US3808804A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Marine propulsion
Assignee: Rolls Royce PLC
•
Filing: 1973-02-05
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Granted: 1974-05-07
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Expires: 1993-02-05
Abstract
Abstract A marine propulsion unit comprises a duct having in flow series, a divergent portion, an intermediate and mixing portion in which a centre body is located and a nozzle portion having a convergent-divergent nozzle, the centrebody having in flow series, combustion means and turbine means and being adapted to receive a supply of fuel and compressed air from sources located remotely of the centrebody, the turbine means being arranged to drive an impulse rotor located at the outlet of the nozzle portion and the exhaust from the turbine means being arranged to flow into the mixing portion of the duct. The source of compressed air, which is preferably located in the hull of the vessel can be a single or twin spool gas generator, a gas turbine engine having a tapping from a suitably sized compressor or a gas generator with a power turbine arranged to drive a compressor.
Inventors
- 👤 Scott J Scott
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 10:58
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60V; B60V1/00; B60V1/14; B63; B63H; B63H11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A marine propulsion unit comprising a duct having in flow series, a divergent portion, an intermediate and mixing portion in which a centre body is at least in part located and a nozzle portion having a convergent-divergent nozzle, the centre body being adapted to receive a supply of compressed air and a supply of fuel and having in flow series, combustion means and turbine means, the turbine means being arranged to drive an impulse rotor located at the downstream end of the nozzle and the exhaust from the turbine means being arranged to flow into the mixing portion of the duct to provide a two-phase flow.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A marine propulsion unit comprising a duct having in flow series, a divergent portion, an intermediate and mixing portion in which a centre body is at least in part located and a nozzle portion having a convergent-divergent nozzle, the centre body being adapted to receive a supply of compressed air and a supply of fuel and having in flow series, combustion means and turbine means, the turbine means being arranged to drive an impulse rotor located at the downstream end of the nozzle and the exhaust from the turbine means being arranged to flow into the mixing portion of the duct to provide a two-phase flow.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
A marine propulsion unit as Claimed in claim 1 in which gas distributing means are located downstream of the turbine means, the gas distributing means comprising a plenum chamber and at least two radially extending ducts, the ducts having a plurality of outlet apertures for the efflux of gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A marine vessel having at least one propulsion unit as claimed in claim 1 in which the propulsion unit is supported by a streamlined strut secured to the vessel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A propulsion unit as claimed in claim 1 in which the compressed air is produced by compressor means located remotely from the duct and centre body.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
53 words
A propulsion unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the compressor means comprises in flow series, a first compressor, combustion means, first compressor driving means and power turbine means, the power turbine means being adapted to drive a second compressor, the outlet of which is arranged to flow to the centre body.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
A propulsion unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the compressed air supply means comprises a gas turbine engine, the compressed air for the centre body being bled from the compressor of the gas turbine engine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A propulsion unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the compressed air supply means comprises a gas turbine engine having at least one extra stage on the compressor and a low pressure drop across the turbine, the exhaust from the turbine being passed to the centre body.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
57 words
A propulsion unit as claimed in claim 4 in which the compressor means comprises a twin spool gas generator, the spools being parallel to each other and having an intercooler, the two spools being driven by the exhaust from a gas turbine engine, the exhaust from the twin spool gas generator being passed to the centre body.
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) | 1977-05-06 | 1977-11-05 | 1978-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-05-06 | 1981-11-05 | 1982-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-05-06 | 1985-11-05 | 1986-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |