With Signal Device Patents (Class 441/36)
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Patent number: 11119489Abstract: A system configured to cause a vehicle to autonomously maneuver to a safe haven during a triggering event includes a communication component configured to receive parameters corresponding with conditions of the triggering event and, based on the parameters and on characteristics of the safe haven, instruct the vehicle to maneuver to the safe haven.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: United Services Automobile Association (USAA)Inventors: Alexander B. Nagelberg, Bradly Jay Billman, Donnette L. Moncrief Brown
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Patent number: 10932508Abstract: The present invention is an artificial tree consisting of a shape such as conical wherein there is an artificial outer layer, e.g. artificial grass, a solidified foam core, and a post molded into the foam core.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2018Date of Patent: March 2, 2021Inventor: Terry K. Webb
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Patent number: 8414340Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and a wind harnessing mechanism. The electricity, which is produced by the wind harnessing mechanism powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventor: Thang Vu
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Publication number: 20120282829Abstract: Technology is disclosed for tsunami survival shelters. In various embodiments, a tsunami survival shelter comprises a vertical support column designed to withstand forces exerted by anticipated tsunamis and accompanying debris field; a buoyant inflatable survival life raft removably attached near a top portion of the vertical support column and capable of floating free from the vertical support column, and thereby protecting the occupants in the event of failure or overtopping of the support column; and adornments and coloring to allow the vertical support column and survival raft to blend with their surroundings by imitating trees indigenous to the area.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventor: Mary Thomas
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Publication number: 20120009832Abstract: An inflatable life raft has a platform or platform portion formed by two flexible panels joined together by each of a plurality of threads to limit the distance apart that the panels can be moved, the panels being sealed to each other at their edges to form a chamber. A sensor can detect when the life raft is in the water, and an inflation system is operable in response to such detection to inflate the chamber with a gas. Preferably, the threads have similar lengths so that, when the chamber is inflated, the panels are substantially parallel. Accordingly, it is possible to fabricate an inflatable life raft which does not balloon out and which can provide a substantially flat platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventor: Conrad Michael Rawlings-Lloyd
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Patent number: 7695334Abstract: A visual locating device comprises an elongate, inherently buoyant, flexible sheet for floating on the surface of a body of water that has a longitudinal axis. At least three buoyant support struts are secured to the sheet and disposed across the longitudinal axis of the sheet such that the sheet is divided into a plurality of sections defined between respective pairs of struts. A light source is disposed on the sheet to provide nighttime visibility to the sheet. A pouch, which receives the sheet when stowed, is configured to release the sheet when immersed in water. The sheet is at least z-folded inside the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Inventors: Robert N. Yonover, Kevin Dean Schnitzer, Richard James Elder
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Publication number: 20090053946Abstract: A method and apparatus for the self-illumination of various objects designed for use in sports, entertainment, safety, and emergency related activities. The objects are caused to self-illuminate by chemiluminescence to facilitate usage of the objects during non-daylight hours or in areas that are otherwise surrounded by darkness. Chemiluminescence may be activated through a variety of injection, acceleration, or tactile manipulation that are utilized to cause emission of visible light from within one or more cavities of the objects, from exterior portions of the objects, or from various inserts of the objects. Subcutaneous layers are also provided that may be caused to emanate visible light through chemiluminescence.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Jeffery Luke Ashby
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Patent number: 7140936Abstract: A swim raft constructed of a three-dimensional shaped body exhibiting a substantially planar bottom, a curved side, and a sloping top. The body has an outer shell constructed of a polyester laminate shell material and which encapsulates an inner foam core. At least one decorative indicia is associated with the sloping top and includes an artificial grass applied over and across a predetermined area associated with the top. The decorative indicia further includes at least one structural object projecting from the sloping top selected from such as a flag pole, a miniaturized lighthouse and an artificial palm tree.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Inventor: John Roberts
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Patent number: 7001227Abstract: The present invention is a device to be used in emergency situations requiring floatation and rescue. An inflatable raft with a waterproof cover is connected to a telescopic shaft equipped with electric generators and wind catchers. The electricity, which is produced powers a motor and propeller underneath and outside the raft.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Inventor: Thang D. Vu
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Patent number: 6659822Abstract: A light-weight, transportable raft to be utilized for recreational purposes. The raft is constructed of high-impact plastic material (polyethylene) and is sized to comfortably accommodate two people. Handles are conveniently located to make lifting and carrying easy. The raft is provided with a partially filled internal styrofoam core to maintain floatation and thus, does not require inflation before use. A soft, vinyl-covered ensolite mat is removably fastened to the top surface of the raft to enhance comfort. Safety features include high visibility color, an anchor housing, a battery operated night light, paddle holders and drain openings. Book holders, bottle holders and cooler holders are strategically arranged on the raft's surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Inventor: Richard Dombeck
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Patent number: 5597335Abstract: The present invention provides for an air, sea, or land deployed rapid response, self-propelled, autonomous or semi-autonomous marine vehicle (AMV) possessing a pair of extendible hydraulic cylinders encased in a pneumatic inflation chute, with an ability to be directed toward, and to autonomously seek out and recover physically restricted persons in peril from an aqueous environment. The AMV uses video, thermal, and audio sensors to actively and autonomously detect persons floating in an aqueous environment, and can be directed to a person or persons in distress on the sea surface through an aircraft, ship, or shore mounted, GPS linked, laser targeting system. The present invention also possesses the ability to provide life support functions, propulsive mobility, and two way real-time radio frequency and satellite based voice, video and data telemetry with the rescue aircraft, ship, or shore based coordination center responsible for deploying, operating, or monitoring the AMV.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1995Date of Patent: January 28, 1997Inventor: Richard L. K. Woodland
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Patent number: 5452189Abstract: A lamp for a life jacket or raft is provided with a battery box (1,2) having a battery (7) and a light source (9) arranged in a lamp housing (6). The lamp may be switched on and off by screwing the lamp housing on and off. At its perphery the rotatable lamp housing (6) is provided with one or more line attachment means in the form of teeth (13) on a toothed ring (12), and a line (14) is releasably attached to one of the teeth so that a pull in the line will cause the lamp housing (6) to rotate and thus to switch on the lamp, following which the line is automatically released from the lamp housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Daniamant ApSInventor: Hans P. Alkj r
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Patent number: 5237491Abstract: An improved personal rescue light attachable to a life vest or raft for use by an individual floating in a large body of water (salt or fresh) having increased visible range especially with fresh water usage. The device includes a water-activated battery and improved battery housing that increases the battery efficiency to produce more power for an incandescent lamp that provides a single source of light through a lens providing for a very narrow, intense beam of light, greatly increasing the overall candle power of the projected light beam.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Inventor: Walter K. McCarter
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Patent number: 5216421Abstract: An indicator assembly for watercraft having an engine is provided. The indicator assembly comprises a first detector for detecting an operating condition of the watercraft, such as a fluid level, an indicator for indicating this detected operating condition, a switching assembly for actuating the indicator, a second detector for outputting a signal to the switching assembly when the engine is in the on or running state. The indicator assembly is designed so that the switching assembly actuates the indicator when the switching assembly receives the signal from the second detector but does not actuate the indicator when the signal is not received by the switching assembly after a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1990Date of Patent: June 1, 1993Assignee: Moriyama Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryoji Sawada, Satoshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 4873933Abstract: A marine radio distress beacon is mounted on the casing of an automatic self-inflating life-raft, the casing being encircled by retaining straps which are broken by the self-inflation of the life-raft, and the beacon being mounted by one or more of the retaining straps so as to be released when the straps break.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1988Date of Patent: October 17, 1989Assignee: Clifford & Snell LimitedInventors: Brian S. Bennett, David Smith
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Patent number: 4871996Abstract: A watercraft incorporating improved warning devices for providing a warning signal in response to a abnormal condition. The abnormal condition may be either the condition when a rider is no longer present on the watercraft or when the watercraft assumes a non-normal running condition such as being capsized or inverted. In some instances, the warning is provided by a flag, a light, by a warning jet spray of water and, in others, by an audible signal. The warning may be combined so that more than one type of warning is given in response to an abnormal condition.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1987Date of Patent: October 3, 1989Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kanichi Tsunamoto, Seiji Inoue