The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 2008
Filed:
Sep. 06, 2005
Daniel P. Thivierge, Warren, RI (US);
Richard E. Dooley, Portsmouth, RI (US);
Alberico Menozzi, Middletown, RI (US);
Allen L. Treaster, Julian, PA (US);
Michael J. Beam, Tyrone, PA (US);
Todd K. Fetterolf, Bellefonte, PA (US);
Daniel R. Metrey, Port Matilda, PA (US);
Daniel P. Thivierge, Warren, RI (US);
Richard E. Dooley, Portsmouth, RI (US);
Alberico Menozzi, Middletown, RI (US);
Allen L. Treaster, Julian, PA (US);
Michael J. Beam, Tyrone, PA (US);
Todd K. Fetterolf, Bellefonte, PA (US);
Daniel R. Metrey, Port Matilda, PA (US);
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC (US);
Abstract
The mechanism of the present invention maneuvers a vehicle by deflecting the flow from a propulsor of the vehicle. The mechanism has an elastomeric nozzle that encases the flow and is deflected via an articulation device mountable inside the vehicle. The nozzle is shaped and supported by spiral-wound composite to maintain a circular cross-section through a range of motion. An end of the nozzle is attached to the shroud of the propulsor and another end is supported by a ring with support struts radiating from a hub. The hub is supported by a shaft attached to a gimbal. The gimbal is constrained in movement by an outer race and an anti-rotation stud in a radial slot in a ball of the gimbal. A linkage as part of an articulation device controls rotation of the gimbal to direct movement of the shaft and enclosed nozzle thereby deflecting flow of the propulsor.