Patents by Inventor Mikel E. Janitz

Mikel E. Janitz 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: 20090129930
    Abstract: A propeller for a trolling motor has an inner hub and an outer hub. The inner hub is made of a synthetic elastomer so that relative rotational movement between the outer hub and a propeller shaft is permitted. This relative movement dampens the reactive forces during an impact between blades of the propeller and submerged objects, such as weeds. The elastic deformability of the inner hub also reduces noise that can be caused by imbalances contained in the propeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mikel E. Janitz
  • Patent number: 7306496
    Abstract: An apparatus including a trolling motor having at least one operational subsystem and the trolling motor also having an integral electronic controller for controlling the operational subsystem wherein the improvement comprises an integral electronic diagnostic system which will receive diagnostic information from the operational subsystem and will transmit the diagnostic information for reception externally of the trolling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Carmen, Mikel E. Janitz, Justin Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7303595
    Abstract: An assembly for mounting a trolling motor comprising an inventive flexible gripping isolator sleeve positionable around the trolling motor column and a retainer which receives and retains the gripping isolator sleeve in a manner effective for holding the trolling motor column in an operating position. The gripping isolator sleeve is formed and configured in a manner effective for flexing sufficiently to allow the trolling motor to deflect in any direction when impacted and for then automatically returning the trolling motor to its operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Mikel E. Janitz
  • Patent number: 7285029
    Abstract: A support device for a trolling motor is attachable to an arm of the trolling motor to provide a cushion between the arm and a deck surface of a boat. This cushion inhibits bouncing of the arm of the trolling motor in response to a boat traveling over rough water or being trailered from one location to another over roads. The support device is attachable to the arm of the trolling motor without additional fasteners, such as screws or clips. It is also movable to different positions along the length of the arm of the trolling motor, thus allowing more than one support device to be attached to the trolling motor mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Mikel E. Janitz
  • Patent number: 7150662
    Abstract: An improved docking system for a watercraft and a propulsion assembly therefor wherein the docking system comprises a plurality of the propulsion assemblies and wherein each propulsion assembly includes a motor and propeller assembly provided on the distal end of a steering column and each of the propulsion assemblies is attachable in an operating position such that the motor and propeller assembly thereof will extend into the water and can be turned for steering the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Mikel E. Janitz