems. A drive system for the machine and other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventors: Frank R. Ogilvie, James W. Ogilvie
  • Patent number: 4867716
    Abstract: The present invention includes a boat having a pair of rotatable elongated pontoons on opposite sides thereof. Each of the pontoons has helical flighting for propelling the boat during rotation of the pontoon. The pontoon also is filled with floatation materials so as to add to the buoyancy of the vehicle. Each pontoon is independently rotatable so as to achieve maneuverability even without a rudder.A modified form of the present invention utilizes two independently rotatable paddle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Douglas F. McFarland
  • Patent number: 4857022
    Abstract: An amphibious vessel has at least two substantially parallel, elongate flotation members (2, 3) which operate on water as hulls. Each flotation members (2, 3) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof so as to be rollable over land. The rotation of one flotation member (2) may be power-driven, while another flotation member (3) may be steerable during travel over land.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: David M. Slonim
  • Patent number: 4838819
    Abstract: This marine propulsion unit has a main shaft for connection to a drive shaft, and a helical screw along the main shaft. A duct surrounds the main shaft and screw thereby creating a ducted area. The ducted area has a water inlet near its proximal end and a water outlet near its distal end, the ducted area being tapered from inlet to outlet, whereby water is accelerated through the ducted area to provide propulsion. A number of secondary inlet ports are disposed along and pass through the duct into the ducted area, for drawing in water to minimize cavitation along the ducted area. In an alternative embodiment, there is also a second duct coaxial with and surrounding the first duct, thereby creating a second ducted area. The second ducted area has a water inlet near its proximal end and a water outlet near its distal end, the ducted area being tapered from inlet to outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Inventor: Dobrivoje Todorovic
  • Patent number: 4734067
    Abstract: A hydro-rotor for providing propulsion or generating electricity in a device positioned in water. A hollow tank having a forward and aft tapered end in the preferred embodiment is mounted about a longitudinal axis to a pair of stabilizer plates. A helical flight is mounted circumferentially to the tank and extends from the forward end to the aft end of the tank. An electric motor and power source within the tank drivingly rotates the flight thereby propelling the tank through water. A pair of stabilizer plates extending outwardly of the flight and along the length of the longitudinal axis are controllingly pivoted to radial positions providing directional stability to the craft. The hydro-rotors may be rotatably mounted utilizing stabilizer plates to a ship providing propulsion therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Francisco Elias-Reyes
  • Patent number: 4459117
    Abstract: The liquid jet propulsion unit is driven by the conventional outboard motor. The drive of the motor directly rotates an impeller which draws up the water into an impeller chamber where it is moved by isentropic radially extending impeller blades. These blades have three progressive stages from inlet to outlet, i.e., axial, transition, and radial. In the delivery of the intake liquid to the outlet chamber the twisting turbulence is reduced and is straightened out and is further straightened by the outlet vane to give a stream greater lineal length and force through the outlet nozzle, which drives the craft forward. Since the vertical distance between intake and outlet is only a matter of a few inches, shallow draft boats can be driven successfullyin shallow and rocky water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventor: Robert L. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4321048
    Abstract: There is disclosed a water board or surfboard wherein a screw propeller mounted on the underside of the board generates thrust in response to the push-pull action of a hand lever which protrudes from either side of the board. The push-pull action on the lever causes a ratchet-type mechanism to rotate a gear assembly which is connected to the screw propeller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Inventors: Michele J. Marchese, William R. W. Troxel