B63C9/00

Overboard tracking patch
11380976 · 2022-07-05 · ·

An overboard tracking patch is an apparatus which increases the visibility and tracking capabilities of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for more efficient tracking of overboard individuals. In a passive embodiment, the apparatus includes an outer layer, an intermediate layer, an attachment layer, and a processor. The outer layer increases the visibility of PFDs during both daytime and nighttime conditions. The intermediate layer provides radio identification capabilities for the remote tracking of PFDs using search radars. The attachment layer enables users to attach the present invention to a PFD. The processor stores PFD information and other identification data. In a hybrid active-passive embodiment, the apparatus also comprises a thermionic layer and a power-storage layer. The thermionic layer generates power due to the heat exchange between the body of the user and the thermionic layer. The power-storage layer serves to store power generated by the thermionic layer to power up the processor.

USING ILLUMINABLE DYES TO FACILITATE SEARCH AND RESCUE

An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A liquid-releasable vessel holding an illuminable dye located in the sealed internal region, along with an activator that is also located in the sealed internal region. When the liquid-releasable vessel releases the illuminable dye, the illuminable dye reacts with the activator, thereby resulting in illumination of the illuminable dye. The liquid-releasable vessel comprises an opening with a release mechanism (e.g., clamp, etc.).

USING ILLUMINABLE DYES TO FACILITATE SEARCH AND RESCUE

An apparatus that facilitates search and rescue, for example, in open water. The apparatus comprises a substrate with a particular geometry and a perimeter. The apparatus further comprises a cover positioned atop the substrate with the cover also having a particular geometry and perimeter, which correspond to the geometry and perimeter of the substrate. An air-tight seal seals the substrate perimeter to the cover perimeter and creates a sealed internal region. A liquid-releasable vessel holding an illuminable dye located in the sealed internal region, along with an activator that is also located in the sealed internal region. When the liquid-releasable vessel releases the illuminable dye, the illuminable dye reacts with the activator, thereby resulting in illumination of the illuminable dye. The liquid-releasable vessel comprises an opening with a release mechanism (e.g., clamp, etc.).

ANTI-CRUSHING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BARGES
20220258842 · 2022-08-18 ·

The present invention is a blocking device where a block with a handle is attached to a wire and the wire is attached to a spring attached to a boat, dock, or barge. Multiple blocking devices are positioned on a boat, dock, or barge. When a person falls in the water the block is thrown in the water to prevent the person from being crushed. The block also may be in a holder.

ANTI-CRUSHING DEVICE FOR USE WITH BARGES
20220258842 · 2022-08-18 ·

The present invention is a blocking device where a block with a handle is attached to a wire and the wire is attached to a spring attached to a boat, dock, or barge. Multiple blocking devices are positioned on a boat, dock, or barge. When a person falls in the water the block is thrown in the water to prevent the person from being crushed. The block also may be in a holder.

MARITIME OVERBOARD LOCATOR AND RESPONSE SYSTEM

Provided is a maritime overboard locator system for use in locating and rescuing a person or asset that has fallen overboard into a body of water. The system includes a locator attached to a person or asset that is activated manually or automatically upon immersion in water. The apparatus emits light, sound, radio, or any combination thereof. The locator is detected by one or more detectors onboard a boat, ship, vessel, or structure. The detectors detect a unique signal that is assigned to each person/asset. Once detected, the detector sends an overboard alert and deploys an unmanned aerial or underwater drone. The drone can include an inflatable life preserver or life raft and a tether cord that helps the person to remain afloat until rescue can be accomplished.

Boat driver awareness light
11364977 · 2022-06-21 ·

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a boat driver awareness system that alerts other boaters that there are swimmers, skiers, divers, rope or other hazards are in the water, thereby telling them to be aware and take extra caution in the area. When boating, especially on smaller or busy lakes/areas, this system will alert all other boaters that there are people/swimmers in the water and they can respond by keeping out of the area.

Apparatus for inflating floatation devices
11299245 · 2022-04-12 ·

An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable object, such as a floatation device. The inflation apparatus includes a component with a primary opening, the primary opening sized and shaped to accept air from an air source, such as a hair dryer. A secondary opening on an inflation adapter is sized and shaped to be in communication with a valve opening on the inflatable object.

Apparatus for inflating floatation devices
11299245 · 2022-04-12 ·

An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable object, such as a floatation device. The inflation apparatus includes a component with a primary opening, the primary opening sized and shaped to accept air from an air source, such as a hair dryer. A secondary opening on an inflation adapter is sized and shaped to be in communication with a valve opening on the inflatable object.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WATER SPORTS AUTOMATION AND ENHANCED SITUATIONAL AWARENESS
20220089259 · 2022-03-24 ·

An objective of the present invention is to provide a system to sense immersion of a participant into water. The system comprises a smart flag and an alarm device of a watercraft, and an FOB device of a participant. The smart flag, the alarm, and the FOB device are wirelessly connected to each other. The FOB device detects the immersion of the participant in the water. The smart flag is automatically deployed based on the detected immersion. The alarm device is automatically turned ON creating an alarm indicating an SOS signal. When the participant gets submerged in the water, the communication is ceased, thus initiating the flag to go up automatically and alarm a captain of the watercraft. Deployment of the flag lets surrounding watercraft to know that the participant is in the water.