MICHAEL J BEAM
Engineers in Birmingham, PA
License number
Pennsylvania PE039037E
Category
Engineers
Type
Professional Engineer
Address
Address
Birmingham, PA 16686
Professional information
Tunnel Thruster And Water Lubricated Rotor Duct Assembly
US Patent:
6482054, Nov 19, 2002
Filed:
May 31, 2001
Appl. No.:
09/871185
Inventors:
Allen L. Treaster - Julian PA
Michael J. Beam - Tyrone PA
Carl G. Schott - Simpsonville SC
Timothy A. Brungart - State College PA
Michael J. Beam - Tyrone PA
Carl G. Schott - Simpsonville SC
Timothy A. Brungart - State College PA
Assignee:
The Penn State Research Foundation - University Park PA
International Classification:
B63H 1100
US Classification:
440 38, 440 6, 114151
Abstract:
A tunnel thruster which is compact, quiet and can withstand the higher depth pressure encountered by a UUV. The UUV is usually a cylindrically shaped vessel and has a propulsor with control surfaces at one end. At two positions along the length of the body there are two cylindrical ports which pass through the body of the UUV. At each position one port is in the vertical plane while the other port is in the horizontal plane. These ports are four tunnel thrusters, which enable the maneuvering of the UUV. The tunnel thruster can be mounted in the ports of the UUV. The main components of the tunnel thruster includes a tunnel, motor assembly mounted in the tunnel, rotors on each end of the motor assembly and inlet ducts on each end of the tunnel. The tunnel thruster attempts to address the short comings of the commercial thrusters. The tunnel thruster is an all electrically powered thruster with all mechanical components contained within the tunnel.
Articulation Mechanism And Elastomeric Nozzle For Thrust-Vectored Control Of An Undersea Vehicle
US Patent:
7465201, Dec 16, 2008
Filed:
Sep 6, 2005
Appl. No.:
11/239442
Inventors:
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
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
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy - Washington DC
International Classification:
B63H 11/113
US Classification:
440 42, 114166
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.