Ventilation Patents (Class 114/211)
  • Patent number: 11926193
    Abstract: A vehicle vent top cover still capable of ventilation in a closed state of the top cover, which includes a top cover body, which includes a top plate; a fixed rim and side protection plates are arranged below the top plate; the fixed rim is located at the inner side of the side protection plate; the fixed rim is provided with a first ventilation groove; an air duct structural frame is fixed below the top plate; the air duct structural frame is located above the bottom walls of the side protection plates; the first ventilation groove and an upper surface of the air duct structural frame form an air inlet; one side of the air duct structural frame close to the side protection plate is provided with a second ventilation groove; and the second ventilation groove and the side wall of the side protection plate form an air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: HANGZHOU KAIRUIFAN IMPORT & EXPORT TRADING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Wenyao Zhu
  • Patent number: 11799165
    Abstract: A vent adapter for a lead-acid battery includes a first side configured to mate with a vent port of the lead-acid battery via a first connector having a first geometry; and a second side in fluid communication with the first side and configured to mate with a vent passage of an automobile via a second connector having a second geometry, wherein the first and second geometries have respective shapes that are different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: CPS Technology Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Juds, Joseph E. Liedhegner
  • Patent number: 11618541
    Abstract: Control system for controlling operations of a marine vessel having a first engine and a second engine is provided. Parity switches are operable to start/stop first and second engine. Each parity switch is actuated for first time to activate remote start/stop control of respective engine. Each switch is actuated for second time to switch respective engine to ON or OFF state. Operator console is communicatively coupled to parity switches to receive first and/or second user inputs. Propulsion control unit is communicably coupled to operator console via network communication channel, first engine control unit of first engine and second engine control unit of second engine. Propulsion control unit receives operational parameters for engines from engine control units and receives first and second user inputs from operator console. Propulsion control unit transmits engine operating signals for operating respective engines in response to first and/or second user input and based on operational parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Philip Neathery, Cameron Scott Gandy
  • Patent number: 11525296
    Abstract: The live well lid system may comprise a lid, a hinge, a motor, a lift arm, a lid track, and a local foot control. The live well lid system may be a system for covering and uncovering a live well of a boat by pivoting the lid of the live well responsive to input from the local foot control. The live well lid system may be adapted for a user to pivot the lid by operating the local foot control located proximate to the live well without diverting the attention of the user or requiring use of the user's hands. In some embodiments, a remote foot control may be a secondary control located at a remote location on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Inventor: Wade B. Martin
  • Patent number: 11519808
    Abstract: A fluid monitoring system includes a controller configured to determine that a value of at least one fluid property of a fluid is greater than a threshold value, and to control actuators to identify which fluid source has the fluid with the value of the at least one fluid property greater than the threshold value. Each actuator is configured to drive a respective crossover valve between a first position and a second position to direct the fluid from a respective first fluid source to a first manifold or a second manifold and to direct the fluid from a respective second fluid source to the first manifold or the second manifold. In addition, the first manifold is configured to direct the fluid to a first sensor assembly, and the second manifold is configured to direct the fluid to a second sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Joshua Adam Bagwell, Alberto José Negroni, Jonathan Carl Thatcher, John Paul Metz
  • Patent number: 11407271
    Abstract: An air-conditioning unit for a vehicle includes an air conditioning case, a blower, and a rectifying mechanism. The blower has a blower fan rotating around a fan axis and arranged in an in-case passage of the air conditioning case, and blows out air drawn from one side in an axial direction of the fan axis by rotation of the blower fan. The rectifying mechanism is arranged downstream of the blower fan in the in-case passage, and the air passes through the rectifying mechanism. The blower fan is arranged so that the other side of the fan axis that is opposite to the one side extends toward a downstream side of the in-case passage. The rectifying mechanism suppresses a swirling flow generated by the rotation of the blower fan in the air blown out from the blower fan as compared with the blown-out air prior to flowing into the rectifying mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tashima, Yasue Yonezu, Ryo Kobayashi, Takahiro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 11174077
    Abstract: A storage bag has first and second side surfaces, and a sealable and an unsealable opening. A bottom end of the bag is movable between a flat configuration with the first and second side surfaces positioned adjacent to each other, and an expanded configuration with the first and second side surfaces being spaced from each other. Shape retaining strips are provided adjacent to the opening that can maintain the shape of the opening. The shape retaining strips are capable of maintaining the opening of the bag such that a distance between the first and second side surfaces at the top end of the bag is about equal to the distance between the first and second side surfaces at the bottom end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Bryan L. Ackerman, Keegan E. Burggren
  • Patent number: 11111002
    Abstract: A boat tower ventilation system for a boat tower to ventilate behind a windshield such as the cockpit area in a tower or the like. Air ventilation units are built into the tower frame and may be opened or closed to the flow of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventors: Scott J. Mills, Richard W. Hord
  • Patent number: 10569845
    Abstract: A personal watercraft includes a recess formed in a deck and a lid member having a mesh-like appearance and made of elastic members crossing each other, wherein the lid member is removably attached to cover an opening of the recess. The recess is formed in a seat supporting section configured to support a seat for an operator to sit during an operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshio Araki, Hironori Kato, Hiroshi Yagii
  • Patent number: 10370077
    Abstract: A spray inhibitor for inhibiting the spray of water caused by exhaust gases exiting an exhaust outlet on a powerboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Inventor: Kathryn Marie Day
  • Patent number: 10190437
    Abstract: A test bench for an aircraft turbojet engine is provided. The test bench comprises a U-shaped configuration with a passage in the form of an elongated corridor, an inlet duct, and an outlet duct. The corridor comprises a fixing zone with a fixing arm for holding a turbojet engine during testing. The passage furthermore has an upstream shutter with vertical pivoting air guides and a downstream shutter with an inflatable balloon in a collector tube. In the event of fire, the shutters close to confine the turbojet engine in order to suffocate the fire rapidly. A method for managing a fire in a test bench with a passage is also provided. Shutters are placed in the passage, where they deploy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Safran Aero Boosters S.A.
    Inventor: Gaetano Taccogna
  • Patent number: 9815540
    Abstract: A storage system for a boat includes one or more storage compartments situated in a bow of a boat. An air flow path includes an air inlet opening, the storage compartment, and an air outlet opening. A fan is situated to move air along the air flow path. The fan may be positioned proximate one of the air inlet and the air outlet, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: RANGER BOATS, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer
  • Patent number: 9796452
    Abstract: A jet boat includes a cockpit arranged in a central portion of the jet boat on a boat body centerline, a bulwark provided along a circumference of a deck, and a platform fixed to a stern. In the bulwark, the upper surface of a rear bulwark between the platform and the cockpit is located above the upper surface of a foot space and below the seating surface of a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Ren Onodera
  • Patent number: 9777692
    Abstract: In particular embodiments, a starting device for a gas internal combustion engine whereby non-combusted gas accumulating in the gas internal combustion engine and an exhaust channel is discharged during ignition startup of the gas engine and abnormal combustion is reduced in the occurrence so as to improve safety, breakage prevention, durability and reliability. An exhaust purge device for a gas internal combustion engine 1, which operates using flammable gas as fuel, includes an exhaust channel 16 forming an exhaust channel of the gas internal combustion engine 1, a blast pipe 71 connected to an upstream portion of the exhaust pipe at a first end, an exhaust purge fan 7 connected to a second end of the blast pipe 71 and configured to send ambient air to the exhaust channel 16, and a control device 2 for performing a control to drive the exhaust purge fan 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Nishio, Michiyasu Ishida, Hirotoshi Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 9770682
    Abstract: A fresh air intake system for overburden drills with an air intake assembly mounted along the drill mast to access air at the greatest practical height above ground, an air filter assembly, and a pressure blower/circulating fan assembly to supply the cleanest air practicable into the operator's cab under positive pressure. The height of the drill mast is utilized to access cleaner air at greater heights, with the air inlet located strategically toward the top of the mast. The intake assembly includes a rain cap, an intake tube mounted along the drill mast, and a flexible section at the drill mast pivot point to accommodate raising and lowering of the mast without interference or obstruction. The air filter assembly is mounted in series with the pressure blower/circulating fan assembly, which operates with negative inlet pressure and supplies filtered air under positive pressure into the enclosed cab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Blake Allan Massey
  • Patent number: 9771133
    Abstract: A water mat is provided. The mat includes a first buoyant layer, a netting layer and a second buoyant layer. The netting layer may be adhered in between the upper and lower foam layers. The netting layer may include crisscrossing fibers having a first set of fibers substantially parallel relative to each other and a second set of fibers substantially parallel relative to each other. The first set of fibers crisscross with the second set of fibers, and are thereby perpendicular relative to the second set of fibers. The netting layer provides additional strength to the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Alan Palmer
  • Patent number: 9725154
    Abstract: A conjugate damper for a structural panel includes a constraining sheet extending between a first edge and a second edge. Each of the first edge and the second edge is at least partially coupled to a first surface of the structural panel. The conjugate damper also includes a damping layer coupled between the constraining sheet and the first surface such that, when the structural panel is in a compressively deformed state, a thickness of the damping layer in a direction generally normal to the first surface is decreased relative to a baseline state. The damping layer includes a viscoelastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Cliff L. Chin, Joshua M. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 9533749
    Abstract: A storage system for a boat includes one or more storage compartments situated in a bow of a boat. An air flow path includes an air inlet opening, the storage compartment, and an air outlet opening. A fan is situated to move air along the air flow path. The fan may be positioned proximate one of the air inlet and the air outlet, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: RANGER BOATS, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer
  • Patent number: 9285143
    Abstract: An arrangement of a thermoelectric heat pump in at least one first fluid circuit, one second fluid circuit and one third fluid circuit is provided for a motor vehicle. The arrangement has a first heat exchanger provided for exchange of heat between a fluid of the first fluid circuit and a fluid of a third fluid circuit, and a second heat exchanger is provided for the exchange of heat between a fluid of the second fluid circuit and the fluid of the third fluid circuit. In each case one thermoelectric element is arranged between the heat exchange regions of the first heat exchanger and between the heat exchange regions of the second heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Bastian Freese, Maik-Uwe Zillich, Reyk Bienert, Robert Fleischhacker
  • Patent number: 9120550
    Abstract: A storage system for a boat includes one or more storage compartments situated in a bow of a boat. An air flow path includes an air inlet opening, the storage compartment, and an air outlet opening. A fan is situated to move air along the air flow path. The fan may be positioned proximate one of the air inlet and the air outlet, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Ranger Boats, LLC
    Inventors: Randy Wayne Hopper, Bradley G. Garringer
  • Patent number: 9016223
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one hold, and at least one ventilation apparatus for ventilation of the hold, which has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the air inlet by means of a passage. In particular the invention concerns a ship having a ventilation apparatus, wherein the passage has at least one portion arranged above the air inlet. The invention further concerns a ventilation apparatus for ventilation of the hold of a ship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Wobben Properties GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 8707881
    Abstract: A multi-hulled vessel (10) configured as a trimaran. The multi-hulled vessel (10) comprises a main hull (15) and at least one outer hull (17) to each side of the main hull, the main hull (15) and each side hull (17) adjacent thereto being interconnected by a bridge structure (19). The bridge structure (19) and the hulls (15, 17) connected thereby cooperating to provide a deck surface (21) adapted to carry a load. The main hull 15) is configured to define at least one engine room (45) below the deck surface (21) and trunking (70) for provision of services to the engine room. The trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for carrying a load. Because the trunking (70) is routed below the area of the deck surface (21) required for load-carrying, it does not extend through that area of the deck surface to impede load movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Austal Ship Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Neville Anthony Armstrong, Samuel Abbott
  • Publication number: 20140041567
    Abstract: The invention described herein teaches that one drilling barge can be employed in two different areas. The standard drilling practice requires two vessels to perform the same work as one drilling barge invention. Standard drilling rigs require that one unit will drill well locations in water depths of 8?-18?. A second drilling unit must be provided to drill in water depths of 18?-60?. As a result of this invention, water depths of 8?-60? can be provided by use of the one vessel employing the novel stabilization system. The service area's coverage is increased greatly by use of the invention thereby creating excellent cost reduction and improved drilling procedures in remote and harsh drilling areas. The invention's cost is slightly more than the standard drilling barge however; coverage of the service area can be 500% greater than the standard vessel's coverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventor: Herman Joseph Schellstede
  • Patent number: 8647162
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machinery arrangement for a marine vessel (1), which machinery arrangement (2) comprises a combustion unit (3), an exhaust gas duct assembly (4), which includes a first branch pipe (41) and a second branch pipe (42) and is connected to the combustion unit for receiving an exhaust gas flow and for leading the exhaust gas flow to the atmosphere, and an exhaust gas cleaning system (5) arranged in a flow direction of exhaust gas. In order to achieve an improved cleaning of the exhaust gas, a fan unit (6) and a first valve means (7) is provided in flow connection with the first branch pipe (41), which is connect to the exhaust gas cleaning system (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Wartsila Finland Oy
    Inventors: Torbjörn Henriksson, Marko Lehikoinen
  • Patent number: 8601967
    Abstract: A pontoon boat including a plurality of pontoons and a deck secured to the pontoons. A wall assembly is anchored to and extends upwardly from the deck to provide an interior space of the deck for accommodating passengers. The pontoon boat includes a substantially enclosed storage space defined at least in part by a portion of the deck and a portion of the wall assembly. The wall assembly has a bottom edge that is spaced off of the deck to provide a first air access opening into the storage space from beneath the wall. At least one vent is provided in the wall portion at a location spaced above the bottom edge and in open communication with the storage space. The vent enhances air flow and venting of the storage space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Avalon Pontoons
    Inventor: John R. Cooney
  • Patent number: 8542107
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an alarm device, enclosed in a water tight container adapted to buoyantly support the alarm device and a wireless receiver, the water tight container adapted to couple with a key ring, including hardware logic and-or logic embodied in machine readable memory to receive information from a remote vapor sensor and to activate the alarm if the information indicates a hazardous vapor condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Dolan
  • Publication number: 20130220199
    Abstract: The invention concerns a ship comprising at least one hold, and at least one ventilation apparatus for ventilation of the hold, which has at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet connected to the air inlet by means of a passage. In particular the invention concerns a ship having a ventilation apparatus, wherein the passage has at least one portion arranged above the air inlet. The invention further concerns a ventilation apparatus for ventilation of the hold of a ship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: WOBBEN PROPERTIES GMBH
    Inventor: Rolf Rohden
  • Patent number: 8312829
    Abstract: A ventilator wind scoop system is disclosed for attachment to a boat deck hatch having a hinged hatch cover which opens to uncover the hatch opening whereby the scoop system communicates through such opening with the boat's below deck space. The scoop system has a deflector unit formed of wind-resistant fabric. The deflector, which is anchored to the inner face of the hatch cover and to supports inside the lower deck, is positioned as desired. The opposing portion of the deflector is anchored within the lower deck, preferably to the ceiling or sides to allow air flow to be forced to the front of the boat or in any direction needed. The wind scoop system is easily customized to fit a wide variety of hatch sizes and when not is use folds into a compact size for easy storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Elaine Catherine Black
  • Patent number: 8186293
    Abstract: A device for an inert gas installation (5) on a floating vessel, comprising one or several tanks (1) arranged in a manner allowing filling of an explosive liquid (11) via suitable means (13, 14) associated therewith, and/or a gas (12), wherein an air inlet system (3) is connected to the tank (1), wherein the inert gas installation (5) is provided with a shutoff valve (51) arranged to automatically allow closing of an inert gas supply conduit (52), wherein the tank (1) is provided with a sensor (53) arranged to respond to a defined, ambient moisture and pressure level, the sensor (53) also being connected to a valve control system (7), thereby providing control signals to the valve control system (7). The invention also concerns a method of using the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Tool-Tech AS
    Inventor: Egil Eriksen
  • Patent number: 7975637
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of batteries in a hybrid marine vessel utilize a compartment to store the batteries and various conduits to conduct air to and from that compartment. A heat exchanger can draw air from the compartment and cool the air for use in the cabin of the marine vessel. The air from the cabin can be directed into the compartment to provide a flow of air that carries heat away from the batteries in the compartment and toward the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas E. Nida
  • Publication number: 20110100281
    Abstract: A ventilator wind scoop system is disclosed for attachment to a boat deck hatch having a hinged hatch cover which opens to uncover the hatch opening whereby the scoop system communicates through such opening with the boat's below deck space. The scoop system has a deflector unit formed of wind-resistant fabric. The deflector, which is anchored to the inner face of the hatch cover and to supports inside the lower deck, is positioned as desired. The opposing portion of the deflector is anchored within the lower deck, preferably to the ceiling or sides to allow air flow to be forced to the front of the boat or in any direction needed. The wind scoop system is easily customized to fit a wide variety of hatch sizes and when not is use folds into a compact size for easy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Elaine Catherine Black
  • Publication number: 20110023765
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machinery arrangement for a marine vessel (1), which machinery arrangement (2) comprises a combustion unit (3), an exhaust gas duct assembly (4), which includes a first branch pipe (41) and a second branch pipe (42) and is connected to the combustion unit for receiving an exhaust gas flow and for leading the exhaust gas flow to the atmosphere, and an exhaust gas cleaning system (5) arranged in a flow direction of exhaust gas. In order to achieve an improved cleaning of the exhaust gas, a fan unit (6) and a first valve means (7) is provided in flow connection with the first branch pipe (41), which is connect to the exhaust gas cleaning system (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Torbjörn Henriksson, Marko Lehikoinen
  • Publication number: 20100107951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a passenger ship (1) which includes at least one superstructure (S) consisting of several superposed decks (P1-P6), at least one portion of which consists of passenger cabins (CE; CI), some of these cabins (CE) being contiguous, on the associated deck, with an outer longitudinal passageway (CO), which extends between the latter and the hull.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: STX FRANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Erick Pelerin, Thibaut Tincelin
  • Publication number: 20080250997
    Abstract: A three-sided wind scoop is provided for aerating and cooling the interior of a sailboat. The wind scoop comprises three flexible rectangular shaped panels, one side of each panel being joined together to form a center seam; the top of each said three panels being attached in an equal angel Y-shaped configuration to an essentially circular flexible fabric which forms a cap or top cover for said wind scoop. The Y-shaped configured panels of the wind scoop are designed to capture the wind and the direct the flow of air down into the boat regardless of the direction of the wind in relation to the boat and the cap of the wind scoop is designed to capture the wind flowing upward from said Y-shaped configured panels and direct it back downward, thereby adding to and facilitating the downward flow of the air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Richard G. Fieber, Timothy W. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20080156243
    Abstract: A hatch installation comprises a hatch surround defining a hatch opening and a hatch door. The hatch door has a mounting end and a free end, and is pivotal between a closed position in which it abuts against the hatch surround and an open position spaced away from the hatch surround. The installation includes a cover member shaped to form a ventilation passage together with the hatch surround having one ventilation opening at the free end of the door and the other ventilation opening towards the end. The ventilation cover includes a water screen having three baffles and a sheet mesh for screening out moisture entrained with air. The ventilation cover includes a further sheet mesh water screen across the other opening. The sheet mesh acts with the hatch door to remove moisture entering through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin Paul Jeffries, Tony Richard Jeffries
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7305930
    Abstract: One embodiment of a vent plate for a marine vessel includes a plate having a top surface that defines a total surface area and a plurality of apertures arranged in a pattern covering at least one quarter of the total surface area, the pattern including a plurality of rows of apertures off-set by an angle of approximately forty five degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventors: Robert Wayne Beal, Thomas J Vincent
  • Patent number: 7231881
    Abstract: A dehumidifying radome vent in open communication between a radome and the external environment for passively ventilating and dehumidifying the radome. The dehumidifying radome vent is a duct receiving a water aerosol comprised of air and water. The duct passively decreases a flow rate of the water aerosol so as to remove water from the air and ventilate the radome. To this end, the duct defines two or more cross-sectional flow areas along a predetermined flow path. These cross-sectional flow areas include a first cross-sectional flow area and a second cross-sectional flow area. The second cross-sectional flow area is larger than the first cross-sectional flow area for passively decreasing the flow rate and dehumidifying the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Larry A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7201110
    Abstract: A portable hatch-mounted fan that is removably mounted to an existing hatch of a boat or a recreational vehicle by a pair of fast action spring-type vertically adjustable clamps, which adjust to fit various hatch frame thicknesses. The clamps, clamp guide plates and guides are also horizontally adjustable on the fan frame to fit various sizes of hatch openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: John Pawlak
  • Patent number: 7004095
    Abstract: A vessel (14) that stores crude oil in tanks (12A–12H) in the vessel hull, maintains oxygen-free gas in the tank spaces (32) that lie above the crude oil. This is achieved by flowing in hydrocarbon-inert gas (gas that does not react with hydrocarbons), such as flue gas, when crude oil is removed so the crude oil level drops, and by flowing out vent gas that includes the inert gas and gaseous hydrocarbons that come from the crude oil, when crude oil flows into the tank and the oil level rises. An inert gas pipe (50) is used to flow inert flue gas into the tanks, and a separate vent gas pipe (52) is used to flow out the vent gas. A vacuum is applied to the vent pipe by connecting the vent pipe to an eductor (102) through which pressured gas, such as steam, is flowed. The vent gas is usually released into the atmosphere, but is burned when there is almost no wind, to prevent a buildup of hydrocarbon gas on the vessel deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings, Inc.
    Inventors: Jos Bronneberg, Dirk de Vos
  • Patent number: 6997130
    Abstract: A motorboat engine cover made from a metal panel having a plurality of air passages cut therethrough, wherein the air passages are formed such that the panel has no air pockets on its underside, and wherein the metal panel is configured to be mounted horizontally above a motorboat engine such that substantially unrestricted airflow occurs between the metal panel and the motorboat engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Paul Fretwell
  • Patent number: 6939219
    Abstract: A ventilator in a cover for a deck on a boat. A base of the ventilator has first openings therein through which the deck is connected to a chamber formed by the first intermediary member and the base. A motor retained in the first intermediary member has a fan that is located in the chamber to expel air from the deck to the surrounding environment by way of second openings therein and third openings in a second intermediary member. A projection in the first intermediary member receives a connector from a solar panel that is located in an end member. The end member is joined to the first intermediary member to align the second and third openings with the chamber and the connector with the motor such that the fan is activated when light is received by the solar panel and air is continually thereafter drawn from the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Randell P. Pollen
  • Patent number: 6863582
    Abstract: An air ventilation system for a personal watercraft that includes a pair of pipes extending substantially side by side through the watercraft's hull from a first side to a second side where the pipes have an intake port located through the deck above the waterline of the watercraft and an outlet port that extends into the bottom third of the hull below the waterline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Dallas Wynne
  • Patent number: 6761629
    Abstract: A method for detecting a fuel leak in a compartment is provided. The compartment includes at least one inlet and an exhaust outlet that is coupled in flow communication with the compartment and in flow communication with a fan. The method includes determining a fan speed, measuring a fuel leak gas concentration value, determining a fuel leak gas concentration limit value within the compartment based on the determined fan speed, comparing the measured fuel leak gas concentration value with the determined fuel leak gas concentration limit value, and generating at least one of an alarm signal and a trip signal based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: William Andrew Parker, Gerald Wilson Grove, Robert Lester Brooks, Mark David D'Ambruoso
  • Patent number: 6712689
    Abstract: A ventilation system and method for venting a cockpit of a power boat is disclosed herein. The ventilation system comprises a windshield extending from a foredeck of the powerboat, a cockpit cover at least covering the cockpit and a frame. A cockpit vent comprises a frame defining at least one aperature for introducing ambient air into the cockpit. The frame is disposed between the windshield and cockpit cover and includes a windshield engagement member and a cover engagement member spaced from the windshield engagement member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: James Clarkson, Emerson Wesley Ritchie
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6651575
    Abstract: A bilge blower for a watercraft such as a power boat. The bilge blower includes a blower unit and a power unit. The blower unit can be removeably attached to a bilge drain on the watercraft. The power unit supplies power to the blower unit. When the blower unit is attached and power is supplied, the bilge blower draws air and vapor from the watercraft's bilge through the bilge drain. The blower unit preferably includes a fan with a brushless motor. A brushless motor is used to reduce the likelihood of sparks which could ignite any fuel vapor. In the preferred embodiment, the blower unit includes a housing that attaches to the bilge drain with a threaded connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Michael Elias Pontones
  • Patent number: 6375527
    Abstract: A personal watercraft has an improved ventilation system for an engine compartment. The ventilation system is disclosed in the context of both two-cycle and four-cycle engines. The system includes a plurality of ducts that are strategically positioned on the watercraft. One of the ducts extends through a sidewall of a pedestal that carries an operator seat. Another of the ducts extends through a bottom plate connecting the seat to the hull. The ducts are configured to create airflow across various engine and exhaust system components. For instance, a portion of an exhaust system is interposed between two ends of two separate ducts in one arrangement. In another arrangement, a duct draws or forces air past a portion of the exhaust system. The portion of the exhaust system can include a catalyst. The system also creates a flow of air across a cylinder head in one arrangement and a lubricant reservoir in another arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Gohara
  • Patent number: 6289834
    Abstract: A portable collapsible ventilator that is used to direct air currents into a boat hatch, recreational vehicle vent, or other opening in an enclosed space while, at the same time shielding that opening from the intrusion of rain and direct sunlight. The ventilator has a frame of hinged, flexible rods covered with a water repellent fabric with an opening at one end. The ventilator is erected into a freestanding unit by pushing down on the hinge point of the flexible rods and locking them in position with a locking mechanism to form a semi-circular shape. A rod is inserted between the front and center hinge points to extend the open end of the device forward into a rain and sun shielding position. The ventilator is then positioned over the opening to be ventilated and secured in place with attached shock cords. When not in use, the ventilator is collapsed into an elongated shape with the flexible rods aligned and the cover folded around them to enable insertion into a storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Stephen Phillips
  • Patent number: 6178908
    Abstract: A wind scoop for hatches and designed to direct and restrict the amount of wind through a hatch opening and if necessary, cut the wind completely. The scoop is collapsible for easy storage and transportation. A rigid sheet is scored to define foldable walls that form an intake opening and direct the wind therethrough. A wall is pivotally housed within the walls and movable between two extreme positions for allowing maximum air through or blocking it. A removable notched bar bites on the distal said of the pivoting wall to keep the latter at a predetermined position. An elastic cord is attached at one end inside the wind scoop and the other end passes through the hatch opening and it is attached to an elongated member with dimensions larger than the opening. The stretched cord keeps the wind scoop in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Brian Stolzenberger