Patents by Inventor Russell A. Hercules

Russell A. Hercules 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: 7353765
    Abstract: A boat ignition safety apparatus comprises a safety control module having a vapor sensor to monitor the concentration to fuel vapors in an engine compartment of a boat. When the vapor sensor detects that the concentration of fumes has risen above a predetermined level, the safety control module, enables an alarm, while activating an exhaust fan. Somewhat simultaneously, the safety control module disables the starter circuit of the boat's engine, while still allowing the ignition circuit of the engine to remain active. As such, the operator of the boat is able to retain navigational control of the boat, while the alarm condition persists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Inventors: Craig D. Feldman, Robert T. Allison, III, Russell A. Hercules
  • Publication number: 20040075342
    Abstract: A boat ignition safety apparatus and method are disclosed. A vapor sensor can detect an amount of vapor fumes within an associated compartment and a blower associated with the compartment is operative to exhaust gas therefrom. A controller controls the blower based on the amount of vapor fumes within the associated compartment, which further can include operation for a period of time even after the ignition has been turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Craig D. Feldman, Robert T. Allison, Russell A. Hercules, Roy P. Kessell
  • Patent number: 6670722
    Abstract: A boat ignition safety apparatus and method that prevents a gasoline engine of a boat from being started until the enclosed engine compartment has received proper ventilation for a predetermined period of time to ensure dangerous gasoline fumes have been removed. The invention uses an air pressure sensor to detect fresh air drawn into an engine compartment by a ventilation fan or blower. When this takes place a positive pressure develops within the engine compartment. This positive pressure is detected by the air pressure sensor and indicates that the ventilation fan or blower is operating properly. The present invention makes boating safer by ensuring adequate ventilation of volatile gasoline fumes, thereby preventing accidental explosions that can occur when a boat's engine is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventors: Roy P. Kessell, Russell A. Hercules