Abstract: A foot operated control for controlling both the steering and speed of a trolling motor that is mounted on a boat. The foot control includes an on-off switch disposed on a conically shaped, rotatable foot plate which can support an operator's entire body weight when operating and can be accessed by the foot of an operator from plural sides without repositioning the foot control on a boat deck. The rotatable foot plate overlays a thrust bearing that is secured to a flat bodied base plate. When the foot plate is rotated by the operator's foot, motion is transferred through a mechanism, e.g. a rack and pinion, that is recessed in base plate. The rack is connected to the trolling motor by a flexible control cable, and when foot plate is rotated, the trolling motor rotates up to a desired one to one angular ratio with foot plate.

Abstract: A radio controlled surfing toy is provided comprising a multi-jointed, moveable figurine pivotally attached to a jet-propelled surfboard. The surfing toy surfs similar to a real life surfing professional in waves ranging from 3" to 5' in height. The surfing toy is capable of fielding and catching waves on its own and riding a left or right breaking wave into the shore operating on a synchronized 4-way steering system controlling the figurine's body to move from one side of the board to the other and allowing dramatic realism and high performance surf stunts. A balloon recovery system is employed to right the surfboard after a wipe-out in conjunction with a righting mechanisms built-in to the surfboard's design.

Abstract: A system for controlling the navigation of a fishing boat between waypoints representing successive positions around a navigation route. The system includes an input device for setting the waypoint positions, a position detector to detect the actual position of the fishing boat, a trolling motor to produce a thrust to propel the fishing boat, a steering motor to control the direction of the thrust, and a heading detector to detect the actual heading of the fishing boat. The system also includes a control circuit which determines a desired heading using a desired waypoint and the actual position of the fishing boat, and generates a steering control signal applied to the steering motor to steer the fishing boat from the actual position to the desired waypoint. The system operates in various modes which allow repeated navigation of the fishing boat around a navigation route. The system provides for automatic waypoint storage as the fishing boat is maneuvered around a navigation route.

Abstract: An automatic controller for the helm of a watercraft uses sensors responsive to starboard and port contacts, with the predominating of the starboard and port contacts signalling the heeling of the watercraft. A transmitter attached to the person of the operator of the vessel is triggered should the operator fall into the water, to transmit a signal to the receiver attached to the electronic controller and thereby cause the watercraft to turn into the wind and prevent the distance between the vessel and the overboard person from increasing.

Abstract: A device for controlling the speed and direction of a watercraft using voice commands. The device includes a voice recognition computer, which recognizes spoken commands, and a motor control computer which causes the speed and steering direction of the watercraft to change in response to the spoken commands. A remote control beltpack unit with a radio or infrared link allows free movement of the operator while controlling the watercraft.

Abstract: A system (8) for controlling from a remote position the direction and speed of a trolling motor (16) that includes a steering motor (24) for turning the trolling motor (16), an optical receiver (22) coupled to the steering motor (24) and to a throttle (26), which is coupled to the trolling motor (16), and one or more reflectors (30, 40). An operator (10) may use a transmitter (18, 20) to develop an optical signal (34) representing a desired direction and speed for the trolling motor (16). Optical reflectors (30) assure delivery of the optical signal (34) to the optical receiver (22) notwithstanding potential obstacles (31).

Abstract: A warning system embodied in a remote control system which includes a warning circuit and which alerts the individual operating the system if the position of a controlled member of the system does not correspond with the position of the remote operator of the system within a preset period of time after the operator is moved.

Abstract: An improved boat seat includes an adjustable footrest and an integral steering control mounted to an armrest. The footrest is height-adjustable, and is pivotable between operative and retracted positions at any chosen height. The steering control is mounted to the distal end of the armrest, and is at least partially embraced and covered by an armrest pad.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an outboard motor includes an electrically-energized motor having a pinion meshed with a pivotally mounted gear sector. A linkage connects the gear sector to the outboard motor such that by energizing the electrical motor to rotate the shaft in a selected direction, the direction of the propeller thrust can be controlled.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement from a remote control unit to a controlled element which includes a throttle or transmission control lever on a marine propulsion unit. An operator is associated with the remote control unit and is movable between a plurality of positions. The remote control system further includes a pair of detectors, one in proximity to the remote control unit for transmitting an electrical signal to a controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the operator, and the other positioned in proximity to the controlled element for transmitting an electrical signal to the controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the controlled element.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a floating boat or water vessel in a desired position is provided. The apparatus includes an electric trolling motor disposed to produce a thrust to pull the boat, a steering motor disposed to affect the orientation of the electric trolling motor, a position deviation detection unit, and a control circuit. The position deviation detection unit detects a deviation in the position of the boat from the desired position and transmits signals indicative of a deviation distance (the distance from the boat to the desired position) and a return heading (the direction of the desired position from the boat) to the control circuit. The control circuit causes the steering motor to steer the electric trolling motor in the return heading, and the electric trolling motor to propel the boat in the return heading, to return the boat to the desired position.

Abstract: A ship steering system for automatically maintaining a steering course including a manual steering device and a memory that retains the course setting when the manual steering operation is discontinued for maintaining that set course and thus minimizing abrupt course deviations during automatic control.

Abstract: The watercraft has a catamaran hull system with parallel rear pontoons pivoted for side to side oscillation from the trailing end of front pontoons. A rigid frame interconnects the front portions, and back support post is pivoted to both the frame and to linkage interconnecting the rear pontoons, so that the operator can lean to either side to pivot the back support post and turn the boat in the direction he is leaning. Bicycle pedals rotatably carried on the front of the operator support frame, drive a propeller to propel the boat, and the foot pedaling action may be augmented by lines secured to the pedals so the operator can pull each pedal manually on return.

Abstract: A system for rotatably mounting foot operated trolling motor controls flushly within boat decks. The system is mounted within a suitable orifice defined in the boat deck, so that the fisherman may conveniently rotate his foot control to a desired angle, while maintaining both feet in a comfortable, level position. A rigid frame fastened within the deck extends downwardly into the mounting orifice for recessed operation. A plurality of radially spaced apart brackets fasten the frame to the deck. A rotatable, substantially cylindrical pan is flush mounted within the frame interior, and coupled to the bracket system with a suitable bearing for subsequent rotation. The pan has a generally circular interior, which receives and mounts the foot control system. The fisherman's trolling motor foot control is disposed and centered within the interior of the rotatable pan, braced by a pair of spacers having a generally segment-shaped cross section.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling the steering of an outboard motor (e.g., a trolling motor) on a marine craft. The apparatus includes a frame for attachment to a mounting surface for the motor, a D.C. motor which can be driven in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a capstan, a flexible cable extending between the ends of the frame and being connected to the capstan and the outboard motor, and switches for actuating the D.C. motor and controlling direction of rotation. The apparatus causes the outboard motor to be pivoted in the desired direction to steer the marine craft. The D.C. motor can be controlled from a remote location on the marine craft.

Abstract: A control mechanism for a boat having a seat assembly to support a pilot provides an outboard motor which is directionally controlled by extension and retraction of a control cable with the control mechanism having a pedal which is generally planar on its upper surface receptive of the pilot's foot. A bracket mounts the pedal at a location below the seat assembly so that the user occupying the seat can position one of his feet on the pedal. A pair of switch surfaces are disposed on opposite sides of the pedal, each surface extending above the pedal surface so that lateral movement of the user's foot when positioned on the pedal can contact one of the switch surfaces. A switch associated with each switch surface can then be activated for directionally moving the outboard motor into different positions responsive to pressure applied to one or other of the switch surfaces applied by the edge of the user's foot.

Abstract: When the right turn or left turn is set by operating one joystick lever, the bow thrustor arranged on the bow side generates the drift thrust in the rightward or leftward direction in accordance with the turning angular velocity on the basis of the operation of the joystick lever. At the same time, the propellers provided on the stern side are controlled so as to generate the backward thrust proportional to the absolute value of the turning angular velocity of the ship. The forward thrust of the ship which is caused due to the generation of the drift thrust by the bow thrustor is suppressed. Thus, the ship is turned to the right or left around the stern as a rotational center at a predetermined speed with the position of the hull held.

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable system to control and monitor the basic maneuvering functions of marine vessels: The control and monitoring functions are contained on a hand held, small and lightweight consul which can be plugged into multi-pin sockets which are wired from various remote places of the ship to a central electronics logic and control module matrix. Switches on the portable helm control the electronic module matrix which powers servo motors mechanically linked to: engines' throttle controls, shift forward-neutral-reverse controls, and steering apparatus. Feedback loops monitor the positions of these maneuvering functions. Monitored on the portable helm are: rudder angle, engines' idle status, forward, neutral and reverse status of each drive trian, power on, and engines' synchronization.

Abstract: On launch of a lifecraft from a marine platform or other vessel, an electrically powered tug connected to the lifecraft by stowed cable aligns the lifecraft away from the platform and tows it away from the platform in a predetermined attitude and track. In this way, the lifecraft is controlled in the hazardous initial period between launch and start of its own powered movement. The tug is advantageously stowed and launched bows-out and has an autopilot responsive to deviation of the towline from the tug fore-and-aft line to correct the tug helm so that the tug not only follows a predetermined compass heading but follows a predetermined track relative to the lifecraft. In a preferred version of the tug a portion of the towline is stored between a pair of sheave blocks biased towards one another to bring about towline retraction so that the towline is paid out as the tug is lowered and retracts into the tug during initial movement of the lifecraft with the tug still in the water and acting as a sea anchor.

Abstract: In a particular species of the preferred embodiment, the invention contemplates a land traveller such as a farm tractor pulling a passive load such as a plough, disc or the like. A control device for directing or controlling the path of travel of the vehicle over a field, and also regulating or controlling the depth of penetration of the plough or disc into the surface of the ground according to a predetermined depth irrespective of the terrain profile. The path control system consists of locating in a predetermined way, a track whose position is sensed by an electromagnet, and the relative position of the magnet is sensed by appropriate devices such as resistence measuring devices (strain gauges or variable resistors or reostats), photoelectric devices whose values are decoded through a microprocessor whereby steering of the prime mover along the predetermined path is maintained.

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.

Abstract: A switch device for operating an electric boat motor for use in trolling for fish includes a durable rustproof housing having secured therein a foot operated switch which is activated when pressed and deactivated when released. The switch is connected at one end of a substantial length of conductor. At the other end of the conductor are motor clips for securing the switch in an operable fashion to an electric trolling motor.

Abstract: A kayak steering apparatus for controlling kayak weathercocking during operation in side wind conditions. An elastomeric line in tension and a non-elastic control line are each attached to opposite side arms of a vertically pivoting rotor which is mounted to the stern of a kayak, with the rotor further being connected to a rudder. A kayak operator can, by hand, pull on or release the control line which acts in combination with tension in the elastomeric line to turn the rotor and thereby set rudder angular position. For setting vertical depth, the rudder is connected to the rotor by a pin which allows the rudder to pivot about a generally horizontal axis. Depth adjustment is also hand controllable by pulling or releasing a line connected to the upper portion of the rudder at a location offset from the horizontal axis defined by the pivoting pin.

Abstract: An improved radio controlled yacht of the type including servo motors, a battery and a receiver mounted thereon is disclosed, wherein the yacht is adapted to sail on water by itself under the influence of natural wind force while the extent of swing of its sail and the angle of turning of a rudder are controlled in response to signals transmitted from a sender. A sail servo for controlling the extent of swing of the sail includes an output shaft to which a sail trimmer is fixedly secured and sheets are inserted through holes which are formed on the end part of the sail trimmer. One end of the sheet is attached to a boom of the sail, whereas the other end of the sheet extends in the direction of the boom and it is anchored at a predetermined position located on the deck.

Abstract: A device for remotely steering a boat includes a friction drive wheel for frictionally driving the steering wheel of the boat. There is a reversible motor connected to the friction wheel for rotating the friction wheel. Shock cords resiliently bias the friction wheel towards the steering wheel. A remotely locatable motor control selectively rotates the motor in a desired direction of rotation and thereby steers the boat as the friction wheel rotates the steering wheel.

Abstract: A watercraft having at least a pair of steerable propellers thereon spaced longitudinally along the center of the watercraft from a center of lateral resistance on the watercraft. The steerable propellers are also spaced equidistant from the longitudinal center line and on opposite sides thereof. The propellers are rotatably supported in underwater housings supported for angular movement through 360.degree.. A control device is provided for varying the direction of applied thrust to the watercraft by systematically varying the axes of rotation of the propellers relative to each other, assuming the thrust force for each steerable propeller is of the same magnitude. The magnitude of thrust can be, if desired, varied to provide additional control variations for the watercraft.

Abstract: In outboard motors of the type in which an electric motor is encased in a housing submerged beneath the water surface and from which a rotatable steering shaft extends upwardly therefrom, which shaft is caused to rotate responsive to longitudinal motion of a Bowden wire or other type of horizontally moving force, there is provided an improved remote steering control for effecting longitudinal movement of the Bowden wire. The Bowden wire is connected at the free end thereof to an actuating arm extending outwardly from a seat pedestal or support shaft, so that rotation of the seat causes a responsive longitudinal movement or "stroke" of the Bowden wire to change the direction of movement of the boat.

Abstract: A dual sheet winch apparatus is disclosed to manipulate a Genoa type of foresail on a model sailboat. Each line is attached to the clew of the Genoa at a first end, one line being reeled in or out at its second end by a port winch, the other being reeled in or out at its second end by a starboard winch for the control of the Genoa foresail for model sailboat maneuvering purposes. The separate winches are manipulated by a remotely controlled geared electric motor.

Abstract: The forward movement of a pipe-laying vessel when laying pipe offshore is controlled to maintain the position of the pipe as laid on the sea bed as close as possible to the desired track. The position of the touch down point on the sea bed of the pipeline suspended from the vessel is measured at periodic intervals by driving a survey vessel fitted with an echo location device along the already laid line. The measured position of a touch down point is compared with the desired track and any deviation is computed. Further movements of the pipe-laying vessel are adapted to minimize this deviation.

Abstract: A method of surveying a cathodically protected metallic structure at least partly immersed in a liquid, such as an undersea pipeline which has sacrificial anodes attached at regular intervals along its length. The anodes provide a known electrolytic potential relative to the surrounding water. The potential differences in the water between a point adjacent an anode, and test points adjacent the pipeline are measured, and the varying level of protection along the pipe is determined from the variations between the measured potential differences.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for maintaining hoses and mooring lines extending outwardly from a single buoy mooring terminal, in a desired direction. Also provided is an arrangement for directing the mooring line and hose to move to a ship.

Abstract: An automatic steering system for vessels, operational in a manual mode to select a desired heading, and in an automatic mode to maintain the selected heading. In the manual mode, a magnetic compass incorporated in a servo loop is maintained at a null position to continually monitor the vessel heading. When the system is switched to the automatic mode, the compass servo loop is deactivated and a control loop activated. The control loop keeps the compass output at null by maintaining the vessel on the selected heading. Automatic course corrections are accomplished by turning the helm an amount proportional to a deviation signal, and immediately returning the helm to its original position less a small preset angle. A wireless remote control unit affords the capability of remotely steering the vessel, selecting a new course, and switching between automatic and manual modes.

Abstract: A marine steering arrangement wherein each of the starboard steering switch and port steering switch connected to a power source is closed upon receipt of an actuating signal resulting from a difference between an order signal of a rudder angle and an actual signal of a rudder angle, so as to conduct power to a rudder driving mechanism, rotating the rudder to the order rudder angle position within an allowable extent of the rudder angle, is provided with an improvement which further comprises at least one limit switch for shutting off the power source to stop any further rotation of the rudder beyond either of the rudder angle limits.