Patents Examined by Jesús D. Sotelo
  • Patent number: 7438617
    Abstract: A cryogenic transfer system includes: a cryogenic fluid storage and/or processing structure, an off shore loading and/or offloading structure having a base and a reel element rotatable relative to the base around an axis, a transfer duct extending from the fluid storage and/or processing structure to the loading and/or offloading structure, a flexible hose windable around the reel element, connectable with a first end to the duct, and with a second end to a floating structure. The transfer duct includes a first and a second duct, each having an end part at or near the loading and/or offloading structure, the flexible hose being with the first end connectable to the end part of at least the first or the second duct. The loading and/or offloading structure includes lifting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Leendert Poldervaart, Hein Wille, Hein Oomen
  • Patent number: 7438616
    Abstract: A protective cover fits over assorted marine mooring buoys and protects a boat or other such vessel against impact and abrasion from the mooring buoy. The mooring buoy cover is constructed from impact and abrasion resistant materials. The cover includes a dome shaped section that is constructed of an impact resistant material and that is formed so as to fit with a top part of the mooring buoy and a collar section contiguous with the dome shaped section and extending to cover a shackle that is disposed at the top of the mooring buoy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventor: Rhett Nanson
  • Patent number: 7438618
    Abstract: An aquatic flotation device includes an outer covering having a first side and a second side formed of a polymeric sheet and substantially continuously joined together to retain foamed material such that the covering is under tension. The first side and polymeric sheet are each continuously joined along an edge portion interconnecting the first and second sides, e.g., by stitching. The edge portion overlaps an outer surface or edge of the polymeric sheet in finished condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: D&S Toys Company Limited
    Inventor: Ying Lung Lam
  • Patent number: 7438612
    Abstract: A paper tube of a propeller tube 12 is made by winding a single faced corrugated fiberboard 16 in which a wavy corrugating medium 16b is fixed to one side of a flat linerboard 16a so that the corrugating medium 16b is oriented outwards, and the corrugating medium 16b contacts with an inner surface of the propeller tube 12, so as to enhance a vibration controlling function. When winding the single faced corrugated fiberboard 16, since the single faced corrugated fiberboard 16 cannot be wound in a direction oblique to a direction of ridges of the corrugating medium 16b, there are no fears that the shape of the single faced corrugated fiberboard 16 is collapsed to taper axially, thereby it becomes possible to prevent a reduction in vibration controlling function that would otherwise be caused due to a change in the shape of the paper tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Wada, Tohru Iiizumi, Masaki Inoue, Yasushi Sugiura, Takuya Nishikoji
  • Patent number: 7435146
    Abstract: A forward and reverse drive switching device for an outboard motor can include a switching mechanism that is actuated so as to set a propeller to a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode. An actuator can have an electric motor and can serve as a drive source for the switching mechanism. A coupling member can transmit a driving force from the actuator to the switching mechanism to actuate the switching mechanism. The coupling member can include a rod disposed on an axis of the electric motor and can have an end coupled to the switching mechanism with its other end coupled to the electric motor to permit retracting and extending movements of the rod along the axis through the operation of the electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Marine Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Oguma
  • Patent number: 7434534
    Abstract: A trim assembly for a windshield includes a trim piece extendable along an edge of the windshield and a gasket secured within the trim piece and including a first channel for receiving the edge of the windshield and a second channel separate from the first channel. A fastener clip is secured in the second channel of the gasket and includes one part of a releasable fastener. By providing a dedicated channel for receiving the fastener clip, a more secure connection can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Taylor Made Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward J. Erskine, Eric S. Butler, Douglas D. Griffith
  • Patent number: 7434526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a double shell tank ship comprising an outer skin made of steel and an inner shell made of steel, which surrounds the individual holds spaced from the outer skin, wherein outer skin and inner shell are rigidly interconnected by means of vertically and horizontally extending elements. The connecting elements are provided with rated break points or perforations, and the inner shell has been made of a steel comprising high breaking elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Lindenau GmbH
    Inventor: Günter Steen
  • Patent number: 7430979
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for transporting an elongate member through water. The elongate member has a first end portion and a second end portion. The method comprises the steps of: adjusting the buoyancy of the elongate member to ensure that the elongate member is buoyant; providing at least one weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member; and transporting the elongate member through water in an inverted catenary configuration. The elongate member can be transported below the wave affected zone. The or each weight acting on each end portion of the elongate member can be detachably connected thereto. The elongate member can be transported by towing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Subsea 7 BV
    Inventor: Hamish Bissett Baird
  • Patent number: 7431621
    Abstract: A drive shaft supporting structure for a small boat is provided which permits simplification of a hull and for which manufacturing productivity is increased. The drive shaft supporting structure includes a shaft-supporting member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft inside of a hull, and an elongate cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve is arranged between the shaft-supporting member and a hull opening which permits penetration of the drive shaft through the hull. The drive shaft supporting structure is configured in such a manner that a front end portion of the cylindrical sleeve is connected to the shaft-supporting member and a rear end portion of the cylindrical sleeve is connected to the hull opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Hiroshi Iwakami, Tadaaki Nagata, Takayoshi Miura, Jo Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7426896
    Abstract: Personal watercraft systems are described. The personal watercraft systems include a housing for supporting a water jet engine system. The housing has a pickle fork shaped hull for operation enjoyment. A pair of sponsons is removably attachable to the housing to facilitate breakdown of the watercraft system assembly into more easily transportable components. A cowling is disposed in the housing about the water jet engine system for forming a water jacket about the engine. A support is attached to the housing to support a torso area of an operator. A seal is disposed between the support and the housing for sealing the interface therebetween and absorbing impacts. A steering mechanism is connected to the personal watercraft system for allowing an operator to control the personal watercraft systems direction of travel. The steering mechanism is located below the support for preventing inadvertent operator contact therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Bomboard LLC
    Inventor: John H. West
  • Patent number: 7424858
    Abstract: There is provided a rudder angle sensor that is attached to a steering shaft for measuring an absolute angle of the steering shaft and includes: a coarse signal measuring mechanism and a fine signal measuring mechanism which measure a rotation angle of the steering shaft which rotates a predetermined number of times, the coarse signal measuring mechanism outputting a coarse signal and the fine signal measuring mechanism outputting a fine signal; and a calculating mechanism which calculates the absolute angle of the steering shaft based on coarse signal measurement data and fine signal measurement data converted from the coarse signal and the fine signal respectively, wherein the calculating mechanism is constituted by including an abnormal data detecting and eliminating unit which detects and eliminates abnormal data deviating from a predetermined range from the measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Toyo Denso Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Matsuda, Yoshinori Iwaki, Osamu Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7415935
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system adapted for sailors in order to determine the air flow conditions around one or more sails, in conjunction with which both sides of the sails are equipped with a number of ultrasonic sensors that are distributed over the surface and communicate the flow conditions in their vicinity to a central unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Wings AB
    Inventor: Stefan Witte
  • Patent number: 7412941
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lifeboat disengagement system for supporting and releasing a twin fall lifeboat, the system comprising a single lifeboat release assembly and a pair of hook assemblies for releasable engagement with a corresponding pair of lifting links. The lifeboat disengagement system includes an engaged configuration wherein the lifting links are secured by the hook assemblies, and a disengaged configuration wherein the lifeboat release assembly is employed to release the lifting links from the hook assemblies simultaneously. The lifeboat disengagement system provides positive locking under load including a load over center design such that a load of the lifeboat is in line with a center of hook rotation, thereby preventing the hook from opening inadvertently and eliminating the need for a hydrostatic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Survival Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Mora, Sidney Medley, Russell Tuckerman, Roger Lopez
  • Patent number: 7412940
    Abstract: An assembly including a boat and a cover. The cover covers and protects the boat. The boat is provided with one or more covered portion, and one or more uncovered portion. The cover includes a protective covering, and a boot. The protective covering defines a tolerance cut out adapted to receive a portion of the one or more uncovered portion when the protective covering is covering the object. The tolerance cut out has a length, a width and a perimeter. The boot is provided with an upstanding material flange, and a sealing system. The upstanding material flange extends about the perimeter of the tolerance cut out so as to define an opening aligned with the tolerance cut out, the upstanding material flange extends upwardly from the protective covering. The sealing system is positioned upstream of the tolerance cut out and on the upstanding material flange for sealing the upstanding material flange along the length of the tolerance cut out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Westland Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter T. Kemmer, Jerry W. Kimball, Michael T. Welch
  • Patent number: 7409921
    Abstract: A sea perch apparatus includes a platform configured to be located between a pair of spaced-apart sea perch support members located along a side or end of a boat. The platform is designed to be elevated so as to be in an upright position between the sea perch support members and lowered so as to be in a horizontal lower position near a waterline in which the boat is flowing when in the water. The platform serves as a guardrail between the sea perch support members, and when the platform is in the lower position, it serves as a swimming dock, tanning deck and further serves to facilitate easier embarking and disembarking to and from another boat. The platform is transformable into a seat when upright with arm rest. When upright, it is locked in place on either side of the upper side of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Robertson & Gaine (Pty) Ltd.
    Inventor: Clinton Jones
  • Patent number: 7410396
    Abstract: An amphibious vehicle has retractable road wheels to allow planing over water. Power to the road wheels is disconnected automatically as the wheels are retracted. This may be achieved through a cable attached to a suspension rocker arm to disconnect a dog clutch attached to the input shaft of a differential as the wheels are retracted; and vice versa. The system may be fitted to a steered axle or to any suitable retractable suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Gibbs Technologies Ltd
    Inventors: Simon James Longdill, Hans Weekers, Stephen John Briggs
  • Patent number: 7409920
    Abstract: A boat hull is provided that has a substantially seamless construction wherein the boat hull is an integral monolithic structure. In the formation of the boat, the boat interior components for example deck precursors are positioned in the mold prior to formation of the hull so that the boat hull can be made in a one shot molding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Tracker Marine, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert F. Mataya, Tommy Morphis
  • Patent number: 7406923
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a substantially cylindrical element, at least one strake element about a circumference of the cylindrical element, wherein at least one of the strake elements are closed and comprise a thickness measured in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the cylindrical element less than two times an outside diameter of the cylindrical element, and wherein the strake elements operate to reduce the vibration of the cylindrical element when the cylindrical element is subjected to a fluid current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Donald Wayne Allen, Dean Leroy Henning, Joe Henry Haws
  • Patent number: 7406922
    Abstract: Disclosed is a spoiler anchoring sail that counters the swinging and jerking of a sailboat during anchoring or mooring, thereby providing a convenient, comfortable and secure environment to sailors. The anchoring sail comprises a first wing, a second wing attached to the first wing at a common edge, and a spoiler attached to the first wing and the second wing at the common edge. The spoiler, the first wing and second wing are oriented in a manner, such that, an angle between the spoiler and first wing and an angle between the spoiler and second wing is greater than or equal to about an angle between the first wing and second wing. The first wing and the second wing cause dihedral effect and the spoiler is capable of cutting off wind to one side of the anchoring sail, while channeling the wind to other side of the anchoring sail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Jess Gregory
  • Patent number: 7404749
    Abstract: A sports board comprises a foam core with a top surface, a bottom surface and edge surfaces. A top layer is heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. The top layer has a first plastic film having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first adhesive resin film has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the first plastic film and the bottom surface heat laminated to the top surface and edge surfaces of the foam core. A bottom layer is heat laminated to the bottom surface of the foam core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Wah Kan Cheung