Boarding sensor and controller for small watercraft
First Claim
1. A boarding sensor and control means for small watercraft powered by an engine and having a steering mechanism wherein said boarding sensor comprises a reflection sensor which outputs a non-boarding signal to said control means when a driver is not within a detection area of said reflection sensor and said control means regulates navigation of said watercraft by decelerating said engine to an idle and being adapted to operate said watercraft steering mechanism to return said watercraft to a fallen driver.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A boarding sensor and control circuit for small watercraft providing a reflection sensor which outputs a non-boarding signal to the control circuit when the driver is not within the reflection sensor'"'"'s detection area and, in one embodiment, directs the navigation of the watercraft to return to the driver when overboard.
78 Citations
18 Claims
- 1. A boarding sensor and control means for small watercraft powered by an engine and having a steering mechanism wherein said boarding sensor comprises a reflection sensor which outputs a non-boarding signal to said control means when a driver is not within a detection area of said reflection sensor and said control means regulates navigation of said watercraft by decelerating said engine to an idle and being adapted to operate said watercraft steering mechanism to return said watercraft to a fallen driver.
- 6. A boarding sensor and control means for small watercraft having an engine and a hatch cover for said engine and wherein said boarding sensor comprises a reflection sensor which outputs a non-boarding signal to said control means when a driver is not within a detection area of said reflection sensor and said control means regulates navigation of said watercraft and means for bypassing said reflection sensor when said engine hatch cover is removed enabling said engine to be started without said driver within said detection area.
- 12. A boarding sensor and control means for small watercraft having a steering mechanism, an engine and an engine cover and wherein said boarding sensor comprises a reflection sensor means which outputs a non-boarding signal to said control circuit means when a driver is not within a detection area of said reflection sensor means and said control means regulates navigation of said watercraft, said steering mechanism comprising a handle bar having a pair oif steering hand grips and said reflection sensor means comprising a pair of reflection sensors each mounted on a repective one of said steering handle grips.
Specification