Abstract: A portable fender for protecting a watercraft hull from damage. The fender(s) length corresponds to the length of the watercraft likely to make contact with a dock, pier and/or pilings. An inflatable, waterproof bladder resides in a protective cover. The bladder's valve permits rapid inflation and deflation. The cover has diametrically opposed straps running its length. These straps are anchored to the cover in such a manner that loops are created at regular intervals. Mooring straps are passed through the loops and around the fender. The fender is secured between the watercraft and the dock/pier/pilings by attaching mooring straps to any convenient point on the watercraft, dock, pier, pilings or other suitable mooring point. Lengthening or shortening each individual mooring strap allows the fender to be placed in a position that will provide optimum protection. The fender is easily deflated for stowage. The watercraft does not have to be modified in any manner to use the fender.

Abstract: A protective cover and method of use thereof, used to reduce noise and wear as a result of contact of a boat against a piling, pole, or bumper of an associated boat lift. The cover is similar to a sock in structure and can be made from flexible fabrics or other flexible polymeric materials that are water proof or water impermeable. These materials can be decorative in nature with eye friendly indicia printed thereon. The protective cover can be made of UV resistant materials to reduce degradation under normal to extreme UV exposure and be made of materials that have sound dampening or sound absorbing characteristics, but have sound suppression or noise reduction properties that when rubbed against produce substantially low sound levels. In use, the protective cover is placed over a piling or vertical pole of a boat lift. The protective cover is preferably sized to engage and encapsulate that portion of the piling that is above the surface of the water and most likely to come into contact with the boat hull.

Abstract: A watercraft bumper has an elongate body. The elongate body has a generally C-shaped cross-section. A protrusion extends from one of the end portions of the cross-section and extends towards the other end portion. A watercraft having the bumper is also disclosed. The watercraft has a lip over which the bumper is disposed. The lip has a depression formed in an upper side thereof. The protrusion of the bumper is disposed in the depression and is biased against the upper side.

Abstract: A rub rail for a boat, and methods of manufacturing and installing the rub rail on the boat are provided. The rub rail includes a base polymer and a metal trim embedded or integrated into the base. The metal trim can be made of stainless steel to maximize aesthetic appearance. The metal trim and base polymer are combined during an extrusion process such that substantially no gaps are formed between the metal trim and base. The base polymer optionally can include a non-visible body portion made of recycled material. The rub rail is formed as a single piece which can be installed easily by screws or adhesive tape to a boat.

Abstract: An inflatable fender for a boat comprises an enclosure (2) mounted on the boat hull (5) and connectible to a fluid supply, an inflatable flexible member (4) mounted within the enclosure and capable of extending therefrom when inflated by fluid supplied to the enclosure, and separate retraction means (8) associated with the enclosure and operable to withdraw the inflatable member into the enclosure when deflated.

Abstract: A device for protecting a boat hull has an inflatable element with a deflated state, in which the element can be positioned either inside or outside of the boat hull. When located outside the hull, the inflatable element is operatively connected to an inflation/deflation circuit by a conduit. A translational control device causes the inflatable element to be selectively positioned between a position inside the hull and a position outside the hull. When outside the hull, the inflatable element may be inflated or deflated by the inflation/deflation circuit. A bushing provides a through opening in the hull through which the conduit and deflated element pass. A weighted plug is provided at the end of conduit and is shaped to provide sealing engagement with the bushing.

Abstract: The present invention is a rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel, the assembly having a coextruded rigid portion and flexible portions with grooves for receiving an insert.

Abstract: A resilient device, such as a fender, includes a mounting portion connected to a resilient leaf spring portion. The leaf spring portion is designed to collapse and absorb a substantial amount of energy upon impact with another object while a free end of the leaf spring slides along a front side of the mounting portion. In a preferred embodiment, the leaf spring portion is extruded of a high-strength abrasion-resistant plastic material having a low coefficient of friction, such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The leaf spring portion may include multiple access holes sized to admit a tool for installing or removing the device.

Abstract: A trim or rub rail for use with a watercraft including a trim member having a front surface and a rear surface, with an upper surface connecting the front surface with the rear surface. The trim member includes a lower surface and a collection surface disposed below the lower surface. The collection surface including a discharge area wherein fluid traveling along and over the trim or rub rail collects at the collection surface and is discharged at the discharge area. The collection surface forming a barrier to reduce fluid flow due to surface tension and/or water adhesion forces along the lower surface of the trim member and ultimately to the hull portion of the watercraft.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for attachment to a post has a hollow bumper member with an internal bore that fits over a post and allows the bumper member to rotate. A protective liner is provided between the bumper member and the post and has an internal bore that fits around the post and an external wear surface that fits within and rotatably supports the bumper member. A retaining ring can be secured to the post to hold the bumper assembly in place vertically. Alternatively, the hollow bumper member can be provided with end faces that interact with the upper and lower surfaces of a protective liner positioned within the hollow bumper member to hold the bumper assembly in place vertically. The components of the bumper assembly can be split along one side or provided as two separate halves attachable together to facilitate attachment to posts that are restrained on both ends.

Abstract: A portable fender for protecting a watercraft hull from damage. The fender(s) length corresponds to the length of the watercraft likely to make contact with a dock, pier and/or pilings. An inflatable, waterproof bladder resides in a protective cover. The bladder's valve permits rapid inflation and deflation. The cover has diametrically opposed straps running its length. These straps are anchored to the cover in such a manner that loops are created at regular intervals. Mooring straps are passed through the loops and around the fender. The fender is secured between the watercraft and the dock/pier/pilings by attaching mooring straps to any convenient point on the watercraft, dock, pier, pilings or other suitable mooring point. Lengthening or shortening each individual mooring strap allows the fender to be placed in a position that will provide optimum protection. The fender is easily deflated for stowage. The watercraft does not have to be modified in any manner to use the fender.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for use at a loading dock comprises a resiliently compressible pad protected by a readily replaceable metal faceplate. The bumper assembly has certain metal components that move relative to each other as the bumper assembly is compressed by a vehicle backing into the dock. Those metal components are spaced apart from each other to avoid metal-to-metal frictional wear. In some cases, the compressible pad has internal cavities that help reduce the extent to which the core bulges under compression.

Abstract: A boat fender cover is provided in the shape of a fish. The cover includes a casing having a fusiform body in the shape of a fish's body. Furthermore, the casing includes a cavity for positioning a boat fender. Furthermore, the casing includes an open end for introducing the boat fender into the cavity and a closed end. Preferably, the open end is in the shape of a fish's head while the cavity's closed end has the appearance of a fish towards a fish's tail. The boat fender cover further includes a plurality of appendages which project from the casing's fusiform body having the form of fish fins. These “fin” appendages include a caudal fin, dorsal fins, pectoral fins, pelvic fins, anal fins, and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the boat fender cover provides protection for both the boat and fender against abrasion, dirt and weather.

Abstract: A separation and guidance structure comprises an arm having an inner end with a crosspiece secured in use to a pontoon or the like, and an outer end provided with fenders extending above and beyond the end of the arm. Flotation is provided to support the outer end of the arm, and may be in the form of a flotation member or be provided by the fenders. In use a number of such structures are secured in parallel to a pontoon or dock to form a berthing system.

Abstract: A system for protecting a modular barge, which includes a plurality of modular barge sections assembled together using male and female connections, is provided. Each modular barge section has a top surface, a bottom surface, a side wall extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and at least one male connector projecting from the side wall. Some of the male connectors are exposed at an outer peripheral of the barge. A bumper is coupled with the at least one exposed male connector. The bumper extends between the top and bottom surfaces of the modular barge section to which it is attached.

Abstract: A boat bumper and a securing harness for mounting the boat bumper to a boat hull. The securing harness includes a main strap which is flexible and sufficiently stiff to be self sustaining to maintain its shape, and securing straps for securing a bumper roll to the main strap. The main strap has an elongated section and at least one generally transverse section. Each section has at least one free end to which a suction cup is releasably attached.

Abstract: A marine fender for protecting a marine structure and watercraft against damage from collision forces. The marine fender includes an elongate body of resilient material having a basal wall dimensioned and configured for mounting the marine fender on the marine structure, and an outer wall for being engaged by a collision force, the basal wall and the outer wall defining an inner space. A web within the inner space is integral with the basal wall and with the outer wall, and has a generally M-shaped lateral cross-sectional configuration enabling cushioning by the outer wall and establishing an integral reinforcing and energy absorbing construction within the inner space for protecting against damage to the marine structure from collision forces exerted against the outer wall, as well as against damage to the watercraft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fender system that is applied to a dock piling or solid faced bulkhead in order to prevent damage to a marine vessel while the vessel is moored to a fixed or floating dock, or dock piling, or solid faced bulkhead. The fender is designed to uniquely rise and fall with the level of the tide such that the fender is always in the most suitable position for protecting the vessel's hull from coming into direct contact with the piling or bulkhead. Thus, this system is useful in waters in which there is a constant ebb and flow of the tide and is especially useful in areas experiencing a storm surge.

Abstract: A modular sponson for a small boat has discrete sections disposed in a series from the bow and along both sides to the stern. Each section has an axially extending length of tubing defining a longitudinal opening and a plurality of elongate pieces of closed cell foam material secured to the outside of the tubing for the length of each section. Flotation structure outwardly disposed from and in contact with the elongate pieces is covered by a protective covering that reaches inwardly to opposite ends of each length of tubing. A bonding agent is provided on the tubing, elongate pieces, and flotation structure to hold them together in each discrete section of the modular sponson. An elongate cable extends through the longitudinal openings of the series of sections and exerts a tensile force to hold the sections adjacent one another in compression.

Abstract: A boat fender mount which is characterized by a fender mount plate of selected shape and size adapted for receiving a boat fender and a selected number (typically two) of piling plates typically fixed or hingedly attached to the fender mount plate in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other and having aligned, adjustable piling openings or recesses for securing the fender mount plate and the attached boat fender to a piling. In one embodiment the boat fender is secured to the fender mount plate by mount straps or ties which extend from the boat fender through openings provided in the fender mount plate. In another embodiment the fender mount plate is oval or elliptically-shaped and is capable of receiving the boat fender along the long or short axis, vertically or horizontally, with the boat fender in position over a water body to provide cushioning for boats moored adjacent to the piling.

Abstract: A portable water level-responsive mooring device has a mooring strap with a ring capable of engaging the mooring device around a dock piling. The mooring strap has a suitable length of cord having a clip or ring on each end capable of releasably attaching to a fender, spacing tubes, and rollers. The spacing tubes and rollers have an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the spacing tubes and an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cord. The cord is positioned within an arrangement of the spacing tubes and rollers, the length of cord being sufficient to wrap around a dock piling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading dock fender unit (12) which is adapted for attachment adjacent a dock leveller (11) of a loading dock (10), the fender unit comprising a mounting plate (13), an elongate track (19) fixed to and projecting from the front face of the mounting plate (13) centrally thereof, a solid rubber or rubber like fender (15) guided for vertical sliding movement along the track (19), and a spring loaded fender restraining mechanism (16) which supports the fender in a normal at rest position and is arranged to resist movement of the fender (15) when displaced downwards from the normal at rest position by an externally applied force. In use, when a vehicle trailer is backed up against the dock with its rear end making contact with the fender (15), any up or down movement of the trailer rear end will cause simultaneous up or down movement of the fender (15).

Abstract: An assembly (1; 200; 300; 400; 500; 600) for operating fender elements (P) suitable to protect a boat during the movement and/or mooring including articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) which are connected to the fender element (P) and moving means (3; 202; 302; 402; 502; 602), suitable to be coupled with the boat, operatively connected to the articulation means (2; 201; 301; 401; 501; 601) for moving them between at least a working position in which they dispose the fender element (P) at least partly laterally protruding from the boat, and at least a rest position in which they dispose the fender element (P) receding with respect to the boat.

Abstract: A mechanical member (1; 100; 200) for favouring the movement of means of transport which includes a support shaft (2; 101; 201), provided with a main axis (Y) and suitable to be disposed protruding from the means of transport, and sliding bodies (3; 108; 202) connected to the support shaft (2; 101; 201) through union means (4; 203), which come into contact with adjacent structures to direct the means of transport during the movement.

Abstract: A dock fender support bracket includes a cup-like holder section having a sidewall and a bottom wall and a pair of axially aligned holes through the sidewall. In one embodiment, the support bracket includes a clevis section having a body with spaced flanges oriented inside of the cup-like holder section and extending in parallel planes. In another embodiment, the support bracket is integrally molded. An elongate section of the support bracket is configured to be attached to a dock and to elastically flex in all directions transverse of a longitudinal axis thereof. The elongate section can be formed of a hollow or solid resin, and can include spring or metal reinforcement. The support bracket is configured to support the dock fender at the cup-like holder section. A resilient insert can support a rod-mounted fender.

Abstract: A fender for boats consisting of an internal portion fixed to an edge of the boat and of an external portion adapted to absorb external shock. The external portion includes an internal conduit adapted to couple with a complementarily shaped protuberance belonging to the internal portion.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible buoy lightweight, excellent in workability, and excellent in durability preventing the buoy from being damaged by contact and collision with another object. An airtight hollow structure (2) is formed of a flexible membrane made of rubber or resin, in which a reinforcement layer (C) is buried. A flange opening (4) having a gas inlet is fixed to at least one position of the hollow structure (2). Buoyancy thereof can be controlled by using an internal pressure of a gas injected in the hollow structure (2).

Abstract: A system for protecting a dock from ice damage. The system includes a circumferentially fluted, water-impermeable housing capable of longitudinal and radial expansion and contraction. The housing defines a cavity with upper and lower openings into the cavity through the housing. The openings are configured and arranged to engage a dock-supporting post at longitudinally spaced upper and lower points along the length of the post with the upper point positioned above the water line and the lower point positioned below the frost line.

Abstract: A boat that is provided with floating tubes in a multi-layer design is composed a plurality of floating tube devices which are installed respectively at a left and a right side of a hull, and is provided with an air bag, a buffer, and a surface layer unit. The buffer is provided with a holding space and an assembling slot hole; whereas, the surface layer unit is provided with a sealing element which is used to seal the assembling slot hole, such that the floating tube devices are configured as a multi-layer design to facilitate balance, anti-collision, and increase of chance of survival.

Abstract: A kit features two arm assemblies, each of which features a longitudinal member with a padded portion extending from proximate one end thereof toward the other end and a connection at each end allowing horizontal and pivotal motion of the arm assembly about. A method of mooring a watercraft involves connecting each arm assembly between a respective connection point on the watercraft and a respective securing point on a body distinct therefrom, allowing horizontal pivoting of the arms to horizontally move the watercraft toward a vertical plane in which the securing points lie and blocking further horizontal pivoting of the arms by contact between the watercraft and a respective one of the arm assemblies before the watercraft reaches the vertical plane. The arm assemblies bind due to contact with the watercraft, thereby blocking impact of the watercraft with the body to which the securing points are mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is a rub rail assembly for mounting on a surface of a vessel, the assembly having a rigid portion having a mounting side facing the surface of the vessel, a wear side facing away from the surface of the vessel, a female recess on said wear side for accepting a complimentary male connector of a mounting clip.

Abstract: A watercraft hull and gunwale mooring guard for attachment to a mooring structure to prevent abrasion damage to the contact surfaces of a moored watercraft. The mooring guard includes a stationary vertical guide rod that is attached at one end to a mooring structure at an spaced horizontal distance therefrom and extends vertically upward above the mooring structure. A traveler member is slidable attached to the guide rod which when movement of the water causes the watercraft to move up and down, the traveler in contact with the watercraft will correspondingly move up and down and thus prevent hull and gunwale abrasion, scuffing and damage to the watercraft.

Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.

Abstract: A dock fender support bracket includes a cup-like holder section having a sidewall and a bottom wall and a pair of axially aligned holes through the sidewall. In one embodiment, the support bracket includes a clevis section having a body with spaced flanges oriented inside of the cup-like holder section and extending in parallel planes. In another embodiment, the support bracket is integrally molded. An elongate section of the support bracket is configured to be attached to a dock and to elastically flex in all directions transverse of a longitudinal axis thereof. The elongate section can be formed of a hollow or solid resin, and can include spring or metal reinforcement. The support bracket is configured to support the dock fender at the cup-like holder section. A resilient insert can support a rod-mounted fender.

Abstract: A buoyant bumper system for attachment to a docking facility and cushioning a boat. The buoyant bumper system includes an elongated travel shaft for engaging the docking facility, a travel sleeve slidably carried by the travel shaft, a system float carried by the travel sleeve and a resilient bumper carried by the travel sleeve in spaced-apart relationship to the system float. Throughout tidal rise and fall of a water body, the system float maintains the bumper at a fixed level with respect to the boat. Therefore, the buoyant bumper system is capable of cushioning and preventing damage to the boat throughout a full range of tidal movement as the boat is docked to a docking facility.

Abstract: A boat fender system is configured for suspending a boat fender from a conventional rod holder. The system includes a handle configured for engagement by a rod holder. A boat fender is coupled to the handle by a tether. The tether has a length to allow the fender to hang from the handle to a desired location. The length may be fixed or adjustable. A compartment in the handle stores excess and unused portions of the tether.

Abstract: A boat fender mount which is characterized by a fender mount plate of selected shape and size adapted for receiving a boat fender and a selected number (typically two) of piling plates typically fixed or hingedly attached to the fender mount plate in spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other and having aligned, adjustable piling openings or recesses for securing the fender mount plate and the attached boat fender to a piling. In one embodiment the boat fender is secured to the fender mount plate by mount straps or ties which extend from the boat fender through openings provided in the fender mount plate. In another embodiment the fender mount plate is oval or elliptically-shaped and is capable of receiving the boat fender along the long or short axis, vertically or horizontally, with the boat fender in position over a water body to provide cushioning for boats moored adjacent to the piling.

Abstract: A fender hook for a boating vessel is provided. The fender hook includes a rigid core form having a leather outer covering and a sheep's wool interior lining. The fender hook is particularly designed for use with yachts having a relatively steep-pitched exterior hull wall. In further aspects, the fender hook may have a fishing rod holder or a mooring whip holder fixedly attached thereto.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the safe berthing of marine vessels in the high seas and other unprotected open waters. The invention allows a large vessel to be berthed alongside in close enough proximity to a marine structure so that conventional loading arm equipment may be used to load and unload the vessel under most environmental conditions. One or more floating dolphins moored to the bottom of the sea and provided with fendering means are used for berthing the vessel alongside to the marine structure. The preferred type of floating dolphin is a triangular semi-submersible moored buoyant structure comprising three buoyant column members, or “caissons”, arranged invertical fashion, three buoyant hull segments, or “pontoons”, that support and separate the column members and provide heave damping to the moored buoyant structure, and three horizontal bracing members that retain the tops of the column members in place.

Abstract: A fender includes an inflatable body that is partially filled with water, a port sized to receive the water into the body and a plug adapted to seal the port. The partially filed fender floats in the water with a lower portion extending and remaining below the water even during wave action, leaving the bottom portion of the fender to protect a portion of a floating object that extends below the waterline.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods useful for helping to center watercraft—such as personal watercraft, ski boats, fishing boats, luxury boats, and the like—as they are docked (such as on trailers or watercraft-lifting systems), especially in rough waters and/or strong crosswinds.

Abstract: A fender harness assembly includes a lanyard having a first lanyard end and a second lanyard end and a lanyard mid section extending from the first lanyard end to the second lanyard end. A bridle, having first bridle end and second bridle end and a bridle midsection extending from the first to second ends, is connected to a fender at the bridle midsection. A ferrule web element includes a lanyard channel configured to engage the lanyard at the lanyard midsection. The ferrule web element also includes a first bridle channel configured to engage the first bridle end; and a second bridle channel configured to engage the second bridle end.

Abstract: An illuminated bumper assembly having an elongated light source for emitting light rays and an elongated bumper for carrying the elongated light source. The elongated bumper is adapted to allow light rays from the elongated light source to be emitted along its length. In some embodiments, the elongated bumper has a primary bumper surface that faces away from a protected surface, and the elongated bumper is structured to engage one or more approaching objects and at least partially protect the protected surface from the one or more approaching objects. In some cases, the elongated light source may be situated between the primary bumper surface and the protected surface such that the primary bumper surface also helps protect the elongated light source from the one or more objects. The illuminated bumper may be adapted for use on boats and/or other applications, as desired.

Abstract: A boat bumper for use on a boat dock includes a bumper body and a frame. The frame includes uprights and connectors that interconnect the uprights and permit the frame to deflect when a force is applied to the boat bumper. The body includes a base and a roller insert that is rotatably received within the base. The base and roller insert are plastic and include a phosphorescent material that permits the bumper body to be viewed in low-light conditions.

Abstract: Marine craft has a crushable frontal impact protection structure, comprising transverse bulkhead protecting passenger area; longitudinal crushable tubes; and transverse member. Webs and strengthen tubes, which may be made of extruded, heat treated aluminum; stainless steel; or plastic. Tubes in FIGS. 5 to 7 are splayed, to improve protection against angled impacts C. The forward ends of tubes are tapered, (FIG. 3) to initiate deformation. Tubes may be hexagonal, round, or oval in cross-section. FIG. 8 shows longitudinal bulkheads, and transverse bulkhead in place of tubes. FIG. 9 shows longitudinal corrugated sheets; these may be mounted transversely. FIG. 10 shows how area filled with deformable cellular foam, to act as a buoyancy aid if hull is breached. Side and roar impact protection is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable boat bumper system includes a bumper plate and a positioning mechanism. The bumper plate is selectively operated between a first, retracted position wherein the bumper plate is proximate the boat and a second, extended position wherein the bumper plate is disposed away from the boat. When the boat is secured to a dock or the like, the bumper plate is disposed within the second position and protects the boat from the dock. When underway, the bumper plate is disposed within the first position such that the bumper plate is out of the way.

Abstract: A boat docket bumper assembly designed to be clamped to a boat dock to protect a boat from coming in direct contact with the dock. The boat dock bumper assembly includes a vertical support to one side of which a bumper can be attached. The assembly has a mounting member that when combined with suitable clamps, provides for attachment of the assembly to the edge of a dock regardless of its height. The vertical support may include a plurality of holes which provide for adjustability of the height of the bumper or it may include slots with adjustable tie bars to which the bumper can be attached.

Abstract: A system for protecting a dock from ice damage. The system includes a circumferentially fluted, water-impermeable housing capable of longitudinal and radial expansion and contraction. The housing defines a cavity with upper and lower openings into the cavity through the housing. The openings are configured and arranged to engage a dock-supporting post at longitudinally spaced upper and lower points along the length of the post with the upper point positioned above the water line and the lower point positioned below the frost line.

Abstract: A boat fender mounting device having a planar member with a slot defined therein for receipt and retention of a rail/cable and at least one rope aperture for receipt and retention of the first end of a rope for supporting a boat fender at its second end at a desired height against the hull of a boat.

Abstract: An attachment system for a boat cover using an insert strip press fit in a conventional rub rail channel fixed to the boat hull. The insert strip has a lengthwise slot which is configured to mate with a series of retainer elements attached about the perimeter of the cover. Each retainer element has a portion configured to be received in the insert strip slot and locked thereto by being turned sideways. In one embodiment, the retainers have a flattened pin which can be pushed into the insert strip slot and turned, a larger head portion thereby fit to a larger interior section of the slot to be locked therein. In another embodiment the retainer elements each have a pair of spread projections which are compressed together to be able to be pushed in through the slot entry section and which spring apart in the interior slot section, to be locked therein. A threaded pin can be advanced between the projections to produce a positive spreading of the projections.

Abstract: A repeat interval, the number of encoding and the number of excitations are set in a processor by inputting from a keyboard before the start of image acquisition. The image acquisition duration is calculated using these set parameters, and the value corresponding to the image acquisition duration is set in a timer. The timer performs down-counting during image acquisition. A remaining image acquisition duration generated from the timer is displayed on a display and/or is output as voice signals from a voice output unit. Informing the patient of the time remaining until completion of image acquisition reduces the patient's anxiety and thus reduces motion artifacts.