A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.

A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.

A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel. The rudder device includes a mounting plate, a primary rudder and a secondary rudder coupled to a hydrojet. The primary rudder and the secondary rudder providing steerage as the hydrojet vessel is displaced through the water.

A rudder device for a hydrojet vessel. The rudder device includes a mounting plate, a primary rudder and a secondary rudder coupled to a hydrojet. The primary rudder and the secondary rudder providing steerage as the hydrojet vessel is displaced through the water.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.

The present invention deals with a silent jet propulsion system installed inside the hull of a military submarine with a method for propelling a military submarine and the like to eliminate the conventional propulsion systems noise and to steer the military submarine in silent, fast, efficient and highly maneuverable fashion.

In the present invention, there is no propeller installed outside the military submarine hull. The silent jet propulsion system of the present invention will generate a laminated turbulent free water jet flow thrust which will propel the military submarine in the desired speed and the desired direction.

In the present invention, the desired speed and the desired direction of movement of the military submarine is accomplished by controlling the amount and the direction of the generated water jet flow thrust of the silent jet propulsion system installed inside the military submarine hull.

The present invention deals with a silent jet propulsion system installed inside the hull of a military submarine with a method for propelling a military submarine and the like to eliminate the conventional propulsion systems noise and to steer the military submarine in silent, fast, efficient and highly maneuverable fashion.

In the present invention, there is no propeller installed outside the military submarine hull. The silent jet propulsion system of the present invention will generate a laminated turbulent free water jet flow thrust which will propel the military submarine in the desired speed and the desired direction.

In the present invention, the desired speed and the desired direction of movement of the military submarine is accomplished by controlling the amount and the direction of the generated water jet flow thrust of the silent jet propulsion system installed inside the military submarine hull.

Current waterjet technology uses hydraulic actuators that are linked to a hydraulic system aboard the vessel. Hydraulic actuators have a significant number of problems including, but not limited to, significant size and weight, poor efficiency, an excessive number of components, excessive heat generation, slop in the feedback system, overshooting of cylinders, limited ramping ability, frequent maintenance, environmental concerns, and difficulty in interfacing with control systems. In an effort to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, these issues, this invention discloses an apparatus and method of controlling a waterjet that uses electric actuators and motor controllers that are integrated on the jet. The use of multiple electric actuators also allows for redundancy, which makes the system more reliable. The system also allows a user to have direct actuator control and bypass the automatic settings for control system backup.

Current waterjet technology uses hydraulic actuators that are linked to a hydraulic system aboard the vessel. Hydraulic actuators have a significant number of problems including, but not limited to, significant size and weight, poor efficiency, an excessive number of components, excessive heat generation, slop in the feedback system, overshooting of cylinders, limited ramping ability, frequent maintenance, environmental concerns, and difficulty in interfacing with control systems. In an effort to reduce, and in some cases eliminate, these issues, this invention discloses an apparatus and method of controlling a waterjet that uses electric actuators and motor controllers that are integrated on the jet. The use of multiple electric actuators also allows for redundancy, which makes the system more reliable. The system also allows a user to have direct actuator control and bypass the automatic settings for control system backup.