Patent US4595867A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4595867A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Steering amplifier
Assignee: Engine Monitor Inc
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Filing: 1985-07-15
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Granted: 1986-06-17
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Expires: 2005-07-15
Abstract
Abstract Described herein is a steering amplifier for use in the steering systems of watercraft. Potentiometers are mounted within the helm unit and the feedback unit of the craft and these potentiometers are used to determine the various helm and rudder positions. Circuitry is provided to determine the difference or error between the helm position and the rudder position and to energize solenoid valves which cause the rudder to move in the appropriate direction to correct the error.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth J. Cognevich, Sr.
- 👤 Joseph E. Robichaux, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:56
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D3/00; G05D3/12; G05D3/14; G05D3/1472
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
A steering amplifier for a vessel having a helm, a rudder and a rudder positioning means, comprising: a helm potentiometer to indicate the helm position; a feedback potentiometer to indicate the rudder position; means for determining the difference between the helm potentiometer position and the feedback potentiometer position and producing a signal indicative thereof; means for controlling the rudder positioning means in response to the difference signal; means responsive to an open or short circuit condition in the helm potentiometer for indicating an ahead position for the helm control to the difference means; and means responsive to an open or short circuit condition in the feedback potentiometer for indicating an ahead position for the rudder to the difference means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
A steering amplifier for a vessel having a helm, a rudder and a rudder positioning means, comprising: a helm potentiometer to indicate the helm position; a feedback potentiometer to indicate the rudder position; means for determining the difference between the helm potentiometer position and the feedback potentiometer position and producing a signal indicative thereof; means for controlling the rudder positioning means in response to the difference signal; means responsive to an open or short circuit condition in the helm potentiometer for indicating an ahead position for the helm control to the difference means; and means responsive to an open or short circuit condition in the feedback potentiometer for indicating an ahead position for the rudder to the difference means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The amplifier of claim 1, wherein the helm control and the feedback potentiometer have center taps.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The amplifier of claim 2, wherein the open or short circuit means comprise differential amplifiers with the first differential input connected to the respective potentiometer wiper and the second differential input connected to the respective potentiometer center tap.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-06-16 | 1989-12-16 | 1990-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-16 | 1993-12-16 | 1994-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-12-16 | 1998-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |