Patents Represented by Attorney Derek K. W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6905380
    Abstract: An airboat and drive system for operating a pair of counter rotating air propellers that propel an airboat are described. An engine is mounted low in the hull of an airboat to lower the center of gravity and provide a more stable airboat. The drive system is connected to the engine through a drive shaft. The drive system includes a transmission, interconnecting frame, and counter rotating air propeller drive. The interconnecting frame mounts the counter rotating air propeller drive above the transmission providing proper clearance for the air propellers with the hull of the airboat. The transmission and counter rotating air propeller drive are connected through an interconnecting drive shaft. The amount of noise from a conventional belt drive is reduced. The modular design and simplified drive system is easier to assemble and align.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Husky Airboats Ltd.
    Inventor: Joseph Varga