Paddle wheel propulsion system and improved paddle used therewith
a propulsion system and paddle wheel technology, applied in the direction of marine propulsion, water acting propulsive elements, vessel construction, etc., can solve the problems of not being easily maneuverable for steering, wheel systems are generally not readily adjustable to compensate, and vessels propelled by the known paddle wheel system are not widely used for various purposes
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-24
SEIFORD SR DONALD S
View PDF5 Cites 5 Cited by
- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Benefits of technology
Enables efficient operation across varying drafts, improved maneuverability, and maximum thrust in both forward and reverse directions, allowing for effective use in a wider range of vessels and water conditions.
Problems solved by technology
While paddle wheels are well known, and can be an energy efficient means of propelling vessels, they are no longer widely used for various reasons.
For example, the efficiency of a paddle wheel depends to some extent upon the depth of submergence into the water; however, the known paddle wheel systems generally have not been readily adjustable to compensate for draft changes of the vessel to thereby maintain the paddle wheel at its most efficient submergence depth.
Vessels propelled by the known paddle wheel systems also generally have not been easily maneuverable for steering, and rudders employed with such systems are less efficient, requiring greater size for effective steering.
The known systems generally have required complex drive systems to permit driving the paddle wheels in reverse for slowing or backing the vessel.
Further, the configuration of the paddles of the known systems generally have not been such as to produce the maximum thrust, particularly when driven in reverse, so that maximum efficiency was not always obtained.
As a result of the above and other drawbacks of known paddle wheel propulsion systems, their use has generally been limited to relatively light, wide-beamed vessels of the type used in relatively calm waters such as rivers and lakes and in which the draft does not vary greatly with load.
Method used
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
View moreImage
Smart Image Click on the blue labels to locate them in the text.
Smart ImageViewing Examples
Examples
Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test
Embodiment Construction
[0022] Referring now to the drawings in detail, the paddle wheel propulsion system of the present invention, indicated generally in FIG. 1 by the reference number 10, is shown mounted on the stern of a barge pushing vessel 12. The system includes a paddle wheel 14 made up of a pair of circular, generally disc-shaped, spaced end flanges 16 rigidly joined, as by welding, one on each end of an elongated cylindrical hub or core 18, with the flanges 16 each being reinforced by a plurality of radially extending spoke-like ribs 20 rigidly welded to their outwardly directed faces. The number of ribs on each flange corresponds to the number of elongated paddles 22 on the wheel, and each paddle has a stub shaft 23 on its opposed ends rotatably mounted in a journal bearing 24 rigidly mounted on and extending through the end flanges 16 at each rib 20.
[0023] The paddle wheel 14 is supported for rotation about its longitudinal center axis by a hub 26 on each flange 16 joined, as by bolting, to a...
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More PUM
Login to View More Abstract
A paddle wheel propulsion system includes a paddle wheel mounted for rotation about its horizontal axis for propelling a vessel, and for unlimited rotation about a vertical axis perpendicular to its horizontal axis for steering the vessel. The paddle wheel is also supported for limited vertical movement relative to the vessel. Reversible power means is provided for independently controlling movement of the paddle wheel about its vertical and horizontal axis and for elevating and lowering the paddle wheel. Improved paddles are concave on both sides to provide maximum efficiency in both direction of rotation about the horizontal axis.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to an improved paddle wheel propulsion system for use in propelling and steering water vessels, and to an improved paddle used in such paddle wheels. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] Paddle wheels of the general type with which this invention is concerned are well known and have long been used for propelling boats, barges, or even small ships (hereinafter, vessels). Such paddle wheels are also sometimes used for powering generators and other equipment. Examples of paddle wheels used for such purposes are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,672; 22,884; 258,023; 4,279,603; and 4,488,055, and in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,213,528. [0005] While paddle wheels are well known, and can be an energy efficient means of propelling vessels, they are no longer widely used for various reasons. For example, the efficiency of a paddle wheel depends to some extent upon the depth of submerge...
Claims
the structure of the environmentally friendly knitted fabric provided by the present invention; figure 2 Flow chart of the yarn wrapping machine for environmentally friendly knitted fabrics and storage devices; image 3 Is the parameter map of the yarn covering machine
Login to View More Application Information
Patent Timeline
Login to View More Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B63H1/04
CPCB63H5/02
InventorSEIFORD, DONALD S. SR.
OwnerSEIFORD SR DONALD S