Foldable Or Retractable To Nonpropelling Position Patents (Class 440/97)
  • Patent number: 9884671
    Abstract: A method for propulsion of a marine vessel, a liquid-directing system and a marine propulsion system are presented. Water-directing scoops are moved in a rearward direction while the scoops are dipping into the water. The scoops may be arranged about a hub. Water is scooped using a bottom edge and lower sides of each of the scoops. Each scoop has an open-faced concave interior and directs scooped water towards a centerline and towards a water exit region of the scoop. The water exit region remains above the local or apparent waterline while the water is scooped, directed and ejected. Water is ejected from the water exit region of the scoop in the rearward direction and at a relative exit velocity that is greater than a relative entrance velocity of water being scooped. Rearward ejection of the water expresses a forward thrust of the propulsion system. Other liquids may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Inventor: Donald L. Ekhoff
  • Patent number: 8670880
    Abstract: An aviation yoke HSI interface and flight deck control indicator and selector safety system enhances flight safety. The system incorporates a multi-controlled HSI with a yoke heading adjustment control, a yoke radial/course selector, and a yoke heading centering control positioned on a yoke, stick, or collective. The system may also incorporate a first officer multi-controlled HSI with a first officer yoke heading adjustment control, a first officer yoke radial/course selector, and a first officer yoke heading and course centering control. An autopilot mode indicator visually indicates whether an autopilot is flying according to a desired heading or according to a navigational aid signal, such as a VOR radial signal. A side selector-indicator control permits selection of which side controls the flight of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen Baxter
  • Patent number: 7980907
    Abstract: An amphibious self-engaging paddle track propulsion system mountable on any floater, vessel or vehicle for enabling the ability to selectively travel over land or water, the system having an elongated endless paddle track, plurality of spring-loaded paddles, plurality of paddle supporting terrain treads, plurality of terrain treads, drive sprocket, chain sprocket, rear sprocket, frame, drive sprocket axle and rear sprocket axle wherein the terrain treads are secured to the paddle track and the paddles are secured to certain terrain treads wherein the halter and paddle are hinged together for allowing the retraction and extension of the paddle for land and water locomotion, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Inventor: Louis H. Chippas
  • Publication number: 20090305585
    Abstract: The present invention relates to amphibian vehicles, more particularly to track paddling propulsion. The present application is a copy of drawings submitted as a provisional patent title name paddle track; application no. 61/131,473 filing date Jun. 9, 2008, confirmation no. 7119. The object of the invention is to provide a novel means of amphibian locomotion via self-engaging paddles. The self engaging paddle track apparatus can be utilized on a single floater for use as a water cycle or a vessel floater having paddle tracks on opposite sides (port and starboard) for any amphibian use desired. Locomotion power is either pedaling or motor. In essence this apparatus is to provide a means of locomotion for any type of amphibian or water bound locomotion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Linda Ann Chippas Reilly
  • Patent number: 4984648
    Abstract: A motorized skiboard includes a skiboard having a central opening with a drive belt mounted in said central opening and driven by a motor and encased and held in a drive belt housing. First and second foot mounts rest on said housing on either side of said motor. The first foot mount is mounted on a piano hinge and is connected to a throttle cable so that pivoting the foot mount controls the motor. The drive belt is formed from a plurality of trapezoidal linkages with pivotally attach drive bars. When the motor is moving the belt at a speed greater than the speed at which the board is moving (when the belt is propelling the skiboard) the drive bars pivot into a ground engaging position. However, when the skiboard is sliding downhill and moving faster than the speed of the belt the drive bars pivot into a non-ground engaging position permitting the board to freely slide down the slope of a hill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Inventor: Michael Strzok
  • Patent number: 4383665
    Abstract: An improved landing wheel for an airplane, which includes a plurality of freely pivoted fins from eccentrically located pivot pins around one side of the wheel, the fins being straight but flexible, so that in one position relative to the wind from a forwardly direction, the fins get caught against the wheel rim and are flexed into a cupped shape for causing the wheel to rotate prior to a landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1983
    Inventors: Ewen M. Maclean, George Spector