The present disclosure relates to a folding propeller, comprising a hub, which may be driven via a drive shaft around a rotation axis, at least two propeller blades, which are pivotably arranged on the hub between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a propeller blade arresting means, which is configured for arresting the propeller blades in the unfolded position, wherein the propeller blade arresting means is movable relative to the hub in rotation direction between a starting position and an arresting position.

Apparatus suitable for use in positioning ceiling or wall panels in predetermined locations. The apparatus includes one or more channel means shaped to receive at least part of a panel in use, said channel means at least partially defined by one or more substantially planar outer walls and at least one inner wall. At least part of the inner wall depends away from the outer wall thereby forming the opening into said channel means through which the ceiling or wall panel is inserted in use.

Apparatus suitable for use in positioning ceiling or wall panels in predetermined locations. The apparatus includes one or more channel means shaped to receive at least part of a panel in use, said channel means at least partially defined by one or more substantially planar outer walls and at least one inner wall. At least part of the inner wall depends away from the outer wall thereby forming the opening into said channel means through which the ceiling or wall panel is inserted in use.

A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes a wireless handheld throttle controller comprising a body configured to avoid water intrusion, a throttle control interface configured to receive an input controlling a speed of the watercraft, a memory storing an operator profile setting, a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a microcontroller of the watercraft, a processor configured to communicate control information to the microcontroller of the watercraft via the wireless transmitter.

A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes a wireless handheld throttle controller comprising a body configured to avoid water intrusion, a throttle control interface configured to receive an input controlling a speed of the watercraft, a memory storing an operator profile setting, a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a microcontroller of the watercraft, a processor configured to communicate control information to the microcontroller of the watercraft via the wireless transmitter.

The present disclosure relates to a folding propeller, comprising a hub, which may be driven via a drive shaft around a rotation axis, at least two propeller blades, which are pivotably arranged on the hub between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a propeller blade arresting means, which is configured for arresting the propeller blades in the unfolded position, wherein the propeller blade arresting means is movable relative to the hub in rotation direction between a starting position and an arresting position.

The present invention regards a watercraft vehicle (1) having a propeller shaft (9) coupled to a motor (3) and a propeller (7) forming a propeller disc (11) having a hub (17). A first blade (8) of the propeller (7) is hingedly coupled to a first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) of the hub (17) and a second blade (10) of the propeller (7) is hingedly coupled to a second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″) of the hub (17). The first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) being oriented in a direction oblique to the axis of rotation (RX) and parallel with the second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″). A control circuitry (5) provides a first thrust (T′) in a first arc segment (13′) of the propeller disc (11) and provides a second thrust (T″) in a second arc segment (13″) of the propeller disc (11) by controlling a rate of change of shaft (9) rotational velocity, wherein a first propeller blade pitch change is achieved about the first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) and a second propeller blade pitch change is achieved about the second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″). The present invention also regards a method of manoeuvring the watercraft vehicle (1).

The present invention regards a watercraft vehicle (1) having a propeller shaft (9) coupled to a motor (3) and a propeller (7) forming a propeller disc (11) having a hub (17). A first blade (8) of the propeller (7) is hingedly coupled to a first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) of the hub (17) and a second blade (10) of the propeller (7) is hingedly coupled to a second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″) of the hub (17). The first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) being oriented in a direction oblique to the axis of rotation (RX) and parallel with the second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″). A control circuitry (5) provides a first thrust (T′) in a first arc segment (13′) of the propeller disc (11) and provides a second thrust (T″) in a second arc segment (13″) of the propeller disc (11) by controlling a rate of change of shaft (9) rotational velocity, wherein a first propeller blade pitch change is achieved about the first oblique lag-pitch hinge (22′) and a second propeller blade pitch change is achieved about the second oblique lag-pitch hinge (22″). The present invention also regards a method of manoeuvring the watercraft vehicle (1).

A novel watercraft propulsion device is disclosed that includes multiple propulsive elements improving power and efficiency over prior designs. A self-adjusting variable pitch propeller is combined with a water jet and an exhaust driven turbine to provide optimal thrust and efficiency across the range of engine power, load and watercraft speed. In the preferred embodiment, propulsive elements are axially disposed around a central drive shaft and exhaust port with the combined water jet/exhaust turbine disposed closest to drive shaft and the variable pitch propeller attached to the exterior of the water jet housing. A rotating duct is fixed to the propeller blades and rotates with the blades to reduce cavitation. Combined apparatus provides increased performance and efficiency over all watercraft speeds/load as well as additional safety due to the ducted propeller.

A novel watercraft propulsion device is disclosed that includes multiple propulsive elements improving power and efficiency over prior designs. A self-adjusting variable pitch propeller is combined with a water jet and an exhaust driven turbine to provide optimal thrust and efficiency across the range of engine power, load and watercraft speed. In the preferred embodiment, propulsive elements are axially disposed around a central drive shaft and exhaust port with the combined water jet/exhaust turbine disposed closest to drive shaft and the variable pitch propeller attached to the exterior of the water jet housing. A rotating duct is fixed to the propeller blades and rotates with the blades to reduce cavitation. Combined apparatus provides increased performance and efficiency over all watercraft speeds/load as well as additional safety due to the ducted propeller.