Christopher Todd Barry

US Patent:

51349540, Aug 4, 1992

Filed:

Oct 24, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/601620

Inventors:

Christopher D. Barry - San Francisco CA
Bryan Duffty - Gilroy CA

Assignee:

FMC Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B63B 124

US Classification:

114274

Abstract:

An asymmetrically arranged hydrofoil and propeller system is disclosed for improving the speed and lift of watercraft such as amphibious vehicles. When the vehicle is propelled through water by propellers, a downwash of water from the upper surface of the asymmetrically arranged hydrofoils is intercepted by upwardly moving propeller blades which improve the speed, lift and efficiency of the watercraft.

US Patent:

49745395, Dec 4, 1990

Filed:

Jun 21, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/369172

Inventors:

Bryan Duffty - Gilroy CA
Waldo E. Rodler - San Jose CA
Christopher D. Barry - San Francisco CA
Hans F. Woehrmann - Los Gatos CA

Assignee:

FMC Corporation - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B63B 130

US Classification:

114278

Abstract:

A pair of integrated water propulsion and hydrofoil systems capable of moving through water at speeds of at least 20 miles per hour are disclosed, each hydrofoil system having a hydrofoil and a mounting leg removably secured to a water propulsion system. The mounting legs are supported on opposite sides of the watercraft for moving the hydrofoils between a water mode and a land mode. The water propulsion system may be an inline water jet, and the hydrofoils may be formed from interconnected lightweight hollow beams with power operated flaps on the trailing portions of the hydrofoils for adding more lift when moving at slow speeds through water. The watercraft may be a military amphibious vehicle weighing about 30 tons.