US3882674A

US3882674A - Vortex propeller

Info

Publication number: US3882674A
Application number: US363375A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Taggart
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-05-24
Filing date: 1973-05-24
Publication date: 1975-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 1992-05-13

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a propeller and housing arrangement which is capable of (i) delivering propulsive thrust in any selected direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and (ii) developing a concomitant lift force along the line of the axis of rotation. This is achieved basically by the utilization of an impeller or rotor having both centrifugal and centripetal blade surfaces, as well as screw type propeller blade surfaces. The proportion of lift to thrust is a function of the design of these rotor surfaces, and the direction of the thrust is determined by the design of the housing configuration and its alignment relative to the rotor. The present invention may be positioned on a vessel with its axis of rotation vertical, horizontal or canted and may also be designed to reverse the direction of thrust by using adjustable inlets and outlets, reversing the direction of rotation of the rotor or by changing the position of the rotor relative to the inlet and outlet.

Description

United States Patent Taggart [111 3,882,674 1 1 May 13, 1975 VORTEX PROPELLER Primary ExaminerClarence Gordon Attorney, Agent, or FirmFulbright & .laworski [76] Inventor: Robert Taggart, 3930 Walnut,

Fairfax, Va. 22030 AB A [22] Filed: May 24, 1973 [57] STR CT The present invention is directed to a propeller and [21] App! 3375 housing arrangement which is capable of (i) delivering propulsive thrust in any selected direction perpendicu- 52 US. Cl 60/221; 416/235 lar to the axis of rotation and (ii) developing a 51 Int. Cl B63h 11/02 eemitam lift force along the line of the axis of ota- [58] Field f S h 60/221 222; [15/16 12 A tion. This is achieved basically by'the utilization of an impeller or rotor having both centrifugal and centripe- [56] References Cit d tal blade surfaces, as well as screw type propeller UNITED STATES PATENTS blade surfaces. The proportion of lift to thrust is a Sh 5 6 function of the design of these rotor surfaces, and the l z}: x direction of the thrust is determined by the design of l'725923 8/1929 115/16 the housing configuration and its alignment relative to 27O2516 2/1955 Tinker 115/16 the rotor. The present invention may be positioned on 219831830 6/1961 j h 60/222 a vessel with its axis of rotation vertical, horizontal or 3,050,007 19 2 Rydz 60 221 X canted and may also be designed to reverse the direc- 3,093,961 6/1963 Pisa l 60/221 tion of thrust by using adjustable inlets and outlets, re- 3,188,997 6/1965 Christensen 115/16 UX verging the direction of rotation of the rotor or by 312001754 3 2: 28/22 changing the position of the rotor relative to the inlet 3,397,538 196 en d t] t 3,465,523 9/1969 Clark 60/221 an 6 16 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTED MAY 1 3 5 SHEET 20? 5 T HI I if I- 4 g 4 PATENTEDHAY 1 319. 5 3,882 674 sum 3 BF 5 PATENIED MAY 1 3 i975 SHEE? 5 OF 5 VORTEX PROPELLER BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention relates to, propellers for ships and the like, and more particularly to propulsive units for such vessels where a screw propeller is not a satisfactory solution to a specific propulsion problem.

Essentially all boats, ships and other vessels today utilize typical screw type propellers, regardless of the size of the vessel, its specific job, the conditions under which it must operate, etc. This is true whether the vessel is a pleasure boat, a tug boat or an ocean going liner.

Obviously, it would be desirable to have a more flexible arrangement which would economically solve specifrc propulsion and related problems. This becomes increasingly important as new designs are created for vessels such as the hydrofoil and air cushion type crafts. Changes are being made everyday to the design of vessels themselves, and the applications of such vessels are constantly being expanded into more and wider areas. Accordingly, the demand continues to increase for greater efficiency and reliability in the operation of such vessels.

In addition to these problems directed generally to providing thrust for boats and ships, another problem is found in maneuvering these vessels, particularly the larger ones such as ocean going ships. Traditionally, propulsion units have been used to assist in maneuvering, but these are normally slow to respond and the vessel can easily get out of control, especially in tight situations, where not operated by very experienced hands. Other problems are also associated with the traditional type of propulsion unit, such as vessels requiring a large diameter propeller but which must operate with minimum draft.

These and other problems are successfully overcome by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The present invention is designed to provide a pro pulsion unit for vessels which is capable of providing, first, propulsive thrust in any selected direction, the thrust being perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor contained in the propulsion unit, and secondly, a unit which is capable of developing a lift force along the line of the axis of rotation of the rotor.

In the principal embodiment discussed herein, the present invention utilizes a rotor having one set of blade surfaces designed essentially like the typical screw type propeller. On opposite sides of each of the propeller blades, upstanding, cambered hydrofoils are located. The hydrofoils on one side of the propeller blades are arranged for centripetal action on water coming into fluid contact with the propeller, and the hydrofoils on the opposite side of the propeller blades are arranged for centrifugal action. Thus, one set of the hydrofoils will provide a suction effect, whereas the second set will provide a discharge effect.

The housing surrounding the rotor contains an inlet which is in fluid communication with the periphery of the centripetally arranged hydrofoils. An outlet is located on the opposite side of the housing and is positioned for fluid communication with the periphery of the hydrofoils that are arranged for centrifugal flow. An incidentaleffect of this housing is to provide a rotor or propeller which is enclosed, thereby providing protection for undersea divers and the like.

Flow through this propulsion unit begins by the blade arrangement designed for centripetal flow creating suction at the inlet, thereby causing water to flow into the housing, and accordingly, into the axis of the propeller itself. Thus, the inlet flow is from the periphery of the propeller. The flow continues by passing between the blades of the screw propeller, which movement would be essentially parallel to the axis of rotation. Finally, the fluid is acted upon by the second set of hydrofoils which is arranged for centrifugal flow. Thus, the fluid would be discharged peripherally from the rotor and through the outlet.

Accordingly, the flow of fluid through this propulsion unit begins with the introduction of the fluid from the periphery of the rotor, the passage of the fluid generally parallel to the axis of rotation to the opposite side of the screw type propeller, and finally, the discharge of the fluid again along a peripheral path of travel. As the inlet and outlet are located in the housing on opposite sides of the rotor, the fluid moves from one side of the rotor to the other side. It is this movement which creates a propulsive thrust which is in the direction opposite the fluid flow and which is generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The movement of the fluid from the side of the screw propeller having the suction hydrofoils to the side of the propeller having the discharge hydrofoils creates the lift force parallel to the axis of rotation.

Other embodiments provide for variations in this arrangement such as a tilting feature on the rotor to i change the direction of thrust and adjustments in the inlet and outlet to accomplish the same function.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved propulsion unit for boats, ships and like vessels and in certain applications, for craft that operate on air as the fluid.

It is a further object of the present invention to disclose such a propulsion unit which will provide an efficient and economical means for propelling vessels, both large and small, and yet provide a more flexible propulsion system than exists today.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide such a propulsion unit which provides propulsive thrust in a direction generally perpendicular to its axis of rotation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a propulsion unit which will also develop a lift thrust generally parallel to the axis of rotation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a propulsion unit which will also provide greater assistance in the control and maneuvering of vessels, particularly large vessels and those which must maneuver in tight places.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a propulsion unit which creates a propulsive thrust that may be reversed without reversing the direction of rotation of the rotor.

These and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of some presently preferred embodiments of the invention, given for the purpose of disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following drawings, like character references designate like parts throughout the several views, which are as follows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa preferred embodiment of the present invention (as made from a transparent substance so that the rotor is visible),

FIG. 2 is an axial view of the rotor of the embodiment of FIG. 1, 7

FIG. 3 is a side view of the rotor of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 is an axial view, in section. of the housing of the embodiment of FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a side view, in section, of the housing of FIG. 4, as seen along Section Lines S5 of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 shows schematically and by formula the means of determining the curvature of the suction and discharge hydrofoils,

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a hydrofoil in which a preferred embodiment of the present invention is incorporated,

FIG. 8 is a partial side view. in section. of the hydrofoil of FIG. 7 as seen along Section Lines 8-8,

FIG. 9 is a partial side view. in section. of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention with the adjustable guide vanes being in their neutral position.

FIG. 10 is a partial side view. in section. of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the guide vanes adjusted to a second position,

FIG. 11 is a partial side view. in section. of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the guide vanes adjusted to a third position,

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of a vessel incorporating both conventional propulsion means and four propulsion units in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial side view. in section. of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view. in section. of the rotor shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13 and as seen along Section Lines l414 of FIG. 13, and

FIG. 15 is a partial side view. in section. of the embodiment of FIG. 13 with the rotor in a canted position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Turning now to the drawings. the first disclosed preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed. For purposes of discussion only. the vessel or craft on which the embodiments may be used will sometimes be referred to as a "ship;" and the fluid will sometimes be referred to as water." It is understood. however. that they are applicable to all types of vessels or craft and that the fluid could be air although use in water is the primary application.

A perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the propulsion unit is shown in FIG. 1. and the unit is here inafter referred to by the numeral 10. This embodiment is comprised basically of the propeller 12 positioned within a housing 14. both of which are shown in this figure as being made of transparent material so that the complete unit may be shown without cutaway views.

Discussing first the propeller (herein sometimes called the "rotor" or impellen'l. reference should also be made to FIGS. 2 and 3. The propeller I2 is mounted by a hub 16 to a shaft 18 for rotation with the shaft. Extending outwardly from the hub 16 are three blades 20. The number of blades 20 may vary as may their configuration. For example. they may have pitch as well as camber. Basically. however. they would be substantially the same as conventional screw type propeller blades.

Positioned on the sameside of each of the blades 20 is, a cambered hydrofoil 22. These are sometimes herein referred to as "suction" hydrofoils or elements. On the opposite side of the blades 20 are similar cam bered hydrofoils 24, whichare sometimes herein re ferred to as the discharge' hydrofoils or elements.

These are similar to the suction elements 22 except that they are arranged along an opposite curvature asncan.

best be seen in FIG. 2.

For all applications. the suction and dischargeielements on each blade are cambered hydrofoils with their mean lines following the curvature of a logarithmic spliral. whereby they will cross at constant angles all radii emanating from the axis of rotation for the propeller.

The design of these

elements

22 and 24 is illustrated in 2 FIG. 6 along with the formulaused in the determination of the curvature in which F equals the radius at the inner extremity of the element. 6 equals the angle be tween the inner extremity and any selected point on the curve. p equals the radial distance to the element at' angle 6. and d) equals the complement of the constant 5 angle between the curve of the element and the radial line. For the suction element 22. the nose or leading: edge of the hydrofoil will be positioned at the outer ex tremity of the blade 20. whereas the discharge element on the same blade will have its nose at the innerextremity of the blade 20. The positioning. height. length and radius crossing angle of the suction and discharge

elements

22 and 24 may. of course. be varied depend ing upon the design requirements and results desired.

Discussing the housing 14 and referring to FIGS. 1.

4 and 5. the housing is comprised basically of two

compartments

26 and 28. Compartments 26 and:28 are actually only one compartment separated by the propeller blades 20 when the propeller is positioned in the housing. The blades 20 would extend generally along the center line 36of the housingcompartment. If desired. a separation plate slightly larger than the diameter of blades 20 may be used to

separate chambers

26 and 28. Small clearances are also provided between the suction elements 28 and the top of the chamber 26. and

the bottom of the discharge elements 24 and thebot-j tom of chamber 28..Appropriate opening 30 is con tained in the housing for the positioning of the hub 16 and the shaft 18. An inlet 32 is in direct fluid communi-. cation with the compartment 26. and an outlet 3'4'is in direct fluid communication with the compartment 28.

In operation. the unit 10 is attached to a ship with the shaft 18 being attached to an appropriate power source I such as an engine. whereby the propeller can be turned at the necessary speed. The exact position of the unit 10 on the ship will depend upon its primary function. If it is to provide propulsive thrust. then it will normally be mounted so that its axis of rotation will be generally perpendicular to the intended path of travel. This is due" to the fact that the resulting propulsive thrust 'is in a direction perpendicular to the shaft 18. 7

Upon actuation of the propeller 12. the suction'elements 22 will create a suction force in the chamber 26. i and likewise at the inlet 32. This suction will draw fluid through the inlet 32 and into the action of the hydropropellers mounted'about a horizontal shaft will create propulsive thrust. Should our propulsion unit be mounted with its axis of rotation generally vertical, this passage of fluid through the propeller blades (from compartment 26 to compartment 28) will create a similar thrust which. due to the horizontal plane in which the propeller is rotating, will be a lift force. Should our propulsion unit be mounted with its axis of rotation lying in a horizontal plane, the lift thrust created by the blades 20 will also lie in a horizontal direction. When in this position, such thrust could be used to assist in the maneuvering of the ship. The blades 20 which create the lift force must also provide support for both the suction and discharge

elements

22 and 24. Thus, these blades 20 must have adequate strength in tension, compression and bending to handle the hydrodynamic loadmg.

When the fluid enters chamber 28, action by the discharge elements 24 will then force the fluid through the outlet 34. As the inlet and outlet are located on opposite sides of the housing, the fluid moves from right to left as viewed in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, creating a resulting thrust to the right. Ascan be seen, therefore, the peripheral entry and discharge of the fluid creates the primary propulsive force for this vortex propulsion unit.

One application of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. These figures partially disclose a hydrofoil 40 connected to a ship (not shown) by a strut 42. Incorporated in the hydrofoil is the propulsion unit of the present invention as disclosed in FIGS. 1-6 and is herein referred to by the reference 10'.

In this application of the unit 10', the shaft 18' extends upwardly through the strut 42 to an appropriate power source on the ship itself. The housing for the propulsion unit is formed by a cavity within the hydrofoil 40. The inlet 32' is formed at the top and near the leading edge of the hydrofoil, and the outlet 34 is located near the rear of the hydrofoil and on the bottom surface. The propulsive thrust is provided by the right to left movement (as viewed in FIGS. 7 and 8) of the water through the hydrofoil and the propeller unit 10 as has been previously explained. Thus, propulsion of the craft is accomplished and where more thrust is required, additional units may be placed in additional hydrofoils as necessary.

The hydrofoil type of craft presents an excellent application for the present invention. This is due to the fact that, not only is a propulsive thrust required to move this type of vessel through the water, but lift forces are also required since, at top speeds, the hydro foil craft rides out of the water with only the hydrofoils being in contact with the water. Present day hydrofoil craft obtain the necessary lift to raise the vessel out of the water simply by the configuration of the hydrofoils themselves. This, of course, places more of a drag on the propulsion unit for those vessels until the bottom of the vessel itself is free of the water. The present invention, however, provides not only the lift created by the normal action of the hydrofoil, but also the lift created by the propulsion unit. The advantages for a hydrofoil craft in creating not only propulsion, but lift as well. are extremely important as will be recognized by one skilled in this art.

Another application of the present invention is shown in FIG. 12 which illustrates a plan view ofa vessel 41. The vessel is powered by a conventional propeller 43 along with four propulsion units in accordance with the present invention. These are identified by the

reference characters

10a, 10b, 10c and 10d. As can be seen, they are mounted on the sides of the vessel with their axis of rotation being generally horizontal. In this position, the units can be used to power the vessel as the main thrust of each unit could be directed to the left by the proper positioning of the inlet and outlet. Of perhaps equal importance, however, by selectively controlling the thrust created by each of the four units, substantially improved maneuverability could be obtained.

It should be understood that changes in the propulsive thrust and the lift forces can be obtained by a change in the design of the suction and discharge elements and the propeller blades 20. Thus, where axial lift is not important, the lift element can be a hydrofoil with sufficient pitch to move the fluid from the upper chamber 26 to the lower chamber 28 with minimum drag. Increasing the pitch of this element will increase the axial lift in cases where lift is needed such as in the hydrofoil craft application.

As can be seen, therefore, the present invention provides a special purpose marine propulsion device for applications where a screw propeller is not a satisfactory solution to a specific propulsion problem. The detailed design of the blade elements and housing will vary with a particular function to be performed by the unit, and for this reason, only the general functions and configurations of the various components are being described herein. Other typical applications are: (a) a rivet towboat requiring a large diameter propulsor with minimum draft and rapid reversal of thrust direction; (b) a dynamically positioned vessel requiring positioning units that can deliver thrust in any selected direction with unilateral propeller rotation; and (c) an auxiliary maneuvering propulsion device for large vessels to provide lateral thrust of controllable magnitude while also augmenting the thrust of the main propeller.

Getting back to the basic embodiment of the unit as shown in FIGS. 1-8, another advantage of the invention is that the rotor will operate equally well in either direction. If desired, the rotor shown in FIG. 1 may be reversed so that the opening 34 becomes the inlet and the opening 32 the outlet. By reversing the rotation of the propeller, the elements 22 create a centrifugal effect on the water and thus become discharge elements. In like manner, the elements 24 create a centripetal effect to provide suction for the inlet.

Accordingly, the flow of water will be from the left to the right, and the propulsive thrust will be directed to the left. Lift forces would still be created, but in the opposite direction due to the upward, rather than downward, flow of the water.

Another way to achieve a reversing of the propulsive thrust is shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-1 I. Here the rotor is referred to as I2 and the housing 14 The rotor is shown in broken lines as it is of secondary significance for this point. The housing 14 differs from the housing I4 in that the inlet and outlet are adjustable in this new embodiment. Otherwise. the housings are basically the same.

Turning to the inlet and outlet. they are comprised of

rotating guide vanes

46 and 48 having openings 50 which allow the interior of the housing I4 to communicate with the exterior. These

vanes

46 and 48 may be adjusted to the positions shown in FIGS. [0 and 11 as well as to positions intermediate the positions shown in these two figures.

In the position shown in FIG. 9, the openings 50 communicate equally with both sides of the propeller blades Thus, in this neutral position, the flow of water through the passageways 50 would simply move in and out each of the guide vanes equally, thereby creating no propulsive thrust.

By rotating the vanes to the position shown in FIG. 10, however, vane 48 communicates with the elements 22 and is sealed from fluid communication with the lower section of the housing compartment containing elements 24". The reverse is true with guide vane 46.-

Due to the rotation of the propeller 12" and the configuration of the

elements

22 and 24", vane 48 becomes the inlet and 46 the outlet. The result is a flow from left to right and a propulsive thrust to the left. A lift force will again be created by the downward flow of the fluid.

In FIG. 11, guide

vanes

46 and 48 have been reversed and the resultant flow and propulsive thrust is also reversed from that of FIG. It), but without the necessity of reversing the direction of rotation of the rotor. In addition, the magnitude of the propulsive thrust can easily be controlled by adjusting the position of the guide vanes 4-6 and 48.

Also in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-15, the flow of water through the propulsion unit, and in turn, the propulsive thrust created by the unit, can be changed without changing the direction of rotation of the rotor. This embodiment utilizes a rotor 52 comprised of a top casting 54 which is a solid circular piece. Spaced about the periphery are blades 56 having upper sections 58 and lower sections 60. Each of the lower portions 60 of the blades are connected by a ring 62.

The upper portion 58 of each of the blades is shaped to provide a centripetal effect, and accordingly, this forms the suction blade for this embodiment. The discharge blades are formed by the lower sections 60 of each of the blades 56 as they are arranged for centrifugal action.

The rotor is mounted about a ball joint arrangement 64 which has suitable packing and seals to prevent the flow of water into the vessel and yet which allows the shaft 66 to extend through the wall for connection with a suitable power source. This arrangement also allows the rotor to be canted to positions similar to that shown in FIG. 15.

This embodiment utilizes a housing 68 which is attached to the wall 70 of a vessel. The housing has

openings

72 and 73 which are near the vessel wall and which are opposite each other on the housing. There are also

openings

74 and 75 in the side wall of the housing opposite each other, and finally, openings 76 are located in the bottom wall of the housing. Separating the

openings

72 and 74 are helical guide rings 80.

As with the last discussed embodiment, the thrust created by this embodiment may be varied, but not by changing the position of the inlet and outlet as will be discussed below. Furthermore, it is not necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of the rotor in order to reverse the direction of the propulsive thrust.

When the rotor is in the position shown in FIG. 13, it is in a neutral position and the flow of water is as shown by the arrows. Water flowing in one side of the housing will generally exit from that same side with the result that no thrust is created.

By tilting the rotor as in FIG. 15, the flow of water is substantially changed. This allows the upper portion of the blades 58 to come into fluid contact with the open ing 72, and for the lower section 60 of the blades 56 to come into fluid contactwith the opening 74.

This arrangement allows thewater tobe sucked in through the opening 72 on the right side of the housing and tobe discharged through the opening 74 on the left 2 side of the housing. A certain amount of water will also be brought in through the

openings

73, and 76. This, however, will be very insignificant and will noteffect the thrust that is created. In addition, there is a down ward flow creating a certain amount of lift although not much as in previous embodiments. i

By simply tilting the shaft 66 in the direction opposite from that shown in FIG. 15, inlet 73 and outlet 75 are in communication with the blade. The result is aleft to right flow and a propulsive thrust created to the left. Accordingly, it is not necessary in this embodiment to reverse the rotation of the rotor in order to reverse the thrust.

As can be seen, therefore, the present invention as disclosed in the preferred embodiments set forth herein is capable of achieving the objectives set forth at the outset. It is a relatively simple and inexpensive apparatus for providing improved results in the propulsion and maneuvering of ships and the like. The present invention provides a propulsion means incorporating periph- I eral suction and discharge along with axial flow to provide a controllable propulsion thrust and, where needed, a lift force. This is done by apparatus which, is

relatively simple in construction and operation, thereby. 7 providing improved reliability and decreasedmaintenance and replacement expenses.

The present invention, therefore, is welladapted to I carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as others inherent therein.

While presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been given for the. purpose of disclosure, numerous changes in the detail of the construction and 1 the combination, size, shape and arrangement of parts and uses may be resorted to without departing from the V .as hereinafter sphere and scope of the invention claimed:

What is claimed is:

1. A propulsion unit for operation ina fluid comprisa cylindrical housing having a first axis,

a propeller in said housing mounted: for rotation said propeller further including fluid acceleration means for acceleration of the fluid radially inwardly as it flows into the propeller, axially of the propeller and radially outwardly as it flows out of;

the propeller. 2. The invention of claim 1 wherein, saidpropell'er is further defined as comprised of,

blades extending outwardly from the first axis and defining a first plane that is generally perpendicular to the first axis,

said inlet and outlet means being located on opposite sides of said plane when the propeller is positioned in the housing.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein,

the blades are further defined as including first and second sides, said fluid acceleration means being further defined as,

suction means on the first side of the blades for producing suction at the inlet means, and

discharge means on the second side of the blades for forcing the fluid from the propeller through the outlet means.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein,

said suction means is further defined as means for creating a radially outward force on said propeller from the inward acceleration of said fluid, and

said discharge means is further defined as means for creating a radially inward force on said propeller from the outward acceleration of said fluid.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said suction and discharge means are defined as,

upstanding blade elements on the first and second sides, respectively, of the blades.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein,

said blade elements of the suction and discharge means are further defined as,

cambered hydrofoils extending outwardly from the first and second blade sides, respectively.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein,

each of the hydrofoils crosses at a constant angle all radii extending from the first axis through which the hydrofoil passes.

8. A propulsion unit for use in fluid comprised of,

a housing,

a rotatable shaft,

a propeller in said housing mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said propeller being comprised of,

a rotor extending outwardly from the shaft, and forming a plane and including means for the axial acceleration of the fluid relative to the rotor, and

suction means on the rotor for drawing fluid from the periphery of the rotor into the action of the rotor as it rotates, and

discharge means on the rotor for peripherally discharging fluid out of the action of the rotor as it rotates and for the outward acceleration of of said fluid as it is discharged from the rotor. 9. The invention of claim 8 wherein the housing is further defined as including,

an inlet in the housing adjacent the periphery of the rotor, and

an outlet in the housing adjacent the periphery of the rotor.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein,

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein, the rotor is defined as including blades lying in said plane,

the suction means being comprised of a first portion of the blades formed to create a centripetal motion of the fluid,

the discharge means being comprised of a second portion of the blades formed to create a centrifugal motion of the fluid.

12. The invention of claim 11 wherein said blades have first and second sides and said suction and discharge means are defined as,

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein,

said blade elements of the suction and discharge means are further defined as,

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein,

each of the hydrofoils crosses at a constant angle all radii in said plane through which the hydrofoil passes.

15. The invention of claim 9 wherein the housing is further defined as including,

a first chamber in which the inlet is located,

a second chamber in which the outlet is located,

the propeller being positioned in the housing between the two chambers.

16. The invention of claim 15 wherein the inlet and outlet are on opposite sides of the housing.

Claims

1. A propulsion unit for operation in a fluid comprising, a cylindrical housing having a first axis, a propeller in said housing mounted for rotation about said first axis, inlet means in said housing for the generally radial flow of fluid into the propeller from the periphery of the propeller, and outlet means in said housing for the flow of fluid peripherally out of the propeller, said inlet and outlet means being located on opposite sides of the housing, said propeller further including fluid acceleration means for acceleration of the fluid radially inwardly as it flows into the propeller, axially of the propeller and radially outwardly as it flows out of the propeller.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein, said propeller is further defined as comprised of, blades extending outwardly from the first axis and defining a first plane that is generally perpendicular to the first axis, said inlet and outlet means being located on opposite sides of said plane when the propeller is positioned in the housing.

3. The invention of claim 2 wherein, the blades are further defined as including first and second sides, said fluid acceleration means being further defined as, suction means on the first side of the blades for producing suction at the inlet means, and discharge means on the second side of the blades for forcing the fluid from the propeller through the outlet means.

4. The invention of claim 3 wherein, said suction means is further defined as means for creating a radially outward force on said propeller from the inward acceleration of said fluid, and said discharge means is further defined as means for creating a radially inward force on said propeller from the outward acceleration of said fluid.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said suction and discharge means are defined as, upstanding blade elements on the first and second sides, respectively, of the blades.

6. The invention of claim 5 wherein, said blade elements of the suction and discharge means are further defined as, cambered hydrofoils extending outwardly from the first and second blade sides, respectively.

7. The invention of claim 6 wherein, each of the hydrofoils crosses at a constant angle all radii extending from the first axis through which the hydrofoil passes.

8. A propulsion unit for use in fluid comprised of, a housing, a rotatable shaft, a propeller in said housing mounted on said shaft for rotation therewith, said propeller being comprised of, a rotor extending outwardly from the shaft, and forming a plane and including means for the axial acceleration of the fluid relative to the rotor, and suction means on the rotor for drawing fluid from the periphery of the rotor into the action of the rotor as it rotates, and discharge means on the rotor for peripherally discharging fluid out of the action of the rotor as it rotates and for the outward acceleration of of said fluid as it is discharged from the rotor.

9. The invention of claim 8 wherein the housing is further defined as including, an inlet in the housing adjacent the periphery of the rotor, and an outlet in the housing adjacent the periphery of the rotor.

10. The invention of claim 9 wherein, said suction means is further defined as means for creating a radially outward force on said propeller from the inward acceleration of said fluid, and said discharge means is further defined as means for creating a radially inward force on said propeller from the outward acceleration of said fluid.

11. The invention of claim 10 wherein, the rotor is defined as including blades lying in said plane, the suction means being comprised of A first portion of the blades formed to create a centripetal motion of the fluid, the discharge means being comprised of a second portion of the blades formed to create a centrifugal motion of the fluid.

12. The invention of claim 11 wherein said blades have first and second sides and said suction and discharge means are defined as, upstanding blade elements on the first and second sides, respectively, of the blades.

13. The invention of claim 12 wherein, said blade elements of the suction and discharge means are further defined as, cambered hydrofoils extending outwardly from the first and second blade sides, respectively.

14. The invention of claim 13 wherein, each of the hydrofoils crosses at a constant angle all radii in said plane through which the hydrofoil passes.

15. The invention of claim 9 wherein the housing is further defined as including, a first chamber in which the inlet is located, a second chamber in which the outlet is located, the propeller being positioned in the housing between the two chambers.