Invention relates to the paddle-wheel propelling mechanisms, especially to the steerable and retractable paddle-wheel mechanisms for propelling boats. The paddle-wheel propulsion and steering mechanism comprises a frame structure for securing the mechanism to the boat; a propulsion mechanism for propulsion of the boat; a paddle-wheel upward and downward moving mechanism for movement of the paddle-wheel relative to a waterline of the boat; and a steering mechanism for steering of the boat.

A thruster system for a marine vessel includes an electric motor having an output shaft. The thruster system also includes a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening, the first housing opening defining a water intake, the second housing opening defining a water discharge. The thruster system further includes a rotatable member operatively coupled to, and driven by, the output shaft of the electric motor, wherein rotation of the rotatable member results in water brought into the housing through the first housing opening and expelled through the second housing opening to generate a thrust force in a direction that is greater than 45 degrees relative to a propeller direction of the marine vessel.

A thruster system for a marine vessel includes an electric motor having an output shaft. The thruster system also includes a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening, the first housing opening defining a water intake, the second housing opening defining a water discharge. The thruster system further includes a rotatable member operatively coupled to, and driven by, the output shaft of the electric motor, wherein rotation of the rotatable member results in water brought into the housing through the first housing opening and expelled through the second housing opening to generate a thrust force in a direction that is greater than 45 degrees relative to a propeller direction of the marine vessel.

A vehicle includes a propulsion system using one or more impellers as opposed to propellers. The impellers impart circumferential and radial velocity components to the working fluid, which may be air or water. The air is deflected by counter-vortex chambers in a shroud to convert the circumferential and radial velocity to an axial velocity aligned with the axis of rotation of the impeller.

A mechanical waterfowl decoy to be used in water. It has a buoyant body and a motor that rotates a paddlewheel in a circular manner which can provide propulsion and water disturbance for the decoy and can give the appearance of a duck swimming, splashing, and moving its head.

A mechanical waterfowl decoy to be used in water. It has a buoyant body and a motor that rotates a paddlewheel in a circular manner which can provide propulsion and water disturbance for the decoy and can give the appearance of a duck swimming, splashing, and moving its head.

A propulsion mechanism (100) for a maritime vessel (200) including a rotor (75) mounted for rotation about a rotor axis. The rotor (75) includes a plurality of vanes (20) extending essentially radial to the rotor axis and the vanes are arranged to define spaces (25) in between the vanes (20). The propulsion mechanism (100) further includes means configured for freeing the spaces (25) of water by means of application of air.

A propulsion mechanism (100) for a maritime vessel (200) including a rotor (75) mounted for rotation about a rotor axis. The rotor (75) includes a plurality of vanes (20) extending essentially radial to the rotor axis and the vanes are arranged to define spaces (25) in between the vanes (20). The propulsion mechanism (100) further includes means configured for freeing the spaces (25) of water by means of application of air.

A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.

A floating platform dimensioned and configured to receive and transport an automated pool cleaner on the surface of the water is disclosed. For convenience, the floating platform is referred to as a pontoon. The pontoon is also configured to control the retrieval of the pool cleaner. The pontoon includes a buoyant housing having a first end and a second end. An inclined platform ramp is positioned in the pontoon housing at an angle from the first end towards the second end. The pontoon includes a winch for winding and unwinding a cable connected to the pool cleaner to thereby selectively release and retrieve the cleaner.