Insubmergible Vessels Patents (Class 114/68)
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Patent number: 11035091Abstract: A transportation device for an offshore platform, including a vessel and a floating structure which are fixedly connected. The floating structure is placed on a sea surface and is configured to assist the vessel to sail. The floating structure is provided with an adjustment mechanism which is configured to adjust the floating structure to rise and fall relative to the sea surface. A rail is arranged on the vessel and is in sliding connection with the topside module, so that the topside module slides onto the vessel from land. During the transportation of the topside module, the buoyancy of the floating structure is adjusted through the adjustment mechanism, so that the floating structure provides sufficient anti-rolling moments beside the vessel, thereby reducing the vibration of the topside module caused by the winds and waves during the sailing and reducing the potential damage to the topside module.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2020Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: PowerChina Huadong Engineering Corporation LimitedInventors: Haifeng Qi, Chunlin Huang, Huafeng Yu, Baofeng Zhang, Guoer Lv, Zhenzhou Sun, Xianlin Jia, Gen Xiong, Gangjie Yu, Shanshan Huang, Guangming Xu, Ning Liang, Tianhao Li, Jiefeng Chen
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Patent number: 11008075Abstract: Embodiments include a retrofit pontoon system including a pontoon, the pontoon having a pontoon body defining a first cavity, the pontoon body having a first aperture; a retrofit assembly, the retrofit assembly including a selectively fillable container sized to pass through the first aperture; and a pump. The pump is operably coupled with the selectively fillable container such that operation of the pump selectively fills and drains water from the selectively fillable container, wherein filling the selectively fillable container lowers the profile of the pontoon in the water and emptying the selectively fillable container raises the profile of the pontoon in the water.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Inventor: Lawrence Donald Sporing
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Patent number: 10953828Abstract: A system including a flotation mechanism incorporated into a chassis or framework constituent of a vehicle, the flotation mechanism is operable for protecting a vehicle from losses in cases of vehicle drowning accidents; an airbag implement for keeping the vehicle afloat or above water; a cylinder implement for housing the airbag implement, wherein the cylinder implement having two half cylinders that is configured to swing open when activated; a hinge implement including a continuous hinge that is configured to hold the two half cylinders together and allow the two half cylinders to swing open; and a sensor implement for detecting a presence of water or liquid flooding a vehicle, wherein the sensor implement is further configured to send an emergency signal the flotation mechanism, for the flotation mechanism to deploy the airbag implement.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Inventor: Artour Kagulian
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Patent number: 10862087Abstract: A housing is disclosed. The housing contains one or more components, where at least one of the components is an electrical component and where the components do not fill the housing completely and a cavity remains within the housing. One or more filling elements are provided in the cavity which fill more than half of the cavity on contact with water.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2017Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: Torqeedo GmbHInventor: Marc Hartmeyer
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Patent number: 10495419Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, front cabin, and an armor component. The vehicle is reconfigurable between a B-kit configuration where the armor component is coupled to the vehicle, and an A-kit configuration where the armor component is removed. The armor component is configured to be coupled to at least one of a plurality of bosses disposed on a front wall or a side wall of the vehicle. A vehicle may also include at least two frame rails, a support, and a spacer that is coupled to at least one of the frame rails and the support. The armor component may replace the spacer in the B-kit configuration. The armor component may be an underbody armor panel. The vehicle may further include a retainer to simplify the conversion between the A-kit and a B-kit configurations and a step.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Oshkosh Defense, LLCInventors: Kris Krueger, Jake Leeman, Scott Mueller, Micah Richmond, Tim Snyder, Harold Vincent
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Patent number: 10300754Abstract: A vehicle floatation system for protecting a vehicle from water damage includes a vehicle. A floatation unit is provided and the floatation unit is coupled to the vehicle. The floatation unit is selectively inflated to float the vehicle on water. In this way the vehicle is protected from being damaged by flood waters.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Inventors: Joseph Miller, Caroline Jackson
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Patent number: 10023278Abstract: A boat hull protection system to prevent structural and cosmetic damage to vessels and prevent them from sinking. The system includes inflatable members inflated using pneumatics such as compressed air that can be selectively inflated by a user along the stern, starboard or port sides, or bow of a given vessel. The inflatable members are inflated using a plurality of inflatable compartments housed within the inflatable members thereby allowing the system to continue being effective in light of a failure to a portion of the inflatable member.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Inventors: Gideon Smith, Jana Alaxova
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Patent number: 9701375Abstract: An inundation prevention system for ship is provided. The inundation prevention system for ship includes a fire-extinction gas ejection part configured to eject a fire extinction gas to an installation area prepared in a hull, an airbag part of 3D shape disposed in the installation area, and an airbag actuation part configured to supply the fire extinction gas to the airbag part, if inundation occurs in the installation are, and to inflate the airbag in the installation for compulsory buoyancy.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF OCEAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGYInventors: Hee-Jin Kang, Jin Choi, Dong-Kon Lee
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Patent number: 9376181Abstract: A water craft able to offer fast rescue includes a water craft provided with a pressurization pump and a high pressure air reservoir to have air pressurized and poured into the high pressure air reservoir and stored therein. The water craft is formed with a concealed storage space having an uninflated rescue device received therein. The rescue device communicates with the high pressure air reservoir so that the rescue device can be inflated via the high pressure air reservoir. Thus, before inflated, the rescue device can be entirely received in the concealed storage space, letting the water craft have good maneuverability and, after inflated, the rescue device will be ejected out of the concealed storage space for carrying many persons thereon, thus advantageous to carry out rescue mission.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: SHIP AND OCEAN INDUSTRIES R&D CENTERInventors: Tsai-Min Chiang, Chien-Hung Liu, Fan-Bin Tseng, Jung Liao
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Patent number: 9371117Abstract: Disclosed is a rescue system for semi-sealed marine vessels, which includes a rescue unit and a backup rescue machine. The rescue unit is installed in a vessel compartment and includes an air bag, a canister containing compressed gas, a needle valve, and a flow control valve for employing the physical property that air has a specific gravity smaller than water, whereby when water leaks into the vessel compartment, through pressing down the needle valve, the compressed air is supplied into the air bag for inflating and expanding the air bag to get floating on the seawater inside the vessel compartment and occupy the internal space of the vessel compartment. The backup rescue machine includes an air compressor and at least a diversion valve to supplement a great amount of high-pressure gas to the vessel compartment for preventing water leaking into the vessel compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2014Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Inventor: Chih-Yuan Cheng
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Publication number: 20150144045Abstract: A boat includes: a pair of buoyancy units spaced from each other; a bottom plate structure connecting the bottoms of the pair of buoyancy units to each other; and a water storage defined by the pair of buoyancy units and the bottom plate structure, open rearward at the stern to take water from the outside, and keeping the water flowing therein. The boat can keep the balance more stable, is free from a common waterproof problem, and can improve a running ability.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2012Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventor: Dong-Jin Cho
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Patent number: 8997673Abstract: A power boat emergency floatation device deploys from a power boat to inhibit sinking of the power boat. The device includes a boat having a hull. The hull has an upper edge extending around the boat. Each of a plurality of cavities extends into the hull of the boat. The cavities are positioned in spaced arrangement around the hull of the boat. Each of a plurality of inflatable bladders is positioned in an associated one of the cavities. Each inflatable bladder is coupled to the hull of the boat and is selectively inflatable wherein the inflatable bladders inhibit sinking of the boat when the inflatable bladders are inflated and extended from the hull. A trigger mechanism is operationally coupled to each inflatable bladder wherein actuation of the trigger mechanism deploys each inflatable bladder from the associated cavity and inflates each inflatable bladder.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Steve G. Moseley
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Patent number: 8695521Abstract: The vehicle flotation system is adaptable to a conventional land motor vehicle to provide sufficient buoyancy for the vehicle should it become immersed in water. A plurality of permanently inflated pneumatic elements and/or solid closed-cell (e.g., foam, cork, etc.) elements is installed throughout the bodywork of the vehicle. Such permanently inflated and solid flotation elements do not require a pneumatic inflation system, thus providing benefits in reliability and economy. Optionally, a pneumatic inflation monitoring system may be provided for the pneumatic elements. As an additional option, a plurality of collapsed, inflatable elements may be installed within the vehicle fenders for deployment and inflation in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. These inflatable elements are automatically ejected laterally from slots or openings in the vehicle fenders and are automatically inflated by an on-board container of compressed gas, in the event of water immersion of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and MineralsInventors: Memhet Dondurur, Ahmet Z. Sahin
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Publication number: 20130305977Abstract: The vehicle flotation system is adaptable to a conventional land motor vehicle to provide sufficient buoyancy for the vehicle should it become immersed in water. A plurality of permanently inflated pneumatic elements and/or solid closed-cell (e.g., foam, cork, etc.) elements is installed throughout the bodywork of the vehicle. Such permanently inflated and solid flotation elements do not require a pneumatic inflation system, thus providing benefits in reliability and economy. Optionally, a pneumatic inflation monitoring system may be provided for the pneumatic elements. As an additional option, a plurality of collapsed, inflatable elements may be installed within the vehicle fenders for deployment and inflation in the event of water immersion of the vehicle. These inflatable elements are automatically ejected laterally from slots or openings in the vehicle fenders and are automatically inflated by an on-board container of compressed gas, in the event of water immersion of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALSInventors: MEHMET DONDURUR, AHMET Z. SAHIN
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Patent number: 8171869Abstract: An automated water safety apparatus is disclosed including, a spray device, a sensor, a container, a processor capable of sending and receiving signals, and a liquid substance that becomes a buoyant solid when released from the spray device, wherein the water safety device is coupled to a water vessel. Additionally, a method is disclosed for creating buoyant solids in water in response to a water vessel beginning to sink, including determining whether the water vessel is sinking, sending a signal to the processor to indicate that the vessel is sinking, the processor instructing the container to release the liquid substance, and propelling the liquid substance into the water to form buoyant solids.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Inventor: Leslie Dale Ware
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Publication number: 20110174208Abstract: This invention discloses three-layer rotomoulded motorboats having excellent floatability prepared from foamed polyethylene.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Eric Maziers, Patrick Bardon
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Patent number: 7650845Abstract: A device for protecting a boat hull has an inflatable element with a deflated state, in which the element can be positioned either inside or outside of the boat hull. When located outside the hull, the inflatable element is operatively connected to an inflation/deflation circuit by a conduit. A translational control device causes the inflatable element to be selectively positioned between a position inside the hull and a position outside the hull. When outside the hull, the inflatable element may be inflated or deflated by the inflation/deflation circuit. A bushing provides a through opening in the hull through which the conduit and deflated element pass. A weighted plug is provided at the end of conduit and is shaped to provide sealing engagement with the bushing.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2007Date of Patent: January 26, 2010Inventors: Jean Luc Vanoise, Alain Delepouve
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Patent number: 7644673Abstract: A buoyancy lift system having an inflatable bladder with a tether stowed inside a canister secured to a vessel. A sealing member is slidably received within canister and secures to the inflatable bladder. Pressurized gas forces the sealing member and bladder outwardly of the canister. A stop prevents the sealing member from escaping the canister such that the sealing member creates a seal between itself and the canister at an outboard end of the canister. Pressurized gas is forced through a channel in the sealing member into the bladder to increase the displacement of a vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 12, 2010Inventor: Darrin John Schmitt
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Patent number: 7537499Abstract: Various embodiments of reduced-size vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility vehicles (UVs) are disclosed herein. In at least some embodiments, the vehicles include frames that are wider near the front and rear sections of the vehicles than within the mid-sections of the vehicles. This, in combination with the use of shock-absorbers that are substantially vertically oriented, allows for the opening-up of large interior cavities within the front and rear sections of the vehicles within which can be positioned large front and rear internal compartments that can provide storage/carrying capacity as well as added buoyancy for the vehicle, among other things. Also, in at least some embodiments, the vehicles can include special cooling and/or exhaust systems having components that are positioned substantially within the mid-sections of the vehicles, thus further increasing the amounts of space available for the cavities/compartments within the front and rear sections of the vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2005Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: American Off-Road Technologies, LLCInventors: Eric A. Davis, Brian P. Davis, Richard A. Davis
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Patent number: 7523713Abstract: This invention gives the directions for the design and building of a vehicle which will be supported in water by the installation of a Floatation Material. The design is so that the vehicle, occupants, and cargo will be supported so that the vehicle will come to rest in the upright position and with the water level below the upper torso of the occupants. There are several demonstrations presented on a regular basis which show how to escape from a vehicle that has suddenly become immersed in water: a lake, river, etc. Escaping is portrayed as a fairly simple procedure when performed by someone who is coached through the process, and by an individual who knows the vehicle is supported by a crane. The design presented in this invention provides a vehicle that will float while requiring no effort from the occupants, nor does it depend on the performance of some mechanism, i.e. switches, relays, or some mechanically activated procedure that requires intervention by the occupant.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: Robert Farris
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Publication number: 20080276852Abstract: This invention gives the directions for the design and building of a vehicle which will be supported in water by the installation of a Floatation Material. The design is so that the vehicle, occupants, and cargo will be supported so that the vehicle will come to rest in the upright position and with the water level below the upper torso of the occupants. There are several demonstrations presented on a regular basis which show how to escape from a vehicle that has suddenly become immersed in water: a lake, river, etc. Escaping is portrayed as a fairly simple procedure when performed by someone who is coached through the process, and by an individual who knows the vehicle is supported by a crane. The design presented in this invention provides a vehicle that will float while requiring no effort from the occupants, nor does it depend on the performance of some mechanism, i.e. switches, relays, or some mechanically activated procedure that requires intervention by the occupant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: November 13, 2008Inventor: Robert Ray Farris
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Patent number: 7412939Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing emergency buoyancy to a vessel in response to a flooding condition in one or more vessel compartments cause by external explosion, collision or projectile damage. The system may comprise one or more flexible inflatable bags disposed on an upper inboard bulkhead of one or more vessel compartments. When a flooding condition is detected in a compartment due to breach of the ship's hull, an integral gas delivery system may provide a quantity of gas to the interior of the bag in that compartment, causing the bag to expand and push flooding water back out through the ship's hull. This displacement of water, and the buoyant force provided by the filled bag will enable the ship to maintain nominal floatation. The system may be configured to provide a controlled expansion of the bag(s) to enable personnel located in the compartment sufficient time to evacuate.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Steven P. Van Derryt
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Publication number: 20080141917Abstract: A system is disclosed for providing emergency buoyancy to a vessel in response to a flooding condition in one or more vessel compartments cause by external explosion, collision or projectile damage. The system may comprise one or more flexible inflatable bags disposed on an upper inboard bulkhead of one or more vessel compartments. When a flooding condition is detected in a compartment due to breach of the ship's hull, an integral gas delivery system may provide a quantity of gas to the interior of the bag in that compartment, causing the bag to expand and push flooding water back out through the ship's hull. This displacement of water, and the buoyant force provided by the filled bag will enable the ship to maintain nominal floatation. The system may be configured to provide a controlled expansion of the bag(s) to enable personnel located in the compartment sufficient time to evacuate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2006Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventor: Steven P. Van Derryt
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Publication number: 20080083364Abstract: An inflatable fender system for protecting a watercraft from damaging contact with a permanent object, such as a dock, wharf, piling and rafted watercraft. Two elongated flexible substantially airtight tubular fenders are provided having a generally flat cross section when uninflated, rolled into a coil and stored at the stern of the watercraft. Each of the tubular fenders is independently extendable along a substantial portion of the length of the watercraft. A controlled air supply or AC or DC compressor on the watercraft is operably connected to each of the tubular fenders for independently selectively inflating and expanding the tubular fenders from the flat cross section during deployment. A hanger system, preferably including a plurality of hangers connectable in spaced relation between the watercraft and each of the tubular fenders support the tubular fenders during deployment to protect the side and gunnels of the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2006Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventor: Alan Taylor
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Patent number: 7344377Abstract: A method, a system and a device used within such enhances the repeatability and overall performance of a person skiing through a water ski slalom course. The device is a series of markers positioned on the side of a ski boat which markings can be readily viewed by a skier being towed by the boat at a distance of up to about 100 feet. The method comprises having the skier noting the boat markings which the ski rope crosses as the skier begins a turn into the slalom course. Once a run of desired performance is obtained the skier can repeat that performance more readily by always beginning the initial turn into the slalom course based on the ski rope crossing the same marking on the boat.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Mark Bozicevic
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Patent number: 7337744Abstract: An aquatic vessel safety device, comprised of a set of automatically inflatable water-tight inflatable flotation bladders, attached to the hull of any aquatic vessel or boat capable of being quickly inflated when the aquatic vessel is in danger of being sunk or capsized.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: Saint-Ange Marcellus
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Patent number: 7156033Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition is provided. The flotation device comprises at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft and an inflation mechanism for inflating the flotation bladder. A method for maintaining an aircraft in a floating condition is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: FloatLogic, Inc.Inventors: Tony W. Mears, David G. Walder, Thomas Edward Berg
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Patent number: 7040938Abstract: Disclosed is an AFIFD mounted on the front surface and both side surfaces of an amphibious vehicle to provide additional buoyancy. The AFIFD allows safe swimming of the amphibious vehicle, provides rapidity through automated folding and unfolding processes. The AFIFD has a membrane structure having a seal function and a plate structure having protection power, which are organically combined with each other, to provide both a seal function and protection power. The AFIFD is provided with air while being unfolded by the operation of driving means when the amphibious vehicle swims in water, so that the membrane structure and the plate structure are unfolded to form a completely sealed floating space. When the amphibious vehicle does not swim in water, the structures are folded and closed fixed to a vehicle body, so that the amphibious vehicle can run on ground without any difficulty.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Youn Sang Choi
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Patent number: 6881108Abstract: The present invention relates to a system to float an automobile on water. The system comprises holder assemblies, a detecting sensor, a pneumatic system, envelopes, a propulsive system, and a steering system. The holder assemblies are fixed on the beams of the automobile. The pneumatic system is connected to air inlets of the envelopes with pipes and to a battery with a circuit. The envelopes are fixed at the holder assemblies. When the pneumatic system operates, the envelopes expand to float the automobile on water. The detecting sensor connects to the pneumatic system, the battery, and a first switch with circuits. The propulsive system connects to the battery and a second switch with circuits. The steering system comprises two steering boards that are fixed on fellies of the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Inventor: Yu-Tsai Lin
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Patent number: 6845726Abstract: A flotation device for floating a watercraft is provided. The flotation device comprises a cover releasably secured to the watercraft. A first collapsible tubing is positioned between the cover and the watercraft for removing at least a portion of the cover. At least one inflatable flotation bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing, the first collapsible tubing releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: FloatLogic, IncInventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore, Richard S. Coate
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Publication number: 20040261685Abstract: Watercraft with a solid hull and a solid outer side, where a recess extending essentially in a horizontal plane is formed in the outer side of said watercraft above the water line, in which recess an elastically deformable safety element is permanently installed, which element is folded onto itself in a first operating state and is inflated by means of a pressurized fluid from a source of pressurized fluid in a second operating state, characterized in that at least one undercut projection is formed in the recess in the outer side of the watercraft, and in that the safety element has at least one concavity designed as the negative of the positive shape of the projection, so that the projection engages positively and nonpositively with the concavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2004Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventor: Rainer Seidel
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Patent number: 6830004Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: FloatLogic, Inc.Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore, Richard S. Coate, Michael Braitberg
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Publication number: 20040226498Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining an aircraft in a floating and stable condition is provided. The flotation device comprises at least one flotation bladder mounted to the aircraft and an inflation mechanism for inflating the flotation bladder. A method for maintaining an aircraft in a floating condition is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventors: Tony W. Mears, David G. Walder, Thomas Edward Berg
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Patent number: 6814019Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprising a cover releasably secured to the watercraft. At least one directing bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft. At least one inflatable flotation bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft wherein upon inflation of the directing bladder, the directing bladder releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: FloatLogic, Inc.Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Patent number: 6802274Abstract: A device for floating a watercraft in a body of water with the watercraft having a water line is provided. The device comprises an inflatable first flotation bladder mountable adjacent the waterline and an inflatable second flotation bladder adjacent the first flotation bladder wherein upon inflation of the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder, the first flotation bladder directs the second flotation bladder in a general direction into the water.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: October 12, 2004Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Publication number: 20040149197Abstract: An integrated, compartmentalized, water impermeable hull that is constructed of a plurality of lengthwise tubes. The tubes are arranged in a generally parallel relation to one another such that an outer surface of each tube abuts an outer surface of at least one other of the tubes. The tubes are sandwiched between a first inner support layer and a second inner support layer. Each inner support layer undulates along and fixedly adheres to the tubes to thereby hold the tubes in a fixed relation to one another. First and second outer support layers are positioned over the first and second inner support layer, respectively, and are fixed to a plurality of peaks of the first inner support layers to thereby reinforce the first inner support layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Inventor: Viktor Maklezow
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Patent number: 6758158Abstract: A system for making closed vessels unsinkable. The separate parts of the system are at least one air compressor, a compression chamber, a compressor/propeller clutch, at least one airbag, heating elements, and a diameter restrictor/gauge track. Additional features of this invention include sonar equipment for warning to avoid potential harm to the vessel and a re-entry system which transfers air from the inflated airbags to the inside of a repaired vessel. Upon activation, the air compressor charges the compression chamber, which, by way of a timed valve, distributes compressed air into inflatable bags.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Inventor: Jitendra Lakram
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Publication number: 20040003766Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises a mounting plate mounted to the watercraft with the mounting plate having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder-retaining slot, and a second bladder-retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is receivable in the cover channels with the first collapsible tubing positioned between the mounting plate and the first edge. A space is defined between the mounting plate and the cover with a directional bladder and a flotation bladder receivable within the space. At least a portion of the directional bladder is receivable within the first bladder-retaining slot and at least a portion of the flotation bladder is receivable within the second bladder-retaining slot.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: January 8, 2004Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore, Richard S. Coate, Michael Braitberg
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Publication number: 20030213420Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprising a cover releasably secured to the watercraft. At least one directing bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft. At least one inflatable flotation bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft wherein upon inflation of the directing bladder, the directing bladder releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Patent number: 6612256Abstract: A combination boat and distressed boat flotation apparatus, a distressed boat flotation apparatus, and methods of installing and using a boat flotation apparatus are provided. The combination preferably includes a boat including a boat hull and a plurality of flotation containers positioned to substantially surround the boat hull and positioned to be inflated with a gas responsive to the boat hull being in a distressed condition so that the boat is prevented from sinking by the inflated plurality of flotation containers. The apparatus of the combination also preferably includes a plurality of moisture sensors each positioned in the boat hull to sense the distressed condition and a distressed condition controller positioned in communication with the plurality of moisture sensors and the plurality of flotation containers to control the inflation of the plurality of flotation containers responsive to at least one of the plurality of moisture sensors sensing the distressed condition.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Calford S. Martin
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Publication number: 20030145775Abstract: A flotation device for floating a watercraft is provided. The flotation device comprises a cover releasably secured to the watercraft. A first collapsible tubing is positioned between the cover and the watercraft for removing at least a portion of the cover. At least one inflatable flotation bladder is positioned between the cover and the watercraft wherein upon inflation of the first collapsible tubing, the first collapsible tubing releases at least a portion of the cover from the watercraft.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore, Richard S. Coate
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Publication number: 20030106478Abstract: A device for floating a watercraft in a body of water with the watercraft having a water line is provided. The device comprises an inflatable first flotation bladder mountable adjacent the waterline and an inflatable second flotation bladder adjacent the first flotation bladder wherein upon inflation of the first flotation bladder and the second flotation bladder, the first flotation bladder directs the second flotation bladder in a general direction into the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Tony W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Patent number: 6550415Abstract: A system to keep any type of vessel afloat in case of entry of water or capsizing by means of providing an unfolding mechanism of inflatable flotation and stabilization elements through the outside of the hull of the vessel, including a variety of devices that are actuated automatically or manually if necessary when a water level or inclination meter inside the vessel detects that water has reached a maximum permitted level or an excessive inclination occurs, which causes the opening of an electrically operated valve to allow pressurized fluid to pass in order to unfold said flotation and stabilization elements. Alternatively, another unfolding mechanism may consist of a pair of cylinders screwed to one another, through the wall of the hull, the interior cylinder of which encloses the flotation and stabilization elements and the exterior cylinder of which includes a cover on its outside face that can be ejected by the pressure exerted from the interior.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Inventors: Vicente Lopez-Perea Lloveres, César Gomez Portela
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Patent number: 6526900Abstract: An amphibious vehicle having inflatable pontoons disposed in recesses formed in the vehicle body. The inflatable pontoons retract into the recesses when deflated to reduce the overall width of the vehicle to below the maximum allowable width for a road vehicle. The inflatable pontoons extend when inflated to beyond the maximum allowable width for road vehicles, thereby improving the stability of the vehicle when it is operated in water. The inside surfaces of the recesses provide support for transferring the uplift force generated by the pontoons to the vehicle body when in water. An elastic member may be used to retract the deflated pontoons into the recess. Decorative doors covering the recesses are forced open by the inflating pontoons to a position above the water line.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Trolley Boat LLCInventor: Donald R. Redman
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Patent number: 6484656Abstract: A flotation device for maintaining a watercraft in a floating condition is provided. The flotation device comprises an elongated housing mounted to the watercraft. A carrier is slidably received within the housing with the carrier having a first and second cover channel and a bladder retaining slot. A first collapsible tubing is receivable within the first cover channel. An elongated cover is releasably secured within the first cover channel and the second cover channel. A space is defined between the carrier and the cover. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space with the flotation bladder having a bladder edge receivable in the bladder retaining slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Richard S. Coate
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Patent number: 6470818Abstract: A flotation device is provided comprising a carrier mounted to the watercraft with the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder retaining slot, and a second bladder retaining slot. A space is defined between the carrier and an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge with the first edge releasably receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge releasably receivable in the second cover channel. A cover-removing bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. An inflation mechanism connected to the cover-removing bladder and the flotation bladder inflates both bladders wherein the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier allowing the flotation bladder to substantially completely inflate.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Publication number: 20020144638Abstract: A flotation device is provided comprising a carrier mounted to the watercraft with the carrier having a first cover channel, a second cover channel, a first bladder retaining slot, and a second bladder retaining slot. A space is defined between the carrier and an elongated cover having a first edge and a second edge with the first edge releasably receivable in the first cover channel and the second edge releasably receivable in the second cover channel. A cover-removing bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. A flotation bladder is receivable within the space and secured to the carrier. An inflation mechanism connected to the cover-removing bladder and the flotation bladder inflates both bladders wherein the first edge of the cover is released from the first cover channel of the carrier allowing the flotation bladder to substantially completely inflate.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Inventors: Arthur W. Mears, Nicolae Toderica, Valerica Grigore
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Patent number: 6435125Abstract: A switch system for automatically activating a mechanism such as a gas or fluid supply, an electrical switch, or chemical process is provided. The switch system comprises a float housing and a float slidable within the float housing with the float slidable from a first position to a second position. An activation trigger extends through the float housing with the activation trigger having a first trigger end and a second trigger end, the first trigger end contacting the float. A valve activates the mechanism with the valve connected to the second trigger end wherein upon movement of the float from the first position to the second position, the second trigger end activating the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Float Rail, Inc.Inventor: Arthur W. Mears
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Patent number: 6431108Abstract: A system to keep any type of vessel afloat in case of entry of water, by means of providing inflatable flotation elements through the outside of the hull of the vessel, including a variety of mechanisms that are activated automatically when a water level detecting device inside the vessel detects that water has reached a maximum permitted level, which causes the opening of an electrically operated valve to allow pressurised fluid to pass in order to unfold said flotation elements. Alternatively, another unfolding mechanism may consist of a pair of cylinders screwed themselves, through the wall of the hull, of which the interior cylinder encloses the flotation elements and the exterior includes a cover on its outside face that can be ejected by the pressure exerted from the interior. FIG. 1.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventors: Vicente Lopez-Perea Lloveres, César Gomez Portela
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Publication number: 20020078878Abstract: A system for making closed vessels unsinkable. The separate parts of the system are at least one air compressor, a compression chamber, a compressor/propeller clutch, at least one airbag, heating elements, and a diameter restrictor/gauge track. Additional features of this invention include sonar equipment for warning to avoid potential harm to the vessel and a re-entry system which transfers air from the inflated airbags to the inside of a repaired vessel. Upon activation, the air compressor charges the compression chamber, which, by way of a timed valve, distributes compressed air into inflatable bags.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2002Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Jitendra Lakram