Kevin D Hoberman

US Patent:

20060054067, Mar 16, 2006

Filed:

Sep 13, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/224762

Inventors:

Kevin Hoberman - Tarzana CA, US
Steven Moore - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

B63H 25/44

US Classification:

11414500R

Abstract:

Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational.

US Patent:

20160101843, Apr 14, 2016

Filed:

Jun 24, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/925811

Inventors:

Kevin Daniel Hoberman - Tarzana CA, US
Steven Clay Moore - Austin TX, US

International Classification:

B63H 25/44

Abstract:

Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational.