An apparatus for modifying an effective steering angle of a steerable propulsor of a marine vessel includes a structure configured to deflect at least a portion of a stream produced by the steerable propulsor to modify the effective steering angle. The structure is configured to be attached to a steering nozzle of the steerable propulsor, positioned within the stream after the stream has exited the steerable propulsor, or both.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B63H 11/107 - Direction control of propulsive fluid
2.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF MARINE VESSELS
A control system for controlling movement, position, or force for a mechanically connected object comprising a plurality of marine vessels. The control system includes at least one processor configured to: receive a movement, position or force command for the mechanically connected object; and generate at least one first command for a first marine vessel of the plurality of marine vessels and at least one second command for a second marine vessel of the plurality of marine vessels, to control movement, position, or force of the mechanically connected object in response to the movement, position or force command for the mechanically connected object.
G05D 1/695 - Coordinated control of the position or course of two or more vehicles for maintaining a fixed relative position of the vehicles, e.g. for convoy travelling or formation flight
G05D 1/24 - Arrangements for determining position or orientation
G05D 1/606 - Compensating for or utilising external environmental conditions, e.g. wind or water currents
G05D 107/00 - Specific environments of the controlled vehicles
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.
B63H 21/21 - Control means for engine or transmission, specially adapted for use on marine vessels
B63H 21/22 - Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the propulsion power units being controlled from exterior of engine room, e.g. from navigation bridgeArrangements of order telegraphs
A system for controlling one or more propulsion devices of a marine vessel. The system includes circuitry configured to: receive a steering angle command for a propulsion device of the marine vessel; receive a trim position of the propulsion device; and generate a steering actuator position command for the propulsion device based on the steering angle command and the trim position of the propulsion device.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
B62D 6/00 - Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits
B63B 79/10 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
B63B 79/20 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using models or simulation, e.g. statistical models or stochastic models
B63B 79/40 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for controlling the operation of vessels, e.g. monitoring their speed, routing or maintenance schedules
B63H 20/00 - Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drivesArrangements thereof on vessels
B63H 20/08 - Means enabling movement of the position of the propulsion element, e.g. for trim, tilt or steeringControl of trim or tilt
An apparatus and method for use with a marine vessel having a first steerable propeller and a second steerable propeller is disclosed. The apparatus and method providing for movement of the first and second steerable propellers relative to each other and also maintains a minimum distance between the first and second steerable propellers so as to prevent the first and second steerable from contacting each other. Also disclosed is a control system and method to control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to provide the fixed distance between the first and second steerable propellers and so as to individually control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propellers to allow the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to move relative to each other.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B63H 20/00 - Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drivesArrangements thereof on vessels
A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.
B63B 39/06 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water
B63B 1/32 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
B63H 25/44 - Steering or slowing-down by extensible flaps or the like
B63H 25/46 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by jets
An aeration control system and method for a marine vessel. The system includes a valve configured to be coupled to an aeration conduit of a marine vessel. The valve is configured to be responsive to a valve control signal having a first value so as to be open and to provide air to the aeration conduit, and the valve configured to be responsive to the valve control signal having a second value so as to be closed and not provide air to the aeration conduit. The aeration control system also includes a control device, electrically coupled to the valve, that provides the valve control signal to the valve
B63H 1/18 - Propellers with means for diminishing cavitation, e.g. supercavitation
B63H 1/28 - Other means for improving propeller efficiency
B63H 5/07 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
G05B 13/00 - Adaptive control systems, i.e. systems automatically adjusting themselves to have a performance which is optimum according to some preassigned criterion
8.
CONTROL SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A PLURALITY OF MARINE VESSELS
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
G01S 17/58 - Velocity or trajectory determination systemsSense-of-movement determination systems
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
An apparatus for modifying an effective steering angle of a steerable propulsor of a marine vessel includes a structure configured to deflect at least a portion of a stream produced by the steerable propulsor to modify the effective steering angle. The structure is configured to be attached to a steering nozzle of the steerable propulsor, positioned within the stream after the stream has exited the steerable propulsor, or both, or attached to a transom. The structure may comprise a deflector or an interceptor.
B63H 11/10 - Marine propulsion by water jets the propulsive medium being ambient water having means for deflecting jet or influencing cross-section thereof
A system for controlling one or more propulsion devices of a marine vessel. The system includes circuitry configured to: receive a steering angle command for a propulsion device of the marine vessel; receive a trim position of the propulsion device; and generate a steering actuator position command for the propulsion device based on the steering angle command and the trim position of the propulsion device.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
B63H 20/08 - Means enabling movement of the position of the propulsion element, e.g. for trim, tilt or steeringControl of trim or tilt
B62D 6/00 - Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits
B63B 79/10 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
B63B 79/20 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using models or simulation, e.g. statistical models or stochastic models
B63B 79/40 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for controlling the operation of vessels, e.g. monitoring their speed, routing or maintenance schedules
B63H 20/00 - Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drivesArrangements thereof on vessels
Some embodiments relate to a control system for a marine vessel having a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system, the control system comprising: a processor configured to: receive a steering command and a thrust command; and control at least the first propulsion system and the second propulsion system based on the steering command and the thrust command.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.
Some embodiments relate to a control system for a marine vessel having a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system, the control system comprising: a processor configured to: receive a steering command and a thrust command; and control at least the first propulsion system and the second propulsion system based on the steering command and the thrust command.
B63B 79/00 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation
B63B 79/40 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for controlling the operation of vessels, e.g. monitoring their speed, routing or maintenance schedules
B63H 21/21 - Control means for engine or transmission, specially adapted for use on marine vessels
B63H 21/22 - Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the propulsion power units being controlled from exterior of engine room, e.g. from navigation bridgeArrangements of order telegraphs
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
14.
System for controlling marine craft with steerable drives
A system for controlling one or more propulsion devices of a marine vessel. The system includes circuitry configured to: receive a steering angle command for a propulsion device of the marine vessel; receive a trim position of the propulsion device; and generate a steering actuator position command for the propulsion device based on the steering angle command and the trim position of the propulsion device.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
B62D 6/00 - Arrangements for automatically controlling steering depending on driving conditions sensed and responded to, e.g. control circuits
B63H 20/08 - Means enabling movement of the position of the propulsion element, e.g. for trim, tilt or steeringControl of trim or tilt
B63B 79/10 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using sensors, e.g. pressure sensors, strain gauges or accelerometers
B63B 79/20 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation using models or simulation, e.g. statistical models or stochastic models
B63B 79/40 - Monitoring properties or operating parameters of vessels in operation for controlling the operation of vessels, e.g. monitoring their speed, routing or maintenance schedules
B63H 20/00 - Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drivesArrangements thereof on vessels
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.
A system for controlling one or more propulsion devices of a marine vessel. The system includes circuitry configured to: receive a steering angle command for a propulsion device of the marine vessel; receive a trim position of the propulsion device; and generate a steering actuator position command for the propulsion device based on the steering angle command and the trim position of the propulsion device.
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
B63H 20/08 - Means enabling movement of the position of the propulsion element, e.g. for trim, tilt or steeringControl of trim or tilt
B63H 20/00 - Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drivesArrangements thereof on vessels
A trim deflector apparatus for a marine vessel. The trim deflector apparatus comprises a first control surface movably coupled to the marine vessel, a second control surface movably coupled to the first control surface and configured to be moved relative to the first control surface by a first actuator, and a protruding foil attached to the second control surface.
B63B 1/22 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydroplane type with adjustable planing surfaces
B63B 39/06 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water
18.
Variable trim deflector system and method for controlling a marine vessel
A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.
B63B 39/06 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water
B63H 25/44 - Steering or slowing-down by extensible flaps or the like
B63H 25/46 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by jets
B63B 1/32 - Other means for varying the inherent hydrodynamic characteristics of hulls
19.
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.
B63H 21/21 - Control means for engine or transmission, specially adapted for use on marine vessels
B63H 21/22 - Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the propulsion power units being controlled from exterior of engine room, e.g. from navigation bridgeArrangements of order telegraphs
A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and to second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.
A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.
An apparatus and method for use with a marine vessel having a first steerable propeller and a second steerable propeller is disclosed. The apparatus and method providing for movement of the first and second steerable propellers relative to each other and also maintains a minimum distance between the first and second steerable propellers so as to prevent the first and second steerable from contacting each other. Also disclosed is a control system and method to control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to provide the fixed distance between the first and second steerable propellers and so as to individually control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propellers to allow the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to move relative to each other.
B63H 5/125 - Arrangements on vessels of propulsion elements directly acting on water of propellers movably mounted with respect to hull, e.g. adjustable in direction
B63H 20/08 - Means enabling movement of the position of the propulsion element, e.g. for trim, tilt or steeringControl of trim or tilt
B63H 25/42 - Steering or dynamic anchoring by propulsive elementsSteering or dynamic anchoring by propellers used therefor onlySteering or dynamic anchoring by rudders carrying propellers
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.
A method and a system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second trim deflectors is disclosed. The first and second trim deflectors have a first surface having a first area and a second surface having a second area, wherein the second planar surface is coupled to the first surface. The method and system control the first and second trim deflectors to induce any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second trim deflectors.
B63B 1/20 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydroplane type having more than one planing surface
B63B 1/22 - Hydrodynamic or hydrostatic features of hulls or of hydrofoils deriving additional lift from hydrodynamic forces of hydroplane type with adjustable planing surfaces
B63B 39/00 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude
B63B 39/06 - Equipment to decrease pitch, roll, or like unwanted vessel movementsApparatus for indicating vessel attitude to decrease vessel movements by using foils acting on ambient water
B63H 11/107 - Direction control of propulsive fluid
B63H 25/04 - Initiating means for steering automatic, e.g. reacting to compass
A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system 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 the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.
A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second waterjets, corresponding first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets. The system comprises a speed control device for providing a first vessel control signal that corresponds to a speed to be provided to the marine vessel, a processor configured to receive the first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal coupled to the first and second waterjets, and at least one second actuator control signal coupled to the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second reversing buckets. The system any of improves upon turns provided by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, improves upon slowing down or stopping marine vessels as is done by conventional waterjet propulsion systems, and improves upon the controllability of the waterjet propulsed marine vessel at low vessel speeds.
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 the second reversing device. The method creates rotational forces on the marine vessel with substantially no translational forces on the marine vessel.
B63H 21/22 - Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the propulsion power units being controlled from exterior of engine room, e.g. from navigation bridgeArrangements of order telegraphs
29.
System and method for controlling a waterjet driven vessel
A method for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and first and second trim deflectors comprises generating at least a first set of actuator control signals and a second set of actuator control signals. The first set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals is coupled to and controls the first and second trim deflectors. The acts of generating and coupling the first set of actuator control signals and the second set of actuator control signals result in inducing any of a net yawing force, a net rolling force, and a net trimming force to the marine vessel without inducing any other substantial forces to the marine vessel by controlling the first and second steering nozzles and the first and second trim deflectors. Also disclosed is a system for controlling a marine vessel.
patents
