Watercraft Alarm Or Indicating Systems Patents (Class 340/984)
  • Publication number: 20140180566
    Abstract: Described herein is a technology for facilitating complex event processing for moving objects. In some implementations, data associated with moving objects is received from multiple data sources. One or more constraints associated with an event-of-interest are determined. The event-of-interest that satisfies the one or more constraints is detected based on the data. A notification of the detected event-of-interest may then be sent. For purposes of illustration, some specific complex event processing scenarios based on maritime vessels have been presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the present framework.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: SAP AG
    Inventor: Baljeet Singh MALHOTRA
  • Patent number: 8754787
    Abstract: There is proposed a marine security system which comprises at least two different monitoring elements (IRC, IRS) and a controller (PC) connected thereto in particular for warding off pirates, said controller triggering an alarm and/or activating alarm devices as a function of the displays or outputs of the different monitoring elements. In addition, at least two separate line or conduit systems (LA, LB) and outlets (DA, DB) connected thereto are provided, from which at least one substance can be discharged. In the event of an alarm, at least one substance is specifically supplied to the outlets (DA, DB), wherein said outlets are installed in different locations or sections (A1-A5, B1-B5) of the hull (S) and can be specifically activated there. The outlets (DA, DB) may also have different designs in order to optimally discharge the respective substance, for example by atomizing, nebulizing, spraying or pouring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: LexGabinia UG
    Inventors: Sven Furus, Jan-Hendrik Stroher
  • Patent number: 8749391
    Abstract: There is provided a fall detection system, comprising one or more sensors for monitoring the movement of a user of the fall detection system and for generating corresponding signals; means for determining a threshold from one or more measurements of the physical condition of the user; a processor for analyzing the signals to identify a fall by the user; analyzing the signals to identify a period of inactivity of the user following the fall; and comparing the length of the period of inactivity of the user with the threshold to determine the severity of the fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventors: Ingrid Christina Maria Flinsenberg, Warner Rudoph Theophile Ten Kate
  • Patent number: 8742953
    Abstract: A marine fuel system and method includes receiving a fuel level signal from a fuel level sensor for a marine fuel tank on a marine vessel and discriminating between condition A comprising an increase in the true amount of fuel in the fuel tank above a given level, and condition B comprising a transient increase in the level of fuel in the fuel tank above the given level due to vessel movement, which may include movement due to waves, rough water, people moving on the vessel, and so on, while the vessel is stationary at a dock or filling station and being re-fueled. An alert signal is output in response to condition A and not to condition B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew W. Snyder, Aaron J. Ward
  • Patent number: 8711009
    Abstract: Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) collect and transmit information about ice floes with respect to their areal extent, vertical underwater profile, thickness, density, location, speed, direction and other properties to determine the possible trajectory of the ice floe. This information is used to alert drilling platforms in icy ocean conditions of pending ice floe dangers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
    Inventors: Rolf Christer Broman, Dom P. Berta, Khalid A. Soofi
  • Patent number: 8674854
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a traffic control apparatus and method. The traffic control apparatus includes a navigation route database (DB) for storing navigation routes of a vehicle for respective navigational situations. A vehicle situation information collection unit collects current navigational situation information of the vehicle. A preferred route extraction unit extracts a preferred navigation route of the vehicle corresponding to the collected current navigational situation information from the navigation route DB. A predicted route estimation unit estimates a predicted navigation route of the vehicle based on the extracted preferred navigation route with reference to a traveling state of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Byung-Gil Lee, Jong-Wook Han, Hyun-Sook Cho
  • Patent number: 8674853
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for automatic distress alerting at sea. The method comprises detecting a distress situation by the sensors, sending a distress signal to the processor device, initiating an alarm for a pre-defined time, confirming the detected distress situation by a responsible officer, sending a distress alert package generated by the processor device through a main transmitter device to several satellites and to the terrestrial stations, informing nearest maritime search and rescue coordination centers after receiving the distress alert package and sending one or more rescue teams to a location based on a data provided in the distress alert package. If the alarm is detected to be false by the responsible officer then the distress alert is removed and alarm is activated if the responsible officer neither confirms nor denies the distress situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventors: Mohammad Mahdavi Gorabi, Reza Hossein Ghobakhloo, Ebrahim Aminizadeh
  • Patent number: 8643509
    Abstract: A method is described for providing an alert when the motion of a ship indicates a potential of sloshing damage from liquid cargo being transported by the ship. The method includes calculating, with a processing device, a natural period for the tanks holding the liquid cargo based on the configuration and fill levels of the tanks, receiving, at the processing device, data describing the actual or predicted motion of the ship with respect to three orthogonal axes, determining, with the processing device, a proximity of the natural period of the tanks to a period defined by the actual or predicted motion of the ship, and providing an alert to a user if the proximity in periods is within a threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Henry Chen, Jonathan David Elkin, Lang Deng, Willie Z. Cheng, Philip J. Ballou, John R. Murk, Joel S. Meltzner
  • Patent number: 8634970
    Abstract: An apparatus for vessel traffic management mounted in a vessel creates vessel sailing information including a current location and an identifier of the vessel in accordance with a navigation plan to a destination of the vessel; calculates an estimated time for arriving at the destination based on a distance between the current location and the destination and a sailing speed; and calculates an estimated entry time of entering a target area within the destination based on a distance between the current location and the destination and the sailing speed. The vessel sailing information, the estimated arrival time, and the estimated entry time are transmitted to a local control center, and the sailing of the vessel is controlled using a vessel traffic condition at the target area, provided from the local control center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Hyung Kyu Lee, Byung-Gil Lee
  • Patent number: 8618940
    Abstract: There is disclosed a flotation device such as a life vest or inflatable raft for keeping a user afloat when in water, the flotation device comprising a light source attached to the flotation device, a water activated switch, wherein the light source is illuminated when the water activated switch is submersed in the water, and a control panel mounted to an outer surface of the flotation device and comprised of at least one user activated switch, wherein the light source is extinguished when the user activated switch is depressed, the control panel having instructions printed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: The Flewelling Ford Family Trust
    Inventors: Timothy D. F. Ford, Stephane Gascon
  • Patent number: 8614633
    Abstract: A hazard assessment and strategy formulation system and method for a vessel may comprise a hazard assessment element receiving alarms and/or data for assessing the type and severity of a hazard, a plurality of models for modeling different hazards, and a strategy formulation element for formulating a strategy of tasks for responding to the type and severity of hazard represented by the hazard assessment, wherein the strategy formulation element and one or ones of the plurality of models are in communication. Tasks may be communicated for implementation, for display or for implementation and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Lear, Charles C. Nwadi, Jessica M. Lockhart, John J. Curry, III, Pamela Gilliam, Nicholas D. Longo, Michael A. Matyasik, Timothy M. Bearer
  • Publication number: 20130300588
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a display, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device performs communication with a remote control system. The system comprises a control head, a shift actuator, and a throttle actuator. The head designates a shift position and a throttle opening. The shift actuator drives a shift mechanism in accordance with the shift position. The throttle actuator drives the throttle mechanism in accordance with the throttle opening. The communication device receives at least one of the shift position, the throttle opening and ID data of malfunction in the system. The controller causes the display to display the shift position, the throttle opening, or the type or cause of the malfunction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Masayuki KUGA
  • Patent number: 8564456
    Abstract: A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: James R. Selevan
  • Publication number: 20130271301
    Abstract: A marine vessel electronic display system includes a first display station that can include a mode selector for permitting selection of a first mode of operation and a processing system causing displays in the first display station to present information related to the selected first mode of operation. The marine vessel electronic display system may include a second display station that can include a mode selector for permitting a user to select a second mode of operation different from the first mode of operation and a processing system causing a display in the second display station to present information related to the selected second mode of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: GARMIN SWITZERLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Darrin W. Kabel, Engelhard B. Sundoro
  • Patent number: 8531316
    Abstract: In at least one exemplary embodiment, an autonomous onboard monitoring and communications system for watercraft is disclosed. The autonomous onboard monitoring and communications system may include a processor, at least one system console, a plurality of sensors configured to monitor operating and environmental conditions aboard the watercraft, a system application including a plurality of software logic service modules configured to facilitate communication between the plurality of sensors and the system console, an analytic engine configured to analyze data so as to determine the existence of an event, and a plurality of communications interfaces for directly communicating with remote targeted recipients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas F. Velado, Fernando A. Velado
  • Publication number: 20130215272
    Abstract: The invention concerns a maritime anti-piracy system, for the recognition of suspect watercrafts around one or more co-operating ships to be protected. The system includes a shore-based control system having one or more centres, geographically distributed, with shore sensors for detecting watercrafts surveillance data. The system also includes a central station for collecting and elaborating watercrafts surveillance data and a bi-directional communication network between the one or more centres and the central station, in such a way that the central station be able to send commands to the shore-based sensors. The system also includes a communication system between the one or more centres and the one or more co-operating ships to be protected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SELEX SISTEMI INTEGRATI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Michele Fiorini, Giovanni Graziano, Alberto Rulli, Paolo Bodo di Albaretto
  • Publication number: 20130214942
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems, methods and apparatus for member or man overboard detection, tracking and recovery used for analyzing conditions on and/or around a ship or vessel located on a body or water. The member overboard detection, tracking and recovery system generally includes the ship, members of the ship, transmitting device, a ship based member overboard detection system, a member overboard (when in the detection, tracking and recovery mode), and an overhead receiving and communication system. The member overboard detection, tracking and recovery system may also include a marking/tracking device, and/or a recovery craft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Howard Joss
  • Patent number: 8508382
    Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: John C. Novak
  • Patent number: 8497768
    Abstract: Disclosed is an antitheft, emergency system for a vehicle. The system may include a system activation switch, at least one emergency switch, an engine shutoff element connected to the engine, and an emergency transmitter. The at least one emergency switch may trigger the engine shutoff element to render the engine inoperational and may simultaneously, covertly trigger an emergency transmitter to transmit a distress signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8482405
    Abstract: The invention is a health monitoring system that determines the spine stress dose value for an individual on a high speed boat. The boat can produce impact injury from whole-body vibration embedded with multiple shocks. The system includes an RFID tag; a GPS; a display; a RFID reader; a multi-axis sensor unit that is an accelerometer which enables the determination of impact, vibration and shock, impact and vibration; and a central data acquisition apparatus. The apparatus includes processors in communication with the GPS, the sensor unit, and the RFID reader. The apparatus samples the RFID reader frequently, confirming the status of all individuals having RFID tags as being onboard or overboard. An application records a GPS location and time if an individual is overboard, and generates a course to the GPS location. The display illustrates a ride roughness graphically, in terms of injury potential at a particular speed and heading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric C. Pierce, Jeffery Blankenship, Brian L. Price, Eric Tuovila, Ronald S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 8390468
    Abstract: A method for collecting and recording external environment data in emergency situation for aircraft and watercraft is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes several modules which collects and records external environment data. At the same time the data and the emergency signal is also sent to control tower in order to help the rescue team. The emergency information system may also be used to replace the ‘black box’ if the voyage data transmitted to the “black box” is also transmitted to the emergency information system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Dongning Yang, Jinmao Yang
  • Patent number: 8368560
    Abstract: There is provided an automated warning system which includes a receiver/controller, an actuator, one or more relays electrically connected to both the receiver and the linear actuator, a flag holder and a mechanical linkage connecting the linear actuator to the flag holder such that movement of the linear actuator causes the flag holder to move between raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Walter Dea McDonald
  • Patent number: 8358223
    Abstract: The vessel control device disclosed herein comprises a channel-mounted, spring-loaded eyebolt that trails a floating line. It also embodies a latch mechanism, a cable release device and an electrical switch. By the action of grabbing the line the man overboard victim (MOB) can stop the vessel by himself; then use the line to reboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventors: James B. Read, Abbie Ann Read
  • Patent number: 8321080
    Abstract: In engine temperature display device for a watercraft, an engine temperature data value is calculated based on a detection signal of a temperature of an engine of an outboard motor. The engine temperature data value is sent to an engine state display device installed in a watercraft by a LAN. A control portion of the engine state display device computes the engine temperature data value based on a plurality of threshold temperatures of a standard engine model stored in a nonvolatile memory, and converts the data value into a display data for indicating a temperature level among a plurality of temperature levels. The display data is displayed on a display device on the watercraft. An engine temperature data value calculating and sending device computes using a plurality of threshold values on an engine block wall temperature specific to an engine, and sends the appropriately converted engine temperature data value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Bamba
  • Publication number: 20120262307
    Abstract: Cargo controllers are provided to control executions of the cargo container condition monitoring system, wherein the cargo controller is physically located inside a cargo container, wherein the cargo container is sitting on a ship, which, when cruising in midst of sea during the trip, is completely sealed and unable to allow any RF signals to pass through the cargo container; used to control a door of the cargo container, wherein the door can be open when received instructions from the cargo controller; adapted, through an antenna, to send communication signals wirelessly to send recorded information to the goods owner for reporting storage conditions of the cargo container; and used to receive measurements from cargo container condition watchers that are installed inside of the cargo controller, wherein the measurements relate to the storage conditions of the cargo container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: TAI CHEUNG POON
  • Publication number: 20120262308
    Abstract: Systems and Methods for preventing cargo goods from stolen are provided. In one embodiment, a cargo alert system for preventing cargo goods from stolen is provided. In the embodiment, a GPS receiver attached on a vessel, wherein the GPS receiver receives GPS signals in an exposed, open area. Further, the embodiment includes a plurality of GPS receivers inside a cargo contained inside the vessel. The cargo contains a number of sliding doors to facilitate GPS reception. Further, the embodiment is configured to record information to keep track the cargo and the goods within the cargo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: TAI CHEUNG POON
  • Patent number: 8279089
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ellenberger & Poensgen GmbH
    Inventors: James M. Nally, Mark Wise, Robert Lass
  • Patent number: 8264351
    Abstract: A drive assembly has a controller for moving an object. A security reset button initiates and terminates security functions for the system. An alarm is provided. A circuit assembly includes a first circuit for moving the object. The circuit assembly includes a second circuit for generating the alarm in response to unauthorized moving of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Edward L. Nacey
  • Patent number: 8253576
    Abstract: A system for search and rescue includes a rescue beacon including a radiation source to emit radiation, at least a portion of which includes ultraviolet c-band radiation, and an ultraviolet c-band detector to detect the ultraviolet c-band radiation to enable locating of the rescue beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: John George Witzel, Benjamin P. Dolgin, Steven Cotten, Michael Andrew Brennan, Jorge Gutierrez, William Suliga
  • Publication number: 20120188103
    Abstract: A passive security system and personal equipment on vessels is for man over board situations. The personal equipment, prepared for being worn by a crewmember of the vessel, includes a first module (2) integrated into a belt (4); a life jacket (5) folded inside of the first module (2) and attached thereto by at least one strap (6); a second module (8) placed in the interior of the first module (2), connected to the life jacket (5) and configured to inflate the life jacket (5) when it detects a man over board situation. The first module (2) has on its rear part one flap (3) configured to be opened by the life jacket (5) inflating action, allowing the passage thereof to the exterior of the first module (2). It is used as a passive security element for “man over board” situations, to allow an immediate detection of the situation and a fast rescue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: SCIO SOFT, S.L.
    Inventors: Pablo Bermudez Pestonit, Jaime Casals Diaz, Fernando Peña, Richard Duro Fernández, Alejandro Paz López, Gervasio Varela Fernández
  • Patent number: 8179285
    Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus in a marine vessel having a propulsion device includes a key unit arranged to transmit a user authentication code, a first authentication unit disposed apart from the propulsion device, a second authentication unit, and an operation control unit disposed in the propulsion device. The first authentication unit is arranged to receive the user authentication code transmitted by the key unit, execute an authentication process on the user authentication code, and generate a unit authentication code. The second authentication unit is arranged to receive the unit authentication code generated by the first authentication unit and execute an authentication process on the unit authentication code. The operation control unit is arranged to allow operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the second authentication unit does succeed, and prohibit operation of the propulsion device if the authentication by the second authentication unit does not succeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takaaki Bamba
  • Patent number: 8151726
    Abstract: The traphouse safety flag is an electromechanical safety device mounted at the roofline of a traphouse intended to replace the traditional safety cone or cloth flag that is commonly used to indicate to the shooters that the traphouse is occupied and shooting cannot commence. A “no flag” detent position energizes the normal trap shooting control mechanism while indicating to the shooters that the traphouse and personnel are secure. The safety flag obscures the entrance to the traphouse in a shooting position and if the flag is moved out of the no flag detent position for any reason, the trap shooting control mechanism is deactivated and will not accept a launch command from the shooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Jere L. Cossaboom
  • Publication number: 20120038494
    Abstract: The vessel control device disclosed herein comprises a channel-mounted, spring-loaded eyebolt that trails a floating line. It also embodies a latch mechanism, a cable release device and an electrical switch. By the action of grabbing the line the man overboard victim (MOB) can stop the vessel by himself; then use the line to reboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: James B. Read, Abbie Ann Read
  • Publication number: 20120007750
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a system and a method for automatic distress alerting at sea. The method comprises detecting a distress situation by the sensors, sending a distress signal to the processor device, initiating an alarm for a pre-defined time, confirming the detected distress situation by a responsible officer, sending a distress alert package generated by the processor device through a main transmitter device to several satellites and to the terrestrial stations, informing nearest maritime search and rescue coordination centers after receiving the distress alert package and sending one or more rescue teams to a location based on a data provided in the distress alert package. If the alarm is detected to be false by the responsible officer then the distress alert is removed and alarm is activated if the responsible officer neither confirms nor denies the distress situation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Mohammad Mahdavi Gorabi, Reza Hossein Ghobakhloo, Ebrahim Aminizadeh
  • Publication number: 20110304480
    Abstract: An apparatus and system for locating a mooring in a field of moorings is provided. The system includes a receiver either releasably attached to or integrally formed with a mooring, and a remote transmitter. The receiver is configured to include one or more visual and/or audible indicators. In other implementations, the receiver is configured to detect the user's boat when the boat is within a predetermined vicinity of the mooring and automatically activate its indicators in response to the vicinity detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Doria, William Finn
  • Patent number: 8077056
    Abstract: An immobilizer receiver for an outboard motor includes a control unit that is housed in a liquid-tight case and arranged to receive an authentication code, an antenna wire arranged to receive the authentication code, and an answer-back buzzer arranged to provide an indication that the authentication code has been received, which are housed in a recessed section of a housing. A distance from an opening surface to a bottom surface of the recessed section of the housing is arranged such that the antenna wire can receive the authentication code even in a case that a hull is made of metal. Then, the opening surface of the housing is preferably mounted on a vertical or approximately vertical surface of the hull. Therefore, it is possible to secure a receiving function of the antenna wire that is housed on the bottom surface of the recessed section. In addition, the answer-back buzzer is protected against coming in contact with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Eifu Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20110291862
    Abstract: Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV) collect and transmit information about ice floes with respect to their areal extent, vertical underwater profile, thickness, density, location, speed, direction and other properties to determine the possible trajectory of the ice floe. This information is used to alert drilling platforms in icy ocean conditions of pending ice floe dangers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
    Inventors: Rolf Christer BROMAN, Dom P. BERTA, Khalid A. Soofi
  • Patent number: 8022844
    Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Yacht Watchman International, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Knoska, Melvin L. Dalrymple, William D. Williams
  • Publication number: 20110209656
    Abstract: A shallow water anchor is provided. The shallow water anchor comprises a first anchor extension and a second anchor extension axially received by a housing. The first anchor extension is axially received by the second anchor extension such that the first and second anchor extensions are sequentially deployable from the housing using an actuation arrangement. The actuation arrangement is controlled by a control interface that is operable to detect when the shallow water anchor has reached a fully extended state and fully retracted state. The shallow water anchor further includes a biasing compensator that compensates for fluctuations in the overall depth of water the anchor is deployed in due to waves or other anomalies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Gregory Paul Beamer, David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 7999700
    Abstract: An application for a theft prevention system includes a self-contained alarm that secures to a structure of a boat or other vehicle, especially a pleasure craft. The self contained alarm includes a motion detector and a signaling device which is either audible or visual. The signaling device lights and/or sounds responsive to detection of motion by the motion detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen A. Palazzo
  • Patent number: 7994931
    Abstract: A wind gauge display apparatus comprising a control device and a reconfigurable display for displaying a first visual representation of a wind gauge if a wind angle is within a first range and displaying a second visual representation of the wind gauge if the wind angle is within a second range. The angles displayed on the reconfigurable display may be determined by input from a user. On the reconfigurable display, a location of a visual indicator of wind speed may be different in the first visual representation of the wind gauge than in the second visual representation of the wind gauge. The wind gauge display apparatus may also comprise a sensor for determining wind angle and wind speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Garmin Switzerland GmbH
    Inventors: Nathan L. Karstens, Brian K. Feller, Jon Josephson
  • Patent number: 7990263
    Abstract: A method of optimizing the scheduling of ships entering and leaving a harbor, the method comprising the steps of: a. Combining information from an automated identification system about each ship with scheduling information about each ship from a dispatching system to produce a combined ship ID/schedule for each ship; b. Tracking the latitude and longitude of each ship using GPS to produce tracked latitude and longitude of each ship; c. Comparing the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship to existing maps of the harbor; and d. Continually comparing the ID/schedule for each ship with the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship. The alerts are sent whenever the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship does not match the expected latitude and longitude of each ship at a given time. The method tracks and records whenever a pilot embarks or disembarks from a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Beatty Street Properties, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Morrell
  • Publication number: 20110175754
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electronic instrument panel for vehicles consisting of information display that provides on-demand imaging where instruments are not in static, fixed position, but rather change in location, dimension, information presented based on conditions and environment the vehicle is in, and based on user or factory preferences and settings. The display can change colors, be self dimming and offer wide array of telemetry, entertainment, vehicle data, climate control, instrumentation, and powertrain information. The instrument panel will be online through wireless connectivity and provide the occupants real-time on-demand information about the vehicle and its surroundings through electronic display and human voice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Dmitry Karpinsky
  • Publication number: 20110140925
    Abstract: There is provided an automated warning system which includes a receiver/controller, an actuator, one or more relays electrically connected to both the receiver and the linear actuator, a flag holder and a mechanical linkage connecting the linear actuator to the flag holder such that movement of the linear actuator causes the flag holder to move between raised and lowered positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Walter Dea McDonald
  • Publication number: 20110128182
    Abstract: A vehicle position notification apparatus include a main body unit which includes at least a detection unit, an attachment unit and a communication unit; wherein the detection unit detects a body under detection; the attachment unit makes the main body unit adhere to the body under detection detected; and the communication unit transmits position information of the main body unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: ISAO YAMAGUCHI
  • Publication number: 20110102200
    Abstract: There is proposed a marine security system which comprises at least two different monitoring elements (IRC, IRS) and a controller (PC) connected thereto in particular for warding off pirates, said controller triggering an alarm and/or activating alarm devices as a function of the displays or outputs of the different monitoring elements. In addition, at least two separate line or conduit systems (LA, LB) and outlets (DA, DB) connected thereto are provided, from which at least one substance can be discharged. In the event of an alarm, at least one substance is specifically supplied to the outlets (DA, DB), wherein said outlets are installed in different locations or sections (A1-A5, B1-B5) of the hull (S) and can be specifically activated there. The outlets (DA, DB) may also have different designs in order to optimally discharge the respective substance, for example by atomizing, nebulizing, spraying or pouring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: LEXGABINIA UG
    Inventors: Sven Furus, Jan-Hendrik Stroher
  • Publication number: 20110102201
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing and/or keeping afloat of a vessel after an incident like a marine accident, whereby by inflating at least one inflatable element in a subspace of the hold of the vessel by feeding inflating gas into the inflatable element, the inflatable element in its inflated use position is provided with such dimensions that essentially the free air of the subspace is displaced by the inflatable element so that flowing in of water into the hold of the vessel is hampered and/or spreading of fire is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Erik Jeroen Eenkhoorn
  • Publication number: 20110095914
    Abstract: In at least one exemplary embodiment, an autonomous onboard monitoring and communications system for watercraft is disclosed. The autonomous onboard monitoring and communications system may include a processor, at least one system console, a plurality of sensors configured to monitor operating and environmental conditions aboard the watercraft, a system application including a plurality of software logic service modules configured to facilitate communication between the plurality of sensors and the system console, an analytic engine configured to analyze data so as to determine the existence of an event, and a plurality of communications interfaces for directly communicating with remote targeted recipients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: Market Spectrum, Inc.
    Inventors: Fernando A. Velado, Nicholas F Velado
  • Publication number: 20110054785
    Abstract: A digital mapping display and related system for fishing, and other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ProMap Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wesley WOOD, Jeffrey Earl Smith
  • Patent number: 7889100
    Abstract: A Water Friend or Foe System (WFSS) includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in a SIM reader on a marine vessel. A transmitter, which is coupled to the SIM reader, transmits information from the SIM card, as well as positioning information, to a WFFS tracking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Landon C. G. Miller