Electric Drive For Propelling Means Patents (Class 440/6)
  • Patent number: 7163427
    Abstract: A trolling motor device including a variable length drive unit to assist in moving the trolling motor device in and out of the water. Preferably, the drive unit is both extended/retracted while being pivoted to increase the speed of deployment or stowage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Bruce R. Lee
  • Patent number: 7150662
    Abstract: An improved docking system for a watercraft and a propulsion assembly therefor wherein the docking system comprises a plurality of the propulsion assemblies and wherein each propulsion assembly includes a motor and propeller assembly provided on the distal end of a steering column and each of the propulsion assemblies is attachable in an operating position such that the motor and propeller assembly thereof will extend into the water and can be turned for steering the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Mikel E. Janitz
  • Patent number: 7147523
    Abstract: An electric power generating equipment (10) is provided between an internal combustion engine (2) and a power transmission device (3), and an electric motor (9) is disposed at an area of the power transmission device. An output shaft (9a) of the electric motor (9) is disposed coaxially to any of rotary shafts of the power transmission device (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisanori Mori, Mitsuhiro Nakagaki, Takayuki Toda, Junichi Hitachi
  • Patent number: 7121905
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy system for watercraft, comprising at least one fuel cell module (6,7,8,9), preferably (a H2O2 fuel cell module, by which at least one electric drive (17) and at least one electrical consumer are supplied with electric energy via a supply network. Said electrical drive (17) is an AC drive that is connected to a DC network (2) of the supply network via at least one power inverter (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rzadki
  • Patent number: 7121219
    Abstract: The boat control system of the invention is a propulsion system for controlling the direction of passage of a vessel underway at low speeds. Six thruster nozzles are installed around the hull so that, used individually or in combinations, the boat can be maneuvered forward, backward, laterally or turned on its axis. The impeller pumps are operated by a water cooled reversible DC electric motor which allows the thruster apparatus to operate for long periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: James Stallings
  • Patent number: 7093554
    Abstract: An underwater motive device provides an integrated front cone and handle assembly with a mechanical link between the front cone and handle assembly to the main body of the unit which includes the battery compartment, motor, propeller and guard. The sealing between the cone and handle assembly and main body is accomplished by a double annular projecting seal having a rear ribbed portion extending deep into a slot in the main unit, and a forward more rounded ribbed unit which provides sealing in a front cone and handle assembly chamber. A battery cassette is provided for loading a number of commercially available flash light type cyclindrical cells, the battery cassette having an uneven pentagonal cross section so that it is inserted into a matching uneven pengagonal cross section within the main unit, but only where the battery cassette is of the proper orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Daka Research Inc.
    Inventor: Pat Y. Mah
  • Patent number: 7086914
    Abstract: A modular engine mount (EM) trolling motor/lower unit mounting bracket is provided. The bracket includes a lower mounting EM bracket that is secured to the cavitation plate of a vessel's outboard or I/O. This lower bracket includes a support carriage that supports the trolling motor. It is secured on the bracket by a cap. To accommodate dual trolling motors, a dual bracket is mounted on the lower bracket. This dual bracket includes a central yoke and two lateral support carriages. Caps are then used to secure each of the trolling motors/lower units on the lateral support carriages. In this configuration, the mounting yoke includes a closure structure that mates with the lower bracket to close the trough provided therein. In a tri-motor configuration, this closure structure is not included, and the trolling motor is secured in place on the lower bracket by the central mounting yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Beamer, Wesley Calvin Marcus, Jeffrey L. Crull, John A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7061147
    Abstract: Superconducting electrical machines, for example motors or generators, especially high-temperature superconducting machines, include a rotor equipped with superconductors, especially high-temperature superconductors. They further include a rotor cryostat, a rotor shaft and a cryostatic link including a cryostatic conductor between the cryostat and a frigorific apparatus, and a non-superconducting stator. The machines are adapted to be resistant to shocks as required for navy ships. The stator, the rotor and the cryostat are motion-decoupled from an outer machine housing and the rotor shaft by elastic elements. In one embodiment, the machine housing is configured as a thruster housing and is elastically linked with the stern of the ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter Ries
  • Patent number: 7056166
    Abstract: A trolling motor assembly for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor assembly comprises a propulsion unit, a steering control unit, a motor tube, and a mount system having a first portion adapted to be mounted to a watercraft and a second portion adapted to support the propulsion unit. The assembly further comprises an orientation system is configured to re-index the trolling motor assembly between a forward troll position and a back troll position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Darrel A. Bernloehr
  • Patent number: 7036451
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting underwater marine detection equipment on a waterborne vessel is provided having a baseplate which is secured to a side of the waterborne vessel. The baseplate extends outward from the side of the waterborne vessel over the surface of the water. A shaft holder bracket is rotatably mounted to the baseplate such that the shaft holder bracket may rotate in a plane generallyparallel to the forward and reverse direction of the waterborne vessel from a first position to a second position. The shaft holder bracket has a through passageway to receive a shaft. An elongate shaft having an upper portion and a lower portion which are rotatably joined and separable, is slidably engaged through the passageway in the shaft holder bracket, such that the elongate shaft can rotate and slide within the shaft holder bracket. The shaft holder bracket has means to secure the elongate shaft from rotation and sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: Len K. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 7029339
    Abstract: A shock-proof electric marine engine, e.g. an engine or generator, is for a marine (Navy) ship, and includes a stator and a rotor in a housing. The stator and the rotor are connected in such a way that they are rotatably displaceable in a counter direction and in a radial/axial manner with limited slack. The rotor and stator form a displaceable unit in relation to the housing, which can be displaced away from the housing with a higher vibration overshoot range. The housing is elastically connected to the marine (navy) ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karsten Brach, Peter Hein, Thomas Hofmann, Manfred Krüger-Gotzmann, Christian Meyer, Christian Schiller, Peter Vogeley, Ralf Wilcke
  • Patent number: 7026738
    Abstract: A homopolar motor features radially inner and outer pairs of axially aligned rotor drums to which axially aligned drive shafts are respectively connected and extend therefrom through an outer motor housing to drive a corresponding number of propellers located in axial spaced relation to each other outside of the housing for rotation about a common axis. A magnetic shield is fixedly mounted within the housing to enclose the rotor drums within a magnetic field established by disk and ring magnets positioned within the radially inner pair of the rotor drums. Current collector brushes maintain electrical contact between the rotor drums and a source of DC electrical energy supplied through a power input tube to the magnetic shield from a location between opposite axial ends of the housing. The drive shafts journaled within the housing extend from either opposite axial ends of the housing or from only one axial end of the housing to the propellers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William A. Lynch, Neal A. Sondergaard
  • Patent number: 7021978
    Abstract: A human-powered generator system for electric watercycles with a control means whereby the perceived mechanical properties of the pedal mechanism and electric pedal-powered generator are adjustable by the operator. The invention provides a means whereby the rotational inertia and damping of the input pedal mechanism, including generator, as perceived by the operator can be increased or decreased as desired. The control means with further properties such that the input pedal mechanism as perceived by the operator can be made to mimic that of bicycle; i.e., with large inertia when pedaling in the forward direction, a very low inertia when pedaling in the reverse direction, and a freewheeling clutch mechanism whereby the large inertia is disengaged when not pedaling in the forward direction with a forward torque. The control means further enable the electric watercycle to be perceived as coasting through the water when the operator takes a momentary break from pedaling, much like that of a bicycle coasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick Lee Jansen
  • Patent number: 7018249
    Abstract: A boat propulsion system includes at least one propeller, at least one electric motor by which the at least one propeller can be driven, and one converter-fed power supply unit. The at least one electric motor can be supplied with electric power by the power supply unit which includes at least one prime mover and at least one generator powered by the prime mover. The at least one electric motor and the at least one generator of the power supply unit may be embodied as three-phase synchronous machines. In order to reduce the volume and weight of such a boat propulsion system while increasing its effectiveness, at least one of the electric motor and the at least one generator configured as a three-phase synchronous machine, includes a rotating excitation coil made of high-temperature super conductor wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Günter Ries, Bernd Wacker
  • Patent number: 7007625
    Abstract: A remote operated vehicle system comprises a topside, a fish equipped with a GPS receiver, a transmitter for transmitting GPS position data, and a receiver operable to receive the transmitted position data. Transmission may be from the fish to the topside or from the topside to the fish. Alternatively, a second transmitter and receiver give two-way transmission. These arrangements allow the position of the fish to be monitored or tracked, so that it can be readily rescued in the event of damage or breakdown. Alternatively, predetermined position data can be sent to the fish, allowing it to automatically navigate a desired route. Particular embodiments include an umbilical cable for connecting the fish and the topside together and operable to carry signals, including position data, between the two, an additional GPS receiver on the topside so that the fish can navigate to the topside unaided, and a buoyancy control device which brings the fish to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: H2EYE (International) Limited
    Inventor: Chris D. Shelton
  • Patent number: 7004800
    Abstract: A power generating and propelling system of a vessel has an electric power generating device (10) installed between an internal combustion engine (2) and a transmission (3). A stator (11) of the generating device (10) is built in a flywheel housing (21a) of the internal combustion engine (2) or a casing (10a) connected to the flywheel housing (21a). A rotary shaft of the generating device (10) is disposed coaxially or eccentrically parallel to a crankshaft (2a) of the internal combustion engine (2) or an input shaft (3a) of the transmission (3) in the same direction with the crankshaft (2a) of the internal combustion engine (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisanori Mori, Mitsuhiro Nakagaki, Hiroyasu Yukino, Takayuki Toda, Junichi Hitachi, Toshio Imanaka
  • Patent number: 7004803
    Abstract: An outboard trolling motor deployment assembly and control system for a boat which is afloat in a body of water includes an outboard trolling motor assembly having at least one, but preferably, one pair of outboard trolling motors. A deployment assembly is disposed in cooperative engagement with the outboard trolling motor assembly and is structured to facilitate positioning the outboard trolling motors between a stowed position and at least one predetermined deployed position. The predetermined deployed position is at least partially defined by a thrust axis of the outboard trolling motor assembly being disposed substantially parallel to a longitudinal centerline of the boat. The system also includes a control assembly, wherein the control assembly may include one or more actuation, direction, and/or speed switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Steven E. Ruffe
  • Patent number: 7000559
    Abstract: An underwater motive device provides an integrated and modular battery and motive housing which is carried within an outer housing and secured by a nose cone system. The nose cone system works against an “o” ring seal carried between a structure of the integrated and modular battery and motive housing and the outer housing. A pair of latches act as levers to forcibly push the nose cone in place to seal off the battery compartment, and with cam action when used to urge the nose cone to a disengaged position with respect to the “o” ring seal. Nose cone removal and re-sealing procedure can be accomplished easily, even by those of limited strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Daka Research Inc. (Br. Virg. Isl Corp.) OffshoreIncorporations Centre
    Inventors: Pat Y. Mah, Alexander Joseph Kalogroulis
  • Patent number: 6994601
    Abstract: A device for switching between different operation modes of an electrical system on board a boat with an electric motor for propelling the boat comprises a control member (7) adapted to be actuated by hand for carrying out switchings in the electrical system between states corresponding to different operation positions thereof. A movable part (10) provided with first contact members (11) is movable with respect to a fixed part (9) with second contact members (13) belonging to the electrical system by moving the control member (7) by hand so as to enter into contact therewith and establish electric connections corresponding to different said operation positions of the electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Stefan Larsson
  • Patent number: 6994602
    Abstract: A ship propulsion system includes at least one marine propeller, at least one electric motor which drives the at least one marine propeller, and an inverter-fed power supply system which supplies the at least one electric motor with electric power. The power supply system includes at least one drive machine and at least one generator driven thereby. The at least one electric motor and the at least one generator are configured as three-phase synchronous machines. In order to reduce losses per kW installed power and thus to allow for a stronger energizing field in the stator winding, the at least one electric motor configured as a three-phase synchronous machine and/or the at least one generator configured as a three-phase synchronous machine of the power supply system is/are provided with an air-gap three-phase winding devoid of iron grooves as the power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Günter Ries
  • Patent number: 6986320
    Abstract: An ROV comprising a topside, a fish and an umbilical cable for connecting the topside and the fish together. The fish is adapted to be powered by an onboard battery inductively coupled to the fish. The cable is of a fine diameter to reduce drag through the water. RF transmissions carry control and return signals to and from the fish and topside. The fish has two cameras. The front facing camera is located behind a dual layer flooded dome. A pan and tilt mechanism is fitted to one of the cameras and uses a pivotable gimbal frame driven by a lead nut moving along an arcuate bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: H2EYE (International) Limited
    Inventors: Chris D. Shelton, Nigel Mark Jagger, Shaun David Househam, Lawrence Samuel Tyson, Jeremy Daniel Cooper, Michael William Dormer, Jan Matteo Paoli, Nicholas Ian Kempt, Mark Sanders, Graham Michael Pullin, Jaime Valls Miro, Frances Samalionis, Paul South, Tracy Currer, Steve O'Connor, Martin Bontoft
  • Patent number: 6986688
    Abstract: A speed estimation system for watercraft comprising a propulsion unit configured to provide thrust via rotation of a propeller and having an electric motor, a power supply configured to supply electric power to the propulsion unit, and an electronic circuit configured to sense at least one propulsion system parameter from which the propeller torque can be at least implicitly determined, and at least one propulsion system parameter sensed from which the propeller speed can be at least implicitly determined, the electronic circuit configured to determine the watercraft speed based on the sensed parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick Lee Jansen
  • Patent number: 6984157
    Abstract: A protective motor mounting mechanism for motors and propellers mounted at the lower end of a shaft and in the water which includes a clamp for fastening the rotor mechanism to the motor shaft and a stator mounted to a fixed cross piece and a release lever portion. The rotor and stator cooperatively engage with other to maintain the shaft in a vertical position and place the motor and propeller in a force exerting condition in the water. A release lever is connected to the stator and is biased by a helical spring to and upward and connected position. The release lever is movable to a motor and stator disconnected position and the motor shaft, motor and propeller lifts out of the water. If the motor or propeller strike an object in the water while in the force exerting condition, the spring bias is overcome and the motor shaft, motor and propeller mechanism are removed from the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Inventor: James S. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6966808
    Abstract: A power surfboard is disclosed to include a surfboard equipped with an engine and a propeller for propelling on the sea against sea waves, a rudder pivotally provided at the bottom side of the surfboard, and a collapsible control handle coupled to the surfboard for turning by the user to bias the rudder during wave riding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Chung-D Liao
  • Patent number: 6966803
    Abstract: In a control device of a hybrid vehicle provided with an engine and a propulsion motor, at least one of which is used for driving the hybrid vehicle and a high voltage battery which power is charged and discharged by driving or regeneration operation of a propulsion motor, the control device comprises a throttle opening control device which controls an opening of a throttle depending on an accelerator pedal operating amount, and when the current driving speed of the vehicle at zero, and either the temperature of the high voltage battery is lower than a specified value, or the internal resistance of the high voltage battery is greater than a specified value, or an increase in a rotation speed of the propulsion motor or the rotation speed of the engine 3 is greater than a specified value, or a change amount of the input/output power voltage of the high voltage battery is greater than a specified value, or a change amount of the accelerator pedal operating amount is greater than a specified value, delays the res
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Hara, Manabu Niki, Kohei Hanada, Koichiro Takemasa
  • Patent number: 6957990
    Abstract: An electric houseboat comprises a hull and a house-like structure mounted on the hull which includes at least one bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen. A Diesel generator comprises the sole power source for the houseboat. The operating temperature of the Diesel generator is controlled by directing coolant through the Diesel generator and through a keel pipe which extends along the hull of the houseboat thereby discharging heat into the water over which the houseboat operates. Exhaust resulting from operation of the Diesel generator is directed upwardly and is discharged at a point substantially above the water and above the house-like structure of the houseboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Jerry W. Lowe
  • Patent number: 6935907
    Abstract: A pod unit including a pod housing (1) and an assembly unit (6), a so called seating, for the pod housing (1), wherein the seating (6) has a lower portion (6A) and an upper portion (6F) as well as a base (15) for the installation of the pod housing (1) which comprises a lower casing portion (1A) for the accommodation of a propulsion unit (2, 3, 4), an intermediate portion (1B) comprising air ducts (9, 10), and an upper portion (13), which is fixedly connected to a steering engine (14, 18, 19), with a gear ring (14) to be fixed at the base (15). A cooling system having at least one fan (7) is mounted within the seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Stig Lönngren
  • Patent number: 6921303
    Abstract: A propulsion unit for a ship including a motor housing, which is arranged in the water and contains a motor and a control unit. A propeller is arranged at a motor shaft. The motor housing is arranged as a separate modular motor unit, which can be attached to the ship by way of a fastening arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Jukka Varis
  • Patent number: 6908349
    Abstract: A marine vehicle propulsion system is provided that combines a fuel cell electrical source for an AC propulsion motor for a marine vessel with an electrolyzer and a DC-AC converter. The fuel cell provides power for the AC propulsion motor. When the fuel cell is depleted, the DC-AC converter is disconnected from the AC propulsion motor and is reconnected to an AC power source from a host ship, and the power electronic DC-AC converter is disconnected from the fuel cell and reconnected to the electrolyzer. The fuel cell is replenished by operating the electrolyzer device that runs using DC power from the host ship to separate water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The power electronic drive is operated in reverse to power the electrolyzer from the host ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Charles Michael Stephens
  • Patent number: 6902446
    Abstract: A DC motor having a motor housing and a motor controller housed within the motor housing. In a preferred embodiment the heat producing components of the motor controller are in thermal communication with the housing such that the majority of the heat produced by such components will be readily conducted to the environment in which the motor is operating. When incorporated into a trolling motor, the motor housing of the present invention will be submerged so that controller produced heat will be dissipated into the water in which the trolling motor is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Healey
  • Patent number: 6899574
    Abstract: A universal transducer mounting bracket (10) that may be used to mount a transducer (12) to either a transom (14) or a trolling motor (16). A mounting body (18) broadly comprises a transom attachment (36) for mating to the transom (14), at least one hole (20) through the transom attachment (36) for accepting one or more fasteners therethrough in order to secure the bracket (10) to the transom (14), and an arcuate top wall (22) for mating to the trolling motor (16). The mounting body (18) preferably further includes two side walls (26) and a bottom wall (30) forming the transom attachment (36) for rigidly securing the bracket (10) to the transom (14). The transom attachment (36) may be defined by the walls (22,26,30,34) forming a perimeter around an opening, thereby making the bracket (10) hollow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Garmin Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert M. Kalis, Jeremy B. Hoppas, Craig L. Mehan
  • Patent number: 6890224
    Abstract: A jet-propulsion personal watercraft having improved features over conventional personal watercraft. The personal watercraft includes a hull including primarily an upper hull releasably secured to a lower hull. A gasket is disposed between the upper and lower hulls to seal the interior of the hull. A DC motor is powered by at least one battery and turns a water pump. The batteries are connected in series with a power controller. A gearing mechanism is provided for adjusting the rotational velocity of the motor to achieve the required rotational velocity of the pump. A forced air system is provided to force heat and battery acid fumes from within the hull when the motor is operating. A light circuit includes a switch, a front light and a rear light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: John McCann
  • Patent number: 6865997
    Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in steering and maneuvering a boat that includes a thruster that applies a force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boat. The operation of the thruster is under control of a remote radio frequency transmitter which permits an operator of the boat to operate the thrusters without being on the bridge of the boat. A switching circuit that includes relays and solenoids associated with a solenoid valve operates with the remote frequency transmitter and receiver to energize a thruster on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: James Michael Stephens
  • Patent number: 6863581
    Abstract: A propulsion apparatus includes a motor attached to a bracket assembly that is attached to and pivots from the transom of a boat. A positioning handle is attached at a distal end of the bracket assembly, and may be held at one or more positions in a retaining bracket attached to the deck of the boat near the transom. The motor is positioned substantially rearward from and above a bottom edge of the transom in order to remain operative when the boat bottoms. A preferred embodiment includes a propulsion apparatus mounted at each of two lateral ends of the transom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Carl E. Anderson
  • Patent number: 6857918
    Abstract: A hybrid fuel/electric powered watercraft includes an electronic turning machine (ETM), and internal combustion engine, and a propulsion system, which are operatively connected to each other, preferably via one or more clutches. An electronic control unit (ECU) controls the ETM, clutch(es), and engine. At low speeds, the ECU disengages at least one clutch and solely uses the ETM to power the propulsion unit and propel the watercraft. At high speeds, the ECU engages the clutch and uses both the engine and the ETM or just the engine to power the propulsion system. When the watercraft's battery discharges, the ECU operates the ETM in a generator mode and runs the engine to charge the battery. The watercraft can also include a shore button feature that selectively limits/governs the speed of the watercraft. A clutch may be used to avoid driving the propulsion system when the engine is idling or being started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Normand Lebreux, Rénald Plante, Yves Berthiaume
  • Patent number: 6855016
    Abstract: A watercraft incorporating electrical power generation from human kinetic power, and electrical energy storage to enable amplification of human-power to propulsion power to achieve increased watercraft speeds. Control electronics enable operator-adjustable variable electronic gearing, and an assortment of torque vs. speed loading characteristics of the generator, thereby providing optimal pedal cadences and enjoyment for a wide variety of operators. An optional photovoltaic solar panel augments the power generation to extend travel time with power amplification, and recharges the energy storage system. This invention provides a pleasure watercraft that is simultaneously lightweight, low cost, low maintenance, environmentally friendly with zero pollution, ultra-low noise, and thrilling to operate, while simultaneously providing a means of enjoyable exercise for operators of nearly all abilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick Lee Jansen
  • Patent number: 6856882
    Abstract: The device according to the invention relates to a device for detecting a risk of aquaplaning which arises during the driving mode of a vehicle. The device contains for this purpose first means which determine a first propulsion variable which describes the propulsion of the vehicle which is to be expected on the basis of the operating state of the engine and/or of the drive train. In addition the device contains second means which determine a second propulsion variable which describes the propulsion occurring during the driving mode of the vehicle and which arises due to the longitudinal acceleration acting on the vehicle. The presence of the risk of aquaplaning is inferred as a function of a deviation between the first propulsion variable and the second propulsion variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventor: Markus Raab
  • Patent number: 6848382
    Abstract: The system is an integrated and self contained electric thruster system integral with a dynamic positioning control system for dynamic positioning of any waterborne vessel having a hull with at least two sides and a deck connecting the sides, at least two azimuthing thrusters, each removably mounted to the vessel, at least two self-contained electric power units removably secured to the deck, one for each thruster, at least one dynamic positioning computer connected to each of the self contained electric power units, at least one motion reference sensor connected to the dynamic positioning computer to correct reference position signals for motion of the vessel, at least one heading sensor, and at least one sensor that is either a position reference sensor connected to the dynamic positioning computer, environmental sensors connected to the dynamic positioning computer, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Joannes Raymond Mari Bekker
  • Patent number: 6848385
    Abstract: An underwater motive device utilizes a plastic rear housing which includes a battery storage space sealed with a tight fit to provide sealing, a pressured removal system is provided to pressurize the sealed battery chamber to enable the front wall to be removed. The motor is microprocessor controlled for safety by providing a slight delay before energizing the motor, and by providing some time in residence at a slow speed before switching to a higher speed. The result is a safe underwater motive device which will not accidentally become power actuated before the user is able to securely grasp and direct it, and which will not go to full speed except from a low speed to give the user a chance to stabilize himself in the water. Further, the control circuitry includes other features to provide both long battery life, good serviceable usage and battery preservation and motor preservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Pat Y. Mah
  • Patent number: 6846209
    Abstract: A propulsion unit arranged to propel a waterborne vessel comprises an electric motor arranged to provide propulsion, and a housing arranged to contain the motor. The motor is mounted within the housing on resilient couplings. Such propulsion units are used to propel ships, and the like, and are suspended from beneath the vessel. The resilient couplings reduce the noise emitted by the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: Clive David Lewis, David Christopher Brook
  • Patent number: 6837757
    Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification, a rim-driven propulsion pod arrangement has a cylindrical housing with a duct providing a flow path for water and a rotor assembly supported from a central shaft and containing a rotating blade row and driven by a rim drive permanent magnet motor recessed in the housing. An array of vanes downstream from the rotating blade row is arranged to straighten the flow of water emerging from the rotating blade row. Radial bearing members on the rotor have a hardness less than that of the shaft on which the rotor is supported and relatively soft protrusions are provided in the space between the rotor and the housing to limit excursion of the rotor. A thrust bearing has wedges arranged to form a water wedge between facing surfaces of the rotor and the rotor support during rotation of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Electric Boat Corporation
    Inventors: Pieter Van Dine, Alberto Franco, R. Scott Forney, III, John H. Chapman, Michael A. Quadrini
  • Patent number: 6837758
    Abstract: A fast military surface craft, particularly a frigate or a corvette, includes at least two electric rudder propeller drives, whereby the electric ruder propeller drive is placed at a cruising speed. The electric energy for the rudder propeller of the electric rudder propeller drives is generated by way of fuel cell units distributed in a de-centralized manner in the ship. At least two, preferably electric, hydrojets are provided with underwater hydrojet exit nozzles to enable the craft to travel at high speeds, whereby the electric energy of the hydrojets is produced, by generators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Drefs, Rainer Hartig, Stefan Richter, Wolfgang Rzadki, Karl-Otto Sadler
  • Publication number: 20040266277
    Abstract: A ship propulsion system includes at least one marine propeller, at least one electric motor which drives the at least one marine propeller, and an inverter-fed power supply system which supplies the at least one electric motor with electric power. The power supply system includes at least one drive machine and at least one generator driven thereby. The at least one electric motor and the at least one generator are configured as three-phase synchronous machines. In order to reduce losses per kW installed power and thus to allow for a stronger energizing field in the stator winding, the at least one electric motor configured as a three-phase synchronous machine and/or the at least one generator configured as a three-phase synchronous machine of the power supply system is/are provided with an air-gap three-phase winding devoid of iron grooves as the power supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Gunter Ries
  • Publication number: 20040248479
    Abstract: The device (100) is provided with an electric motor, located on the underside of a ship hull in a housing (12) arranged like a gondola. At least one propeller (2, 3) is coupled to the drive shaft (1), supporting the rotor (4) of the electric motor. In order that such a drive device may be resistant to shock loads, the stator (5) of the electric motor is fixed to the rotor (4) by means of a pivot bearing (9) and the module comprising rotor (4) and strator (5) is elastically supported both on the housing (12) and also the drive shaft (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Peter Hein, Christian Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040242089
    Abstract: An electric water craft. The electric water craft produces its own electricity from an on-board fuel cell system. Hydrogen fuel is provided from storage tanks or produced within the hull of the water craft. The heat produced by the fuel cell stack may be dissipated to the marine environment for heat management of the fuel cell power system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Mark Howard Krietzman
  • Publication number: 20040242088
    Abstract: A jet-propulsion personal watercraft having improved features over conventional personal watercraft. The personal watercraft includes a hull including primarily an upper hull releasably secured to a lower hull. A gasket is disposed between the upper and lower hulls to seal the interior of the hull. A DC motor is powered by at least one battery and turns a water pump. The batteries are connected in series with a power controller. A gearing mechanism is provided for adjusting the rotational velocity of the motor to achieve the required rotational velocity of the pump. A forced air system is provided to force heat and battery acid fumes from within the hull when the motor is operating. A light circuit includes a switch, a front light and a rear light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: John McCann
  • Patent number: 6823813
    Abstract: An electric motorized propulsion system (10) for swimmers and divers (12) includes pair of leg-mounted propulsion units (14), each containing sealed electric motors (12), propellers (22), and housings (21), attach to the user's legs to provide thrust, manoeuvrability, and hands-fee operation. A control box (18) containing a motor variable speed control (54) is mountable at a convenient place on the swimmer's body. A battery unit, either simulating a diver's weight belt (16) or provided as a cylindrical hard pack (60) is carryable on the back of the swimmer. Electrical power and signal cables (30, 46) connect the control box to the battery unit and to the propulsion motor housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Benjamin A. Mazin
  • Patent number: 6815848
    Abstract: An electrical machine has a stator, a rotor, and radially extending coolant passageways provided in a laminated core section of at least the stator. The coolant passageways are defined between axially spaced stacks of laminations in the laminated core section. The radial passageways are connected to coolant supply ducts through a gap between the stator and the rotor. More efficient cooling of the machine is obtained by providing a matrix of coolant duct sections extending circumferentially and axially of the core section. The matrix has first and second radially spaced apart faces respectively in fluid communication with the radially extending coolant passageways in the laminated core section and coolant exhaust ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Alstom UK Ltd.
    Inventor: Charles Neville Glew
  • Publication number: 20040214484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a ship's propulsion and/or azimuth steering arrangement surrounded by water, said unit comprising an electric motor (5) in a chamber (4) formed by the unit walls, a propeller shaft (7) associated with the electric motor having a propeller (8) fitted outside the chamber (4). Arrangement includes means (12, 17) for pressurizing the chamber with air or some other pressurizing medium, the thermal conductivity of which increases with the pressurization. The invention also relates to a method for managing fluid flows in the propulsion and/or steering unit of the aforementioned kind, wherein the chamber (4) is sealed (10, 16, 26) on the one hand against the water pressure from outside and on the other hand, correspondingly, against other compartments (11, 15) of the ship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jari Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 6809444
    Abstract: An integrated motor propulsor includes a rotor which a plurality of rotor blades adapted to rotate about a center axis. An outer ring surrounding the rotor contacts one of the rotor blades and has a field means positioned on the outer ring. A duct is in low friction contact circumferentially outside the outer ring. A stator is positioned in the duct to interact with the field means. The duct also has a plurality of pitch control apparatuses pivotally joined to outboard blades which extend radially outward from the duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas J. Gieseke