Automatic trolling arrangement

• US 5,041,029 A
• Filed: 02/21/1989
• Issued: 08/20/1991
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Daniel S. Kulpa
• Original Assignee: Daniel S. Kulpa
• Inventors: Kulpa, Daniel S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Sotelo, Jesus D.
• Application Number:
  US07/313,080
• Time in Patent Office: 910 Days
• Field of Search: 114/144 R, 114/144 E, 114/144 B, 114/151, 440/1, 440/2, 440/6, 440/113, 43/26.1, 318/588, 367/106, 367/108, 367/111, 367/173, 364/432
• US Class Current: 440/1
• CPC Class Codes: B63B 43/20 Feelers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 1/0206 specially adapted to water vehicles

Abstract

Automated constant depth steering and automated yaw correcting techniques for fishing boats or similar craft usable in concert or separately are disclosed. The constant depth steering arrangement controls a relative constant thrust electric trolling motor by varying the orientation of this trolling motor which propels the boat relative to the boat. The constant depth steering arrangement includes operator entry switches and potentiometers for receiving an operator selected water depth and an indication of the direction and sense in which water depth changes. The automatic yaw correcting arrangement includes a rudder-like structure for sensing the lateral component of craft motion relative to the water, and is responsive to the sensed lateral motion to imparting a lateral thrust to the craft in opposition to the sensed lateral component of craft motion. The lateral thrust may be provided by a reversible motor such as another trolling motor mounted to the craft with its thrust axis transverse to the craft, and the sensing arrangement, in addition to the rudder may include a normally open switch coupled to the rudder and closable in one of two positions when the lateral component of craft motion exceeds a prescribed threshold, the one closed position being indicative of the direction of lateral motion and, therefore, the direction in which the reversible motor must be energized to appropriately compensate.

Claims

1. A guidance system for a small boat comprising a bow mounted automatic constant depth steering arrangement, a stern mounted automatic yaw correcting arrangement, and means for propelling the boat forward in water, the constant depth steering arrangement including means for controlling the means for propelling the boat, arrangements being electrically independent.

2. The guidance system of claim 1 wherein the means for propelling the boat provides a relative constant thrust and the means for controlling varies the orientation of the means for propelling the boat relative to the boat.

3. The guidance system of claim 2 wherein the constant depth steering arrangement includes operator entry means for receiving an operator selected water depth and an indication of the direction and sense in which water depth changes.

4. A rotation compensating arrangement for a small craft comprising means for sensing the lateral component of craft motion relative to the water, the means for sensing comprising a rudder and a normally open switch coupled to the rudder and closable in one of two positions when the lateral component of craft motion exceeds a prescribed threshold, the one closed position being indicative of the direction of lateral motion, and means responsive to the means for sensing for imparting a lateral thrust to the craft in opposition to the sensed lateral component of craft motion.

5. The rotation compensating arrangement of claim 4 wherein the means for imparting a lateral thrust includes a reversible motor mounted to the craft with its thrust axis transverse to the craft.

6. A small motor powered boat guidance system comprising:

means for sensing the vertical distance between the boat and the bottom of a body of water in which the boat is floating;

means for comparing the sensed distance to an operator entered selected distance and for providing an output indication when the sensed distance and the selected distance differ by more than a predetermined value;

means for changing the direction of motor thrust relative to the boat when the means for comparing indicates the sensed distance and the selected distance differ by more than the predetermined value; and

operator entry means for receiving operator selected and entered indications of;

water depth, the predetermined value for the difference between the sensed and selected distances, an indication of the direction and sense in which water depth changes, and the angular extent of the change in direction of motor thrust.

7. A guidance system for a small boat comprising a bow mounted automatic constant depth steering arrangement, a stern mounted automatic yaw correcting arrangement, and means for propelling the boat forward in water, arrangements being electrically independent, the automatic yaw correcting arrangement including means for sensing the lateral component of boat motion relative to the water, and means responsive to the means for sensing for imparting a lateral thrust to the boat in opposition to the sensed lateral component of boat motion.

8. The guidance system of claim 7 wherein the means for imparting a lateral thrust includes a reversible motor mounted to the boat with its thrust axis transverse to the boat, and the means for sensing comprises a rudder and a normally open switch coupled to the rudder and closable in one of two positions when the lateral component of boat motion exceeds a prescribed threshold, the one closed position being indicative of the direction of lateral motion.

9. A rotation sensing and compensating arrangement for a small boat comprising rudder means for sensing the lateral component of boat motion relative to the water, and means spaced from and responsive to the means for sensing for imparting a lateral thrust to the boat in opposition to the sensed lateral component of boat motion.