Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide accurate positioning for a hydraulic steering system without a need for a steering reference transducer. A hydraulic steering system may include a logic device in communication with an autopilot pump controller. Control and sensor signals provided by the pump controller are used to determine a linear or uncompensated steering actuator speed and an estimate of the hydraulic elasticity of the steering system, which can be modeled as an estimate of the air volume trapped within the steering system. The hydraulic elasticity/air volume estimate is used to determine a corrected or compensated steering actuator speed, and the corrected steering actuator speed is used to accurately control the steering system.
Abstract:
A device for maneuvering a watercraft includes a rudder trunk and a receiving shaft, wherein a first part of the rudder trunk is disposed in the receiving shaft in such a manner that there is an intermediate space between the first part of the rudder trunk and a wall of the receiving shaft. A second part of the rudder trunk projects from the receiving shaft, wherein the intermediate space has an apparatus for clamping the first part of the rudder trunk over a clamping height. A method for manufacturing a device for maneuvering a watercraft is also provided, wherein the manufacturing expenditure for the rudder trunk is reduced and the installation process of the rudder trunk is simplified.
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a watercraft control apparatus according to the present invention includes a control member that operates a power-consuming unit or load. The control member is operably connected to the power-consuming unit or load through a drive member that transmits a control force and/or a displacement from the control member to the power-consuming unit or load. The watercraft control apparatus further includes an actuator for actuating the power-consuming unit and a magnetic unit for transducing the force and/or the displacement of the control member into a corresponding electric/electronic signal for a corresponding operation of the actuator.
Abstract:
A steering handle apparatus for a watercraft provided with a steering shaft comprises a housing attached to the body of the watercraft, a tube member supported on the housing so as to be able to tilt back and forth around a pivot portion and including a gear portion and a guide hole through which the steering shaft is passed, a locking member including a fitting portion movable between a locking position for engagement with the gear portion and an unlocking position for disengagement from the gear portion, and an operating member including a retaining portion for moving the locking member. The operating member is operable between an up position in which the locking member is moved to the unlocking position and a down position in which the locking member is moved to the locking position.
Abstract:
In a rigid inflatable boat having a rigid hull with a bottom wall and side walls having top edges carrying floatation pontoon, a water jet drive is mounted on the bottom wall near a transom closing the rear end of the hull. The jet drive has an inlet communicating with a hole through the bottom wall and an outlet communicating with a hole through the transom. A steering cowl arrangement is mounted around the outlet of the jet drive and is connected to a steering wheel and handle for controlling the direction of water discharge for the jet drive. Seals are provided between the floatation pontoons and the transom for avoiding entry of water into the hull. The boat includes a seat positioned forward of the jet drive to distribute weight evenly on the hull.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to a tiller extension which is used on the tiller of boats or vessels, in particular. The tiller extension of this invention is directed to a quick release, remote release, telescoping extension device.
Abstract:
A combined tiller extension, holding and controlling device for watercraft embodying an elongated tubular member removably attached at opposing ends to a vessel coaming and tiller, and including spring loaded telescoping and detent retained sections whereby the tiller is extensibly operable and is retained on a predetermined course, but permitting of limited lateral deviations therefrom. In addition, manual rotational control of the tubular sections enables finer course rudder adjustment within such a course.
Abstract:
An automatic steering system for marine vessels in which the main steering function is provided by a wind vane disposed at an adjusted angle with respect to the vessel''s rudder which it controls by maintaining a balance between the wind pressure on the vane and the force on the rudder exerted by the water through which the vessel is moving, and in which a corrective function is provided by electric means controlled by a preset compass heading which is sensed to deliver corrections when the vessel deviates from that heading, such corrections changing said adjusted angle to restore equilibrium at the proper heading; the electronic circuitry including a feature whereby the vessel not only has its heading corrected after a deviation but is also brought back on its original course, and the steering system including alarm limits for alerting the crew to deviations exceeding a preset working range of the system.
Abstract:
A multi-purpose personal watercraft for deployment in different configurations as desired by a user. The multi-purpose personal watercraft comprises a base frame defining a watercraft base which includes selectively foldable side extensions, a removable aft floor board, and a bow portion, as well as two opposing side floats with which the base frame is selectively integrated. When in place, the opposing side floats defines form the multi-purpose personal watercraft's U shaped hull and enable the selective attachment of a rudder assembly. With respect to propulsion, base frame is configured to enable the selective deployment of pedal propellers, a user's legs, or a trolling motor. A dual steering system enables the control of up to two discrete steering mechanisms from a single position on the watercraft.