Patents by Inventor Derek L. Hine

Derek L. Hine 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).

  • Patent number: 11685494
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Patent number: 11453466
    Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 11192621
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20210269135
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Patent number: 11027810
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Publication number: 20200283104
    Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20200172218
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 10640180
    Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 10549832
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20190359305
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Patent number: 10315746
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Publication number: 20190118920
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Joseph D. Rizzi, Kurt A.F. Kiesow, Robert Burcham, William A. Stutz
  • Publication number: 20190106187
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2018
    Publication date: April 11, 2019
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 10150545
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Joseph D. Rizzi, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, Robert Burcham, William A. Stutz
  • Patent number: 10150546
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Patent number: 10041466
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a) a first component which is a float that travels on or near the water surface; b) a second component which is wave actuated and travels below the first component; and c) a means whereby the first component engages the second component and/or the second component engages the first component; wherein the engagement means provides lateral support of one component for the other, and thereby minimizes lateral movement of one against the other when the components are fitted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LIQUID ROBOTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20180134359
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Patent number: 9789944
    Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, William A. Stutz, Graham Hine
  • Publication number: 20170291671
    Abstract: This disclosure provides improved nautical craft that can travel and navigate on their own. A hybrid vessel is described that converts wave motion to locomotive thrust by mechanical means, and also converts wave motion to electrical power for storage in a battery. The electrical power can then be tapped to provide locomotive power during periods where wave motion is inadequate and during deployment. The electrical power can also be tapped to even out the undulating thrust that is created when locomotion of the vessel is powered by wave motion alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine
  • Publication number: 20170225758
    Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Applicant: Liquid Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Hine, Derek L. Hine, Joseph D. Rizzi, Kurt A. F. Kiesow, III, Robert Burcham, William A. Stutz