Pivoted Outlet Patents (Class 440/42)
  • Patent number: 5921825
    Abstract: High speed boats can be operated and steered by a water jet which is generated by a pump, the shaft of which is directly coupled to a driving motor. According to the invention, the engine shaft and the pump hub shaft are parallel to each other and a driving belt is placed over the motor shaft and the peripheral ring of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Lars Larsson
  • Patent number: 5879209
    Abstract: An automatic trim control system for a marine jet drive adjusts trim in response to water pressure in the jet drive duct immediately upstream of the impeller. The preferred system includes a mechanical actuator consisting of a spring biased link rod mounted to a resilient diaphragm located in an actuator housing. The diaphragm separates the chamber within the housing into a front portion and a rear portion. The front portion of the housing communicates through a water pressure tap line with the water pressure in the jet drive duct immediately upstream of the impeller. When the watercraft is traveling at high speeds on plane, water pressure in the jet drive duct is sufficient to push the diaphragm rearward against the spring biasing force, thus positioning the jet drive in a trim-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Jones
  • Patent number: 5803775
    Abstract: A steering arrangement for a watercraft that includes a jet propulsion unit having a jet propulsion unit housing. The housing includes an inlet end and a discharge end with a propeller provided therebetween for drawing water from the inlet end and discharging the water in the form of a pressurized jet stream to the discharge end. The discharge end includes a fixed nozzle through which the jet stream of pressurized water flows. A pivoting nozzle is pivotally coupled to the discharge nozzle for guiding the jet stream of pressurized water for steering operation of the watercraft. A seal is effected between the discharge nozzle and steering nozzle upon steering action of the pivoting nozzle so as to prevent a generally forward flowpath of water between the fixed nozzle and pivoting nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiko Henmi
  • Patent number: 5800222
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of jet propulsion systems for watercraft that employ twin impellers contained within a common housing assembly at the end of a common inlet duct having a single water inlet opening that can be positioned centrally of the watercraft to avoid drawing air in during abrupt maneuvering. By using twin impellers, the use of straightening vanes can be substantially eliminated. In addition, a small dividing wall extends from the area forwardly of the impellers only into the water inlet ducts sufficiently so as to reduce counter-effects of swirling from between the two impellers and without requiring any substantial change in direction of the water flow from the water inlet opening to the impellers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nanami
  • Patent number: 5755601
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft has a brake which the driver of the watercraft can use to decelerate forward motion of the watercraft. The brake mechanism preferably includes a reverse gate that allows watercraft steering to be consistent when the watercraft is accelerating or cruising with the reverse gate in a fill-up position as when the watercraft is decelerating with the reverse gate in a full-down or partial-down position. The positioning of the reverse gate during operation of the watercraft is adjusted in accordance with the state of hand operated actuators for a forward throttle control mechanism and a brake control mechanism. Preferably, an electronic controller receives a signal from the control mechanisms and outputs a control signal that directs a servomotor to move a reverse gate control cable or linkage to position the reverse gate. Forward thrust can be increased by proportionally closing the actuator for the forward thrust control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Jones
  • Patent number: 5752864
    Abstract: A reverse mechanism for a jet propelled watercraft includes a reverse gate that provides low restriction to the flow of water through the jet pump, and also provides significant steering characteristics. The reverse gate has a deflector surface with a vertical jet divide that divides the deflector surface. Both sides of the deflector surface are in the form of a simple curve. In the preferred embodiment, the simply-curved deflector surfaces slant inward towards a central apex which serves as the vertical jet divide. The deflector surface spans between a starboard side support structure and a port side support structure which are pivotally mounted along a horizontal axis so that the reverse gate can be moved between a full-up position and a full-down position rearward of the jet pump. Both the starboard side support structure and the port side support structure include apertures therethrough which allow a portion of the jet flow to exit laterally from the reverse gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Jones, Peter P. Grinwald, Richard P. Christians
  • Patent number: 5720636
    Abstract: The instant invention describes an advanced marine propulsor that has a rotor that is, at least in its majority, enclosed by structure where the rotor, in its preferred embodiment, receives water over at least a majority of its lower portions and gas over at least part of its upper portions. It is possible to delete the gas flow by use of a valve or structure so that an approximate doubling of water flow rate occurs which is valuable as a thrust enhancer for low and mid-range marine vehicle speed operation. It is also possible to operate the rotor with water directed mainly to its lower portions but with little or no gas directed to its upper portions thus forming a partial vacuum over the upper portions of the rotor vanes. When used, a water directing valve that directs water to the rotor vanes preferably has a curvilinear water contacting surface so that water will adhere to and follow that surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Patent number: 5713770
    Abstract: A water jet propulsion unit for a waterborne craft comprising a propeller pump having a pump housing outside the outlet opening of which there is provided a steering portion which makes possible the turning of the vessel as well as the retarding and reversing thereof. The steering portion includes a support bearing structure mounted at the outlet opening to be swung about a vertical axis designed to have two parallel side plates between which a steering nozzle is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis. Below the steering nozzle, designed to have a rectangular cross section and between the two side plates, a reversing bucket is pivotally mounted. This reversing bucket is link connected to the steering nozzle so that when the fore end of the steering nozzle is swung upwards, it will swing from a position up under the steering nozzle to a downwardly swung position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner ASA
    Inventor: Nils Ambli
  • Patent number: 5713768
    Abstract: A personal watercraft jet propulsion system has a hull design and an intake housing to optimize the structural integrity of the hull, and facilitate efficient installation of the jet propulsion system without sacrificing proper alignment of the components of the jet propulsion system. The watercraft hull includes a recess defined by an inclined bulkhead spanning between two substantially vertical sidewalls. The inclined bulkhead contains an opening between the engine compartment within the hull and the components of the jet propulsion system. The intake housing mounts to the inclined bulkhead to cover the opening. The intake housing has coplanar mounting surfaces surrounding the opening in the bulkhead. Proper alignment of the pump components requires only that the intake housing be mounted properly to the inclined bulkhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corp.
    Inventor: James R. Jones
  • Patent number: 5687669
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having a pontoon assembly including a pair of pontoons and a set of wheels operably attached to the pontoons which are pivotally coupled to a vehicle frame structure such that the pontoons are positionable between a raised position whereby the wheels are deployed for providing land travel and a lowered position whereby the pontoons are deployed for providing marine travel. A pivot assembly interconnects the pontoon assembly to the frame structure. The amphibious vehicle further includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit and a drive train for selectively transmitting torque generated by the engine to the wheels for propelling the amphibious vehicle during land use and to the jet drive for propelling the amphibious vehicle during marine use. A mechanical steering interlock positively connects and disconnects the steering of the set of wheel when the pontoon assembly is positioned in the raised and lowered positions respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Manfred W. Engler
  • Patent number: 5638705
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an anti-theft device for a personal watercraft which is powered by a gasoline engine-driven jet pump. The anti-theft device, having a nozzle cover, a cover holding mender and a cover locking member, is designed to be sealably attached to a jet pump steering diverter nozzle in order to prevent and deter theft of such a watercraft. The jet pump steering diverter nozzle, having an entrance and an exit end, is locked by mounting the nozzle cover to the exit end of the jet steering diverter nozzle, the nozzle cover is engaged in tight contact with the jet steering diverter nozzle with the cover holding member, whereby preventing movement of the nozzle cover in order to restrict the flow of water passing through the jet steering diverter nozzle, and the nozzle cover is locked to the jet steering diverted nozzle in order to prevent unauthorized removal thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventors: Michael Sean Buescher, Vicky Catherine Buescher
  • Patent number: 5593329
    Abstract: Two embodiments of jet propelled watercraft having improved electrically powered trim adjustments. In one embodiment, the trim adjustment effects pivotal movement of the discharge nozzle of the jet propulsion unit and in the other embodiment the electric power operates a trim plate of the hull that extends beneath the jet propulsion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Naoki Kato
  • Patent number: 5591057
    Abstract: A waterjet propulsion system for a vessel permits stationary mounting of the pump within the vessel hull, and further allows minimizing the size and weight of the pump casing, by providing a pivotably moveable, hull mounted and supported, steering and reversing sleeve mechanism positioned to receive the waterjet flow from a waterjet nozzle and to redirect at least a portion of that flow for steering and production of reverse thrust. The sleeve structure also permits all machinery for achieving control of steering and reverse thrust to be placed in protected locations such as being faired into the sleeve or within the vessel hull. Protection of linkages and reduction of the weight thereof is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles M. Dai, John L. Allison
  • Patent number: 5551898
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of steering nozzle and reverse thrust bucket arrangements for jet propelled watercraft. The steering nozzle, in addition to being mounted for steering movement about a vertically extending steering axis is also mounted for trim adjustment about a horizontally extending axis. A cooperating reverse thrust bucket provides reverse thrust operation. The reverse thrust bucket is either mounted on the hull of the watercraft independently of the jet propulsion unit, on the outer housing of the jet propulsion unit independently of the steering nozzle or on the steering nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chihiro Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 5540174
    Abstract: A small jet propelled watercraft having a hull undersurface provided with a plurality of stripes and a step at the rear end thereof to reduce porpoising without increasing drag. The watercraft is propelled by a jet propulsion unit having a discharge nozzle which is capable of trim adjustment and which is controlled by a twist grip control mounted on its steering handlebar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kishi, Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5507672
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft having a discharge nozzle that can be adjusted for trim and an electrically operated trim condition indicator is provided for giving the rider the indication of the actual trim condition of the watercraft. In addition, an automatic trim control mechanism is provided that permits the operator to set the desired trim at varying watercraft speeds and the trim will be automatically set when those speeds are reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5505639
    Abstract: An improved marine propulsion system that offers an attractive design with no external cables, gears, or the like and exceptional high speed performance is presented. It uses a unique new rotor concept that is supplied with water over the majority of a lower semicircle of its rotation and air over the top half of its rotation in the preferred embodiment. Since the rotor is pumping water over the lower half of its rotation the rotor sees greater average water inlet pressures than a standard full water flow waterjet. This results in improved efficiencies, especially at higher vehicle speeds. It is possible to vary the level of water flow into the rotor vanes by adjustment of an inlet flow regulating valve which results in adjustment in levels of power absorption. It is also possible, in most configurations, to run with the rotor filled with water which offers advantages at low vehicle speeds. Another feature is the aspiration of drive engine exhaust into the rotor which improves engine performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventor: Donald E. Burg
  • Patent number: 5481997
    Abstract: A kayak having a kayak-style hull with one or more cockpits, and an inboard power device that accelerates water and directs it out a steerable stern nozzle. In the embodiment described, an internal combustion engine drives a water impeller that receives water from an intake communicating with a body of water on which the kayak is located. The stern nozzle laterally redirects the accelerated water from the impeller over an angular range centered on a long axis of the hull. The operator controls the angle of the stern nozzle by means of a foot pedal accessible to an operator in the cockpit. The kayak also has a foot pedal for controlling a throttle of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Inventor: Raymond U. Arndt
  • Patent number: 5476401
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an improved water jet propulsion system for a marine vehicle. The water jet propulsion system of the present invention incorporates an unconventional and compact design including a short, steep, hydrodynamically designed inlet duct adapted for mounting to the surface of the vehicle hull and extending internally thereof, a water jet pump having an inlet end attached to the outlet end of the inlet duct, a motor for rotating the pump impeller, a drive shaft located completely outside of the flow path connecting the motor with the pump impeller, a flow passage for discharging accelerated flow received from the pump in a generally rearward direction, and a steering and reversing mechanism pivotably mounted about a substantially vertical axis to the aft portion of the vehicle hull for redirect accelerated flow received from the outlet nozzle so as to provide maneuvering capability to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Frank B. Peterson, Charles M. Dai, John F. McMahon
  • Patent number: 5474007
    Abstract: A control for a watercraft powered by a jet propulsion unit and having a reverse thrust bucket. In order to permit the operator to easily use the reverse thrust bucket for trim and retardation, a control lever is mounted on the steering handlebar assembly in close relationship to one of the handle grips. A mechanism interconnects the control lever to the reverse thrust bucket and includes a motion amplifying mechanism so that a small degree of movement of the control lever will be transmitted into a large degree of movement of the reverse thrust bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5429533
    Abstract: A small watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units each powered by a respective internal combustion engine. A single steering control controls simultaneously the steering nozzles for both jet propulsion units and a single throttle control controls the throttle for each of the engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Keijiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5395272
    Abstract: A steering device for a jet boat including a housing securable over the water exit at the rear of the jet boat, a steering nozzle movably secured to the housing so that water leaving the housing passes through the nozzle to leave the boat through the nozzle outlet, and means for moving the steering nozzle relative to the housing so as to direct the water leaving the nozzle outlet in a predetermined direction, the steering nozzle being movably secured to the housing by a pivotal connection which permits pivotal movement of the nozzle relative to the housing about a plane which lies at an acute angle to a longitudinal line through the center of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Smith
  • Patent number: 5370562
    Abstract: An improved steering control for a jet propelled watercraft wherein the steering control is provided by at least a pair of pivotally connected nozzle sections with the upstream nozzle section being pivoted first and the downstream nozzle section being pivoted second so as to permit a larger range of deviation in the discharge flow without obstructing the discharge nozzle of the jet propulsion unit. Both mechanical and hydraulic control systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayoshi Nanami
  • Patent number: 5330374
    Abstract: A jet propulsion system for a small watercraft including an arrangement for isolating the sound of water flowing through the water inlet portion of the jet propulsion unit from the occupants of the watercraft. This silencing is provided by providing a double wall on at least the portion of the jet propulsion unit water inlet portion juxtaposed to the passenger compartment to provide an insulating jacket. Water may be filled in the insulating jacket and this water can be derived by filling it with the coolant which is circulated through the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tetsuya Ishino
  • Patent number: 5304078
    Abstract: A reverse thrust bucket assembly for a water jet propulsion unit wherein the reverse thrust bucket and the discharge nozzle are configured to provide a good seal in the reverse thrust position of the reverse thrust bucket while, at the same time, permitting the reverse thrust bucket flow directing surface to have an uninterrupted curved area without an offset sealing flange that could offer flow resistance when being shifted between its positions. In addition, the steering nozzle and discharge end of the jet propulsion unit are configured so as to preclude any leakage in this area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5282763
    Abstract: A steerable bow thruster (12) system is located substantially within the pontoons (20) of a semisubmerged vessel (10) exclusive of a rotating nozzle (42) which is located on the upper side of the pontoons. The rotating nozzle can turn in any direction and allows the steerable bow thruster system to thrust forward, aft and side to side and in any direction in between to allow the semisubmerged vessel to maneuver freely and without the assistance of the main engines. To minimize draft and to prevent ecological harm, the nozzles are installed on top of the pontoons allowing the pontoons to act as a barrier to keep thrust wash from disturbing shallow ocean bottoms and reefs over which the vessel may be operating. The propelling means may be shrouded to prevent harm or injury to swimmers who may be in the water. A rudder (44) may also be coupled to the thruster nozzle to provide directional control for the semisubmerged vessel when it is underway at higher speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: John D. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5254024
    Abstract: A jet propulsion unit for powering a watercraft that is contained within a tunnel on the underside of the hull of the watercraft. The jet propulsion unit is rotatable about a longitudinally extending axis to rotate its water inlet opening from a downwardly facing position to a raised, out of the water storage and service position The drive for rotating the jet propulsion unit is positioned forwardly of the tunnel and out of the body of water in which the watercraft is operating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5246392
    Abstract: A stern drive system includes a jet nozzle that is pivoted with respect to a mounting bracket and is steered by two hydraulic cylinders. An anti-rotation brace includes a rod pivotably mounted to the bracket and a sleeve pivotably mounted to the jet nozzle. The rod, the sleeve and the pivot mounts are constructed such that the antirotation brace prevents the jet nozzle from rotating about the longitudinal axis of the stern drive system, thereby allowing a modular, compact stern drive which provides advantages in terms of reduced manufacturing cost, reduced maintenance cost, and increased ease of installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Falcon Maritime Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5240444
    Abstract: Several embodiments of jet propelled watercraft that incorporate an arrangement for hydraulically pivoting the jet propulsion unit between a normal position and a raised position and for rotating the water inlet portion of the jet propulsion unit from a downwardly facing direction to an upwardly facing service position. Hydraulic motors are employed for achieving both motions and are actuated through a common circuit for achieving sequential movement. In one embodiment, the rotary hydraulic motor is formed integrally within portions of the housing of the jet propulsion unit to provide a compact assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5222863
    Abstract: A hydrojet turbine drive 10 is described with a first turbine assembly 40 including a first compressor rotor 46 with blades 48 having a water pitch for drawing water into the turbine drive 10. The water is driven against the walls of a housing 18 and into a first stator 56 resulting in a portion of the water breaking down into its gaseous components. The water-gas fluid is reoriented and directed by the first stator 56 into a second turbine assembly 42 including a second compressor rotor 68 the blades 72 of which define a gas pitch. The circular flow therefrom is forced into a second stator 70 whereat additional water is reduced to its gaseous components. The water-gas fluid is directed by the second stator 70 into a third turbine assembly 44 including a third compressor rotor 88 the blades 94 of which also have a gas profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Brian L. Jones
  • Patent number: 5184966
    Abstract: A jet propelled watercraft that is pivotal about a transversely extending horizontally disposed axis for raising the jet propulsion unit from the body of water in which it is operating and also for trim adjustment of the jet propulsion unit. A trim plate is affixed to the under side of the jet propulsion unit and spans a pair of side walls defining the tunnel opening in which the jet propulsion unit is received for providing trim adjustment of the watercraft upon trim movement of the jet propulsion unit. Sealing arrangements are disclosed for providing sealing around the jet propulsion unit water inlet opening during the trim adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Yoshiki Futaki
  • Patent number: 5167547
    Abstract: Several embodiments of jet propelled watercraft including steering rudders pivotally supported by the steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit for providing a steering affect at low speeds and when coasting. The steering rudder is selectively moveable between its steering position and non-steering position so as to permit unincumbered high speed operation. An arrangement is incorporated that permits the rudder to pivot automatically from its steering position to an out of the way position when an underwater obstacle is struck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Yoshiyuki Kaneko
  • Patent number: 5154653
    Abstract: A bung plug assembly (30) for a clamshell life-raft canister (14) comprises a tubularly-shaped housing (32) for holding wound, or coiled, rope (84) with a resilient grommet cap (34) on an outwardly-directed end (64) thereof and a resilient rear cap (36) on an inwardly-directed end (66) thereof. The resilient grommet cap defines a grommet-cap bore (40) therethrough through which an outer-end portion (50) of the rope extends and a canister slot (72) for receiving edges of top and bottom halves (16, 18) of the canister as well as a key slot (46) for receiving a resilient molded key (44) to engage an edge of at least one canister half. A bung plug (38) having a rope passage (42) therethrough for receiving the outer-end portion of the rope is inserted into the grommet-cap bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Hampton Rubber Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Ketterman, Raymond M. Kinne
  • Patent number: 5151057
    Abstract: A watercraft propelled by a jet propulsion unit that is positioned within a tunnel in the underside of the watercraft. The jet propulsion unit is supported for pivotal movement about a horizontally extending transverse pivot access and the housing of the jet propulsion unit is divided into separate components so that the water inlet portion may be rotated to an upwardly facing service position without rotation of the discharge nozzle, steering nozzle, or reverse thrust buckets associated therewith. As a result, an extremely rigid support is accomplished which nevertheless permits ease of servicing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Yoshiki Futaki
  • Patent number: 5146865
    Abstract: A water-jet propulsion system for ships, which are intended to be used in shallow waters. A semi-axial, bladed turbine wheel with a vertical axis of rotation is disposed so that it can rotate in a well-shaped pressure housing. Into the pressure housing, the driving mechanism for the turbine wheel is introduced from above through a cover plate. At the lower end, the pressure housing is closed off by a bottom plate, which has a concentric, centrally disposed water inlet for axial flow against the turbine wheel and at least one water outlet with a shallow inclination. A guiding apparatus in which the flow energy of the water conveyed by the turbine wheel is largely converted into pressure energy is disposed between the outlet end of the conveying channels of the turbine wheel and the at least one water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Schottel-Werft Joseph Becker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Siegfried Lais, Gerd Krautkramer
  • Patent number: 5145426
    Abstract: A V bottom hull watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units that are supported for pivotal movement about horizontally disposed pivot axes and rotary movement about a longitudinal pivot axis to rotate the water inlet openings and elevate them from a downwardly facing normal operating position and an upwardly facing service position. The water inlet openings are disposed so that they extend parallel to the sides of the V bottom. Steering nozzles are supported for pivotal movement at the discharge ends of the jet propulsion units and pivot about vertically extending axes that are not perpendicular to the water inlet openings so that no vertical thrust will be exerted on the watercraft hull when the steering nozzles are pivoted to effect steering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Hirofumi Imaeda
  • Patent number: 5123867
    Abstract: A jet propulsion unit is provided for marine craft where a stream of water is induced in a converging inlet section and delivered as a steady laminar shaped flow regime to an impeller section whose novel impeller/diffuser vane combination and converging annular volume enables operation of the vessel over a wide range of speeds and sea conditions without cavitation. Acceleration of water energized by the impeller through an interchangeable nozzle provides additional thrust and maneuverability. The propulsion unit additionally incorporates an arm-hole duct in the inlet housing for easy clean-up of any fouling and a bypass valve positioned upstream from the impeller to eliminate balling and drag caused thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventor: Stefan Broinowski
  • Patent number: 5113777
    Abstract: A small jet propelled watercraft having a jet propulsion unit with a steering nozzle and further including a steering ski at the front of the watercraft for providing lift to the hull and also for providing a steering effect. The steering nozzle and steering ski are interconnected so that they are steered in opposite directions so as to provide a crisper steering and steering even at low speeds or when coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5094182
    Abstract: An improved ride plate apparatus for attachment to the lower aft portion of a personal watercraft, in place of the normal ride plate, and including a rudder mechanism pivotally connected to the ride plate together with steering linkage for coupling the rudder mechanism to the jet outlet nozzle so that, when the nozzle is rotated, with or without driving thrust applied, the rudder follows to effect a positive steering of the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Ronald E. Simner
  • Patent number: 5094638
    Abstract: A water vehicle comprised of a tow unit having only an internal combustion engine and a propulsion unit for propelling the watercraft and which cannot accommodate a rider. A towed unit is towed by the tow unit and includes a control device for controlling the tow unit from the towed unit. The towed unit has a kite so that it can operate either on the water or in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5056450
    Abstract: A personal watercraft having a selectively extendable and vertically pivotable steering set up is disclosed. The watercraft hull includes a channel for slidably receiving and engaging a steering arm to which a steering handlebar is mounted proximate one end and opposing protuberances formed proximate the opposite end. When the steering arm is fully extended retention means associated with the channel engage the protuberances so as to provide a pivotal connection. In an alternative embodiment the steering arm is selectively vertically rotatable and telescopically extendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Inventor: Albert A. Mardikian
  • Patent number: 5049096
    Abstract: An improved diverter unit for use with jet boats. The diverter unit includes an inlet unit which has a substantially tubular conduit therethrough. The inlet unit includes at least one radial vane which extends into and along the length of the conduit to control the direction and characteristics of fluid flow through the unit. An outlet unit also includes a substantially tubular conduit therethrough. A separate reverse outlet is disposed adjacent to the outlet unit but does not directly interface therewith. A reverse bucket is pivotally mounted to said outlet unit and selectively covers the outward end of said outlet unit to selectively direct fluid through said reverse outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Henn
  • Patent number: 5045003
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of steering nozzles for jet propulsion watercraft that are configured so as to achieve different steering effects to suit particular watercraft or rider's preferences. The different steering effect is achieved through the use of varying the shape of the discharge opening of the steering nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5016553
    Abstract: The device comprises a thruster assembly which consists of a housing, thruster motor, thruster propeller, and thruster motor control device. When integrated into a stern mounted main drive, the thruster housing becomes integral with the main drive. The thruster is situated on the transom just above the bottom line of the hull with its axis in line with the transom, horizontal with the water line, and at right angles to the main drive. The thruster control device is connected to the boat's steering wheel linkage so that when the wheel is turned the thruster is activated. Turning the steering wheel causes the thruster to push the boat's stern at right angles to the main drive thus causing the boat to turn. The direction the wheel is turned determines the direction of thrust (right or left) and therefore, the direction the boat turns. Additionally, thruster control can be achieved by connecting the thruster control device to the throttle/shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Inventor: William P. Spencer
  • Patent number: 4971584
    Abstract: Several embodiments of jet propelled water vessels wherein the bull and jet propulsion unit cooperate to form an inlet opening so that the outer housing of the jet propulsion unit need not itself form the inlet. This facilitates servicing since the water inlet need not be removed along with the jet propulsion unit for servicing and minimizes the likelihood of damage to the inlet duct and support for the impeller shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Seiji Inoue, Ryoichi Nakase
  • Patent number: 4949662
    Abstract: An improved steering arrangement for a jet propelled watercraft including a rudder carried by the forward portion of the hull and which is out of the water at high speeds and submerged at low speeds for assisting in low speed steering without adding to high speed drag. The rudder and the steering nozzle of the jet propulsion unit are steered simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 4934300
    Abstract: The invention provides a crawler track belt assembly with flexible parallel belts interconnected by transverse grouser bars. The bars have guide portions spaced transversely apart and mutually aligned longitudinally with guide portions of other bars. A track bed of the vehicle has parallel, longitudinally extending, guide grooves which receive and guide the guide portions of the belt to maintain track alignment. To reduce belt tension, the lower track bed has a lateral profile which resembles a catenary. The vehicle body has spaced sponsons defining a hull tunnel therebetween, and in water is powered by a water jet having a primary intake adjacent the tunnel roof. If the primary intake becomes blocked, a secondary intake on the track bed is swept by the crawler track belt assembly to maintain the secondary nozzle free of obstruction. The water jet discharges through a rotatable nozzle which can be directed to assist in clearing the primary intake of blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Watercraft Offshore Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce H. J. W. Seligman, Duncan H. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 4917637
    Abstract: A waterjet propulsion system for a watercraft including a duct disposed on the bottom of the watercraft with the opening facing backward, a device to produce waterjet in the duct and a steerable nozzle fitted on the duct opening. Inside the nozzle, a flow guide extending forwardly beyond a supporting axis for the nozzle is formed integrally with the nozzle. For the flow guide, a plate or plates fitted vertically respectively including or parallel to the nozzle centerline or a cylinder mounted coaxially with the nozzle can be preferably employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsumasa Soga, Jiro Kitao
  • Patent number: 4681550
    Abstract: An aquatic ride for use in swimming pools of the type having a high water pressure source and line to power a pool cleaning apparatus associated therewith having a support for a person in the pool, a water outlet on the said support operatively and removably connected to the high pressure line, and a valve interposed between the outlet and the high water pressure source whereby the support is guided by controlling high pressure water through the outlet means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Inventor: Dean B. Koenig
  • Patent number: 4652244
    Abstract: A stream of water is caused to move through a duct carried within the hull of a water craft and is discharged as a jet in a direction which is non-directional to the craft. The jet is redirected, as by a plate or nozzle, to impart movement to the craft in a selected direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1987
    Inventor: Donald Drury