B63B34/05

Castable sonar devices and operations in a marine environment

Many different types of systems are utilized and tasks are performed in a marine environment. The present invention provides various configurations of castable devices that can be operated and/or controlled for such systems or tasks. One or more castable devices can be integrated with a transducer assembly, such as a phased array, that emits sonar beams and receives sonar returns from the underwater environment. Processing circuitry may receive the sonar returns, process the sonar returns, generate an image, and transmit the image to a display.

Gyroscopic Boat Stabilizer with Motor Cooling
20230211858 · 2023-07-06 ·

A gyroscopic roll stabilizer for a boat includes an enclosure mounted to a gimbal for rotation about a gimbal axis and configured to maintain a below-ambient pressure, and a flywheel assembly including a flywheel and flywheel shaft, with the flywheel assembly rotatably mounted inside the enclosure for rotation about a flywheel axis. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer also includes a motor operative to rotate the flywheel assembly and disposed inside the enclosure. A motor cooling circuit is configured to transfer heat away from the motor. The motor cooling circuit has a closed fluid pathway for recirculating cooling fluid therein. The fluid pathway includes a fluid channel jointly defined by the motor and the enclosure and having the cooling fluid therein. The gyroscopic roll stabilizer is configured to transfer heat away from the motor to the cooling fluid. Related methods are also disclosed.

Systems and methods for rotational control of a trolling motor

Trolling motor assemblies and related methods of operation. A method includes providing an assembly comprising a main housing; a shaft rotatably coupled with the main housing, the shaft having a longitudinal axis; a gear coupled with the shaft; a plate rotatably coupled with one of the shaft and the main housing; and a projecting rib coupled with the other of the shaft and the main housing. The plate is rotated through a first angular displacement about the longitudinal axis. The gear is rotated through a second angular displacement about the longitudinal axis that is greater than the first angular displacement.

Posture control system for hull and marine vessel
11691704 · 2023-07-04 · ·

A posture control system for a hull, and a marine vessel including the posture control system, allows crew members to fish more comfortably and includes a posture control tab attached to a stern of the hull to control a posture of the hull, a driver to drive the posture control tab, and a controller to control the driver. When it is determined that the hull has changed to a fishing mode, the controller causes the driver to raise the posture control tab to a predetermined position.

FLOTATION DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A COFFIN HUNTING BLIND
20220396334 · 2022-12-15 ·

An inflatable support for a coffin blind is disclosed. The support aids hunters in utilizing a coffin blind in deeper waters. The support includes an oblong body that has an opening in which a coffin blind can be inserted. The support can be made of a durable drop stitched material, and can have additional attachments. These attachments can include a site to connect an anchor, straps for supporting the blind, containers for accessories, flaps, padding for comfort, and transportation attachments.

Live well
11525296 · 2022-12-13 ·

The live well lid system may comprise a lid, a hinge, a motor, a lift arm, a lid track, and a local foot control. The live well lid system may be a system for covering and uncovering a live well of a boat by pivoting the lid of the live well responsive to input from the local foot control. The live well lid system may be adapted for a user to pivot the lid by operating the local foot control located proximate to the live well without diverting the attention of the user or requiring use of the user's hands. In some embodiments, a remote foot control may be a secondary control located at a remote location on the boat.

Watercraft, motor pod, and associated methods

A watercraft, associated motor pod, and associated methods are provided. The motor pod is operable to maintain an orientation of the watercraft relative to a reference datum while the watercraft is moving or stationary.

ORIENTATION DEVICE FOR MARINE SONAR SYSTEMS
20220373663 · 2022-11-24 ·

A sonar system for a watercraft, including a shaft defining a top and a bottom end. The system includes a first attachment operatively connected to the top end of the shaft, and a second attachment operatively connected to the bottom end of the shaft including a transducer assembly. The first attachment defines a first member pivotably connected to the top end of the shaft, and a handle member rotatably attached about the first member. The second attachment defines a second member pivotably connected to the bottom end of the shaft, and a bracket member rotatably attached about the second member. The system comprises a first connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal movement between the first and second members. The system comprises a second connector extending between the first and second members and configured to cause reciprocal rotation between the first and second members.

MARINE VESSEL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR

A marine vessel control system operable to be used with a shallow water anchor and a motor. The marine vessel control system comprising a memory and a processor. The processor is configured to receive a user command to maintain a position of a marine vessel, receive sonar data, determine a water depth relative to a water bottom based on the sonar data in response to receiving the user command, and transmit a command to use the shallow water anchor and/or the motor based on the water depth.

NAUTICAL DRIFT MANAGING DEVICE AND NAUTICAL DRIFT MANAGING METHOD
20230102473 · 2023-03-30 ·

According to the present disclosure, a nautical drift managing device is provided. The nautical drift managing device includes an input circuitry to receive destination position information for a watercraft. Further, the nautical drift managing device includes a sensor circuitry to obtain external force information associated with the watercraft. Furthermore, the nautical drift managing device includes processing circuitry to determine, based on the destination position information and the external force information, a drift line associated with a drifting movement of the watercraft when an engine of the watercraft is stopped or neutral.