Patent ID: 8490569
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: B60K,B63B,B63G,B63H

Abstract:
1. A multiplex-thruster (MT) for delivering thrusting flow, comprising: a thruster having a first end and a second end and configured to propel a fluid to flow in a first direction from the first end to the second end or in a second direction from the second end to the first end; and a first connector assembly comprising a first plurality of connectors in fluid communication with the first end of the thruster and a second connector assembly comprising a second plurality of connectors in fluid communication with the second end of the thruster, each connector of the first plurality of connectors and the second plurality of connectors being configured to allow fluid flow through the connector when the connector is in an open state and to block fluid flow through the connector when the connector is in a closed state; wherein the MT is configured to thrust fluid flow from one or more of the first plurality of connectors of the first connector assembly to one or more of the second plurality of connectors of the second connector assembly or vice versa by restricting the fluid flow through selected connectors of the first plurality of connectors and the second plurality of connectors; and wherein the MT is a self-contained module that is configured to attach and provide fluid communication between one or more thrusting channels of a plurality of thrusting channels of multiple different types of vessels and one or more of the first plurality of connectors of the first connector assembly, and between one or more other thrusting channels of the plurality of thrusting channels and one or more of the second plurality of connectors of the second connector assembly.