Patent classifications
B63H2023/025
Propulsion apparatus for watercraft
A watercraft propulsion apparatus includes an eccentric crank assembly operatively connected to a pair of fins adapted to sweep back and forth in a generally transverse direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the watercraft. The fins may be rotatable about a longitudinal shaft fixedly secure to the bottom of the hull of the watercraft. A drive linkage assembly operatively connecting the eccentric crank assembly to the pair of fins imparts a torque force to oscillate the pair of fins. The oscillating fins provide a propulsive force to propel the watercraft longitudinally forward during both oscillating directions of the fins as they sweep back and forth.
Motion Transforming Differentially Biased Transmission for Human Powered Vehicles
A transmission for a human-powered vehicle. The transmission has a primary system that includes a transmission case, a crankshaft with cog, a pair of receiver cranks, a pair of connecting rods, a pair of oscillating driver cranks, and a pair of pedals. A secondary biasing system is engaged with the primary system to provide a favorable torque around dead centers of the primary system. The transmission 150 may be configured to transmit power by driveshaft, chain, or belt to drive a wheel or propeller. In a watercraft application, an operator alternatingly applies force to a pair of pedals while seated close to the floor of a kayak 145. Power from the transmission is transmitted through a steerable lower gear case 134 via a propeller to propel the craft. The operator maneuvers the craft by means of a control lever 135 operably connected to the lower gear case by cables 136.
Motion transforming differentially biased transmission for human powered vehicles
A transmission for a human-powered vehicle. The transmission has a primary system that includes a transmission case, a crankshaft with cog, a pair of receiver cranks, a pair of connecting rods, a pair of oscillating driver cranks, and a pair of pedals. A secondary biasing system is engaged with the primary system to provide a favorable torque around dead centers of the primary system. The transmission 150 may be configured to transmit power by driveshaft, chain, or belt to drive a wheel or propeller. In a watercraft application, an operator alternatingly applies force to a pair of pedals while seated close to the floor of a kayak 145. Power from the transmission is transmitted through a steerable lower gear case 134 via a propeller to propel the craft. The operator maneuvers the craft by means of a control lever 135 operably connected to the lower gear case by cables 136.