Electric Drive For Propelling Means Patents (Class 440/6)
  • Patent number: 9004961
    Abstract: A marine outboard engine has an engine, a cowling, an alternator, and a controller electrically connected to the alternator. A primary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge a primary energy storage device. A starter motor is selectively operatively connected to the engine and is adapted to be electrically connected to the primary energy storage device. An auxiliary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge at least one auxiliary battery adapted to power an auxiliary device. The controller, the primary charger and the auxiliary charger are disposed inside the cowling. A vehicle bus connects the auxiliary charger with the controller to provide data from the controller to the auxiliary charger. A watercraft having the marine outboard engine and an auxiliary device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BRP US Inc.
    Inventors: Michael French, Jeremiah Gillis
  • Patent number: 9004964
    Abstract: An activation and deactivation assembly for an electric outboard motor with an internal motor controller, a tiller arm, a handle mounted on the tiller arm, and a rotating knob attached to the distal end of the handle. The knob has a longitudinally aligned key slot that receives a complimentary shaped key. Located inside the handle is a reed switch and mounted on the key is a magnet that is magnetically attracted to the reed switch. An optional lanyard attaches the key to the tiller arm, an optional dead main lanyard is attached to the lanyard, and a linear hall effect sensor is located in the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: Joseph W Grez
  • Publication number: 20150093947
    Abstract: An electric steering apparatus for a vessel propulsion apparatus includes a steering motor, a lock clutch, and a rotation stopper mechanism. The steering motor generates a driving force to turn the steering shaft joined to an outboard motor. The lock clutch transmits a driving force from an input shaft to an output shaft when a forward input to transmit a driving force from the steering motor is generated, and shuts off the driving force transmission from the output shaft to the input shaft when a reverse input to transmit a driving force from the steering shaft is generated. The rotation stopper mechanism is configured to switch between a lock state in which the rotation stopper mechanism restricts rotation of the casing and a release state in which the rotation stopper mechanism releases the rotation restriction of the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Morihiko NANJO, Makoto MIZUTANI
  • Publication number: 20150064994
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a self-propelled personal water craft including a parabolic hull. The hull has a bow, mid-section and stern. The mid-section has substantially reduced diameter compared with the bow and stern section defining an hour-glass hull shape. The hull including an upper portion and a lower portion, a hollow space is created between the upper and lower portions and defines a central portion. The lower portion includes structure for manipulating water drag. Additionally, the craft includes a motor member for propelling the craft. In an exemplary embodiment, the motor member includes an axial flow jet pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Jason Daniel Woods
  • Publication number: 20150064995
    Abstract: A self-propelled personal watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull with a middle narrower than a bow and a stern of the watercraft and with a bottom of the bow being raised with respect to the middle and the stern, and a propulsion device within the hull. While the watercraft is propelled through water by the propulsion device with a rider on board, shifting of the rider's weight to either side of the watercraft increases contact of the bow with the water on that side, the increased contact resulting in increased drag and turning the watercraft to that side. While the watercraft is propelled through water by the propulsion device with the rider on board and the watercraft is not turning, the bottom of the bow makes contact with the water across a narrower distance than the bottom of the middle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: Inventive Design Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Daniel WOODS, Mark WOODWARD
  • Patent number: 8968042
    Abstract: A propulsion device for a marine vessel, the propulsion device comprising an electrical machine with integral magnetic gearing, which comprises three members, namely a first or inner rotor comprising a first plurality of permanent magnets, a second rotor in the form of a plurality of ferromagnetic pole pieces, and a stator which is associated with a plurality of 3-phase windings and to the periphery of which a plurality of second permanent magnets are fixed. The magnetic pole piece rotor is connected to a drive shaft provided with a propulsion means for providing propulsion to the marine vessel. The first or inner rotor is free to rotate about the drive shaft. The pole pieces of the second rotor are arranged to magnetically couple the permanent magnets of the first or inner rotor to the second permanent magnets on the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Magnomatics Limited
    Inventors: Stuart Calverley, David Powell
  • Patent number: 8961247
    Abstract: A power supply system for a marine drilling vessel is provided. The power supply system comprises a first power grid section coupled to a generator configured to generate electric power and further coupled to an electrically powered active heave compensator. The heave compensator is configured to raise and lower a drill string relative to the marine drilling vessel. The power supply system further comprises a second power grid section coupled to a generator configured to generate electric power and further coupled to an electrically powered thruster drive of the marine drilling vessel. The first power grid section is electrically coupled to the second power grid section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Fredrik Gjerpe
  • Publication number: 20150050846
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a stern flotation compartment. The hull is carved out underneath the gunwales to admit a vertical cylindrical sleeve extending through the flotation compartment from top to bottom, and sealed top and bottom. A studded vertical mounting tube carrying an electric motor fits within a slotted cylindrical steering tube; the latter is carried on rotatable bearings affixed to the vertical cylindrical sleeve. A steering assembly is affixed to the slotted cylindrical steering tube and a guide tube fits closely within the vertical mounting tube. An electrical power cable is connected to the electric motor and a retraction assembly is affixed to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Case
  • Patent number: 8956195
    Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayoshi Suzuki, Noriyoshi Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8951079
    Abstract: A personal watercraft body comprises a recess configured to receive similarly shaped cassettes. A first cassette may be motorized to propel the body relative to a body of water. A second cassette may be non-motorized and may include a storage space therein for storing personal items. An insert may be disposed between the cassettes and the recess to orient and fit the cassettes within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Boomerboard, LLC
    Inventors: Mike R Railey, Michael Vlock
  • Patent number: 8943990
    Abstract: A retractable shallow water anchor system that mounts onto the trolling motor on a boat. The anchor system does not stick up above the top of the trolling motor. When the motor is pulled up or put down, the anchor system travels with it. With the trolling motor down, the user removes the rope from the cleat on the anchor system and two fiberglass rods extend out (extend to 7-8 ft.) to anchor the boat in place. The unit is made of aluminum, stainless steel, and fiberglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Max Edward McQuade
  • Publication number: 20150031251
    Abstract: An improvement in telescoping electric trolling motors is disclosed. The trolling motor has a telescoping shaft that changes the depth of the electric motor, and therefore the prop of the trolling motor. A cable is used to raise and lower the electric motor and telescope the shaft. The same cable is used to pivot the trolling motor into a storage position on the deck of the boat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Lee
  • Patent number: 8939104
    Abstract: A lateral thruster for a vessel with a housing (1), at least one electric motor (2, 2?) fitted in the housing (1) and at least one transverse propeller (13) acting transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis (3) of the vessel (5) is additionally provided with at least one longitudinal propeller (21) acting in a direction of the longitudinal axis (3) of the vessel (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Sleipner—Marinno GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Holesz
  • Patent number: 8936498
    Abstract: An improvement in telescoping electric trolling motors is disclosed. The trolling motor has a telescoping shaft that changes the depth of the electric motor, and therefore the prop of the trolling motor. A cable is used to raise and lower the electric motor and telescope the shaft. The same cable is used to pivot the trolling motor into a storage position on the deck of the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce Lee
  • Publication number: 20150013584
    Abstract: A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Fred Francis Escher
  • Publication number: 20150011133
    Abstract: An inflatable watercraft comprises a motorized cassette and at least one inflatable chamber. The at least one inflatable chamber is foldable relative to the motorized cassette at least when the inflatable watercraft is in a deflated configuration. The motorized cassette includes a motor, an impeller, at least one battery, and a pump configured to inflate the at least one inflatable chamber. The pump can include a reversible pump configured to deflate the at least one inflatable chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Vlock, Leonard Stobar
  • Patent number: 8926380
    Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a bracket that is attachable to a marine vessel, a duct that is rotatable around a steering axis with respect to the bracket, a propeller that is rotatable with respect to the duct around a propeller axis extending in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller. The propeller includes a plurality of blades and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades, and is surrounded by the duct. The electric motor rotates the rim with respect to the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayoshi Suzuki, Noriyoshi Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8926381
    Abstract: Hybrid propulsion system for a vessel including main engines connected to propulsion to propulsion means via transmission devices and connection devices for connection and disconnection, where the system includes one or more electrical machines arranged to the transmission device(s) via connection device for connection and disconnection of the from the transmission device, and one or more hybrid shaft generators, which is/are arranged between the electrical machine and one or more switchboards for the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Marine AS
    Inventor: Torbjorn Haugland
  • Patent number: 8911271
    Abstract: A marine vessel includes a hull, a jet pump disposed outside the hull, and an electric motor arranged to drive the jet pump. The jet pump includes a water inlet, a jet nozzle disposed posterior to the water inlet, and a flow path connecting the water inlet and the jet nozzle, and is arranged to jet water, taken in through the water inlet, through the jet nozzle. The electric motor is disposed between the hull and the jet pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Shibayama
  • Publication number: 20140364020
    Abstract: A kayak motor attachment device for fastening a motor to a kayak comprising an elongated frame, where the elongated frame includes a pair of slots; a pair of fishing pole supports inserted into a pair of receiving holes positioned at a back of the kayak, where the pair of fishing pole supports attach to the elongated frame with a plurality of bolts through the pair of slots; an attachment housing secured to an end of the elongated frame; a support shaft attached to the attachment housing, where the support shaft rotates within the attachment housing to guide a propeller at a bottom end of the support shaft; and a motor attached atop the support shaft to power the propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Richard Stone, Charmaine Stone
  • Publication number: 20140345513
    Abstract: A water craft comprising: an elongated hull comprising a passageway having an inlet and an outlet; a pump jet disposed within said passageway intermediate said inlet and said outlet; said pump jet being configured to receive water entering said passageway through said inlet and pump said water out of said outlet, whereby to propel said hull through water; a plurality of nozzles disposed on the outer surface of said hull, aft of said inlet, wherein said plurality of nozzles are configured to release a friction-reducing fluid, whereby the friction-reducing fluid displaces water from the surface of said hull so as to diminish friction on the outer surface of said hull and facilitate high speeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sancoff
  • Patent number: 8894453
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a stern flotation compartment. The hull is carved out underneath the gunwales to admit a vertical cylindrical sleeve extending through the flotation compartment from top to bottom, and sealed top and bottom. A studded vertical mounting tube carrying an electric motor fits within a slotted cylindrical steering tube; the latter is carried on rotatable bearings affixed to the vertical cylindrical sleeve. A steering assembly is affixed to the slotted cylindrical steering tube and a guide tube fits closely within the vertical mounting tube. An electrical power cable is connected to the electric motor and a retraction assembly is affixed to the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Case
  • Patent number: 8888542
    Abstract: Provided is an electric outboard motor that includes a drive motor, which is an AC motor, as a drive source. The electric outboard motor includes: an outboard motor main body that includes the drive motor and an inverter that converters a direct current to an alternating current to supply the alternating current to the drive motor; a control/power supply unit that is formed separately from the outboard motor main body and that can supply the direct current to the inverter; and a connection cable that electrically connects the outboard motor main body and the control/power supply unit. The inverter and the drive motor are stacked and arranged in an axial direction of a rotation output axis of the drive motor. Part of the inverter falls within an outline of the drive motor in a view in the axial direction of the rotation output axis of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Suzuki Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kinpara, Yohei Nakano, Satoru Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8882555
    Abstract: A remote controlled motorized buoy is provided for rescuing people in the water. The buoy may be controlled by a person with a remote control to navigate to the person in need. The buoy may have flotation mechanisms to keep the buoy right side up in rough water conditions and includes visual indicators to help the user keep track of the buoys location, such as a flag and beacon. When the buoy is near the swimmer, the swimmer may grab the buoy and the buoy may be remotely navigated to bring the swimmer to a safe location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony C. Mulligan, Robert W. Lautrup
  • Patent number: 8870614
    Abstract: A system for mounting a motorized cassette to a watercraft body comprises a mounting assembly configured to releasably secure the system to the watercraft body, a housing, a tiller, and a motorized cassette. The housing includes a receiving space and the motorized cassette is configured to be at least partially inserted into the receiving space. Manipulation of the tiller causes rotation of the housing relative to the mounting assembly such that the tiller can be used to steer the watercraft body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boomerboard, LLC
    Inventor: Mike R Railey
  • Patent number: 8851942
    Abstract: A thrust generating apparatus which is positioned under water and configured to generate a thrust by ejecting water includes a duct-shaped stator provided with a plurality of armature coils, and a plurality of ring-shaped rotors which are arranged radially inward of the stator and provided with permanent magnets respectively corresponding to the plurality of armature coils, wherein the plurality of rotors are arranged in series in a rotational axis direction thereof and each of the rotors has a propeller vane protruding radially inward. A thrust generating apparatus is capable of outputting a high driving power without increasing a propeller diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Yoshikawa, Hiromitsu Kiyose, Tetsuro Ikebuchi
  • Patent number: 8845369
    Abstract: A vessel includes a first propulsion mechanism, at least one second propulsion mechanism, and a hull. The first propulsion mechanism is arranged to generate thrust by an internal combustion engine. The second propulsion mechanism is arranged to generate thrust by an electric motor. The first propulsion mechanism and the second propulsion mechanism are disposed in the hull. The first propulsion mechanism and the second propulsion mechanism are mutually independent. A direction of the thrust generated by the first propulsion mechanism and a direction of the thrust generated by the at least one second propulsion mechanism are the same as each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Shibayama
  • Patent number: 8821200
    Abstract: A gondola drive for a floating device has an underwater housing circulated around by water. The gondola drive contains a drive module which has a drive module housing and a shaft disposed therein, a transmission module with a transmission module housing and a transmission disposed therein and a propeller. The drive module and the transmission module are each configured as separate components connected to one another such that the drive module housing and the transmission module housing form at least a part of the underwater housing and that the shaft is coupled to the transmission for driving the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengsellschaft
    Inventors: Ernst-Christoph Krackhardt, Christian Norbert Mueller, Jan Pellinghoff, Dierk Schroeder, Michael Wycisk, Robin De Ruiter
  • Publication number: 20140242856
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a plurality of electrode assemblies including a first electrode assembly and a second electrode assembly; a case housing the plurality of electrode assemblies; a first conductive plate between the first electrode assembly and the case; and a first contact electrically coupling the first conductive plate to the second electrode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventor: Duk-Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 8814616
    Abstract: An autonomous aquatic vehicle with one or more fuel cells, a controller, a plurality of sensors, a battery, and at least one electric motor and propeller. The one or more fuel cells provide power to the battery, and the battery provides power for the vehicle. Seawater is provided to anodes of the fuel cell and air or oxygen is provided to the cathode to produce power for supply to the battery. The seawater-anode reaction creates waste or byproduct that tends to decrease output of the fuel cell. The waste or byproduct is automatically flushed from the fuel cell using seawater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Argopower, LLC
    Inventor: Allan Riggs
  • Patent number: 8814129
    Abstract: A trolling motor mount comprising a base for attaching the mount to a watercraft, an arm assembly pivotally attached to the base, a motor mount assembly pivotally attached to the arm assembly for rotatably securing the trolling motor, and an actuator adapted to move the arm assembly between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. The actuator may comprise a linear actuator. The arm assembly may comprise a single elongated arm or a four bar linkage system. The mount may further comprise a user control such a switch, a wireless remote control, or wired remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventors: William J. Todd, Douglas D. Watson
  • Patent number: 8814614
    Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion device includes a propeller rotatable around a propeller axis, a duct that surrounds the propeller around the propeller axis, an internal combustion engine that rotates the propeller relative the duct, and an electric motor that rotates the propeller relative to the duct. The propeller includes a plurality of blades, and a cylindrical rim that surrounds the plurality of blades around the propeller axis. The electric motor rotates the propeller by rotating the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayoshi Suzuki, Noriyoshi Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8808041
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 8795008
    Abstract: A hybrid power device for a marine vehicle is provided that has two hybrid prime movers, an electric motor and a combustion engine, that distribute power, for example torque, to a single or dual propulsor, such as surface drives with propellers. The prime movers can apply power singly or in unison, but maintain substantially optimum propulsive efficiency in all cases. The power outputs of the prime movers are in communication with a power transmitting device such as a gear box that may combine the power outputs to drive a single propulsor, or may have a power-splitting embodiment driving dual propulsors. In addition, multiple hybrid power devices may be deployed in other embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Twin Disc, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Rolla
  • Patent number: 8790145
    Abstract: A collapsible and disconnectible for storage yet extending for use emergency motor drive unit for a boat. A motor is secured to a hollow drive-shaft pipe segment. Another pipe segment is attached to the end of that pipe segment and has a propeller at its end. A drive shaft of the motor is coupled to the propeller by flexible tubing passing through the hollow bores of the pipe segments. A third, and possibly fourth and fifth, pipe segment(s) is(are) provided between the other two segments to extend the length of the overall device. At least one pipe segment has a vertical support post which allows the device to be selectively held in the receptacle of an anchor light receptacle, when needed. A clamp block and ball swivel allow for rotational, lengthwise, and angular movement of the pipe segments to adjust the motor and the propeller to maximize efficiency of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Shoreline Products Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Reid, Mark S McNeil, Theresa M Cherry
  • Publication number: 20140206246
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric-powered drive system for coupling to a hull of a watercraft. The electric-powered drive system includes one or more mounting units; a first support members, a second support member, a propeller shaft, a propeller coupled to the distal end of the propeller shaft; and a rudder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Bartley D. Jones, Steven R. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20140179178
    Abstract: An exemplary propulsion arrangement includes at least one propulsion unit situated at the stern of a ship having a hull with a horizontal water line (WL) and a center line (CL). The propulsion unit can include a hollow support structure attached to the hull, a chamber attached to the support structure, an electric motor within the chamber, a propeller at the front end of the chamber, and a pivotably supported rudder at the rear end of the chamber. The propulsion unit can be mounted so that the shaft line (SL) forms a vertical tilt angle (?) in a range of 1 to 8 degrees in relation to the water line (WL) so that the front end of the chamber is lower than the rear end of the chamber in relation to the water line (WL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventor: Kimmo KOKKILA
  • Patent number: 8758069
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive device (1) for water vehicles comprising a propeller (2), a drive mechanism (3) for driving the propeller (2), and a magnetic coupling (4) which is arranged between the propeller (2) and the drive mechanism (3), wherein the magnetic coupling (4) comprises an outer magnetic element (7), an inner magnetic element (9) and a can (11), and wherein the can (11) is arranged between the inner magnetic element (9) and the outer magnetic element (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Pfeil, Hans-Georg Scherer, JĂĽrgen Binder
  • Patent number: 8761976
    Abstract: A trolling motor control system that includes a main controller configured interface with a trolling motor. The main controller is configured to control the output power and directional heading of the trolling motor. In at least one embodiment, the main controller has an electronic interface configured to establish a two-way day data connection between the main controller and an electronic GPS-equipped mapping device. This two-way connection allows the main controller to use data stored on the GPS-equipped mapping device to execute functions of the trolling motor control system. It also allows functions of the trolling motor control system to be executed via controls on the GPS-equipped mapping device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Salmon, David Charles Evers
  • Patent number: 8753156
    Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20140162507
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a stern flotation compartment. The hull is carved out underneath the gunwales to admit a vertical cylindrical sleeve extending through the flotation compartment from top to bottom, and sealed top and bottom. A studded vertical mounting tube carrying an electric motor fits within a slotted cylindrical steering tube; the latter is carried on rotatable bearings affixed to the vertical cylindrical sleeve. A steering assembly is affixed to the slotted cylindrical steering tube and a guide tube fits closely within the vertical mounting tube. An electrical power cable is connected to the electric motor and a retraction assembly is affixed to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Case
  • Patent number: 8747171
    Abstract: An electric outboard motor transom clamping system with two spaced apart side plates pivotally connected by at least one main pivot bolt or pin. Each side plate includes a clamp configured to press against the transom and hold the side plate in a rearward extending fixed position. Each slide plate also includes a ratchet slot located below the main bolt and a plurality of downward oriented pin slots transversely aligned the pins slots on the opposite side plate. Each pin slot is angled upward and rearward between 5 and 25 degrees from the center axis to a line that extends from the bottom of each pin slot to the main pivot bolt. A block member with two longitudinally aligned pins extend into the two ratchet slots. The pins engage the pin slots on the two side plates and hold the block member in fixed position between the two side plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph W Grez
  • Publication number: 20140154934
    Abstract: Apparatus to convert an all terrain vehicle into an amphibious off-road vehicle. The apparatus can thus be used with an all terrain vehicle, or alternatively with a snap in seat to form a self-contained independent boat. The apparatus is fitted to the all terrain vehicle with releasable fasteners. The apparatus includes two floatation compartments, and a hollow floatation compartment that accommodate the legs and feet of a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Robert C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8727821
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for generating electricity required by an LNG carrier which stores LNG, which is obtained by liquefying natural gas to ultra low temperature in a gas field, in an LNG storage tank and carries the stored LNG. The apparatus includes: a reformer reforming boil-off gas occurring in the LNG storage tank and producing synthetic gas; and a fuel cell generating electricity through an electrochemical reaction of the synthetic gas produced by the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyuk Kwon, Eun Bae Lee, Hyun Jin Kim, Jung Ho Choi, Yong Seok Choi, Sung Geun Lee, Byung Sung Kim, Ki Seok Kim
  • Publication number: 20140134900
    Abstract: This new art offers an improvement to conventional surfboards as well as any previous motorized jet surfboards. This application includes an electric powered surfboard equipped with high volume jet drive units that power it forward and significantly improve a surfer's wave fielding and catching ability. Once a wave is caught the drive unit can be shut off by the surfer. Then instantly, two flush fitting glide doors close the jet tube intake openings allowing the surfboard's bottom to return to a planning surface with no protrusions, except for fins, and no water filled jet tubes left open to detract from the surfboard's critical gliding ability when surfing waves. Also, there's a crowned deck shape that allows thin rail sensitivity for turning performance and a motor battery arrangement that provides mass centralization of weight. All this, combined with several wireless control means define this new fine handling motorized surfboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Steven John Derrah
  • Patent number: 8725329
    Abstract: Systems and methods are for controlling of a hybrid propulsion system for a marine vessel. A control circuit controls an electric motor-generator according to at least two modes, including a first mode wherein the electric motor-generator receives power from a battery and rotates a driveshaft to drive a propulsor and a second mode wherein the electric motor-generator generates power to charge the battery based upon torque from an internal combustion engine. A time criteria and at least one user-desired operational characteristic of at least one of the internal combustion engine, electric motor-generator, and battery are input to the control circuit. Based on the time criteria and user-desired operational characteristic, the control circuit calculates a schedule for at least one of charging the battery with the electric motor-generator and discharging the battery to a house load of the marine vessel. The control circuit further controls operation of the electric motor-generator according to the schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew W. Snyder, Thomas S. Kirchhoff, Jason S. Arbuckle
  • Patent number: 8708668
    Abstract: A thrust generating apparatus is provided under water and configured to generate thrust by ejecting the water. A rotor main body includes: a first member including a side surface and outer peripheral surface which are opposed to a first water lubricated bearing; a second member including a side surface and outer peripheral surface which are opposed to a second water lubricated bearing; and a third member including a supporting surface contacting an inner peripheral surface of a rotor core. The first to third members are fixed to one another so that each member is detachable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahito Tanaka, Hiromitsu Kiyose, Tetsuro Ikebuchi, Kentaro Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20140113511
    Abstract: Pod drive which can be fitted to a vessel and which is provided with an electric motor which drives a propeller shaft which is likewise provided in the housing of the pod drive and is connected to a propeller which is situated outside the latter. It is proposed to use a fast-rotating electric motor in combination with a reduction gearing for driving the propeller shaft. The mounting of the propeller shaft is made particularly stable by mounting it on both sides of the electric motor. The reduction gearing may include a planetary system. The electric motor may be fitted next to the hollow propeller shaft. In this case, several electric motors can be arranged around the central propeller shaft. It is also possible to make the rotor of the electric motor hollow and to fit the propeller shaft inside the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BLUE THRUSTER B.V.
    Inventors: Markus van der Laan, Herbert Jan Koelman, Walter Arnold van Gruijthuijsen, Jan Verhaar, Dirk Johannes de Blaeij
  • Patent number: 8706330
    Abstract: A method of integrating, optimizing and combining in a marine hybrid system, the operation of one or more variable speed high voltage direct current (HVDC) generator(s), one or more energy storage units and a combination of one or more HVDC parallel hybrid and serial hybrid propulsion systems through use of an Energy Management Computer. One aspect of the invention involves the application of logic programming to automate the optimization and the operation of the Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) so that whenever the system requires their usage, they are operated at optimum efficiency conditions. For an ICE to operate at peak efficiency a combination of a large energy storage unit used as a buffer combined with a mixture of both a serial and a parallel hybrid system is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hybrid Innovation Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Pierre Caouette
  • Patent number: 8690622
    Abstract: A small size floating vessel having a dual fuel system, optimized cargo capacity, and options for selectively operating on diesel fuel and natural gas for maximizing the range of vessel operation and reducing vessel emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: STX US Marine, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Pearson, Michael T. Carroll