US3895598A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ship propulsion unit having a variable pitch propeller
Assignee: JM Voith GmbH
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Filing: 1974-02-19
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Granted: 1975-07-22
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Expires: 1994-02-19
Abstract
Abstract A ship propulsion unit comprises a variable pitch propeller supported in a hub mounted on the lower end of a hollow member which is pivotably supported in a fixed housing such that the hollow member and hub are both pivotable about a vertical axis. A coaxial drive shaft for the propeller is enclosed within the hollow element. A plurality of pairs of sealing rings are provided between the hollow member and a portion of said fixed housing to define a plurality of annular chambers through which pass a number of supply and return lines for several fluid pressure systems which lead to the propeller and a servo motor for adjusting the pitch of the propeller blades.
Inventors
- 👤 Karl Blickle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:33
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H3/00; B63H3/06; B63H3/08; B63H3/081; B63H3/082; B63H2003/088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
196 words
In a ship propulsion unit, the combination of a fixed housing, a vertical hollow member pivotable on said housing about a vertical axis, anti-friction bearing means in said fixed housing for supporting said hollow member therefrom in overhanging relationship to absorb axial and vertical forces, a hub mounted on said hollow member and pivotable therewith, a variable pitch propeller on said hub, means for driving said propeller comprising a drive shaft coaxially positioned within said hollow member, servo motor means within said hub for adjusting the pitch of said propeller blades, packing means between said hollow member and a portion of said housing, said packing comprising a plurality of pairs of spaced sealing rings and an annular chamber being defined between each said pair of rings, a plurality of fluid pressure systems for said propeller and servo motor means and each system comprising a supply and a return line passing through an annular chamber of said packing means, each of said supply and return lines having an outer portion connected to a said annular chamber from outside of said fixed housing and an inner portion within said hollow member and connected to the said annular chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
196 words
In a ship propulsion unit, the combination of a fixed housing, a vertical hollow member pivotable on said housing about a vertical axis, anti-friction bearing means in said fixed housing for supporting said hollow member therefrom in overhanging relationship to absorb axial and vertical forces, a hub mounted on said hollow member and pivotable therewith, a variable pitch propeller on said hub, means for driving said propeller comprising a drive shaft coaxially positioned within said hollow member, servo motor means within said hub for adjusting the pitch of said propeller blades, packing means between said hollow member and a portion of said housing, said packing comprising a plurality of pairs of spaced sealing rings and an annular chamber being defined between each said pair of rings, a plurality of fluid pressure systems for said propeller and servo motor means and each system comprising a supply and a return line passing through an annular chamber of said packing means, each of said supply and return lines having an outer portion connected to a said annular chamber from outside of said fixed housing and an inner portion within said hollow member and connected to the said annular chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
In a shiP propulsion unit as claimed in claim 1 and an internal ring gear on the upper end of said hollow member and defining the inner race of said anti-friction bearing means, a motor having an output shaft with a spur gear thereon and said gear meshing with said ring gear so that said hollow member and hub are rotated by said motor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
110 words
In a ship propulsion unit as claimed in claim 1 wherein said servo motor means comprises a servo motor and a piston rod extending therefrom operatively connected to the blades of the propeller to adjust the pitch thereof, a control pin to regulate the supply of pressure medium through the hydraulic system supply line connected to said servo motor means, an auxiliary fluid pressure motor including a cylinder and a piston and said piston being connected to said control pin, a pair of supply and return lines connected to said cylinder, a suction tube extending into the bottom portion of said hub, and a pump connected to said suction tube.
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) | 1978-07-21 | 1979-01-20 | 1979-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-21 | 1983-01-20 | 1983-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-21 | 1987-01-20 | 1987-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |