Glenn L Spain

US Patent:

7575490, Aug 18, 2009

Filed:

Feb 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/674310

Inventors:

Bruce A. Angel - New Bern NC, US
Glenn Lyle Spain - New Bern NC, US

Assignee:

Brunswick Corporation - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B63H 1/18

US Classification:

440 66

Abstract:

A passive air induction system for boats that includes a wedge member and air induction tubes. The system is installed within the propeller tunnel of high-speed planing vessels to reduce or eliminate noise and vibration caused by cavitation vortices created by rotation of the propeller blades. The air induction tubes include air inlets that receive ambient air, which is delivered to the wedge member to be released from a plurality of distribution slots on the wedge member as air bubbles. The air bubbles released from the distribution slots provide a cushioning effect against contact between the cavitation vortices and the vessel hull, thereby reducing vibration and noise that has been heretofore common at high speeds in planing vessels.

US Patent:

7798875, Sep 21, 2010

Filed:

Oct 19, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/875208

Inventors:

Bruce A. Angel - New Bern NC, US
Glenn Lyle Spain - New Bern NC, US

Assignee:

Brunswick Corporation - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B63H 5/10

US Classification:

440 82

Abstract:

A support for a marine motor propeller shaft comprising a single leg having an upper section attached to the hull of a boat and a lower section supporting a propeller shaft. The leg has an angled helical twist near the upper section such that the propeller support is angled away from the centerline of the hull and faces the flow vector of inflowing water to the propeller. The angle of the helical twist is determined by analyzing the flow dynamics of water entering the propeller to determine peak fluid flow.

US Patent:

7895959, Mar 1, 2011

Filed:

Sep 25, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/238019

Inventors:

Bruce A. Angel - New Bern NC, US
Glenn Lyle Spain - New Bern NC, US

Assignee:

Brunswick Corporation - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B63H 25/06

US Classification:

114163

Abstract:

Advanced steering system designs for marine vessels which incorporate non-linear tiller arms for rudder control, designed for creating different turning radii for discrete rudders. Differential tiller anus are utilized to create distinct angular displacement of the separate rudders in turning maneuvers, which enhance control and maneuverability of the marine vessels.

US Patent:

7543612, Jun 9, 2009

Filed:

Oct 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/555014

Inventors:

Bruce A. Angel - New Bern NC, US
Glenn Lyle Spain - New Bern NC, US
Kurt Bergstrom - New Bern NC, US
Scott Wildermuth - New Bern NC, US

Assignee:

Brunswick Corporation - Lake Forest IL

International Classification:

B65B 3/04
B63B 17/00

US Classification:

141 86, 141311 A, 141386, 114343

Abstract:

A fuel vent recovery system for collecting and retaining fuel discharged through a fuel vent of a vessel. The system includes a hull-side fuel vent fitting, an annular elastomer seal, and a recovery container. The annular elastomer seal has an outer wall that is bifurcated by a groove to form two parallel annular flanges. The annular flanges and groove are fitted over and engage the wall of an aperture of the recovery container. The annular seal includes an inner wall that contacts a complementary seal interface surface of the fuel vent fitting. The annular seal is fitted around the fuel vent fitting. The recovery container is attached to the annular seal and thus sealed to the fuel vent fitting. The system prevents fuel discharged through the vessel's fuel vent from spilling into and contaminating the surrounding environment.