Patents by Inventor Donald W. Hankley

Donald W. Hankley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Tunnel wedge
    Patent number: 4622016
    Abstract: A full or partial tunnel wedge is positioned in the propeller shaft tunnel ft of the propeller on a waterborne craft. The size and angle of the wedge is determined by the characteristics of the particular craft. The wedge converges water flow and increases water pressure aft of the propeller. The higher water pressure increases the propeller thrust and reduces the hull drag of the propeller shaft tunnel thus reducing the shaft horsepower required to maintain a given speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Donald W. Hankley