Newtonian thrust cowl array

Abstract

The three-way valve allows fluid flow to be selectively directed to a run outlet, a bypass outlet or both at the same time. The three-way valve includes a flow diffuser with a primary valve seat positioned opposite a bypass valve seat. Choke points and flow restrictions, strategically positioned in the flow diffuser create a substantially flat velocity profile downstream of the bypass outlet. Larger versions of this three-way valve may be used in Vertical Takeoff and Landing (“VTOL”) aircraft. Other versions may be used in ships and other watercraft.

1 . A watercraft comprising:
 a port propulsion unit and a port thrust controller axially aligned along a port side of the watercraft, the port propulsion unit having a fluid inlet and outlet;   the port thrust controller having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the port propulsion unit and the outlet of the port thrust controller positioned proximate a port rudder on a stem of the watercraft;   the port thrust controller having a bypass thruster with an amidships outlet aligned generally normal to the port side of the watercraft;   a starboard propulsion unit and a starboard thrust controller axially aligned along a starboard side of the watercraft, the starboard propulsion unit having a fluid inlet and outlet;   the starboard thrust controller having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the starboard propulsion unit and the outlet of the starboard thrust controller positioned proximate a rudder on a starboard rudder on a stem of the watercraft; and   the starboard thrust controller having a bypass thruster with an amidships outlet aligned generally normal to the starboard of the watercraft.   
   
   
       2 . The watercraft of  claim 1  further including:
 a port turning plane connected to an outside port hull of the watercraft proximate the amidships outlet of the port bypass thruster to direct fluid from the port bypass thruster and   a starboard turning plane connected to an outside hull of the watercraft proximate the amidships outlet of the starboard bypass thruster to direct fluid flow from the starboard bypass thruster.   
   
   
       3 . The watercraft of  claim 1  wherein the port thrust controller comprises:
 a body defining an flow passageway in fluid communication with the fluid inlet and the outlet, the fluid inlet also in fluid communication with the bypass thruster inlet and the amidships outlet;   a removable flow diffuser in a receptacle in the body, the flow diffuser having a flow diffuser inlet in fluid communication with the bypass inlet and a flow diffuser outlet in fluid communication with the bypass outlet;   a movable valve element sized and arranged to alternatively engage and seal against a primary valve seat and a bypass valve seat;   a support extending from the body to position the movable valve element in the flow passageway;   the removable flow diffuser aligned generally transverse to the flow passageway; and   means to move the movable valve element from an open position to direct all the thrust to the outlet, to a closed position to direct all the thrust to the bypass outlet and various intermediate positions to direct some of the thrust to the outlet and some to the bypass outlet.