Patent ID: 7569089

Claim:
A boundary layer propulsion apparatus for propulsion of a fluid, the apparatus comprising: a prime mover; a casing having an inlet and an outlet, the casing inlet and outlet providing fluid communication between the interior and exterior of the casing; a substantially tubular-shaped flow conduit with a longitudinal axis positioned in the casing for rotation about its longitudinal axis, the flow conduit defining an interior space, the flow conduit having an inlet in fluid communication with the casing inlet; a plurality of generally planar, generally parallel, spaced-apart disks, each of the disks having two opposed, smooth, annular faces and an outer circumferential surface, each of the disks extending from the flow conduit, the plurality of disks forming a plurality of open annular spaces adjacent to the disks, each open annular space extending from the flow conduit to the outer circumferential surfaces of adjacent disks, the plurality of open spaces in fluid communication with the casing outlet, the open annular spaces free of obstruction; a plurality of manifold ports providing fluid communication between the interior space of the conduit and the spaces adjacent the disks; and the prime mover operably associated with the flow conduit to impart rotational movement to the flow conduit, whereby when the apparatus is in use fluid is caused to flow from the casing inlet into the interior space of the conduit, through the plurality of manifold ports, into the spaces adjacent the disks, and through the casing outlet.