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US 4,377,982 AGranted
Spherical vehicle for operation in a fluid medium
AssigneeThe Bendix Corporation
InventorCalvin A. Gongwer
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AssigneeThe Bendix Corporation
InventorCalvin A. Gongwer
Estimating the term…
A spherical vehicle for operation in a fluid medium utilizes an impeller of approximately half the diameter of the sphere for propulsion. In addition to providing the energy for driving the sphere, the propeller acts to draw the flow of fluid smoothly over the after part of the sphere, thus avoiding or minimizing the tendency of the flow to separate from the surface of the sphere and create turbulence. Steering in pitch and yaw planes is effected through the use of a plurality of drag pins located just behind the circle of maximum diameter (with respect to the direction of motion) and selectively actuated by a guidance or control system. A plurality of stub vortex generators are also located on the after side of the sphere and are angled to oppose the torque created by the propeller. The center of gravity is located substantially below the geometric center of the sphere. The particular embodiment shown is an electrically (battery) powered underwater vehicle, but the same general configuration also applies to a lighter-than-air vehicle traveling through air, or to a manned submarine vehicle having the usual propulsion system.
A self-propelled spherical vehicle comprising a generally spherical housing and an impeller external of said housing, an energy source and power means in said housing connected to cause rotation of said impeller, said impeller being at the rear of said vehicle with respect to its direction of motion,
A self-propelled spherical vehicle for operation in a fluid medium comprising a housing and an impeller external of said housing, an energy source and power means in said housing connected to cause rotation of said impeller, said motion,
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.