Patents by Inventor James W. Dolfi

James W. Dolfi 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).

  • Automatic pilot for sailboat
    Patent number: 4597349
    Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for a sailboat automatic pilot comprised of a rotatable drum connected to a compass member, the drum having a series of light-reflective and light-absorbent stripes. A light source located adjacent to the drum illuminates the drum surface. A pair of light detectors provide signals to circuits which detect the transition between the light-reflective and light-absorbent stripes and determine the direction of rotation of the drum to provide corrective signals to a steering actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1986
    Inventor: James W. Dolfi