Controller for automatically manipulating a horn signal for navigational purposes

A controller and signal technology, applied in the direction of instruments, alarms, etc., can solve the problems of lack of fog horn capabilities and difficulties in maintaining correct fog horn schedules, etc.

CN100485731CInactive Publication Date: 2009-05-06TSX PRODS
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Publication Date
2009-05-06
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for a horn controller that automatically operates a vessel's horn as a foghorn. The horn controller automatically sounds the vessel's horn according to the correct foghorn sounding schedule. This horn controller is designed to be installed on new vessels, and / or retrofitted to existing vessels.
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Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a marine navigation device for providing acoustic navigation signals. More particularly, the present invention relates to an economical controller for automatically manipulating acoustic navigation signals produced by marine horns and providing advance signal warning. Background technique

[0002] When operating seagoing vessels in conditions of restricted visibility (such as fog), in the International-Inland Navigation Guidelines (Navigation Rule International-Inland), COMDTINST M16672.2D (commonly known as 72 COLREGS or simply COLREGS) Guideline 35- In acoustic signaling in restricted visibility situations, audible signaling is required according to a predetermined scheme. Typically, these audible signals are produced by the ship's navigation horn, siren or dedicated foghorn. For example, a motor vessel of more than 12 meters in length navigating on water is required to sound the horn signal pattern of "one long blast" at i...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0028] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, especially figure 1 , which represents an exemplary embodiment of the present invention having a horn controller indicated by reference numeral 10 . The controller 10 preferably has a mounted detector 22 , a user interface with a mode selector 14 , a microprocessor 12 with a random number generator 20 , and a timing system 18 . The controller 10 works in conjunction with the ship's horn, siren, and / or dedicated fog horn 16 to adjustably and / or automatically sound the horn signal pattern. Controller 10 preferably works in conjunction with microprocessor 12 to selectively sound horn 16 according to specified modes or settings. The period of time between horn signals may be varied according to the delay time inserted by the random number generator 20 .

[0029] Activation of the controller 10 depends on the type of installation employed. For example, if the installation type uses a parallel signal (type A) for whistle mode sel...