Device, such as a propeller, for ships which is independent of the main propeller propulsion system and can be used as an active maneuvering mechanism

A ship comprising:

• a hull;
• said hull being disposed from bow to stern;
• at least one engine disposed within said hull;
• a main propulsion system;
• means for connecting said main propulsion system to said at least one engine;
• an auxiliary maneuvering device;
• said auxiliary maneuvering device being independently operable of said main propulsion system;
• said auxiliary maneuvering device comprising a body;
• at least one blade extending from said body;
• said auxiliary maneuvering device comprising means for both providing a rudder system for said ship by aligning said at least one blade with respect to the longitudinal axis of said ship upon use of said main propulsion system and also for propelling said ship;
• said body defining a horizontal plane and said body comprising a center;
• said body being substantially circular and the plane of said body being disposed substantially horizontally with respect to said ship;
• means for rotating said body with respect to said hull;
• means for connecting said body to said at least one engine to rotate said body around the center of said body;
• said at least one blade defining a vertical axis;
• said at least one blade defining a root portion substantially adjacent said body, and a tip portion substantially distal from said body;
• said vertical axis of said at least one blade extending from said root portion of said at least one blade to said tip portion of said at least one blade;
• means for rotating each of said at least one blade at least 360.degree. about the vertical axis of said at least one blade;
• said means for rotating each of said at least one blade at least 360.degree. comprising at least one transmission means;
• said at least one transmission means being connected to said at least one engine.