Abstract

The invention relates to a drive system, and method of forming the same, for a craft in water, said drive system comprising a drive means, one or more shafts which are provided in connection with the drive means via one or more gear assemblies and at least one of said shafts having a free end with location means to allow the same to be located with a propeller of the said craft to impart rotational drive to the propeller. The location means are at least partially located within a port in the body of the propeller and intermediate said location means and the walls of the said port there is provided a substantially non-conductive deformable material sleeve which separates the propeller body from the said shaft and retains the propeller body in drive engagement with the location means. The provision of the sleeve allows the electrical isolation of the sleeve and propeller, allows a more robust connection between the propeller and drive means and reduces the impact of vibration on the operation and efficiency of the propeller.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 1/20 - HubsBlade connections
• B63H 23/34 - Propeller shaftsPaddle-wheel shaftsAttachment of propellers on shafts

Abstract

The invention to which this application relates is to a propeller of the type for use in relation to water vessels and which can be moved between an in-use position in which the blades of the propeller extend outwardly to provide a propulsion force when rotated and, a storage position in which the desire is to minimize the effect of the blades as the vessel moves through the water and in which the blades are held substantially in line with the body of the propeller. The location means which allow the blades to be connected to the body are located within the body and thereby minimize the risk of corrosion and thereby increase the life of the propeller whilst also providing a secure fitment of the blades to the body and allowing ease of movement of the blades between in-use and storage positions.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 1/22 - HubsBlade connections the blades being foldable
• C23F 13/18 - Means for supporting electrodes
• B63H 1/24 - HubsBlade connections the blades being foldable automatically foldable or unfoldable
• C23F 13/06 - Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
• B64C 11/28 - Collapsible or foldable blades

Abstract

The invention relates to a drive system, and method of forming the same, for a craft in water, said drive system comprising a drive means, one or more shafts which are provided in connection with the drive means via one or more gear assemblies and at least one of said shafts having a free end with location means to allow the same to be located with a propeller of the said craft to impart rotational drive to the propeller. The location means are at least partially located within a port in the body of the propeller and intermediate said location means and the walls of the said port there is provided a substantially non-conductive deformable material sleeve which separates the propeller body from the said shaft and retains the propeller body in drive engagement with the location means. The provision of the sleeve allows the electrical isolation of the sleeve and propeller, allows a more robust connection between the propeller and drive means and reduces the impact of vibration on the operation and efficiency of the propeller.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 1/20 - HubsBlade connections

Abstract

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63H 1/22 - HubsBlade connections the blades being foldable
• C23F 13/18 - Means for supporting electrodes
• B63H 1/24 - HubsBlade connections the blades being foldable automatically foldable or unfoldable
• C23F 13/06 - Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus

Abstract

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B63B 59/04 - Preventing hull fouling
• B63H 1/24 - HubsBlade connections the blades being foldable automatically foldable or unfoldable
• C23F 13/02 - Inhibiting corrosion of metals by anodic or cathodic protection cathodicSelection of conditions, parameters or procedures for cathodic protection, e.g. of electrical conditions
• C23F 13/06 - Constructional parts, or assemblies of cathodic-protection apparatus
• C23F 13/18 - Means for supporting electrodes