Miscellaneous Patents (Class 114/382)
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Patent number: 7536967Abstract: A marine water conversion apparatus capable of pumping ocean surface water several hundred feel below the surface to cause sufficient cooler water to rise to the surface to prevent formation of or to moderate hurricanes. The apparatus is remotely controlled and includes a propulsion system for moving it to a new location or in predetermined patterns through use of a global positioning system and computerized controls. Power for driving the pumps may be provided by a wind turbine driven electric generator at the upper end of an upper tube section pivotally connected to a float tank on a vertical axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Gerald L. Barber
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Publication number: 20090090473Abstract: A vessel-based system and method for disposing of wastewater including bilge water from a bilge of the vessel. The system comprising a treatment unit for receiving and treating the wastewater to produce a substantially oil-free treated water and, an evaporator for receiving the treated water from the treatment unit. The evaporator comprising an evaporation element for transferring heat to the treated water to evaporate the treated water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Ian Fielding, John Moriarty
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Patent number: 7510658Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for desalinating water are provided. A vessel includes a water intake system, a reverse osmosis system, a concentrate discharge system, a permeate transfer system, a power source, and a control system. The concentrate discharge system includes a plurality of concentrate discharge ports.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: Water Standard Company LLCInventor: Andrew W. Gordon
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Patent number: 7495581Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel's existing horn to automatically sound navigational signals as set forth in Coast Guard Navigation Rules, International and Inland for Sound and Light Signals for boats 12 meters 39 feet and larger, Rules 34 through 37. The system provides a user-interface with a selection of predetermined horn/light signals that can be repeated once or continuously via lights and/or sound, with a preview of the selected signal. The system permits a helmsman and other crew members to attend to other duties without constant attention to the vessel's horn, and enhances safety and Coast Guard compliance, and in the long term helps to inform and educate the operator through observing the signal patterns, on the water, or in boating courses like Coast Guard Auxiliary, Power Squadron and Community College courses.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Inventors: David J. Horst, Jerry A. Carr
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Publication number: 20090038530Abstract: A watercraft drogue system including a line deployable in the water to be intercepted by the lower unit of the watercraft's engine, at least a first drogue on one end of the line, a length of stretchable line adjacent the drogue, and at least a first length of slack line secured by a frangible tie. The frangible tie of the watercraft drogue system is designed to break when the drogue is deployed. The length of stretchable line of the drogue system expands in length in order to reduce the tension in the line to prevent kick up of the lower unit of the watercraft's engine and thus arrest the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Thieu Truong, Robert Lee Cardenas, Loren Hazard Howard
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Patent number: 7476269Abstract: An evaporative emissions control canister for adsorbing fuel vapors from a fuel tank on a marine vessel. The canister comprises a polymeric extruded housing that may be formed to any desired length or cut from extruded stock. Identical end caps having tubing connectors are bonded to opposite ends of the housing, defining an inlet and an outlet. Marine-grade pelletized activated carbon is disposed within the housing between porous slidable plates that are spring loaded against the end caps to pack the carbon tightly against the housing walls. Mounting brackets at each end are rotatably attached to the end caps so that opposite ends of the assembly may be attached to different surfaces of the vessel's hull, thus relieving stress which might be introduced into the assembly. Preferably, the assembly is wrapped in a fire retardant material.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chris C. Begley, Charles H. Covert
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Publication number: 20090001222Abstract: Systems and methods for providing dynamic control to a vehicle in a dynamic fluid. The systems and methods of the invention relate to one or more morphable surfaces that can be controlled by a controller and an actuator in an active manner to provide asperities that interact with a fluid moving across the morphable surfaces. By controlling the size, shape and location of the asperities, one can exert control authority over the motion of the vehicle relative to the fluid, including a speed, a direction and an attitude of the vehicle. Examples of materials that provide suitable morphable surfaces include ionic polymer metal composites and shape memory polymers, both of which types of material are commercially available. Useful morphable surface systems have been examined and are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventor: Beverley J. McKeon
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Patent number: 7441511Abstract: A watercraft arresting system and method including an entanglement subsystem including at least two arms in a V-configuration. A deployment subsystem deploys the entanglement subsystem so the arms are spread apart in the water in the path of the watercraft to arrest it.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.Inventors: Michael D. Farinella, Mads Christian Schmidt, Scott Quigley
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Publication number: 20080257396Abstract: A system and method is described generally for providing a high altitude conduit the high altitude conduit includes a first material layer forming an elongated duct. The high altitude conduit also includes a second material layer outside the first material layer. The second material layer defines a space between the second material layer and the first material layer. A gas has a density that is less dense than that of the atmosphere outside of the second material layer. The gas is disposed in the space between the first and the second layer. An introducer is configured to provide the gas into the space between the first material layer and the second material layer. The gas causes the conduit to extend in an approximately upright orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Alistair K. Chan, Roderick A. Hyde, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood
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Publication number: 20080229997Abstract: Flotation device which comprises an exterior receptacle which is designed to be supported on the external surface of a ship, cargo container or floating structure in such a manner that it extends substantially within the ship, cargo container or floating structure, leaving its open end oriented toward the outside; and, inside of said exterior receptacle, an interior receptacle whose open end corresponds to the open end of said exterior receptacle and which houses inflatable means and expulsion means for expelling said inflatable means from the open end of said interior receptacle following the activation of the flotation device of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: KAFLOAT S.L.Inventors: Victor Alonso Ormaechea, Alfonso De Leon Garcia, Vicente Lopez Perea Lloveres
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Publication number: 20080190351Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a receptacle for a boat drain plug, the receptacle being adapted to support the boat drain plug relative to a boat trailer, the boat trailer having a boat trailer winch, the boat trailer winch including a winch handle shaft, and the receptacle including an aperture sized to receive the boat drain plug, wherein the aperture is located in the winch handle shaft of the boat trailer winch.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2007Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: MJS Manufacturing LLCInventor: Michael Beers
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Publication number: 20080072809Abstract: The invention provides for a novel apparatus and a method to effectively manage ballast material. It comprises of a plurality of Floating Ballast Containers (25) contained within a bottomless enclosure and secured on the sea faring vessel such that each floating ballast container (25) floats in seawater. The volumetric capacity of the conventional segregated ballast tanks (30) on the sea faring vessel is similar to that of the Floating Ballast Containers (25) so as to facilitate the movement of the ballast material between the conventional ballast tanks (30) and Floating Ballast Containers (25). This process eliminates the need for treatment or disposal of the ballast material in to the sea.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2003Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventor: Virendra J. Mehta
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Publication number: 20080047480Abstract: A machine and method of operation to get rid of hurricanes. The general idea is to get rid of the low pressure in the center of the hurricane. No low pressure equals no circulation. No circulation equals no hurricane. The machine is a ship consisting of two main parts, an upper part and a lower part. The lower part consists of four submersible torpedo shaped hulls. The upper part is V shaped with three fan tubes stacked vertically on each side of the V. Method of operation. The machine is placed in the hurricane eyewall near the hurricane eye. The machine would mechanically blow air from the eyewall to the eye. The machine would bend the eyewall so that the eyewall would be diverted into the eye. The machine would slow down the air in the eyewall and the low pressure in the eye would suck the air in.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2006Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventor: Brian Peter Sandler
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Patent number: 7228812Abstract: A method for generation of gasses contained in a salt solution in accomplished by disposing automated, floating wave power collection vessels in waters distant from shore, the vessels navigating within one or more predetermined geographic zones, having suitable wave conditions for such operation. The wave power devices generating electricity and the gasses are extracted from the salt solution by electrolysis. Automated storage vessels are used as shuttles to deliver the gasses to shore facilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2005Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Inventor: Arthur Morse
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Patent number: 7146918Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen is provided which includes at least one vessel which floats in water. At least one sail for capturing wind to move the vessel reciprocally along a substantially linear path is mounted on the vessel. A power generation system is provided for converting movement of the vessel relative to the water into electricity. And an onboard hydrogen production system produces hydrogen by electrolysis using the electricity generated by the power generation system.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Inventor: Moshe Meller
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Patent number: 7104212Abstract: A wireless remote control system enables precise control of a yacht, or other vessel, from virtually any point on the yacht. A hand-held transmitter includes various switches for controlling the engines, thrusters, and/or anchor winch. A receiver, mounted on the yacht, receives signals from the transmitter. The receiver generates outputs that are connected to the existing electronic controls of the yacht. Thus, the receiver is connected in parallel with the conventional electronic controls of the yacht, and the system acts in addition to, and not instead of, the conventional control system. The system can thus be installed on existing vessels without modification of such vessels. An acoustic alarm signal is generated by the receiver when radio communication between the transmitter and receiver is severed.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventor: Giuseppe Brianza
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Patent number: 7044623Abstract: A thru-hull fitting assembly is connected to the forward end of a hollow lamp housing for mounting to a hole in the hull of a vessel in a water-tight fashion. An HID or other lamp is mounted in the lamp housing and is surrounded by a reflector which may have an outer elliptical section and an inner parabolic section. A protective transparent window extends across the forward end of the lamp housing and is sealed thereto. The window may be made of sapphire to provide improved heat dissipation and to resist scratching during hull cleaning and breakage due to thermal shock and wave slap. A circuit may be connected to the lamp to provide over-heat protection, leak detection, as well as fault and power status indicators. Alternate embodiments utilize a solid light pipe or a hollow reflective tube to convey light from the lamp to the protective window.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: DeepSea Power & LightInventors: Mark S. Olsson, Zachary B. Simmons, Jeffrey A. Prsha, Ronan T. Gray, Ray Merewether
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Patent number: 7013832Abstract: A hull (11) has mounted thereon a number of accelerometers (20) arranged to provide a data signal corresponding to movement or vibration of the hull (11) to which each is fixed. The hull (11) and/or a thrust block (18) has mounted thereon a number of mass dampers (21) that are controlled by a detector (23) arranged between the accelerometers (20) and mass dampers (21). The detector (23) calculates from the data signal generated by the accelerometers (20) different modes of resonance so as to determine the onset of the excitation of a particular resonance mode and controls the mass dampers (21) so as to generate forces to selectively dampen the resonance mode.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Bae Systems plcInventors: David C Sexton, Frederick A Johnson, Malcolm a Swinbanks
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Patent number: 6968802Abstract: An unmanned sea vehicle is provided with a canister storing therein a net assembly in a deflated condition attached to the sea vehicle through the canister by a lanyard in a folded condition. The net assembly is connected to an inflation gas generator through which it is inflated to initiate retrieval of the unmanned sea vehicle. Inflation of the net assembly effects ejection thereof from the canister afloat onto a body of seawater, while connected to the canister on the sea vehicle by the unfolded lanyard. The floating net assembly is thereby positioned for engagement by a grappling hook lowered from a helicopter for example so as to lift it with the sea vehicle suspended therefrom by the lanyard from the sea water surface and transferred to the deck of a retrieval sea vessel.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Francis M. Mulhern
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Patent number: 6964069Abstract: A wave making method positions a shallow draft vessel off-shore form a shoreline of a sea in a position whereby one side of the vessel is in parallel to the shoreline. A pump is used for pumping seawater into a tank interior to the vessel. When the vessel is filled, the water is lifted to a rim of a side of the tank nearest to the shoreline to thereby dump the water in the tank over a side of the vessel. The dumped water is directed outwardly from the vessel and falls onto a submerged curved platform attached to the vessel and which extends outwardly therefrom. The platform creates a wave that moves away from the one side of the vessel toward the shoreline and is suitable for surfing.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Inventors: Anthony Thomas English, Anthony Nathaniel English
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Patent number: 6942532Abstract: This removable snap-on plastic device can be affixed to a surfboard leash allowing the open outer sleeve portion to clamp onto any adjacent section of the leash to prevent it from unraveling, representing significant improvements over other similar devices. This device does not interfere with the performance of a surfer nor affect the performance of the surfboard leash.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Inventor: Charles Edwin Snyder
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Patent number: 6928950Abstract: A mooring cover comprises an apron for substantially surrounding a dock mooring. The apron may have two or more rows of self draining pockets arranged along its length for storing boating accessories and a fastener for securing the opposite ends of the apron about the mooring. A top cover may be provided for covering the top of the mooring as the mooring cover is mounted thereto. In an alternate embodiment, the mooring cover mounts to a railing extending along a dock. In this embodiment, the mooring cover also has an apron with a plurality of self draining pockets arranged along its length for storing boating accessories; however, the mooring cover has a flap extending from the apron adapted to wrap around and attach to the apron for securing the mooring cover to the railing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: The Nautical Fishwife LLCInventors: Martha Trammell, Raymond Cracauer, Susan St. Clair Smith
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Patent number: 6918349Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile protection system for moored or anchored ships. The system has a reinforced foldable surface unit and a foldable net unit connected to the surface unit to provide a restricted area. The surface unit prevents small boats from entering the area and the net unit prevents divers from entering the area. The net unit is provided with an alarm to indicate if a diver tries to penetrate the net.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Safe Barrier International Ltd.Inventors: Rolf Andersson, Fredrik Hillelson, Stig Secund
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Patent number: 6918350Abstract: A method for generation of hydrogen and oxygen contained in a salt solution provides for the disposing a number of wind turbines on navigable collection vessels in waters distant from shore. The wind turbines have a large number of blades, typically 30, to provide high torque for generating electricity used for extracting said gasses from the atmosphere by means of electrolysis. The collection vessels are disposed in predetermined zones, which are changed when weather conditions provide better collection conditions elsewhere. The gasses are stored in cylinders located both on the collection vessels, and on storage vessels attached to the collection vessels. After collection the cylinders are transported to shore facilities for further purification and/or distribution.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: Arthur Morse
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Patent number: 6913079Abstract: A monitoring system and method for monitoring a predetermined set of physical characteristics associated with a structure using the monitoring system. The system is distributed in the structure and comprises a distributed optical sensing device (30), further comprising a fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light source (18a) operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22); a light detection device (18b), operatively in communication with the fiber optic cable (20, 22), for measuring the light received at the light detection device (18b) from the fiber optic cable (20, 22); and a data processor (18) capable of using the light measured to calculate a predetermined set of physical parameters describing the predetermined set of physical characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Inventor: Paulo S. Tubel
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Patent number: 6907326Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 14, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Daniel P. Kucik
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Patent number: 6877456Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus and methods for protecting ships and harbors from attack from other vessels. A barrier, fence or obstruction is constructed around the ship or harbor to be defended, either floating on the surface above and/or beneath the surface of the water. When a boat attempts to force its way through the barrier, the barrier uses the momentum of the vessel against itself by using the forward momentum of the attacking vessel in such a manner as to divert, impede, stop, damage or destroy the vessel or mitigate a blast from a vessel. The barrier may be active or passive. Also, a constructed wall of water can be provided to stop, destroy or disable a vessel attempting to go through the wall.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Inventors: Mark B. Metherell, Alexander F. Metherell
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Publication number: 20040194688Abstract: There is disclosed herein apparatus and methods for protecting ships and harbors from attack from other vessels. A barrier, fence or obstruction is constructed around the ship or harbor to be defended, either floating on the surface above and/or beneath the surface of the water. When a boat attempts to force its way through the barrier, the barrier uses the momentum of the vessel against itself by using the forward momentum of the attacking vessel in such a manner as to divert, impede, stop, damage or destroy the vessel or mitigate a blast from a vessel. The barrier may be active or passive. Also, a constructed wall of water can be provided to stop, destroy or disable a vessel attempting to go through the wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2003Publication date: October 7, 2004Inventors: Mark B. Metherell, Alexander F. Metherell
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Publication number: 20040177799Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile protection system for moored or anchored ships. The system comprises a reinforced foldable surface unit and a foldable net unit connected to the surface unit to provide a restricted area. The surface unit prevents small boats from entering the area and the net unit prevents divers from entering the area. The net unit is provided with an alarm to indicate if a diver tries to penetrate the net.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: SAFE BARRIER INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Rolf Andersson, Fredrik Hillelson, Stig Secund
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Publication number: 20040112272Abstract: A downcomer for conveying wastewater from an upper level of a marine vessel to a lower level of the marine vessel includes a pair of spaced apart mounting portions and an elongate impact portion extending between the mounting portions. Each mounting portion is adapted for attachment to the marine vessel, and the shape of the elongate impact portion defines a concave space through which the wastewater is conveyed. In one preferred embodiment, a synthetic elastomeric tube, hose, or liner is placed within the concave space, and the wastewater is conveyed from the upper level of the marine vessel to the waterline through the tube, hose, or liner. In another preferred embodiment, the mounting portions and the elongate impact portion are extruded to form a unitary structure including a lightweight, rust-resistant ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventor: Karl L. Aschenbach
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Publication number: 20040094166Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for correction of psychological conditions in individuals, as well as to passenger ships for carrying out such methods and may be used in psychological practice and in the fields of medicine and shipbuilding. The technical effect attained by the floating centre according to the present invention is restoration of mental equilibrium, self-reliance, improvement of social adaptation and reaching feelings of self-affirmation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: May 20, 2004Inventor: Taisia Stepanovna Karpina
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Patent number: 6707395Abstract: A circuit configuration for switching navigation lights of a watercraft, especially a sailing vessel, includes elements that prevent a position light configuration from not being in compliance with regulations as well as elements that prevent navigation lights that have mutually exclusive meanings from being switched on at the same time, and a single multiway switch (1) with which the navigation lights and additional lights, that are independent therefrom can be switched.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: aqua Signal AktiengesellschaftInventor: Karl Wilhelm Greiff
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Patent number: 6644234Abstract: The present invention provides a holding apparatus for a floating hose which holds the floating hose which is provided with a floating unit when the floating hose is not used. The holding apparatus for a floating hose comprises a hose lifting device which lifts up the floating hose on the floating unit; a hose dividing device which divides the floating hose into a plurality of hose segments; a hose transfer device which transfers the hose segments; and a hose rack which holds the hose segments which were transferred by the hose transfer device. Furthermore, the apparatus further comprises a flange holding device which holds the end of the floating hose when the floating unit is not required to be entirely lifted on the floating unit, and a connector which connects the end of the floating hose to the receptacle of the floating unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuji Awashima, Masaaki Kawabata, Yuji Nakashima, Masahiro Itabashi, Kenji Kochi
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Publication number: 20030204291Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel having one or more engines and a transmission associated with each engine is disclosed. The control system includes one or more control stations, each having a control arm and arm position means coupled to the control arm for providing an electrical signal that represents a position of the control arm within its operating range. The system includes one or more electronic control units, each of which is electro-mechanically coupled to an engine and a transmission. A first electronic control unit (ECU) includes input means for receiving the electrical signal, control means for controlling a throttle of a first engine and shift position of a first transmission based on the electrical signal, and output means for providing a control signal that represents a current position of the control arm to a second ECU.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Dennis I. Graham, Deniel J. Carr, Scott L. Kern, Howard A. Lang
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Publication number: 20030140840Abstract: A gravity-type quay wall comprising a rubble base stage (3) extending from the sea bottom. A lower part (1a) is constructed on the rubble base stage (3) by stacking cell block units (4) wherein each of the cell block units (4) have four walls defining a vacant space therein for filling with rubble (5). Two of the walls of the cell block units (4) are side walls (6,6a), each having one of a female key (13) or a male key (14) for mating with adjacent cell block units (4). In an upper part of a top staged cell block unit (4a) is a depressed portion (7). An L-shaped shelf-style middle part (1b) is settled on a top surface of the rubble (5) of the lower part (1a) wherein the rubble (5) is filled halfway in the depressed portion (7). An upper part (1c) is settled on the middle part (1b) with the same length and width thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Won-Hoi Yang
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Publication number: 20030138299Abstract: A system for supplying cooling water to a process on board a floating vessel for the production of hydrocarbons, wherein the vessel (1) is anchored by means of a bottom-anchored turning unit (20) mounted in a receiving space (7) in the hull (34) of the vessel and allowing turning of the vessel (1) about the turning unit, and wherein the turning unit (20) supports a swivel unit (24) for the transfer of hydrocarbons from production risers (28) extending between the seabed and the turning unit (20), the system comprising a conduit means (30) depending from the vessel (1) to a depth for taking in cooled sea water, and a pump means (44) for pumping of the sea water from the conduit to a place of use for the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Jorgen Eide, Pentti Paurola, Otto Skjastad
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Patent number: 6588359Abstract: Apparatuses for handling cargo in a body of water incorporate a high floating slender pylon floating upright in the water. The pylon is maintained afloat by a submerged variable buoyancy chamber carried by the pylon between its ends. Ballast carried by the pylon below the buoyancy chamber creates a righting couple about the buoyancy chamber that maintains the upright orientation of the pylon in the water. In a method of handling cargo, the top of the upright pylon is drawn toward a surface vessel carrying cargo to be transferred using the pylon. Cargo placed on the upper end of the tilted pylon can be supported stably above the water surface when the pylon is allowed to return to an upright orientation. The cargo can then be transferred to another surface vessel by reversing the steps used to place the cargo on the pylon. Among other uses, the pylon can be deployed for rescue at sea.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Inventor: James M. Powers
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Patent number: 6538217Abstract: A thuster control unit which in general comprises a base plate 100, a switch panel 200 mounted on said base plate, and a boat shaped, or navicular, control knob 500 mounted on the base plate such that it is displaceable over the switch panel. The panel is equipped with switches, such as embedded switches, for controlling bow and stem thrusters, and/or any other propulsion unit. The control knob is equipped actuator pegs 425, biased downwards, each thus transmitting a force to the switch panel. In a non-actuated state, the navicular control knob remains in a neutral position in which position no one of the embedded boat manoeuvring control switches are operated. The forward and aft actuator pegs thus activate the forward and aft boat manoeuvring control switches respectively in a manner corresponding with a selective displacement of the navicular control knob. The boat shaped control knob provides a novel, efficient and reliable means for a combined control of any boat propulsion system.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Sleipner Motor ASInventors: Tore Eriksen, Ronny Skauen
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Patent number: 6536366Abstract: A substitutive model is no more than one-third the size and weight of the archetypical model as originally built or conceived, hence is more wieldy and affordable, yet yields comparable UNDEX test data. The substitutive model comprises two congruous accordion-like “concertina” components and an intermediate smooth cylindrical sectional hull component. The concertina components each have circumferential pleats, generally describe a cylindrical shape, are coaxially joined with the intermediate hull component, and are thus so configured and arranged as to imbue the substitutive model with underwater explosion response (e.g., flexural) properties which approximate those of the archetypical model.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Stephen Zilliacus
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Publication number: 20020185049Abstract: A floating playground comprising floating modules which provide buoyancy to a variety of recreational implements. Rigid flotation vessels filled with foam provide buoyancy to the modules. The modules have a frame and plurality of posts which can support a variety of recreational implements. The modules float individually or can be connected together to from a floating playground with a variety of recreational implements. The modules are also mobile so they can be moved from location to location and interchanged with other modules to form a dynamic playground.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2001Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: Triton Investment Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Dennis L. Broderick, LaVon F. Broderick
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Patent number: 6432304Abstract: A remotely operated filtering system for ballast tanks used on naval vessels. A basket shaped filtering net is used in connection with the tanks and is controlled by a remote control operated by a human operator. The operator controls the movement and the operation of the filter when filtering is needed. The system includes a video monitor and an illumination means in connection with the filter structure.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Hap Nguyen
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Publication number: 20020104471Abstract: The present invention provides a holding apparatus for a floating hose which holds the floating hose which is provided with a floating unit when the floating hose is not used. The holding apparatus for a floating hose comprises a hose lifting device which lifts up the floating hose on the floating unit; a hose dividing device which divides the floating hose into a plurality of hose segments; a hose transfer device which transfers the hose segments; and a hose rack which holds the hose segments which were transferred by the hose transfer device. Furthermore, the apparatus further comprises a flange holding device which holds the end of the floating hose when the floating unit is not required to be entirely lifted on the floating unit, and a connector which connects the end of the floating hose to the receptacle of the floating unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Yuji Awashima, Masaaki Kawabata, Yuji Nakashima, Masahiro Itabashi, Kenji Kochi
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Patent number: 6422170Abstract: A tool is provided for facilitating angular alignment of a hydrofoil coupled to a mounting block having a flat bottom surface area. The mounting block is pivotally coupled to a cylindrical strut having a longitudinal axis. The tool has a saddle for engaging the cylindrical strut and a plate coupled to the saddle. The plate has an alignment edge that, when positioned by the saddle beneath the flat bottom surface area of the mounting block, forms a desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical strut.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Paul J. Kelley
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Patent number: 6394016Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc.Inventors: Terry L. Swartout, Kevin Gessner
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Publication number: 20020002939Abstract: The present invention provides an amphibious vehicle with improved vehicle movement means. Specifically, the invention provides an amphibious vehicle comprising a vehicle body which functions as a displacement hull during marine use, land motive means for providing land motive force which incorporates a front wheel drive system, marine motive means for providing marine motive force, an engine positioned within the vehicle and operatively connected to provide power to both said land motive means and said marine motive means, and a single power train for transmitting torque generated by said engine, wherein manual switching means is provided for selectively directing said torque to said land motive means and said marine motive means.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Daniel Beauchesne, Jean Besner
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Patent number: 6327994Abstract: What has been invented is a series of scientific applications of the wideface energy converter device, be it in the form of a wideface solar heat receiver or a wideface fluid impeder device. The wider is the solar heat receiver, the more solar power is available for conversion. The wider is the sail of the boat, the more wind is available to push the boat. Wherefore, the wideface solar trap made up of multi-layer transparent roofs covering a heat insulated box is used to heat up a radiator tubings that contain water. The multilayer transparent roof, having spaces in between sheets, prevents solar heat from backing out hence the trap becomes hoter and hoter because the inner sheet is not in contact with the cold wind. This solar trap is now used to heat up radiator pipes of compressed air coming from a gas turbine engine and then returned back to the exhaust turbine of same engine.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventor: Gaudencio A. Labrador
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Patent number: 6325015Abstract: A system for arresting a fleeing seagoing vessel deploys a net using one or more self-propelled vehicles from a platform. The net is flown over and draped onto a seagoing vessel of interest such that a portion of the net's periphery resides in the water. Drag devices are coupled to the net to generate drag forces at the portion of the net's periphery in the water as the seagoing vessel moves through the water. The system can also include a variety of non-lethal weapon systems that are coupled to or incorporated with the net, and designed to subdue the crew of the vessel and/or the vessel's engine and electronic components.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Felipe Garcia, Robert Woodall, Christopher Doyle
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Patent number: 6314902Abstract: The patent describes a power boat having a transom and a swim platform or step generally projecting from the transom at a right angle at or near the water line. The swim step is adapted to the launching of a seated rider carried on a sky ski having an elongated board and a tee bar normally extending from the board into the water. The swim platform has a slot adapted to receive tee bar and extends from the port and/or starboard margins and runs generally parallel to the transom to an extent sufficient to snugly receive the tee bar while the board is supported by the platform with the tee bar extending through the slot and below the platform into the water whereby a rider can mount the seat and secure himself to the sky ski and then readily launch himself and the ski by pushing out of the slot.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventors: Robert H. Jessen, Michael Murphy
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Publication number: 20010032577Abstract: A system and method for the capture of a target surface vessel by a second vessel. The system includes an initially stowed deployable net, means for deploying the net, a tether coupled to the net, and a winch for drawing in the tether to pull the target vessel toward the second vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Terry L. Swartout, Kevin Gessner
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Patent number: 6269763Abstract: An autonomous marine vehicle is disclosed, the vehicle comprising a rigid hull having an interior and a periphery, a deck joining the rigid hull at the periphery; and a rigid mast pivotally attached to the deck, the mast housing a plurality of sensors capable of effecting communication to and from said vehicle. In preferred embodiments, the vehicle further comprises various sensors and mission-specific hardware. Sensors include mast-mounted audio/video devices, radar, GPS and RF antennas, and other positioning and collision avoidance devices. Mission-specific hardware include refueling probes, fire protection systems, towing assemblies, flame thrower assemblies, liquid spray assemblies, and work pup assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Inventor: Richard Lawrence Ken Woodland