The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 19, 2006
Filed:
Feb. 27, 2004
Massimiliano Cotterchio, Susa, IT;
Giacomo Negro, Santena, IT;
Simone Bruckner, Viareggio, IT;
Azimut-Benetti S.p.A., Viareggio, IT;
Abstract
The apparatus includes transmitter-receiver units () for emitting acoustic signals in the form of beams (F, F) directed rearwardly of the stern and for receiving acoustic signals reflected by the fixed structure (B, C). The number of transmitter-receivers and the beam angles of the respective beams are determined so as to include substantially the entire area behind the stern in their field of view. Each transmitter-receiver includes a transducer for converting input electrical signals into output acoustic signals and for converting reflected acoustic signals into output electrical signals which are supplied to an electronic processor unit. On the basis of electrical input and output signals, the processor unit determines the instantaneous distance between the vessel and the fixed structure. A visual and/or acoustic signalling device is connected to the processor unit for emitting a visual and/or acoustic signal in real time indicating the instantaneous distance determined.