Abstract: A marine propulsion unit including a rotary casing rotatable about a central axis A, and blades extending axially from the rotary casing for rotation with the rotary casing about the central axis A, wherein each blade is mounted for pivotal movement about blade axes B. A blade shaft portion of each blade is at least partly surrounded by a blade housing and by a blade portion of each blade is outside the blade housing, wherein the blade housing is releasable attached to the rotary casing, and each blade being supported in the blade housing by means of bearings for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A marine propulsion unit including a rotary casing rotatable about a central axis A, and blades extending axially from the rotary casing for rotation with the rotary casing about the central axis A, wherein each blade is mounted for pivotal movement about blade axes B. A blade shaft portion of each blade is at least partly surrounded by a blade housing and by a blade portion of each blade is outside the blade housing, wherein the blade housing is releasable attached to the rotary casing, and each blade being supported in the blade housing by means of bearings for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: A device for controlling thrust vectoring of a cyclorotor includes a control cam positionable relative to a drive shaft of a cyclorotor along each of a first axis and a second axis, where the drive shaft is rotatable about a third axis. The device may further include a frame having a plurality of sides, where the frame is disposed at least partly around the drive shaft of the cyclorotor, a first positioning assembly disposed on a first side of the frame, where the first positioning assembly is structurally configured to move the frame along the first axis, and a second positioning assembly disposed on a second side of the frame, where the second positioning assembly is engaged with the control cam and structurally configured to move the control cam relative to the frame along the second axis.

Abstract: A device for controlling thrust vectoring of a cyclorotor includes a control cam positionable relative to a drive shaft of a cyclorotor along each of a first axis and a second axis, where the drive shaft is rotatable about a third axis. The device may further include a frame having a plurality of sides, where the frame is disposed at least partly around the drive shaft of the cyclorotor, a first positioning assembly disposed on a first side of the frame, where the first positioning assembly is structurally configured to move the frame along the first axis, and a second positioning assembly disposed on a second side of the frame, where the second positioning assembly is engaged with the control cam and structurally configured to move the control cam relative to the frame along the second axis.

Abstract: A subsurface propeller module, using Voith Schneider propeller technology, is provided for use in underwater vehicle dynamic motion control. One or more modules are mounted between nose and body sections of the vehicle such that their axes of rotation coincide with the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle. This enables the module to thrust in any direction normal to the direction of travel. Wiring for power and sensors can be routed through structural conduits connecting the nose section to the main body of the vehicle and supporting the propeller modules. The structural conduits can be shaped to provide support for the nose and body sections, and to have minimal hydrodynamic impact on vehicle forward motion or module thrust. A sealed housing is provided for the motors and control actuators of the propeller modules.

Abstract: A propeller having one or more blades eccentrically mounted to a shaft dynamically changes the blade pitch to produce free vortices in a fluid. For extracting energy from a moving fluid, the fluid flow acting on the blades rotates the propeller, while the pitch changes create a fluid flow pattern known as a von Karman vortex street. The resulting time averaged flow field distant from the propeller is a wake flow, and the energy of the fluid flow can be efficiently converted to rotation of a shaft driven device. For propulsion, applied shaft rotation and the dynamic pitch change in a fluid together create a flow pattern that is the inverse of the von Karman vortex street. For either energy extraction or propulsion, the propeller is particularly suited for low flow speeds, where the effects of low Reynolds number induced flow separation on blades may make other propellers inefficient.

Abstract: A method for damping of the rolling motion of a water vehicle, in particular roll stabilization of a ship with at least one propeller, comprising a rotating wheel body, which bears axis parallel blades on the outer circumference, the blades being pivoted around their longitudinal axis. The rolling motion of the water vehicle by modification of the pitch a thrust is generated which counteracts the rolling motion. The modification of the pitch for generation of a counterthrust takes place optionally in the recording of a quantity characterizing the rolling motion of the ship or a signal for activation of the roll stabilization in dependency on a default value of the current transverse pitch set on the blades.

Abstract: A cycloidal propeller for a boat is provided that has a protective guard with one or more slots therethrough, which run at least approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel of the boat.

Abstract: A propulsive force for propelling different types of water vehicles is developed by four paddles mounted on the planetary gearbox which is rotated by the transversely oriented driving shaft. Each paddle has, preferably, two perpendicular to each other balanced blades and is rotated simultaneously around the axis of the driving shaft and around the axes of the output shafts of the planetary gearbox. During each turn of the driving shaft, four propulsion strokes are exerted consecutively. Each propulsion stroke is exerted by four blades which are moving along the specific curved paths with acceleration and deceleration caused by changing their circumferential velocity. Both sides of the blades are used consecutively as working surfaces. Optionally, each paddle can have one blade and a counterweight. The driving shaft can be oriented horizontally or vertically and disposed together with the planetary gearbox and the paddles under the water level or over the water level.

Abstract: A new type of propeller with a transverse driving shaft can be mounted on an outboard internal combustion engine instead of a conventional screw type propeller or disposed directly on the transom of a boat. The propulsion thrust is generated by flat propeller blades mounted on planetary gearboxes and rotated simultaneously around two perpendicular intercrossed axes of rotation. Such double rotation causes the blades to move along the specific curved paths and to generate virtually permanent and effective propulsion thrust for propelling watercraft. Both sides of the propeller blades are used as working surfaces. Unlike the conventional screw type propeller, a new propeller can be disposed not only under the water but also over the water with the blades extending into the water during their rotations for propelling the boat.

Abstract: A high speed paddle wheel catamaran includes a hull configuration having a main hull portion with at least one defined cavity area in a lower surface of the main hull and opposing side pontoons depending from the main hull portion. The depending side pontoons correspond in orientation to a longitudinal axis of the catamaran. A paddle wheel assembly for the vessel includes a rotatable cage hub mounted on each pontoon. A plurality of vane members are rotatably mounted between the opposing cage hubs and adjacent an outer perimeter thereof. Each vane member is selectively rotated to one of a lift or thrust position according to an arcuate location of the vane as it passes through the water.

Abstract: An outboard apparatus for propelling marine vessels includes a horizontal driving shaft, a rotated planetary gear-box and four propelling blades disposed over the surface of the water. During the rotation of the driving shaft, the blades extend into the water when their orientations are changed from horizontal to vertical positions. A propulsive force is developed as a result of a double rotation of the blades with the same speed around intercrossed axes of the driving shaft and radial shafts of the gear-box. During each propulsion stroke, circumferential velocities of the blades are gradually accelerated when they move downward. Both sides of the blades are used consecutively as working surfaces. Disposed with variable angles of incidence, the propelling blades work simultaneously as paddles and as blades of a screw propeller. The propulsion apparatus can also be used in typical outboard engines instead of the traditional screw propellers.

Abstract: A propulsive force for propelling different types of water vehicles is developed by four paddles mounted on the planetary gearbox which is rotated by the transversely oriented driving shaft. Each paddle has, preferably, two perpendicular to each other balanced blades and is rotated simultaneously around the axis of the driving shaft and around the axes of the output shafts of the planetary gearbox. During each turn of the driving shaft, four propulsion strokes are exerted consecutively. Each propulsion stroke is exerted by four blades which are moving along the specific curved paths with acceleration and deceleration caused by changing their circumferential velocity. Both sides of the blades are used consecutively as working surfaces. The driving shaft can be oriented horizontally or vertically and disposed together with the planetary gearbox and the paddles under the water level or over the water level. It is rotated by an internal combustion engine or by any other driver.

Abstract: An outboard apparatus for propelling marine vessels includes a horizontal driving shaft, a rotated planetary gear-box and four propelling blades disposed over the surface of the water. During the rotation of the driving shaft, the blades extend into the water when their orientations are changed from horizontal to vertical positions. A propulsive force is developed as a result of a double rotation of the blades with the same speed around intercrossed axes of the driving shaft and radial shafts of the gear-box. During each propulsion stroke, circumferential velocities of the blades are gradually accelerated when they move downward. Both sides of the blades are used consecutively as working surfaces. Disposed with variable angles of incidence, the propelling blades work simultaneously as paddles and as blades of a screw propeller. The propulsion apparatus can also be used in typical outboard engines instead of the traditional screw propellers.

Abstract: A method and system for propelling or sustaining marine vessels and aircraft. A propulsive force is developed in a gaseous or liquid fluid as a result of rotation of two pairs of generally parallel blades around two perpendicular intercrossed axes with the same speed. The blades are mounted with variable angles of incidence in the planes of rotation around one of the axis and are rotated together with this axis around the second axis. As a result, the blades work simultaneously both in a paddling manner and as a screw propeller with both sides of the blades being used consecutively as working surfaces. In preferred embodiments of the propulsion apparatus, the blades are mounted on a rotated gearbox which is mounted on a hollow driving shaft. The gearbox includes planetary bevel gear engagement with sun gears mounted on a support coaxially to the hollow driving shaft.

Abstract: A method and system for developing a propulsive force which can be utilized for driving different types of water, air or land vehicles. The propulsive force is developed by rotating a driving shaft with four blades which are simultaneously rotated with the same speed around two perpendicular intercrossed axes in different directions not interfering with each other. Each blade lies generally in a plane perpendicular to the intercrossed axis around which it is rotated. Preferably, the blades have airfoil sections. During such double rotation the radial extensions of the propeller blades relative to the driving shaft are changed as a function of the angle of rotation. The rotated blades can work simultaneously both in a paddling manner and as a screw propeller with the angle of incidence of each of the blades in the plane of rotation around an intercrossed axis changed automatically depending on the position of the blade relative to the driving shaft.

Abstract: A vertical axis and transversal flow nautical propulsor continuously self-orients the blades. The propulsor includes a plurality of blades rotatable about a vertical axis; a blade supporting plate for supporting the blades, wherein the blade supporting plate is rotatable about a vertical axis independent of rotation of the blades; a motor for rotating the blade supporting plate; a motor for each blade, for rotating the blade about its own vertical axis; and a rotatable shaft. The rotatable shaft is supported by a rotor body coupled with the blade supporting plate. A plurality of spindles are provided on the rotatable shaft, wherein the spindles are coaxial with one another and with the rotatable shaft. The number of spindles corresponds to the number of blades, and the spindles are rotatable independent of one another in such a way to allow independent rotation of the relevant blade. The rotatable shaft and the spindles each have an inner end within the rotor body and an outer end outside the rotor body.

Abstract: The wing movement has a gearbox, a reference gear extending through the gearbox and being movably mounted to the gearbox, an input shaft extending through the reference gear and into the gearbox and first and second output shafts movably extending from the gearbox at right angles with the input shaft. There is also provided a motor having a drive shaft connected to the input shaft of the gearbox for rotation of the input shaft. A bracket is connected to the motor base and to the reference gear for retaining the reference gear to the motor base, with an axis of the reference gear in alignment with the drive shaft of the motor. A gearing system is mounted inside the gearbox for rotating the first and second output shafts one full turn in opposite directions relative to each other, upon a rotation of the input shaft one full turn, and for rotating the gearbox one full turn about the reference gear upon a rotation of the first and second output shafts one full turn.

Abstract: A method and system for developing a propulsive force which can be utilized for driving different types of water, air or land vehicles. The propulsive force is developed by rotating a propeller shaft with four generally flat propeller blades mounted on two perpendicular intercrossed axles, which are fixed to the propeller shaft in a plane perpendicular to its axis. The surface of each blade is lying in a plane perpendicular to the axle on which it is mounted and the blades are rotated in these planes around these intercrossed axles with the same speed in different directions, so that the adjacent propeller blades are rotated clockwise and counterclockwise not interfering with each other.

Abstract: A propulsion device having fins rotating in opposing directions which are adjustable to avoid collision yet which provide opposing strokes similar to fishtails. At least one adjustable fin is connected at an end of a rotatable hollow primary axle which coaxially encompasses a secondary rotatable axle extending a distance from the end of the primary axle and having at least one adjustable fin at that end. Primary fins are adjusted distally during their trust segment of rotation and secondary fins are adjusted proximally during their thrust segment of rotation to enter a common thrust sweep zone. Fins are adjusted in a timed relationship to provide thrust while occupying the thrust sweep zone and thereafter adjusted out of the thrust sweep zone to avoid collision with opposing fins. Fins are additionally adjusted to assume a low resistance configuration during non thrust segments of rotation in order to reduce drag.

Abstract: Device which is independent of the main propulsion system of a ship, and which can be used selectively as a passive rudder or as an active maneuvering mechanism, and consists of one or more blades, a wheel body, a transmission and one or more control units.When the wheel body is stationary, in response to commands from the control unit or units, the blades can be oriented separately by means of the transmission and can be coupled or uncoupled to set the required angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ship. In that case, the device acts as a passive rudder.When the wheel body is rotating, the position of the eccentrically located blade or blades is varied during a rotation of the wheel body so that a resulting thrust is generated on account of the hydrodynamic forces which act on the blade or blades. The direction of the thrust can be set in any desired direction by means of the control unit or control units and the sun wheel or the sun wheels of the transmission.

Abstract: A vessel for pleasure or cargo transportation in which the vessel is born by a special flotation method comprising a plurality of circular floats that are designed to be rotated at high speed in such a way that the vessel skims across the water riding on the crests of the waves. The vessel is powered primarily by jet pumps in such a way that the vessels may be linked as a train, each successive jet pump taking advantage of the residual effect of the preceding jet pump. It is also powered by a vector sail system. A special laser alignment system is employed, for maintaining alignment, when the vessels are linked in a train.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotor able to develop in a fluid lifting and/or propelling forces and its process for control. Said rotor comprises several profiled blades (9) with axes parallel to the drive axis (3); the incidence of each profiled blade is controlled in real time as a function of its angular azimuth and the flight conditions, for obtaining the desired lift and propulsion forces.

Abstract: To enable an exact and quick adjustment of the control point of a cycloid propeller ("Voith-Schneider-Propeller"), hydraulic adjustment cylinders are provided with electric proportional valves whose set value is determined by a cylinder stroke control circuit--preferably by way of an auxiliary valve current control circuit and a valve position control circuit. The travel and the rudder commands are transformed, by means of incremental transmitters which limit the adjustment velocity as a function of the load and the travel direction, according to suitable characteristics to control inputs which are transformed from ship coordinates to actuator coordinates and converted according to Pythagoras' theorem to set values for the cylinder strokes.

Abstract: In an amphibious vehicle having driven wheels for movement along dry surfaces and a driving unit for movement through fluids, the improvement comprising at least one of the driven wheels being provided with supports and a positioning mechanism for propeller blades, which, upon rotation of the wheel, generate motion through the fluid according to the principle of cycloidal propellers. The supports for the propeller blades are arranged and constructed such that the propeller blades protrude laterally out of the wheel rim, whereby the axis of rotation of the propeller blades are inclined a small, acute angle towards the axis of the wheels.

Abstract: A waterbound facility, serving the extraction of energy from the water current in which it is moored, consists of a seaworthy vessel, which carries cycloidal turbines, extending their impeller blade assemblies through the vessels bottom into the current. Deployable shrouding, guide vanes and underwater sails serve the concentration of flow. Retractability of turbines and ballast tanks provide draft control for entering harbors.