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An improved efficiency propulsion system and method of improving the efficiency of a vessel operated in deep and shallow water depths and at constant or variable loaded and ballast waterlines contemplates the use of a variable diameter propeller means capable of varying between a maximum extended di

An improved efficiency propulsion system and method of improving the efficiency of a vessel operated in deep and shallow water depths and at constant or variable loaded and ballast waterlines contemplates the use of a variable diameter propeller means capable of varying between a maximum extended diameter D and a minimum effective diameter D mounted on a propeller shaft having an axis of rotation displaced from the bottom keel of the ship a distance less than one-half the maximum diameter D of the propeller means. In this way, because of the use of the variable diameter ship propeller, the propulsion shaft may be located closer than otherwise permissible to the bottom keel of the ship which has the result of lowering the top blade tip trajectory relative to any particular chosen waterline and also providing space for a generally larger diameter more efficient propeller installation. Additionally, because of the ability to decrease the diameter of the propeller when desired, the bottom blade tips of the propeller may be maintained above the bottom keel of the ship when the ship is operating in shallow waters. However, upon return to deep water depths in the open sea, the diameter of the propeller may be extended to gain optimum operating efficiency.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved efficiency propulsion system for a ship operated in deep and shallow depth waters and at variable loaded and ballast waterlines, comprising variable diameter propeller means, means for varying the diameter of said propeller between a maximum extended diameter D and a minimum diameter d,

An improved efficiency propulsion system for a ship operated in deep and shallow depth waters and at variable loaded and ballast waterlines, comprising variable diameter propeller means, means for varying the diameter of said propeller between a maximum extended diameter D and a minimum diameter d, a propeller shaft mounting said propeller means for rotation in a stern portion of said ship, said propeller shaft extending generally parallel to the bottom keel of said ship and having an axis of rotation displaced from said bottom keel a distance less than one-half the maximum diameter D of said propeller means but more than one-half of said minimum diameter d of said propeller means, whereby when said ship is operated in a fully loaded condition in deep water said propeller means may be extended in diameter to obtain maximum propeller efficiency.