f Method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for determining the fatigue capital of a cable supporting a civil engineering structure, the method including: a measuring step (S1, S2) during which the normal tensile stress in the cable and the bending stress in the cable are measured in a synchronized manner so as to obtain the compound stress in the cable; a counting step (S3) during which a count of the number of stress cycles, depending on the amplitude of the stress, is carried out from the measured compound stresses; and a step (S4) of assessing the fatigue capital of the cable during which the fatigue capital of the cable is determined by comparing the count, carried out in the counting step, with a pre-set Wohler curve for the cable. Full Article
f Compression fitting By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A compression fitting includes a housing, a compressible seal, a follower and a driving member. The housing includes an axial cavity having a lateral sidewall that includes an axial keyway therein. The cavity terminates at a first end portion thereof at a seat. The compressible seal may receive a signal transmitting lead therethrough, and is disposed within the cavity and seated on the seat. The follower is axially movable within the cavity for selective engagement with the seal for axially compressing the seal against the seat, the sidewall of the cavity and the signal transmitting lead. The follower includes an integral key that extends laterally outward therefrom and is received within the keyway, and an axial bore for accommodation therewithin of the lead. The driving member is rotatably mounted on the housing and engageable with the follower such that rotation of the driving member causes an axial translation thereof. Full Article
f Integrated circuit and apparatus for detecting oscillations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An integrated circuit includes a pulse generator to provide an excitation pulse to an output terminal and a comparator to receive a signal in response to the excitation pulse and for comparing the signal to a threshold to produce a comparator output signal corresponding to oscillations in the signal. The integrated circuit further includes a counter to count pulses in the comparator output signal and a discriminator circuit to compare a count value of the counter to a damping threshold and for providing an output signal having a first value when the count value is equal to or exceeds the damping threshold and otherwise having a second value. Full Article
f Apparatus configured to detect a physical quantity of a flowing fluid, and a respective method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Apparatus configured detect a physical quantity, for example a density, of a flowing fluid, the apparatus including: a sensor body (2) configured to extend into the flowing fluid, the sensor body comprising a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) of a fiber Bragg grating sensor (3, 7, FBG), for generating a detector signal relating to vibration of at least part (2B) of the sensor body (2); anda processing unit, configured to process the detector signal, and to determine the physical quantity based on detected vibration at a mechanical eigenfrequency of the flexible part (2B) of the sensor body (2). Full Article
f Footcare product dispensing kiosk By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product. Full Article
f Wireless passive radio-frequency strain and displacement sensors By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Wireless strain and displacement sensors wirelessly monitor structural health and integrity, and are made by printing inductor-interdigital capacitor sensing circuits on a variety of substrates, including ceramic substrates, with thermally processable conductive inks. Sensors of the invention can be employed to detect strain and displacement of civil structures, such as bridges and buildings. The sensors include sensing elements that are mounted or printed on stiff, inflexible substrates, which prevent the sensing elements from bending, stretching, or otherwise warping when the sensor is strained. An interlayer between the sensing elements allows the sensing elements to move with respect to each other during application of strain. Thus, strain causes the sensing elements to move but not to deform, causing changes in sensor resonance that can be detected through wireless radio-frequency interrogation. Because the sensing elements do not change shape when under strain, the sensor can undergo millions of measurement cycles before breaking. Full Article
f Force/moment sensor for measurement of forces and moments By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A force/moment sensor for measurement of three orthogonal forces and three orthogonal moments, comprises an inner holding element which is surrounded by an outer holding element. The two holding elements are connected to each other by deformation elements. For each deformation element, at least one deformation transducer is provided. The force/moment sensor is preferably monolithic, and the deformation transducers, formed as strain gauges, are preferably arranged in one plane or in two preferably parallel planes. Full Article
f Device for measuring a machine tool pull-in or clamping force By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob. A pin forming part of the piston is engageable by a pin receiving recess in the piston body and ensures a predetermined orientation between a shank portion and the piston body, during assembly. Full Article
f Support structure for load measurement sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A support structure for a load measurement sensor has sufficient durability without adding a large load to a portion transmitting a load to the load measurement sensor. In a support structure for a load measurement sensor, including a sensor body detecting a load generated from a seat having a seat frame and an extension shaft portion extending from the sensor body, by way of attachment brackets in the state where the extension shaft portion follows the horizontal direction, the support structure includes a load input portion which comes into contact with the sensor body and inputs a load to the sensor body, the sensor body includes a load receiving surface which contacts the load input portion and receives the load, and the load input portion is formed to be movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft portion with respect to the load receiving surface. Full Article
f Systems and methods for inline sampling By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods and devices for inline sampling of a bulk material, such as a powder, are provided. The material's bulk density can be determined from samples drawn using methods and devices described herein. One embodiment of a method of sampling a material allows the material to flow through a sampling compartment, closes off the flow of material below the sampling compartment, builds up a column of material through the sampling compartment, shifts the sampling compartment to remove a slice of material in the column, and places the slice of material into a sample container. A device for sampling a material is provided in another embodiment. The device includes an inlet, an outlet aligned with the inlet, and a sample collector. The sample collector can include at least one through hole and be configured to move such that the at least one through hole can be moved into and out of alignment with the inlet and the outlet. Full Article
f System and method for controlling a vacuum pump that is used to check for leaks in an evaporative emissions system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a fuel system diagnostic module and a pump control module. The fuel system diagnostic module performs a diagnostic test on a fuel system when a vacuum pump is switched off to prevent flow through the vacuum pump and thereby seal a portion of the fuel system from an atmosphere. The vacuum pump includes a cam ring, a rotor that rotates within the cam ring, and vanes that slide into and out of slots in the rotor as the rotor rotates. The pump control module switches on the vacuum pump for a predetermined period to force the vanes out of the slots and into contact with the cam ring to seal the vacuum pump before switching off the vacuum pump for the fuel system diagnostic test. Full Article
f Systems and methods for managing pressure and flow rate By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A device for controlling fluid flow pressure and flow rate is disclosed. The device includes a first orifice plate, a second orifice plate housed in a tubular structure. The first orifice plate includes a first orifice of a first diameter (d1) and the first orifice is positioned near an edge of the first orifice plate. The second orifice plate includes a second orifice of a second diameter (d2) and the second orifice is positioned near an edge of the second orifice plate. The tubular structure has an effective diameter (D) comprising the first orifice plate and the second orifice plate placed at perpendicular direction to the fluid flow within the tubular structure, separated by an optimum distance (X). Full Article
f Fluid control modules for use with downhole tools By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Downhole tool fluid flow control apparatus including a first fluid valve between a first portion of a first flowline and a second portion of a second flowline. The first and second flowlines are adjacent each other. A second fluid valve is between a second portion of the first flowline and a first portion of the second flowline. The first and second fluid valves are controllable to cause fluid flow between the first portion of the first flowline and the second portion of the second flowline or between the first portion of the second flowline and the second portion of the first flowline. Full Article
f Shaft connection structure and shaft connection method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A shaft connection structure connects a pair of rotating shafts by a fit between a pair of spline shafts, wherein the pair of rotating shafts are provided with corresponding ones of the pair of spline shafts. The shaft connection structure includes a shaft connection assist device. The shaft connection assist device includes a centering ring and centering pins. The centering ring is arranged outside of a first one of the spline shafts and coaxially with the first spline shaft. The centering pins are provided outside of a second one of the spline shafts. The centering pins engage with an outer peripheral surface of the centering ring and bring a shaft axis of the first spline shaft and a shaft axis of the second spline shaft into a range enabling the fit therebetween. Full Article
f Temperature sensor, manufacturing process and corresponding method of assembly By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a temperature sensor comprising: a temperature-sensitive element (3); and a peripheral casing (7) accommodating the temperature-sensitive element (3) and having a closed end (9), the peripheral casing (7) being able to be inserted into a corresponding cavity (11), characterized in that the closed end (9) of the peripheral casing (7) has a peripheral portion (21) revealing, butted against the closed end, a flexible assembly stop (23) after said peripheral portion (21), said stop (23) being able to deform towards the peripheral portion (21) by shape cooperation with the bottom (15) of the corresponding cavity (11). The subject of the invention is also a process for manufacturing a temperature sensor as described above and a method of assembling said sensor. Full Article
f Ratio meter of a thermal sensor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A ratio meter includes a converter circuit, a first counter, a delay circuit, and a second counter. The converter circuit is configured to receive a temperature-independent signal, to convert the received temperature-independent signal into a first frequency signal during a first phase, to receive a temperature-dependent signal, and to convert the temperature-dependent signal into a second frequency signal during a second phase. The first counter is configured to receive the first frequency signal and to generate a control signal by counting a predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal count. The delay circuit is configured to delay the control signal for a predetermined time delay. The second counter is configured to receive the second frequency signal and to generate a count value by counting the second frequency signal. Full Article
f Method for manufacturing a cap for a MEMS component, and hybrid integrated component having such a cap By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A manufacturing method for a cap, for a hybrid vertically integrated component having a MEMS component a relatively large cavern volume having a low cavern internal pressure, and a reliable overload protection for the micromechanical structure of the MEMS component. A cap structure is produced in a flat cap substrate in a multistep anisotropic etching, and includes at least one mounting frame having at least one mounting surface and a stop structure, on the cap inner side, having at least one stop surface, the surface of the cap substrate being masked for the multistep anisotropic etching with at least two masking layers made of different materials, and the layouts of the masking layers and the number and duration of the etching steps being selected so that the mounting surface, the stop surface, and the cap inner side are situated at different surface levels of the cap structure. Full Article
f Low noise amplifier for multiple channels By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An amplifier system has an amplifier for amplifying a plurality of input signals from a plurality of different channels, and a plurality of demodulators each operatively coupled with the amplifier for receiving amplified input signals from the amplifier. Each demodulator is configured to demodulate a single amplified input channel signal from a single channel of the plurality of different channels. The system thus also has a plurality of filters, coupled with each of the demodulators, for mitigating the noise. Full Article
f System and method for stick-slip correction By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of processing downhole measurement data includes: receiving formation measurement data generated by a downhole tool during a logging-while drilling operation over a selected time period; receiving a measured depth corresponding to the selected time period based on data taken at a surface location; receiving tool rotation data generated by measurements of a rotational rate of the downhole tool taken by a downhole sensor during the selected time period; calculating a new depth of the tool as a function of time over the selected time period based on a relationship between the tool rotation data and the measured depth; and correcting an original depth of the measurement data with the new depth. Full Article
f Device and process for vehicle driving evaluation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Device (10) for vehicle driving evaluation comprising: A means (11) to obtain at least one physical parameter whereby it possible at any time to determine the value of the speed and instantaneous acceleration of a traveling vehicle;A calculation and comparison unit (12) whereby it is possible, from said physical parameter, to calculate an effective parameter that depends on said instantaneous acceleration and to compare said effective parameter with a reference parameter;A driving evaluation unit (13), whereby it is possible to generate a vehicle driving energy score by measuring the variance between said effective parameter and said reference parameter. Corresponding vehicle driving evaluation process. Full Article
f Range marker for a navigation system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Devices, methods and systems are disclosed herein to describe a range marker for a navigation system. The range marker may delineate a bounded area within a navigation map that a vehicle may travel based on the amount of fuel remaining. As the fuel continues to decrease during operation of the vehicle, the range marker may become smaller and smaller indicating a shrinking range since the fuel remaining decreases, thereby allowing the driver to easily identify which gas stations may be within a range of the vehicle (based on a current vehicle fuel level) and which gas stations might not be within the range of the vehicle. Full Article
f Computer-based method for real-time three-dimensional geological model calculation and reservoir navigation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of calculating a 3-D geologic model in real time using, as input, 2-D geologic data. The 3-D is used for conducting further drilling operations. The model may be updated in real time using additional measurements obtained during drilling operations. Full Article
f Modular system and methodology for testing and measurement By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A modular system and method for testing and measuring various physical and chemical properties of substances includes a user interface unit having a micro controller, a power source, a display, and an input device; and a sensing module having a sensor probe, a signal conditioner, and a sensor controller. The user interface unit and the sensing modules are in electrical communication with one another such that sensor data generated by the one or more sensor probes, corresponding to one or more properties of the substances, is transmitted to the micro controller of the user interface unit. The user interface unit can be used to remotely view, test, record, and analyze data obtained by the sensing module, which module may be located at a remote location. The user interface unit and the sensing module may be in wired or wireless communication according to various known wired and wireless connection means. Full Article
f Digital flowmeter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 02 Jun 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control and measurement system for a coriolis flowmeter having a flowtube, a driver adapted to vibrate the flowtube, and a pair of sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of movement of the flowtube when it is being vibrated by the driver, wherein the sensors are positioned relative to one another so the signals from the sensors are indicative of a mass flow rate of fluid through the flowtube. A digital drive signal generator is adapted to generate a variable digital drive signal for controlling operation of the driver. The digital drive signal generator can be adapted to cause the driver to resist motion of the flowtube during a first time period and amplify motion of the flowtube during a second time period. The digital drive signal generator can also be adapted to initiate motion of the flowtube by sending one or more square wave signals to the driver. Full Article
f Monitoring method and monitoring apparatus for machine tool, and machine tool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 08:00:00 EST The monitoring apparatus includes vibration sensors that detect vibration accompanying machining, a rotation detector and a rotation detection section that detect rotation of a main spindle, and a stability limit and vibration distribution calculation section that creates, on the basis of vibration information obtained from the vibration sensors and a rotation speed of the main spindle detected by the rotation detector and rotation detection section, both a stability limit diagram illustrating a relationship between the rotation speed and a stability limit of the machining and a vibration distribution diagram illustrating a relationship between the rotation speed and the vibration, and displays the created diagrams on a monitor in a vertical arrangement. Full Article
f Floating vessel for servicing air diffusers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A catamaran type vessel for use in a wastewater facility for servicing submerged air diffusers is disclosed. The vessel has spaced apart pontoon having an A-frame spanning between the upper decks of the pontoon and connecting the pontoons. A hook connected to a winch is secured to a cross header above the space between the pontoons. The hook is lowered into water and lifts an air header, to which the air diffusers are connected. An air diffuser is then pulled on the pontoons and serviced. The vessel is then propelled to a position to service other air diffusers in the pontoon. Full Article
f Underdeck mid-cabin entry system for mono hull boat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An under deck mid cabin entry system for a mono hull boat including an entry console and exposed top and front surfaces. Front and top openings extend to the top edge of the front surface and collectively define a generally L shaped entryway. The entry console is disposed to the side of a center console and provides access to steps extending beneath the main deck. A top step is within the entry console proximate to the front surface and the steps curve towards a central beam of the boat and descend into the mid cabin such that a bottom step proximate to a floor of the mid cabin directs a user into a central area of the mid cabin and terminates to avoid obstructing movement in the central area. Full Article
f Buoyancy enhancing drink holder for use with a floating recreational board By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A flotation system for a recreational board such as a stand up paddleboard includes an elongated substrate that is sized and shaped to releaseably wrap around the perimeter of a recreational board. The elongated substrate is constructed of a buoyant material such as foam, and defines a plurality of apertures that can be used to store items such as beverages and personal belongings. The elongated substrate is releaseably attached to the board by a variety of fastening means, and serves to increase stability and buoyancy of the board, and to protect the board. Full Article
f On-board rescue device for a ship By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The rescue device for the passengers and crew of a ship includes: a container that contains survival equipment; a system that is intended for stowing said container relative to the deck of the ship and contains at least one strap and a system for multimodally attaching and releasing said container; an airbag-type inflatable balloon set up between a structure, secured to the deck, and said container, said structure defining a passage for the passengers when needed; and a means for releasing the airbag set up on the wheelhouse of said ship. The frame-shaped structure is formed of: two side posts; a lower cradle, on which said container rests; an upper crosspiece; and a plate set up inside the ship and acting as a counterbearing for the airbag when said container is ejected. Full Article
f Lifeboat suspension system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies. Full Article
f Fairing having improved stability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus including a fairing having a tail portion and an end portion capable of suppressing a vortex-induced vibration of a tubular. The apparatus further including a stabilizing member attached to the end portion of the fairing, the stabilizing member dimensioned to increase a thickness of the end portion of the fairing and a flange member attached to the stabilizing member, the flange member dimensioned to increase a chord dimension of the fairing so as to improve a stability of the fairing. Full Article
f Jack plate for pontoon boat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A jack plate for easily and effectively mounting a secondary motor to a pontoon boat. The mount comprises a horizontal supporting member affixable to a pontoon decking and a downward member rigidly and operably coupled to the horizontal supporting member and extending from the horizontal member downwardly, wherein the motor is operably coupled to the downward member. Optionally, the mount further comprises a supporting member operably coupled on a first end at an intermediate position to the downward member, wherein a second end of the supporting member is affixable to a pontoon hull extension. Full Article
f Vessel comprising a stowable magnus-effect rotor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vessel includes a hull and a deck, a substantially cylindrical rotor having a peripheral wall rotatable with respect to the deck around a longitudinal center line, the rotor being at a lower end connected to the deck and including an upper end plate, the rotor being mounted on the deck in such a manner that in an operational state the rotor is substantially vertically oriented and in an inoperational state the upper end plate is situated in the vicinity of the deck, the end plate extending transversely to the longitudinal center line, wherein the end plate is provided with movable edge segments that in the operational state of the rotor extend radially outwardly from the peripheral wall to an extended position and in the inoperational state of the rotor are moved to a retracted position that is situated closer to the peripheral wall than the extended position. Full Article
f Drillship having vortex suppresion block with recessed flow stabilizing section in moon pool By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a drillship having a vortex suppression block with a recessed flow stabilizing part in a moon pool. The flow stabilizing section is formed so that a bottom of the vortex suppression block that protrudes from a bottom of a hull toward a stern in the moon pool is recessed in an upward direction of the hull to stabilize a flow in the moon pool and reduce a variation in resistance of the drillship. The flow stabilizing section (30) is formed by partly recessing the bottom of the vortex suppression block toward an upper portion of the hull. The drillship having this configuration provides resistance performance improvement and flow stabilization of the drillship. Full Article
f Watercraft mooring standoff By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A portable bracket is removably attached to a structure, such as a tree, for the purpose of relieving the strain on a hunter who is holding and aiming their firearm. A bracket comprising a back plate and a horizontal plate is secured to a tree using a strap and binder arrangement. The firearm support is portable and lightweight and maybe useful for other purposes within a campsite, such as holding a lantern and a like. Full Article
f Equipment and methods for operating geophysical bottom stations By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An equipment complex for deploying and recovering marine geophysical seismic or electric-survey bottom stations is mounted on a ship. The complex includes—a powered capstan, —rotatable turntables and rolls, —load-bearing units connected to the bottom stations by various fasten means and capable of winding onto the capstan and turntables, a work platform supporting a bottom station placed thereon, —an indicator for registration of the bottom stations' coordinates, mounted on the platform, —a limit switch mounted on the platform, switching ON when the bottom station is placed on the work platform, and OFF when it's removed therefrom providing for operation of the indicator. The complex may include floating buoys, damping loads, and halyards for deploying the stations. Methods for deploying and recovering the bottom stations using the equipment complex are described. Some recovering methods contemplate winding the load-bearing units onto the capstan, while switching the turntables for each subsequent load-bearing unit. Full Article
f Boat or ship body of aluminum-based material By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A watercraft body includes a hull made of an aluminum-based material and a separately fabricated superstructure that is mounted on the hull via adjoining flange plates. To fabricate the hull, frame elements are spot-welded onto the inner surface of initially-flat hull plates or plank elements, which are then curved according to the required hull contour and assembled onto the flange plate. The frame elements are screwed together via gusset plates and transverse beams to form transverse frames, and then longitudinal seams between plank elements are continuously welded from the outside. Additionally, the longitudinal seams may be welded from the inside, for example by temporarily removing gusset plates to allow continuous access to the longitudinal seams. Additionally, stand-offs may form a spacing gap between the frame elements and the plank elements, and an adhesive may fill this spacing gap to adhesively bond the framework to the hull plating. Full Article
f Self-supporting boat cover By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A kit for supporting a flexible material boat cover has a cover of flexible sheet material having a plurality of substantially parallel lateral channels formed on a bottom surface. A plurality of adjustable cross-straps are provided equal in number to the plurality of lateral channels. Each cross-strap has a pocket that is formed at each end thereof. A plurality of resilient cross-poles are provided equal in number to the plurality of lateral channels and each having a length greater than the cross-strap. Full Article
f Folding bimini By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A foldable bimini for a boat that is rigid and bi-directionally stable in an erected orientation, the bimini including a rigid arch-shaped frame fixedly mountable onto the boat having a disengageable bimini mount; and a foldable bimini support, including a rigid arch member pivotally mounted to the rigid arch shaped frame and at least one rigid leg pivotally mounted to the rigid arch member and releasably connectable to the frame. Full Article
f Bicycle for water and land By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a bicycle for water and land including: a first floating means, which is provided on and rotates with a front wheel frame that rotates in conjunction with a handlebar, for unfolding on both sides by means of buoyancy to buoy the front wheel frame when entering water; a second floating means, which is provided on a rear wheel frame, for unfolding on both sides by means of buoyancy to buoy the rear wheel frame when entering water; and propellers, which are provided on a plurality of spokes that are installed on the rear wheel frame so that the surfaces face the direction in which the rear wheel rotates, for generating propelling force in water. Full Article
f Vessel comprising a stowable magnus-effect rotor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A vessel includes a hull, a propeller for propulsion of the vessel and at least one rotatable cylinder which in its operational state is vertically mounted on the vessel, the cylinder having a rigid outer surface, a motor drive for rotating the cylinder around a longitudinal axis and a displacement member for displacing the cylinder to an inoperational position, wherein the motor drive is situated inside the cylinder. Full Article
f Watercraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A watercraft includes a watercraft body, a watercraft propulsion device, a water protective case, a communication device, and a display device. The watercraft propulsion device propels the watercraft body. The water protective case is arranged on the watercraft body. The communication device communicates with a mobile terminal arranged inside the water protective case. The display device displays content of the mobile terminal based on data received from the mobile terminal through the communication device. Full Article
f Actuated catch for releasably securing a water vessel in open water By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and device to permit a water vessel to releasably capture a line in a towing station, remote from a parent ship. The towing station may be attached to the parent ship via a tow line. The line capturing device is an actuated catch that includes a hook assembly that is moveable between a release mode and a retrieval and holding mode. The actuated catch also includes a spring biased retaining catch that prevents a captured line from being inadvertently released. Full Article
f Protective boat swim-step extension platform By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A boat protective extension platform apparatus for use in connection with watercraft lifting platforms is provided. The extension platform is preferably attached to the stern of a boat and serves to at least partially cover a gap created between the boat and the lifting platform when the lifting platform is in a lowered position. The extension platform can include a retractable screen that is removably attachable to the lifting platform such than when said screen is extended, the aforementioned gap is further covered, thus preventing items carried by passengers and crew from falling or rolling into said gap and being lost or damaged. Full Article
f Grouting and welding combined connection joint applied to a deepwater floating type platform and an offshore installation method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to a grouting and welding combined connection joint and an offshore installation method thereof, characterized in that: it comprises a set of grouting systems disposed inside of the annular space formed by an inner shell of the central pore canal of a column with large cross section and an outer wall of a column with small cross section, as well as a group of brackets welded on a top deck of a column with small cross section and an inner shell of the central pore canal of the column with large cross section. The grouting and welding combined connection joint provided by the present disclosure has advantages of being able to adapt to the connection of different dimensions of columns, and having simple offshore installation, highly reliable structural safety and low cost. Full Article
f Planing hull extensions for watercraft By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Planing hull extensions for watercraft are disclosed which may be mounted along the sides of the hull of a watercraft such as a boat or yacht. Typically, the hull extensions may be disposed along the side chines of the hull such that they extend the effective beam of the hull. The hull extensions may aid stabilizing the watercraft and/or inhibit wetting of the sides of the hull as well. In some cases, the hull extensions may be hydraulically operated between a closed position against the hull (or into a pocket along the side of the hull) and a fully open position substantially extending the width of the hull bottom. The position of the hull extensions may be automatically varied based upon throttle position, e.g. fully open at low throttle to fully closed against the hull at full throttle. Different hull extension position profiles may be used according to loading and water conditions. Full Article
f Arrangment for dynamic control of running trim and list of a boat By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement for dynamic control of running trim, list and/or yaw of a boat, having a housing member comprising a front plate a and rear plate, an interceptor member, an actuating means, a drive unit, and a guiding arrangement, arranged to guide said interceptor member between a first position and a second end position, said actuating means being arranged to displace said interceptor member in a movement between said first and second positions in relation to said housing member wherein said guiding arrangement has a first guiding member and a second guiding member arranged to interact with each other to provide a parallel movement of said interceptor member in relation to said housing member, said first guiding member being a torque transferring, rotatable element having a base body arranged to extend transverse to the direction of displacement of said interceptor member. Full Article
f Adaptor for an unmanned underwater vehicle for inspecting an object and method for providing same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An adaptor for an unmanned vehicle for inspecting an object, the adaptor includes a moveable ring assembly and a fixed ring. The moveable ring assembly rotates around a periphery of the unmanned vehicle and allows the unmanned vehicle to move along a surface of the object while maintaining a fixed stand-off distance between an exterior surface of the adaptor and the surface of the object. The fixed ring is connected around the exterior surface of the unmanned vehicle and secures a lateral position of the moveable ring assembly with respect to the unmanned vehicle. Full Article
f Sail-equipped paddle for stand-up paddle boards By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A paddle for stand-up paddle boards includes a paddle blade at a lower end of the paddle shaft and a sail assembly slidingly stowed within the shaft, with the sail deployed by sliding the sail assembly distally out of the shaft upper end. The sail assembly may include a sail and support frame. A method and system for transporting a user across water or other surfaces has a board for the user to stand upon and a paddle with sail slidingly deployed from inside a paddle shaft via an opening in the upper end. To propel via paddling, the user leaves the sail stowed within the shaft. The propel via wind, the user deploys the sail out of the shaft, places the blade onto the board upper surface, and angles the paddle and sail to catch the wind and propel the user across the water. Full Article
f Deepwater dispersion system and method of using same background By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system comprising a surface vessel floating on a body of water; an oil leak located in the body of water; a remotely operated vehicle located near the oil leak; a connection between the surface vessel and the remotely operated vehicle; wherein the remotely operated vehicle comprises a mixer and a dispersant injector. Full Article