Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi, a steering nozzle, and a reverse gate pivotable between a fully stowed position and a fully lowered position. The reverse gate includes a reverse gate body having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and reverse gate upper and lower edges. First and second side walls are connected to the sides of the reverse gate body. At least one deflector is connected to at least one of the outer arcuate surface, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The at least one deflector is spaced from the outer arcuate surface. A deflector trailing edge is disposed upwardly and rearwardly from a deflector leading edge at least when the reverse gate is in the fully lowered position. Water deflecting surfaces and turning deflectors connected to a reverse gate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A watercraft has a jet pump and a venturi. A variable trim system (VTS) support and a reverse gate are rotationally mounted relative to the venturi. A steering nozzle is rotationally mounted to the VTS support. A rotary actuator has an output portion operatively connected to at least one of the VTS support and the reverse gate. Rotation of the output portion between a first angle and a second angle causes a rotation of the VTS support while the reverse gate remains in a stowed position relative to the steering nozzle. Rotation of the output portion between the second angle and a third angle causes a rotation of the reverse gate between the stowed position and a second position while the VTS support remains in a fixed position. A jet propulsion system and a method of operating a jet propulsion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of controlling a watercraft comprises actuating a lever, controlling a speed of rotation of an engine to be at or below a reverse gate actuation speed in response to the actuation of the lever, moving the reverse gate in response to the actuation of the lever without further driver intervention once the speed of rotation of the engine is at or below the reverse gate actuation speed, and controlling the speed of rotation of the engine in order to decelerate the watercraft in response to the actuation of the lever and the reverse gate moving without further driver intervention. A watercraft and a method of controlling the watercraft based at least in part on an angle of a helm assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi, a steering nozzle, and a reverse gate pivotable between a fully stowed position and a fully lowered position. The reverse gate includes a reverse gate body having inner and outer arcuate surfaces, and reverse gate upper and lower edges. First and second side walls are connected to the sides of the reverse gate body. At least one deflector is connected to at least one of the outer arcuate surface, the first side wall, and the second side wall. The at least one deflector is spaced from the outer arcuate surface. A deflector trailing edge is disposed upwardly and rearwardly from a deflector leading edge at least when the reverse gate is in the fully lowered position. Water deflecting surfaces and turning deflectors connected to a reverse gate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A jet propulsion system includes an inlet receiving a fluid, and a housing defining a discharge nozzle through which fluid is discharged to provide propulsion of a vehicle in a first direction. The jet propulsion system also includes a reverse mechanism movable between a deployed position redirecting fluid from the discharge nozzle toward the first direction and providing propulsion of the vehicle in a second direction substantially opposite the first direction and a non-deployed position allowing fluid to exit the discharge nozzle and provide propulsion of the vehicle in the first direction. The reverse mechanism produces a flow entrainment that enhances forward thrust while the reverse mechanism is in the non-deployed position which results in a net thrust gain over the thrust attributed to the discharge nozzle alone.

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steering nozzle, a reversing deflector and at least one of a bow thruster and a second steering nozzle is disclosed. The method comprises any of the acts of inducing a net transverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a transverse thrust component signal, without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net forward-reverse thrust to the marine vessel in response to a forward-reverse thrust component signal without substantially inducing any transverse thrust or rotational thrust to the marine vessel, or inducing a net rotational thrust to the marine vessel in response to the rotational thrust component signal without substantially inducing any forward-reverse thrust or transverse thrust to the marine vessel.

Abstract: An operation device for a water-jet propulsion watercraft includes a first rotational shaft and a second rotational shaft. A first link can be rotatable about the first rotational shaft and a second link can be rotatable about the second rotational shaft. A bridging link can be configured to be capable of moving in parallel. A rotational end of the first link and a rotational end of the second link can be coupled such that an imaginary straight line connecting the rotational end to the first rotational shaft is parallel to an imaginary straight line connecting the rotational end to the second rotational shaft. A holding section can be provided on the bridging link to be held and operated by an operator.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.

Abstract: A thrust control system is described, including a control apparatus having water jet deflectors that deflect water to provide a reversing/backing thrust and a trim force to marine vessels using water jet propulsion. Other aspects include an electro-mechanical control lever assembly for operating actuators, the assembly comprising a mechanical lever coupled to a transducer that generates an electrical output. Yet other aspects comprise a load-sensing hydraulic circuit comprising at least two loads and a control system for controlling at least one of the loads, that prevents unwanted pressure transients in the circuit.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel having at least first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets is disclosed. The system comprises a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal and to provide a first set and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals are to be coupled to and control the first and second steering nozzles and the second set of actuator control signals are to be coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets. The processor is configured to provide the second set of actuator control signals so that the first reversing bucket and the second reversing bucket are each positioned in one of two discrete positions, in response to receipt of a translational thrust command having least one component in an athwart ship direction.

Abstract: An outboard jet drive marine system for a boat includes a housing, the housing has front and rear sides, and a top and bottom. The housing is adapted to be affixed behind a hull of a boat. An engine is disposed within the housing. A jet drive unit is releasably mounted to a housing extending from the rear of the housing and is operatively coupled to the engine in the housing. The jet drive unit includes a jet unit housing and drive shaft disposed within and supported by the jet unit housing. The jet unit housing is detachably received by the housing.

Abstract: Steering and reversing apparatus for a waterjet-powered marine vessel, the waterjet having an intake duct, a diffuser, and a steering nozzle and producing a rearward water stream flowing from the steering nozzle, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle pivot pivotably attaching the nozzle to the diffuser about a substantially vertical axis perpendicular to the water stream; at least one reversing duct affixed to and positioned substantially below the nozzle and having an opening to the nozzle; a reverse deflector pivotably attached to the diffuser about a horizontal axis substantially perpendicular to the water stream and having a sealing portion; and a nozzle sealing face having an exit shape mating with the sealing portion of the reverse deflector at any angular position of the steering nozzle, whereby, when the reverse deflector is pivoted such that the sealing portion mates with the nozzle sealing face, the water stream is deflected forward and underneath the vessel through the opening to the nozzle, steerably

Abstract: A method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steering nozzle, a reversing deflector and at least one of a bow thruster and a second steering nozzle is disclosed. The method comprises the acts of inducing a net translational force to the marine vessel, corresponding to a first vessel control signal comprising only a translational thrust command and a zero rotational thrust command, so that substantially no net rotational force is induced to the marine vessel, and inducing a net force to the marine vessel, substantially in a direction of a combination of the translational thrust command and the rotational thrust command for all combinations of the rotational and translational thrust commands.

Abstract: A thrust control system is described, including a control apparatus having water jet deflectors that deflect water to provide a reversing/backing thrust and a trim force to marine vessels using water jet propulsion. Other aspects include an electromechanical control lever assembly for operating actuators, the assembly comprising a mechanical lever coupled to a transducer that generates an electrical output. Yet other aspects comprise a load-sensing hydraulic circuit comprising at least two loads and a control system for controlling at least one of the loads, that prevents unwanted pressure transients in the circuit.

Abstract: A thrust control system is described, including a control apparatus having water jet deflectors that deflect water to provide a reversing/backing thrust and a trim force to marine vessels using water jet propulsion. Other aspects include an electro-mechanical control lever assembly for operating actuators, the assembly comprising a mechanical lever coupled to a transducer that generates an electrical output. Yet other aspects comprise a load-sensing hydraulic circuit comprising at least two loads and a control system for controlling at least one of the loads, that prevents unwanted pressure transients in the circuit.

Abstract: A reverse system for a water-jet propulsion personal watercraft is disclosed, including a water jet pump configured to eject water rearward from a steering nozzle thereof to thereby propel the watercraft, the steering nozzle being pivotable rightward and leftward, and a reverse bucket disposed rearward of the water jet pump and configured to be vertically pivotable and to have a substantially bowl-shaped inner wall, the reverse bucket being configured to direct the water ejected from the steering nozzle and colliding with the inner wall substantially forward with the reverse bucket located at the lower position, to propel the watercraft rearward, wherein the reverse bucket includes fins provided on the inner wall of the reverse bucket and configured to protrude inward of the inner wall and to extend in substantially a longitudinal direction of the watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering arrangement for ships propelled by water jet, comprising a steering device (6) that is pivotal about an essentially vertical shaft (5) having a first center line (C1), at least one hydraulic cylinder (2; 3) for turning said steering device (6), which hydraulic cylinder is directly or indirectly articulately connected to the ship's body at one of its ends (2B; 3B), a turning device (4) connected to said shaft (5), for attachment to a second end (2A; 3A) of said hydraulic cylinder at a distance from said shaft (5), a reversing device (7) arranged in connection with said steering device (6) about an essentially horizontal shaft (12), an additional hydraulic cylinder (9) arranged to act on the reversing device (7), the additional hydraulic cylinder (9) following the movement of the steering device (6), characterized in that all the hydraulic cylinders (2,3,9) are arranged within a sheltered space (1) located above the extension of said vertical shaft (5), which space (1

Abstract: A reverse gate flow director comprising a flow director base plate of generally trapezoidal shape, having mounting holes, a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to minimize water turbulence, a flow director fin of generally rectangular shape, having a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to minimize water turbulence, to direct water output flow from a reverse gate exit port and configured for fitting inside a reverse gate exit port having a reverse gate deflection feature with mounting holes for fixedly attaching the flow director base plate thereto.

Abstract: A propulsion system designed to propel submarine and surface vessels by discharging fluid rearwardly with a reaction of increased force that is approximately twenty percent greater than that possible with conventional propeller systems. Its conical/tapered housing is mounted to the inside bottom surface and transom of a marine vessel hull whereby a keyhole-shaped inlet opening directs a large volume of seawater into the housing's wider end. Seawater then flows across several increasingly smaller propellers positioned within the housing. A reverse and steering assembly with a movable gate can be optionally aligned with the discharge end of the housing to control the direction of marine vessel movement. Size is not a limiting factor for the present invention and its operation is virtually silent. Also, its inlet opening is always below the water level so priming is never needed and no transmission is required. Recreational, commercial, and military applications are contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering arrangement for ships with a water jet unit, comprising a steering device that is pivotable about an essentially vertical shaft having a first center line, at least one hydraulic cylinder articulately connected at a first end of the hydraulic cylinder to the attachment flange of the water jet unit, a turning device connected to the shaft for attachment to a second end of the hydraulic cylinder at a distance from the shaft, a reversing device for pivoting the steering device, the reversing device being arranged about an essentially horizontal shaft, an additional hydraulic cylinder arranged to act on the reversing device, the additional hydraulic cylinder following the movement of the steering device, characterized in that all the hydraulic cylinders are arranged within a sheltered space located above the extension of the vertical shaft.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having an engine, a water jet propeller on the rear side of the engine, a jet nozzle for ejecting jet water, and a steering nozzle swingable in the left-right direction. The axis of the water jet propeller is set with a rearwardly downward gradient at an angle ?1, and the bottom surface of a ride plate is set with a rearwardly upward gradient at an angle ?2.

Abstract: A personal watercraft with a steering nozzle for determining the jet direction of jet water is movably disposed on the rear side of a water jet propeller, a connection portion is provided at an upper portion of the steering nozzle, and a reverse bucket has a recessed portion for obviating the interference with the connection portion.

Abstract: A system and method for constructing a reverse gate for a watercraft is disclosed. The reverse gate is independently rotatable relative to a watercraft and a steering nozzle and includes at least two curved surfaces. The curved surfaces are attached to one another to form an apex that is offset from a midpoint of the reverse gate and the reverse gate is attached to the watercraft so that the apex is also offset from a center axis of a steering nozzle oriented relative thereto. Water discharged from the steering nozzle can be diverged at the apex of the reverse gate to provide lateral and reverse thrust to the watercraft. The reverse gate includes an additional curved section contained within one of the at least two curved sections to provide improved lateral thrust to the watercraft.

Abstract: A dual axis joystick control system is used intuitively for maneuvring a waterborne vessel having two or more waterjets with steering deflectors (13) and reverse ducts (14) mounted independently of the steering deflectors. The joystick (21) is operated to actuate the reverse ducts of the port and starboard waterjets for either common or differential deflections of thrust, and to actuate the steering deflectors of the port and starboard waterjets for common deflections of thrust.

Abstract: A reverse gate flow director comprising a flow director base plate of generally trapezoidal shape, having mounting holes, a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to minimize water turbulence, a flow director fin of generally rectangular shape, having a leading edge and a trailing edge configured to minimize water turbulence, to direct water output flow from a reverse gate exit port and configured for fitting inside a reverse gate exit port having a reverse gate deflection feature with mounting holes for fixedly attaching the flow director base plate thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed which allow a stream to be divided so that a portion continues to provide forward or reverse thrust while a portion is diverted to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus has a frame and a side diverter connected thereto. The side diverter is movable into and out of the path of a water stream from a jet propulsion unit to divert at least a portion of the water stream to provide lateral thrust. The apparatus preferably has two side diverters that may or may not be independently operable. The apparatus also preferably has one or more reverse diverters connected to the frame. The frame is preferably pivoted about two axes to move the side diverters into and out of the path of the water stream, and the reverse diverter preferably pivots about an axis that is perpendicular to these axes.

Abstract: A personal watercraft with a steering nozzle for determining the jet direction of jet water is movably disposed on the rear side of a water jet propeller, a connection portion is provided at an upper portion of the steering nozzle, and a reverse bucket has a recessed portion for obviating the interference with the connection portion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for braking a jet-propelled boat. The method comprises the steps of deploying a reverse gate and then opening a throttle of an engine in response to actuation of a brake pedal. The system comprises an engine having a throttle, a water jet propulsion system, a reverse gate, a brake pedal, and a mechanical system for deploying the reverse gate and then opening the throttle in response to the brake pedal being actuated by the boat operator. The reverse gate is deployed when the brake pedal is moved from a first position to a second position and the throttle is opened as the brake pedal is moved from the second position to a third position.

Abstract: A jet-propelled watercraft capable of eliminating the need for having an operating cable connected to a reverse bucket positioned in a space over a jet propulsion unit. The jet-propelled watercraft configured such that an intermediate lever is disposed in a gap between one of left and right supporting brackets (for example, left supporting bracket) and a steering nozzle. The intermediate lever is swingably mounted to the left supporting bracket, an operating cable is connected to a reverse bucket via the intermediate lever, and a front end of the operating cable is mounted to the operating lever.

Abstract: A lever-support bracket apparatus for a small waterboat allows a lever-support bracket and a socket section to be increased in strength and rigidity, by combining these functions in a single unitary apparatus. Using the described apparatus, a lever-support bracket and a socket section can be laid out rather easily, and the number of members can be reduced. With a lever support bracket apparatus 30, a reverse operation lever 34 is allowed to operate a reverse bucket 21, and the reverse operation lever 34 is arranged proximate the front end of a seat 23 and is attached, to swing freely, to a hull 11 using the lever-support bracket 31. Further, to the lever-support bracket 31, a socket section 55 is formed, to be a piece therewith, into which a tongue-shaped piece 51 at a front end 50 of the seat 23 can be inserted.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved braking device to assist slowing the watercraft when operated. The braking device includes a baffle plate and a guide plate. The baffle plate is movable between a non-braking position and a fully braking position. The guide plate cooperates with the baffle plate and is movable between a normal position and a fully deployed position. With the guide plate in the fully deployed position and the baffle plate in the fully braking position, the guide plate directs water against the baffle plate in order to slow the watercraft.

Abstract: A non-steerable reverse gate having a structure which reverses the lateral flow component when the steering nozzle is turned. The reverse gate produces high reverse and steering thrusts, while requiring low operating loads. The steering response in reverse is the same as an outboard or inboard/outboard. In effect, the transom thrusts to the side that the steering wheel is turned to. The reverse gate has a pair of flow-reversing passages for providing reverse thrust, a lateral steering passage for producing a lateral thrust when the steering nozzle is turned, and a fixed or pivotable central deflector body. The deflector body has three vertical walls connected to a juncture. One vertical wall is straight and extends forward of the juncture. The other vertical walls are curved and extend rearward and laterally outward from the juncture on opposite sides of a plane of symmetry. Each curved vertical wall has a flow-deflecting surface which is concave and faces a front opening of the reverse gate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary system for providing positive steering to marine crafts using jet propulsion systems, typically personal jet driven watercrafts such as jet boats and jet skis. In one embodiment, it includes, among other features, a combination of keel members attached to a stern section of a hull. The keels are interconnected using tie rods to the directional steering drive assembly. In other embodiments, the keels are instead attached directly to the directional nozzle or integrally made with the nozzle, and where a hood is included in the directional nozzle assembly, notches may be included in the keels to allow for full operation of the hood into its lowest position.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a reverse thrust arrangement. The reverse thrust arrangement includes a water diverter bucket assembly moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. The reverse thrust arrangement is configured to reduce an amount of operator force necessary to actuate movement of the water diverter bucket assembly between its opened and closed position. In some arrangements, the reverse thrust arrangement permits movement of the water diverter bucket assembly from its open to its closed position and control of an operating speed of the engine once the bucket assembly has reached its closed position by a single operator control.

Abstract: A non-steerable reverse gate having a structure which reverses the lateral flow component when the steering nozzle is turned. The reverse gate produces high reverse and steering thrusts, while requiring low operating loads. The steering response in reverse is the same as an outboard or inboard/outboard. In effect, the transom thrusts to the side that the steering wheel is turned to. The reverse gate has a pair of flow-reversing passages for providing reverse thrust, a lateral steering passage for producing a lateral thrust when the steering nozzle is turned, and a fixed or pivotable central deflector body. The deflector body has three vertical walls connected to a juncture. One vertical wall is straight and extends forward of the juncture. The other vertical walls are curved and extend rearward and laterally outward from the juncture on opposite sides of a plane of symmetry. Each curved vertical wall has a flow-deflecting surface which is concave and faces a front opening of the reverse gate.

Abstract: Presented is an improved marine vehicle propulsion system that utilizes a water accelerating rotor that operates efficiently when either partially or fully submerged all the while enclosed in a duct like a standard pump impeller pressurized nozzle waterjet. This new waterjet propulsor has a simple gas supply system without moving parts that supplies either gas or water to the water accelerating rotor dependent upon level of the waterline relative to the gas supply's inlet. One or more fluid inlet flow directing valve elements are offered that can vary the level of water reaching the rotor's inlet and can also, in an extended position, prevent water from impacting the waterjet's inlet. The latter item is valuable when the marine vehicle is either being towed or when it is being propelled by another propulsor as it reduces drag due to water flowing through an inoperative instant invention waterjet propulsor.

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.

Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for a small watercraft including a reverse thrust arrangement. The reverse thrust arrangement includes a water diverter bucket assembly moveable between an open position and a closed position with respect to a steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. The reverse thrust arrangement is configured to reduce an amount of operator force necessary to actuate movement of the water diverter bucket assembly between its opened and closed position. In some arrangements, the reverse thrust arrangement permits movement of the water diverter bucket assembly from its open to its closed position and control of an operating speed of the engine once the bucket assembly has reached its closed position by a single operator control.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auxiliary system for providing positive steering to marine crafts using jet propulsion systems, typically personal jet driven watercrafts such as jet boats and jet skis. In one embodiment, it includes, among other features, a combination of keel members attached to a stern section of a hull. The keels are interconnected using tie rods to the directional steering drive assembly. In other embodiments, the keels are instead attached directly to the directional nozzle or integrally made with the nozzle, and where a hood is included in the directional nozzle assembly, notches may be included in the keels to allow for full operation of the hood into its lowest position.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having an electrical reverse mechanism is disclosed. The electric reverse mechanism has a reverse thrust gate mechanically pivotable by an electric motor between a full-up position to permit full-forward propulsion of the watercraft and a fill-down position to enable either full-reverse propulsion or braking of the watercraft. The electric reverse mechanism may include a directional control toggle switch that outputs to the motor a forward signal when toggled to a forward position and a reverse signal when toggled to a reverse position. The motor pivots the reverse gate toward the full-up position when receiving the forward.signal and toward the full-down position when receiving the reverse signal. The electric reverse mechanism may include a display meter that displays an indication of the relative position of the reverse gate between the full-up and full-down positions.

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.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a watercraft includes a selectively movable flap connected to an actuator, which moves the flap into and out of the flow of water to affect steering, deceleration and trimming. The flap is recessed with respect to the lower surface of the hull so that it does not create drag at high speeds. The flap may be a portion of the ride plate, may be disposed in a recess in the bottom of the hull, or may be disposed on the stern above the bottom of the hull.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

Abstract: A water jet apparatus for a boat has a reverse gate optimized for braking. The reverse gate has a pair of flow-reversing passages for providing reverse thrust when the reverse gate is deployed and a lateral steering passage for directing flow, discharged to one side by the steering nozzle, to the opposite side. The flow-reversing passages start on opposite sides of a deflector body and curve outward and forward. The lateral steering passage is located aft of the deflector body and reversing passages and has discharge openings on opposite ends thereof, i.e., on the port and starboard sides of the reverse gate. The center of the aft wall of the reversing passages has an aperture, which allows water discharged from the steering nozzle to enter the steering passages. The deflector is situated in front of the aperture to deflect the pump discharge to the sides. The deflector takes the form of a flat body having an oval cross section with rounded side edges and having an hourglass shape when viewed from the front.

Abstract: A water craft attached to a self-deploying rudder assembly for use with an exhaust port having a exhaust stream operating at a selected thrust level includes a mounting assembly and a pivoting rudder blade assembly. The mounting assembly typically includes a mounting ring for attachment to the exhaust port, along with a storage skeg. The pivoting rudder blade assembly typically includes a thrust plate attached to one end of a rudder shaft, with a rudder blade attached to the other end of the shaft. Some deployment means, such as a spring, is used to urge the thrust plate into the exhaust stream when the selected thrust level is below a preselected thrust level. However, when the selected thrust level is above the preselected thrust level, the thrust plate is moved out of the exhaust stream and the rudder blade is thereby moved from a deployed, operational position to a stored position within the skeg.

Abstract: A waterjet-driven boat has a reversing bucket for controlling forward/reverse thrust and a rotatable nozzle for controlling sideward forces. A bucket position sensor is connected to the reversing bucket, and the bucket is controlled using the output of the position sensor to enable the bucket to be automatically moved to a neutral thrust position. Similarly, a nozzle position sensor is connected to the nozzle, and the nozzle is controlled using the output of the nozzle position sensor so that the nozzle may be automatically returned to a zero sideward force position. A joystick with two axes of motion may be used to control both the bucket and the nozzle. The joystick has built-in centering forces that automatically return it to a neutral position, causing both the bucket and nozzle to return to their neutral positions.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention is an operating system for a fuel cell power plant that includes at least one fuel cell for producing electrical energy from a reducing and oxidant fluid and fuel processing components including a reformer and a burner for processing a hydrocarbon fuel into the reducing fluid, and a direct mass and heat transfer device secured in fluid communication with both a process oxidant stream and a plant exhaust passage, so that the device directly transfers mass such as water exiting the plant in a plant exhaust stream back into the plant within the process oxidant stream. The invention also includes a split oxidant passage that directs the process oxidant stream through the fuel cell and a reformer feed portion of the process oxidant stream into fluid communication with the fuel processing components.