Hull Cleaning Patents (Class 114/222)
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Patent number: 12157547Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inflatable watercraft barrier in one example having an inflatable perimeter tube. Also disclosed is a diaphragm sealed to the perimeter tube to form the watercraft barrier between a watercraft and the water in which the watercraft barrier and watercraft float. In one example, a portion of the perimeter tube forms a gate portion which is at least partially selectively deflated so as to be denser than water, and therefore rotates about a gate pivot such that the watercraft may enter the watercraft barrier through the gate portion. Also disclosed is a water pump in fluid communication with the watercraft barrier so as to evacuate water from between the watercraft barrier and the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2023Date of Patent: December 3, 2024Inventor: Dean Richard Howard
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Patent number: 12116091Abstract: A boat hull washing apparatus includes a left structure and a right structure, one or more brushes arranged to wash a hull of a boat positioned between the structures. The apparatus is provided with a boat positioning assembly that includes a left and a right boat pushing device. The left and right boat pushing devices are attached to left/right structures respectively. The left boat pushing device is arranged to bias a boat, located between the left and right structures, away from the left structure, and the right device functions similar away from the right structure. In this way, the pushing devices are arranged to hold the boat in a lateral position. Using this arrangement of the left and right pushing devices to bias the boat away from the left and right structures, respectively, a single force generating unit is connected to both pushing devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2021Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: Rentunder ABInventor: Jan Alvén
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Patent number: 12084156Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an underwater hull cleaning machine is provided. The cleaning machine includes a housing including a base region adapted to be arranged facing at least part of an external surface to be cleaned; a guiding mechanism coupled to the housing, wherein the guiding mechanism is configured to enable the cleaning machine to be maneuvered along the external surface; and at least one brush configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the at least one brush is extended downwardly towards the base region to be in contact with the external surface. In the retracted position, the at least one brush is moved upwardly away from the base region to be free from contact with the external surface. According to further embodiments, a hull cleaning system and a method for cleaning a vessel hull are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Inventor: Chong Bin Michael Gan
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Patent number: 12054014Abstract: An air delivery system is operable to on-board compressed air to an associated work vehicle from an associated or auxiliary source such as for example an external large compressor or air storage tank for assisting a tire inflation system (TIS) of the associated work vehicle to expedite tire inflation particularly when transitioning to a desired raised tire pressure, and is further operable to off-board compressed air from a compressor of the TIS system on-board the associated work vehicle for delivery from the TIS to an associated or external compressed air consuming device such as an implement attached with the associated work vehicle or the like. A bi-directional air delivery retrofit kit provides on-boarding and off-boarding of an extra-vehicular compressed air product relative to an associated work vehicle. A dual source air delivery system provides pressurized air to an air storage device from on-board and off-board pressurized air sources.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2021Date of Patent: August 6, 2024Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Benjamin L. Borgmann, Patrick A. Schweigel, Marta A. Muilenburg
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Patent number: 12030599Abstract: A device for the cleaning of a submerged section of the hull of a vessel that is treated with a non-toxic layer of paint based on a surface-treated coating. The device comprises a platform with a first cleaning module and with a device to place and move the cleaning module against the side of the hull of the vessel and that the device is further provided with a launch platform with a second cleaning module which can place the second cleaning module against the bottom of the hull. The second cleaning module is connected via a first cable to the launch platform for the movement and control thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Inventor: Boudewijn Gabriël Van Rompay
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Patent number: 11878780Abstract: The autonomous hull biofouling cleaning system includes a floating platform mounted on pontoons and having thrusters to move the platform close to a hull needing cleaning. The floating platform includes both axial and transverse sliding ballast to prevent the platform from overturning from the collection of debris. Mounted on the platform is a solar power apparatus for providing power to the various modules, a motorized hose reel, concentric hoses mounted on the reel, an ozone pumping apparatus, a vacuum debris collection apparatus, and modules for sanitizing the debris to discharge sanitized water. A submersible remotely operating cleaning system (SROCS) is attached to the hose and includes thrusters to move adjacent to the hull, electromagnetic coils to attach to the hull, and rubbing discs to remove the biofouling, the hose first pumping ozone on the biofouling and the vacuum debris hose removing the biofouling to the floating platform for processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2023Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITYInventors: Muthanna Ahmed Aziz, Waleed Khalil Ahmed
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Patent number: 11858603Abstract: A hull scrubber device for a boat is deployed into an operative mode when the boat travels through the water. The device includes a mounting pole and a flexible hull scrubber head attached to the mounting pole and tethered via a tether rope and a swivel mounting in the hull scrubber head. The device is structured to rotate or spin and hit against the boat hull as the boat moves through the water. The scrubber head is a flat-like spiral disk when in a storage, inoperative mode. This disk assumes the shape of a cylinder when hull scrubber device is fully deployed in the water. Brush elements, felt pad elements, and scraper elements are mounted on an outer edge surface of the hull scrubber head for cleaning the hull. Related methods of cleaning a boat hull are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2021Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Inventor: Sigismund Schreiber
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Patent number: 11801581Abstract: A derusting machine includes at least two derusting wheels; a driving mechanism; a support assembly; a dust hood; a plurality of suction nozzles disposed through the dust hood; a vacuum cleaner; and a pipe. The at least two derusting wheels are perpendicular to each other; each derusting wheel includes a plurality of wire wheels and a rotating wheel disposed between the plurality of wire wheels, and each the rotating wheel includes a carbide bit. The at least two derusting wheels are connected to the driving mechanism. The driving mechanism is disposed in or on the support assembly. The support assembly is a handle, a conveyor, or a support frame. The dust hood is attached to the at least two derusting wheels. The plurality of suction nozzles is connected to the vacuum cleaner through the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2021Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: NANTONG JINCHANG MACHINERY MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Fujin Lu, Ruibiao Lu
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Patent number: 11601737Abstract: A subwoofer that is enclosed in a housing adapted for tool-less installation and removal on a watercraft using cam-latch mounts on existing vendor mounting locations or on included custom mounting plates. The watercraft subwoofer system includes a waterproof signal and power connector with no tools necessary to connect or disconnect. The down-firing subwoofer acoustically couples the subwoofer to the hollow vehicle hull and increases bass. The enclosure has a passive acoustic radiator to provide increased bass response and pressure equalization when hitting the water or momentarily submerged. The enclosure has marine lights on the rear-facing side. The enclosure also has a one-way pressure valve to release pressure if hitting water at high speeds and becoming submerged. An anti-slip mat is provided on the top of the enclosure to reduce the likelihood of a rider slipping off the rear of the watercraft. Various enclosure shapes may be used.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Inventors: Johnathan Ivey, Kevin Sykes, Jason Planck
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Patent number: 11577794Abstract: The robotic device conducts an action on a curved ferromagnetic surface. The robotic device includes a chassis platform and at least one magnetic side drive module. The chassis platform rolls on the curved ferromagnetic surface and is maintained thereon by virtue of the curved ferromagnetic surface being ferromagnetic. The at least one magnetic side drive module is pivotally attached to the chassis platform and is for conducting the action on the curved ferromagnetic surface as the chassis platform rolls on the curved ferromagnetic surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: Sector Industries, Inc.Inventor: Ali Outa
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Patent number: 11505293Abstract: The underwater vehicle with variable configuration (1) comprises: a hull (2) consisting of at least four elongated elements (20), mutually articulated by means of joints (21), to form a first closed polygonal structure (F1), arranged on a plane; thrusters (3), associated in parallel with said elements (20) of the hull (2); actuating means (22), associated with said joints (21), provided for automatically modifying said first closed polygonal structure (F1), from an elongated shape configuration (AF1) to an expanded shape (EF1), corresponding to an elongated conformation of said hull (2), to determine a low hydrodynamic resistance and a longitudinal thrust of the thrusters (3) in the cruising of said underwater vehicle (1), and to a substantially isotropic conformation, wherein the same elements (20) of the hull (2), as well as the thrusters (3) are mutually angled, intended for the hovering of the same underwater vehicle (1), respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: Universita' Degli Studi di FirenzeInventors: Benedetto Allotta, Jonathan Gelli, Marco Pagliai, Alessandro Ridolfi
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Patent number: 11445809Abstract: A rotating grooming brush comprising a brush hub having grooming elements and shroud elements, and method for grooming a surface having an unwanted material thereon. The elements extend from the brush hub and may be positioned near its outer periphery. The elements may be grooming elements forming an array and shroud elements forming a shroud array. A rigid or elastomeric shroud extending from the brush hub surface may optionally be included about the edge of the brush hub, to the outside of the grooming elements. Rotation of the grooming attachment brush causes a low pressure region to build in the central area of the brush. This low pressure region creates a resulting force that forcefully attracts the grooming attachment brush to the surface to be groomed. The resulting force is controlled by the diameter of the brush hub, arrangement, of the elements and the speed of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Florida Institute of technology, Inc.Inventors: Geoffrey Swain, Michael Harper, Melissa Tribou, Harrison Arthur Gardner, Caglar Erdogan
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Patent number: 11408401Abstract: A robotic access system including a robotic fan crawler configured to traverse a surface of a wind turbine and perform one or more tasks. The robotic fan crawler includes one or more fans to adhere the robotic fan crawler to the surface of the wind turbine and one or more driving components to drive the robotic fan crawler along the surface of the wind turbine. The robotic fan crawler further includes one or more omnidirectional cameras operable to capture images of the surface from multiple perspectives during an inspection activity and data collection period. One or more steering components provide directional changes of the robotic fan crawler during operation. A tether cable is coupled to the robotic fan crawler and a tether management system to provide one or more of power, communications, grounding, supplies and distance calculations.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Todd William Danko, Judith Ann Guzzo, John Robert Hoare, Yakov Polishchuk, Douglas Forman, Shiraj Sen
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Patent number: 11345451Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the outer side of the hull of a marine vessel and for cleaning the wall of cargo holds, the apparatus including a housing provided with magnetic continuous tracks at opposing lateral sides of the housing, a front wheel and a rear wheel for each of the magnetic continuous tracks, each magnetic continuous track including a plurality of links interconnected by drive pins, the links having an inwardly facing side and an outwardly facing side, a guide configured to engage the drive pins for preventing the links in a first portion of the extent of the of at least one of the magnetic continuous tracks between the front wheel and the rear wheel from moving in the direction in which the outwardly facing side faces and a submersible apparatus for cleaning the outer side of the hull of a marine vessel and for cleaning the wall of cargo space in the cargo holds that comprises a watertight housing provided with continuous magnetic tracks at opposing lateral sides of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: CLIIN APSInventors: Thomas Jørgensen, Michael Iversen, Nikolaj Hans Bramsen Kloster, Bo Møller Hansen
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Patent number: 11319038Abstract: A system for watercraft decontamination includes a substantially water-tight vessel sized and shaped to accommodate a watercraft, the vessel containing water and including a structure adapted to facilitate disposition of the watercraft in the vessel such that the a rear portion and transom of the watercraft that are normally submerged in watercraft use are submerged in the water. The system further includes a water heating system operatively connected to the substantially water-tight vessel, so as to heat the water from the vessel, and a water circulation system operatively connected to the substantially water-tight vessel and the water heating system and adapted to circulate water between the water heating system and the substantially water-tight vessel. The water heating system is sized and configured to maintain a temperature of the water in the substantially water-tight vessel at a temperature of between approximately 100° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius) and approximately 110° Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2021Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Inventors: Garrett Atwood, Jonas Hyita
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Patent number: 11313846Abstract: Exemplary inventive practice replicatively tests the effects of cleaning processes applied to marine hulls coated with biofouling-control substances. A sample (e.g., antifouling-coated panel) is coupled with a trolley that is linearly moveable via trolley wheels upon two parallel tracks provided along the length of an open rectangular box-shaped tank, partially filled with natural or artificial seawater. The cleaning element (e.g., brush bristles) points vertically upward in a stationary position atop a motorized cleaning unit installed proximate the bottom of the tank. In accordance with the trolley's horizontal movement, and while the sample and cleaning element are immersed in seawater, the sample traverses the cleaning element in a contactual manner that mimics underwater cleaning dynamics for a hull surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2021Date of Patent: April 26, 2022Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Elizabeth G. Haslbeck, Eric R. Holm, Kody L. Lieberman, Patrick J. Earley, Ignacio D. Rivera, Derek M. Michelin, Nathan H. Gabriel
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Patent number: 11201991Abstract: The invention discloses a binocular robot for bridge underwater detection based on 5G communication. The robot includes a body, a base, a power arm, a video collection component, a communication component and a power component. The underwater part of the bridge may be collected in the form of a video by the configured video collection component, and the robot may be driven by the power component to move underwater. Driven by a first motor, a binocular camera may rotate to observe various orientations underwater, and meanwhile may drive a cleaning component coordinated with an electric top block to wipe the lens of the binocular camera, so that the video information may be collected clearly underwater. Finally, the video information may be transmitted to a worker on the water through the communication component to achieve the effect of remote detection, which saves the underwater detection cost and improves detection efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2021Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: Guangzhou UniversityInventors: Airong Liu, Zhicheng Yang, Jiyang Fu, Yixiao Zhang, Bingcong Chen, Xiaoyong Hu, Xiangrong Yuan, Dayang Wang, Lixue Zhu, Zewen Tao
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Patent number: 11186349Abstract: An ultrasonic system for treating a submerged surface of a target structure, the system including: an ultrasonic generator for generating electrical energy to drive first and second ultrasonic transducers, the electrical energy including at least two different frequencies including a first and second operation frequency; first ultrasonic transducers configured to be mounted as a first array to the target structure, and connectable to the ultrasonic generator and operable to generate a first ultrasound signal from the first operation frequency; and second ultrasonic transducers configured to be mounted as a second array to the target structure, and connectable to the ultrasonic generator and operable to generate a second ultrasound signal from the second operation frequency, wherein the first and second ultrasonic transducers are spaceable from one another to produce guided ultrasonic waveforms through the target structure including heterodyned frequencies from the first ultrasound signal and the second ultrasType: GrantFiled: April 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Inventors: Hans Juerg Krause, Pierre-Olivier Jost
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Patent number: 11161157Abstract: An underwater cavitation jet cleaning system provided with an automatic metering feeder for cleaning solution organically integrates a cavitation jet technology with the improvement of cleaning solutions, which can not only increase bubbles can be during jet, but also is beneficial for removing hull dirt. An eddy segment of a nozzle is arranged as a spiral passage, and the eddy segment is gradually reduced from a water inlet to a water outlet, so that a speed of fluid becomes further faster. A volume of an in-pipe chamber of a barrel is different, and the fluid is pulsed while flowing through the barrel, so that the fluid is finally ejected from the nozzle of a cleaning gun, which efficiently improves the cavitation rate, and increases the generation of cavitation nucleus.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: November 2, 2021Assignee: ETENL MARINE ECO-TECHNOLOGY (HOLDINGS) LIMITEDInventor: Min Wu
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Patent number: 11008078Abstract: A floating and maneuverable hull washing and cleaning plant for ships, includes cleaning and washing means submerged below the water level and operating against the hull, propulsion members for moving the plant in the engagement and washing against the hull in its length, members for controlling and changing the buoyancy displacement of the plant with control of the immersion level; a basin with side walls within which the cleaning and washing means are positioned, the cleaning and washing means being arranged in said basin and brought into contact with the hull during the cleaning with the control of the plant floating and of the position of the support members of the cleaning and washing means with respect to the basin itself; and guiding members for engaging and positioning the ship during the treatment.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2018Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Inventor: Guido Bardelli
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Patent number: 10973213Abstract: Certain embodiments may generally relate to a marine clutch apparatus for retrieving lines from the seafloor. The marine clutch apparatus may include a first base sled and a second base sled disposed adjacent to each other. The marine clutch apparatus may also include a first side panel and a second side panel, a connection rod disposed between the first base sled and the second base sled, and a grabber head disposed between the first base sled and the second base sled.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: QATAR UNIVERSITYInventors: Ibrahim Al Maslamani, Mehmet Demirel, David Smyth, Bruno Weltergiraldes, Mark Chatting
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Patent number: 10967940Abstract: The invention provides a waveguide element (1000) comprising a first face (1001) and a second face (1002) with radiation transmissive material (1005) configured between the first face (1001) and the second face (1002), wherein the radiation transmissive material (1005) is transmissive for UV radiation, wherein the radiation transmissive material (1005) is a matrix material for a phase (1010) of another composition than the radiation transmissive material (1005), wherein the phase (1010) is available in the matrix as regions (1110) with the regions (1110) having mean particle radii (r1) selected from the range of 50-1500 nm and having an average region concentration selected from the range of 1*104-1.5*108/mm3 of the radiation transmissive material (1005).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Elvira Johanna Maria Paulussen, Bart Andre Salters, Hugo Johan Cornelissen
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Patent number: 10918199Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning nets underwater comprising a cleaning head formed from at least one propeller having a perimeter rim available for receipt of knuckles. The cleaning head is positioned against the surface of an underwater net wherein the cleaning features are constructed and arranged to remove growth from the nets.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2016Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Inventor: Peter B. Lindgren
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Patent number: 10858082Abstract: A rotary cleaning apparatus for underwater cleaning including a housing, a battery, a motor and a flexible hub system. The flexible hub system includes a toroidal brush system coupled to a circular centrifugal pump assembly. The flexible hub system includes a flexible hub allowing the flexible hub system to bend out of plane. When the flexible hub system is rotated underwater at a curved surface, the brush system cleans the surface while the suction of the centrifugal pump assembly flexes the flexible hub system to evenly contact the surface.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Inventor: Simon Edward Smith
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Patent number: 10844562Abstract: A deployment system for an inspection vehicle operable in a housing having a liquid medium is disclosed in the present application. The deployment system includes a mount connectable to the housing through an aperture formed in a wall thereof. An extendable arm is connected to the mount and positioned within the housing. A tether is slidably coupled to the extendable arm and adapted to connect with the inspection vehicle. A control mechanism is operable to control deployment of the tether and the position of the extendable arm.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2019Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: ABB POWER GRIDS SWITZERLAND AGInventors: Gregory A. Cole, William J. Eakins, Daniel T. Lasko, Harshang Shah, Thomas A. Fuhlbrigge, Luiz V. Cheim, Poorvi Patel, Biao Zhang, Gregory F. Rossano, Saumya Sharma, Sangeun Choi
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Patent number: 10836446Abstract: A wall surface suction travel device includes a first travel unit, a second travel unit, a joint mechanism, and an elastic mechanism. The travel units are aligned along a travel direction and are each configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. The joint mechanism couples the travel units together such that the travel units can pivot relative to each other on a pivot axis extending in a direction that is perpendicular to both a wall surface facing direction and the travel direction. The elastic mechanism includes a first end fixed to the first travel unit, a second end fixed to the second travel unit, and an elastic member configured to be elastically deformed when one of the travel units pivots relative to the other travel unit and a distance between the first end and the second end is shortened.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Yoshinari Matsuyama, Tomomi Nishikata, Masaki Shikanai, Takeshi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 10703761Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, compounds and methods of use thereof for the modulation of bile acid receptor activity.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: City of HopeInventors: Donna Yu, Barry Forman
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Patent number: 10704282Abstract: Pool cleaners are disclosed relating to underwater vacuum cleaning that include a main body, a debris discharge opening, a debris suction opening and a pressure chamber. The pressure chamber may be arranged around an unobstructed cylindrical flow path with the pressure chamber being positioned between the debris discharge opening and the debris suction opening such that water discharged from the pressure chamber directs debris into a debris bag. The cleaners may further be configured to operate by way of a submersible pump, submersible electric motor and a battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2018Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: RP 2020, LLCInventors: Michael Todd Dufilho, Cory John Zimmerman
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Patent number: 10696338Abstract: A wall surface suction-type travel device is configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. An intermediate chamber communicates with decompression chambers facing the wall surface. A suction device sucks in air from the intermediate chamber to decompress the intermediate chamber. Principal communicating parts allow the decompression chambers to communicate with the intermediate chamber. Secondary communicating parts allow the respective decompression chambers to communicate with the intermediate chamber. Valves face openings of the respective principal communicating parts. An area of an opening of each of the secondary communicating parts is smaller than an area of the opening of a corresponding one of the principal communicating parts.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshinari Matsuyama, Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Masaki Shikanai, Takeshi Kikuchi, Tomomi Nishikata
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Patent number: 10618575Abstract: A wall surface suction travel device includes a first travel unit, a second travel unit, a joint mechanism, and an elastic mechanism. The travel units are aligned along a travel direction and are each configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. The joint mechanism couples the travel units together such that the travel units can pivot relative to each other on a pivot axis extending in a direction that is perpendicular to both a wall surface facing direction and the travel direction. The elastic mechanism includes a first end fixed to the first travel unit, a second end fixed to the second travel unit, and an elastic member configured to be elastically deformed when one of the travel units pivots relative to the other travel unit and a distance between the first end and the second end is shortened.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2019Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tomohiro Sekiguchi, Yoshinari Matsuyama, Tomomi Nishikata, Masaki Shikanai, Takeshi Kikuchi
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Patent number: 10611452Abstract: An outdrive flexible shield apparatus has a rectangular frame and a rectangular flexible liner. The frame has a front pole, a left back corner, and a right back corner. The front pole of the rectangular frame has a left segment and a right segment, the right segment separated by a gap from the left segment. A circular opening is medially disposed within a front surface of the rectangular flexible liner. The rectangular flexible liner is attachable to the frame. A left rope attaches the back left corner of the apparatus to a boat and another right rope attaches the back right corner of the apparatus to the boat. A dissolvable chlorine cartridge is removably disposable within the cavity of the substantially rectangular flexible liner.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Inventor: Bonnie LaGrasso
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Patent number: 10596713Abstract: This disclosure provides systems and methods for an actuated sensor module for in situ gap inspection robots. A mounting interface attaches to the sensor module to the robot system. A least one arm is operatively connected to the mounting interface and has a joint. A sensor head is operatively connected to the arm at the joint and an actuator operatively connected to the arm moves the sensor head around the second joint.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Selim Akin, Thomas James Batzinger, Airton Rosa da Silva, Jr., Selami Haydar Icli, Paulo Cesar Debenest, Michele Guarnieri, Giorgio Valsecchi, Giacomo Cimarelli, Shigeo Hirose
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Patent number: 10562600Abstract: A machine for cleaning boat hulls in the water, with a U-shaped structure (2), submerged in the water and fastened to a jetty or dock, that incorporates rollers (4), fastened to lateral frames (3), driven by motors (5), grouped with mobility and flotation in parallel rows (6), in order to slide perpendicularly along the length of the hull, in one direction or the other, adapting to its shape. The lateral frames (3) are mobile in the vertical sense. The rollers (4) are incorporated in floating cages. The structure (2) has a vertical movement mechanism (18) to adapt it to the draft and/or with a horizontal movement mechanism (21) to move it under the boat or it is fixed, with the boat being moved by a winch.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2017Date of Patent: February 18, 2020Inventor: Justo Garcia Diaz
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Patent number: 10556652Abstract: The invention relates to a hull of a vessel having characteristic surface properties, allowing an increase in surface runoff while benefiting from an inherent anti-fouling property and an original aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, the invention allows the incorporation of said outer composite envelope into the structure of the hull, thereby preventing delamination problems and inherently providing a vessel hull with the above-mentioned properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2016Date of Patent: February 11, 2020Assignee: Metalskin Technologies SASInventors: Stephane Penari, Thomas Drean, Yann Dube
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Patent number: 10555388Abstract: The present invention relates to a load arrangement for use in an electrical power arrangement and for arrangement at a first external electrically conductive element (5). The load arrangement comprises a load (2), a first electrode (3) electrically connected to the load (2), a dielectric layer (4) and a carrier carrying the load (2), the first electrode (3) and the dielectric layer (4). The load (2), the first electrode (3) and the dielectric layer (4) form a structure, which is configured for being arranged at the first external electrically conductive element (5). The first electrode (3) and the dielectric layer (4) are arranged to form, in combination with a first external electrically conductive element (5) representing an outer surface of a marine structure, a capacitor (6) for capacitive transmission of electrical power between the first electrode (3) and the first external element (5). The carrier is configured for being arranged at the first external electrically conductive element (5).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2016Date of Patent: February 4, 2020Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventor: Martinus Hermanus Wilhelmus Maria Van Delden
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Patent number: 10543886Abstract: An exemplary method for a marine vessel having a propeller mounted to a rotatable shaft for converting rotative shaft power transferred from the shaft to the propeller into thrust to propel the marine vessel across water, includes obtaining measurement values that are descriptive of the shaft power, the thrust and speed through water of the marine vessel; separately estimating at least one of first excess shaft power caused by fouling of the propeller and second excess shaft power caused by fouling of the hull of the marine vessel; and issuing an indication of propeller cleaning in dependence of the first excess shaft power and hull cleaning in dependence of the second excess shaft power.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: WÄRTSILÄ FINLAND OYInventor: Ronald Van Miert
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Patent number: 10534358Abstract: An exemplary method is disclosed for estimating operational efficiency of a marine vessel with a propeller mounted to a rotatable shaft for converting rotative shaft power transferred from the shaft to the propeller into thrust to propel the marine vessel across water, the method including obtaining a respective time series of values for operating parameters of the marine vessel; constructing a multi-dimensional power matrix for a first time period based on operating parameter values within a respective sub-series thereof that represents a first time period; computing, for one or more propulsion parameters, fouling values based on information stored in the power matrix and information stored in a base matrix, of a reference fouling level; and creating indications concerning operating status of the marine vessel in dependence of the fouling values.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: WÄRTSILÄ FINLAND OYInventors: Ronald Van Miert, Frank Velthuis, John Kop, Kenny Joosen
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Patent number: 10501150Abstract: Pontoon hulls for providing lower friction surfaces on the hulls to increase the efficiency of pontoon boats moving through the water. The inner side walls between the pontoons can be provided with a plurality of longitudinal vents. The vents can have open ends facing the stern and opposite closed ends facing the bow. As the water craft moves forward, a bubbling effect can occur in low pressure zones about the stern facing open ends of the vents to reduce the water surfaces in contact with the pontoon hull surfaces. A plurality of open rear ends of the vents can be arranged in series and in parallel on left inner sides of the left pontoon, and on right inner sides of the right pontoon.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2018Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Inventor: William Ratlieff
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Patent number: 10457360Abstract: A method that uses a tool specifically designed for removing weeds, milfoil, invasive species, or any other foreign matter from boat, pontoon, personal water craft trailers, dock, boat lift and the like. The tool incorporated within this method of removing weeds and the like from watercraft trailers is able to cut weeds in half or scrape weeds that are hanging on trailer beams allowing them to fall to the ground. It can hook or grab weeds pulling them off trailer beams. The tool can slide on trailer beams capturing weeds in the tool head, which can then be removed when the tool head is taken off the trailer beam. A rotating handle is incorporated allowing ease of use from many different angles.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventors: Michaela Anderson, Justin Kofoed
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Patent number: 10457359Abstract: An outdrive engine enclosure having at least one sidewall forming a closed end and an open mouth opposite the closed end is disclosed. The enclosure includes a transom ligature constrictably coupled circumferentially about the at least one sidewall proximate the open mouth, and also includes at least one neck ligature constrictably coupled circumferentially about the at least one sidewall, between the open mouth and the closed end. The outdrive engine enclosure further includes a deployed configuration, where the at least one sidewall proximate the open mouth is constricted by the transom ligature around one of a transom mounting rim and a gimbal housing to form a transom seal that is substantially watertight. The deployed configuration also includes the at least one sidewall being constricted by the at least one neck ligature against the outdrive engine proximate a neck, thereby reducing the volume contained inside the enclosure in the deployed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Inventors: Darrell Epps, Scott Epps
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Patent number: 10451514Abstract: Method and system is described for enhanced subsea leak detection by using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) that is equipped with measurement components and navigation components. The method and system may include a one or more wireless communication components for navigation. Also, the method and system may include one or more sensors to detect leakage from a pipeline.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Bin Xu, Vasudev Rayachoti
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Patent number: 10414473Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and related method for cleaning vessel hulls and other subsea structures at sea. In an embodiment, a hull cleaning system comprises a housing defining an interior void; a multifunction bar; a propulsion system; a power system; a positioning system; a water pump operatively connected to the power system; a high flow manifold operatively in fluid communication with the water pump; a hull cleaner; and a suction device configured to selectively adhere the hull cleaning system to a hull.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Oceaneering International, Inc.Inventors: Jeffery Neal Ledda, Duane Martin Baker, III, Bruce Brian Brown, Anthony Louis Kopera, George Kotula, Thomas Knight Tolman, Gary Wieboldt, Christopher Embree Wong
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Patent number: 10407930Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electric top bottom cleaner for pools or spas that includes internal pumps for suction and propulsion purposes. The pool cleaner includes a housing having a front end, a rear end, a first side, a second side, a bottom wall, and a top wall, with a first aperture extending through the bottom wall and a second aperture extending through the top wall. A tube extends through the housing between the first aperture and the second aperture. A debris retention mechanism is connectable to the housing. A first pump, a second pump, and a third pump are positioned within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.Inventors: Benoit Joseph Renaud, David John Hardy
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Patent number: 10306872Abstract: An aquarium cleaning device includes an isolation zone forming member having opposing first and second sides. First and second liquid passages are formed through the member between the first and second sides, each of the first and second liquid passages having an opening on the second side. A gasket is secured to the isolation zone forming member and forms a loop around the openings of the first and second liquid passages. The gasket is disposed to create sealing contact against an aquarium wall when the isolation zone forming member is held against the aquarium wall. An input tube is fluidically connected to the first liquid passage and an output tube is fluidically connected to the second liquid passage.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Pier Aquarium, Inc.Inventor: Zachary Ostroff
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Patent number: 10301837Abstract: A drive module for submersible autonomous vehicles is disclosed. The drive module includes a propulsion element configured to engage and rotate against a surface, a motor configured to drive the propulsion element, and a controller configured to cause the motor to drive the propulsion element. The drive module also includes a housing configured to be removably, releasably coupled to the exterior of a submersible autonomous vehicle. The motor and the controller are disposed within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.Inventors: Kameshwar Durvasula, Ethan Hanan, William Londono
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Patent number: 10248981Abstract: An example system may include an acquisition system including a robotic manipulator and a camera coupled to the robotic manipulator. The example system may further include one or more network servers storing program instructions that, upon execution by at least one processor of the one or more network servers, cause the one or more network servers to perform various operations. The operations may include: receiving, from a client application operating on a client device, a product visual order; generating a product profile corresponding to the product visual order in a product visual database; transmitting, to the acquisition system, acquisition instructions for acquiring product visual data indicative of the tangible product; transforming captured product visual data into a product visual of the tangible product; and storing the product visual in the product profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Prisma Systems CorporationInventors: Isaac Dallas, Christopher Richards
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Patent number: 10202156Abstract: A stabilizer frame apparatus may be configured for engaging a load transporting apparatus for purposes of moving a load. The stabilizer frame apparatus may have or include a first stabilizer bar and a second stabilizer bar where the stabilizer frame apparatus is configured to operatively integrate into a load structure. The first stabilizer bar may have a first end and a second end, and the second stabilizer bar may have a first end and a second end. The first end of the first stabilizer bar may be operatively coupled to the first end of the second stabilizer bar. Similarly, the second end of the first stabilizer bar may be operatively coupled to the second end of the second stabilizer bar. In a non-limiting embodiment, the load transporting apparatus may maintain a substantially parallel configuration between the sidewalls of the load structure during movement.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Hydraulic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Carl Flynt Higginbotham, III
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Patent number: 10179634Abstract: Device (3) for cleaning a submerged surface (12) of a vessel (7) includes a cleaning module (2) with at least one rotating brush (11) which, upon the movement of the cleaning module, ensures that the cleaning module is pushed or sucked against the aforementioned surface (12), wherein the device (3) is further provided with a launch platform (1) that can place the cleaning module against the surface and which is connected thereto by a first cable (15) for the control of the cleaning module, this launch platform being provided with at least one camera (4) and a drive (8) to move the launch platform underwater, whereby the launch platform is connected to elements (16) to bring the launch platform to a desired location underwater, whereby the launch platform is connected via a second cable (5) to a control unit (6) for controlling the launch platform and the cleaning module.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Inventor: Boudewijn Gabriel Van Rompay
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Patent number: 10162796Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a mobile device comprising a display screen. The system further includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) device comprising a camera configured to capture image data, video data, or a combination thereof, and a wireless system configured to communicate the image data, the video data, an overlay data or a combination thereof, to the mobile device; wherein the mobile device is configured to visually display the image data, the video data, the overlay data, or the combination thereof, on the display screen.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Kevin Andrew Coombs, Michael Christopher Domke, Thomas Charles Ward
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Patent number: 10112664Abstract: A climbing robot vehicle comprises a vehicle (2) and the front and rear ends of the vehicle body are provided with wheels (3). The end of the vehicle body facing towards the wall is fixedly connected to a sucking mechanism. The sucking mechanism comprises a body, the body being a hollow cylinder (4). A cover plate (5) is provided above the hollow cylinder. The upper end face of the cover plate is fixedly connected with the vehicle body and the lower end face of the cover plate is fixedly connected with the outer edge of the upper end face of the hollow cylinder by means of the first blocks (43) spaced from each other. The inner wall of the hollow cylinder is provided with tangential nozzles (41). The space between the first blocks (43) forms a first exhaust duct (44) between the outer edge of the upper end face of the hollow cylinder and the lower end face of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2017Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITYInventor: Xin Li