Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method and system to continuously acquire, record, and analyze data with the goal of determining the draft of a water-borne vessel and/or the amount of cargo currently loaded.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the methods and apparatus to acquire, record, and analyze data to determine the draft of a water-borne vessel and/or the amount of cargo that has been loaded in a water-borne vessel. The apparatus includes a portable, handheld housing containing means for use in positioning the housing in a predetermined location and spatial orientation. Such means can include one or more narrow beam emitting devices, such as lasers or other similar devices, or a camera or other image processing level sensors. The housing also containing an ultrasonic transducer and receiver, or alternatively, a laser emitter and receiver, that directs sound pulses or light, respectively, toward the surface of the water body in which the vessel is placed. Within the housing is electrical circuitry to receive either the sound or light beam signals, and from these signals produce a signal representative of the time of travel of the sound pulse or light.

Abstract: A method is provided in which a marine propulsion system with a charge air compressor is controlled through the use of a clutch or a multiple speed transmission that allows the charge air compressor to be engaged or disengaged. The engagement or disengagement of the charge air compressor can be a dual function of the demand for a change in torque and the engine speed.

Abstract: An engine control system for a marine propulsion system uses a portable control device that is configured to emit first and second signals that are receivable by first and second sensors. The first signal relates to the starting of the engine of the marine propulsion system by the operator. The second signal relates to the presence of the operator, wearing the portable control device, within a predescribed zone surrounding the second sensor near the helm position.

Abstract: A mould for producing a decorated article has a base part with a mould cavity and a lid part co-operating with but being movable away from the base part, the surface of the lid part facing the base part being substantially planar or part-cylindrical and extending beyond the wall of the base part. The wall of the base part preferably has a knife edge for engagement with the lid part. The method of producing the article comprises the steps of locating in a predetermined position on the lid part a carrier having ink thereon, charging the base part with plastics material, locating the lid part in a predetermined position on the base part so that the carrier extends beyond the co-operating wall of the base part, and rotationally moulding the article.

Abstract: A laminated material suitable for use in inflatable playballs comprises a first layer of thermoplastic synthetic resin and a second layer. The second layer is formed of two thermoplastic resin materials, one having a tensile strength greater than the material of the first layer and forming a lattice structure and the other filling the interstices of the lattice structure, the filling material being exposed at one surface of the second layer and bonded at that surface to the first layer.