Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and is prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: A lens for a vehicle light assembly includes at least one ink marking provided thereon. At least a portion of the ink marking is configured such that it appears generally opaque when a light source in the light assembly is not illuminated and does not appear opaque when the light source is illuminated.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing liquid level in a bilge, for use in automatic bilge pump actuation. First and second field effect sensors are potted or sealed within a container or the bilge wall and are aligned in a vertical array and each comprise a substantially planar pattern of “electrodes” or conductive traces disposed on a printed circuit board (PCB) along with integrated circuits used to create a loop or arc-shaped electric field. As bilge liquid rises to the proximity or level of the field effect sensors, a change in the arc-shaped electric field is sensed and, in response, a bilge pump is automatically actuated to pump liquid out of the bilge. Optionally, the pump control can be programmed by use of a microprocessor to permit control of on-off timing and prevent undesirable effects of “sloshing.

Abstract: A pole light system for marine craft, which is easily mounted and dismounted and includes a base receptacle having a keyed socket, and a pole having a light assembly at one end and a plug at the other end which is keyed to be received in the socket, whereby insertion of the pole into the socket is limited to a preselected orientation which will permit the use of wiping, self-cleaning electrical contacts on the pole and receptacle. The light assembly includes a base which is securable to the pole, a planar reflector disposed on the base, a hemispherical Fresnel lens which, together with the reflector, define a volume wherein a light bulb is disposed via a two-part, wire form retainer. The reflector which is generally positioned below the lightbulb, in combination with a hemispherical Fresnel lens, efficiently utilize light emitted from the bulb, so that a lower wattage bulb requiring less energy and producing less heat can be used to achieve a desired illumination in a smaller light assembly.

Abstract: A navigation light assembly for a marine craft includes a base mountable to a deck or other suitable surface of a marine craft, a hemispherical lens which is sealingly attached to an interior wall in the base to form a water-tight space for containing a lightbulb and electrical contacts, and a cap which is attached to the base to securely capture the lens therebetween. A reflector disposed within the water-tight space of behind the lightbulb redirects light outward from the back of the assembly to provide efficient utilization of light emitted from the lightbulb to achieve better visibility of the light from a greater distance using a smaller lightbulb and light assembly. The efficient utilization of light from the lightbulb is further improved by employing a hemispherical Fresnel lens which focuses light along the horizon. The light assembly is easily mounted to the deck and assembled, and is free of exposed fasteners used to attach the assembly to the deck of a marine craft.