Hydrodynamic transmission for ship propulsion
OwnerHerman E. Sheetsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a hydrodynamic transmission for ship propulsion comprising a prime mover driving an axial flow pump in combination with an open, water-powered turbine for driving propeller blades. The power plant and the propeller are not mechanically connected, and power is transmitted through the hydrodynamic transmission. The invention also provides for a thrust-reversing mechanism specially adapted to the hydrodynamic transmission described herein.
Claims11
Apparatus for propelling a ship through a body of water by means of the combined thrust of a water jet and a propeller driven by a hydrodynamic transmission, said apparatus comprising in combination:
- a. power means within the ship;
- b. an axial flow pump rotated by said power means;
- c. an axial flow turbine having at least one rotatable portion, said turbine being mechanically free of said power means and disposed outside said ship adjacent its stern;
- d. at least one propeller affixed to said rotatable portion of said turbine for rotation therewith;
- and,
- e. primary channel means for directing water from said body to said pump and from said pump to said turbine, the inlet end of said channel being disposed adjacent the stern portion of the ship to reduce drage;
- said turbine discharging water from said pump centrally of said propeller.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.