Patents Assigned to Johnson Outdoors Inc.
  • Publication number: 20080173227
    Abstract: A trim tab control system determines current tab position based upon a feedback signal that represents incremental motion of the actuator drive motor. Prior to power down, the current tab position is stored in non-volatile memory, and is retrieved on power up. The control system characterizes the actuator during a learning function by driving the actuator between the upper and lower limit positions and counting the number of increments. The display of tab position is based upon the current tab position count and the number of increments in a full range of motion. Automatic up and down commands cause the actuator to be driven up or down until a stop command is received or a limit position is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Salmon
  • Publication number: 20080169779
    Abstract: A trolling motor control system includes plurality of modules that are connected to a communication bus to transmit and receive data used in controlling operation of a trolling motor. Based upon data transmitted over the bus, trolling motor speed, steering, and trim can be controlled. The modules can include motor controller modules, foot pedal modules, compass and GPS modules, RF modules for wireless control, battery metering modules, diagnostic modules, accessory device driver modules, power trim controller modules, and power steering controller modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Samek
  • Patent number: 7383150
    Abstract: A diving computer is provided. The diving computer includes a computer connected to a dot matrix screen to display information concerning a dive. The computer has an interface to an external personal computer for reprogrammably configuring the information displayed on the screen. The user may customize the information on one or more views of the screen in several ways. The user may select the desired information to be displayed, and may customize the size and placement of the information on one or more views. The diving computer also has a number of pre-programmed displays that may be selected, each of which present different layouts and organizations of diving related information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Angelini, Jan Lichtenberg, Jari Martti Antero Tiira, Zivorad Antonijevic, Riku Ville Tuomas Rauhala, Patrick André Wallimann, Pasi Antero Lahtinen, Thomas Hürlimann, Emmanuel Glauser
  • Patent number: 7380562
    Abstract: An internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne G. Dahulich
  • Patent number: 7381108
    Abstract: A boat control system includes trim tabs mounted on the lower transom of a boat, with an electric trolling motor attached to each tab. The control system controls positioning of the trim tabs within a trim range and within a troll range. If a main engine ignition switch changes from off to on while the trim tabs are within the troll range, the control system automatically moves trim tabs positions out of the troll range, and disables the trolling motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul D. Salmon
  • Patent number: 7310549
    Abstract: A dive computer that includes heart rate monitoring capability is provided. The heart rate monitoring is accomplished by a belt that fits around the diver's chest, and the information is wirelessly transmitted to the dive computer. The heart rate information may be displayed during and after a dive, and the dive computer may selectively utilize the monitored heart rate information to compensate the decompression algorithm based on workload during the dive. The dive computer can also utilize the monitored heart rate information to compensate the decompression algorithm based on workload on the surface before and/or after the dive for no fly and repetitive dive calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Angelini, Jan Lichtenberg, Jari Martti Antero Tiira, Zivorad Antonijevic, Riku Ville Tuomas Rauhala, Patrick André Wallimann, Pasi Antero Lahtinen, Thomas Hürlimann, Emmanuel Glauser
  • Publication number: 20070283953
    Abstract: A diving computer is provided. The diving computer includes a computer connected to a dot matrix screen to display information concerning a dive. The computer has an interface to an external personal computer for reprogrammably configuring the information displayed on the screen. The user may customize the information on one or more views of the screen in several ways. The user may select the desired information to be displayed, and may customize the size and placement of the information on one or more views. The diving computer also has a number of pre-programmed displays that may be selected, each of which present different layouts and organizations of diving related information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Angelini, Jan Lichtenberg, Jari Martti Antero Tiira, Zivorad Antonijevic, Riku Ville Tuomas Rauhala, Patrick Andre Wallimann, Pasi Antero Lahtinen, Thomas Hurlimann, Emmanuel Glauser
  • Publication number: 20070271854
    Abstract: An inflatable air beam having a laceloop assembly affixed thereto, a structure utilizing same and a method of constructing a structure is provided. In the structure, the fabric is laced to a structural support, typically, an air beam to position and properly tension the fabric thereon. The laceloop assembly includes spaced apart adjacent laceloops that are interconnected to secure the fabric panel to the structural support. In practicing the method, the laceloops are passed through fabric panels and through adjacent laceloops to interconnect the adjacent laceloops and secure the fabric panels to the structural support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Wiegand, James G. Reyen
  • Publication number: 20070209694
    Abstract: A wired camping tent providing electric power at a number of electrical receptacles installed therein is provided. The wiring harness delivering the electric power to the receptacles is held within sleeves that are affixed to the main tent covering or fabric. Electric power is provided by a rechargeable battery system, and control of the electric power distribution to the individual outlets is provided by a switch control box. The wired tent includes an accessory support structure at an overhead electrical receptacle installation point, as well as accessory shelves provided in proximity to the other electrical receptacles. An overhead electric fan and light combination accessory may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 13, 2007
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Gooch, Linda Grebe
  • Patent number: 7219681
    Abstract: A tent that includes a swivel portion is disclosed. The tent includes a canopy, a plurality of tent frame components and a swivel portion coupled to at least one of the tent frame components and the canopy. The swivel portion pivots between a relaxed position in which the canopy is in a relaxed state and a tensioned position in which the canopy is in a tensioned state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew H. Hamilton-Jones
  • Publication number: 20070084494
    Abstract: An internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventor: Wayne Dahulich
  • Patent number: 7203131
    Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) for a sonar depth-finding device includes a matrix of pixels, each pixel having a first dimension and a second dimension greater than the first dimension such that a ratio of the second dimension to the first dimension is approximately an integer value greater than one. Pixels in the matrix are configured to be operatively associated by the sonar depth-finding device to define a substantially square combined pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell J. Watt
  • Patent number: 7195526
    Abstract: A trolling motor for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor comprises a head portion, a propulsion unit, a shaft coupling the propulsion unit to the head portion, and a mounting system configured to secure the trolling motor to the watercraft and to pivot the trolling motor between a deployed position and a stowed position. The mount system comprises a base having a first portion adapted to be mounted to the watercraft and a second portion adapted to receive the trolling motor, a pivot member coupled to the base and configured to pivot between the deployed position and the stowed position, and a damper mechanism coupled to the pivot member and configured to impede the movement of the member as the pivot member is being moved between the deployed position and the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Darrel A. Bernloehr, Dale E. Simonson
  • Patent number: 7171980
    Abstract: A valve assembly and a regulator for use therein are disclosed. The valve assembly includes a valve poppet having a first end having a first face and a second end having a second face. The first face has a surface area smaller than the surface area of the second face. The second end of the valve poppet is received in a sealed chamber and a passage provides fluid communication between the inlet of the regulator and the chamber for allowing gas accumulating in the chamber to act on the second face for urging the valve poppet in the closed position without the use of a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sergio A. Angelini, Bela Miklos
  • Patent number: 7140377
    Abstract: A internal support structure for a tent having a shell is disclosed. The internal support structure comprises at least one internal support structure configured to provide structural support to the shell, the internal support structure having a pair of gussets each having a member extending from the gussets. The members are configured to engage the shell and provide structural support to the shell. The internal support structure is disposed adjacent to the shell without occupying space in the middle portion of an internal space defined by the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne G. Dahulich
  • Patent number: 7086914
    Abstract: A modular engine mount (EM) trolling motor/lower unit mounting bracket is provided. The bracket includes a lower mounting EM bracket that is secured to the cavitation plate of a vessel's outboard or I/O. This lower bracket includes a support carriage that supports the trolling motor. It is secured on the bracket by a cap. To accommodate dual trolling motors, a dual bracket is mounted on the lower bracket. This dual bracket includes a central yoke and two lateral support carriages. Caps are then used to secure each of the trolling motors/lower units on the lateral support carriages. In this configuration, the mounting yoke includes a closure structure that mates with the lower bracket to close the trough provided therein. In a tri-motor configuration, this closure structure is not included, and the trolling motor is secured in place on the lower bracket by the central mounting yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Paul Beamer, Wesley Calvin Marcus, Jeffrey L. Crull, John A. Miller
  • Patent number: 7056166
    Abstract: A trolling motor assembly for use with a watercraft is disclosed. The trolling motor assembly comprises a propulsion unit, a steering control unit, a motor tube, and a mount system having a first portion adapted to be mounted to a watercraft and a second portion adapted to support the propulsion unit. The assembly further comprises an orientation system is configured to re-index the trolling motor assembly between a forward troll position and a back troll position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Darrel A. Bernloehr
  • Patent number: D573526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Paul Beamer
  • Patent number: D573685
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley C. Marcus
  • Patent number: D573686
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley C. Marcus