Keith P Ranieri

US Patent:

7765946, Aug 3, 2010

Filed:

Feb 13, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/030583

Inventors:

Ronald M. Berman - Port Orange FL, US
Keith P. Ranieri - Edgewater FL, US

Assignee:

Boston Whaler, Inc. - Edgewater FL

International Classification:

B63H 25/46
B63H 5/16

US Classification:

114151, 440 68

Abstract:

A system and apparatus for providing integrated boat thrusters which eliminates interfering with the integrity of the hull, and undesirable drilling and cutting of the hull to accommodate separate glass tubes or pipes that are conventionally used to form thruster tunnels. The instant system provides integrally molded thruster tunnel sections within the hull, and unique keystone inserts which are complementary to the molded thruster tunnel sections and complete the water flow chambers through the hull about the propellers. Separate tubes are not utilized. Thruster motors and mounting mechanisms are securely fastened in flat planes enhancing strength, performance and maintenance of the assemblies. In a preferred embodiment, the keystone insert is generally wedge shaped to provide a secure fit and bond within the molded tunnel section having angled walls.

US Patent:

6763774, Jul 20, 2004

Filed:

Feb 10, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/361954

Inventors:

Keith P. Ranieri - Edgewater FL
Ronald M. Berman - Post Orange FL
Scott D. Wood - Bar Harbor ME
Richard J. Garelick - Minneapolis MN
C. Jack Hauck - Inver Grove Heights MN
Michael G. Stoddard - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Boston Whaler, Inc. - Edgewater FL

International Classification:

B63B 2508

US Classification:

114 76, 114191

Abstract:

An active deck suspension system for use in marine vessels having a hull and an operator deck. A custom chassis includes pneumatic cylinders which absorb impact forces acting upon the boat hull or suspension deck, and also includes auxiliary emergency jacks. The chassis includes an upper support member which is affixed to the suspension deck, and a lower base support which is complementary to, and mates with, the bottom of the hull. The suspension deck will deflect, in a controlled manner, upon the boat encountering impact forces created by rough seas, or the like. The system includes control circuitry and constantly monitors the suspension deck to automatically compensate for load forces, and thereby provides a substantially improved occupant ride.