Side plate rudder system
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsWilliam H. Nedderman, Jr., James L. Dick, Charles H. Beauchamp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to an improved steering system for a water craft and an improved method of steering. The steering system includes at least two variable camber plates or rudders mounted to a hull of the water craft for imparting a steering force to the water craft. Each of the variable camber plates is preferably formed from a flexible material and has a leading edge affixed to the hull. A linkage mechanism is attached to a steering device on the water craft and causes at least one of the plates to move relative to the hull and thereby vary the camber of the at least one plate.
Claims18
A steering system for a water craft having a hull and a steering device, said system comprising:
- at least two plates capable of having variable camber adaptable to be mounted to said hull of said water craft for steering said water craft, each of said plates having a leading edge portion which is affixed to said hull and a trailing edge;
- and
- a linkage mechanism attached to said steering device and each said plate for causing said trailing edge of at least one of said plates to move relative to said hull and thereby vary the variable camber of said at least one plate so as to impart a steering force to said water craft.
A steering system for a water craft having a hull and a propulsor jet nozzle, said system comprising:
- at least two plates capable of having variable camber mounted to said hull of said water craft for steering said water craft, each of said plates having a leading edge portion which is affixed to said hull and a trailing edge;
- and
- a linkage mechanism attached to said propulsor jet nozzle and each said plate for causing said trailing edge of at least one of said plates to move relative to said hull and thereby vary the variable camber of said at least one plate so as to impart a steering force to said water craft;
- wherein said linkage mechanism comprises:
- at least one guide block for each said plate, each guide block being adaptable to be mounted to the stern of said hull between said jet nozzle and an associated plate of said at least two plates;
- and
- at least one rod for each said associated plate, each rod being pivotally mounted to said jet nozzle, passing through at least one guide block, and contacting said associated plate for varying the camber of said associated plate.
An off throttle steering system for a water craft having a hull and a steerable jet nozzle, comprising:
- two flexible plates adaptable to be positioned on opposite sides of said hull for providing hydrodynamic steering to said water craft;
- and
- a linking means joining said steerable jet nozzle to said two flexible plates for moving at least one said plate in response to movement of said steerable jet nozzle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.