Means To Control The Supply Of Energy Responsive To A Sensed Condition Patents (Class 440/1)
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Patent number: 12344360Abstract: A system includes an outboard motor, an actuator, a sensor, and a controller. The sensor detects motion information indicating an up-and-down directional motion of a bow of a watercraft. The controller is configured or programmed to selectively set either a trim-up direction or a trim-down direction as a trim direction in accordance with the up-and-down directional motion of the bow based on the motion information. The controller is configured or programmed to control the actuator to cause the outboard motor to perform a trim motion in the trim direction, and to set a duration of the trim motion to be different between when the outboard motor is caused to perform the trim motion in the trim-up direction and when the outboard motor is caused to perform the trim motion in the trim-down direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2022Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoru Hamada
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Patent number: 12187396Abstract: A vessel operation system includes an outboard motor or other propulsion apparatus disposed on a hull, a trolling motor mounted externally to the hull, a joystick or other first operator, and a controller. The joystick is operated by a vessel operator in order to indicate at least one of a magnitude and a direction of a thrust that the outboard motor is to apply to the hull. In a state in which the trolling motor is generating a first thrust, the controller controls the outboard motor so as to generate a second thrust in accordance with a command indicated by the joystick. Additionally, the controller controls the trolling motor so that the first thrust changes.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: January 7, 2025Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshiyuki Kadobayashi
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Patent number: 12165522Abstract: A marine propulsion control system includes at least one propulsion device, an input device enabling user control input commanding movement direction and velocity, and at least one proximity sensor configured to generate proximity measurements describing a proximity of surrounding objects. A controller is configured to first limit the velocity commandable by the user via the input device based on the proximity measurements so as to maintain the marine vessel at least a buffer distance from any of the objects, then receive a user-generated instruction to suspend maintenance of the buffer distance in at least one direction and a user control input via the input device to move the marine vessel in the at least one direction and toward a first object. The at least one propulsion device is then controlled based on the user control input such that the marine vessel approaches and impacts the first object.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Derginer, Aaron J. Ward, Travis C. Malouf
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Patent number: 12145706Abstract: A system includes an outboard motor including a lift actuator, a pitch angle sensor, a lift position sensor, and a controller configured or programmed to obtain at least either of a pitch angle of a watercraft and an angular velocity of the pitch angle. The controller is configured or programmed to obtain a lift position of the outboard motor, and controller selectively set either a lift-up direction or a lift-down direction as a lift direction based on the lift position of the outboard motor and at least either of the pitch angle of the watercraft and the angular velocity of the pitch angle. The controller is configured or programmed to control the lift actuator to cause the outboard motor to perform a lift motion in the lift direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2022Date of Patent: November 19, 2024Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Satoru Hamada
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Patent number: 12125389Abstract: A propulsion control system for a marine vessel includes a propulsion system comprising at least one propulsion device configured to propel the marine vessel, a proximity sensor system configured to generate proximity measurements describing proximity of objects surrounding the marine vessel, and a control system. The control system is configured to receive the proximity measurements, generate a most important object (MIO) dataset based on the proximity measurements, wherein the MIO dataset defines a closest proximity measurement in each of a plurality of directions with respect to the marine vessel, calculate a velocity limit dataset based on the MIO dataset, wherein the velocity limit dataset defines a velocity limit in each of the plurality of directions, and control the propulsion system based on the velocity limit dataset.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2023Date of Patent: October 22, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Derginer, Aaron J. Ward, Travis C. Malouf
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Patent number: 12065231Abstract: A safety system for a boat, watercraft or other vehicle includes a kill switch connected to the motor for preventing the motor from running under dangerous circumstances. The system includes at least one proximity sensor operatively connected to the kill switch, so that the motor only runs when the proximity sensor detects a person properly positioned at the captain's console. Other sensors may form an array to communicate with the kill switch, either hard-wired together or wirelessly, upon detection of dangerous situations, including proximity sensors to detect if a swimmer is near the propeller or if the captain is not in position at the helm, gate sensors to detect when gates on the boat are in an open position, and ladder sensors to detect when a ladder is in a down position. The system may also include at least one rear facing camera operatively connected to a console-mounted video screen.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2021Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Inventor: Daniel Scott Trotter
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Patent number: 12065224Abstract: A lanyard system for a marine vessel propelled by at least one propulsion device includes an operator device worn by an operator of the marine vessel, a receiver device at a helm area of the marine vessel, wherein the receiver device is configured to detect whether the operator is within a permitted zone with respect to the helm area, and a control configured to generate a lanyard event when the operator is not detected within the permitted zone and, upon generating a lanyard event, reduce an rpm of the propulsion device at a pre-set reduction rate to an idle rpm.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2023Date of Patent: August 20, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Steven J. Gonring
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Patent number: 12051323Abstract: A measuring device measures a status of a device to be monitored stored within a metal hull of a marine vessel. A first communication device is provided outside the hull and transmits a status signal indicating a measurement value of the status of the device to be monitored. A second communication device receives the status signal via the first communication device and outputs information pertaining to the status. The second communication device is configured to be portable.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2019Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES ENGINE & TURBOCHARGER, LTD.Inventors: Masaki Taguchi, Hirotaka Kuroda
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Patent number: 12030389Abstract: There are described herein methods and systems for operating an electric motor of a watercraft. In one method, the electric motor of the watercraft is controlled based on commands received from an accelerator of the watercraft, a sensor signal is received from at least one sensor of the watercraft while the electric motor is in operation, the sensor signal indicative of an undesirable condition of a water intake of the watercraft, and a change is effected to the controlling of the electric motor in response to receiving the sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2022Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: TAIGA MOTORS INC.Inventors: Paul Bruneau, Samuel Bruneau
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Patent number: 12024272Abstract: A ship propulsion system includes authentication devices that respectively stores different authentication codes. Each of the authentication devices corresponds to one or more ship propulsion devices. Two or more authentication devices among the plurality of authentication devices do not simultaneously correspond to one ship propulsion device. Each of the authentication devices operates as a master authentication device when an authentication code transmitted from a communication device matches an authentication code stored in the authentication devices. The master authentication device recognizes whether a malfunction occurs in the authentication devices; and to select a ship propulsion device disposed in a manner of being bilaterally symmetrical about the center of the ship in the left-right direction from ship propulsion devices corresponding to an authentication device in which no malfunction occurs.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2021Date of Patent: July 2, 2024Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Toshiya Kataoka
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Patent number: 11987340Abstract: A hull behavior control system for controlling behavior of a hull of a marine vessel includes a memory and at least one controller coupled to the memory. The at least one controller is configured or programmed to control a steering that changes the traveling direction of the marine vessel, obtain a water surface shape around the marine vessel, estimate movement of a wave based on the water surface shape, and when it is determined that the hull rides the wave whose movement has been estimated, control the steering so as to reduce an influence of the wave on the hull.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ritsu Kadota, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Shuichi Moromi, Sadao Miyano
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Patent number: 11964742Abstract: A hull behavior control system includes a memory and at least one controller coupled to the memory. The at least one controller is configured or programmed to control a propulsion force of the marine vessel using a propeller of the marine vessel, obtain a water surface shape around the marine vessel, estimate movement of a wave based on the water surface shape, and reduce the propulsion force by controlling the propeller when it is determined that an impact force equal to or greater than a threshold value will act on the hull after the hull travels over the wave whose movement has been estimated.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Ritsu Kadota, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Shuichi Moromi, Sadao Miyano
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Patent number: 11959833Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatuses for inspecting a tank containing a flammable fluid are provided. The system includes a vehicle having a propeller, a latch mechanism, a pressure switch, and an inspection device. The system includes a control unit in communication with the propeller, the latch mechanism, and the inspection device, and electrically connected to the pressure switch. The control unit powers on responsive to the pressure switch detecting an ambient pressure greater than a minimum threshold. The control unit receives, from the latch mechanism, an indication of a state of the latch mechanism. The control unit determines that the cable used to lower the vehicle into the tank containing the flammable fluid is detached from the vehicle. The control unit commands the propeller to move the vehicle through the flammable fluid. The control unit determines a quality metric of a portion of the tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2022Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: Square Robot, Inc.Inventors: Jerome Vaganay, Eric Levitt, William O'Halloran
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Patent number: 11858359Abstract: The invention relates to a power system for a vehicle, the power system for a vehicle, the power system comprising a plurality of supercapacitors, a plurality of batteries, at least one electronic load and a master controller, arranged so that at least one battery is connected with at least one supercapacitor, such that power from the at least one battery may be supplied to the at least one supercapacitor, wherein the master controller ability to switch the at least one supercapacitor to a further at least one supercapacitor and wherein at least one battery and/or at least one supercapacitor of the plurality of supercapacitors supplies power to the electronic load.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2019Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: BAE SYSTEMS PLCInventors: Maneeshi Trivedi, Christopher Charles Grayson
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Patent number: 11862026Abstract: A propulsion control system on a marine vessel includes at least one propulsion device configured to propel the marine vessel and at least one proximity sensor system configured to generate proximity measurements describing proximity of objects surrounding the marine vessel. A control system is configured to receive the proximity measurements, access a preset buffer distance surrounding the marine vessel, calculate a velocity limit for the marine vessel in one or more directions of the objects based on a difference between the proximity measurements and the preset buffer distance surrounding the marine vessel so as to progressively decrease the velocity limit as the marine vessel approaches the preset buffer distance from any of the objects, and control the at least one propulsion device such that a velocity of the marine vessel does not exceed the velocity limit in the direction of any of the objects.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2022Date of Patent: January 2, 2024Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Derginer, Aaron J. Ward, Travis C. Malouf
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Patent number: 11855454Abstract: A method can be used to control a voltage source converter of a power supporting arrangement to act as a virtual synchronous machine. The method includes obtaining a measured power level of the converter, processing the measured power level using a differential equation of an angular velocity of the virtual synchronous machine in order to obtain a control contribution, providing a phase angle of a physical quantity used to control the converter based on the control contribution, monitoring the ability of the converter to act as a virtual synchronous machine, determining that the ability of the converter to act as a virtual synchronous machine is deemed insufficient, and adjusting the control contribution by increasing the damping term and/or decreasing the moment of inertia term in response to determining that the ability of the converter to act as a virtual synchronous machine is deemed insufficient.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: Hitachi Energy Switzerland AGInventors: Theodore Soong, Jean-Philippe Hasler
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Patent number: 11830062Abstract: A watercraft rental system is used to rent an owner's watercraft to a user. The watercraft rental system includes a computer and a user terminal. The computer communicates with the watercraft and records rental condition information of the watercraft. The user terminal provides borrowing request information to the computer. The borrowing request information corresponds to a response to the rental condition information. The computer executes a rental process of the watercraft based on the borrowing request information.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Inoue
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Patent number: 11804137Abstract: A method of controlling propulsion of a marine vessel includes limiting user input authority over propulsion output by at least one propulsion device based on proximity measurements so as to maintain the marine vessel at least a buffer distance from any object, where in the buffer distance is a predefined distance around the marine vessel. After a user-generated instruction is received to suspend maintenance of the buffer distance and a user control input is received to move the marine vessel in the direction of the object, the at least one propulsion device is controlled based on the user control input such that the marine vessel approaches and impacts the object.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2022Date of Patent: October 31, 2023Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Derginer, Aaron J. Ward, Travis C. Malouf
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Patent number: 11738845Abstract: An operation device in a ship propulsion system including a ship propulsion machine, ship-mounted equipment, and a power supply, the operation device including a single push button switch and an operation processor performing processing. The operation processor detects a pressing mode of the push button switch when the push button switch is pressed while the ship-mounted equipment and the power supply are disconnected and the power source is stopped, performs processing of connecting the ship-mounted equipment and the power supply and starting the power source when the detected pressing mode is a first mode, and performs processing of connecting the ship-mounted equipment and the power supply while maintaining the power source in a stopped state when the detected pressing mode is a second mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2021Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Tomohiko Miyaki
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Patent number: 11731744Abstract: A control system for a marine propulsion device includes a propeller driven by either an engine or a motor. The control system includes a first memory to store first information to identify whether the control system has shut down normally or abnormally even during a reset period of the control system, a second memory to store second information indicating control states of the engine and the motor even during the reset period of the control system, and a controller configured or programmed to start controlling the engine and the motor, based on the second information stored in the second memory, when the first information stored in the first memory indicates an abnormal shutdown of the control system at a startup of the control system.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2021Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuji Ikegaya
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Patent number: 11718375Abstract: A wireless lanyard system for a marine vessel propelled by at least one propulsion device, the system comprising an operator fob configured to be worn by an operator of the marine vessel, a helm transceiver configured to receive radio signals from the operator fob an a controller. The controller is configured to define a permitted zone with respect to a helm area of the marine vessel based on at least one vessel condition, determine based on communications between the operator fob and the helm transceiver whether the operator is within the permitted zone with respect to the helm area, and generate a lanyard event when the operator is not within the permitted zone.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2021Date of Patent: August 8, 2023Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Steven J. Gonring
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Patent number: 11709494Abstract: A control system for navigating a marine vessel employs at least a first motor and a second motor. The control system is configured to communicate with the first and second motors. The control system is configured to receive a position measurement and an orientation measurement for the marine vessel. The control system is further configured to generate at least one control signal for the first motor based on the position measurement and at least one control signal for the second motor based on the orientation measurement.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Inventors: Albert F. Miller, Robert M. Kalis, John B. Whiteside, Jarrod W. Seymour, Eric W. Heling
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Patent number: 11685497Abstract: A marine vessel maneuvering system includes a propulsion device, a steering device, a forward/reverse drive switch, a steering wheel, a forward drive operator, a reverse drive operator, and a controller. The forward drive operator and the reverse drive operator are respectively located on one and the other sides of a pivot axis of the steering wheel, and are pivotable together with the steering wheel. The controller performs a forward drive propulsion control and a reverse drive propulsion control to set the propulsive force direction and control a magnitude of the propulsive force according to the operation of the forward drive operator and the reverse drive operator. The controller enables the forward drive propulsion control in a forward drive operation valid range. The controller enables the reverse drive propulsion control in a reverse drive operation valid range.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kenichi Fujino
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Patent number: 11584498Abstract: An actuator for imparting steering movement to a tiller of a propulsion unit of a marine vessel comprises an absolute position sensor operable to sense a steering position and a relative position sensor operable to sense a position of the motor. A steering control unit calibrates the relative position sensor based on a signal of the absolute position sensor. Calibration of the relative position sensor based on a signal of the absolute position sensor initializes an accumulative position which accumulates a relative position as the actuator moves over time.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: Marine Canada Acquisition Inc.Inventors: Anson Chin Pang Chan, Ian Michael Carlson, Ray Tat Lung Wong, Mark Isaac Dyck
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Patent number: 11467583Abstract: A steering for a marine propulsion unit adjusts at least one of a required steering speed and a required steering torque such that the required steering speed and the required steering torque fall within an output region when the required steering speed and the required steering torque are outside the output region, sets a target steering angle according to the adjusted required steering speed and required steering torque, and sets the target steering angle according to a rotation angle of a steering wheel when the required steering speed and the required steering torque are within the output region.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignees: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, MARINE CANADA ACQUISITION INC.Inventor: Makoto Mizutani
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Patent number: 11414162Abstract: A control system for a marine vessel that has a propulsion device including an engine. The control system has an opening angle adjustment device configured to adjust a throttle opening angle of the engine, and a controller including a computing device and a non-transitory storage medium containing program instructions. The execution of the program instructions by the computing device causes the controller to judge whether or not a hull of the marine vessel has entered a planing state, set a predetermined mode in which the planing state is maintained, and upon determining that the predetermined mode is set and that the hull has entered the planing state, control the opening angle adjustment device to keep the hull in the planing state even when the hull has decelerated.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2020Date of Patent: August 16, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Jun Nakatani
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Patent number: 11403955Abstract: A propulsion control system on a marine vessel includes at least one propulsion device configured to propel the marine vessel and at least one proximity sensor system configured to generate proximity measurements describing a proximity of an object with respect to the marine vessel. The system further includes a controller configured to receive proximity measurements, access a preset buffer distance, and calculate a velocity limit in a direction of the object for the marine vessel based on the proximity measurements and the preset buffer distance so as to progressively decrease the velocity limit as the marine vessel approaches the preset buffer distance from the object.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Matthew E. Derginer, Aaron J. Ward, Travis C. Malouf
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Patent number: 11370517Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods for operating a marine motor are provided herein. An example motor system includes a motor, a battery, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a user input indicating a desired speed, determine a charge level of the battery, determine an optimized speed or propulsion of the marine motor based on the desired speed and the determined charge level of the battery, and transmit a signal to the motor to operate accordingly. The processor may generate a correction factor based on at least one of the determined charge level of the battery, a boat speed profile curve, and a boat travel distance curve; and determine the optimized speed or propulsion by applying the correction factor to the desired speed. Thus, an eco-mode can be provided to help maintain a high level of battery charge while still enabling desired use.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING ASInventor: Masoud Sargazikoosheh
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Patent number: 11364874Abstract: A control system of a marine vessel includes a portable device and a receiving device. The portable device transmits a switch control signal to the receiving device based on an input operation. The control system of the marine vessel performs an authentication control process based on an authentication signal from the portable device, and controls opening or closing of a current path based on the switch control signal from the portable device.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2019Date of Patent: June 21, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoju Takano, Kentaro Takeda
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Patent number: 11334079Abstract: A watercraft control system is configured to maintain a prescribed distance between a host watercraft and a stationary or anchored object. The watercraft control system can be integrated with a main watercraft control system of the host watercraft, or can be an add-on watercraft control system that supplements the main watercraft control system of the host watercraft. The watercraft control system basically includes a detector and a digital controller. The detector is configured to detect a stationary or anchored object spaced from a host watercraft. The digital controller is configured to communicate with the detector to receive a detection signal from the detector. The digital controller is configured to output at least one control command to a propulsion unit of the host watercraft to maintain a prescribed distance between the host watercraft and the stationary or anchored object.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2020Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Juan Pablo Afman
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Patent number: 11267547Abstract: An outboard motor includes an engine, and a propeller driven by the engine via a drive shaft and a propeller shaft, a tilting mechanism that changes a tilt angle of the propeller shaft and/or the drive shaft, a triaxial acceleration sensor and a triaxial angular velocity sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to acquire at least one of a gravity direction, a traveling direction, or a horizontal direction of the hull using the triaxial acceleration sensor, and detect at least one of a first angle of the drive shaft with respect to the gravity direction, a second angle of the propeller shaft with respect to the traveling direction, or a third angle of the propeller shaft with respect to the horizontal direction using the triaxial angular velocity sensor, to thereby control the tilting mechanism to adjust the tilt angle of the drive shaft and/or the propeller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2020Date of Patent: March 8, 2022Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hitoshi Motose, Ryuma Teramoto, Masahisa Watanabe
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Patent number: 11230359Abstract: A power steering system for an outdrive engine has a steering actuator, a motor for operating the steering actuator, a motor speed sensor for determining at least indirectly a speed of the motor, a steering rate sensor for determining a steering rate, and a controller communicating with the steering rate sensor and with the motor speed sensor. The controller is programmed for determining if a fault has occurred in the power steering system based on the steering rate and the motor speed, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred. A method for controlling a power steering system includes determining if a fault has occurred based on the steering rate and the speed of the motor, and taking at least one steering fault action in response to the fault having occurred.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Inventors: Samuel McGinley, Philip Bylsma
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Patent number: 11198495Abstract: A boat maneuvering support device supports maneuvering of a boat including a first propulsion device having a variable turning angle, a second propulsion device for generating a propulsive force for moving the boat in a left-right direction, and a steering mechanism for changing a turning angle of the first propulsion device and an output of the second propulsion device. The boat maneuvering support device includes a control unit which controls the turning angle of the first propulsion device and/or the output of the second propulsion device, a detection unit which detects a rotational speed of a propeller of the first propulsion device, and a calculation unit which obtains a rotational power of the boat based on the turning angle designated by the operation of the steering mechanism and the rotational speed. The control unit controls the output of the second propulsion device based on the rotational power.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Akifumi Fujima, Takashi Hashizume
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Patent number: 11072321Abstract: Systems and methods for providing load shedding in a vehicle are provided. Particularly, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle and the loads that are shed may be HVAC or refrigeration loads. The load shedding methods and systems may include a predictive model of energy consumption, determining a predicted energy consumption and comparing it to a stored energy at the vehicle. If the predicted energy consumption exceeds the stored energy, load shedding operations may be performed at a transport climate control system, such as adjusting a set point, adjusting an operating mode of the transport climate control system, increasing a dead band of a compressor of the transport climate control system, utilizing free cooling such as ambient air to provide climate control in the vehicle, or increasing cooling provided by the transport climate control system to an energy storage of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2018Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: Thermo King CorporationInventors: Scott Wenger, Katherine Holmstrom
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Patent number: 10948910Abstract: Various embodiments include methods, devices, and systems of transporting a payload using a robotic vehicle. The methods may determine whether a payload has separated from the robotic vehicle and take a corrective action in response to determining that the payload is not securely held by the robotic vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Michael Franco Taveira, Ankit Maheshwari, Ankur Maheshwari, Shruti Agrawal
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Patent number: 10920651Abstract: The present application refers to an internal combustion engine comprising a turbocharger, an intercooler and a cooling circuit for cooling of the intercooler, the cooling circuit comprising adjusting means for adjusting a temperature of a cooling liquid of the cooling circuit flowing through the intercooler, the internal combustion engine comprising a controller for controlling the adjusting means of the cooling circuit, the controller comprising a function for determining a dew point temperature of the charge air, characterized in that the controller is configured to control the temperature of the cooling liquid and/or of the intercooler relative to the dew point temperature.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2019Date of Patent: February 16, 2021Assignee: Liebherr-Components Colmar SASInventor: Martin Amann
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Patent number: 10913524Abstract: A method for maneuvering a marine vessel includes receiving an input signal from an analog user input device and comparing a magnitude of the input signal to a predetermined threshold. In response to the magnitude of the input signal being less than the predetermined threshold, the method includes actuating a first marine propulsion device to produce thrust. In response to the magnitude of the input signal being greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, the method includes actuating the first marine propulsion device and a second marine propulsion device to produce thrust. The second marine propulsion device does not produce thrust when the magnitude of the input signal is less than the predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 9, 2021Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Benjamin C. Wald, Brad E. Taylor, Kenneth G. Gable
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Patent number: 10883596Abstract: A remote vehicle control is activated. A throttle position on the control is maintained for a specified time. A transmission of a vehicle is engaged based on the throttle position.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ali Delbari, Scott J. Lauffer, Zahra Khakpour, John Ren, Thomas Schultz
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Patent number: 10864972Abstract: A trim system for a watercraft has a nozzle pivotable about a trim axis, a trim actuator operatively connected to the nozzle, at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of the watercraft, a control unit electronically connected to the at least one sensor for receiving a sensor input signal indicative of the at least one operating condition. In a first trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a first range of trim angles. In a second trim control mode, the control unit controls the trim actuator to pivot the nozzle about the trim axis within a second range of trim angles. The first range of trim angles is greater than the second range of trim angles. A watercraft having a trim system and a method of controlling the trim are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2019Date of Patent: December 15, 2020Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INCInventors: Frederic Vachon, Robert Kunanec
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Patent number: 10845811Abstract: A method for maintaining a marine vessel propelled by a marine propulsion device in a selected position includes determining a current global position of the marine vessel and receiving a signal command to maintain the current global position. The current global position is stored as a target global position in response to receiving the signal command. A subsequent global position of the marine vessel is determined and a position error difference between the subsequent global position and the target global position is determined. The method includes determining marine vessel movements required to minimize the position error difference, and causing the marine propulsion device to produce a thrust having a magnitude, a direction, and an angle calculated to result in achievement of the required marine vessel movements. At least one of timing and frequency of discontinuity of thrust production is controlled while the position error difference is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 24, 2020Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Jason S. Arbuckle, Thomas S. Kirchhoff, Steven J. Andrasko
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Patent number: 10822068Abstract: A marine vessel including a hybrid propulsion system including one or more diesel engines and electrically-driven thrusters. A hybrid propulsion management system may be configured to manage the hybrid propulsion system during free-floating, stationary operations by executing an embedded power simulation and control function that performs a real-time simulation to determine minimum RPM requirements of the diesel engine(s) for each power bus (e.g., electrical buses to which the electrically-driven thrusters are electrically connected) to fulfill a stationary position holding objective by the hybrid propulsion system of the marine vessel. By determining minimum RPM requirements for the diesel engine(s), reduced fuel consumption and emissions may be achieved, while ensuring safety of the marine vessel, closely located structures, and people.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2019Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: MARINE TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Jan Mikalsen, Richard Allinson
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Patent number: 10800503Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a floating vessel, particularly an LNG carrier, is described. The floating vessel comprises: a gas turbine engine-generator assembly configured to generate a first electrical power and to supply the first electrical power to an electrical distribution system; a steam turbine engine-generator assembly configured to generate a second electrical power and to supply the second electrical power to the electrical distribution system; a propulsion system configured to propel the floating vessel using a propulsion power supplied from the electrical distribution system, wherein the gas turbine engine-generator assembly is configured to generate a maximum first electrical power between 10 MW and 18 MW, particularly between 14 MW and 15 MW at 25° C. According to a further aspect, a method of operating a floating vessel is described.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: NUOVO PIGNONE TECNOLOGIE SRLInventor: Francesco Trincia
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Patent number: 10797907Abstract: A controller associated with a propulsion device in a marine propulsion system is configured to send and receive controller area network (CAN) messages on a CAN bus and has computer-executable instructions stored thereon executed by a processor of the controller to perform a method. The method includes receiving a configuration instruction CAN message containing a new configuration value, determining that the configuration instruction CAN message is directed to itself, and then receiving a reboot CAN message. Upon determining that the reboot CAN messages directed to itself, the controller writes the new configuration value to memory and then controls a power relay to power off the controller, ignoring a key switch value associated with the propulsion device being on. The controller then responds to the key switch value to power the controller back on, and then loads the new configuration value into the working memory of the controller.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Jason S. Arbuckle, Kent A. Prochazka, Thomas S. Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 10737752Abstract: An outboard motor is for propelling a marine vessel in water. The outboard motor has an upper cowling that covers an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft housing located below the internal combustion engine, and a lower gearcase located below the driveshaft housing. The lower gearcase encloses a transmission gearset configured to transmit power from the internal combustion engine to a propulsor. A shift actuator is covered by the upper cowling and a shift mechanism is located at least partially in the lower gearcase and configured to shift the transmission gearset into and between forward, neutral and reverse gears. A flexible connector assembly operatively couples the shift actuator to the shift mechanism so that actuation of the shift actuator causes the shift mechanism to shift the transmission gearset.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Wayne M. Jaszewski
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Patent number: 10724410Abstract: A marine propulsion device includes an internal combustion engine powering the marine propulsion device and an engine compartment containing the engine. A primary exhaust passageway routes exhaust gas away from the engine and out of the engine compartment. A sound enhancement assembly communicates with the primary exhaust passageway. The sound enhancement assembly includes a sound enhancement device tuned to amplify exhaust sounds of a predetermined frequency and a sound duct downstream of the sound enhancement device that transmits the amplified exhaust sounds to an area outside the engine compartment. The sound enhancement device isolates the sound duct from the exhaust gas. A method for modifying sounds produced by an exhaust system of the internal combustion engine is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Andrew S. Waisanen
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Patent number: 10722739Abstract: A self-retracting lanyard including a main body and a retractable line. The retractable line is coupled to the main body so as to be extendible and retractable relative to the main body and to be restricted from extending relative to the main body in response to a user of the self-retracting lanyard falling. The self-retracting lanyard further includes a manual control operable by the user to initiate controlled descent of the retractable line relative to the main body.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Inventor: Jeffrey D. Thompson
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Patent number: 10717509Abstract: An example trolling motor assembly that includes a shaft with an attached trolling motor and a foot pedal is provided herein. Deflection of the foot pedal causes a corresponding rotation in a direction the trolling motor is oriented. A feedback device is coupled with the foot pedal and configured to provide at least one of haptic, audible, or visual feedback to indicate to a user that rotation of the direction of the trolling motor has stalled or is about to stall. In some cases, the feedback device may be present in a handheld remote control device. Example determination that rotation of the direction of the trolling motor has stalled or is about to stall may occur when the user directed rotation input and the actual orientation of the trolling motor are out of sync and/or when a current draw from a motor for rotating the trolling motor is too large.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2019Date of Patent: July 21, 2020Assignee: NAVICO HOLDING ASInventor: Jeremy J. Schroeder
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Patent number: 10689070Abstract: A small boat includes an engine, a display that displays a speed setting image of a boat body and an acceleration setting image of the boat body side by side, an operator including a speed setting operator through which an operation of setting a speed set value is received and an acceleration setting operator through which an operation of setting an acceleration set value is received, and an engine controller that controls the engine based on the operations received by the operator.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Naoki Kinomoto, Sumihiro Takashima, Ryutaro Iwaki
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Patent number: 10661872Abstract: In a watercraft propulsion system, when a magnitude of a command value indicated by a propulsion signal falls within a first range in a composite operation, a controller controls a first outboard motor to increase a thrust in a propulsion direction and simultaneously causes a second outboard motor to reduce a thrust in an opposite direction. When the magnitude of the command value falls within a second range in the composite operation, the controller controls the first outboard motor to make the thrust in the propulsion direction greater than when the magnitude of the command value falls within the first range and simultaneously maintains the second outboard motor in a neutral state.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2018Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Makoto Ito, Yoshikazu Nakayasu
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Patent number: 10647398Abstract: An outboard engine for propelling a boat includes a propulsion unit with an electric motor, a propeller driven by means of the electric motor, a control unit for controlling the power of the electric motor, and a water detection means. The water detection means is adapted to detect whether the propeller is submersed in water. The power of the electric motor can be influenced via the control unit based on the detection.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2018Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: Torqeedo GmbHInventor: Jens Biebach