Autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system for boats
First Claim
1. A waterjet boat in which forward and reverse propulsion is provided by one or more jets of water directed generally longitudinally, the boat comprising:
- a steering system including at least one nozzle capable of rotation about a generally vertical axis for deflecting at least one jet to impart a side component of force to the stem of the boat and a bow thruster that tends to rotate the boat about a vertical axis and to produce a sideward movement of the bow of the boat;
a joystick device for use by the operator of the boat for manual control of the steering system;
an autopilot configured to be engaged when the boat is moving at a very low speed (less than about 4 knots) and that controls the steering system to maintain the bow of the boat pointed in a desired direction, wherein the bow thruster is manually controlled by a first movement of the joystick device, wherein the nozzle is manually controlled by a second movement of the joystick device, and wherein forward and aft thrust of the waterjet is manually controlled by a third movement of the joystick device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A boat featuring an autopilot-based steering and maneuvering system. The steering system uses a specially integrated autopilot that remains engaged unless the operator is actively commanding the boat to change course. For example, in a boat in which steering is performed using a joystick, course changes can be effected simply by moving (e.g., twisting) the joystick. That movement automatically disengages the autopilot, allowing the operator to achieve the course change. When the operator has completed the course change and released the joystick, a centering spring returns it to a neutral position and the autopilot automatically reengages. In the improved maneuvering system, the autopilot is used for controlling the direction of a waterjet boat during very low speed (e.g., less than 4 knots) maneuvers, such as docking. The autopilot controls the steering system, e.g., rotation of the waterjet nozzle, to maintain a desired bow direction, while the operator uses a manual control device to apply a sideward force (e.g., from a bowthruster) to move the boat sideways. Preferably, a stick control device (e.g., a multi-axis joy stick) is used, and movement of the stick in a selected direction (sideways, fore and aft, or a combination) causes the boat to move in a corresponding direction, but with the direction of the bow maintained by the autopilot.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A waterjet boat in which forward and reverse propulsion is provided by one or more jets of water directed generally longitudinally, the boat comprising:
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a steering system including at least one nozzle capable of rotation about a generally vertical axis for deflecting at least one jet to impart a side component of force to the stem of the boat and a bow thruster that tends to rotate the boat about a vertical axis and to produce a sideward movement of the bow of the boat;
a joystick device for use by the operator of the boat for manual control of the steering system;
an autopilot configured to be engaged when the boat is moving at a very low speed (less than about 4 knots) and that controls the steering system to maintain the bow of the boat pointed in a desired direction, wherein the bow thruster is manually controlled by a first movement of the joystick device, wherein the nozzle is manually controlled by a second movement of the joystick device, and wherein forward and aft thrust of the waterjet is manually controlled by a third movement of the joystick device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification