WO2008074971A2 - Marine safety system - Google Patents

Marine safety system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008074971A2
WO2008074971A2 PCT/GB2007/003637 GB2007003637W WO2008074971A2 WO 2008074971 A2 WO2008074971 A2 WO 2008074971A2 GB 2007003637 W GB2007003637 W GB 2007003637W WO 2008074971 A2 WO2008074971 A2 WO 2008074971A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
identification signal
kill switch
engine
operative
control unit
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2007/003637
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Robin John Freeman
Original Assignee
Vision Engineering Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vision Engineering Limited filed Critical Vision Engineering Limited
Publication of WO2008074971A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008074971A2/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
    • B63H21/00—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels
    • B63H21/22—Use of propulsion power plant or units on vessels the propulsion power units being controlled from exterior of engine room, e.g. from navigation bridge; Arrangements of order telegraphs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63C—LAUNCHING, HAULING-OUT, OR DRY-DOCKING OF VESSELS; LIFE-SAVING IN WATER; EQUIPMENT FOR DWELLING OR WORKING UNDER WATER; MEANS FOR SALVAGING OR SEARCHING FOR UNDERWATER OBJECTS
    • B63C9/00—Life-saving in water
    • B63C9/0005—Life-saving in water by means of alarm devices for persons falling into the water, e.g. by signalling, by controlling the propulsion or manoeuvring means of the boat

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a marine safety system, in particular a boat-based system which detects for the presence of persons on board the boat and provides for actuation of the engine kill switch in the event that any of the persons cannot be detected, such as in a man-overboard (MOB) situation.
  • MOB man-overboard
  • EP-A-1640935, US-A-5838227, US-A-6404071, US-A-7081028 and WO-A- 2000/000383 also disclose wireless control systems for a boat which control the operation of an engine in response to the absence of a transmitted signal from a transmitter which is worn by a person on board the boat, such as when the person falls overboard or the transmitter is separated from the receiver by more than a predetermined distance.
  • the present inventor has recognized that these safety systems suffer from the particular disadvantage that modification of the engine control system, and in particular the engine kill switch, is required, and that it is possible to provide a wireless safety system which is retro-fittable to boats no matter the design of the engine kill switch, and without requiring any adaptation of the engine control system.
  • the present invention provides a marine safety system for identifying persons on board a marine vessel and controlling an engine of the vessel through actuation of the engine kill switch thereof, the system comprising: at least one transmitter unit which is worn by a person on board the vessel and operative to transmit an identification signal; and a control unit which is operative to receive the identification signal from the least one transmitter unit and detect for the absence of the identification signal, with the absence of the identification signal being indicative of the at least one transmitter unit being separated from the control unit, and which is mechanically connected to the engine kill switch, such as mechanically to actuate the same in response to the absence of the identification signal.
  • the at least one transmitter unit is configured to transmit the identification signal with a predetermined signal strength, such that the identification signal is visible to the control unit only within a predetermined zone.
  • control unit is operative to detect when the at least one transmitter unit has become separated from the control unit by more than a predetermined separation.
  • control unit is operative to detect when the person wearing the at least one transmitter unit falls overboard.
  • the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transmitter which is operative normally to transmit the identification signal, and a power source which powers the transmitter, and the control unit is operative to detect for the absence of the identification signal for greater than a predetermined period.
  • the power source comprises a battery.
  • the identification signal is provided as a continuous transmission, and the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
  • the identification signal is provided as an intermittent transmission
  • the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for a period greater than the period of the intermittent transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
  • control unit comprises a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
  • the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal
  • the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
  • the drive unit comprises a motor.
  • the link comprises a flexible line.
  • the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal
  • the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
  • the biasing element comprises a tension spring.
  • the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
  • control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning
  • controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
  • the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
  • the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transponder which is operative to transmit the identification signal in response to receipt of a trigger signal from the control unit.
  • the transponder is a passive device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes no power source.
  • the transponder is an active device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes a power source which powers the transponder.
  • control unit comprises a transmitter for transmitting the trigger signal, a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal, responsive to the trigger signal, from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
  • the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal
  • the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
  • the drive unit comprises a motor.
  • the link comprises a flexible line.
  • the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal
  • the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
  • the biasing element comprises a tension spring.
  • the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
  • control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning
  • controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
  • the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
  • the system comprises: a plurality of transmitter units, which each transmit an identification signal.
  • the identification signal transmitted by each of the transmitter units is unique, such that the person associated with the respective transmitter unit can be identified.
  • system is retro-fittable without requiring any modification of the control system of the engine.
  • the vessel comprises a boat.
  • the present invention also extends to a marine vessel which incorporates the above-described safety system.
  • Figure 1 schematically represents a safety system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where fitted to a boat;
  • Figure 2 schematically represents the control unit of the safety system of Figure 1, where connected to the engine kill switch of the boat;
  • Figure 3 schematically represents a modified control unit of the safety system of Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 schematically represents a transmitter unit of the safety system of Figure 1.
  • FIGS 1 to 4 illustrate a safety system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where fitted to a boat 1 having an engine kill switch 3.
  • the engine kill switch 3 comprises a body member 4 and a switch member 5, which is movable relative to the body member 4 between a retracted, engine kill or stop position to which the switch member 5 is normally biased and a withdrawn, on position in which the boat engine is operative, and a latch element 6, here in the form of a clip, which is removably coupled to the switch member 5, such as to latch the same in the on position when coupled thereto and provide for the return of the switch member 5 to the engine kill position on removal of the latch element 6 from the switch member 5.
  • the latch element 6 is connected via a tether to the boat operator, such as to provide for killing of the boat engine, in the event that the operator moves more than a predetermined distance from the engine kill switch 3.
  • the present inventor has recognized that it is possible to provide a wireless MOB safety system which is retro-fittable to boats no matter the design of the engine kill switch 3, and without requiring any adaptation of the engine control system.
  • the safety system comprises at least one transmitter unit 7 which is operative to transmit an identification signal S, and a control unit 9 which is configured such as to be operably connected to the engine kill switch 3, here retro-fittable without any modification of the engine control system, and operative to receive the identification signal S and provide for actuation of the engine kill switch 3 in response to the absence of the identification signal S for greater than a predetermined period.
  • the at least one transmitter unit 7 is configured to transmit the identification signal S with a predetermined signal strength, such that the identification signal S is visible to the control unit 9 only within a predetermined zone.
  • the control unit 9 determines the absence of the identification signal S where the identification signal S has an intensity below a predetermined threshold. In this way, the control unit 9 is operative to actuate the engine kill switch 3 when the at least one transmitter unit 7 and the control unit 9 have a predetermined separation, such as when a person strays too far from a predetermined location on board the boat 1 or when a person falls overboard and becomes separated from the boat 1.
  • the at least one transmitter unit 7 comprises a mini transmitter 11 and a power source 15, here a battery, which powers the transmitter 11.
  • the identification signal S is provided as a continuous transmission
  • the control unit 9 is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for greater than a predetermined period, here a zero time period representing any interruption, which indicates the absence of the associated person.
  • the identification signal S is provided as an intermittent transmission, here a periodic transmission, and the control unit 9 is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for a period greater than the period of the intermittent transmission, which indicates the absence of the associated person.
  • the control unit 9 comprises a receiver 21 which is configured to receive the identification signal S from the at least one transmitter unit 7, a detector 23 which is connected to the receiver 21 and operative to detect for the identification signal S, a kill switch actuator 25 which is operative to actuate the engine kill switch 3, and a controller 27 for actuating the kill switch actuator 25 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the identification signal S for greater than the predetermined period.
  • control unit 9 further comprises a warning device 29 for providing a warning, in this embodiment as one or both of a visual or audible warning, which is operated by the controller 27 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the identification signal S for greater than the predetermined period.
  • the kill switch actuator 25 comprises an electro-mechanical drive unit 31, here a motor, and a link 33, here a flexible line, which is connected to the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3 and provides for removal of the latch element 6 on actuation of the drive unit 31.
  • the link 33 includes a releaseable connector 34, which allows for connection to the latch element 6 without any modification thereof.
  • the kill switch actuator 25 could comprise a biasing element 35, here a tension spring, which is connected to the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3, and a retaining unit 37 which is operative to retain the biasing element 35 in a tensioned state and release the biasing element 35 on actuation of the kill switch actuator 25, such as to provide for removal of the latch element 6.
  • the retaining unit 37 includes a retaining element 39, here a pin, which engages the biasing element 35 such as to retain the same in the biased state and releases the biasing element 35 on actuation of the kill switch actuator 25.
  • the biasing element 35 includes a releaseable connector 40, which allows for connection to the latch element 6 without any modification thereof.
  • the system comprises a plurality of transmitter units 7a, 7b, 7c, which each transmit an identification signal Sl, S2, S3, which is unique to the wearer, such that the person associated with the respective transmitter unit 7a, 7b, 7c can be identified.
  • the detector 23 continuously detects for the identification signals Sl, S2, S3, and, when one of the identification signals Sl, S2, S3 is not detected for greater than the predetermined period, in this embodiment where there is an interruption in any one of the identification signals Sl, S2, S3, the controller 27 actuates the kill switch actuator 25 to remove the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3 and thereby kill the boat engine.
  • the controller 27 is also operative to actuate the warning device 29 to provide a warning, as one or both of a visual or audible warning.
  • the at least one transmitter unit 7 could include an alarm function which provides for the transmission of an alarm signal on actuation of an alarm button, which is indicative of an emergency situation, and the control unit 9 could be configured to detect for the presence of the alarm signal.
  • the control unit 9 could be configured to detect for the presence of the alarm signal.
  • the at least one transmitter unit.7 could comprise a transponder in place of the transmitter 11, which is operative to transmit the identification signal S in response to receipt of a trigger signal
  • the control unit 9 could comprise a transmitter for transmitting the trigger signal, whereby the controller 27 would be operative to actuate the kill switch actuator 25 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the expected identification signal S.
  • the transponder could be a passive device, such as a passive RFID tag, which includes no power source.
  • the transponder could be an active device, such as an active RFID tag, which includes a power source.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A marine safety system for identifying persons on board a marine vessel and controlling an engine of the vessel through actuation of the engine kill switch thereof, the system comprising : at least one transmitter unit which is worn by a person on board the vessel and operative to transmit an identification signal; and a control unit which is operative to receive the identification signal from the least one transmitter unit and detect for the absence of the identification signal, with the absence of the identification signal being indicative of the at least one transmitter unit being separated from the control unit, and which is mechanically connected to the engine kill switch, such as mechanically to actuate the same in response to the absence of the identification signal.

Description

MARINE SAFETY SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a marine safety system, in particular a boat-based system which detects for the presence of persons on board the boat and provides for actuation of the engine kill switch in the event that any of the persons cannot be detected, such as in a man-overboard (MOB) situation.
There are existing commercial systems which provide for a warning in the event that a person falls overboard from a boat. Such systems include the Virtual Lifeline system as supplied by MariTech Industries (Redding, California, USA) and the Mermaid ID system as supplied by First Light Solutions Limited (Bicester, UK).
EP-A-1640935, US-A-5838227, US-A-6404071, US-A-7081028 and WO-A- 2000/000383 also disclose wireless control systems for a boat which control the operation of an engine in response to the absence of a transmitted signal from a transmitter which is worn by a person on board the boat, such as when the person falls overboard or the transmitter is separated from the receiver by more than a predetermined distance.
The present inventor has recognized that these safety systems suffer from the particular disadvantage that modification of the engine control system, and in particular the engine kill switch, is required, and that it is possible to provide a wireless safety system which is retro-fittable to boats no matter the design of the engine kill switch, and without requiring any adaptation of the engine control system.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a marine safety system for identifying persons on board a marine vessel and controlling an engine of the vessel through actuation of the engine kill switch thereof, the system comprising: at least one transmitter unit which is worn by a person on board the vessel and operative to transmit an identification signal; and a control unit which is operative to receive the identification signal from the least one transmitter unit and detect for the absence of the identification signal, with the absence of the identification signal being indicative of the at least one transmitter unit being separated from the control unit, and which is mechanically connected to the engine kill switch, such as mechanically to actuate the same in response to the absence of the identification signal.
In one embodiment the at least one transmitter unit is configured to transmit the identification signal with a predetermined signal strength, such that the identification signal is visible to the control unit only within a predetermined zone.
In one embodiment the control unit is operative to detect when the at least one transmitter unit has become separated from the control unit by more than a predetermined separation.
In one embodiment the control unit is operative to detect when the person wearing the at least one transmitter unit falls overboard.
In one embodiment the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transmitter which is operative normally to transmit the identification signal, and a power source which powers the transmitter, and the control unit is operative to detect for the absence of the identification signal for greater than a predetermined period.
In one embodiment the power source comprises a battery.
In one embodiment the identification signal is provided as a continuous transmission, and the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
In another embodiment the identification signal is provided as an intermittent transmission, and the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for a period greater than the period of the intermittent transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
In one embodiment the control unit comprises a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
In one embodiment the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
In one embodiment the drive unit comprises a motor.
In one embodiment the link comprises a flexible line.
In another embodiment the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
In one embodiment the biasing element comprises a tension spring. In one embodiment the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
In one embodiment the control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning, and the controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
In one embodiment the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
In another embodiment the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transponder which is operative to transmit the identification signal in response to receipt of a trigger signal from the control unit.
In one embodiment the transponder is a passive device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes no power source.
In another embodiment the transponder is an active device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes a power source which powers the transponder.
In one embodiment the control unit comprises a transmitter for transmitting the trigger signal, a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal, responsive to the trigger signal, from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
In one embodiment the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
In one embodiment the drive unit comprises a motor.
In one embodiment the link comprises a flexible line.
In another embodiment the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
In one embodiment the biasing element comprises a tension spring.
In one embodiment the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
In one embodiment the control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning, and the controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
In one embodiment the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
In one embodiment the system comprises: a plurality of transmitter units, which each transmit an identification signal. In one embodiment the identification signal transmitted by each of the transmitter units is unique, such that the person associated with the respective transmitter unit can be identified.
In one embodiment the system is retro-fittable without requiring any modification of the control system of the engine.
In one embodiment the vessel comprises a boat.
The present invention also extends to a marine vessel which incorporates the above-described safety system.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 schematically represents a safety system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where fitted to a boat;
Figure 2 schematically represents the control unit of the safety system of Figure 1, where connected to the engine kill switch of the boat;
Figure 3 schematically represents a modified control unit of the safety system of Figure 1; and
Figure 4 schematically represents a transmitter unit of the safety system of Figure 1.
Figures 1 to 4 illustrate a safety system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, where fitted to a boat 1 having an engine kill switch 3. In this embodiment the engine kill switch 3 comprises a body member 4 and a switch member 5, which is movable relative to the body member 4 between a retracted, engine kill or stop position to which the switch member 5 is normally biased and a withdrawn, on position in which the boat engine is operative, and a latch element 6, here in the form of a clip, which is removably coupled to the switch member 5, such as to latch the same in the on position when coupled thereto and provide for the return of the switch member 5 to the engine kill position on removal of the latch element 6 from the switch member 5. Conventionally, the latch element 6 is connected via a tether to the boat operator, such as to provide for killing of the boat engine, in the event that the operator moves more than a predetermined distance from the engine kill switch 3. As mentioned hereinabove and will become apparent hereinbelow, the present inventor has recognized that it is possible to provide a wireless MOB safety system which is retro-fittable to boats no matter the design of the engine kill switch 3, and without requiring any adaptation of the engine control system.
The safety system comprises at least one transmitter unit 7 which is operative to transmit an identification signal S, and a control unit 9 which is configured such as to be operably connected to the engine kill switch 3, here retro-fittable without any modification of the engine control system, and operative to receive the identification signal S and provide for actuation of the engine kill switch 3 in response to the absence of the identification signal S for greater than a predetermined period.
In this embodiment the at least one transmitter unit 7 is configured to transmit the identification signal S with a predetermined signal strength, such that the identification signal S is visible to the control unit 9 only within a predetermined zone. In one embodiment the control unit 9 determines the absence of the identification signal S where the identification signal S has an intensity below a predetermined threshold. In this way, the control unit 9 is operative to actuate the engine kill switch 3 when the at least one transmitter unit 7 and the control unit 9 have a predetermined separation, such as when a person strays too far from a predetermined location on board the boat 1 or when a person falls overboard and becomes separated from the boat 1.
In this embodiment the at least one transmitter unit 7 comprises a mini transmitter 11 and a power source 15, here a battery, which powers the transmitter 11.
In this embodiment the identification signal S is provided as a continuous transmission, and the control unit 9 is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for greater than a predetermined period, here a zero time period representing any interruption, which indicates the absence of the associated person.
In another embodiment the identification signal S is provided as an intermittent transmission, here a periodic transmission, and the control unit 9 is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for a period greater than the period of the intermittent transmission, which indicates the absence of the associated person.
The control unit 9 comprises a receiver 21 which is configured to receive the identification signal S from the at least one transmitter unit 7, a detector 23 which is connected to the receiver 21 and operative to detect for the identification signal S, a kill switch actuator 25 which is operative to actuate the engine kill switch 3, and a controller 27 for actuating the kill switch actuator 25 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the identification signal S for greater than the predetermined period.
In this embodiment the control unit 9 further comprises a warning device 29 for providing a warning, in this embodiment as one or both of a visual or audible warning, which is operated by the controller 27 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the identification signal S for greater than the predetermined period. In this embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 2, the kill switch actuator 25 comprises an electro-mechanical drive unit 31, here a motor, and a link 33, here a flexible line, which is connected to the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3 and provides for removal of the latch element 6 on actuation of the drive unit 31. In this embodiment the link 33 includes a releaseable connector 34, which allows for connection to the latch element 6 without any modification thereof.
In another embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 3, the kill switch actuator 25 could comprise a biasing element 35, here a tension spring, which is connected to the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3, and a retaining unit 37 which is operative to retain the biasing element 35 in a tensioned state and release the biasing element 35 on actuation of the kill switch actuator 25, such as to provide for removal of the latch element 6. In this embodiment the retaining unit 37 includes a retaining element 39, here a pin, which engages the biasing element 35 such as to retain the same in the biased state and releases the biasing element 35 on actuation of the kill switch actuator 25. In this embodiment the biasing element 35 includes a releaseable connector 40, which allows for connection to the latch element 6 without any modification thereof.
In this embodiment the system comprises a plurality of transmitter units 7a, 7b, 7c, which each transmit an identification signal Sl, S2, S3, which is unique to the wearer, such that the person associated with the respective transmitter unit 7a, 7b, 7c can be identified.
In operation, with a plurality of persons wearing transmitter units 7a, 7b, 7c, the detector 23 continuously detects for the identification signals Sl, S2, S3, and, when one of the identification signals Sl, S2, S3 is not detected for greater than the predetermined period, in this embodiment where there is an interruption in any one of the identification signals Sl, S2, S3, the controller 27 actuates the kill switch actuator 25 to remove the latch element 6 of the engine kill switch 3 and thereby kill the boat engine. In this embodiment the controller 27 is also operative to actuate the warning device 29 to provide a warning, as one or both of a visual or audible warning.
Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiment and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
For example, in one modification, the at least one transmitter unit 7 could include an alarm function which provides for the transmission of an alarm signal on actuation of an alarm button, which is indicative of an emergency situation, and the control unit 9 could be configured to detect for the presence of the alarm signal. With this configuration, a person can seek assistance when experiencing difficulty, such as when requiring medical assistance.
In another modification, the at least one transmitter unit.7 could comprise a transponder in place of the transmitter 11, which is operative to transmit the identification signal S in response to receipt of a trigger signal, and the control unit 9 could comprise a transmitter for transmitting the trigger signal, whereby the controller 27 would be operative to actuate the kill switch actuator 25 in response to the detector 23 failing to detect the expected identification signal S. In one embodiment the transponder could be a passive device, such as a passive RFID tag, which includes no power source. In another embodiment the transponder could be an active device, such as an active RFID tag, which includes a power source.

Claims

1. A marine safety system for identifying persons on board a marine vessel and controlling an engine of the vessel through actuation of the engine kill switch thereof, the system comprising: at least one transmitter unit which is worn by a person on board the vessel and operative to transmit an identification signal; and a control unit which is operative to receive the identification signal from the least one transmitter unit and detect for the absence of the identification signal, with the absence of the identification signal being indicative of the at least one transmitter unit being separated from the control unit, and which is mechanically connected to the engine kill switch, such as mechanically to actuate the same in response to the absence of the identification signal.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one transmitter unit is configured to transmit the identification signal with a predetermined signal strength, such that the identification signal is visible to the control unit only within a predetermined zone.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is operative to detect when the at least one transmitter unit has become separated from the control unit by more than a predetermined separation.
4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit is operative to detect when the person wearing the at least one transmitter unit falls overboard.
5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transmitter which is operative normally to transmit the identification signal, and a power source which powers the transmitter, and the control unit is operative to detect for the absence of the identification signal for greater than a predetermined period.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the power source comprises a battery.
7. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the identification signal is provided as a continuous transmission, and the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
8. The system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the identification signal is provided as an intermittent transmission, and the control unit is operative to detect for any interruption of the transmission for a period greater than the period of the intermittent transmission, which identifies the absence of the associated person.
9. The system of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the control unit comprises a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor.
12. The system of claim 10 or 11, wherein the link comprises a flexible line.
13. The system of claim 9, wherein the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the biasing element comprises a tension spring.
15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
16. The system of any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning, and the controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal for greater than the predetermined period.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
18. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one transmitter unit comprises a transponder which is operative to transmit the identification signal in response to receipt of a trigger signal from the control unit.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the transponder is a passive device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes no power source.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the transponder is an active device, and the at least one transmitter unit includes a power source which powers the transponder.
21. The system of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the control unit comprises a transmitter for transmitting the trigger signal, a receiver which is configured to receive the identification signal, responsive to the trigger signal, from the at least one transmitter unit, a detector which is connected to the receiver and operative to detect for the identification signal, a kill switch actuator which is operative mechanically to actuate the engine kill switch, and a controller for actuating the kill switch actuator in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a link which is connected to the latch element and an electro-mechanical drive unit which is connected to the link and provides for removal of the latch element on actuation of the drive unit.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the drive unit comprises a motor.
24. The system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the link comprises a flexible line.
25. The system of claim 21, wherein the engine kill switch includes a removable latch element which actuates the engine kill switch to kill the engine on removal, and the kill switch actuator comprises a biasing element which is connected to the latch element of the engine kill switch, and a retaining unit which is operative to retain the biasing element in a biased state and release the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator, such as to provide for removal of the latch element.
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the biasing element comprises a tension spring.
27. The system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the retaining unit includes a retaining element which engages the biasing element such as to retain the same in a biased state and releases the biasing element on actuation of the kill switch actuator.
28. The system of any of claims 21 to 27, wherein the control unit further comprises a warning device for providing a warning, and the controller is configured to actuate the warning device in response to the detector failing to detect the identification signal.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the warning device provides for one or both of a visual or audible warning.
30. The system of any of claims 1 to 29, comprising: a plurality of transmitter units, which each transmit an identification signal.
31. The system of claim 30, wherein the identification signal transmitted by each of the transmitter units is unique, such that the person associated with the respective transmitter unit can be identified.
32. The system of any of claims 1 to 31, wherein the system is retro- fittable without requiring any modification of the control system of the engine.
33. The system of any of claims 1 to 32, wherein the vessel comprises a boat.
34. A marine vessel incorporating the system of any of claims 1 to 33.
PCT/GB2007/003637 2006-06-20 2007-09-26 Marine safety system WO2008074971A2 (en)

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GB0625378A GB2444967A (en) 2006-06-20 2006-06-20 Marine safety system
GB0625378.5 2006-06-20

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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GB2523842A (en) * 2014-03-08 2015-09-09 Richard Stannard Anderson Automatic Bluetooth controlled marine engine kill switch with distress activation
SE2151425A1 (en) * 2021-11-23 2023-05-24 Radinn Ab A powered watercraft

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US7081028B1 (en) 2004-06-04 2006-07-25 Brunswick Corporation Portable control device used as a security and safety component of a marine propulsion system

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US5838227A (en) 1996-04-24 1998-11-17 Murray; Steve Radio controlled engine kill switch
WO2000000383A1 (en) 1998-06-30 2000-01-06 Sergio Albertin Safety device for stopping boats if the driver falls overboard
US6404071B1 (en) 1999-07-14 2002-06-11 Moriyama Manufacturing Co., Ltd. Engine stopping apparatus
US7081028B1 (en) 2004-06-04 2006-07-25 Brunswick Corporation Portable control device used as a security and safety component of a marine propulsion system
EP1640935A1 (en) 2004-09-23 2006-03-29 EGA Försäljnings AB Safety system for user of a motor boat

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GB0625378D0 (en) 2007-01-31
TW200846248A (en) 2008-12-01

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