Patents Assigned to Sunstream Corporation
  • Patent number: 11932364
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with rearward and forward lateral beams, left and right side longitudinal side beams, a pair of left side lifting arms, a pair of right side lifting arms supporting at their upper ends left and right side watercraft supports, and left and right side actuators pivotally attached to the left and right side rearward lifting arms. In one embodiment the left side rearward lifting arm and the left side actuator rotate about their pivotal attachments to the longitundinal left side beam in a left side plane, and the right side rearward lifting arm and the right side actuator rotate about their pivotal attachments to the longitundinal right side beam in a right side plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Loern Alan Halverson, Dean Allen Stanford, Kent Bradley Van Olst
  • Patent number: 10293889
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional watercraft cover on a powerboat. A mechanism enables a linear actuator to drive a swing arm up to 180 degrees. The upper end of a two part arm articulates mechanically as the arm moves to reduce vertical elevation while operating. A spring-tensioned elongated roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the elongated roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The mechanism can be attached to the guides of most watercraft lifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Loern Alan Halverson, Dean Allen Stanford
  • Patent number: 10011326
    Abstract: A boat lift with hydraulically or mechanically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat cover on a powerboat. The control logic of the system allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the boat in ‘cover-on’ position. A slip clutch prevents the torsion spring from being over tightened. The forward position of the roller is adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder length. The rearward position of the roller is adjusted by limiting the retracted position of the hydraulic cylinder. A non-hydraulic embodiment actuates the cover when the lift is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Dean Allen Stanford, Loern Halverson
  • Patent number: 9527552
    Abstract: A boat lift with hydraulically or mechanically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat cover on a powerboat. The control logic of the system allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the boat in ‘cover-on’ position. A slip clutch prevents the torsion spring from being over tightened. The forward position of the roller is adjusted by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder length. The rearward position of the roller is adjusted by limiting the retracted position of the hydraulic cylinder. A non-hydraulic embodiment actuates the cover when the lift is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Dean Allen Stanford, Loern Halverson
  • Patent number: 9199705
    Abstract: A free-floating, compact, self-stabilizing, self-monitoring, remote-controlled, shallow-water, solar, high-speed, air displacement watercraft lift constructed of polyethylene tanks, and non-metallic structure. This device provides vertical lifting by inflating 4 or more air tanks at once using a blower for each tank, pushing water out an exit hole on the bottom of each tank. Each tank has an electric valve for filling and another for exhausting air. Pairs of tanks are pivotally connected along the centerline, and pairs of tanks are connected with a union tube inside the axles. A monitoring system fills the air tanks if air leaks. The width of the lift is adjusted by adjusting the center bunk height, or by adding a spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: SUNSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 8911174
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat or other watercraft cover on a powerboat or other watercraft. Control logic allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised, and has a single control for both the lift and cover system. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the watercraft when in a “cover-on” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Harry Millan, Jr., Jeffrey Alan Hart, Loern Alan Halverson
  • Patent number: 8683934
    Abstract: A free-floating, compact, self-stabilizing, self-monitoring, remote-controlled, shallow-water, solar, high-speed, air displacement watercraft lift constructed of polyethylene tanks, and non-metallic structure. This device provides vertical lifting by inflating 4 or more air tanks at once using a blower for each tank, pushing water out an exit hole on the bottom of each tank. Each tank has an electric valve for filling and another for exhausting air. Pairs of tanks are pivotally connected along the centerline, and pairs of tanks are connected with a union tube inside the axles. A monitoring system fills the air tanks if air leaks. The width of the lift is adjusted by adjusting the center bunk height, or by adding a spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 8683912
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder contamination prevention system for preventing large and small contaminants from entering into a hydraulic cylinder, including a hydraulic cylinder rod cover for underwater use with at least one automatic valve for preventing water circulation between the outside environment and the enclosed environment of the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is stationary, egress of water from the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is retracted, and ingress of water into the cylinder rod cover when cylinder is extended, and an external and abrasive cylinder rod scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hey, William J. Setter
  • Publication number: 20130266377
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with hydraulically actuated arms which self-installs a fitted three-dimensional boat or other watercraft cover on a powerboat or other watercraft. Control logic allows for cover operation only when the lift is raised, and has a single control for both the lift and cover system. A spring-tensioned roller keeps the cover tight and self-rolls the cover on the roller when the actuated arms are pivoted forward. The roller is hidden behind the watercraft when in a “cover-on” position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SUNSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Edwards Hey, Harry Millan, JR., Jeffrey Alan Hart, Loern Alan Halverson
  • Publication number: 20130014638
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder contamination prevention system for preventing large and small contaminants from entering into a hydraulic cylinder, including a hydraulic cylinder rod cover for underwater use with at least one automatic valve for preventing water circulation between the outside environment and the enclosed environment of the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is stationary, egress of water from the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is retracted, and ingress of water into the cylinder rod cover when cylinder is extended, and an external and abrasive cylinder rod scrubber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: SUNSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sunstream Corporation
  • Patent number: 8291810
    Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder contamination prevention system for preventing large and small contaminants from entering into a hydraulic cylinder, including a hydraulic cylinder rod cover for underwater use with at least one automatic valve for preventing water circulation between the outside environment and the enclosed environment of the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is stationary, egress of water from the cylinder rod cover when the cylinder is retracted, and ingress of water into the cylinder rod cover when cylinder is extended, and an external and abrasive cylinder rod scrubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hey, William James Setter
  • Patent number: 8069807
    Abstract: The floating drive-on docking system for a watercraft uses a main floatation portion where the watercraft rests when loaded and a pivoting entry portion for creating a low loading angle between the watercraft and the floating drive-on docking system, resulting in only a small amount of propulsion from the watercraft being required to load onto the docking system. The pivoting entry portion has entry features, either rollers or raised bumps, that remain above the waterline when not engaged by the watercraft to keep the loading surfaces free from marine growth that can harm the hull of a watercraft. Wide side guides on the pivoting entry portion assist in positioning the craft for loading onto the docking system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Bryce Morgan Kloster, Kenneth E. Hey
  • Patent number: 7527014
    Abstract: A self-adjusting watercraft canopy/cover assembly having a protective cover and a floating watercraft lift. The lift includes a watercraft lifting support and a float attached to the watercraft lifting support for supporting the watercraft lifting support on a body of water. The float is movable to selectively lift and lower the watercraft lifting support relative to the body of water along a first path of movement. The lift further includes an assembly which causes the protective cover to move along a second path of movement different from the first path in response to movement of the float.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hey, Bryce M. Kloster
  • Publication number: 20080008528
    Abstract: A watercraft lift for raising and lowering a watercraft in water, including a buoyant pontoon, a lifting cradle and at least one pivot arm. The lifting cradle includes at least one air tank and a support bunk configured to receive and support the watercraft. The air tank has an internal chamber configured to receive and release pressurized air. The internal chamber has sufficient internal volume that when sufficient pressurized air is received therein the air tank has sufficient buoyancy to lift the lifting cradle to a raised position with the watercraft out of the water when positioned on the support bunk and that when sufficient pressurized air is released from the internal chamber the air tank loses sufficient buoyancy to sink the lifting cradle to a lowered position sufficiently submerged to receive and deploy the watercraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Applicant: SUNSTREAM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenneth Hey, Bryce Kloster
  • Patent number: 7246970
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with translating bunks supported by a base frame and having rollers mounted to the base frame to initially raises the watercraft upward when driven onto the lift sufficiently to be positioned above the bunks when in their lowered position and thereby permit operation of the lift in water too shallow for use of the bunks by themselves. The rollers are positioned relative to the translating bunks such that when the bunks are in their lowered position and the lift is used in sufficiently shallow water, the watercraft driven onto the lift initially engages the rollers, which lift the watercraft upward above the height when floating in the water and above the height of the bunks. The translating bunks are then used to lift the watercraft off of the rollers and upward to a raised position above the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Hey
  • Publication number: 20060147268
    Abstract: A watercraft lift with translating bunks supported by a base frame and having rollers mounted to the base frame to initially raises the watercraft upward when driven onto the lift sufficiently to be positioned above the bunks when in their lowered position and thereby permit operation of the lift in water too shallow for use of the bunks by themselves. The rollers are positioned relative to the translating bunks such that when the bunks are in their lowered position and the lift is used in sufficiently shallow water, the watercraft driven onto the lift initially engages the rollers, which lift the watercraft upward above the height when floating in the water and above the height of the bunks. The translating bunks are then used to lift the watercraft off of the rollers and upward to a raised position above the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Hey
  • Patent number: 6976442
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus and method that allows the lifting range of a four-bar, ground-based watercraft lift to be adjustable. More particularly, it relates to a ground-based watercraft that that allows for the lifting range of a watercraft support structure to be adjustable relative to the base of a watercraft lift while also maintaining the lift's shallow water functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hey, Bryce Morgan Kloster
  • Publication number: 20050235893
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus and method that allows the lifting range of a four-bar, ground-based watercraft lift to be adjustable. More particularly, it relates to a ground-based watercraft that that allows for the lifting range of a watercraft support structure to be adjustable relative to the base of a watercraft lift while also maintaining the lift's shallow water functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Hey, Bryce Kloster
  • Publication number: 20050139141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering a watercraft with a self-adjusting watercraft cover coupled to a watercraft lift is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 30, 2005
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Hey, Bryce Kloster
  • Publication number: 20050016438
    Abstract: A canopy covering for a watercraft to protect the watercraft from natural elements while allowing a substantial amount of light to be transmitted through the covering so as to not significantly adversely impact the marine habitat below the canopy by light reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Applicant: Sunstream Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth Hey, John Kenley