US3762359A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine propeller stern bearing-shaft design and seal arrangement
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1971-10-20
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Granted: 1973-10-02
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Expires: 1991-10-20
Abstract
Abstract A ship'' s propeller, drive shaft and bearing support design which will locate the bearing from its traditionally forward position to a position within the center of gravity of the propeller and seal the bearing from sea water with non-rubbing parts comprising a labyrinth seal is described.
Inventors
- 👤 J Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 15:20
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16J; F16J15/00; F16J15/44; F16J15/447; F16J15/4476; F16J15/4478; B; B63; B63H; B63H1/00; B63H1/02; B63H1/12; B63H1/14; B63H1/20; F16C; F16C33/00; F16C33/72; F16C33/74; B63H23/00; B63H23/32; B63H23/321; B63H2023/327; B63H23/34; B63H2023/342; F16C2326/00; F16C2326/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A marine propulsion assemblage comprising in combination: a ship''s stern frame comprising a cylindrical journal through which a propeller shaft extends, an oil passageway between said shaft and said cylindrical journal, a drive ring about the end of the shaft which is fastened thereto through splined connections and a retaining nut holding the drive ring against a thrust surface on said shaft, said drive ring spaced apart from the aft end of said cylindrical journal to permit a flow of oil therebetween, said drive ring fastened to the aft end of the hub of a ship''s propeller circumscribing said cylindrical journal, said hub in contact with a bearing surface between said hub and the external surface of said cylindrical journal, and a seal forward of said bearing positioned between said propeller hub and said stern frame to exclude sea water from contacting said bearing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
A marine propulsion assemblage comprising in combination: a ship''s stern frame comprising a cylindrical journal through which a propeller shaft extends, an oil passageway between said shaft and said cylindrical journal, a drive ring about the end of the shaft which is fastened thereto through splined connections and a retaining nut holding the drive ring against a thrust surface on said shaft, said drive ring spaced apart from the aft end of said cylindrical journal to permit a flow of oil therebetween, said drive ring fastened to the aft end of the hub of a ship''s propeller circumscribing said cylindrical journal, said hub in contact with a bearing surface between said hub and the external surface of said cylindrical journal, and a seal forward of said bearing positioned between said propeller hub and said stern frame to exclude sea water from contacting said bearing.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical journal is a cylindrical stern tube extending from said stern frame.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the drive ring is bolted to said hub and protruding teeth with matching depression therebetween resist shear loads.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein lubricating oil is supplied to the forward and aft end of said bearing and said bearing is a part of said propeller hub.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the seal forward of said bearing may be one providing rubbing contact between stationary and moving surfaces to excluding lubricating oil and sea water from passing through the seal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
72 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the seal comprises a plurality of interconnected labyrinth passageways between stationary and moving surfaces which are out of rubbing contact with one another, each of said labyrinth passageways providing a desired drop in pressure of the fluid passing therethrough and a labyrinth passageway intermediate the plurality of labyrinth passageways provided with means for injecting air or fresh water to provide a region of neutral pressure therein.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein a rope guard is positioned to protect the seal and is rigidly affixed to the stern frame.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the bearing is positioned in vertical alignment with the center of gravity of the propeller.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The assemblage of claim 1 wherein the shaft is supported by the bearing between the hub and the journal and a single annular seal is relied upon to exclude oil from escaping and sea water from contacting the bearing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-01 | 1977-04-02 | 1977-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-01 | 1981-04-02 | 1981-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-01 | 1985-04-02 | 1985-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |