Patent ID: 8117930
Filing Date: 2012-02-21
Classification: B63B,F16C,F16F,G01C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat, the stabilizer comprising: a flywheel, the flywheel being configured to be spun about a spin axis; a first plurality of vanes coupled to the flywheel such that the first plurality of vanes spin with the flywheel relative to an enclosure; a second plurality of vanes fixed relative to the enclosure and the flywheel such that the first plurality of vanes spin with respect to the second plurality of vanes, the second plurality of vanes defining gaps into which the first plurality of vanes extend so that the first and second plurality of vanes are interleaved; at least one rotating heat generating component coupled to the flywheel and positioned such that heat is transferred from the heat generating component to the first plurality of vanes; the enclosure surrounding the first plurality of vanes, the second plurality of vanes, the heat generating component, and a portion or all of the flywheel, the enclosure containing a below-ambient density gas and maintaining a below-ambient pressure, wherein the below ambient density gas has a thermal conductivity at least 5 times greater than air; and wherein the flywheel, the first plurality of vanes, the second plurality of vanes, the heat generating component, the enclosure, and the gimbal structure are configured so that, when installed in the boat, the stabilizer damps roll motion of the boat.