| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 114162000 |
Rudders
| 34 |
| 114150000 |
Fluid pressure
| 25 |
| 114144000 |
Electrical
| 8 |
| 114144000 |
Dynamic anchor | 5 |
| 20090107382 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft - A steering system for craft turns a motor from a fixed position to a secondary position. As a result, the craft turns right or left as desired by a user of the craft. A control unit instructs the steering system to turn the craft to a desired orientation. A steering motor is activated that turns a cam attached to a shaft. The shaft is attached to the motor. The cam also includes an indent and sensors to indicate when the motor is in the fixed position or a secondary position that corresponds to a maximum angle for turning the motor. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position when the user indicates the steering system is to stop turning, or when the secondary position is reached. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position without knowledge of the user. Thus, the motor stays in one of three positions unless instructed by the control unit to turn. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090301374 | Steering device for a towed personal watercraft - A steering device includes a main body that attaches to a tow rope, inline between a towing vessel and a personal watercraft. The main body, which is positioned just forward of the personal watercraft, accommodates an extendable rudder that moves between a normally retracted position within the main body, and a lowered, operable position to exert a steering force on the main body and the personal watercraft. An elongate tiller extends between the rudder and a handle that is optimally positioned for grasping by the rider of the personal watercraft. In accordance with several embodiments, movement of the rudder from the relaxed, retracted position to the lowered, operable position is achieved by exerting a particular directional force on the handle (e.g., pulling, pushing forward, or lifting). Moving the handle to the left or the right achieves the desired steering action. Upon release of the handle by the rider, the rudder returns to the normally retracted position, thereby removing the steering influence. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100101472 | POWER STEERING APPARATUS OF WATERCRAFT WITH PROPELLER - In a power steering apparatus of a watercraft with propeller applying an assist torque of an assist motor driven in correspondence to a steering direction and a steering force of a steering handle to a steering force transmission path to the propeller, an output side of the assist motor is provided with an inverse input interrupting apparatus transmitting an assist torque of the assist motor to the steering force transmission path, and interrupting an inverse input torque applied to the steering force transmission path from a side of the propeller caused by a rotational reaction force of a screw provided in the propeller with respect to the assist. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20110114004 | ELECTROMECHANICALLY ACTUATED STEERING VANE FOR MARINE VESSEL - A steering assist system for a marine vessel includes a steering vane that extends into the water in the vicinity of a steering device for the vessel and that is pivotable about an at least generally vertical axis by an electromechanical drive unit. The drive unit is energized by an actuator assembly in response to the imposition of external forces on the steering system. The actuator assembly includes an actuator that is movable in response to the imposition of external forces in the steering system and a switch that is selectively engageable by the actuator arm to energize the drive unit to drive the steering vane to pivot. The actuator assembly may additionally comprise a biasing assembly that resists movement of the actuator to create a force threshold that must be overcome to engage the switch. The biasing assembly may take the form of one or more springs, preferably having a settable preset. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20120247381 | CABLE STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL WHICH HAS A PRIMARY PROPULSION UNIT AND AN AUXILIARY PROPULSION UNIT - A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130186321 | Swing Away Helm for Watercraft - The present invention provides swing away helm for a watercraft. The swing away helm is positionable between a use position in which the swing away helm extends into the watercraft and a non-use position in which the swing away helm is positioned above a gunnel of the watercraft. The swing away helm includes; a mounting member, a support member, a dashboard, a steering device, and a biasing member. The swing away helm maintains an equal distance from the gunnel in the use position and in the non-use position. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20140174331 | SHIP MANEUVERING DEVICE - Provided is a ship maneuvering device that can increase operation sensitivity and enables smooth operation when simultaneously operating the rotation component determination unit and the oblique sailing component determination unit of an operation means. In the ship maneuvering device | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140190384 | NAUTICAL VARIABLE STEERING AND PROPULSION ASSEMBLY - A nautical variable-trim ( | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140290552 | MANOEUVRING SYSTEM FOR WATERCRAFT - The invention relates to two maneuvering systems ( | 10-02-2014 |
| 20150007762 | Boat Steering Latch - A latch for a motor boat steering stick. Also, a motor boat including a stick steering system and latch. The latch includes a base portion directly attached to or continuous with the boat hall and a movable portion winch is selectively positionable so as to engage with the steering stick when needed and to disengage when not needed. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150034001 | STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL - A steering system for a marine vessel comprises a helm, a control head, and a joystick. The helm and control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a first CAN network. The joystick and the control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a second CAN network. The helm may provide user inputted steering commands on the first CAN network. The control head may provide user inputted shift and throttle commands on the second CAN network. The joystick may provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on either the first CAN network or the second CAN network. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150068439 | DEVICE FOR PROPELLING AND TURNING HULL - The present invention relates to a device for propelling and turning a hull, wherein the resistance acting on the stem of the hull is converted and the hull can be moved not only in the forward and backward directions but also in the left and right directions so as to improve the mobility and evasion capacity of the hull. The device for propelling and turning a hull comprises: a manifold arranged in the lengthwise direction in the lower portion of the hull so as to discharge the water introduced at the stem side toward the stern side; a propelling means, the top of which is rotatably connected to the stern side end of the manifold, the propelling means being arranged so as to jet water in a lateral direction; and a steering means, which is rotatably coupled to the stern side end of the propelling means such that the steering means rotates the propelling means in a given direction by means of rotating force applied from an external source. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150353179 | SHIP STEERING SYSTEM FOR OUT-DRIVE DEVICE - In a ship steering system for an out-drive device including: an out-drive device; a hydraulic actuator configured to turn the out-drive device; a hydraulic controller configured to control the hydraulic actuator; a ship steering device configured to instruct a traveling direction to the hydraulic controller; and an emergency ship steering device capable of at least instructing the out-drive device to turn, the emergency ship steering device is capable of controlling the hydraulic actuator without involving the hydraulic controller. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160101843 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR REDIRECTING THRUST FROM A PROPELLER - Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160144941 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A MARINE VESSEL - One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20080202403 | APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE COURSE OF TRAVELLING OF A MOVING ARTICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism ( | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090095208 | Water drift compensation method and device - Current methods for station keeping an object in the ocean or body of water involve mooring assemblies or active and complex navigation and differential thrust or thrust and rudder assemblies. The embodiments herein provide a method and device for compensating for the force of water or ocean currents through the use of a hydrofoil assembly to orient a device in the water current direction, through the use of any number of devices for sensing water current force, and through the use of a motor assembly to produce sufficient thrust to compensate for water current drift. An alternate embodiment allows the method to be employed without sensing the force of the water current. The method does not require directional thrust or active rudder assemblies, is highly portable, utilizes minimal power, is light weight, is scalable, and can be operated in any body of water. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20100126401 | Automatic Ice-Vaning Ship - The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating a marine vessel, drilling subsea wells, and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. The marine vessel comprises at least two matching pairs of controlled azimuthing propulsion devices to ice-vane the vessel in the event of a changing ice drift or other conditions and keep station in a body of water containing pack ice. In one embodiment, a matching pair of azimuthing propulsion devices are provided. In one embodiment, the propulsion devices share a single physical axis of rotation and in another each propulsion device has its own physical axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the azimuthing propulsion devices are controlled by an automatic control system with a feedback loop. In yet another embodiment, the vessel is substantially oblong having a centrally mounted turret with mooring lines capable of disconnecting from the vessel. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20130019790 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF MOORED MARINE VESSELS - The present invention provides a method of controlling the position of a spread moored marine vessel ( | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130213289 | Structure and Method for Capturing and Converting Wind Energy At Sea - A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20080210148 | WATERCRAFT STEERING SYSTEM - A boat has a propulsion unit and a steering system. The steering system includes a steering device actuated by an electric actuator. A steering wheel operated by an operator is electrically connected to the actuator. Detectors collect data regarding one or more of operation status of the steering wheel, running status of the boat, status of the propulsion unit(s), status of the electric actuator, and the like. Based upon such collected data, a current for powering the electric actuator may be selectively increased to provide increased torque to ensure excellent steering response even in changing. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090084299 | ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE FOR WATERCRAFT AND CONTROL METHOD OF ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE - An electric steering device includes a steering retaining device arranged to retain a steering angle against an external steering force applied from outside of a watercraft to an outboard motor main body. A reverse input shutoff clutch, for example, is preferably used as the steering retaining device. A steering retaining state in which a steering angle of the outboard motor main body is retained can be detected from a steering condition of the outboard motor main body, and a control is made to stop electric power from being supplied to an electric motor steering the outboard motor main body. Accordingly, the steering retaining device retains a steering angle while steering is retained, and thus the electric power supply to the electric motor can be stopped, which allows electric power to be saved. The steering retaining device provides an electric steering device for a watercraft in which no electric power is required when applying a steering retaining force for retaining a counter-steering state. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20100116190 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a rudder unit arranged to be mounted pivotally on a hull, an actuator arranged to turn the rudder unit, a rudder angle sensor arranged to detect the rudder angle of the rudder unit, a steering wheel arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the rudder unit, a wheel angle detecting unit arranged to detect the amount of change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and a control unit arranged to perform steering control by controlling the actuator based on values detected by the rudder angle sensor and the wheel angle detecting unit. The control unit is arranged to set the rudder angle of the rudder unit detected by the rudder angle sensor at the start of steering control corresponding to the steering wheel as an initial target rudder angle and compute a target rudder angle based on the initial target rudder angle and the change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and to control the actuator to change the rudder angle of the rudder unit in accordance with the target rudder angle. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100154697 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering device includes a turning mechanism arranged to be attached to a marine vessel, an operation unit arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the marine vessel, a steering angle detection unit arranged to detect a steering angle of the operation unit, a turning angle detection unit arranged to detect a turning angle of the turning mechanism, a turning control unit arranged to control the turning mechanism according to a steering angle, a phase shift determination unit arranged to determine whether phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other, and a turning control delay unit. The turning control delay unit is arranged to start control of the turning mechanism by the turning control unit after waiting for elimination of the phase shift by an operation of the operation unit when the phase shift determination unit determines that the phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other when starting the turning control unit. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100206208 | STEERING UNIT FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE STEERING UNIT - A steering unit ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212568 | STEERING ACTUATOR FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAID STEERING ACTUATOR - A steering actuator ( | 08-26-2010 |
| 20120024213 | REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR A BOAT - A remote controller for a boat, such as a yacht having at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control and at least one manual control connected to the electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control for its actuation, the controller includes a handheld mobile transmitter and a receiver located on the boat, the transmitter being capable of generating signals that can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver has at least one output connected functionally to the at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control of the boat in parallel with an output of the manual control. The transmitter does not replace the existing controls of the boat. The transmitter is capable of generating signals on at least two different frequency bands, which can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver is provided with at least two different receiver stages: one receiver stage for each one of the frequency bands emitted by the transmitter. Each receiver stage is autonomous and receives the same information, allowing to maintain control even in the presence of interference or malfunctions on one of the two transmitted bands. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20140338580 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED CONTROL OF MARINE VESSEL - An improved autopilot system securely attached to a steering helm unit and mounted within the dashboard or pedestal of a marine vessel for automatic control over a vessel's direction of movement. One embodiment of an improved actuator utilizes endless belt members | 11-20-2014 |
| 20120060738 | Skier Controlled Watercraft - A wireless water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module and a wireless transmitter. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Located in the watercraft is a wireless receiver that communicates with the transmitter. Coupled to the receiver is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20140150702 | SKIER CONTROLLED WATERCRAFT - A water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Coupled to the control module is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 06-05-2014 |
| 114145000 |
Speed retarders | 3 |
| 20110247539 | PERSONAL WATERCRAFT - A personal watercraft configured to eject water rearward from a body thereof to generate a propulsive force, includes a pair of right and left resistive elements which are attached to the body and configured to be able to receive water resistance during travel of the watercraft. The resistive elements are configured to move between an operating position and a non-operating position, the water resistance being larger in the operating position than in the non-operating position. Each of the resistive elements includes a pressure receiving section configured to receive the water resistance in the operating position, and wherein in the operating position, at least a portion of the pressure receiving section is located outward relative to a coupling portion where the resistive element is coupled to the body, in a width direction of the body. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20120160145 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REDUCING THE MANUVERABILITY AND SPEED OF A MOVING SHIP - The invention discloses an apparatus for reducing maneuverability of a moving ship. The apparatus comprises a propeller fouling element, mountable upon the bow of a second ship. The proper fouling element is deployable towards a propeller of a moving ship. The invention further discloses a rudder engaging component. In one embodiment, the rudder engaging component is U-shaped for accepting a rudder within. The invention also provides a method for reducing the maneuverability of a moving ship, by providing the rudder engaging component and/or the propeller fouling element. The rudder engaging component, when present, is advanced to engage and surround the rudder of the ship. The propeller fouling element is advanced towards a propeller of a ship until it contacts the propeller; thereby reducing the maneuverability of said ship. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20160194054 | VESSEL CONTROL SYSTEM WITH MOVABLE UNDERWATER WINGS | 07-07-2016 |
| 114146000 |
Auxiliary | 2 |
| 20090183665 | Control handle for a vessel and a vessel including such a control handle - A control handle for a vessel, the control handle having a handle bar, two handles, at least one throttle control arranged in connection with one or both handles, and an additional control. A vessel having a control handle for a vessel with a handle bar, two handles, at least one throttle control arranged in connection with one or both handles, and an additional control. The throttle control can be a twist grip. The additional control can be for adjustment of one or several of: shifting between forward or backward propulsion of the vessel, force distribution between motors provided on the vessel, adjustment of an angular position of trimming tabs of the vessel, adjustment of a banking angle of a propeller drive provided in the vessel, and adjustment of a position of a reversing scoop of a water jet. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20120137947 | POWER STEERING APPARATUS FOR SMALL VESSEL - In a power steering apparatus for a small vessel, an electrically driven assist device ( | 06-07-2012 |
| 114144000 |
Remote control steering excluding manual operation | 2 |
| 20090107382 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft - A steering system for craft turns a motor from a fixed position to a secondary position. As a result, the craft turns right or left as desired by a user of the craft. A control unit instructs the steering system to turn the craft to a desired orientation. A steering motor is activated that turns a cam attached to a shaft. The shaft is attached to the motor. The cam also includes an indent and sensors to indicate when the motor is in the fixed position or a secondary position that corresponds to a maximum angle for turning the motor. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position when the user indicates the steering system is to stop turning, or when the secondary position is reached. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position without knowledge of the user. Thus, the motor stays in one of three positions unless instructed by the control unit to turn. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090301374 | Steering device for a towed personal watercraft - A steering device includes a main body that attaches to a tow rope, inline between a towing vessel and a personal watercraft. The main body, which is positioned just forward of the personal watercraft, accommodates an extendable rudder that moves between a normally retracted position within the main body, and a lowered, operable position to exert a steering force on the main body and the personal watercraft. An elongate tiller extends between the rudder and a handle that is optimally positioned for grasping by the rider of the personal watercraft. In accordance with several embodiments, movement of the rudder from the relaxed, retracted position to the lowered, operable position is achieved by exerting a particular directional force on the handle (e.g., pulling, pushing forward, or lifting). Moving the handle to the left or the right achieves the desired steering action. Upon release of the handle by the rider, the rudder returns to the normally retracted position, thereby removing the steering influence. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100101472 | POWER STEERING APPARATUS OF WATERCRAFT WITH PROPELLER - In a power steering apparatus of a watercraft with propeller applying an assist torque of an assist motor driven in correspondence to a steering direction and a steering force of a steering handle to a steering force transmission path to the propeller, an output side of the assist motor is provided with an inverse input interrupting apparatus transmitting an assist torque of the assist motor to the steering force transmission path, and interrupting an inverse input torque applied to the steering force transmission path from a side of the propeller caused by a rotational reaction force of a screw provided in the propeller with respect to the assist. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20110114004 | ELECTROMECHANICALLY ACTUATED STEERING VANE FOR MARINE VESSEL - A steering assist system for a marine vessel includes a steering vane that extends into the water in the vicinity of a steering device for the vessel and that is pivotable about an at least generally vertical axis by an electromechanical drive unit. The drive unit is energized by an actuator assembly in response to the imposition of external forces on the steering system. The actuator assembly includes an actuator that is movable in response to the imposition of external forces in the steering system and a switch that is selectively engageable by the actuator arm to energize the drive unit to drive the steering vane to pivot. The actuator assembly may additionally comprise a biasing assembly that resists movement of the actuator to create a force threshold that must be overcome to engage the switch. The biasing assembly may take the form of one or more springs, preferably having a settable preset. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20120247381 | CABLE STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL WHICH HAS A PRIMARY PROPULSION UNIT AND AN AUXILIARY PROPULSION UNIT - A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130186321 | Swing Away Helm for Watercraft - The present invention provides swing away helm for a watercraft. The swing away helm is positionable between a use position in which the swing away helm extends into the watercraft and a non-use position in which the swing away helm is positioned above a gunnel of the watercraft. The swing away helm includes; a mounting member, a support member, a dashboard, a steering device, and a biasing member. The swing away helm maintains an equal distance from the gunnel in the use position and in the non-use position. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20140174331 | SHIP MANEUVERING DEVICE - Provided is a ship maneuvering device that can increase operation sensitivity and enables smooth operation when simultaneously operating the rotation component determination unit and the oblique sailing component determination unit of an operation means. In the ship maneuvering device | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140190384 | NAUTICAL VARIABLE STEERING AND PROPULSION ASSEMBLY - A nautical variable-trim ( | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140290552 | MANOEUVRING SYSTEM FOR WATERCRAFT - The invention relates to two maneuvering systems ( | 10-02-2014 |
| 20150007762 | Boat Steering Latch - A latch for a motor boat steering stick. Also, a motor boat including a stick steering system and latch. The latch includes a base portion directly attached to or continuous with the boat hall and a movable portion winch is selectively positionable so as to engage with the steering stick when needed and to disengage when not needed. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150034001 | STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL - A steering system for a marine vessel comprises a helm, a control head, and a joystick. The helm and control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a first CAN network. The joystick and the control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a second CAN network. The helm may provide user inputted steering commands on the first CAN network. The control head may provide user inputted shift and throttle commands on the second CAN network. The joystick may provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on either the first CAN network or the second CAN network. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150068439 | DEVICE FOR PROPELLING AND TURNING HULL - The present invention relates to a device for propelling and turning a hull, wherein the resistance acting on the stem of the hull is converted and the hull can be moved not only in the forward and backward directions but also in the left and right directions so as to improve the mobility and evasion capacity of the hull. The device for propelling and turning a hull comprises: a manifold arranged in the lengthwise direction in the lower portion of the hull so as to discharge the water introduced at the stem side toward the stern side; a propelling means, the top of which is rotatably connected to the stern side end of the manifold, the propelling means being arranged so as to jet water in a lateral direction; and a steering means, which is rotatably coupled to the stern side end of the propelling means such that the steering means rotates the propelling means in a given direction by means of rotating force applied from an external source. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150353179 | SHIP STEERING SYSTEM FOR OUT-DRIVE DEVICE - In a ship steering system for an out-drive device including: an out-drive device; a hydraulic actuator configured to turn the out-drive device; a hydraulic controller configured to control the hydraulic actuator; a ship steering device configured to instruct a traveling direction to the hydraulic controller; and an emergency ship steering device capable of at least instructing the out-drive device to turn, the emergency ship steering device is capable of controlling the hydraulic actuator without involving the hydraulic controller. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160101843 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR REDIRECTING THRUST FROM A PROPELLER - Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160144941 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A MARINE VESSEL - One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20080202403 | APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE COURSE OF TRAVELLING OF A MOVING ARTICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism ( | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090095208 | Water drift compensation method and device - Current methods for station keeping an object in the ocean or body of water involve mooring assemblies or active and complex navigation and differential thrust or thrust and rudder assemblies. The embodiments herein provide a method and device for compensating for the force of water or ocean currents through the use of a hydrofoil assembly to orient a device in the water current direction, through the use of any number of devices for sensing water current force, and through the use of a motor assembly to produce sufficient thrust to compensate for water current drift. An alternate embodiment allows the method to be employed without sensing the force of the water current. The method does not require directional thrust or active rudder assemblies, is highly portable, utilizes minimal power, is light weight, is scalable, and can be operated in any body of water. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20100126401 | Automatic Ice-Vaning Ship - The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating a marine vessel, drilling subsea wells, and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. The marine vessel comprises at least two matching pairs of controlled azimuthing propulsion devices to ice-vane the vessel in the event of a changing ice drift or other conditions and keep station in a body of water containing pack ice. In one embodiment, a matching pair of azimuthing propulsion devices are provided. In one embodiment, the propulsion devices share a single physical axis of rotation and in another each propulsion device has its own physical axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the azimuthing propulsion devices are controlled by an automatic control system with a feedback loop. In yet another embodiment, the vessel is substantially oblong having a centrally mounted turret with mooring lines capable of disconnecting from the vessel. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20130019790 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF MOORED MARINE VESSELS - The present invention provides a method of controlling the position of a spread moored marine vessel ( | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130213289 | Structure and Method for Capturing and Converting Wind Energy At Sea - A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20080210148 | WATERCRAFT STEERING SYSTEM - A boat has a propulsion unit and a steering system. The steering system includes a steering device actuated by an electric actuator. A steering wheel operated by an operator is electrically connected to the actuator. Detectors collect data regarding one or more of operation status of the steering wheel, running status of the boat, status of the propulsion unit(s), status of the electric actuator, and the like. Based upon such collected data, a current for powering the electric actuator may be selectively increased to provide increased torque to ensure excellent steering response even in changing. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090084299 | ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE FOR WATERCRAFT AND CONTROL METHOD OF ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE - An electric steering device includes a steering retaining device arranged to retain a steering angle against an external steering force applied from outside of a watercraft to an outboard motor main body. A reverse input shutoff clutch, for example, is preferably used as the steering retaining device. A steering retaining state in which a steering angle of the outboard motor main body is retained can be detected from a steering condition of the outboard motor main body, and a control is made to stop electric power from being supplied to an electric motor steering the outboard motor main body. Accordingly, the steering retaining device retains a steering angle while steering is retained, and thus the electric power supply to the electric motor can be stopped, which allows electric power to be saved. The steering retaining device provides an electric steering device for a watercraft in which no electric power is required when applying a steering retaining force for retaining a counter-steering state. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20100116190 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a rudder unit arranged to be mounted pivotally on a hull, an actuator arranged to turn the rudder unit, a rudder angle sensor arranged to detect the rudder angle of the rudder unit, a steering wheel arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the rudder unit, a wheel angle detecting unit arranged to detect the amount of change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and a control unit arranged to perform steering control by controlling the actuator based on values detected by the rudder angle sensor and the wheel angle detecting unit. The control unit is arranged to set the rudder angle of the rudder unit detected by the rudder angle sensor at the start of steering control corresponding to the steering wheel as an initial target rudder angle and compute a target rudder angle based on the initial target rudder angle and the change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and to control the actuator to change the rudder angle of the rudder unit in accordance with the target rudder angle. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100154697 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering device includes a turning mechanism arranged to be attached to a marine vessel, an operation unit arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the marine vessel, a steering angle detection unit arranged to detect a steering angle of the operation unit, a turning angle detection unit arranged to detect a turning angle of the turning mechanism, a turning control unit arranged to control the turning mechanism according to a steering angle, a phase shift determination unit arranged to determine whether phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other, and a turning control delay unit. The turning control delay unit is arranged to start control of the turning mechanism by the turning control unit after waiting for elimination of the phase shift by an operation of the operation unit when the phase shift determination unit determines that the phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other when starting the turning control unit. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100206208 | STEERING UNIT FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE STEERING UNIT - A steering unit ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212568 | STEERING ACTUATOR FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAID STEERING ACTUATOR - A steering actuator ( | 08-26-2010 |
| 20120024213 | REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR A BOAT - A remote controller for a boat, such as a yacht having at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control and at least one manual control connected to the electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control for its actuation, the controller includes a handheld mobile transmitter and a receiver located on the boat, the transmitter being capable of generating signals that can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver has at least one output connected functionally to the at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control of the boat in parallel with an output of the manual control. The transmitter does not replace the existing controls of the boat. The transmitter is capable of generating signals on at least two different frequency bands, which can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver is provided with at least two different receiver stages: one receiver stage for each one of the frequency bands emitted by the transmitter. Each receiver stage is autonomous and receives the same information, allowing to maintain control even in the presence of interference or malfunctions on one of the two transmitted bands. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20140338580 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED CONTROL OF MARINE VESSEL - An improved autopilot system securely attached to a steering helm unit and mounted within the dashboard or pedestal of a marine vessel for automatic control over a vessel's direction of movement. One embodiment of an improved actuator utilizes endless belt members | 11-20-2014 |
| 20120060738 | Skier Controlled Watercraft - A wireless water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module and a wireless transmitter. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Located in the watercraft is a wireless receiver that communicates with the transmitter. Coupled to the receiver is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20140150702 | SKIER CONTROLLED WATERCRAFT - A water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Coupled to the control module is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 06-05-2014 |
| 114154000 |
Wheel-shaft gearing | 2 |
| 20090293791 | STEERING APPARATUS - Disclosed herein is a steering apparatus of a small ship such as a motorboat, which prevents abrasion and noise caused by a gap between a rotary cover and a rotary plate and maximizes steering handle rotation prevention effect. The steering apparatus includes a cylindrical fixed frame; the rotary plate rotatably set inside the fixed frame; a plurality of mounts arranged on the rotary plate and having rolling elements and elastic elements mounted thereon; the elastic elements mounted on the mounts and applying elasticity to the rolling elements to press the rolling elements against the inner face of the fixed frame; the rotary cover including a movable part having movable pieces capable of pressing the rolling elements when a steering shaft is operated and covering the top of the rotary plate to prevent the rolling elements and the elastic elements from being separated from the mounts; the steering shaft penetrating the fixed frame, the rotary plate and the rotary cover; and elastic pads respectively attached to portions of the movable pieces, which come into contact with the rolling elements, to eliminate a gap between each movable piece and each rolling element. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20130160689 | Steering system for boats - A steering system for boats includes a control member of the steering wheel type, lever type or the like connected to a driving shaft of a transmission composed of at least two transmission elements dynamically engaged one with the other, of which one is an input and the other one an output elements. The output element drives a member transferring the motion of the control member to an operating unit, such that a movement/rotation of the control member is transmitted to the transfer member through such transmission. Moreover, at least the input element is produced from a material obtained by a sintering process. | 06-27-2013 |
| 114153000 |
Foot | 1 |
| 20100269744 | Rudder control assembly of a boat - A rudder control assembly used in a boat comprises a control unit having a left control plate and a right control plate; a control unit having a left connecting unit and a right connecting unit; a front end of the control unit being connected to the left control plate and the right control plate; a rudder unit installed at a tail end of the boat; the rudder unit including a right shaft; a rudder body; a left extension plate, a right extension plate, a driving plate and a rudder; The right shaft is connected to the boat body and rotatable axially. A lower end of the right shaft is connected to the driving plate. The driving plate is connected to the left connecting unit and the right connecting unit. The left connecting unit and the right connecting unit are hard rods. | 10-28-2010 |
| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20090107382 | Steering system and method for a motor driven craft - A steering system for craft turns a motor from a fixed position to a secondary position. As a result, the craft turns right or left as desired by a user of the craft. A control unit instructs the steering system to turn the craft to a desired orientation. A steering motor is activated that turns a cam attached to a shaft. The shaft is attached to the motor. The cam also includes an indent and sensors to indicate when the motor is in the fixed position or a secondary position that corresponds to a maximum angle for turning the motor. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position when the user indicates the steering system is to stop turning, or when the secondary position is reached. The steering system returns the motor back to the fixed position without knowledge of the user. Thus, the motor stays in one of three positions unless instructed by the control unit to turn. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090301374 | Steering device for a towed personal watercraft - A steering device includes a main body that attaches to a tow rope, inline between a towing vessel and a personal watercraft. The main body, which is positioned just forward of the personal watercraft, accommodates an extendable rudder that moves between a normally retracted position within the main body, and a lowered, operable position to exert a steering force on the main body and the personal watercraft. An elongate tiller extends between the rudder and a handle that is optimally positioned for grasping by the rider of the personal watercraft. In accordance with several embodiments, movement of the rudder from the relaxed, retracted position to the lowered, operable position is achieved by exerting a particular directional force on the handle (e.g., pulling, pushing forward, or lifting). Moving the handle to the left or the right achieves the desired steering action. Upon release of the handle by the rider, the rudder returns to the normally retracted position, thereby removing the steering influence. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20100101472 | POWER STEERING APPARATUS OF WATERCRAFT WITH PROPELLER - In a power steering apparatus of a watercraft with propeller applying an assist torque of an assist motor driven in correspondence to a steering direction and a steering force of a steering handle to a steering force transmission path to the propeller, an output side of the assist motor is provided with an inverse input interrupting apparatus transmitting an assist torque of the assist motor to the steering force transmission path, and interrupting an inverse input torque applied to the steering force transmission path from a side of the propeller caused by a rotational reaction force of a screw provided in the propeller with respect to the assist. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20110114004 | ELECTROMECHANICALLY ACTUATED STEERING VANE FOR MARINE VESSEL - A steering assist system for a marine vessel includes a steering vane that extends into the water in the vicinity of a steering device for the vessel and that is pivotable about an at least generally vertical axis by an electromechanical drive unit. The drive unit is energized by an actuator assembly in response to the imposition of external forces on the steering system. The actuator assembly includes an actuator that is movable in response to the imposition of external forces in the steering system and a switch that is selectively engageable by the actuator arm to energize the drive unit to drive the steering vane to pivot. The actuator assembly may additionally comprise a biasing assembly that resists movement of the actuator to create a force threshold that must be overcome to engage the switch. The biasing assembly may take the form of one or more springs, preferably having a settable preset. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20120247381 | CABLE STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL WHICH HAS A PRIMARY PROPULSION UNIT AND AN AUXILIARY PROPULSION UNIT - A steering system for a marine vessel which has a primary propulsion unit and an auxiliary propulsion unit is disclosed. In one embodiment, a cable extending through a tilt tube of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. In another embodiment, a cable extends through a support cable extending through a support rod of the primary propulsion unit couples the primary propulsion unit to the auxiliary propulsion unit. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130186321 | Swing Away Helm for Watercraft - The present invention provides swing away helm for a watercraft. The swing away helm is positionable between a use position in which the swing away helm extends into the watercraft and a non-use position in which the swing away helm is positioned above a gunnel of the watercraft. The swing away helm includes; a mounting member, a support member, a dashboard, a steering device, and a biasing member. The swing away helm maintains an equal distance from the gunnel in the use position and in the non-use position. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20140174331 | SHIP MANEUVERING DEVICE - Provided is a ship maneuvering device that can increase operation sensitivity and enables smooth operation when simultaneously operating the rotation component determination unit and the oblique sailing component determination unit of an operation means. In the ship maneuvering device | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140190384 | NAUTICAL VARIABLE STEERING AND PROPULSION ASSEMBLY - A nautical variable-trim ( | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140290552 | MANOEUVRING SYSTEM FOR WATERCRAFT - The invention relates to two maneuvering systems ( | 10-02-2014 |
| 20150007762 | Boat Steering Latch - A latch for a motor boat steering stick. Also, a motor boat including a stick steering system and latch. The latch includes a base portion directly attached to or continuous with the boat hall and a movable portion winch is selectively positionable so as to engage with the steering stick when needed and to disengage when not needed. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150034001 | STEERING SYSTEM FOR A MARINE VESSEL - A steering system for a marine vessel comprises a helm, a control head, and a joystick. The helm and control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a first CAN network. The joystick and the control head may respectively provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on a second CAN network. The helm may provide user inputted steering commands on the first CAN network. The control head may provide user inputted shift and throttle commands on the second CAN network. The joystick may provide user inputted steering commands and user inputted shift and throttle commands on either the first CAN network or the second CAN network. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150068439 | DEVICE FOR PROPELLING AND TURNING HULL - The present invention relates to a device for propelling and turning a hull, wherein the resistance acting on the stem of the hull is converted and the hull can be moved not only in the forward and backward directions but also in the left and right directions so as to improve the mobility and evasion capacity of the hull. The device for propelling and turning a hull comprises: a manifold arranged in the lengthwise direction in the lower portion of the hull so as to discharge the water introduced at the stem side toward the stern side; a propelling means, the top of which is rotatably connected to the stern side end of the manifold, the propelling means being arranged so as to jet water in a lateral direction; and a steering means, which is rotatably coupled to the stern side end of the propelling means such that the steering means rotates the propelling means in a given direction by means of rotating force applied from an external source. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150353179 | SHIP STEERING SYSTEM FOR OUT-DRIVE DEVICE - In a ship steering system for an out-drive device including: an out-drive device; a hydraulic actuator configured to turn the out-drive device; a hydraulic controller configured to control the hydraulic actuator; a ship steering device configured to instruct a traveling direction to the hydraulic controller; and an emergency ship steering device capable of at least instructing the out-drive device to turn, the emergency ship steering device is capable of controlling the hydraulic actuator without involving the hydraulic controller. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160101843 | METHODS AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR REDIRECTING THRUST FROM A PROPELLER - Methods and arrangements to redirect a forward thrust generated by a propeller of a watercraft to provide a non-forward thrust are disclosed. More specifically, embodiments comprise a control surface to redirect the forward thrust from the propeller. Based upon a position (i.e., distance and orientation) of the control surface with respect to the propeller, the redirection generates the non-forward thrust or thrusts. By redirecting a component of the forward thrust back toward the bow, the net forward or reverse, port or starboard thrusts and rotational thrust can be adjusted in fine increments. For instance, by adjusting the amount of prop wash hitting the control surface, the magnitude of the redirected thrust from the control surface can be adjusted. Further, adjusting the angle of the control surfaces adjusts the direction as well as magnitude of a reverse thrust component. The net thrust can be in any direction and rotational. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160144941 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A MARINE VESSEL - One embodiment of the invention comprises a method for controlling a marine vessel having a first steerable propulsor, a corresponding first reversing device, a second steerable propulsor and a corresponding second reversing device. The method comprises receiving a first vessel control signal corresponding to a rotational movement and no translational movement command, generating at least a first actuator control signal and a second actuator control signal in response to the first vessel control signal, coupling the first actuator control signal to and controlling the first steerable propulsor and the second steerable propulsor, and coupling the second actuator control signal to and controlling the first reversing device and to the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20080202403 | APPARATUS FOR ALTERING THE COURSE OF TRAVELLING OF A MOVING ARTICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF - The present invention relates to an apparatus for altering the course of a moving article and a method thereof comprising of a launching aircraft or surface craft to deploy said apparatus towards a moving article. The apparatus comprises of a driving mechanism ( | 08-28-2008 |
| 20090095208 | Water drift compensation method and device - Current methods for station keeping an object in the ocean or body of water involve mooring assemblies or active and complex navigation and differential thrust or thrust and rudder assemblies. The embodiments herein provide a method and device for compensating for the force of water or ocean currents through the use of a hydrofoil assembly to orient a device in the water current direction, through the use of any number of devices for sensing water current force, and through the use of a motor assembly to produce sufficient thrust to compensate for water current drift. An alternate embodiment allows the method to be employed without sensing the force of the water current. The method does not require directional thrust or active rudder assemblies, is highly portable, utilizes minimal power, is light weight, is scalable, and can be operated in any body of water. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20100126401 | Automatic Ice-Vaning Ship - The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for operating a marine vessel, drilling subsea wells, and producing hydrocarbons therefrom. The marine vessel comprises at least two matching pairs of controlled azimuthing propulsion devices to ice-vane the vessel in the event of a changing ice drift or other conditions and keep station in a body of water containing pack ice. In one embodiment, a matching pair of azimuthing propulsion devices are provided. In one embodiment, the propulsion devices share a single physical axis of rotation and in another each propulsion device has its own physical axis of rotation. In another embodiment, the azimuthing propulsion devices are controlled by an automatic control system with a feedback loop. In yet another embodiment, the vessel is substantially oblong having a centrally mounted turret with mooring lines capable of disconnecting from the vessel. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20130019790 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF MOORED MARINE VESSELS - The present invention provides a method of controlling the position of a spread moored marine vessel ( | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130213289 | Structure and Method for Capturing and Converting Wind Energy At Sea - A system for capturing and converting and/or storing wind energy includes a vessel adapted to receive at least one wind machine for capturing wind and a device for converting wind energy to storable energy. A method of adapting a vessel, such as a surplus cargo ship or an oil tanker, for use as a offshore power generating system comprises equipping a vessel with devices for capturing a renewable energy source, positioning the vessel at sea to capture the renewable energy source, converting the renewable energy to a storable energy source, and storing the converted energy, and repositioning the vessel to capture further renewable energy or transport the stored, converted energy. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20080210148 | WATERCRAFT STEERING SYSTEM - A boat has a propulsion unit and a steering system. The steering system includes a steering device actuated by an electric actuator. A steering wheel operated by an operator is electrically connected to the actuator. Detectors collect data regarding one or more of operation status of the steering wheel, running status of the boat, status of the propulsion unit(s), status of the electric actuator, and the like. Based upon such collected data, a current for powering the electric actuator may be selectively increased to provide increased torque to ensure excellent steering response even in changing. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20090084299 | ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE FOR WATERCRAFT AND CONTROL METHOD OF ELECTRIC STEERING DEVICE - An electric steering device includes a steering retaining device arranged to retain a steering angle against an external steering force applied from outside of a watercraft to an outboard motor main body. A reverse input shutoff clutch, for example, is preferably used as the steering retaining device. A steering retaining state in which a steering angle of the outboard motor main body is retained can be detected from a steering condition of the outboard motor main body, and a control is made to stop electric power from being supplied to an electric motor steering the outboard motor main body. Accordingly, the steering retaining device retains a steering angle while steering is retained, and thus the electric power supply to the electric motor can be stopped, which allows electric power to be saved. The steering retaining device provides an electric steering device for a watercraft in which no electric power is required when applying a steering retaining force for retaining a counter-steering state. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20100116190 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a rudder unit arranged to be mounted pivotally on a hull, an actuator arranged to turn the rudder unit, a rudder angle sensor arranged to detect the rudder angle of the rudder unit, a steering wheel arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the rudder unit, a wheel angle detecting unit arranged to detect the amount of change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and a control unit arranged to perform steering control by controlling the actuator based on values detected by the rudder angle sensor and the wheel angle detecting unit. The control unit is arranged to set the rudder angle of the rudder unit detected by the rudder angle sensor at the start of steering control corresponding to the steering wheel as an initial target rudder angle and compute a target rudder angle based on the initial target rudder angle and the change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and to control the actuator to change the rudder angle of the rudder unit in accordance with the target rudder angle. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100154697 | MARINE VESSEL STEERING DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering device includes a turning mechanism arranged to be attached to a marine vessel, an operation unit arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the marine vessel, a steering angle detection unit arranged to detect a steering angle of the operation unit, a turning angle detection unit arranged to detect a turning angle of the turning mechanism, a turning control unit arranged to control the turning mechanism according to a steering angle, a phase shift determination unit arranged to determine whether phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other, and a turning control delay unit. The turning control delay unit is arranged to start control of the turning mechanism by the turning control unit after waiting for elimination of the phase shift by an operation of the operation unit when the phase shift determination unit determines that the phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other when starting the turning control unit. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100206208 | STEERING UNIT FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE STEERING UNIT - A steering unit ( | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100212568 | STEERING ACTUATOR FOR A STEER-BY-WIRE SHIP'S CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SAID STEERING ACTUATOR - A steering actuator ( | 08-26-2010 |
| 20120024213 | REMOTE CONTROLLER FOR A BOAT - A remote controller for a boat, such as a yacht having at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control and at least one manual control connected to the electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control for its actuation, the controller includes a handheld mobile transmitter and a receiver located on the boat, the transmitter being capable of generating signals that can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver has at least one output connected functionally to the at least one electronic, electromechanical or mechanical control of the boat in parallel with an output of the manual control. The transmitter does not replace the existing controls of the boat. The transmitter is capable of generating signals on at least two different frequency bands, which can be detected by the receiver without a wired connection between the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver is provided with at least two different receiver stages: one receiver stage for each one of the frequency bands emitted by the transmitter. Each receiver stage is autonomous and receives the same information, allowing to maintain control even in the presence of interference or malfunctions on one of the two transmitted bands. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20140338580 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED CONTROL OF MARINE VESSEL - An improved autopilot system securely attached to a steering helm unit and mounted within the dashboard or pedestal of a marine vessel for automatic control over a vessel's direction of movement. One embodiment of an improved actuator utilizes endless belt members | 11-20-2014 |
| 20120060738 | Skier Controlled Watercraft - A wireless water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module and a wireless transmitter. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Located in the watercraft is a wireless receiver that communicates with the transmitter. Coupled to the receiver is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20140150702 | SKIER CONTROLLED WATERCRAFT - A water ski handle system used with a personal water ski towing watercraft that includes a handle component that selectively attaches to a standard water ski handle and contains a manual control module. The control module includes directional control buttons, power ON and OFF buttons, and power Up and Down buttons. Coupled to the control module is a self-correcting propulsion and steering system that senses undesirable changes to the watercraft's motion caused by the water-skier when pulled by the watercraft. When a difference is detected, a command module located in the watercraft automatically controls the watercraft's propulsion and steering systems so the watercraft follows the desired path and velocity. The system also includes an auto-back tracking feature that automatically reduces power to the last known marked geographic point the skier was upright. | 06-05-2014 |
