Abstract: A multiple eye paintball loader motor controller having a container and an outfeed tube to direct paintballs to a marker. Ball sensors are in the loader outfeed tube to predict incoming paintballs and the rate of supply. A controller is connected to the ball sensor to sense the incoming balls to control or adapt the operation of the loader in accordance with the supply rate. Secondary sensors may also be utilized to provide additional information. Secondary sensors may be placed in the outfeed tube, placed to provide supplemental side information, or a combination of these placements. Various placements provide feed rate information and may also detect jammed ball positions in the transition area at the end of the outfeed tube.

Abstract: A technique for adjusting the trim of a dual electric motor marine propulsion system is provided wherein offset or calibration signal levels are determined through a calibration sequence. The propulsion units are driven in a nominal direction, such as through a “straight-ahead” command. An operator adjusts levels of drive signals to the propulsion units to compensate for deviation from the desired navigational direction, such as due to mechanical and electrical tolerances and variations, as well as due to inherent torques or moments associated with the propulsion units. When the system is determined to navigate the craft in the desired direction, the offset or calibration values are stored. The values are then used during later control of the propulsion units as an inherent trim.

Abstract: A technique is provided for steering and navigating a watercraft. The technique provides for dual electric motor propulsion units aft of a transverse centerline of the watercraft. A forward thruster system is provided forward of the transverse centerline. The rear drive units provide components of thrust for navigating the craft through straight-ahead settings and turning settings. The forward thruster system provides additional thrust components for moving the watercraft in a “sliding” direction, and for providing additional turning thrust. The system is particularly well suited to slow-speed navigation, such as for recreational fishing, as well as for close quarters navigation and docking.

Abstract: A propulsion system for watercraft, such as pleasure craft, fishing boats, and so forth, includes a pair of unitary propulsion units driven by electric motors. The units are positioned to create components of thrust, and a net or resultant thrust to navigate the watercraft in response to operator inputs. The propulsion units may be mounted in a stern region of the craft to provide fore-and-aft navigational thrust, as well as thrust for turning the craft as desired. The rotational speeds of the units are adjusted in cooperation to produce the desired navigational thrust. Props of the units may be positioned within integral recesses within the hull, with motors for driving the props positioned within a drive cavity of the hull. The motors may be reversible to further enhance the controllability and maneuverability of the watercraft.

Abstract: A technique for steering a watercraft includes applying drive signals to first and second electric propulsion systems disposed at locations on either side of a longitudinal centerline of the craft. The drive signals power motors of the systems to drive props at corresponding speeds and directions. The props generated components of thrust which combine to provide a net resultant thrust to steer the watercraft. An operator command device receives operator commands, and a control circuit translates the commands to the drive signals to steer the craft in accordance with the operator commands.

Abstract: A trolling motor system comprises a trolling motor having a propeller rotatably driven thereby. The motor is connected to a rotating tube or column mounted to the boat. A control head is mounted at the upper end of the column. A steering motor in the control head controls rotational position of the trolling motor. The control head houses a control circuit for controlling speed of the trolling motor as well as position of the steering motor to steer the boat. A foot pedal is positioned in the boat in proximity to the control head. The foot pedal includes a plurality of user actuable switches for commanding operation of the steering motor and trolling motor. The commands are transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver in the control head. The receiver decodes the commands and transfers the command to the control circuit.

Abstract: A trolling motor system comprises a trolling motor having a propeller rotatably driven thereby. The motor is connected to a rotating tube or column mounted to the boat. A control head is mounted at the upper end of the column. A steering motor in the control head controls rotational position of the trolling motor. The control head houses a control circuit for controlling speed of the trolling motor as well as position of the steering motor to steer the boat. A foot pedal is positioned in the boat in proximity to the control head. The foot pedal includes a plurality of user actuable switches for commanding operation of the steering motor and trolling motor. The commands are transmitted via radio frequency to a receiver in the control head. The receiver decodes the commands and transfers the command to the control circuit.