US3183663A - Propulsion device - Google Patents

Description

y 8, 1965 A. P. SFREDDA 3,183,663

PROPULS ION DEVICE Filed Feb. 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. ALBEIQT R JFRDM rm/m5) A. P. SFREDDA PROPULSION DEVICE May 18, 1965 Filed Feb. 5, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 4155 P. smmm BY Vw May 18, 1965 A. P. SFREDDA PROPULSION DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 5, 1962 II/ I I I ///I I INVENTOR. 413.587 ff .Sl-k'flDA BY W /4 M ATTOK x United States Patent 3,183,663 PROPULSION DEVICE Albert P. Sfredda, Bethlehem, Pa, assignor of fifty percent to George W. Downs, Norristown, Pa. Filed Feb. 5, 1962, Ser. No. 171,215 6 Claims. (Cl. 60-35.5)

This invention relates generally to a propulsion device for vehicles, and is especially concerned with a propulsion device generally of the fluid-reaction type.

While the propulsion system or device of the present invention has been primarily developed for marine use, and will be illustrated and described hereinafter, it is appreciated that the structure of the instant invention is equally well suited for use in a variety of applications,

such as in air or land vehicles, all of which applications are intended to be .comprehended herein.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, it is a general object thereof to provide a propulsion device of the type described which is extremely simple in construction and operation, entirely reliable and durable throughout a long useful life, and which can be manufactured, installed and maintained at reasonable cost.

Itis a more particular object of the present invention to provide a reaction-type propulsion device having the advantageous characteristics mentioned in the preceding paragraph, wherein the orientation of thrust is readily controflable for easy and quickly responsive dirigibility of a propelled vehicle, or the like.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following specification and referring to the accompanying drawings, which form a material part of this disclosure.

The invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, which will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter described, and of which the scope which will be indicated by the appended claims.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational View, partly broken away, showing a propulsion device of the present inven tion incorporated in a marine vehicle;

FIGURE 2 is a generally horizontal, sectional view taken substantially along the line 22 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a partial horizontal sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a partial sectional View taken substantially along the line 5-5 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along the line 66 of FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a top plan view, partly broken away, showing another slightly modified propulsion device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 88 of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a horizontal sectional view showing still a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 10-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a partial plan view showing a marine vehicle or boat incorporating a pair of propulsion devices in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a horizontal sectional view similar to FIGURE 2, ,but showing a further embodiment of the instant invention; and

FIGURE 13 is a sectional elevational view taken substantially along the line 13-13 of FIGURE 12.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, and specifically to the embodiment of FIGURES 16, a marine "ice vehicle or :boat is generally designated in FIGURES 1-3, and includes a body or hull 21 which may have a conventional how 22 and mid-section 23, while the stern 24 is specifically adapted to carry the propulsion device of the present invention, generally designated 25.

The stern 24 of the body 23 may have its underside recessed upward, as at 26, which recess may open rearward of the hull. Interiorly of the hull stern 24, above the recess 26, may be provided a chamber 28 having a generally horizontal lower or bottom wall 29, a generally horizontal upper or top wall 30 spaced above the lower wall, an upstanding generally circular front wall 31 extending between the lower and upper walls along the forward edges thereof, and a pair of generally upstanding side walls 32 each extending rearward from a respective end of front wall 31, vertically between the lower and upper walls and terminating at the rear end or transom 33 of the hull 21. Thus, the chamber 28 is generally horizontal, and opens rearwardly through the hull transom 33.

As best seen in FIGURE 2, the chamber side walls 32 may diverge from each other in the rearward direction. Further, as seen in FIGURE 1, the lower chamber wall 29 may be formed with a through opening or hole 35 approximately concentric with the semi-circular forward chamber wall 31 opening into the nether recess 26. Just behind the lower-wall opening 35, there may be provided a diverter blade or scoop 36 depending from the bottom wall 29 and extending laterally across the recess 26 to deflect sea water upward toward the hole 35 when the boat is under forward movement.

The propulsion device 25 includes a drive motor or engine 49, which may be mounted on the upper side of upper chamber wall 35, exteriorly of the chamber 28. A drive shaft 41 depends vertically from the drive means 40 into the chamber 23, substantially concentric with the forward chamber wall 31, so as to be in substantial vertical alignment with the bottom-wall opening 35. The drive shaft 41 is axially rotated by the motor or engine 49, which may be of any suitable construction.

The lower end of drive shaft 41 terminates within the chamber 28 and carries a conduit structure, generally designated 45. The conduit structure 45 of the illustrated embodiment may be formed of a right angularly bent pipe having a generally horizontal region 46 connected by a bend 47 to a generally vertical region 48. The conduit structure 45 may have its bent region 47 fixedly secured, as by welding or otherwise, to the lower end of shaft 41, so that the vertical conduit region 48 extends in substantial alignment with the shaft and the horizontal conduit region 4 6 extends generally normal to the shaft. As best seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, the vertical conduit region may depend through the lower chamber-wall opening 35, having its lower end open for receiving communication with sea water diverted upward by the scoop 36. The horizontal conduit region 46 may be provided adjacent its outer end with a valve mechanism 59 for selectively opening and closing the conduit means. The vertical conduit region 48 is thus axially rotatable with the shaft 41, and the horizontal conduit region 46 is angularly rotatable about an axis normal thereto, namely that of the shaft 41 and conduit region 48. As will appear more fully hereinafter, the vertical conduit region 43 provides a fluid-feed conduit having an inlet at its lower end, while the horizontal conduit region 46 defines a fluid-discharge conduit having an outlet at its outer end.

A steering mechanism is generally designated 52 and includes a pulley or wheel 53 mounted on the shaft 41 for rotation independently thereof. That is, the pulley or wheel 53 may lie in a generally horizontal plane concentrically circumposed about the shaft 41 and rotatable relative to the latter. An operating cam 55 may be of generally annular configuration and spacedly circumposed about the drive shaft 41, being fixedly secured to the wheel 53 by radial spokes or struts 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the annular cam 55 i disposed in a generally horizontal plane between that of the carrying wheel 53 and the discharge conduit 46. The operating cam 55 is thereby rotatable with the wheel 53 about the axis of and relative to the drive shaft 41. Internally-of the operating cam 55 there may be provided a continuous cam surface 58 for operating the valve mechanism 50, as will appear presently.

The valve mechanism 50 may be of any suitable type, a butterfly-valve element 59 being shown for purposes of illustration as rotatably mounted in the discharge conduit 46 adjacent to the outer end thereof. The valve element 59 may be mounted in the discharge conduit 46 for rotation about a generally vertical axis, and be provided with an angulate extension or crank 60 exteriorly of the discharge conduit and swingable with the valve element. 011 the distal end of crank 60, there may be provided a cam follower or roller 61 engageable with the cam surface 58. Suitable means may be provided to maintain the follower 61 in engagement with the cam surface 58, such as a resilient element or spring 62 operatively connected between the discharge conduit 46 and crank 66 to urge the latter in one direction of its rotative movement relative to the discharge conduit. Thus, as seen in FIGURE 6, the spring 62 urges the cam follower 61 counterclockwise, as indicated by the arrow 63, to maintain the cam follower in rolling engagement with the cam surface 58.

As best seen in FIGURE .4, the cam surface 58 may advantageously have one segment 65 generally semicircularly concentric about the shaft 41 at a relatively short radius, and another segment 66 also generally semicircularly concentric about the drive shaft and of a larger radius. The adjacent ends of cam edge segments 65 and 66 are smoothly connected together by compound curved portions 67. As may be observed in FIGURE 4, the cam follower 61 riding on the inner cam segment 65 maintains the valve element 59 open, while engagement of the follower with the outer cam segment 66 maintains the valve element closed, see the phantom position in FIGURE 4.

The valve element 59 is thereby maintained open through a predetermined number of degrees of angular rotation of the discharge conduit 46, and maintained closed through substantially the remainder of dischargeconduit rotation. The angular location of the angle through which the valve element 59 remains open may be controlled by rotation of the cam 55 to a selected position. This may be accomplished from the drivers position by means of a control belt 70 engaged about the wheel 53 and extending forward to a steering wheel '71, see FIGURE 1. Of course, any suitable remote-control means may be employed to effect rotation of the cam 55 to its desired angular position.

For dynamic stability and minimizing vibration, a counter-weight 72 may be carried by the shaft 41, at the lower end thereof and located in diametric opposition to the discharge conduit 46.

Operation, FIGURES 1-6 modification In operation, the drive motor 46 is started to effect rotation of the shaft 41 and conduit construction 45. With the lower end of feed conduit 48 engaged in sea Water, rotation of the discharge conduit 46 tends, by centrifugal force, to expel any contained fluid through the outer end. This, in turn, draws sea water upward from the feed conduit 48 to produce a flow of sea water through the conduit construction 45 as in the direction of arrows 75 and 76 in FIGURES 1 and 5. However, as the valve mechanism 50 is open only during the gen.- erally rearward movement of discharge conduit 46, and closed during forward movement of the discharge conduit, fluid is discharged only generally rearward. Thus, the rearward discharge of fluid, as in the direction of arrow 76, produces a forward reaction thrust to propel the vessel 20.

Of course, rotation of the cam 55, say 45 degrees from itsillustrated position, angularly shifts the direction of thrust approximately 45 degrees to change the direction of boat travel.

While in the previously described embodiments, the conduit structure has included only a single discharge conduit, it is understood that more than one discharge conduit may be employed, if desired. For example, as shown in FIGURES 7 and 8, a conduit structure 451) may include a generally horizontal, disclike conduit part having formed therein a plurality. of radially extending internal passageways 43b, each provided with a suitable valve mechanism 50b. An inlet or feed conduit 4812 depends vertically from the central region of the dischargeconduit structure 43b and communicates interiorly there of with the radial inner ends of the several passageways 43b.

Of course, operation of the multiple-discharge-conduit device of FIGURES 7 and 8 is the same in principle as that of the previously described embodiments; It is only essential that the several valve mechanisms 50b operate sequentially, as may be accomplished by employing a single cam, as in the first-described embodiment, for actuating the several cam followers 61b.

In the embodiment of FIGURES 9 and 10, there is shown a conduit structure illustrating that the discharge conduits or passageways may be of varying diameter. For example, a pair of diametrically oppositely extending discharge conduits 46c communicate at their inner ends and are of decreasing diameter toward their outer or outlet ends. An inlet or feed conduit 48c depends from the inner connected ends of the discharge conduits 460 for communication with a source of fluid supply. If desired, diameter variation along the discharge conduits may utilize Venturi effect, or otherwise.

In the embodiment of FIGURE 11, there is illustrated a dual or multiple arrangement of propulsion devices 25d, each of which may employ the hereinbefore described advantageous features, and are arranged in sideby-side relation in the stern of a marine vessel 20d. In such dual or multiple installation, it is advantageous that the propulsion devices rotate in opposite directions, as indicated by the arrows 4&1, and in properly timed relation to effect precision counterbalance of each other FIGURES 12. and 13 show a further slightly modified embodiment of the instant invention, wherein a marine vehicle or boat is' generally designated 20a and constructed in its stern region 24a to contain a propulsion device 25c constructed in accordance with the teachings of this invention. Interiorly within the stern region 242 may be provided a chamber 28a having a generally horizontally lower or bottom wall 290 spaced above the bottom of the hull, a generally horizontal upper or top wall 30.2 spaced above the lower wall, an upstanding generally arcuate front wall He extending between the lower and upper walls along the forward edges thereof, and a pair of generally upstanding side walls 32c each extending generally rearward from a respective end of the front wall 51:: and vertically between the lower and upper walls to terminate at the rear end or transom 33a of the hull. The chamber 28a is therefore generally horizontal, and opens rearwardly through the hull transom.

The propulsion device 25e includes a drive motor or engine 40e, which may be mounted on the upper side of upper chamber wall 301:, exteriorly of thexchamber 28e. A drive shaft 41e depends vertically from the drive means 40c, rotatably through the upper wall 30c into the chamber 28:: at a location spaced considerably rearward from the forward chamber wall 31e. A conduit structure, generally designated 45e is carried on the lower end of the drive shaft Me, and is illustrated as a right angularly bent pipe having a generally horizontal region 46c connected by a bend 47a to a generally vertical, depending region 48a. The conduit structure 45a is fixed to the lower end of drive shaft 41c, having the depending region 482 generally coaxial with and extending from the lower end of the drive shaft, while the horizontal region 46a is generally normal to the drive shaft. The outer ends of the conduit structure are open, and the vertical region 48a depends rotatably through a hole 35a in the lower chamber wall 29c, and a registering or aligned hole '80 in the bottom of the hull. lf desired, a suitable seal may be employed to prevent leakage between the bounding edge of hole 80 and the exterior of vertical conduit region 482.

A valve mechanism, generally designated 50c, is associated with the conduit structure 45a to close the outer end of conduit region 46c through a predetermined angle of its rotation. That is, the valve mechanism 501: obstructs the discharge or passage of fluid outward from the conduit region 46c, and employs for this purpose an arcuate, generally semicircular wall 90 substantially concentric with the aligned axes of shaft 41c and depending conduit region 48a. The inner surface of the upstanding barrier or closure wall 90 has a radius of curvature approximately equal to the radius of movement of the outer end of conduit region 462. Thus, the conduit region 462 is rotatable through the arc of barrier wall 90, one such position being shown in dot-and-dash outline in FIGURE 12, there being just sufficient clearance between the barrier wall and horizontal conduit region to permit movement of the latter, while the conduit wall effectively obstructs or closes the outer end of the horizontal conduit region.

The arcuate conduit wall 0 is shown as being generally semicircular, but the degree of are may be otherwise, if desired. Suitable support for the barrier wall 90 may include a generally horizontal, substantially planar wall 91 at the lower edge of the barrier wall and having a central enlargement 72 rotatably receiving the lower conduit region 48c. A journal bearing 73 is rotatably received in the opening 35a of lower chamber wall 29c, rotatably receiving the depending conduit region 48c, and secured fast to the generally horizontal support or wall 91 of the valve mechanism 50a, as by fastener 74.

A steering mechanism is generally designated 52a and may include a pulley or toothed wheel 53:: axially circumposed about and keyed to the bearing 73, for fixed securement relative to the support 591 and barrier wall 90. A control means or chain 7% may be trained over the toothed wheel 53a to effect the desired angular positioning of barrier wall 90, an alternate position being shown in dashed outline in FIGURE 12.

Operation, FIGURES 12 and 13 modification The operation is similar to that of the hereinbefore described embodiments, rotation of the conduit structure 45a effecting induction of sea water upward through the conduit region 482 and discharge thereof outward through the horizontal conduit region 46c. Through a predetermined angle of conduit rotation, the conduit region 46a is closed by the barrier wall 90, the conduit region being open throughout the remainder of conduit rotation. Thus, the barrier wall 90 effects obstruction of the conduit region 46c in a manner similar to the previously described butterfly valve. Dirigibility of the vessel is achieved by angular positioning of the barrier wall 90, so that the rearward reaction jet is properly oriented to obtain the desired directional movement.

The drive shaft 41a is advantageously provided with a counterweight 722, in the same manner as the previously described embodiments; and, vanes or baffles 37e may be employed in the chamber 28c, corresponding to the vanes or baffles 37a to counteract torque reaction.

From the foregoing, it is seen that the present invention provides a propulsion device which fully accomplishes '6 its intended objects and is otherwise adapted to meet practical conditions of manufacture, installation and use.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it is understood that certain changes and modifications may be made within the spirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. I

What is claimed is:

1. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge conduit mounted to rotate about a generally normal axis for centrifugally discharging contained fluid, a fluid-feed conduit connected with said discharge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said discharge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with a fluid supply, and obstruction means for obstructing the discharge of fluid from said discharge conduit through a predetermined angle of discharge-conduit rotation, to thereby control and direct the reaction thrust of the discharged fluid, said discharge conduit comprising a plurality of passageways extending generally radially from said axis, and said obstruction means comprising a valve in each of said passageways, and operating means for successively opening and closing said valves.

2. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge conduit mounted to rotate about a generally normal axis for centrifugally discharging contained fluid, a fluid-feed conduit connected with said discharge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said discharge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with a fluid supply, means for obstructing the discharge of fluid from said discharge conduit through a predetermined angle of discharge-conduit rotation, an additional fluiddischarge conduit mounted to rotate about a generally normal axis substantially parallel to said first-mentioned axis of rotation, an additional fluid-feed conduit connected to said additional discharged conduit in the region of said second-mentioned axis for feeding fluid to said additional discharge conduit, additional means for obstructing the discharge of fluid from said additional discharge conduit through a predetermined angle of rotation, and means constraining said first-mentioned and additional discharge conduits to rotation in timed relation.

3. In combination, a vehicle body, a fluid-discharge conduit mounted in said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the flow of fluid in said discharge conduit, drive means in said body for rotating said discharge conduit, a fluid-feed conduit communicating with said discharge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said discharge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with a fluid supply, a valve in said fluid-discharge conduit, a cam mounted in said body, and a follower connected to said valve and movable with said discharge conduit in operative relation with said cam for opening and closing the latter, to thereby control and direct the reaction thrust of the discharged fluid.

4. The combination according to claim 3, said cam being mounted in said body for rotation about the axis of said rotation of said discharge conduit, to thereby angularly shift said predetermined angle of fluid obstruction.

5. In combination, a vehicle body, a fluid-discharge conduit mounted in said body for rotation about an axis generally normal to the flow of fluid in said discharge conduit, drive means in said body for rotating said discharge conduit, a fluid-feed conduit communicating with said discharge conduit in the region of said axis for feeding fluid to said discharge conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for communication with a fluid supply, a barrier wall located at one region along the path of dischargeconduit rotation in obstructing relation with the discharge end of said conduit, and rotary means mounting said barrier wall for selective angular positioning along the path of conduit rotation, to thereby control and direct reaction thrust of the discharged fluid.

r a 7 8 g 6. A propulsion device comprising a fluid-discharge References Cited by the Examiner conduit mounted to rotate about a generally normal axis UNITED STATES PATENTS for centrifugally discharging contained fluid, a fluid-feed 287 508 10/83 Didiot 103 10O conduit connected with said discharge conduit in the 1 185939 6/16 Reed 103 10O region of said axis for feeding fluid to said discharge 5 1:272:070 7/18 Macnicoli Conduit, said feed conduit having an inlet for cornmuni- 1,661,986 3/28 Yetta 103 10O cation with a fiuid supply, means for obstructing the discharge of fluid from said discharge conduit through a pre- FOREIGN PATENTS determined angle of discharge-conduit rotation, and fluid- 415,388 10 Fran eguide means located in the path of fluid discharge from 10 h said fluid-discharge conduit, to counteract reaction torque JULIUS WEST P r 1mm y Exammer' and obtain additional thrust. EDGAR W. GEOGHEGAN, Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. 3. IN COMBINATION, A VEHICLE BODY, A FLUID-DISCHARGE CONDUIT MOUNTED IN SAID BODY FOR ROTATION ABOUT AN AXIS GENERALLY NORMAL TO THE FLOW OF FLUID IN SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT, DRIVE MEANS IN SAID BODY FOR ROTATING SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT, A FLUID-FEED CONDUIT COMMUNICATING WITH SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT IN THE REGION OF SAID AXIS FOR FEEDING FLUID TO SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT, SAID FEED CONDUIT HAVING AN INLET FOR COMMUNICATION WITH A FLUID SUPPLY, A VALVE IN SAID FLUID-DISCHARGE CONDUIT, A CAM MOUNTED IN SAID BODY, AND A FOLLOWER CONNECTED TO SAID VALVE AND MOVABLE WITH SAID DISCHARGE CONDUIT IN OPERATIVE RELATION WITH SAID CAM FOR OPENING AND CLOSING THE LATTER, TO THEREBY CONTROL AND DIRECT THE REACTION THRUST OF THE DISCHARGED FLUID.

Images