GB771975A - Improvements in devices for the propulsion and steering of watercraft and the like - Google Patents

Abstract

771,975. Propelling ships. ANTONI, G. March 22, 1955 [March 23, 1954 ; Feb. 1, 1955], No. 8227/55. Class 114. A device for propelling and steering watercraft &c. comprises resilient flexible elements or plates 13, 13a oscillated to produce a thrust in a direction perpendicular to the axis of oscillation and parallel to the plane bisecting the dihedral angle covered by the oscillations, the plates being oscillated rapidly about an axis coinciding with the leading, fixed edge of the plate and means being provided for varying the angular orientation of the above-mentioned dihedral angle to vary the direction of thrust. Plates 13, 13a, Fig. 3, are fixed to a vertical shaft carrying an arm 14 through which they are oscillated by an eccentric stud 15 engaging in a slot 14a in the arm, the stud being mounted on a disc 16 rotated by a motor 17. The motor is mounted on an arm 18 secured to a sleeve 11 surrounding the vertical shaft of the plates 13, 13a and pivots about the shaft to vary the direction of the thrust of the oscillating plates. In Fig. 4, a vertical shaft 22 rigid with three plates 23 at its lower end is rigid also with a slotted arm 41 at its upper end. A stud 38 engaging in the slot 41a of the arm is eccentrically mounted on a disc 37 coaxial with and rotated by a pinion 34 meshing with a gear 33 keyed to a shaft 31 to be displaceable therealong to vary the throw of the plates 23. A double bevel gear 28 loose on the shaft 22 connects the shaft 31 with a driving motor 24. A frame 29 pivoted about the shaft 22 supports the drive members 31, 33, 34, 37 and 38 and is rotatable as by chains 30 to steer the ship. The oscillating plates may be mounted at either bow or stern or both ; they may rock about horizontal axes arranged longitudinally of the boat and disposed at either the stern or the sides thereof.