Patents by Inventor James T. Czarnowski

James T. Czarnowski 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).

  • Patent number: 9540086
    Abstract: A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction across the central longitudinal dimension of the watercraft. As input force is applied, the fins twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fine have a generally squared off top and preferably an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Each of the fins can be adjusted at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski
  • Patent number: 8753156
    Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Patent number: 8082871
    Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, having a cockpit with a bottom area forming part of the cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: James T. Czarnowski, Gregory S. Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Publication number: 20100203778
    Abstract: A remote powered propulsive device having a rudder which carries a propeller or oscillating fins which are powered by pedals alone or with hydraulic assist or by an electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Patent number: 7637791
    Abstract: A human propelled watercraft having a pair of flexible fins extending into the water each adapted to oscillate through an arcurate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft. Pedals are provided for applying input force whereby as input force is applied, the flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along the arcurate path. Each of the fins preferably have a generally squared off top and an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with adjustable tensioning at the trailing edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Company
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski
  • Publication number: 20090311926
    Abstract: A watercraft having propulsion means extending below the water line comprising a pair of flexible fins each adapted to oscillate through an arcuate path in a generally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal dimension of said watercraft, and means operatively associated with said propulsion means for applying input force to said propulsion means whereby as input force is applied said flexible fins can twist to form an angle of attack for providing forward thrust with respect to the longitudinal dimension of the watercraft while moving in both directions along said arcuate path; the improvement wherein each of the fins preferably have a generally squared off top and an outer area of harder rubber than the inner area. Preferably, each of the fins is provided with means at the trailing edge to provide adjustable tensioning of the trailing edge, preferably by threaded means at the clew of the trailing edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski
  • Publication number: 20090031941
    Abstract: An air inflatable watercraft, preferably having a bow and stern, and having a cockpit, a bottom area forming part of said cockpit having a through opening therein adapted to receive a human operated propulsion mechanism which can be operated from the cockpit to propel the watercraft. An air inflatable watercraft having an inflatable, airtight bow and stern, and having a bottom area between two side inflatable, airtight compartments which run essentially the length of the watercraft, upon inflation the two side compartments at least partially extend above the bottom to provide a cockpit therebetween, and the inflated bow and stern form a configuration which is adapted to be efficiently propelled, viz., adapted to cut through the water. This embodiment can be hand rowed or provided with a pedaled propulsion mechanism provided a through opening is built into the bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: James T. Czarnowski, Gregory S. Ketterman, Jason Christopher Kardas, Philip James Dow
  • Patent number: 7430976
    Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Hobie Cat Co.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas
  • Publication number: 20080029010
    Abstract: A retraction system for rudders for small boats having a deck comprising a rudder means connecting said rudder to the rear of a boat enabling said rudder to pivot on an axis such that when the rudder is retracted, it rotates upwardly through about 270° from the normal operating position in the water while twisting about 90° so as to lay essentially flat on said deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory S. Ketterman, James T. Czarnowski, Jason Christopher Kardas