Variant speed directional control mechanism for water-jet powered craft

Abstract

The invention relates to an auxiliary appendage(s) to improve off plane steering response and maneuverability of water jet powered crafts. The invention utilizes the pump's water flow and rotates on a horizontal axis, parallel to the water. Utilizing surface tension, drag or mechanical control the device rotates up and down on the vertical plane. The device does not cause additional sheer or stresses on water jet thrust assemblies. The invention easily attaches to water jet powered craft dramatically improving the steering capability during off-plane maneuvering. Its unique design allows adjustable torsion loading, rotates on one or both sides and allows precise tuning for multiple crafts from personal watercraft to large water jet powered crafts. This device operates on either side of the discharge nozzle to increase low speed control until the speed increases to a (craft dependent) preset point and allow the device to tilt out of the water.

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         15 . A supplemental steering mechanism for water jet powered craft, superior in design and functionality to any existing art, using innovative easily attached rudder assemblies to create multidirectional water flow vectors across various rudder shapes for desired directional flows and frictional coefficients, resulting in improved craft maneuverability and steering capability at idle and off plane speed operations. 
     
     
         16 . The device, according to  claim 15  is manufactured from a corrosion resistant material, such as a composite, alloy, or nonferrous material that will be durable and have a reasonable service life. 
     
     
         17 . The device, according to  claim 15 , will be easily installed in a manner that is improved over any existing art. The device does not require any penetration of the vessel hull which reduces the watertight integrity, damage subdivision, and possibility of delamination or material sheer. 
     
     
         18 . The device is a supplemental steering aid that consists of appendage(s) which mount to a swivel assembly(s) and utilizes the fluid stream or mechanical means to rotate in and out of the water column dependent on the desired set point or speed. 
     
     
         19 . The device, according to  claim 18  is supplemental steering aid that incorporates a torsion assembly, spring or gear driven, on one or both sides of the mounting points to provide the adjustable required force to keep the assembly firmly immersed in the fluid stream, while allowing it to pivot upward to reduce drag as watercraft speed increases, or in the event of a strike into a submerged object. 
     
     
         20 . A supplemental claim as indicated in  claim 18 , is that the device rotates out or into to water by frictional surface tension or mechanical mechanisms as the craft speed increases or decreases. The adjustable torsion spring, cable mechanism or rotational gear allows for various force settings on multiple type crafts and provides additional steering improvements at any predetermined desired speed. 
     
     
         21 . A supplemental claim as indicated in  claim 18 , is that the device increases steering response and decreases turning radius thus improving operational safety. 
     
     
         22 . The named invention incorporates many iterations of the named device which are within the scope of the named invention. Interpolated examples would include but are not limited to: Plate slope, plate curvatures, plate thickness or shape, deflection plate grooves, various cross-member or spar shapes, rotational pivot points, torsion spring types, mechanical rotational or electrically controlled mechanical mechanisms, etc.