Abstract: Disclosed is an antitheft, emergency system for a vehicle. The system may include a system activation switch, at least one emergency switch, an engine shutoff element connected to the engine, and an emergency transmitter. The at least one emergency switch may trigger the engine shutoff element to render the engine inoperational and may simultaneously, covertly trigger an emergency transmitter to transmit a distress signal.

Abstract: A warning system is provided, which is particularly useful as a person overboard warning system. The system comprises a trigger part, worn by a crew member, which emits a signal on immersion in water. This is received by a receiver part on the vessel and automatically causes a transmitter part, also on the vessel, to send a further warning signal to one or more other locations remote from the vessel. These remote locations may be other vessels or land based sites, for instance operated by the coastguard or other rescue agencies. The automatic nature of the onward transmission of the signal received by the vessel makes the system particularly suited to single handed sailors.

Abstract: An underwater vehicle, such as a submarine or a swimmer/diver, can be detected by seeding a volume of water with neutrally buoyant, acoustically reflective sensors. The sensors comprise a sonar reflective coating and an adhesive so that they stick to and mark said vehicle when said vehicle or swimmer/diver passes through said volume of water. A sonar detector scans the water to identify the presence of said vehicle or swimmer/diver by observing acoustic reflections from the sensors adhering to the vehicle or swimmer/diver.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying other ship targets is provided that displays the positions and detailed information concerning substantially all vessels present in a predetermined region around the own ship in a manner that is easy to grasp for the operator. A display screen includes Graphical Position Display Area 11, Target List Display Area 12 and Vessel Detail Information Display Area 13. A selected vessel of interest is displayed on Graphical Position Display Area 11 with Icon 102, and non-selected vessels are displayed by Icons 103 thereby making it possible to tell them apart. In conjunction with this, a portion of Target List Display Area 12 corresponding to the selected vessel is subjected to Emphasized Display 121, and the detailed information about the selected vessel is displayed in Vessel Detail Information Display Area 13.

Abstract: An event management system, the event management system including: (i) a server, configured to: (a) provide to a control user station of the vehicle a reconnaissance video stream that incorporates at different times video contents received from different vehicle mounted video cameras; to (b) selectively change a security threat mode in response to security data that is received from at least one remote unit which is located on the vehicle; and to (c) provide to the control user station an event focused video stream that includes video content from a group consisting of at least one video camera selected in response to the security threat mode; and (ii) a control user station configured for displaying video content that is received from the server to a user of the event management system.

Abstract: A device and process for selectively communicating a digital audio message to a maritime vessel equipped with a Digital Selective Calling radio when the vessel is within a geographic area. The process involves steps of inputting geographical location information for a sensed maritime vessel to a computer processor; creating signal formatting instructions for a Geographical Area Call to the vessel that rings the vessel's radio, and then automatically tunes the radio to a clear frequency to receive a digital audio message; transmitting the signal to the vessel; and, transmitting the digital audio message to the vessel on the clear frequency. Optionally, the process includes a step of receiving input of frequency use data from a radio receiver/scanner to select a clear frequency to send the digital audio message. The device of the invention includes a computer readable medium storing instructions for implementing the process.

Abstract: An application for a theft prevention system includes a self-contained alarm that secures to a structure of a boat or other vehicle, especially a pleasure craft. The self contained alarm includes a motion detector and a signaling device which is either audible or visual. The signaling device lights and/or sounds responsive to detection of motion by the motion detector.

Abstract: The vessel monitoring system has, in a trial navigation by provisionally setting a value of the speed of the own vessel arbitrarily, a display unit immediately display an Obstacle Zone by Targets (OZT) corresponding to the speed of the own vessel. The vessel monitoring system includes a calculator for calculating an Obstacle Zone by Targets, a display unit for displaying the Obstacle Zone by Targets obtained by the calculation by the calculator, and an integrated controller for processing trial navigation that integrally controls mutually cooperated processing of calculation by the calculator and display by the display unit, in a trial navigation by provisionally setting a value of the speed of the own vessel arbitrarily, so that the calculator calculates an Obstacle Zone by Targets corresponding to the arbitrarily and provisionally set value of the speed of the own vessel, and the display unit displays the result of the calculation.

Abstract: A missing outboard motor system provides a microprocessor of the outboard motor with the ability to disable or cause a malfunction of the engine of the outboard motor. This disabling of the outboard motor engine can be programmed to occur upon the detection of tampering relating to a communication system. A global positioning satellite system can be provided to monitor the current position of the outboard motor and report that current position to a remote source, such as a monitoring station. The malfunction that can be caused with regard to the engine can be minor and temporary, but severe enough to induce a thief or co-conspirator to attempt to have the outboard motor repaired. This will assist in relocating the outboard motor and capturing the thief.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a function of a safety unit, in particular of a bilge blower of a boat with a combustion engine, connected via a manually operated switch to a voltage supply. The current flowing through the safety unit is measured and an acoustic alarm is triggered, if a sensor voltage derived from the measured current falls below a reference voltage.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a product during assembly or repair of the product includes use of a microserver configured to function as a local computing workstation and collect, store and process data for the product throughout the assembly or repair process. The microserver may be carried by a support structure that supports the product through the assembly or repair process. The product data and other information relevant to the assembly or repair process are stored on the microserver and may be accessed by other computing devices, both local and remote to the product. The information is updated on the microserver as it happens. Thus, users are able to track a status of the product in real-time. The microserver enables two-way communication such that the other computing devices may also send information to the microserver.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flotation device such as a life vest or inflatable raft for keeping a user afloat when in water, the flotation device comprising a light source attached to the flotation device, a water activated switch, wherein the light source is illuminated when the water activated switch is submersed in the water, and a control panel mounted to an outer surface of the flotation device and comprised of at least one user activated switch, wherein the light source is extinguished when the user activated switch is depressed, the control panel having instructions printed thereon.

Abstract: An anti-collision warning system for marine vehicle includes, an optical sensor covering at least partially the horizon of the marine vehicle, image processing means for extracting in real time from each image position information of objects visible on the surface of the sea, and anti-collision analysis means, which periodically calculate the evolution of the position information of each visible object, and which assess a risk of the marine vehicle colliding with each visible object according to the evolution of the position information of the visible object.

Abstract: A method and system for indicating a status of a load of a sub-system in a marine vehicle where the load is controlled by a switch provided on a steering wheel of the marine vehicle.

Abstract: A theft deterrent apparatus in a marine vessel having a propulsion device includes a key unit arranged to transmit a user authentication code, a first authentication unit disposed apart from the propulsion device, a second authentication unit, and an operation control unit disposed in the propulsion device. The first authentication unit is arranged to receive the user authentication code transmitted by the key unit, execute an authentication process on the user authentication code, and generate a unit authentication code. The second authentication unit is arranged to receive the unit authentication code generated by the first authentication unit and execute an authentication process on the unit authentication code. The operation control unit is arranged to allow operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the second authentication unit does succeed, and prohibit operation of the propulsion device if the authentication by the second authentication unit does not succeed.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: Signalling and localisation device for an individual in the sea, including an ultrasonic wave transmitter constituting an individual alarm unit carried by the individual in the sea designed to transmit carrier waves of primary signals; a surface surveillance means arranged on the surface of the sea and provided with: a submersed antenna capable of picking up the primary signals transmitted by individual alarm unit; means of transmitting secondary ultrasonic signals, these transmission means: means capable of calculating the position of individual alarm unit as a function of the ultrasonic signals received in response to secondary ultrasonic signals and of converting this information into the coordinates of a global positioning system; a unit for transmitting radio waves capable of sending signals representing these coordinates to a mobile or fixed alarm processing centre equipped with a radio receiver.

Abstract: An immobilizer receiver for an outboard motor includes a control unit that is housed in a liquid-tight case and arranged to receive an authentication code, an antenna wire arranged to receive the authentication code, and an answer-back buzzer arranged to provide an indication that the authentication code has been received, which are housed in a recessed section of a housing. A distance from an opening surface to a bottom surface of the recessed section of the housing is arranged such that the antenna wire can receive the authentication code even in a case that a hull is made of metal. Then, the opening surface of the housing is preferably mounted on a vertical or approximately vertical surface of the hull. Therefore, it is possible to secure a receiving function of the antenna wire that is housed on the bottom surface of the recessed section. In addition, the answer-back buzzer is protected against coming in contact with water.

Abstract: A capsize alerting apparatus (40) for a maritime vessel (10) is provided. The capsize alerting apparatus comprises an antenna (15) which is fixed on the maritime vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state. The antenna is further operable when the vessel is in the capsized state to transmit a capsize alert message indicating that the vessel has capsized. Accordingly, by fixing an antenna to the vessel in an orientation which permits communication with a receiver when the vessel is in a capsized state, the vessel is able to communicate a capsize alert signal to a receiver (20) even though the vessel is in a capsized state in which a conventional communications system will not function.

Abstract: A heads-up speed sensing display and control system for apprising an operator of the risk of operating a vehicle at various speeds has a risk indicator display with a plurality of illuminable elements, such as three different colored LEDs, illuminable in a plurality of patterns, each of the plurality of patterns having a predetermined correlation to vehicle speed, such as green for safe, yellow for caution and red for hazardous. A speed sensor, such as a Hall-effect device is coupled to a driven element of the vehicle, like a speedometer cable, and causes the speed sensor to generate a signal indicative of vehicle speed. A control unit receives the speed signal and selects an illumination pattern to indicate the risk of operation at the speed the vehicle is then traveling. The display may be wired or wireless and be attached to a windshield, face guard or helmet.

Abstract: A housing for electronic and electrical units comprising a display device or an operator interface, whereby the display device and/or the user interface extend(s) over the entire surface of the housing or casing.

Abstract: A hostile intention assessment system and method wherein a tracking sensor subsystem (e.g., radar) tracks targets relative to a critical asset. Determinations are made to assess if a first target is approaching a second target, and to assess if the second target is approaching the critical asset. If the first target is approaching the second target to hide in the radar shadow thereof and the second target is approaching sufficiently close to the critical asset, an alert is generated.

Abstract: According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for indicating a status of a subsystem controlled by a switch provided on a steering wheel of a marine vehicle. The method and system comprise: providing a switch for the subsystem on the steering wheel of the marine vehicle; providing a status indicator for the switch; detecting an activation of the switch; transmitting a command to the subsystem in the marine vehicle in response to the activation; detecting an operation status of the subsystem in response to the command; and activating the status indicator to indicate information of the operation status.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying other ship targets is provided that displays the positions and detailed information concerning substantially all vessels present in a predetermined region around the own ship in a manner that is easy to grasp for the operator. A display screen includes Graphical Position Display Area 11, Target List Display Area 12 and Vessel Detail Information Display Area 13. A selected vessel of interest is displayed on Graphical Position Display Area 11 with Icon 102, and non-selected vessels are displayed by Icons 103 thereby making it possible to tell them apart. In conjunction with this, a portion of Target List Display Area 12 corresponding to the selected vessel is subjected to Emphasized Display 121, and the detailed information about the selected vessel is displayed in Vessel Detail Information Display Area 13.

Abstract: This invention is a device for transforming the energy of water waves into useable energy. The device comprises two or more floats, structural members connecting the floats, a means for transferring torque, and one or more generators.

Abstract: An improved bilge water level monitor, alert and control system for boats and other vessels. The system provides a method of detecting excessive leakage of water into the bilge and in response to the excessive water in the bilge, triggering an alarm to notify the operator and others and energizes bilge pumps to remove the excessive water. The system is designed with many redundancies in the sub elements and subsystems for safety. The system provides a means for reducing the likelihood of exhausting battery power in the event of a significant seawater leakage problem. The electrical power rating of the monitoring circuitry components is relatively low, thereby reducing the size and weight of those components relative to prior bilge pump monitoring and alert systems. There is no electrical wiring exposed to bilge water during system operation thereby reducing damage to the wiring components.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A Water Friend or Foe System (WFSS) includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card in a SIM reader on a marine vessel. A transmitter, which is coupled to the SIM reader, transmits information from the SIM card, as well as positioning information, to a WFFS tracking station.

Abstract: A warning light assembly for a watercraft or land vehicle includes a selectively activatable light for mounting to the watercraft or vehicle such that the light is clearly visible to nearby operators/drivers. There is a power source for being carried by the watercraft/vehicle. The light is operatively connected to the power source through a switch that is alternatable between open and closed states. At least one mechanism is provided for sensing when the watercraft/vehicle is decelerating. A control device is responsive to the sensing mechanism for closing the switch only when the watercraft/vehicle decelerates in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously there is no change in acceleration in a transverse direction. This causes the light to activate so that a deceleration warning is provided to nearby persons.

Abstract: A rescue and safety device for swimming-pools and amusement parks, consisting of a wristband containing a cardiac-arrest detector, a panic button, a location device and, optionally, a water detector, triggered by immersion syncope, cardiac arrest or an accident; a rescue device, especially if an inflatable grid has been installed on the bottom of the pool, that can uplift any person in difficulties from the bottom of the pool.

Abstract: A fall detection system informs a driver of a water vehicle of a fallen rider being towed by the vehicle. The system includes a detection device coupled to a handle for detecting contact between the rider and the handle. The device generates a contact signal that automatically stops or changes if contact is broken. The system further includes a transmitter coupled to the detection device that transmits a contact signal therefrom and a receiver that receives the contact signal. A display presents a warning message upon an interruption in the reception of the contact signal. Alternatively, the transmitter may be coupled to a speed control unit of the vehicle to stop or reduce the speed of the vehicle if a fall is detected. A communication system may also be provided.

Abstract: A warning light assembly for a watercraft or land vehicle includes a selectively activatable light for mounting to the watercraft or vehicle such that the light is clearly visible to nearby operators/drivers. There is a power source for being carried by the watercraft/vehicle. The light is operatively connected to the power source through a switch that is alternatable between open and closed states. At least one mechanism is provided for sensing when the watercraft/vehicle is decelerating. A control device is responsive to the sensing mechanism for closing the switch only when the watercraft/vehicle decelerates in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously there is no change in acceleration in a transverse direction. This causes the light to activate so that a deceleration warning is provided to nearby persons.

Abstract: A marine port monitoring system including an inspection apparatus, either fixed or mobile, for intercepting cargo vessels entering the port. The system includes sensors placed in a shipping channel for examination of a hull of a passing vessel to detect externally mounted weapons or explosives. The inspection apparatus includes devices for removing cargo containers from vessels, non-intrusively inspecting the containers and isolating containers having suspect cargo. The apparatus includes explosive containment including a separable containment system for protecting the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for networking a plurality of marine navigation devices into a network is provided, the network comprising one master marine navigation device and at least one slave marine navigation device. The method includes determining if a slave marine navigation device has recently been operatively coupled to the one master marine navigation device, determining if the slave marine navigation device is of a device type permitted to network with the one master marine navigation device, assigning an identifier to the slave marine navigation device if the device is of a device type permitted to network with the one master marine navigation device, and transmitting the identifier to at least the slave marine navigation device. The master marine navigation device may include a processor and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, the processor being programmed to carry out this networking method.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention improves traffic safety in the field of aviation and in the field of shipping, and also in road traffic. In at least one embodiment, a method achieves this by determining at specified intervals a current position and a current direction, retrieving geographical description data for at least one exclusion zone or one danger area from a control center and from this data, by way of a warning condition, issuing at least one warning message, provided the warning condition has been fulfilled. In at least one embodiment, the warning condition is selected in such a way that intrusion into the at least one exclusion zone or one danger area can be securely prevented by way of an appropriate counter maneuver.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: Two sensor units are mounted on opposite sides of a transom of a boat and directed to a common location behind the boat. The field of view of the two sensors overlaps behind the marine propulsion unit of the boat to detect the presence of a heat emitting object, such as a mammal. Housing structures contain infrared sensing elements, lenses, and light shields. Signals from four infrared sensing elements are received by a controller which reacts, with an alarm signal, when at least two of the four sensors detect a heat emitting object within their individual fields of view. False triggering can be reduced by not providing an alarm signal if only the two most inboard sensors detect the heat emitting object.

Abstract: The invention provides for exchanging a complete luminous unit (24) instead of exchanging the individual components such as a battery (64). For this purpose, at least one energy-saving light-emitting diode (56) as luminous means, a battery (64) and a magnetically actuable reed contact (66) serving as switching element are combined as luminous unit (24). The use of a cost-effective light-emitting diode (56) and a battery (64) formed in space-saving fashion in accordance with the low power demand of the light-emitting diode (56) permits a compact configuration of the luminous unit (24). The fact that the luminous unit (24) can be inserted into the floating body (22) as a unit and can be exchanged as a unit obviates a complicated battery change or change of luminous means entailing the risk of leaks.

Abstract: A method for setting screens of plural inboard indicators connected to an inboard network via a communication line includes connecting a terminal to the inboard network. The method also includes loading the terminal with data from the plural indicators and setting the screens of the indicators in the terminal. Additionally, the method includes sending screen setting data from the terminal to the respective indicators via the communication line after setting the screens of the indicators.

Abstract: A security system (100) for use on a boat comprising a central unit (1), one or several personal units (2), repeaters (4) and relay boxes (5). Each component includes a radio module. The central unit (1) forms a master and the other components form nodes of a multi-hop network, which 10 wirelessly exchanges information between the components. A method for operating the security system is provided.

Abstract: A positioning and recording information system with multi-hopping means for rescue on the sea. At least two stations are utilized to transmit navigation information to one another in the form of data packets. The data packets are received and temporarily stored in the stations. The steps of transmitting, receiving and storing are repeated to form a network topology which records a moving track of a station set on a ship. As the ship meets with misfortune on the ocean, the latest data packet transmitted by the ship facilitates positioning so that the disastrous position is identified. Consequently, the rescue can be started immediately and the efficiency is improved as compared with traditional ways.

Abstract: A monitoring system detects the presence or absence of a marine vessel operator within a defined zone near the helm of a marine vessel. The detection is accomplished through the use of a provision of an e-field and the detection of e-field strength by a receiving antenna system. When the operator is in the proper helm position, the e-field strength is diminished by the presence of a portion of the operator's body within the e-field zone.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the scheduling of ships entering and leaving a harbor, the method comprising the steps of: a. Combining information from an automated identification system about each ship with scheduling information about each ship from a dispatching system to produce a combined ship ID/schedule for each ship; b. Tracking the latitude and longitude of each ship using GPS to produce tracked latitude and longitude of each ship; c. Comparing the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship to existing maps of the harbor; and d. Continually comparing the ID/schedule for each ship with the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship. The alerts are sent whenever the tracked latitude and longitude of each ship does not match the expected latitude and longitude of each ship at a given time. The method tracks and records whenever a pilot embarks or disembarks from a ship.

Abstract: Sensors suitable for submarine detection are in the form of multilayer polymer beads. The sensors have a change in detectible property, such as color, which occurs when said sensors are exposed to a particular stimulus such as an object or event to be detected. The change in property is thus detectible by an external monitor.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.

Abstract: An engine condition indicating device for a boat automatically adjusts the indication range of condition data values of different engines to the range of an indicating section to provide an appropriately positioned indication for each engine. The engine condition indicating device indicates a condition data value such as a detected engine oil pressure as an indication object at a predetermined position in an indication area of an indicating section. Indication information, which includes a condition value determined in association with the indication area as an indication object for the engine, is preset. The condition data value transmitted from the engine as an indication object is processed based on the indication information to cause the indication object to be displayed at a predetermined position in the indication area of the indicating section.

Abstract: A heads-up speed sensing display and control system for apprising an operator of the risk of operating a vehicle at various speeds has a risk indicator display with a plurality of illuminable elements, such as three different colored LEDs, illuminable in a plurality of patterns, each of the plurality of patterns having a predetermined correlation to vehicle speed, such as green for safe, yellow for caution and red for hazardous. A speed sensor, such as a Hall-effect device is coupled to a driven element of the vehicle, like a speedometer cable, and causes the speed sensor to generate a signal indicative of vehicle speed. A control unit receives the speed signal and selects an illumination pattern to indicate the risk of operation at the speed the vehicle is then traveling. The display may be wired or wireless and be attached to a windshield, face guard or helmet.

Abstract: The marine vessel monitoring system of the present invention enables marine vessel owners to monitor their vessels when they are unable or unavailable to personally do so. The system of the present invention provides an efficient method for inspecting and repairing a designated marine vessel at periodic intervals and for reporting the results of such inspections and repairs to the vessel's owner in a timely manner for the owner's review and consideration.

Abstract: Remote monitoring system for alerting a user of an alarm or a return-to-normal situation. The remote monitoring system has a wireless transceiver for receiving and transmitting text messages via a wireless network to a particular wireless device, such as a cellular or satellite telephone. Coupled to the transceiver is at least one event sensor that monitors a particular parameter, such as water level, battery charge level, temperature, etc. The transceiver is programmed to send an alert text message to a wireless communication device should the event sensor send a signal that triggers the remote monitoring system. Once triggered, the remote monitoring system continues to send messages to the wireless communication device, until it receives confirmation that the message was received. Should the event sensor send a signal that indicates a return to a normal condition, the remote monitoring system sends a return-to-normal message.

Abstract: An instrumented navigation system for aiding a towboat and barge configuration in the entry and traversal of a lock located on a waterway or for navigation around other structures, such as bridge piers or docks. The system consists of wirelessly linked computers on the towboat and the lock which display navigational charts showing the position of the tows as they approach and enter the locks. The computers are also linked to sensors which send information, such as the speed and position of the tows, to the computers for display.