HYDRA-MARINE PROPULSION SYSTEM

Abstract

A marine propulsion system comprising an engine, hydraulic pump, torque motor and propeller combination. The system is currently adaptable to diesel fuel operated engines. The hydraulic pump is a pressure compensating pump. The hydraulic pump a pressure relief value incorporated to minimize damage to the system due to propeller strikes. Engine and hydraulic pump operating controls/valves are included. Preferably, synthetic grade hydraulic fluid is used. The system is configured for use in any one of an inboard shaft drive configuration, an inboard/outboard motor configuration, an outboard motor configuration and a multi-propeller drive configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings,

FIG. 1 is a conceptual schematic depiction of the invention being used in a shaft drive configuration;

FIG. 2 is a conceptual schematic depiction of the invention representing its use in an inboard/outboard motor configuration;

FIG. 3 is a conceptual schematic depiction of the invention representing its use in an outboard motor configuration; and

FIG. 4 is an example of conceptual schematic depiction of the invention representing its use in a multi-drive configuration, in this case, a dual-drive configuration.

Claims

1. A marine propulsion system comprising: an engine;a hydraulic pump;a torque motor; anda propeller,wherein the engine being in mechanical communication with the hydraulic pump, which is in hydraulic fluid communication with the torque motor, which in turn is in mechanical communication with the propeller.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the engine is a diesel fuel operated engine.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pump is a pressure compensating pump.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pump is a pressure compensating vane pump.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic pump further comprises means for relieving sudden increases in hydraulic system pressure, thereby reducing possible damage to the marine propulsion system.

6. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: control means for operating the engine; andcontrol means for operating the hydraulic pump.

7. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a hydraulic pump control valve in fluid communication with hydraulic fluid conduit lines communicating with the torque motor.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein hydraulic fluid is a synthetic grade hydraulic fluid.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured for use in any one of an inboard shaft drive configuration, an inboard/outboard motor configuration, an outboard motor configuration and a multi-propeller drive configuration.