Hull Cleaning Patents (Class 114/222)
  • Patent number: 10011335
    Abstract: Vehicles designed to use ground effect forces to control a positioning of the vehicle relative to a surface as well as their methods of use are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sampriti Bhattacharyya, Haruhiko Harry Asada, Michael S. Triantafyllou
  • Patent number: 9987224
    Abstract: A method and system for addressing the avoidance of migraines, cluster headaches and dizziness by adjusting an individual's microbiome, and in particular, to the provision of beneficial oral and gut microbes at particular times to enhance a person's oral health, including through the use of oral strips that adhere to surfaces in the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kovarik, Katherine Rose Kovarik
  • Patent number: 9932237
    Abstract: Embodiments of a device, or a component of a device, including a stabilized graphite surface, methods of stabilizing graphite surfaces, and uses for the devices or components are disclosed. The device or component includes a surface comprising graphite, and a plurality of haloaryl ions and/or haloalkyl ions bound to at least a portion of the graphite. The ions may be perhaloaryl ions and/or perhaloalkyl ions. In certain embodiments, the ions are perfluorobenzenesulfonate anions. Embodiments of the device or component including stabilized graphite surfaces may maintain a steady-state oxidation or reduction surface current density after being exposed to continuous oxidation conditions for a period of at least 1-100 hours. The device or component is prepared by exposing a graphite-containing surface to an acidic aqueous solution of the ions under oxidizing conditions. The device or component can be exposed in situ to the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Oregeon State University
    Inventors: Alexander A. Bistrika, Michael M. Lerner, Alexandre F. T. Yokochi
  • Patent number: 9889459
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly and thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then are activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to area which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Inventor: John Stephen Morton
  • Patent number: 9885196
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners that remove debris from water using a plurality of cyclonic flows, or that include a removable impeller subassembly, a check valve for a debris canister, a particle separator assembly having a handle that locks to the pool cleaner, a modular roller drive gear box, or a roller latch that secures a roller to the pool cleaner. Exemplary embodiments are also directed to the check valve and the roller latch themselves. Exemplary embodiments are directed to a filter medium for pool cleaners that includes embossments providing flow channels for water, and to roller assemblies for pool cleaners. Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners including alternative pump motor engagements. Exemplary embodiments are directed to pool cleaners power supplies that include a potted and contoured power board assembly, and to kickstands therefor. Exemplary embodiments are directed to a pool cleaner caddy, and removable wheels therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Graham M. Hayes, Scott Teuscher
  • Patent number: 9869174
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the orientation and position of components in an oil well. The system includes a first well component, a second well component, and a transducer attached to the first well component, for generating a pulse. The system also includes a transceiver attached to the second well component for measuring the parameters of the pulse generated by the transducer, and a processor in communication with the transceiver that receives information about the parameters of the pulse as measured by the transceiver, and that calculates the position of the transceiver relative to the transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: VETCO GRAY INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Jude Szpunar, Daniel W. Sexton, Chad Eric Yates, Oladapo Akinyede, Samved Bhatnagar
  • Patent number: 9868184
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for semi-automating the surface preparation of a vessel via abrading to remove old paint and polish the surface of newly painted vessel surfaces, eliminating the manual exertion to push heavy random orbital sanders up against the sides and bottoms of a vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventors: William Harris Moss, Michael Souliotis
  • Patent number: 9796460
    Abstract: A pontoon cleaning assembly for cleaning floats on a pontoon boat includes a handle that may be manipulated. A scrubbing unit is movably coupled to the handle. The scrubbing unit may scrub a float on a pontoon boat while the pontoon boat is floating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: Gordon Hawk
  • Patent number: 9789739
    Abstract: A tire inflation system for a small trailer may include a fluid pressure source mountable to the trailer, and fluid conduits providing sealed fluid communication between the fluid pressure source and the small trailer's pneumatic tires. The system may further include a fluid connector configured for connection to an external fluid power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Equalaire Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Kevin Hennig
  • Patent number: 9752036
    Abstract: [Problem] To provide a curable organopolysiloxane antifouling composite coating film obtained by using a urethane resin anticorrosive coating film excellent in curability instead of one or two organopolysiloxane intermediate coating film layers (Tie Coats) to layer an organopolysiloxane antifouling coating film excellent in both interlayer adhesiveness with the anticorrosive coating film and antifouling performance; and an antifouling substrate coated with the composite coating film. [Solution] An antifouling composite coating film, comprising a laminated urethane resin anticorrosive coating film and antifouling coating film, (I) the urethane resin anticorrosive coating film being formed from an anticorrosive paint composition comprising a main agent selected from the group consisting of polyols and glycidyl ethers, and an isocyanate curing agent, (II) the antifouling coating film being formed from a curable polysiloxane composition comprising specific components (a), (b), and (c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: CHUGOKU MARINE PAINTS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki Oya, Kiwamu Yamane, Shinichi Tashiro
  • Patent number: 9745032
    Abstract: The in-water boat-washing system is an automated system for washing a boat while said boat remains in a body of water. The in-water boat-washing system is configured to receive a boat, and propel said boat through a series of brushes that clean the hull of the boat while said boat remains in a body of water. The series of brushes are further defined with a plurality of bottom brushes, a plurality of left side brushes and a plurality of right side brushes. The in-water boat-washing system includes a plurality of rollers that are configured to rotate in order to propel the boat across the series of brushes. The in-water boat-washing system includes a frame that supports all of the componentry required. A control panel is included and automates all of the series of brushes as well as the plurality of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Marc Thurmond
  • Patent number: 9738337
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Xin Li
  • Patent number: 9738335
    Abstract: A robotic climbing platform has a chassis and a carriage adapted to support and move the chassis relative to a climbing surface. An adhesion mechanism provides an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface. The adhesion mechanism has one or more suction pads adapted to retain an adhesion force between the climbing platform and the climbing surface during movement of the chassis relative to the climbing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INVERT ROBOTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Davies, Benjamin James Kumar Sachdeva, Liam George Somerville, Andrew William Taylor, James Grant Robertson, XiaoQi Chen
  • Patent number: 9723914
    Abstract: A removable brush apparatus is configured to be attached to a user's existing footwear to enable the user to effectively and easily brush away dirt or debris from a surface without the need for a separate brush or for the user to bend over to reach the surface. The brush apparatus is formed by a housing having a plurality of bristles provided on a base surface thereof and having an engagement area for interfacing with the user's footwear. The engagement area may take the form of apertures for threading shoelaces, or may have a pair of slots and a securing strap capable of adjusting the size of the housing in order to effect a secure fit to the footwear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Inventor: Dennis E. Connelly
  • Patent number: 9669910
    Abstract: Cleaning head (22), cleaning device (8) comprising one or more cleaning heads (22), and a method for cleaning a surface, such as a ship's hull. The cleaning head (22) comprises: —a frame (18) comprising a nozzle shaft (32); —one or more nozzles (44) for cleaning the surface that are connected to the nozzle shaft (32) of the frame (18), with rotating means such that the nozzles (44) are rotatable around magnetic positioning means (46, 42); —magnetic positioning means (46, 42) for positioning the head (22) relative to the surface that are provided or attached to the frame (18); and—an activating element for manipulating the distance between the surface and the positioning means (46, 42), the activating element being connected to the positioning means, wherein the magnetic positioning means (46, 42) are movable between at least a first state and an active second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignees: A.M.N. Development B.V., C.P.M. De Vet Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Alexander Michaël Noordstrand, Cornelis Petrus Maria De Vet
  • Patent number: 9669422
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for treating the outside surface of cylindrical articles, and can be used for applying liquid substances to the surface of such articles. The apparatus for applying a coating additionally comprises a roller rotation actuator, a carriage and at least two arcuate brackets movably joined to the carriage. The rollers are designed to be capable of bending easily in any direction and have high torsional stiffness and low bending stiffness. One end of each roller is rotatably fastened to the carriage and is connected by a spindle to the rotation actuator. The other end of each roller is rotatably fastened to the free end of an arcuate bracket. The brackets are mounted on the carriage with a distance therebetween sufficient to accommodate the cross-section of the article to be treated. The brackets are capable of rotating towards one another in a mutually perpendicular manner and of enclosing the cross-section of the cylindrical article in a semi-circular manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Otari Vladimirovich Koyava
  • Patent number: 9662782
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile robot for detecting and repairing damages of a hull, including: a mobile robot unit which includes at least one frame to which motor-driven drive wheels are installed, frame connectors which flexibly connect the frames with each other, and at least one robot electromagnet and adsorption module mounted on each of the frames, and is configured to be attached to the hull through the robot electromagnet so as to move or stop on a surface of the hull by the drive wheels; a stage unit which includes a rechargeable battery mounted therein to supply power to the mobile robot unit, and a docking module provided to dock with or separate from the mobile robot unit; and a connection line configured to be wound or unwound while receiving tension controlled by the stage unit, and electrically connected between the mobile robot unit and the stage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Mokpo National Maritime University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Teak-kun Nam, Jin-man Kim
  • Patent number: 9643695
    Abstract: A removable fin assembly with at least one suction cup for attaching to a small watercraft and a method for attaching a fin assembly using at least one suction cup to a small watercraft. The fin assembly removably attaches to the underside of a small watercraft with the fin extending downwardly. The fin assembly is made up of at least one suction cup, at least one distributor to spread out the forces across the suction cup or cups, and at least one fin. The fin can be a traditional fin, a hydrofoil keel, or something similar. An optional shell can be added around the attachment location to reduce drag. Recesses can be added to the distributor to help support the fin or reduce drag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Inventors: David Michael Breaux, Rohan John Irvin
  • Patent number: 9637207
    Abstract: The invention provides a tool (4) for cleaning surfaces subsea, comprising a body having a cleaning face (11) for holding against and preferably also moving along the surface to be cleaned, the face has a shape convex or corresponding to the surface to be cleaned, and a means for distance control of the cleaning face of the body such that a gap is provided between said face and the surface (3) to be cleaned when the tool is in operation, and/or openings or channels are arranged for allowing surrounding water to flow in towards the center of the cleaning face. Further, the cleaning face comprises a suction outlet for water, debris and contamination, in operation the outlet (13) is connected to a suction device (17) so that water, debris and contamination is drawn into the outlet for transport to further treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventors: Tor Mikal Ostervold, Sten Terje Ostervold
  • Patent number: 9555448
    Abstract: Robotized cleaning device used on ferromagnetic structures that includes two symmetrical cleaning arms and a caterpillar type tractor device that moves using magnetic soles over the bands of the caterpillar robot; and where the arms are jointly attached to the tractor device via a structural profile and include a cleaning roller, each of them operated by a reduction motor connected to the roller and nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Eliot Systems, S.L.
    Inventor: Jordi Masia Perales
  • Patent number: 9487254
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided for the independent inspection of hard-to-reach inner spaces which are bounded by ferromagnetic inner walls, especially in large cast parts, such as steam chests of a steam turbine. The vehicle includes at least two wheels which are rotatable around a common axis, are at a distance from each other in the axial direction, and can be driven independently of each other. With such a vehicle, the entire inner space can be inspected if the vehicle has adherence elements which hold the vehicle against the gravity force with the wheels on the respective inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Frederic Rochat, Patrick Schoeneich, Francesco Mondada, Roland Richard Moser
  • Patent number: 9475550
    Abstract: A propeller protection shield for a propeller of a boat includes a weighted skirt and an attachment. The weighted skirt has a height and a width. The height of the weighted skirt extends from the surface of the water to below the boat propeller. The width of the weighted skirt extends at least the propeller width. The attachment secures the weighted skirt to the back of the boat behind the propeller. The weighted skirt is positioned approximately vertical in the water behind the propeller. The weighted skirt shields the propeller from contact in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Cory FormyDuval
  • Patent number: 9440717
    Abstract: A hull cleaning robot includes at least one cleaning apparatus for cleaning the hull of a vessel, at least one drive track holding the robot on the hull as the robot maneuvers about the hull, and at least one turbine actuatable by water flowing past the hull for operating the at least one drive track and, optionally, the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: James H. Rooney, III, Jonathan T. Longley, Joel N. Harris, Fraser Smith, Stephen C. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9434456
    Abstract: A submergible cleaning system (1) for cleaning an underwater hull surface (3) of a vessel while the vessel is afloat or an offshore facility, the cleaning system (1) comprising a housing (2) comprising a top face (3) and side faces (4) having edges (5) and an open bottom face, the edges (5) and bottom face being arranged opposite the hull surface (3), and the further comprising a rotary disc (6) having a plurality of nozzles (7) arranged around a periphery (30) of the rotary disc, the nozzles facing the hull surface (3), rolling spacing devices (8) for providing a predetermined first gap (9) between the rotary disc (6) and the hull surface (3), a suction device (10) fluidly connected to an outlet (11) arranged in the housing (2) for providing a negative pressure within the housing (2), a pressurizing device (12) fluidly connected with the nozzles (7) for providing a high pressure fluid to the nozzles (7), whereby the nozzles (7) are adapted for discharging fluid under high pressure against the hull surface (3
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: C-LEANSHIP A/S
    Inventor: Jesper Højer
  • Patent number: 9393594
    Abstract: A system for painting a structure includes a motorized, wheeled vehicle that is movable along a surface and includes a frame and a lift structure coupled with the frame. The system also includes a support structure supported by the lift structure, and a table supported by the support structure. The table is translatable relative to the support structure. The system also includes a mount structure rotatably coupled with the table and a kit of parts that includes a spray head assembly configured for releasable attachment to the mount structure. The system further includes a paint reservoir and a pump, each being supported by one of the vehicle and the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Forjak Industrial LLC
    Inventors: Adam G. Logan, Cameron Michael Johnson, Jeffrey David Weikel
  • Patent number: 9375763
    Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a marine element towed in water and related methods are provided. The cleaning device includes a body configured to enclose a marine element; at least one wing fixedly attached to the body and configured to impart translational motion to the body when flowing in water; and a keel attached to the body and configured to limit a rotation of the body. The at least one wing is oriented relative to the body so that the cleaning device travels from a head portion toward a tail portion of the marine element when the marine element is towed at an angle less than a triggering angle with a traveling direction of a vessel towing the marine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: CGG SERVICES SA
    Inventors: Raphaël Macquin, Camille Lapierre, Bernard Le Bars
  • Patent number: 9358577
    Abstract: A method of making a colored biocidal multi-layer structure includes providing a first layer of a first color and locating a biocidal second layer on or over the first layer. The biocidal second layer has a second color different from the first color.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: John Joseph Scheible, Tomas Gerard Patrick McHugh, Alan Richard Priebe, Ronald Steven Cok
  • Patent number: 9308977
    Abstract: A remotely operated underwater vehicle for cleaning surfaces submerged in water, the underwater vehicle having a first side, a second side, a propulsion means, a plurality of trimming means, a first buoyancy means attached to the first side and a second buoyancy means attached to the second side. Elements of the plurality of trimming means are arranged on opposite sides of the centre of gravity of the vehicle and at least one of the plurality of trimming means has a movable mass and a displacement region into which the movable mass can move. The center of gravity of the vehicle is automatically shifted when the vehicle is accelerating or changes orientation, in which the first buoyancy means provides more buoyancy than the second buoyancy means such that the center of buoyancy is located above the center of gravity of the vehicle irrespective of the orientation of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: GAC Environhull Limited
    Inventor: Robert Andersen
  • Patent number: 9309430
    Abstract: A pigment dispersion liquid is a pigment dispersion liquid for a solvent-based ink including a base metal pigment and an organic solvent, in which the base metal pigment is subjected to a surface treatment by a fluorine-based compound, and in which the concentration of a fluorine element is from 8 atm % to 35 atm % when an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the surface of the base metal pigment is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Naoyuki Toyoda, Masaru Terada, Hiroshi Takiguchi, Tomohiro Ogawa, Atsushi Denda
  • Patent number: 9302286
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of preparing and coating a large structure such as a ship's hull while in a dry dock wherein a plurality of spray guns disposed in an array are positioned by a robotic arm in a spaced relationship along the surface to be treated so that their spray patterns overlap. The array of spray guns is traversed downwardly and thus painting a strip whereupon the spray guns are secured, move horizontally and then are activated to be moved upwardly until another strip adjacent to and overlapping the first strip is painted. These steps are repeated until the surface area is substantially entirely painted. A shroud is provided for collecting paint oversprays and other excess paint is mounted in the array assemblage. An auxiliary spray gun may be positioned and its spray pattern adjusted to apply paint to area which were missed by the original spray pattern emanating from the array of spray guns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: John Stephen Morton
  • Patent number: 9260167
    Abstract: A boat hull protective system for retarding grown of barnacles or other aquatic sea life that may be capable of growing on the bottom of a boat hull or other marine equipment that is submerged in water. Additionally, the boat hull protective system provides for stabilizing the boat and cushions the same from trauma from contiguous structures (e.g., docks and the like).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Manning M. Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 9168979
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for corrosion protection on marine vessels. A marine drive is for propelling a marine vessel in saltwater. The marine drive includes a generally planar outer running surface and a collection area located proximate to the outer running surface. An electrode conducts electricity from a source of electricity to the saltwater such that the electricity reacts to the saltwater and generates chlorine gas bubbles that tend to cause corrosion on the outer running surface. The electrode is mounted on the marine drive and protrudes out from and at an angle to the outer running surface so as to inhibit flow of the chlorine gas bubbles towards the collection area at least when the marine vessel is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Niel M. Schueller, Kevin R. Anderson, David J. Waldvogel, Carl J. Prien, John A. Groeschel
  • Patent number: 9139269
    Abstract: A boat hull cleaner comprises a pole having at least two parts 2, 3 which can be set at an angle with respect to one another, a float 6, and a brush 7, the float having a buoyancy portion which gives a minimum buoyancy to the float. The float has an opening or openings arranged to admit water into the float when it is tilted while under water with the result that effective buoyancy of the float is adjusted. The hull cleaner is formed such that when it is in use a human operator can hold one end of the pole from above water level and move it to manipulate the float and the brush beneath water level such that the float encourages the brush against a boat hull to assist the operator to clean the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventors: John Andrew Higgins, Michael Andrew Heap
  • Patent number: 9120535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for emptying liquid from a flexible, portable bladder that enhances the wake of a boat, including locating a submersible pump within the bladder and activating the pump to evacuate liquid from the bladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Square One Distribution Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne Remnant
  • Patent number: 9061736
    Abstract: A method of autonomous hull cleanliness detection includes positioning an autonomous cleanliness detection system over a portion of a hull of a vessel. A cleanliness parameter of the portion of the hull is detected using a detector. The detected cleanliness parameter is compared with a stored cleanliness parameter to obtain a cleanliness differential upon which a cleaning operation or routine may be based and initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9064608
    Abstract: A device is provided to inspect welds in nozzles located in water within a containment vessel of a nuclear power plant. A computer connected to the device controls movement by use of thrusters located along a main rail while buoyancy packs regulate the depth. After the device is navigated to a weld needing inspection, feet extend radially outward from the main rail to secure the device in the nozzle. Then transducer clusters are moved along the main rail to be radially inside the weld to be inspected. Thereafter, the transducer clusters are extended radially outward and rotated adjacent to the weld while simultaneously emitting test signals and receiving reflected signals to indicate the condition of the weld.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: IHI Southwest Technologies
    Inventors: Skyler Olsen, Benjamin J. Lgosz-Sinclair
  • Patent number: 9038557
    Abstract: A hull robot is disclosed for operation on a surface of a hull of a vessel. The robot can include a drive subsystem onboard the robot for driving and maneuvering the robot about the hull. A sensor subsystem onboard the robot can sense an attachment state of the robot to the hull. The attachment state can include at least one of attached and detached. A signal generation subsystem onboard the robot can emit a distress signal when the attachment state is detached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Fraser M. Smith
  • Patent number: 9032901
    Abstract: An adaptor for an unmanned vehicle for inspecting an object, the adaptor includes a moveable ring assembly and a fixed ring. The moveable ring assembly rotates around a periphery of the unmanned vehicle and allows the unmanned vehicle to move along a surface of the object while maintaining a fixed stand-off distance between an exterior surface of the adaptor and the surface of the object. The fixed ring is connected around the exterior surface of the unmanned vehicle and secures a lateral position of the moveable ring assembly with respect to the unmanned vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Braun, James Benjamin Penney
  • Patent number: 9016224
    Abstract: A boat hull cleaning system including at least one flexible line having a central portion to which a plurality of cleaning elements attach in spaced engagement disposed between a first grippable portion and a second grippable portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Anthony L. Newt, Jo Ann Newt
  • Patent number: 9016221
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an article that includes a first plurality of spaced features. The spaced features are arranged in a plurality of groupings; the groupings of features include repeat units; the spaced features within a grouping are spaced apart at an average distance of about 1 nanometer to about 500 micrometers; each feature having a surface that is substantially parallel to a surface on a neighboring feature; each feature being separated from its neighboring feature; the groupings of features being arranged with respect to one another so as to define a tortuous pathway. The plurality of spaced features provide the article with an engineered roughness index of about 5 to about 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony B. Brennan, Christopher James Long, Joseph W. Bagan, James Frederick Schumacher, Mark M. Spiecker
  • Patent number: 8997672
    Abstract: An article has a surface topography for resisting bioadhesion of organisms and includes a base article having a surface. A composition of the surface includes a polymer. The surface has a topography comprising a pattern defined by a plurality of spaced apart features attached to or projected into the base article. The plurality of features each have at least one microscale dimension and at least one neighboring feature having a substantially different geometry. An average feature spacing between adjacent ones of the features is between 10 ?m and 100 ?m in at least a portion of the surface. The surface topography can be numerically represented using at least one sinusoidal function. In one embodiment, the surface can comprise a coating layer disposed on the base article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony B. Brennan, Ronald Howard Baney, Michelle Carman Turnage, Thomas G. Estes, Adam W. Feinberg, Leslie H. Wilson, James Frederick Schumacher
  • Patent number: 8813666
    Abstract: A barrier system for inhibiting marine growth on a submerged component of a boat operates on the principle that limiting the availability of nutrients that marine organisms need to survive and thrive will inhibit the growth of marine organisms. The barrier system, by restricting the exchange of water between the body of water enclosed within the barrier system and the body of water outside of the barrier system, creates and maintains a body of stagnant water which surrounds the submerged component targeted for protection from fouling growth. The submerged component may be a mounting bracket for an outboard engine and the barrier element may be resiliently adjustable in response to the act of tilting the outboard engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Inventor: Christopher L. Hoogenboom
  • Publication number: 20140230711
    Abstract: A chassis clings to a ship hull or other ferrous surface by a magnet that moves toward or away from the surface to adjust the magnet air gap and thus the attractive force. The magnet(s) can be the only clinging force or used with other sources such as a suction chamber or fluid jet drive. An internal magnet on a crank mechanism can pivot around a wheel rotation axis inside a wheel body having a non-ferrous traction surface or tire. The magnet gap is least at an angle perpendicular to the surface on which the wheel rests, and larger at an angle oblique to that, for varying the attractive force to two or more levels. The vehicle can be an autonomous hull maintenance device with sensors, controllers and actuators to sense, measure and clean away fouling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: SeaRobotics Corporation
    Inventors: Reginald Benjamin Lovelace, Donald T. Darling, Kenneth W. Holappa
  • Publication number: 20140216321
    Abstract: A boat brush tool for cleaning a boat pontoon, the boat brush tool having a generally J-shaped tubular support member with an upper section for manipulating the tool and a lower section carrying a plurality of brush bristles and having a curved shape corresponding to the outer surface of the pontoon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Michael Ford
  • Patent number: 8757084
    Abstract: An improved inspection apparatus includes a control apparatus, a tractor apparatus comprising a tractor and a drive mechanism connected together, the drive mechanism being connected with the control apparatus, a tether apparatus disposed on the tractor and being movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, and a buoy apparatus. The buoy apparatus is connected with the tether apparatus and includes a buoy and a camera apparatus, the buoy in a condition submerged in a fluid applying a buoyant force to the camera apparatus whereby in the deployed position of the tether apparatus the buoy apparatus is in an elevated position situated relatively higher in a vertical direction than in the retracted position of the tether apparatus wherein the buoy apparatus is in another position situated relatively lower in the vertical direction, the camera apparatus being structured to provide a visual output signal to the control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeff Condit, Nicholas Hartman, Dylan Mora, Brad Lafferty, Kyle Knight, Jamie Hogan, Cyril Poissonnet, Steve Everett
  • Patent number: 8747565
    Abstract: A device for cleaning submergible surfaces includes a mandrel having a handle at a proximal end and a connector at a distal end. The handle can be removably mounted to an air tool. A cleaning tip holder has an opening at a distal end leading into an interior space. The cleaning tip holder can be connected with the mandrel connector and can be removably retained therewith. A cleaning tip includes a generally rectangular element having beveled front and side edges and can be removably retained partially within the cleaning tip holder interior space. In use, a cleaning tip is mounted in the cleaning tip holder interior space, and that combination is mounted to the mandrel connector. The mandrel handle is affixed to an air tool having an outlet hose, which, when activated, produces a reciprocating action in the device, creating a scrubbing action with the cleaning tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: First-In, LLC
    Inventors: Michael M. Arian, Walter F. Trzaskus, Mark Tripp
  • Patent number: 8739724
    Abstract: The apparatus and method described herein provides a waterproof, barrier between the hull of the watercraft while the watercraft is still in the water and at a dock. In addition, the apparatus provides a resilient inflated perimeter to which further protects the hull of the vessel from accidental contact with and damage from the dock and other rigid elements which it may contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Dean Richard Howard
  • Patent number: 8739349
    Abstract: A versatile, flexible scrubbing apparatus comprising a rope having a first end and a second end wherein the rope may comprise one or more twisted strands wherein one or more filaments may be captured between the one or more strands and/or twists of the rope. The one or more filaments may be positioned essentially perpendicular or at predetermined angles to the length of rope. A handle may be attached to both the first and second end of the rope, wherein user manipulation of the handles may act to pull the rope across the bottom surface of a boat to clean the hull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: George R. Bryan
  • Publication number: 20140144363
    Abstract: A boat hull cleaning system including at least one flexible line having a central portion to which a plurality of cleaning elements attach in spaced engagement disposed between a first grippable portion and a second grippable portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony L. Newt, Jo Ann Newt
  • Patent number: RE44935
    Abstract: A submersible robot for operating a tool relative to a surface of an underwater structure has a tool holder movably mounted on a support assembly provided with a driving arrangement for movably holding the tool in operative position relative to the surface. Position and orientation of the support assembly relative to the surface is locked and adjusted by locking and leveling arrangements. A programmable control unit operates the driving, locking and leveling arrangements and the tool and receives measurements from a sensor unit. The control unit has an operation mode wherein a positioning of the robot is determined and controlled as function of an initial position for defining a first work area, and shifted positions of the robot for defining additional work areas, the work areas having overlapping portions with one another for tracking displacements of the robot relative to the surface of the structure using the sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Luc Provencher, Stephan Gendron, Rene Morin, Michel Blain