Patents by Inventor Eric Nofsinger
Eric Nofsinger 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: 20260028112Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. The electrical control system includes a control mechanism integrated with the steering wheel and/or throttle of the marine vessel and operates independently of the main propulsion and steering systems of the marine vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2025Publication date: January 29, 2026Inventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Patent number: 12434805Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2024Date of Patent: October 7, 2025Assignee: LIQUID PROPULSION, LLCInventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Publication number: 20250269948Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/driver units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each driver (e.g., propeller or impeller) of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2025Publication date: August 28, 2025Inventors: Robert Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, Kaulin Curtis
-
Patent number: 12336066Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, detecting, measuring, altering, optimizing, and/or modifying electrical power delivered to a power consuming device. The power consuming device can be a light, speakers, fans, motors, any household electronic appliance, or other power consuming device. Also disclosed are light assemblies including a first plurality of strings of red LED lights, a second plurality of strings of green LED lights, and a third plurality of strings of blue LED lights (e.g., SMD LEDs). The light assembly also includes a driver configured to intermittently supply power from a power source to the red LED lights, green LED lights, and blue LED lights. The light assembly also includes a housing to house the light assembly, the driver, the power source, and a controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2022Date of Patent: June 17, 2025Assignee: LIQUID LUMENS, LLCInventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Jonathan Jensen, Eric Nofsinger
-
Patent number: 12319397Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2024Date of Patent: June 3, 2025Assignee: LIQUID PROPULSION, LLCInventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Publication number: 20240336344Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2024Publication date: October 10, 2024Inventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Publication number: 20240270368Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2024Publication date: August 15, 2024Inventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Patent number: 12006015Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: LIQUID PROPULSION, LLCInventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Patent number: 11827318Abstract: A submersible marine lighting apparatus is provided that includes voltage up-conversion and that is configured to intensify emitted light by reducing a transmission angle of the light through one or more techniques including increasing the distance between the light emitter and an optical lens. The submersible marine lighting apparatus includes a circular base, an LED array positioned in a recess in the base, an optical lens, a lens gasket, and a retaining ring. The lens gasket cooperating with the circular base, optical lens and retaining ring to form a waterproof seal between the circular base and the retaining ring. When attached to a watercraft, the interior of the lighting apparatus is sealed from water.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Liquid Lumens, LLCInventors: K. Ryan Christensen, Eric Nofsinger, Robert D. Christensen
-
Publication number: 20230105448Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring, detecting, measuring, altering, optimizing, and/or modifying electrical power delivered to a power consuming device. The power consuming device can be a light, speakers, fans, motors, any household electronic appliance, or other power consuming device. Also disclosed are light assemblies including a first plurality of strings of red LED lights, a second plurality of strings of green LED lights, and a third plurality of strings of blue LED lights (e.g., SMD LEDs). The light assembly also includes a driver configured to intermittently supply power from a power source to the red LED lights, green LED lights, and blue LED lights. The light assembly also includes a housing to house the light assembly, the driver, the power source, and a controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Jonathan Jensen, Eric Nofsinger
-
Publication number: 20210354803Abstract: A thruster system for improved steering and maneuverability of a marine vessel when operating at relatively low, or wakeless speeds, such as in the vicinity of docks, swimmers or other obstacles, or when trailering, beaching or mooring. The thruster system has a modularized design adapted to independently control separate motor/propeller units located at various positions on the vessel's hull. Each propeller of the modular thruster motor system has its own relatively small, electric motor and mounting bracket, permitting each motor to be separately mounted to a location on the hull of the marine vessel apart from other thruster motors. The thruster system is further enhanced by an electrical control system for controlling each modular thruster motor system of the thruster system. In some embodiments, a charging system is provided that permits each electrical control system to be separately charged from the marine vessel's main battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Inventors: Robert D. Christensen, Martin Johnson, Eric Nofsinger, K. Ryan Christensen
-
Publication number: 20200172212Abstract: A submersible marine lighting apparatus is provided that includes voltage up-conversion and that is configured to intensify emitted light by reducing a transmission angle of the light through one or more techniques including increasing the distance between the light emitter and an optical lens. The submersible marine lighting apparatus includes a circular base, an LED array positioned in a recess in the base, an optical lens, a lens gasket, and a retaining ring. The lens gasket cooperating with the circular base, optical lens and retaining ring to form a waterproof seal between the circular base and the retaining ring. When attached to a watercraft, the interior of the lighting apparatus is sealed from water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2020Publication date: June 4, 2020Inventors: K. Ryan Christensen, Eric Nofsinger, Robert D. Christensen
-
Publication number: 20180362126Abstract: A submersible marine lighting apparatus is provided that includes voltage up-conversion and that is configured to intensify emitted light by reducing a transmission angle of the light through one or more techniques including increasing the distance between the light emitter and an optical lens.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2018Publication date: December 20, 2018Inventors: Ryan Christensen, Eric Nofsinger, Robert D. Christensen
-
Publication number: 20180009513Abstract: A submersible marine lighting apparatus is provided which converts electrical input to 25 or 34 volts and provides optimal underwater illumination. The marine lighting apparatus comprises a plano-convex light-focusing lens that concentrates emitted light into a more focused beam, as well a thermal switch and COB LED.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: Ryan Christensen, Eric Nofsinger