Patents by Inventor David C. Shirah, Jr.

David C. Shirah, Jr. has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190225307
    Abstract: An integrated tow system may include one or more unmanned towboat modules that may be used to improve maneuvering of tows on an inland waterway, such as a river. To reduce environmental stresses on operators, a command module that includes control and communications equipment for controlling operation of the unmanned towboat modules may provide living quarters for the operators, but not include a propulsion system for maneuvering a tow. The control and communication equipment may monitor for rotation commands by an operator that exceed rotational capabilities of the unmanned towboat modules, and provide for non-linear controls that include changing position of a rotational point that is centrally located longitudinally along the tow so as to provide for 1:1 rotational control of the tow by a tow drive system (e.g., bow and stern unmanned towboat modules). River tracking and river parking features may be supported by the control and communications equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Jan Mikalsen, Kjell Erik Larsen, David C. Shirah, Jr.