Automatic speed control system for boats
First Claim
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1. A device for controlling the speed of a motorized watercraft, comprising:
- (a) means for measuring the speed of said craft relative to the water over which it travels, consisting of more than one speed measuring device;
(b) control circuit means for comparing the outputs of said speed measuring devices at least frequently, and for using only the highest output of said speed measuring devices as the measured speed;
(c) control means for regulating the speed of the engine of said craft whereby a desired speed of said craft relative to the water may be set and maintained under uniform conditions;
(d) said control circuit means further comparing said measured speed said with said desired speed;
(e) means for actuating said control means to alter the speed of said engine to correct the speed of said craft relative to said water whenever said measured speed varies from said desired speed.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved apparatus for accurately maintaining the speed of a motorboat at a value set by an operator. Speed of the boat, and force on the boat due to a water skier are measured. Actual speed is compared to a desired speed set by the operator, and speed of the boat engine adjusted to minimize the difference between the desired speed and the actual speed. Engine speed is further adjusted to prevent or minimize changes in the speed of the boat caused by the forces on the boat due to a water skier. The device further incorporates features to reduce the likelihood of speed measurement errors due to a malfunctioning speed measuring device.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A device for controlling the speed of a motorized watercraft, comprising:
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(a) means for measuring the speed of said craft relative to the water over which it travels, consisting of more than one speed measuring device; (b) control circuit means for comparing the outputs of said speed measuring devices at least frequently, and for using only the highest output of said speed measuring devices as the measured speed; (c) control means for regulating the speed of the engine of said craft whereby a desired speed of said craft relative to the water may be set and maintained under uniform conditions; (d) said control circuit means further comparing said measured speed said with said desired speed; (e) means for actuating said control means to alter the speed of said engine to correct the speed of said craft relative to said water whenever said measured speed varies from said desired speed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A device for controlling the speed of a motorized watercraft, comprising:
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(a) means for measuring the force on said watercraft applied by a water skier; (c) control means for regulating the speed of the engine of said craft whereby a desired speed of said craft relative to the water may be set and maintained under uniform conditions; (d) means for actuating said control means to alter the speed of said engine to prevent or minimize a change in the speed of said craft relative to said water due to said force applied by said water skier.
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Specification