Patents by Inventor Donald Lewis
Donald Lewis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11753120Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed including a flotation portion, a strut extending from the flotation portion, and a motor pod is disposed along the strut with an electric motor operably coupled to a driveshaft. A hydrojet unit is removably attached to the motor pod and includes an inlet portion removably attached to the motor pod and a substantially cylindrical housing. The inlet portion includes a substantially conical motor interface with a shaft through-hole for receiving the driveshaft therein, one or more fins extending outwardly from the conical motor interface, and at least one ring encircling the conical motor interface and connecting to each of the one or more fins for inhibiting objects from passing through the inlet region. The housing defines a fluid flow path to an outlet portion. The hydrojet unit includes an impeller coupled to the driveshaft and a stator disposed within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLCInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Peter Jell, Merten Stroetzel, Joseph Andrew Brock, Matthew Campbell Greaves
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Publication number: 20230150615Abstract: Disclosed is a passively cooled waterproof propulsion unit for a watercraft is provided comprising a substantially cylindrical housing including an outer wall having an external surface and an internal surface. The cylindrical housing includes a first end cap attached at a first end of the housing. The first end cap includes an attachment interface configured to be mounted to a strut of a watercraft such that at least a portion of the external surface of the outer wall of the housing is configured to contact a fluid surrounding the housing when the watercraft operates within the fluid. The propulsion unit further includes an electric motor disposed with in the housing and an electronic speed controller. The electronic speed controller is electrically coupled to the electric motor and configured to provide electrical power to the electric motor to operate the electric motor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Jon Korver, Dmitri Stepanov
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Publication number: 20230140898Abstract: A self-contained battery assembly is provided that is configured to be removably coupled to a watercraft. The battery assembly comprises a waterproof housing including a top portion and a bottom portion that houses a plurality of battery modules. The battery assembly includes a plurality of battery separators manufactured from a material to provide passive protection against thermal event propagation and an electronics module. Each of the battery modules is surrounded on four sides by the one or more of the plurality of battery separators. The plurality of battery separators are disposed within the housing and in physical contact with the top portion and the bottom portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: May 11, 2023Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Jon Korver, Dmitri Stepanov
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Publication number: 20230095778Abstract: A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes: a modular board removably attachable to a power system. The power system includes a modular power supply system, and a modular propulsion system. The power supply system includes a housing including a battery. The propulsion system includes a modular strut, a modular propulsion pod, and a modular hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the power supply system is removably and mechanically attachable directly to the propulsion system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2022Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb
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Publication number: 20230071780Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed including a flotation portion, a strut extending from the flotation portion, and a motor pod is disposed along the strut with an electric motor operably coupled to a driveshaft. A hydrojet unit is removably attached to the motor pod and includes an inlet portion removably attached to the motor pod and a substantially cylindrical housing. The inlet portion includes a substantially conical motor interface with a shaft through-hole for receiving the driveshaft therein, one or more fins extending outwardly from the conical motor interface, and at least one ring encircling the conical motor interface and connecting to each of the one or more fins for inhibiting objects from passing through the inlet region. The housing defines a fluid flow path to an outlet portion. The hydrojet unit includes an impeller coupled to the driveshaft and a stator disposed within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2022Publication date: March 9, 2023Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Peter Jell, Merten Stroetzel, Joseph Andrew Brock, Matthew Campbell Greaves
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Publication number: 20230018353Abstract: A leash system and methods of use are provided that includes a leash cord configured to be affixed at a first end portion to a user of a personal watercraft, a switch cord, and an anchoring cord. The switch cord has a first end portion affixed to a key for connection to a kill switch of the watercraft and a second end portion affixed to the leash cord. The anchoring cord has a first end portion configured to fixedly secure the anchoring cord to the watercraft and a second end portion affixed to the leash cord. A loop is affixed in preferred examples along the anchoring cord that is configured to slidably receive the switch cord therethrough. When the leash cord is pulled taut while the anchoring cord is fixedly secured to the watercraft, the first end portion of the switch cord is drawn toward the loop to remove the key from the kill switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2021Publication date: January 19, 2023Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Merten Stroetzel, Joseph Andrew Brock, Alec Korver
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Patent number: 11485457Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed including a flotation portion, a strut extending from the flotation portion, and a motor pod is disposed along the strut with an electric motor operably coupled to a driveshaft. A hydrojet unit is removably attached to the motor pod and includes an inlet portion removably attached to the motor pod and a substantially cylindrical housing. The inlet portion includes a substantially conical motor interface with a shaft through-hole for receiving the driveshaft therein, one or more fins extending outwardly from the conical motor interface, and at least one ring encircling the conical motor interface and connecting to each of the one or more fins for inhibiting objects from passing through the inlet region. The housing defines a fluid flow path to an outlet portion. The hydrojet unit includes an impeller coupled to the driveshaft and a stator disposed within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLCInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Peter Jell, Merten Stroetzel, Joseph Andrew Brock, Matthew Campbell Greaves
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Patent number: 11479324Abstract: A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes: a modular board removably attachable to a power system. The power system includes a modular power supply system, and a modular propulsion system. The power supply system includes a housing including a battery. The propulsion system includes a modular strut, a modular propulsion pod, and a modular hydrofoil. In one embodiment, the power supply system is removably and mechanically attachable directly to the propulsion system.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLPInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb
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Publication number: 20220236184Abstract: A system and method for autonomously testing display performance in which a scanning mechanism with a two-directional mobile gantry plate, a probe, and a controller automatically operate a test device to illuminate discrete areas of the display screen based on the detected screen size, correlate the tracking position of a measurement location on the display screen for each reading of an illuminated area in a dictionary, and perform one or more of a flicker test, a luminosity test, and a color state test at the determined locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2021Publication date: July 28, 2022Inventor: Donald Lewis Dennis Hawkins
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Publication number: 20220204138Abstract: A flexible coupling mechanism may be used to suspend a structural component, such as a propulsion pod, from a support member, such as a strut of a hydrofoil watercraft. The flexible coupling mechanism may include multiple vibration isolating mounts configured to extend through the support member to suspend the structural component. The vibration isolating mounts may include a plurality of elastomeric bushings configured to prevent direct contact between a component rigidly coupled to the support member and a component rigidly coupled to the structural component. The elastomeric bushings may include a tapered outer profile configured to provide a nonlinear force feedback profile in response to rotation of the support member relative to the structural component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: June 30, 2022Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Dmitri Stepanov
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Publication number: 20220063786Abstract: In one aspect, a wireless remote controller for a personal watercraft is provided that includes a watertight body and a rotatable thumbwheel disposed on an upper surface of the watertight body. The remote controller includes at least one magnet affixed to the thumbwheel such that the at least one magnet rotates with the thumbwheel. The remote controller includes a magnetic sensor configured to produce magnetic field data in at least two axes. The remote controller includes a processor operably coupled to the magnetic sensor and communication circuitry configured to communicate control signals to an associated personal watercraft. The processor is configured to determine an angular position of the thumbwheel based at least in part on the magnetic field data in each of the at least two axes and to generate a control signal based at least in part on the determined position of the thumbwheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2021Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb, Alec Korver
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Publication number: 20210394866Abstract: A hydrofoiling watercraft is disclosed that includes a board having a top surface for supporting a user and a bottom surface. Extending from the top surface of the board is a handlebar. Extending from the bottom surface of the board is a hydrofoil including a strut and a hydrofoil wing. A propulsion system is attached to the hydrofoil.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb
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Publication number: 20210394867Abstract: A modular, weight-shift controlled watercraft device is disclosed which includes a wireless handheld throttle controller comprising a body configured to avoid water intrusion, a throttle control interface configured to receive an input controlling a speed of the watercraft, a memory storing an operator profile setting, a wireless transmitter configured to communicate wirelessly with a microcontroller of the watercraft, a processor configured to communicate control information to the microcontroller of the watercraft via the wireless transmitter.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Daniel Elliot Schabb
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Publication number: 20210371054Abstract: A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2021Publication date: December 2, 2021Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Dmitri Stepanov
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Publication number: 20210347442Abstract: A watercraft including a board having a top surface and a bottom surface and a hydrofoil attached to a strut. The strut attaches at the bottom surface of the board. The watercraft includes a movable portion coupled to the top surface of the board such that the movable portion is configured to move relative to a fixed portion of the board.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Dmitri Stepanov
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Patent number: 11156176Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a method may include supplying air to an exhaust system at a location downstream of an emissions control device via the first exhaust manifold, the air not having participated in combustion in the engine, the first exhaust manifold in fluidic communication with a first exhaust valve of a cylinder and an intake manifold, the cylinder including a second exhaust valve in fluidic communication with the second exhaust manifold. The method may further include adjusting an amount of fuel injected to the engine in response to output of a first oxygen sensor, the first oxygen sensor positioned in the exhaust system upstream of the emissions control device.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald Lewis
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Patent number: 11091232Abstract: A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2021Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLCInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Dmitri Stepanov
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Patent number: 11084556Abstract: A flexible coupling mechanism may be used to suspend a structural component, such as a propulsion pod, from a support member, such as a strut of a hydrofoil watercraft. The flexible coupling mechanism may include multiple vibration isolating mounts configured to extend through the support member to suspend the structural component. The vibration isolating mounts may include a plurality of elastomeric bushings configured to prevent direct contact between a component rigidly coupled to the support member and a component rigidly coupled to the structural component. The elastomeric bushings may include a tapered outer profile configured to provide a nonlinear force feedback profile in response to rotation of the support member relative to the structural component.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: KAI CONCEPTS, LLCInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Jamieson Edward Schulte, Dmitri Stepanov
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Patent number: 11085385Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, an air-fuel control method for the engine system may include flowing air from the intake manifold through a plurality of engine cylinders to a junction of the exhaust passage and a bypass passage in response to a condition, the junction positioned along the exhaust passage between first and second emission control devices. The method may further include flowing exhaust gas to the first emission control device while flowing the air to the junction.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2018Date of Patent: August 10, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Joseph Norman Ulrey, Donald Lewis
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Patent number: 10946939Abstract: A watercraft and a waterproof electronics container are provided. The watercraft includes a flotation portion. A strut is removably affixed to a portion of the watercraft. A first connector portion is mounted to the upper end of the strut. A waterproof electronics container includes a second connector portion is disposed such that the second connector forms at least one electrically conductive pathway with the first connector portion when both are affixed to the watercraft. The waterproof electronics container is removably affixed to the said watercraft. In one aspect, the waterproof electronics container houses a power source capable of powering an electric motor that propels the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2020Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Kai Concepts, LLCInventors: Donald Lewis Montague, Joseph Andrew Brock, Tomasz Pawel Bartczak, Matthew Campbell Greaves, Alec Korver, Dmitri Stepanov