Patents Examined by Edwin Swinehart
  • Patent number: 9630685
    Abstract: A floating construction (1, 11) includes a vessel (2, 12) partially or fully filled with water and with transparent walls or with walls including transparent sections, and space (3, 5, 6) provided around or partially around the vessel, where the vessel includes at least one opening allowing the surrounding water to enter into the vessel, wherein the space (3, 5, 6) provided around the vessel (2, 12) is enclosed to provide interior observation area for activities taking place inside the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: WATERBOX OY
    Inventor: Evgeny Lykov
  • Patent number: 9623937
    Abstract: A variety of multi-use, configurable watercraft is disclosed. A first type of watercraft used in a first water-based activity may be used as a component in a second type of watercraft used in a second water-based activity. For example, a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) may be used for paddle boarding, and then converted into a kayak, sailboat, catamaran, motorboat, or other type of vessel by adding one or more components to the SUP. In one embodiment, two paddleboards are used to construct a variety of multi-hull watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Inventors: John David Moffat, III, Kasey Campbell
  • Patent number: 9616979
    Abstract: An open ended enclosure with a top, sides, and a bottom, where the sides and the bottom form an interior enclosed space. A buoyant device and an inflatable device are provided, where the buoyant device and the inflatable device are connected to form a combination and where the combination is connected with the top of the open ended enclosure. The sides connect the top and the bottom and the sides form a flexible wall and where the flexible wall consists of a combination of at least three layers, a first, outer, layer, a second, middle, layer and a third, inner, layer. The third layer is connected to the second layer and the second layer is connected to the first layer, and, further, the first layer is a water impervious layer, the second layer is a bioelectrical blocking layer and the third layer is a sound emission blocking layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: Erich K. Ritter
  • Patent number: 9610816
    Abstract: A collapsible, inexpensive and lightweight vehicle powered by an engine for movement over frozen bodies of water. In one embodiment, an internal combustion engine, a kayak and a drive system assembly comprising detachable studded wheels is detachably connected to a collapsible chassis. The vehicle provides transport across frozen bodies of water and the kayak provides buoyancy sufficient to support the vehicle and a passenger should the ice collapse underneath the vehicle. The vehicle thus provides fast, convenient and safe transport across frozen bodies of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventors: Kirk J. Matson, Isolde Lise Matson
  • Patent number: 9604710
    Abstract: A catamaran lifting apparatus is disclosed for lifting objects in a marine environment. The apparatus includes first and second vessels that are spaced apart during use. A first frame spans between the vessels. A second frame spans between the vessels. The frames are spaced apart and connected to the vessels in a configuration that spaces the vessels apart. The first frame connects to the first vessel with a universal joint and to the second vessel with a hinged connection. The second frame connects to the second vessel with a universal joint and to the first vessel with a hinged or pinned connection. Each of the frames extends upwardly in an inverted u-shape, providing a space under the frame and in between the barges that enables a marine vessel to be positioned in between the barges and under the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jon Khachaturian
  • Patent number: 9604705
    Abstract: A collapsible anchor including a first shank, a second shank configured to be detachably coupled to the first shank, and at least one fluke configured to be hingedly coupled to the first and second shanks. The fluke is configured to move between a stowed position and a deployed position. The collapsible anchor also includes a first vane configured to be hingedly coupled to the first shank and a second vane configured to be hingedly coupled to the second shank. The collapsible anchor also includes at least one stop configured to limit rotation of the first and second vanes relative to the first and second shanks. When the first and second vanes and the at least one fluke are hingedly coupled to the first and second shanks, the first vane extends in a first direction and the second vane extends in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Inventors: John S. Stupakis, Steve J. Stupakis
  • Patent number: 9592887
    Abstract: A watercraft includes a hull provided with a stern compartment inside the hull, the compartment being closed at least on the bottom by a movable portion of a stern platform arranged at one end of the compartment itself which opens up astern of the watercraft, wherein the movable portion can be lowered relative to the hull into the water where the watercraft is floating. The movable portion of the stern platform shifts with a translational motion along the hull without moving away therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: FERRETTI S.P.A
    Inventor: Andrea Frabetti
  • Patent number: 9586653
    Abstract: A canopy assembly for a marine vessel having at least two U-shaped canopy support members each removably coupled to a first side section and a second side section of a marine vessel, a cover coupled to the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, with an upper surface providing a water barrier to, and in an overlapping relationship with, an upper surface of a bow of the marine vessel, spanning from the first and second ends of each of the at least two U-shaped canopy support members, and having a cover zipper assembly with a plurality of teeth. The assembly also includes a track zipper assembly having a plurality of teeth removably interlocked with the plurality of teeth of the cover zipper assembly to form a joint contouring a portion of the marine vessel that includes the first and second side sections and the fore section of the marine vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Eyal Waters
  • Patent number: 9586451
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle, in particular military, amphibious vehicle, includes a first end region (2) and a second end region (3) opposite the latter in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The first end region (2) is designed as a land driving front and the second end region (3) is designed as a ship's bow for water travel. In a method for operating an amphibious vehicle (1), the main travel direction of the amphibious vehicle (1) is reversed upon transfer between land travel and water travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KRAUSS-MAFFEI WEGMANN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Rudiger Baus, Harald Bachmann
  • Patent number: 9586663
    Abstract: There is provided an intake apparatus of an engine for an outboard motor. An intake manifold, a throttle body and an intake silencer box are arranged at one of right and left sides of an engine block which is configured such that an axial direction of a cylinder coincides with a front and rear direction of the outboard motor. An intake duct communicating with an intake introduction port provided at an upper part of an engine cover is coupled to an upstream end of the intake silencer box. A first water separation part is arranged between the intake introduction port and the intake duct. A second water separation part is provided below a duct part of the intake duct. The second water separation part is formed by providing a drain hole at a bottom part of a resonator chamber part communicating with the duct part to reduce an intake noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masatoshi Kinpara, Akinori Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 9573660
    Abstract: A traction system (11; 60) for operating lines (18), in particular mooring lines and/or riser lines, of a vessel (1), includes at least two work stations (26) distributed along at least two sides of the vessel (1) and engaged by respective operating lines (18). The traction system includes a main traction device (14; 15, 17; 15A, 17) and a transmission device (36) having a duty line (28) connected to the main traction device and at least one guide member (24) for selectively routing the duty line (18) to each work station (26) for attachment to a respective operating line (18). A line storing space (22; 42, 44) is provided for storing parts of the duty line and/or hauled in moorings lines; the main traction device, the transmission device and the line storing space are placed together at or near a side of the floating production unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: SBM SCHIEDAM B.V.
    Inventor: Michiel Giovanni Mol
  • Patent number: 9573666
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices for stabilizing floating structures and systems and methods utilizing such stabilization devices. Some embodiments of the stabilization device include a fabric material having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration of the fabric material may form a column of the fabric material. The column of fabric material may define an internal volume. The front end of the column of fabric material may be closed, and the back end of the column of fabric material may define an opening for receiving water for filling the internal volume. When filled with water, the stabilization device may improve roll stabilization of a floating structure. The floating structure may be a flotation device of an emergency flotation system, boat, or inflatable raft, for example. The emergency flotation system may be used with aircraft, (e.g., helicopters) to provide stabilization when the aircraft is ditched in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Zodiac Aerosafety Systems
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Rivault
  • Patent number: 9567052
    Abstract: Steering control system for a vessel including set of propulsion units including at least two propulsion units pivotally arranged in relation to the hull of the vessel for generating a driving thrust of the vessel in a desired direction, the control system including a steering control instrument for generating input signals for control of a desired route of the vessel a control unit complex controlling the angular position of the propulsion units, the control unit complex being arranged for receiving input signals from the steering control instrument, which input signals represents a general direction of movement of the vessel and thus a general desired angular position of each propulsion unit the control unit complex furthermore containing a feed forward pivot angle correction control block for each propulsion unit, which feed forward pivot angle correction blocks are arranged to generate desired angular positions of the propulsion units by adding a correction value to the general desired angular position of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignees: AB VOLVO PENTA, CPAC SYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Peter Torrångs, Lennart Arvidsson, Eva Maria Finn, Lina Ingrid Finn, Ebba Maria Finn
  • Patent number: 9555866
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the resilient force (i.e. the force to deform when pressure is added and to return to the original shape when the pressure is removed) of an elastic member or bias member. A large pressure if added in advance to the elastic member or bias member disposed in a preserver body to set the preserver body in a thin and flat state. In an emergency, the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member causes water or air to be sucked into the preserver body. The volume of the preserver body is expanded by the air sucked in due to the resilient force of the elastic member or bias member or by gas generated by a chemical reaction between the sucked-in water and a foaming agent. The increased volume causes the preserver body to float, thereby enabling a wearer to breathe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Kozo Oshio
  • Patent number: 9556578
    Abstract: A debris collection apparatus for a maritime vessel includes a shroud and a plurality of support structures. Each of the plurality support structures include a boot defining a cavity and configured to be secured to the vessel, a foot sized to fit within the cavity and including a frame having a rotatably mounted first universal swivel, a staff cap including a staff cap terminal having a rotatably mounted second universal swivel rotatably, a stabilizer base configured to be secured to the vessel and including a body having a rotatably mounted third universal swivel, an elevational staff section removably connected to the first universal swivel and staff cap terminal, and a horizontal staff section removably connected to the second and third universal swivels. The foot is inserted into the boot to secure the support structures in a rigid position, and the shroud is connected to both staff caps and the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Clarence F. LaMora, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9550549
    Abstract: A rope cuff including a plurality of shoring lines attached to an interior surface and covered with an interior flap formed from a material with a high coefficient of friction is provided. The shoring lines are braided around a mooring line to serve as a chafe guard and the interior flap frictionally engages the mooring line to maintain both the chafe guard and the cuff in appropriate positions. An adjustable hook and loop strap is attached to the exterior surface of the rope cuff to constrict the cuff around the mooring line and provide further frictional engagement between the interior of the rope cuff and the mooring line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Fjord, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Ratigan, Michael Ratigan
  • Patent number: 9540079
    Abstract: A dual-directional surfboard comprising a first end, and a second end such that either of said first end or said second end acts as a tail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventor: Joshua Paul Wilbur
  • Patent number: 9533741
    Abstract: The present invention is a stand up paddle board with left and right oars attached to left and right transmissions respectively mounted in the hull of the paddle board. The hull of the paddle board also includes a bow, stern and foot pads upon which the operator stands on. The oars pivot around an oar pivot in a longitudinal direction and paddle arms attached to the oars pivot around an arm pivot in a longitudinal direction. The paddle arms terminate in at a lower at a paddle so that when the operator urges the oars in a rearward and forward motion, the paddle arms pivot around an arm pivot and propel the paddle board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Inventors: Ian Parkinson, Kerri Kelly
  • Patent number: 9522718
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a fixed positively buoyant manned submersible that includes a plurality of vertical thrusters and a sealed enclosure(s) that can support one or more human passengers. The vertical thrusters can include vertically aligned propellers that are coupled to motors that control the rotational velocity of the propellers. The vertical thrusters to generate a negative vertical thrust to allow the submersible to dive within a body of water. Horizontal movement can be achieved through horizontal thrusters or directing the thrust vectoring of the vertical thrusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Hawkes Ocean Technologies
    Inventor: Graham Hawkes
  • Patent number: 9517824
    Abstract: A watercraft kit includes a watercraft and a buoyant removable rear extension optionally connected to a rear of the watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull having a transom and a deck disposed above the hull. The deck is supported by the hull. A propulsion system is operatively connected to an engine for expelling a stream of water rearward of the transom to propel the watercraft. When the removable extension is connected to the rear of the watercraft, the removable rear extension is disposed at least in part rearwardly of the transom. The removable rear extension defines a longitudinal channel. When the removable extension is connected to the rear of the watercraft, the channel receives at least one of at least a portion of the propulsion system, and at least a portion of the stream of water flowing therethrough when the propulsion system is operating to propel the watercraft forwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Pierre Rondeau, Sam Spade, Philippe Petit, Christopher Rudwal, Benoit Larose, Simon Erpelding, Andre Lettre