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ELECTRIC DRIVE FOR PROPELLING MEANS

Subclass of:

440 - Marine propulsion

Patent class list (only not empty are listed)

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Class / Patent application numberDescriptionNumber of patent applications / Date published
440006000ELECTRIC DRIVE FOR PROPELLING MEANS68
20130045648ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR - 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.02-21-2013
20130078876AMPHIBIOUS SUBMERSIBLE VEHICLE - A vehicle is provided that is amphibious to include submersible operations. The vehicle has wings configured to generate a sufficient dive force to oppose buoyancy of the vehicle, when desired, which are disposed on opposing sides of a central hull. The vehicle is configured to enable easy transition from land operations to water operations, to include water surface travel as well as submerged travel.03-28-2013
20130035010COMBINATION HAND-HELD MULTI-DIRECTIONAL PROPULSION DEVICE, AND POWERED OAR/PADDLE FOR ROWBOAT, CANOE, KAYAK, AND THE LIKE - A multi-functional modular device includes: a shaft; electric motor(s); propeller(s); battery(s); and paddle blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and motor(s) de-energized, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) energized, propeller thrust selectively assists in levering to propel the boat. Propeller thrust in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction from levering reduces work required per stroke, reducing the total levering power per stroke. Alternatively, using the thrust in the same direction as propulsive levering increases total propulsive power per stroke, but requires greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Removing the blade permits the propeller and motor to be statically submerged and clocked for directional propulsion. A hinged kayak paddle embodiment is adapted for pure levering, and is convertible to a propulsion device by releasably attaching an electric pod motor to the blade(s).02-07-2013
20100041285AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE WITH FUEL CELL AND AUTONOMOUS FLUSHING SYSTEM - 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.02-18-2010
20130059488WATERCRAFT THAT HARVEST BOTH LOCOMOTIVE THRUST AND ELECTRICAL POWER FROM WAVE MOTION - 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.03-07-2013
20130059490APPARATUS FOR USE WITH AND/OR AS PART OF A FLOATABLE ITEM - There is provided an item which floats in a body of water. The item includes a body having a surface provided to form at least part of the underside of the item and an opposing surface. The item includes apparatus comprising at least one channel which passes between the surfaces and allows the passage of water therethrough. A means provided to influence and/or be influenced by the passage of the water through the at least one channel to exert a propelling and/or controlling force on the item.03-07-2013
20130059489INFLATABLE WATERCRAFT WITH BATTERY POWERED MOTORIZED CASSETTE - 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.03-07-2013
20090269994Propulsion system for a marine vessel - A marine vessel includes an exterior component fitted to a hull of the marine vessel and a propulsion module configured to be received by the exterior component. The propulsion module includes a power source configured to drive a propeller; a shaft configured to couple the power source and the propeller. The module includes a housing configured to store at least the power source and a portion of the shaft.10-29-2009
20090247027Motorized Push Pole Device - A motorized push pole device having a standard mounted to a raised poling platform on a boat. A housing is mounted to the standard wherein the housing is adapted to removably clamp around a push pole. A drive wheel is mounted under the housing, wherein a periphery of the drive wheel is in contact with the push pole and adapted to rotate in a first direction causing push pole to move in an extendable motion and the drive wheel adapted to rotate in an opposing second direction causing push pole to move in a retractable motion. An electrical switch is connected to a motor for controlling operation of the motor for rotating the drive wheel. The motor includes a rotating motor shaft terminating in a worm gear. The drive wheel further comprising a cog wheel for engaging the worm gear of the motor.10-01-2009
20090075533WATERCRAFT - A watercraft includes a plurality of outboard motors. Each of the outboard motors has a generator and a rudder deflecting system driven by an electric motor. The outboard motors are turned by the rudder deflecting systems thereby steering the watercraft. Electric power can be supplied from the generators of others of the plurality of outboard motors to the rudder deflecting system of an arbitrary outboard motor among the plurality of the outboard motors. Using this arrangement it is possible to provide a watercraft in which electric power for operation is stably supplied to the rudder deflecting system without increasing the size of the generators.03-19-2009
20110151731SWASH PLATE MECHANISM COMPRISING A SPUR TOOTHING - A swash plate mechanism (06-23-2011
20110281478SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ENERGY FOR SHIP PROPULSION - The present invention allows for the replacement of polluting and inefficient diesel-based marine propulsion systems. A natural-gas burning power plant in combination and at least one renewable energy source are combined to drive a ship's propulsion during times when the power plants are not in use for other activities including desalination and oil exploration. Renewable energies are used judiciously to reduce fossil fuel requirements but the present invention does not fully rely on renewable energy, which is not always available.11-17-2011
20090280701MARINE-VESSEL TRANSMISSION - The invention relates to a marine-vessel transmission having an input-drive shaft (11-12-2009
20090186535METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR POWERING OF AMPHIBIOUS CRAFT - The methods and apparatuses of the present invention provides for powering and maneuvering (forward, reverse and steering) systems for amphibious vehicle, marine vessel or ground vehicle operation and control. An improved propulsion system may incorporate the use of electric motors combined with impellers which use positive and negative magnetic torque applications and allows for new control strategies when used in water or on the ground. More precise control of the motoring and steering forces is provided which is suitable for use in a variety of amphibious, marine vessels or ground vehicle applications. Various types of electric drive motor/generators may be incorporated for use therein. Intelligent motion control systems may provide for improved vehicle control that can provide motive force and braking force in a precisely controlled manner that significantly improves performance and has faster control dynamics incorporating a fully integrated electrical braking and maneuvering system.07-23-2009
20100291811 WATERCRAFT PROPULSION DEVICE INCLUDING A LINKAGE AND A HORIZONTAL PROPULSION FIN - A watercraft propulsion device 11-18-2010
20090311924SHIP - There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).12-17-2009
20120142235SHIP - There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).06-07-2012
20100297895Marine propulsion system - Illustrative marine propulsion systems are disclosed. In a non-limiting, illustrative embodiment, a marine propulsion system includes a pump housing that is configured to be disposed below a waterline of a marine vessel and a centrifugal pump assembly that is disposed in the pump housing. The centrifugal pump assembly includes an inlet pump stage configured to receive inlet water and to discharge impulse water. The centrifugal pump assembly also includes an outlet pump stage that includes an impulse turbine wheel configured to rotate about an axis responsive to the impulse water and an outlet pump stage impeller integral with the impulse turbine wheel. The outlet pump stage impeller is configured to rotate about the axis.11-25-2010
20080287016Electric Motor-Driven Water Craft, Which is Cooled by the Surrounding Water - An electric motor-driven water craft including a fuselage, on which a user can at least partially lie or stand. The fuselage has a flow channel with a screw that is driven by an electric motor and contains the electric motor and batteries, in addition to a control device for the electric motor and the screw, and those items are housed at least partially in the flow channel. This invention provides a higher power for motor-driven water craft of this type by locating the batteries in a water-tight housing. At least some sections of the batteries are in thermally conductive contact with the housing. The housing can be at least partially of a thermally conductive material and/or the electric motor is an internal-rotor motor. The stator is in thermal conductive contact with a housing of the electric motor by a heat conducting unit. At least part of the region of the housing that is assigned to the heat conducting unit can be of a thermally conductive material and the housing can be located at least partially in the flow channel.11-20-2008
20100279559THRUST GENERATING APPARATUS - 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.11-04-2010
20100136857VESSEL WITH RETRACTABLE MOTOR/GENERATOR ASSEMBLY - Vessel comprising a motor/generator assembly (06-03-2010
20090325429ENERGY CAPTURE METHOD AND APPARATUS - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for an apparatus, system, and method to capture and store energy created as a result of a solid object moving through an electrolyte. The apparatus, in one embodiment includes a solid material, an electrolyte, a propulsion mechanism and an electrode. In certain embodiments the propulsion mechanism configured to produce a propulsive force to drive the solid material through the electrolyte at a rate sufficient to produce a net electrical charge on the solid material. The electrode may be connected to the solid material and configured to conduct the electrical charge away from the solid material.12-31-2009
20110223816Combination hand-held multi-directional propulsion device and powered oar/paddle for rowboat, canoe, kayak, and the like - A multi-functional modular device comprises: a shaft; electric motor(s); battery(s); thrust producing fan(s); and blade(s) being removably attachable to the shaft for levering of a paddlesports boat. With the blade(s) attached to the shaft and the motor(s) off, the device is usable for manual levering, and with the motor(s) on, the fan blade thrust may selectively assist in levering to propel the paddlesports boat. Fan thrust may be usable in a direction opposite to a propulsive direction of levering to reduce work required per stroke, which reduces power per stroke, or may alternatively be usable in the same direction as propulsive levering to increase total propulsive power per stroke, which requires greater strength/work output by the rower/paddler. Various sized blades may be interchangeable therein to adjust the work output. Removing the blade(s) permits the fan to be statically submerged and clocked to propel the boat in a desired direction.09-15-2011
20080293312MARINE PROPULSION DEVICE - A marine propulsion device such as an outboard motor includes a submersible electric motor having a propeller connected directly with the drive shaft of the motor. The motor is an efficient brushless motor having symmetrical elliptical coils connected with a stator which generate magnetic flux when current is passed through the coils to rotate a rotor for driving the drive shaft. The motor is arranged in a housing having a nozzle connected with a rear portion thereof which surrounds the propeller to reduce cavitation. Cooling fins are provided on the outer surface of the housing to assist with cooling the motor and a motor controller arranged in the housing.11-27-2008
20110111650Powered surfboard - A surfboard has a surfboard body, an electric motor, and a propeller. An electric power circuit provides power to the electric motor from a source of electro-motive force within the interior of the surfboard body. Additional electrical components, which may be capacitor banks, limit the rate of acceleration of the surfboard body. Several different capacitor banks may be included to provide selectable rates of acceleration.05-12-2011
20080299842 ELECTRICALLY POWERED WATERCRAFT - Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.12-04-2008
20090042461WATERCRAFT WITH SELECTIVELY RETRACTABLE AND STOWABLE PROPULSION DEVICE - A watercraft includes a hull having a hull bottom with an opening and a trunk surrounding the opening. The watercraft also includes a propulsion device pivotally mounted to a portion of the hull other than the trunk. The propulsion device can include a transmission and a propeller on an end of the transmission, and can be movable between a deployed position and an onboard stowed position. In the deployed position, the transmission extends through the trunk and through the opening such that the propeller is positioned below the hull bottom. In the onboard stowed position, no portion of the transmission or the propeller is located within the trunk or below the hull bottom.02-12-2009
20100317243DEVICE CAPABLE OF TRANSLATIONAL MOVEMENT OVER A SURFACE - A device capable of translational movement has a base capable of movement across a ground surface or across or through a liquid surface. The base mounts one or more wind turbines aligned substantially horizontally in use, and a drive element operable to move the base. The drive element is powered directly or indirectly by the turbine or turbines. The turbine(s) are such that the turbine operates over at least a wide range of wind directions relative to the device. In the preferred form the turbines are spaced outwardly from the base so as to provide a vehicle space between the turbine or turbines and the base.12-16-2010
20090036005Universal electrical linear motor propulsion system and method - Aspects of the invention relate to an electrical linear motor propulsion system and method for propelling an object through a medium. According to one aspect of the invention, the electrical linear motor comprises electrical windings and permanent magnets in close proximity so that electrical current energizing the coil windings creates an electromagnetic field which interacts with the magnetic field of the magnets to cause reciprocating linear motion of an movable linear motor thruster subassembly within a guide tube, the reciprocating linear motion comprising a fast back stroke when thruster subassembly check valve is open, and a working stroke, when a check valve is closed, that discharges the medium from the guide tube, thereby propelling the object (e.g., marine vessel, submarine, torpedo, etc.) through the medium. The linear motor(s) can be attached to the marine vessel, in multiple ways. For example, the electrical linear motor(s) can be disposed within the marine vessel. Alternatively, the electrical linear motor(s) can be attached externally to the vessel by a rotatable shaft so that the propulsion linear force vector can be positioned in any direction (360 degrees along a plane). Additionally, the electrical linear motor(s) can be attached to the vessel by using a rotatable shaft and a coupling hinge connected to the electrical linear motor housing, thereby permitting positioning of the vessel propulsion linear force vector in any direction with three degrees of freedom.02-05-2009
20110014829Motor Mount Assembly - A motor mount assembly is provided for detachably attaching a motor to a watercraft. The motor mount assembly comprises a battery housing, a mounting flange, an adjustable support assembly, and a motor support shaft. The battery housing is disposed on and releasably secured to the watercraft. The battery housing accommodates a battery that powers the motor. The mounting flange is detachably attached to and extends outwardly from the battery housing. A first end of the adjustable support assembly detachably attaches to the mounting flange. The adjustable support assembly supports the motor support shaft. The motor support shaft is connected to a second end of the adjustable support assembly and is positioned substantially vertical to the adjustable support assembly. The motor is connected to the bottom end of the motor support shaft and is therefore detachably attached to the watercraft via the motor support shaft.01-20-2011
20110244738ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR - In an electric outboard motor to be driven by an electric motor, the electric motor is formed in a watertight manner and is disposed to be exposed to the outside. Further, the electric motor is an air cooled type, and a shape of the electric motor is in a substantially flat shape in which a dimension in a horizontal direction perpendicular to an output shaft of the electric motor is made larger than a dimension in a height direction. The electric motor, when a hull is seen in plan view, is disposed in a manner that a front portion of the electric motor overlaps a transom board of the hull at the rear.10-06-2011
20110244739ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR - An electric outboard motor to be driven by an electric motor separately includes an electric outboard motor main body including the electric motor and a propulsion section that applies the electric motor as motive power and a power supply section supplying power to the electric motor, in which the electric outboard motor main body and the power supply section are detachably connected by couplers via a cable. Further, the coupler of the cable is allowed to be attached and detached to and from the coupler on a side of the power supply section.10-06-2011
20100003871Increased efficiency counter-rotating electric motor for propelling a boat - An enhanced counter-rotating electric motor and an associate propulsion system for use with a water-vehicle includes a motor housing, a stator within the housing that rotates about a central axis in one direction, an armature within the stator that rotates about the central axis in an opposite direction from the stator, a first axel that is secured to the stator and extends out from the housing, a second axel that is secured to the armature and extends out from the housing, water-tight rotational seals about each of the two axels, a centrifugal-force-balancing electrical connection mechanism that supplies functioning electrical communication between the motor and external electrical circuitry while operating the motor, and a propeller secured to each said axel.01-07-2010
20080220670Propeller shield apparatus for trolling motor - A propeller shield apparatus for mounting to a trolling motor having an exposed propeller with a horizontal axis includes a vertical fin and an arcuate propeller shield. The arcuate propeller shield is oriented concave downward and fixed to the vertical fin. The vertical fin is carried by the trolling motor. The vertical fin spaces the propeller shield above the propeller. A curved bracket is provided, connected to the vertical fin, and is clamped to the trolling motor. Angular fins can be provided at opposite ends of the propeller shield which extend substantially radially from the horizontal axis.09-11-2008
20100285702HYBRID ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM WITH DISTRIBUTED SEGMENTED GENERATOR/MOTOR - An apparatus is disclosed for a hybrid electric power system for use in a multi-wheeled hybrid electric vehicle, and particularly for use in hybrid electric vehicles designed for operation in hostile environments where reliability and survivability of the propulsion system of the vehicle are important. The hybrid electric power system advantageously comprises at least one segmented electrical machine having multiple pairs of parallel stator segments with a magnetic rotor segment between each pair, for generating power from a thermodynamic engine, or for providing power to a driven wheel of the hybrid electric vehicle. A hybrid electric power system is also provided which comprises at least one distributed segmented electrical machine which comprises a distributed electrical energy storage system.11-11-2010
20110263165Electric Marine Surface Drive - A marine articulated surface drive propulsion system is provided with a housing construction that allows the direct application of an electric motor for power onto the drive structure. Alternatively, it can include a power transmitting element for reducing the rate of rotation or the position of the motor shaft with respect to the propeller shaft. The drive can be retrofitted to existing boat hulls and does not require a dedicated hull. The electric motor can be fitted to the surface drive housing on the inside of the transom. It is contemplated that an electric motor with very small dimensions can be mounted in the drive thrust tube and ball socket, eliminating the need for U joints. Notably, if the propeller is left free wheeling it becomes the propulser for the electric motor to become a generator and recharge the batteries.10-27-2011
20110201238Electric Powered Surfboard Propulsion and Control Systems - Practical electric-powered propulsion systems, associated operator-control systems, and modification methods enable conventional surfboards (and similar small watercraft) to be converted for water-jet propulsion. Wireless controls are integrated with wearable marine accessories such as modified neoprene or fabric gloves, armbands, wristbands, hand straps, or gauntlets. Safely immersible, wet-swappable high-power battery packs facilitate extended use of electric propulsion in surf. Compact integrated electronic control units incorporate motor controllers, wireless receivers, and control logic. On-board power, propulsion, and control components are positioned and installed to avoid disrupting the shape of the watercraft body so as to minimize added hydrodynamic drag and perceived differences from a traditional unpowered version of the watercraft in appearance, balance, or performance. Components are designed to facilitate efficient installation using construction techniques already in widespread use among manufacturers and customizers of the analogous unpowered watercraft.08-18-2011
20090176417Method and apparatus for providing power to a marine vessel - A system and a method for providing power to a marine vessel and, more particularly to a tugboat is disclosed. The system includes diesel engines and generators and batteries which can be charged using power supplied by the generators, shore power or regenerated power. The tugboat is operated utilizing battery power only and the generators are used to provide additional power if needed or to recharge the batteries.07-09-2009
20120302112SHIP DRIVE SYSTEM HAVING A PLURALITY OF ELECTRIC DRIVE SHAFTS - A ship drive system includes a first and one second drive shaft for driving a respective propulsion unit, wherein each of the electric drive shafts includes at least one speed-variable generator driven by an internal combustion engine for generating a motor voltage having a variable amplitude and variable frequency, and at least one speed-variable drive motor that is supplied with the voltage and coupled to the propulsion unit. The first and second drive shafts can be switched from a first operating state, in which they are electrically disconnected from each other, to a second operating state, in which they are electrically coupled to each other such energy can be transmitted from the at least one generator of the one drive shaft to the at least one drive motor of the other drive shaft. To this end, the at least one generator includes a superconductor winding.11-29-2012
20110318978MODULAR GONDOLA DRIVE FOR A FLOATING DEVICE - 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.12-29-2011
20120015567OCEAN THERMAL BUOYANCY AND PROPULSION SYSTEM - A water navigable vessel or glider can transport cargo across oceans and other bodies of water without the use of fossil or nuclear fuels. The vessel includes a housing, a cargo or payload area within the housing, one or more control fins attached to the housing, a ballast within the housing, an expandable and contractible container configured to receive a clathrate and maintain a minimum amount of pressure on the clathrate within the housing in proximity to the ballast, and an intake valve coupled to the ballast. The clathrate changes state, thereby changing the buoyancy of the glider, and causing the glider to move through the body of water.01-19-2012
20110165802VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM FOR WATERCRAFT - A ship propulsion system for watercraft contains at least one propeller, by which a drive force can be created for the watercraft. The ship propulsion further contains an electric motor, the rotor of which is directly mechanically coupled to the at least one propeller via a shaft such that the at least one propeller may be brought into a respective rotating movement by a rotation of the rotor. In order to cool the rotor of the electric motor a thermosiphon is disposed in the shaft, and the propeller serves as a heat sink for a working medium of the thermosiphon.07-07-2011
20120028516ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR IMPROVING LOAD RESPONSE IN A MARINE VESSEL - The invention relates to an arrangement for improving load response in a marine vessel, which vessel comprises a propulsion system (02-02-2012
20120064783Lightweight Outboard Electric Motor System - An outboard electric motor kit that includes an electric motor assembly with a unitized propeller hub, a transom mount, a rechargeable electric battery, and an optional recharger. The assembly includes an electric motor unit located in an upper housing. A lower tube stem is attached and that extends downward from the upper housing to a lower housing. Formed on the lower housing is a receiving cavity with a rearward facing propeller hub opening. A drive shaft coupled to the motor unit extends downward inside the lower tube stem and mounted to a gear support block located in the receiving cavity. Mounted on the end of the drive shaft is a main gear. Mounted on the gear support block is a fixed axle that extends coaxially aligned through the propeller hub opening. Extended through the opening and coaxially mounted over the fixed axle is a removable propeller hub assembly.03-15-2012
20120071044SYSTEM FOR OPERATING A VESSEL - One or more embodiments of a system for operating a vessel is provided herein. An illustrative system can include a plurality of power sources for operating the vessel. The power sources can include a battery bank and an AC power source. The system can also include an auxiliary device disposed on the vessel, wherein the auxiliary device comprises an electrical rotating source. Energy can be harvested from the electrical rotating source and transferred to the DC power source, a load of the vessel, or both. The illustrative system can also include a power management system that can include a processor; a data storage in communication with the processor; and a plurality of computer instructions stored on the data storage.03-22-2012
20120071043METHOD FOR OPERATING A VESSEL - A method for operating a vessel is provided. The method can include determining the most efficient power source from a plurality of power sources for operating the vessel. The power sources can include a battery bank and an AC power source. The method can also include drawing power from the most efficient power source to operate the vessel; harvesting energy from electrical rotating sources; monitoring the battery bank; and charging the battery bank when a state of charge of the battery bank drops below a predetermined state of charge, wherein the charging is performed using the harvested energy, the AC power source, an external power source, or a combination thereof.03-22-2012
20120108116GAS-FIRED SUPERCONDUCTIVE ELECTRICALLY PROPELLED SHIP - A gas-fired superconductive electrically propelled ship is provided with a cargo tank 05-03-2012
20120108117APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY IN LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS CARRIER - 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.05-03-2012
20080207066MARINE PROPULSION SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - A propulsion system for a marine vessel includes a first electric machine coupled to a first drive shaft configured to provide propulsion to the marine vessel, and a second electric machine coupled to a second drive shaft configured to provide propulsion to the marine vessel, in a first mode of propulsion system operation, the first electric machine is configured as a generator to supply power to the second electric machine. The second electric machine is configured as a motor to drive the second drive shaft. A method of operating the propulsion system and a vessel including the propulsion system are also described.08-28-2008
20110104963ELECTRICALLY POWERED WATERCRAFT - Improvements to electrically powered watercraft including kayaks are disclosed. The watercraft comprises a hull defining a cavity and a battery powered retractable propulsion unit. The retractable propulsion unit can be retracted into the cavity with powered or unpowered means. Various retractable propulsion units are disclosed, including propulsion units that are steerable wherein the thrust can be selectively directed. Specific embodiments to improve the steerability of electrically powered watercraft are disclosed. Mechanisms for disengaging the steering controls from the retractable propulsion units are also disclosed. Locking mechanisms for locking the retractable propulsion unit in an extended or fully retracted position are also disclosed.05-05-2011
20120220175WATER VEHICLE ENABLING MOVEMENT ON OR UNDER WATER - A water vehicle moving on or in a liquid and including a flotation element (08-30-2012
20120214363Autonomous Vehicle With Fuel Cell and Autonomous Flushing System - 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.08-23-2012
20100009579SOLAR POWERED KAYAK OUTRIGGER - An outrigger for attachment to a host vessel, including: a flotation pod; a frame connected to the pod and connectable to the host vessel; at least one solar cell mounted on the frame; a battery connected to the at least one cell; and an electric motor mounted on the frame and connected to the battery.01-14-2010
20100291813Electrical linear motor for propulsion of marine vessel - An electrical linear motor for propelling a marine vessel through a liquid medium, comprises a housing secured to the marine vessel and submerged in the liquid medium, an insert within the housing and having at least two electrical coil windings disposed on internal walls of the insert; a thruster subassembly moves between the internal walls of the insert, the thruster subassembly having a front cover, an internal channel with check valve and at least two sets of permanent magnets attached to the thruster subassembly and maintained in sufficiently close proximity to the electrical coil windings so that an electromagnetic field created by a controlled energizing of the electrical coil windings interacts with a magnetic field from the permanent magnets to provide a resulting linear force, which causes a reciprocating linear motion of the thruster subassembly, wherein the check valve is in an open position during a back stroke of the thruster subassembly so that the liquid medium flows freely through the thruster subassembly internal channel and wherein the check valve is closed during a working stroke of the thruster subassembly so that the front cover of the thruster subassembly displaces the liquid medium, thereby propelling the marine vessel through the liquid medium.11-18-2010
20100291812Differential displacement device under simultaneous and repetitive electromagnetic repulsive forces - A differential displacement electromagnetic device providing motion over a support frame. Permanent electromagnets are fixedly mounted to a carriage and angularly oriented relative to the support frame lengthwise axis. Upright anchor columns project transversely from the support frame, and are interconnected by tension springs. A movable block is slidingly carried over both rails including a pair of opposite side spring loaded arms, carrying floating electromagnets. A bracket mount carries two spaced pivotal axles, and pivotally mounted rocker arms carrying corresponding permanent magnet. The rocker arms are sized in such a way as to be pivotably movable between a first limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the angularly oriented electromagnets, and a second limit position, where the permanent magnets abut against the floating electromagnets.11-18-2010
20120083173Marine Propulsion Devices, Systems and Methods - Some embodiments provide a propulsion system for a marine vessel that includes an electric motor-generator coupled between an internal combustion engine and a propeller through one or more clutches. The propulsion system includes a controller configured to adjust a torque load of the electric motor-generator based on factors such as rotational speed, propeller torque, and/or a peak torque output of the internal combustion engine. Some embodiments provide a propulsion assembly component including an electric motor-generator that can be installed in an existing marine propulsion system. Embodiments also provide methods for propelling a marine vessel.04-05-2012
20120083172AUXILIARY MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM - The main propulsion and drive system of a merchant vessel such as a freighter or tank vessel, or a military vessel is supplemented by an auxiliary propulsion and drive system that includes at least one, but preferably a pair of auxiliary propellers that flank the main propeller at port and starboard positions and each of which are attached via a drive shaft through a gear train, which can optionally include a clutch mechanism, to an auxiliary motor or motors. In order to reduce the drag when the main propeller is disabled, segments of a wake field modifying propeller duct are mounted for repositioning to form at least a partial housing or cowling that diverts the water over the exterior surface of the duct and minimizes contact with the stationary blades of the main propeller as the vessel moves through the sea when powered by the auxiliary propulsion system.04-05-2012
20110003521Clean energy powered surfboards - Clean energy powered surfboard having various advantages that make for easy to learn, easy to use, safer, exciting, high performance, environmentally friendly surfing on any ocean wave in the world. The various embodiments include novel motor, turbine, or electric motor generator surfboards comprising hydrogen or electric-powered motors, which can be switch-activated and which drive jet pumps. Energy can be stored as compressed gas, including air and hydrogen. Energy can be stored in novel capacitors that are incorporated in the body of the surfboard. Energy can be generated by solar or water power while surfing or by passing waves, for example, while waiting for a big wave. An output jet provides thrust to catch a wave, to return to the wave breaks, or to avoid a hazard. A novel fin output jet increases stability and maximizes thrust. Self-contained, self-recharging embodiments are low cost, lightweight, safer, and good for the environment.01-06-2011
20120094555ELECTRIC MARINE PROPULSION DEVICE WITH INTEGRAL MAGNETIC GEARING - 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.04-19-2012
20120094554Paddle-Drum Propulsion System for Propeller-Based Watercraft Engines - A watercraft propulsion system is disclosed, including: a mechanical drive assembly capable of coupling to and being driven by a power source element of a propeller-based watercraft engine; and a pair of paddle drums coupled to and driven by the mechanical drive assembly, thereby propelling the watercraft through a body of water. For example, the mechanical drive assembly is adapted to couple to a drive shaft power source element, while or to an electrical wiring power source element within a positioning shaft.04-19-2012
20100233918PROPULSION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A CABLE FERRY - The invention provides a flywheel-based propulsion system for cable ferries and method of operating such a propulsion system. A flywheel is energized from an on-shore source of electrical power during unloading and loading of the ferry and the flywheel is then used to generate electrical power for an electrical motor to power the ferry during the crossings.09-16-2010
20110244740ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTOR - An electric outboard motor main body including an electric motor and a propulsion section that applies the electric motor as motive power, and a power supply section supplying power to the electric motor and a control section controlling the electric motor that are disposed inside a hull separately from the electric outboard motor main body are provided, and the electric motor and the propulsion section are attached to enable a tilt-up operation via a tilt pin provided in a horizontal direction, and the electric motor is disposed higher than the tilt pin in a state before the tilt-up operation.10-06-2011
20100221962FUEL EFFICIENT POWER SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC BOAT - Fuel efficient power system for electric boat is provided. In starting a clutch is not activated if a drive shaft of an electric motor does not rotate at a predetermined speed, a power controller gradually increases a current output to the motor until the drive shaft rotates at the predetermined speed, the third clutch is activated to transmit rotation of the drive shaft to an electrical generator, and the activated generator charges one low rechargeable battery. In response to activating a first clutch rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to a first shaft, a bevel gear clutch is activated to transmit rotation of the first shaft to a propeller via a reduction gear. In response to moving the boat the first clutch is disengaged and a second clutch is engaged for transmitting rotation of the drive shaft to the second shaft, and a gearbox for increasing propeller speed.09-02-2010
20120282825ELECTRIC OUTBOARD DRIVE - An electric outboard drive adapted to be mounted on a transom of a boat through a mounting bracket includes a driving device and a propelling device. Through engagement of a first transmission shaft with a second transmission shaft, the power of an electric motor of the driving device is transmitted to a propeller of the propelling device. As a result, when the electric motor drives the first transmission shaft to rotate, the propeller is rotated by the transmission of the second transmission shaft to propel the boat.11-08-2012
20100203778Remote Drive - 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.08-12-2010
20100167602Energy system and boat - In one possible implementation the invention is electrical generating system, having: a wind power assembly having at least two rotatable propulsion systems: said wind power assembly further having an air pump, the air pump being connected to the wind power assembly and creating an air flow when rotatable propulsion systems rotate in response to wind; and an air powered generator connected to the wind power assembly, the air powered generator capable of creating electrical current as a result of the air flow from the wind power assembly. In another possible the invention is a boat having a hull, and a power system having a wind power assembly having at least one rotatable propulsion system: said wind power assembly further having an air pump, the air pump being connected to the wind power assembly and creating an air flow when rotatable propulsion systems rotate in response to wind; an air powered generator connected to the wind power assembly, the air powered generator capable of creating electrical current as a result of the air flow from the wind power assembly wherein the electrical current powers a motor that rotates a propeller external to the hull.07-01-2010
440007000 With foot control 2
20110076903TENSION SLEEVE SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC TROLLING MOTORS - A tension sleeve system that is selectively operable to engage a trolling motor system of a watercraft. The tension sleeve system is configured to fit over the area containing the lower portion of the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the middle portion (i.e., the exposed portion) of the swivel shaft, especially in proximity to the middle bearing area between the two shafts. The tension sleeve system is selectively operable to adjust feedback on any cable operated rotational steering system by applying an appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the swivel shaft, thus controlling the torque and/or energy generated by the propulsion motor and propeller. Clamps or other suitable devices can be used to apply the appropriate amount of tension between the trolling motor's stationary shaft and the swivel shaft by appropriately tightening the tension sleeve members against the external surfaces of the two shafts.03-31-2011
20110086559MOUNTING BASE FOR A TROLLING MOTOR FOOT PEDAL - A boat includes a boat deck having upper and lower deck portions and a deck transition portion. A mounting base is positioned so it extends proximate to the upper and lower deck portions and the deck transition portion. A foot operated trolling motor controller is carried by the mounting base and held at a desired orientation.04-14-2011

Patent applications in class ELECTRIC DRIVE FOR PROPELLING MEANS

Patent applications in all subclasses ELECTRIC DRIVE FOR PROPELLING MEANS