Air Chamber Hull
OwnerOrin Jacksoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This invention provides a water craft hull having an air chamber, wherein the sidewalls of the air chamber extend lower than the fore wall and the aft wall of the air chamber, and wherein the hull comprises at least one air injector configured to deliver pressurized air to the air chamber. Optionally, a hull of the invention has a high aspect ratio air chamber defined by a stable fore wall, a stable aft wall, and stable sidewalls, is a non-planing hull, has a wave-piercing bow, and has elongated keel fins (e.g. inner keel fins and/or outer keel fins). Optionally, the air chamber is configured for recirculating air flow.
Claims39
A water vessel hull comprising an air chamber and at least one air injector configured to deliver air to the air chamber, wherein:
- a. the air chamber comprises an open base and is enclosed by an upper wall, a fore wall, an aft wall, and sidewalls;
- and
- b. the sidewalls extend lower than the fore wall and the aft wall.
The hull of the preceding claim, wherein the fins extend laterally from the side walls at a location lower than the air chamber base (‘keel fins’), optionally, wherein the keel fins extend laterally from the base of the side walls.
The hull of the preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the height of the air chamber to the width of the air chamber is at least about 3:2.
The hull of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one air injector comprises at least a first air injector configured to discharge air astern along the water surface inside the air chamber (‘inner water surface’), optionally wherein the at least a first air injector is positioned about the inner water surface and oriented to discharge air astern.
The hull of the preceding claim, wherein the air coating structure is selected from a micro-bubble producer, a side cavity, or an air-film producer.
The hull of any preceding claim, wherein the hull comprises propeller with an electric motor, optionally wherein the motor is an HTS motor.
A water vessel comprising at least one hull according to any of the preceding claims.
The water vessel of the preceding claim, comprising at least two of said hulls.
The water vessel of the preceding claim, comprising a number of hulls selected from 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.