Adjustable propeller

Abstract

An adjustable propeller assembly that includes a propeller housing and a drive shaft. A propeller shaft is linked with a propeller. The propeller is linked with a pivotal housing. A coupling member is connected to the drive shaft and propeller shaft. The coupling member pivotally transmits a torque from the drive shaft to the propeller shaft. An actuator is connected to the pivotal housing. The actuator moves the pivotal housing and propeller wherein a thrust vector of the propeller is adjusted relative to the propeller housing

1 . An adjustable propeller assembly comprising:
 a propeller housing;   a drive shaft;   a first pivot member attached to the housing;   a propeller shaft linked with a propeller;   a second pivot member coupled with the propeller;   a coupling member connected to the drive shaft and propeller shaft, the coupling member pivotally transmitting a torque from the drive shaft to the propeller shaft; and   an actuator connected to the second pivot member, the actuator moving the second pivot member and propeller about the first pivot member wherein a thrust vector of the propeller is adjusted relative to the propeller housing.   
   
   
       2 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second pivot is adjustable about a horizontal axis with respect to the propeller housing. 
   
   
       3 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the propeller is adjustable at rates to dampen motion in pitch, roll and yaw axes of a vessel. 
   
   
       4 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the coupling member is splined and connected with corresponding splines formed on the drive shaft and propeller shaft. 
   
   
       5 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the first pivot is inserted into a cavity formed in the propeller housing and joined to the propeller housing. 
   
   
       6 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the coupling member is selected from u-joints, flexible shafts, ball gears and other couplings. 
   
   
       7 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 1  wherein the second pivot member includes a cylindrical body having a pair of tabs including bosses formed thereon. 
   
   
       8 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 7  wherein the second pivot member includes an inner surface having a ledge formed thereon. 
   
   
       9 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 8  including a bearing assembly disposed in the second pivot member. 
   
   
       10 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 9  wherein the bearing assembly includes a bearing retainer and first and second bearings disposed in the bearing retainer, the bearing retainer positioned to engage the ledge formed on the inner surface of the second pivot member. 
   
   
       11 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 7  wherein the first pivot member includes a cylindrical body having a pair of tabs including slots that receive the bosses of the second pivot member. 
   
   
       12 . An adjustable propeller assembly comprising:
 a propeller housing;   a drive shaft;   a first pivot member attached to the housing;   a propeller shaft linked with a propeller;   a second pivot member coupled with the propeller;   a third pivot member connected to the first and second pivot members;   a coupling member connected to the drive shaft and propeller shaft, the coupling member pivotally transmitting a torque from the drive shaft to the propeller shaft; and   actuators connected to the second pivot member and third pivot member, the actuators moving the second pivot member and propeller about the third pivot member and the third pivot member about the first pivot member wherein a thrust vector of the propeller is adjusted relative to the propeller housing.   
   
   
       13 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the second pivot is adjustable about a horizontal axis with respect to the propeller housing and the third pivot is adjustable about a vertical axis with respect to the propeller housing. 
   
   
       14 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the propeller is adjustable at rates to dampen motion in pitch, roll and yaw axes of a vessel. 
   
   
       15 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the coupling member is splined and connected with corresponding splines formed on the drive shaft and propeller shaft. 
   
   
       16 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the first pivot is inserted into a cavity formed in the propeller housing and joined to the propeller housing. 
   
   
       17 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the coupling member is selected from u-joints, flexible shafts, ball gears and other couplings. 
   
   
       18 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the third pivot member includes a ring-shaped body having bosses formed on the exterior of the ring-shaped body. 
   
   
       19 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 12  wherein the second pivot member includes a cylindrical body having a pair of tabs including holes formed thereon, the holes receiving a portion of the bosses formed on the third pivot member. 
   
   
       20 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 19  wherein the second pivot member includes an inner surface having a ledge formed thereon. 
   
   
       21 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 20  including a bearing assembly disposed in the second pivot member. 
   
   
       22 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 21  wherein the bearing assembly includes a bearing retainer and first and second bearings disposed in the bearing retainer, the bearing retainer positioned to engage the ledge formed on the inner surface of the second pivot member. 
   
   
       23 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 19  wherein the first pivot member includes a cylindrical body having a pair of tabs including holes that receive a portion of the bosses of the third pivot member. 
   
   
       24 . An adjustable propeller assembly comprising:
 a propeller housing;   a drive shaft;   a propeller shaft linked with a propeller, the propeller linked with a pivotal housing;   a coupling member connected to the drive shaft and propeller shaft, the coupling member pivotally transmitting a torque from the drive shaft to the propeller shaft; and   an actuator connected to the pivotal housing, the actuator moving the pivotal housing and propeller wherein a thrust vector of the propeller is adjusted relative to the propeller housing.   
   
   
       25 . The adjustable propeller assembly of  claim 24  wherein the propeller is adjustable at rates to dampen motion in pitch, roll and yaw axes of a vessel.