Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
SMART BUOY
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to buoys. More specifically, the
present invention relates
to smart mooring buoys having an on-board electronics system.
BACKGROUND
Mooring buoys are used by boat owners to securely moor their boat when leaving
it for an
extended period of time. Traditionally, mooring buoys have served simply as
buoyant attachment
points to which boats or other pleasure craft can be anchored.
Typically, one or more securing lines, such as chain or rope, are used to
connect the mooring
buoy to a permanent anchor on the seafloor. The chain or rope can break due to
corrosion over
time, rope chafing, or over-loading. If the connection to the anchor is
broken, the mooring buoy
and boat attached to the buoy will drift away. The owner of the boat may have
no indication that
the boat has been lost until the owner visits the site and realizes that the
boat is missing.
Often the mooring buoy is located with many others in a crowded mooring field
at, for example,
a harbour or dock. This can make it difficult to locate a specific buoy,
especially at night or in
other low visibility conditions. With traditional mooring technology, there
are issues with
identifying the proper mooring site, with vessel security, and with tracking
local weather
conditions on-site, for example.
Boats are typically valuable, and owners may experience significant concern
over the well-being
of their watercraft during storms and other severe weather events. As well,
boat theft is an
ongoing concern, as boats are often left unattended in relatively remote
locations. Traditional
mooring buoys offer little or no reassurance to the owner that their property
is safe.
An alternative, additional, and/or improved mooring buoy is desirable.
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SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Mooring buoys described herein may provide intelligent monitoring and/or
reporting features to
the user, by way of on-board electronics, thereby enhancing user experience
over traditional
"dumb" mooring buoys functioning simply as buoyant attachment points.
Integrating on-board electronics components into a device intended for
operation in bodies of
water, fully exposed to the elements and typically located in remote locations
which are often
salty and corrosive, is a particularly challenging problem. Furthermore,
watercraft owners and
harbourmasters typically demand mooring buoys which have an appealing outward
appearance
and are free from structures which could damage the hull of a moored
watercraft, further
complicating the design of intelligent mooring buoys. Mooring buoys are often
used by pleasure
craft owners who further demand designs which are relatively simple to install
and service. As
well, particularly for valuable mooring buoys, buoy theft during the off-
season may be a
concern. Accordingly, described herein are mooring buoy designs which have now
been
developed for providing intelligent monitoring and/or reporting features, by
way of on-board
electronics.
Provided herein are mooring buoys comprising a lower buoy body; a transparent
dome covering
securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured to the lower buoyant body,
the transparent
dome covering and the lower buoyant body defining an interior chamber
enclosing a
rechargeable battery, a controller configured to control operation of the
mooring buoy, and at
least one solar panel; a pressure equalization vent for preventing pressure
build-up in the interior
chamber; and one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more
securing lines.
Housings for such mooring buoys, and methods performed by mooring buoys, are
also described.
In certain embodiments, mooring buoys described herein may comprise a
signalling light for
facilitating navigation and securing of a watercraft to the mooring buoy. In
certain embodiments,
the signalling light may be controllable by a remote user. In certain
embodiments, mooring
buoys described herein may comprise a satellite-based positioning system, such
as a GPS unit,
for determining location of the mooring buoy. In certain embodiments, the
satellite-based
positioning system may allow for a user to remotely obtain positional
information detailing the
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location of the mooring buoy and/or watercraft, for example.
In certain embodiments, it may be desirable for mooring buoys to automatically
detect an alert
condition, such as a break-away condition, drag condition, or a storm event,
and take a
notification action such as sending an alert to a user. In certain further
embodiments, where an
alert condition is detected, it may be desirable for the mooring buoy to
increase reporting
frequency of at least one parameter, such as mooring buoy location, during the
alert condition.
Accordingly, provided herein are methods performed by a mooring buoy, which
address such
break-away, drag, or storm event alert conditions.
In an embodiment, there is provided herein a mooring buoy comprising:
a lower buoyant body;
a transparent dome covering securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured
to the
lower buoyant body, the transparent dome covering and the lower buoyant body
defining
an interior chamber enclosing:
a rechargeable battery;
a controller configured to control operation of the mooring buoy; and
at least one solar panel;
a pressure equalization vent for preventing pressure build-up in the interior
chamber; and
one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more securing lines.
In another embodiment, the interior chamber may comprise a recessed chamber
portion within
the lower buoyant body, and wherein the rechargeable battery may be secured
within the
recessed chamber. In a further embodiment, the controller may also be secured
within the
recessed chamber.
In still another embodiment, the interior chamber may comprise a recessed
chamber portion
within the lower buoyant body, and wherein the controller may be secured
within the recessed
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chamber.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further
comprise a vertical support post extending away from the lower buoyant body,
wherein the at
least one solar panel may be at least partially supported by the support post.
In yet another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further comprise
a covering plate secured over the recessed chamber. In another embodiment, the
covering plate
may comprise a vertical support post extending away from the lower buoyant
body, wherein the
at least one solar panel may be at least partially supported by the support
post.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further
comprise a signalling light located at a top section of the support post.
In yet another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, at least one solar panel
may be
positioned about the support post on a vertical incline, and coupled to the
support post at a
support ridge extending radially outward from the support post.
In another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the transparent dome may be
secured by an
upper cap which may be positioned at a top portion of the transparent dome,
the upper cap
having a protruding portion which extends through the transparent dome and
engages with the
support post.
In another embodiment, the mooring buoy may further comprise a flexible bird
spike mounted to
a top portion of the transparent dome covering. In certain embodiments, the
mooring buoy may
.. comprise a flexible bird spike mounted to the upper cap. In still further
embodiments, the
flexible bird spike may be made from spring steel.
In yet another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further comprise
a satellite-based positioning system for determining a location of the mooring
buoy.
In another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the controller may be
programmed to detect
a break-away condition or drag condition, when the mooring buoy location is
away from an
expected location, and take a notification action. In another embodiment, the
notification action
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may comprise sending a light, noise, or message-based alert, or any
combination thereof. In
another embodiment, the message-based alert may be sent to different
recipients or recipient
groups depending on whether or not a watercraft is moored to the mooring buoy.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the controller may be
programmed to
periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location upon detecting
the break-away
condition or drag condition. In another embodiment, the controller may be
programmed to
periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location at a first
reporting frequency. In
still another embodiment, the controller may be programmed to periodically
report one or more
parameters to a remote location at a first reporting frequency, and wherein
upon detecting the
.. break-away condition or drag condition the controller is programmed to
periodically report one
or more parameters to the remote location at a second reporting frequency
which is greater than
the first reporting frequency. In yet another embodiment of the above mooring
buoys, the
controller may be programmed to periodically update the expected location. In
still another
embodiment, the one or more parameters may comprise one or more of buoy
location, break-
.. away condition, drag condition, buoy sensor information, buoy alarm status,
buoy signalling
light status, buoy battery status, watercraft location status, watercraft
connection status, water
temperature, or any combination thereof. In still another embodiment, the
remote location may
comprise a remote server which reports to the user and/or which is accessible
by the user.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further
comprise at least one motion sensor. In certain embodiments, the at least one
motion sensor may
be used to detect a storm event. In another embodiment, the controller may be
programmed to
take a notification action when the storm event is detected. In certain
embodiments, the
notification action may comprise sending a light, noise, or message-based
alert, or any
combination thereof. In yet another embodiment, the message-based alert may be
sent to
different recipients or recipient groups depending on whether or not a
watercraft is moored to the
mooring buoy. In still another embodiment, the controller may be programmed to
periodically
report one or more parameters to a remote location upon detecting the storm
event. In still
another embodiment, the controller may be programmed to periodically report
one or more
parameters to a remote location at a first reporting frequency, and wherein
upon detecting the
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storm event the controller may be programmed to periodically report one or
more parameters to
the remote location at a second reporting frequency which is greater than the
first reporting
frequency. In a further embodiment, the one or more parameters may comprise
one or more of
buoy location, storm event condition, break-away condition, drag condition,
buoy sensor
information, buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy battery
status, watercraft
location status, watercraft connection status, water temperature, or any
combination thereof. In
another embodiment, the location may comprise a remote server which reports to
the user and/or
which is accessible by the user.
In another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the at least one motion
sensor may
comprise an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or
any
combination thereof.
In another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may further
comprise one
or more radio frequency (RF) transceivers. In another embodiment, the one or
more RF
transceivers may comprise a short range radio, and wherein the controller may
be programmed to
detect a user device within range of the short range radio and enter a mooring
mode. In still
another embodiment, the one or more RF transceivers may provide two-way
communication
between a remote device and the mooring buoy. In yet another embodiment of the
above
mooring buoys, the mooring mode may activate a signalling light of the mooring
buoy to
facilitate mooring to the mooring buoy. In still another embodiment, the
remote device may
comprise a remote server to which the mooring buoy periodically reports
parameters including
one or more of: buoy location, buoy status, buoy sensor information, buoy
alarm status, buoy
signalling light status, buoy battery status, watercraft location status,
watercraft connection
status, water temperature, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment,
the remote device
may be a user device, and wherein communication allows user control of the
mooring buoy
.. including operation of one or more lights of the mooring buoy.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
be substantially
pear-shaped, with the lower buoyant body and the transparent dome covering
each having a
substantially circular horizontal cross-section, wherein an average diameter
of the transparent
dome covering is less than an average diameter of the lower buoyant body.
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In still another embodiment, the mooring buoy may comprise a signalling light
which provides
ambient lighting in low light conditions. In another embodiment, the
signalling light may be
controllable by a user to illuminate, or to flash, providing a beacon for the
user.
In still another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further
comprise one or more of a water temperature sensor; a camera; a microphone; a
speaker; a fish
finder; a sensor for monitoring charge state of the rechargeable battery; a
sensor for monitoring
attachment of the mooring buoy to the underwater anchor and/or tension
thereon; a sensor for
monitoring attachment of the mooring buoy to the watercraft and/or tension
thereon; a radar-
detectable reflector; a wind speed and direction sensor; a tidal variance
sensor; a depth sounder
for monitoring tidal changes; or a water sensor for sensing salinity and/or
pH.
In yet another embodiment of the above mooring buoys, the mooring buoy may
further
comprise:
a lower base portion provided between the lower buoyant body and the
transparent dome
covering, the lower base portion sealingly engageable with the transparent
dome covering
and securable to the lower buoyant body, such that when engaged with the
transparent
dome covering, the interior chamber is enclosed within the transparent dome
covering
and the lower base portion.
In another embodiment, the transparent dome covering, lower base portion,
interior chamber and
contents thereof, may be detachable from the lower buoyant body by detaching
the lower base
portion from the lower buoyant body.
In still another embodiment, the interior chamber may comprise the recessed
chamber portion
within the lower buoyant body, the recessed chamber portion defined by a
protruding section of
the lower base portion which is received by a recessed section of the lower
buoyant body.
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
.. method comprising:
monitoring one or more parameters;
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periodically communicating the one or more parameters to a remote location at
a first
reporting frequency;
detecting based on a motion sensor of the mooring buoy a potential storm
event; and
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to the remote location
at a
second reporting frequency which is greater than the first reporting
frequency.
In another embodiment, the one or more parameters may comprise one or more of
a buoy
location, a buoy storm event condition, a buoy break-away condition, a buoy
drag condition,
buoy sensor information, buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy
battery status,
watercraft location status, watercraft connection status, water temperature,
or any combination
thereof.
In another embodiment, the method may further comprise sending a light, noise,
or message-
based alert upon detecting the potential storm event. In still another
embodiment, the message-
based alert may be sent to different recipients or recipient groups depending
on whether or not a
watercraft is moored to the mooring buoy.
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
method comprising:
monitoring one or more parameters;
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to a remote location at
a first
reporting frequency;
detecting based on a satellite-based positioning system of the mooring buoy a
potential
break-away condition or drag condition when a location of the mooring buoy is
away
from an expected location; and
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to the remote location
at a
second reporting frequency which is greater than the first reporting
frequency.
In another embodiment, the one or more parameters may comprise one or more of
a buoy
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location, a buoy storm event condition, a buoy break-away condition, a buoy
drag condition,
buoy sensor information, buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy
battery status,
watercraft location status, watercraft connection status, water temperature,
or any combination
thereof.
In another embodiment, the method may further comprise sending a light, noise,
or message-
based alert upon detecting the potential break-away or drag condition. In yet
another
embodiment, the message-based alert may be sent to different recipients or
recipient groups
depending on whether or not a watercraft is moored to the mooring buoy.
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
method comprising:
detecting based on a sensor of the mooring buoy a potential detachment of a
watercraft
from the mooring buoy; and
sending a light, noise, or message-based alert upon detecting the potential
detachment of
the watercraft from the mooring buoy.
In still another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
method comprising:
detecting an approach of an authorized watercraft, or an activation signal
sent from an
authorized user, via a radio frequency (RF) transceiver of the mooring buoy;
and
causing a signalling light of the mooring buoy to illuminate or flash in
response to the
approach of the watercraft or detection of the activation signal, thereby
signalling
location of the mooring buoy to the user of the watercraft.
In another embodiment of any of the methods above, the method may further
comprise steps of:
capturing energy from sunlight using one or more solar panels of the mooring
buoy;
and
using the captured energy to charge a rechargeable battery of the mooring buoy
which
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powers the mooring buoy.
In another embodiment of any of the methods above, the mooring buoy may be any
of the
mooring buoys above.
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a housing for a mooring buoy,
the housing
comprising:
a lower buoyant body;
a transparent dome covering securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured
to the
lower buoyant body, the transparent dome covering and the lower buoyant body
defining
an interior chamber;
a pressure equalization vent for preventing pressure build-up in the interior
chamber; and
one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more securing lines.
In another embodiment of the housing, the pressure equalization vent may
comprise a gas
permeable membrane.
In another embodiment, the pressure equalization vent may be mounted through
the transparent
dome covering.
In still another embodiment of any of the housings above, the interior chamber
may comprise a
recessed chamber portion within the lower buoyant body.
In yet another embodiment of the about housings, the housing may further
comprise a vertical
support post extending away from the lower buoyant body.
.. In still another embodiment of the above housings, the housing may further
comprise a covering
plate secured over the recessed chamber. In yet another embodiment, the
covering plate may
comprise a vertical support post extending away from the lower buoyant body.
In still another embodiment, the housing may further comprise a housing for a
signalling light
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
located at a top section of the support post.
In yet another embodiment of the housings above, the support post may comprise
a support ridge
extending radially outward for supporting at least one solar panel on a
vertical incline.
In still another embodiment of the above housings, the transparent dome may be
secured by an
upper cap which is positioned at a top portion of the transparent dome, the
upper cap having a
protruding portion which extends through the transparent dome and engages with
the support
post.
In yet another embodiment, the above housings may further comprise a flexible
bird spike
mounted to a top portion of the transparent dome covering. In certain
embodiments, the flexible
bird spike may be mounted to the upper cap. In still another embodiment, the
flexible bird spike
may be made from spring steel.
In another embodiment of the above housings, the housing may be substantially
pear-shaped,
with the lower buoyant body and the transparent dome covering each having a
substantially
circular horizontal cross-section, wherein an average diameter of the
transparent dome covering
is less than an average diameter of the lower buoyant body.
In another embodiment of any of the housings above, the housing may further
comprise:
a lower base portion provided between the lower buoyant body and the
transparent dome
covering, the lower base portion sealingly engageable with the transparent
dome covering
and securable to the lower buoyant body, such that when engaged with the
transparent
dome covering, the interior chamber is enclosed within the transparent dome
covering
and the lower base portion.
In another embodiment, the transparent dome covering, lower base portion, and
interior chamber,
may be detachable from the lower buoyant body by detaching the lower base
portion from the
lower buoyant body.
In still another embodiment, the interior chamber may comprise the recessed
chamber portion
within the lower buoyant body, the recessed chamber portion defined by a
protruding section of
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the lower base portion which is received by a recessed section of the lower
buoyant body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a mooring buoy as
described
herein;
FIGURE 2 shows a side elevational view of the embodiment of the mooring buoy
depicted in
Figure 1;
FIGURES 3(A)-(E) provide detailed depictions of a mooring buoy embodiment
similar to that
depicted in Figure 1, providing further interior detail. (A) provides a side
elevational view of the
mooring buoy, (B) provides a perspective view of the mooring buoy with the
transparent dome
covering removed, (C) provides a top view of the buoy, (D) provides a cross-
sectional side view
of the mooring buoy taken along section D-D in (A), and (E) provides an
enlarged view of a
portion of the depiction in (D);
FIGURES 4(A)-(G) provide detailed depictions of the lower buoyant body of the
mooring buoy
.. embodiment depicted in Figure 3, providing further detail for the lower
buoyant body. (A)
provides a perspective view of the lower buoyant body, (B) provides a
perspective view of the
lower buoyant body, (C) provides a top view of the lower buoyant body, (D)
provides a cross-
sectional side view of the lower buoyant body, (E) provides another cross-
sectional side view of
the lower buoyant body which is rotated 90 from the depiction in (D) as taken
along section E-E
of (D), and (F) and (G) show enlarged views of portions F and G of the lower
buoyant portion
depicted in (E);
FIGURES 5(A)-(E) provide detailed depictions of the support post of the
mooring buoy
embodiment depicted in Figures 3 and 4, providing further detail for the
support post. (A)
provides a perspective view of the support post, (B) provides a top view of
the support post, (C)
provides a cross-sectional side view of the support post, (D) provides another
cross-sectional side
view of the support post, which is rotated 90 from the depiction in (C) as
taken along section D-
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D of (C), and (E) shows a cross-sectional top view of the support post taken
along section E-E of
(C);
FIGURES 6(A)-(C) provide detailed depictions of the transparent dome covering
of the mooring
buoy embodiment depicted in Figures 3-5, providing further detail for the
transparent dome
covering. (A) provides a perspective view of the transparent dome covering,
(B) provides a top
view of the transparent dome covering, and (C) provides a cross-sectional side
view of the
transparent dome covering, as taken along section C-C of (B);
FIGURES 7(A)-(E) provide detailed depictions of a solar panel array of the
mooring buoy
embodiment depicted in Figures 3-6, providing further detail for the solar
panel array. (A)
provides a perspective view of the solar panel array, (B) provides a flattened
top view of the
solar panel array, (C) provides a side view of the solar panel array, (D)
provides a cross-sectional
side view of the solar panel array, which is taken along section D-D of (C),
and (E) shows a top
view of the solar panel array;
FIGURES 8(A)-(E) provide detailed depictions of the upper cap and bird spike
of the mooring
buoy embodiment depicted in Figures 3-7, providing further detail for the
upper cap and bird
spike (also referred to as a bird deterrent post). (A) provides a perspective
view of the upper cap
and bird spike, (B) provides a top view of the upper cap and bird spike, (C)
provides a side
elevational view of the upper cap and bird spike, (D) provides a cross-
sectional side view of the
upper cap and bird spike as taken along section D-D of (C), and (E) provides
an enlarged view of
portion E of the upper cap and bird deterrent post depicted in (D);
FIGURE 9 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a multifunctional mooring buoy
as described
herein including GPS, wind speed/direction monitoring, LED lighting, and a
wireless
communications system (i.e. radio frequency (RF) transceiver);
FIGURE 10 shows a schematic in which a mooring buoy embodiment as described
herein is
configured to communicate with a user in proximity to the mooring buoy via a
local link such as
WiFi or Bluetooth radio, and configured to communicate with a remote user via
a wireless
cellular link which conveys information to a cloud computing system or remote
server farm
which can then be accessed by the remote user; and
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FIGURES 11(A)-(B) depict another embodiment of a mooring buoy as described
herein, in
which the transparent dome covering and electronics components of the mooring
buoy are
readily detachable from the lower buoyant body. (A) depicts the transparent
dome covering,
lower base portion, interior chamber and contents thereof removed from the
lower buoyant body
for storage. In (B), the lower base portion is re-attached to the lower
buoyant body (3).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Described herein are mooring buoys, housings therefor, and methods performed
by a mooring
buoy. It will be appreciated that embodiments and examples are provided for
illustrative
purposes intended for those skilled in the art, and are not meant to be
limiting in any way.
In certain embodiments, mooring buoys described herein may provide intelligent
monitoring
and/or reporting features to the user, by way of on-board electronics, thereby
enhancing user
experience over traditional "dumb" mooring buoys functioning simply as buoyant
attachment
points.
Integrating on-board electronics components into a mooring buoy intended for
operation in
bodies of water which are often salty and corrosive, and fully exposed to the
elements, is a
challenging problem. Watercraft owners, and particularly leisure or pleasure
craft owners,
typically demand mooring buoys having an appealing appearance and being free
from structures
which could damage the hull of a moored watercraft. Mooring buoys are acted on
by waves,
wind, and impacts with watercraft hulls, meaning that designs which secure and
stabilize
electronics components without impairing functionality and without adding
excessive bulk are
desirable. As well, mooring buoys are acted on by sunlight, which can cause
relatively rapid
changes in internal temperature. Such factors further complicate the design of
intelligent
mooring buoys.
Accordingly, described herein are mooring buoy designs which have now been
developed for
providing intelligent monitoring and/or reporting features, by way of on-board
electronics.
Provided herein are mooring buoys comprising a lower buoy body; a transparent
dome covering
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securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured to the lower buoyant body,
the transparent
dome covering and the lower buoyant body defining an interior chamber
enclosing a
rechargeable battery, a controller configured to control operation of the
mooring buoy, and at
least one solar panel; a pressure equalization vent for preventing pressure
build-up in the interior
chamber; and one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more
securing lines used
to secure a watercraft and the buoy, directly or indirectly, to an underwater
anchor. Housings for
such mooring buoys, and methods performed by mooring buoys, are also
described.
In an embodiment, mooring buoys described herein may comprise a signalling
light for
facilitating navigation and securing of a watercraft to the mooring buoy. In
another embodiment,
the signalling light may be controllable by a remote user. In yet another
embodiment, mooring
buoys described herein may comprise a satellite-based positioning system, such
as a GPS unit,
for determining location of the mooring buoy. In still another embodiment, the
satellite-based
positioning system may allow for a user to remotely obtain positional
information detailing the
location of the mooring buoy and/or watercraft, for example.
In certain embodiments, it may be desirable for mooring buoys to automatically
detect an alert
condition, such as a break-away condition, drag condition, or a storm event,
and take a
notification action such as sending an alert to a user. In certain further
embodiments, where an
alert condition is detected, it may be desirable for the mooring buoy to
increase reporting
frequency of at least one parameter, such as mooring buoy location, during the
alert condition.
Accordingly, provided herein are methods performed by a mooring buoy, which
address such
break-away, drag, or storm event alert conditions.
Mooring buoys described herein may provide intelligent monitoring and
reporting features to the
user. In certain embodiments, mooring buoys described herein may comprise a
signalling light, a
wireless communications system (i.e. a radio frequency (RF) transceiver), and
a satellite-based
positioning system, the signalling light facilitating navigation and securing
of the watercraft to
the correct mooring buoy, and the satellite-based positioning system allowing
the user to
remotely obtain positional information detailing the location of the buoy
and/or watercraft (and
allow for the user to be alerted when positional changes occur). In an
embodiment, the signalling
light and/or satellite-based positioning system may be under control of and/or
may report to the
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controller. In another embodiment, the wireless communications system may
allow for two-way
communication between the mooring buoy and a user, allowing the user to access
buoy
information, to control buoy function, and/or to be notified of a buoy alert
condition.
In certain embodiments, by providing a user controllable signalling light, the
mooring buoy may
.. be made to stand out visually for easier locating. In certain embodiments,
a satellite-based
positioning system (for example, GPS unit) of the mooring buoy may be used to
relay the
position of the mooring buoy to the boat owner to be displayed on, for
example, a smartphone
application map or another such device or interface. A controller and/or
satellite-based
positioning system of the mooring buoy may be programmed to continually
monitor (either
constantly, or at set time intervals, or upon being triggered by a particular
event) the position of
the mooring buoy, and to send an alert or notification to the boat owner if
the buoy drifts from its
expected location, or moves beyond a predetermined distance from an expected
location. The
satellite-based positioning system may, for example, regularly monitor buoy
position, and buoy
position may be periodically relayed to a remote server via a wireless
communications system. If
the satellite-based positioning system reports that the location of the buoy
is outside of a pre-
determined allowable expected location or area, an alarm may be sent and
reported to the remote
server and relayed to the boat owner via, for example, a smartphone
application, email, SMS text
message, automated phone call, or another such interface. The buoy may then
increase the
frequency of position reporting while drifting or while outside the allowable
expected location or
area.
As will be understood, a companion smartphone app, computer program, web-based
interface, or
other such user interface, may be provided to allow for access to mooring buoy
status and other
information reported by the mooring buoy, and/or to allow for remote control
of the mooring
buoy, and/or to allow for the user to receive automated alerts from the
mooring buoy. In certain
embodiments, the mooring buoy and the companion smartphone app, computer
program, or web-
based interface may communicate with one another via a remote server
communication, via a
local wireless or radio network, or both depending on proximity of the user.
In an embodiment, there is provided herein a mooring buoy comprising:
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
a lower buoyant body;
a transparent dome covering securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured
to the
lower buoyant body, the transparent dome covering and the lower buoyant body
defining
an interior chamber enclosing:
a rechargeable battery;
a controller configured to control operation of the mooring buoy; and
at least one solar panel; and
one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more securing lines.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may further comprise a pressure
equalization vent for
equalizing pressure between the interior chamber and the environment, and/or
for preventing
pressure build-up in the interior chamber due to temperature fluctuations, for
example. In certain
embodiments, the pressure equalization vent may be mounted through the
transparent dome, or
may be otherwise in communication with the interior chamber and the
environment and routed
through, for example, the lower buoyant body or an upper cap. As will be
understood, the
.. pressure equalization vent may comprise a suitable vent which allows for
pressure equalization
between the interior chamber and the environment, and which does not permit
appreciable
amounts of water or moisture to enter the interior chamber. In certain
embodiments, the pressure
equalization vent may comprise a gas permeable membrane. The pressure
equalization vent may,
for example, prevent buildup of pressure inside the interior chamber as a
result of heating when
the mooring buoy is exposed to sunlight. Such prevention of pressurization of
the interior
chamber may, for example, facilitate watertight sealing of the interior
chamber and may prevent
degradation of watertight sealing over time due to repeated pressurization
cycles, for example.
As will be understood, the lower buoyant body may comprise any suitable
buoyant structure
suitable for providing sufficient buoyancy to the mooring buoy to ensure
floatation under
.. operating conditions. By way of example, the lower buoyant body may be
formed using a
rotomolding process which may provide a durable high density polymer outer
layer and an inner
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
low density foam layer, for example. The person of skill in the art having
regard to the teachings
herein will be aware of a variety of materials, manufactures, and options for
providing a suitable
lower buoyant body.
In yet another embodiment, the interior chamber of the mooring buoy may
comprise a recessed
chamber portion within the lower buoyant body. In certain embodiments, the
lower buoyant
body may comprise an upper surface, with the recessed chamber portion formed
therein. In
certain further embodiments, the upper surface of the lower buoyant portion
may be a tiered
upper surface comprising a lower tier forming the bottom of the recessed
chamber, and an upper
tier forming a bottom of the interior chamber. In certain embodiments, the
recessed chamber may
be for housing heavy (i.e. battery) and/or motion-sensitive electrical
components and/or
components which function more effectively when bobbing and rocking motions
are reduced,
closer to or at the center of gravity of the buoy, reducing gyration
experienced due to, for
example, waves or wind, during use. Such reduction in experienced motion may
benefit, for
example, a satellite-based positioning system by increasing stability for
obtaining an accurate
positional reading, or a motion sensor such as an accelerometer by dampening
unimportant
motion detections. In certain embodiments, the recessed chamber may be at
least partially
separated and/or thermally isolated from the rest of the interior chamber,
thereby providing
additional protection of electrical components therein. In certain
embodiments, the rechargeable
battery, the controller, a satellite-based positioning system, a motion
sensor, or any combination
thereof, of the mooring buoy may be secured within the recessed chamber. In a
further
embodiment, the mooring buoy may comprise a covering plate secured over the
recessed
chamber.
In certain embodiments, the covering plate may at least partially cover the
recessed chamber,
thereby at least partially separating the recessed chamber from the rest of
the interior chamber.
Separating the recessed chamber may allow for particularly sensitive
electrical components, or
particularly valuable electrical components, to benefit from a second layer of
protection from the
elements when secured therein, providing protection against failure of the
transparent dome
covering, for example. As well, in certain embodiments, separating the
recessed chamber may at
least partially thermally isolate the recessed chamber from the rest of the
interior chamber,
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
reducing temperature fluctuations which may arise from exposure to sunlight,
for example. In an
embodiment, one or more ports may be provided to allow wires and other
connections into/out of
the recessed chamber, which may be either watertight/sealed, and/or which may
be elevated a
distance above an upper tier of the upper surface of the lower buoyant body,
thereby maintaining
openings above a level at which water might pool in the event of a transparent
dome covering
failure, thereby protecting electrical components in the recessed chamber from
water damage. As
will be understood, in certain embodiments, the upper surface of the lower
buoyant body may be
tiered, having an upper tier and a lower tier, whereby the lower tier forms
the bottom of the
recessed chamber and the upper tier (and a top of the covering plate, where
present) forms a
.. bottom of the rest of the interior chamber.
For example, in certain embodiments, the battery and/or the controller of the
mooring buoy may
be secured in the recessed chamber to keep heavy components and components
sensitive to
gyration near the center of gravity of the buoy, while the solar panel(s) and
signalling light (if
present) of the mooring buoy may be secured within the interior chamber,
thereby allowing
.. sunlight to reach the solar panel(s) and light from the signalling light to
be visible to the user. In
certain embodiments, the recessed chamber may be vented, to prevent pressure
build-up therein.
In certain embodiments, the rechargeable battery may comprise any suitable
energy source for
supplying power to components of the mooring buoy, which can be replenished by
the one or
more solar panels. In certain embodiments, the rechargeable battery may
comprise one battery
unit, or more than one discrete battery unit connected to one another, or
configured to switch
between one another to maintain power to the buoy electronics during
charging/depletion cycles.
The skilled person having regard to the teachings herein will be aware of
suitable energy sources,
and configurations thereof, for use as the rechargeable battery. As will also
be understood, the at
least one solar panel may comprise any suitable solar panel unit configured to
capture energy
.. from sunlight and use the captured energy to recharge the rechargeable
battery.
In certain embodiments, the solar panel(s) may be arranged substantially
equally about a
perimeter of the transparent dome covering, thereby receiving sunlight
regardless of orientation
with respect to the sun, and even while the buoy is rotating relative to the
sun due to wind or
waves.
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
As will also be understood, the transparent dome covering may comprise any
suitable covering,
at least a portion of which is transparent or otherwise permeable to light.
The transparent dome
covering is securable to the lower buoyant body, directly or indirectly, to
define the interior
chamber. The transparent dome covering allows sunlight to reach the at least
one solar panel to
allow for charging of the battery, and allows the signalling light (if
present) to be visible to the
user. As will be understood, the transparent dome covering may be
substantially clear, or may be
tinted or colored, so long as it does not substantially impair energy
collection from sunlight and
does not substantially impair visibility of the signalling light. The
transparent dome covering
may be made of a material which also does not substantially impair energy
collection from
sunlight and does not substantially impair visibility of the signalling light.
The transparent dome
covering may typically have a generally rounded shape, however it will be
understood that the
transparent dome covering may adopt other suitable shapes so long as sunlight
can still suitably
reach the solar panel(s).
In certain embodiments, the satellite-based positioning system may comprise
any suitable
positioning system or unit, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled
unit, suitable for
determining a location of the mooring buoy, and may, optionally, include an
ability to monitor
elevation in addition to longitude and latitude. Elevation may allow for
monitoring of tidal
changes, for example, where a suitably sensitive GPS is used and/or the
mooring buoy is
deployed in an area with large tidal variance.
In certain embodiments, when the transparent dome covering is secured to the
lower buoyant
portion, the transparent dome covering and the lower buoyant body may be
sealingly engaged,
directly or indirectly, thereby providing a sealed or watertight interior
chamber for the
electronics of the mooring buoy. In certain embodiments, the transparent dome
covering may be
sealingly engaged with the upper surface of the lower buoyant body, with
another region of the
lower buoyant body (for example, a ridge or rim around the periphery of the
upper surface), or a
combination thereof In certain embodiments, the sealing engagement may
comprise a friction fit
or screw fit, and/or may comprise a gasket or other seal. In certain
embodiments, the transparent
dome covering may be removable from, and re-attachable to, the lower buoyant
body so as to
allow access for maintenance or another such operation.
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
In still another embodiment, the mooring buoy may comprise a support post
extending
substantially vertically away from the lower buoyant body. In certain
embodiments, the at least
one solar panel of the mooring buoy may be at least partially supported by the
support post. In an
embodiment, at least one solar panel may be positioned about the support post
and secured to the
support post and/or an upper surface of the lower buoyant body. In certain
embodiments, the
support post may be integrated with or connected to a covering plate of the
mooring buoy
secured over a recessed chamber of the interior chamber of the mooring buoy.
In still another
embodiment, the mooring buoy may further comprise a signalling light located
at a top section of
the support post. In another embodiment, the at least one solar panel of the
mooring buoy may be
positioned about the support post on a vertical incline, and coupled to the
support post at a
support ridge extending radially outward from the support post. In yet another
embodiment, the
transparent dome may be secured by an upper cap which is positioned at a top
portion of the
transparent dome, the upper cap having a protruding portion which extends
through the
transparent dome and engages with the support post. In yet another embodiment,
the at least one
solar panel may be positioned about the support post on a vertical incline,
and secured directly or
indirectly to the support post at a support ridge extending radially outward
from the support post.
As will be understood, the support post may comprise any suitable support
member or support
structure. In certain embodiments, the support post may comprise a hollow tube-
like structure,
although several different structures may be used depending on the particular
application.
In still another embodiment, a mooring buoy as described herein may further
comprise a flexible
bird spike, or bird deterrent post, mounted to a top portion of the
transparent dome covering. It
has been found that birds (gulls, terns, cormorants, etc...) may occasionally
perch atop mooring
buoys such as those described herein, and will defecate on the mooring buoy.
For the present
buoys, this may present a challenge since accumulation of fecal matter on the
transparent dome
covering may prevent sunlight from reaching the one or more solar panels,
impairing ability of
the battery to be recharged. Accordingly, for applications where the local
bird population has an
affinity for perching on the mooring buoy, it may be desirable for the mooring
buoy to include a
bird spike, or another bird deterrent. In order to avoid damage to the hull or
a moored watercraft,
the bird spike may, in certain embodiments, comprise a flexible bird spike
made from, for
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
example, spring steel. In certain embodiments, the flexible bird spike may be
mounted to an
upper cap of the mooring buoy.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may comprise a wireless
communications system
which may comprise any suitable wireless communications unit, or combination
of units,
suitable for wirelessly communicating between the buoy and the user, between
the buoy and the
harbormaster, between the buoy and a device on the watercraft, and/or amongst
electrical
components of the mooring buoy itself. In certain embodiments, the wireless
communications
system may include a cellular communications system for communication with a
remote user,
may include a local wireless communications system (i.e. Zigbee, Bluetooth, Wi-
Fi, RF, or other
.. such local wireless system) for communicating with a user or a watercraft
in proximity to the
buoy, or both. The skilled person having regard to the teachings herein will
be aware of suitable
wireless communications systems appropriate for a particular application.
In certain embodiments, the controller may comprise any suitable programmable
controller or
plurality of controllers suitable for operating electronics of the mooring
buoy. By way of
example, the controller may comprise an Arduino controller, or other such
controller which may
be programmed with instructions for operation of the buoy and features
thereof.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may further comprise at least one
motion sensor, such
as an accelerometer or another motion detector, for sensing movement of the
mooring buoy. The
accelerometer or other such motion detection unit may be a discrete module, or
may be
integrated with another component such as the controller.
In further embodiments, the satellite-based positioning unit, wireless
communications system
(i.e. RF transceiver), and controller may include any suitable discrete or
integrated components
known to the person of skill in the art having regard to the teachings herein.
In certain embodiments, the controller may comprise one or more programmable
controller units
configured to control operation of the components (i.e. signalling light, GPS,
wireless, solar
panel, battery, other) included in the multifunctional electronics module, and
may be configured
to receive sensor and/or status information therefrom (either through wired or
wireless
connection) and trigger responses there to (i.e. activation of signalling
light, sending of drift alert
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
to the user, etc...). As will be understood, the controller may comprise a
central control unit for
controlling the electronics components, or may comprise more than one discrete
controller unit
responsible for particular operations which may, or may not, be in
communication with one
another. As will be understood, a variety of configurations may be possible,
and may be selected
to suit the particular application and feature set.
In certain embodiments, the one or more attachment points may comprise any
suitable
attachment point for engaging with one or more securing lines for securely
linking the mooring
buoy to an underwater anchor; for securely linking the mooring buoy to the
watercraft; and/or for
engaging the mooring buoy with a securing line which is for securely linking
the watercraft to an
underwater anchor, with the mooring buoy positioned along the securing line
between the
watercraft and the mooring anchor, for example. In certain embodiments, one
attachment point
may be for securing the buoy to the underwater anchor via a first securing
line, while another
may be used for securing the buoy to the watercraft via a second securing
line. In another
embodiment, one attachment point may be used for both securing the buoy to the
underwater
anchor via a first securing line, and for securing the buoy to the watercraft
via a second securing
line. In another embodiment, a single securing line may be used to secure the
watercraft to the
underwater anchor, and the mooring buoy may be engaged with the securing line
at a position
along the securing line such that the mooring buoy maintains a portion of the
securing line at the
surface of the water to allow easy access for the watercraft user. In certain
embodiments, a single
securing line may be used to link the underwater anchor, mooring buoy, and
watercraft, or more
than one securing line may be used. In certain embodiments, an additional
floater may be
included on an end of a securing line intended for securing to the watercraft,
to assist the user
with retrieving the securing line for attachment to the watercraft. As will be
understood,
attachment point(s) may engage with securing line(s) in any suitable manner
appropriate for the
application, and may include embodiments where the securing line is fixedly
attached to the
attachment point, where the securing line is slidingly engaged with the
attachment point (for
example, the securing line passes through an aperture of the securing line),
or another such
coupling or engagement. Where a securing line is slidingly engaged with an
attachment point, a
collar or other such stopper may be provided on the securing line to catch at
the attachment point
to prevent the securing line from sinking. The person of skill in the art
having regard to the
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
teachings herein will be aware of a variety of suitable attachment point and
securing line
arrangements appropriate for a particular application.
In another embodiment, mooring buoys as described herein may comprise a
satellite-based
positioning system for determining a location of the mooring buoy. In certain
embodiments, the
controller may be programmed to detect a break-away condition, a drag
condition, or both, when
the mooring buoy location is away from an expected location, and take a
notification action. The
break-away condition may arise when the mooring buoy becomes detached from the
underwater
mooring or anchor, leaving the mooring buoy (and the watercraft, if attached
thereto) untethered
and drifting. The drag condition may arise when the underwater anchor is being
drug along the
sea floor due to, for example, winds or other forces exerted on the watercraft
and/or buoy at the
surface. In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may be programmed with an
expected
location at which the mooring buoy is expected to be located. The expected
location may be a
specific location or region, and may or may not include drift tolerances to
allow for the mooring
buoy to drift beyond the expected location for less than a pre-set amount of
time or by less than a
pre-set distance without triggering the notification action. An expected
location may include, for
example, a longitude and latitude which has been selected as a desired home
location for the
mooring buoy, and may include an allowable pre-set or selectable tolerance to
accommodate
minor deviations therefrom due to waves, wind, changes in water depth, tidal
action, current, or
other such factors. In certain embodiments, a user may program the mooring
buoy with an
acceptable expected location at which the buoy may be located, beyond which
the alert may be
triggered. In certain embodiments, break-away may be detected by the reported
GPS position
being outside of a pre-described watch circle. In certain embodiments, a watch
circle defining an
expected location encircling a particular latitude and longitude position,
having a radius about
the position of the mooring anchor which is determined from the length of the
anchor securing
line (i.e. anchor chain or anchor rope) and water depth, may be used to define
the acceptable
expected location based on a maximum radius/diameter about the mooring anchor
wherein the
mooring buoy would be at the limit of the fully extended securing line (i.e.
rope or chain). In
certain embodiments, the radius could be entered manually by a user, or a user
may perform a
calibration operation by using a boat to pull the buoy outwards in a circle
about its full outer
limit of range (limited by the length of securing line chain or rope running
from the underwater
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
mooring anchor) while the mooring buoy is set to record location at a high
frequency, thereby
recording the GPS co-ordinates of the outer limit and calibrating the
acceptable expected
location.
In certain embodiments, the notification action may comprise sending a light,
noise, or message-
.. based alert, or any combination thereof. Where the mooring buoy includes a
signalling light, the
signalling light may be illuminated, flashed, or pulsed, to alert the user
and/or assist with locating
the mooring buoy during break-away or drag. Where the mooring buoy includes a
speaker, a
noise may be sounded to alert the user and/or assist with locating the mooring
buoy during
break-away or drag. Where the mooring buoy comprises a wireless communications
system, the
notification action may include sending a message-based alert. In certain
embodiments, the
message-based alert may be sent to different recipients or recipient groups,
depending on
whether or not a watercraft has been moored to the mooring buoy. For example,
where a
watercraft has been moored to the mooring buoy, the recipient(s) of the
message-based alert may
include the watercraft owner, the harbourmaster, or both, for example. Where a
watercraft is not
moored to the mooring buoy, the recipient(s) of the message-based alert may
include the buoy
owner. For example, where the mooring buoy belongs to a harbour master, and no
watercraft
user has booked or used the mooring buoy, the recipient of the message-based
alert may be the
harbour master, as it is not necessary for a boat owner to be alerted.
In certain embodiments, the message-based alert may comprise a text message,
email, app
notification, or other such alert.
In another embodiment, where the mooring buoy comprises a wireless
communications system
such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, the controller of the mooring buoy
may be
programmed to periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location.
Parameters may
include, for example, buoy location, break-away condition status, drag
condition status, buoy
sensor information (i.e. water temperature, air temperature, etc...), buoy
alarm status (i.e. battery
failure, storm event, etc...), buoy signalling light status, buoy battery
status, watercraft location
status, watercraft connection status (i.e. mooring status of a watercraft to
the buoy), or any
combination thereof.
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
In still another embodiment, the controller of the mooring buoy may be
programmed to
periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location upon detecting
a break-away or
drag condition. In certain embodiments, the controller may be programmed to
periodically report
one or more parameters to a remote location at a first reporting frequency,
and wherein upon
detecting the break-away condition or the drag condition the controller may be
programmed to
periodically report one or more parameters to the remote location at a second
reporting frequency
which is greater (i.e. more frequent) than the first reporting frequency. In
certain embodiments,
the one or more parameters comprise buoy location, break-away condition, drag
condition, buoy
sensor information, buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy
battery status, watercraft
location status, watercraft connection status, water temperature, or any
combination thereof. In
certain further embodiments, the remote location may be a remote server which
reports to the
user and/or which is accessible by the user.
In certain embodiments, the controller may be programmed to periodically
update the expected
location used for determining break-away and/or drag condition, to accommodate
for minor
drifting of the mooring buoy throughout a season, for example. In certain
embodiments, a
running average of mooring buoy position could be maintained over a set period
of time, for
example a week or weeks, or a season, and if a deviation is detected the user
could be notified
that re-calibration of the expected location may be of interest. In certain
embodiments,
depending on prevailing winds/currents, the mooring buoy may inhabit one
end/area of its
allowable region for an extended period of time. A running average of its
position may be
calculated, and if there is deviation by a predetermined amount from that
running average a
warning could be sent. If the buoy continues to drift, an alarm condition may
be sent.
In yet another embodiment, the mooring buoy may comprise at least one motion
sensor. In yet
another embodiment, the at least one motion sensor may be used to detect a
storm event. In still
another embodiment, the controller may be programmed to take a notification
action when the
storm event is detected. Where the mooring buoy includes an accelerometer,
IMU, or other such
motion sensor, a higher than average motion reading (likely due to wind or
waves, and
determined with reference to a long term running average, for example) for
more than a
predetermined period of time might be used to detect a storm event. In certain
embodiments, the
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
mooring buoy may receive a local weather forecast from a remote server,
signalling a potential
storm condition to the buoy (based on, for example, increased wind levels). In
certain
embodiments, the weather forecast may be used to trigger the mooring buoy to
increase
monitoring of motion sensors for detecting a local storm event, for example.
In certain embodiments, the notification action may comprise sending a light,
noise, or message-
based alert, or any combination thereof. Where the mooring buoy includes a
signalling light, the
signalling light may be illuminated, flashed, or pulsed, to alert the user
and/or assist with locating
the mooring buoy during a storm event. Where the mooring buoy includes a
speaker, a noise may
be sounded to alert the user and/or assist with locating the mooring buoy
during a storm event.
Where the mooring buoy comprises a wireless communications system, the
notification action
may include sending a message-based alert. In certain embodiments, the message-
based alert
may be sent to different recipients or recipient groups, depending on whether
or not a watercraft
has been moored to the mooring buoy. For example, where a watercraft has been
moored to the
mooring buoy, the recipient(s) of the message-based alert may include the
watercraft owner, the
harbourmaster, or both, for example. Where a watercraft is not moored to the
mooring buoy, the
recipient(s) of the message-based alert may include the buoy owner. For
example, where the
mooring buoy belongs to a harbour master, and no watercraft user has booked or
used the
mooring buoy, the recipient of the message-based alert may be the harbour
master, as it is not
necessary for a boat owner to be alerted.
In another embodiment, where the mooring buoy comprises a wireless
communications system
such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver, the controller of the mooring buoy
may be
programmed to periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location.
Parameters may
include, for example, buoy location, storm event condition, break-away
condition status, drag
condition status, buoy sensor information (i.e. water temperature, air
temperature, etc...), buoy
alarm status (i.e. battery failure, storm event, etc...), buoy signalling
light status, buoy battery
status, watercraft location status, watercraft connection status (i.e. mooring
status of a watercraft
to the buoy), or any combination thereof
In still another embodiment, the controller of the mooring buoy may be
programmed to
periodically report one or more parameters to a remote location upon detecting
a storm event. In
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
certain embodiments, the controller may be programmed to periodically report
one or more
parameters to a remote location at a first reporting frequency, and wherein
upon detecting the
storm event the controller may be programmed to periodically report one or
more parameters to
the remote location at a second reporting frequency which is greater (i.e.
more frequent) than the
first reporting frequency. In certain embodiments, the one or more parameters
comprise buoy
location, storm event condition, break-away condition, drag condition, buoy
sensor information,
buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy battery status,
watercraft location status,
watercraft connection status, water temperature, or any combination thereof.
In certain further
embodiments, the remote location may be a remote server which reports to the
user and/or which
is accessible by the user. In certain embodiments, the motion sensor may
comprise one or more
of an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, a gyroscope, or any
combination
thereof.
In another embodiment, the mooring buoys described herein may comprise one or
more radio
frequency (RF) transceivers. In certain embodiments, the one or more RF
transceivers may
comprise a short range radio, wherein the controller is programmed to detect a
user device within
range of the short range radio and enter a mooring mode. In certain
embodiments, the mooring
mode may activate a signalling light of the mooring buoy to facilitate mooring
to the mooring
buoy. In certain embodiments, the one or more RF transceivers may provide two-
way
communication between a remote device and the mooring buoy. In certain further
embodiments,
the remote device may be a remote server to which the mooring buoy
periodically reports
parameters including one or more of: buoy location, buoy status, buoy sensor
information, buoy
alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy battery status, watercraft
location status,
watercraft connection status, water temperature, break-away condition status,
drag condition
status, storm event status, or any combination thereof, for example. In
another embodiment, the
remote device may be a user device, and wherein communication may allow user
control of the
mooring buoy including operation of one or more lights of the mooring buoy,
for example.
In certain embodiments the mooring buoy may be substantially pear-shaped, with
the lower
buoyant body and the transparent dome covering each having a substantially
circular horizontal
cross-section, wherein an average diameter of the transparent dome covering is
less than an
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
average diameter of the lower buoyant body.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may comprise a signalling light which
provides
ambient lighting in low light conditions. In certain further embodiments, the
signalling light may
be controllable by a user to illuminate, or to flash, providing a beacon for
the user as desired.
In further embodiments, the signalling light may comprise any suitable
lighting system able to
provide a suitable light source for the buoy. In certain embodiments, a
relatively energy efficient
lighting system, such as an LED-based lighting system, may be used to reduce
energy demands.
In certain embodiments, the signalling light may be capable of providing
adjustable intensity or
brightness, may be capable of providing light of different color, and/or may
be capable of
flashing or pulsing with an adjustable frequency or with an adjustable
pattern. In certain
embodiments, the signalling light may comprise, or may be connected with, an
ambient light
sensor allowing the signalling light to automatically illuminate in low light
conditions. In certain
embodiments, the signalling light may be located under the transparent dome
covering and
therefore protected from the elements. Alternatively, in certain embodiments,
the signalling light
may be positioned atop or outside the transparent dome covering, in which case
a waterproof or
water resistant signalling light may be selected. In certain embodiments, the
mooring buoy may
receive sunrise and sunset times from a remote server, and may operate the
signalling light based
on these received times to provide suitable lighting.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may further comprise one or more of a
water
temperature sensor; a sensor for monitoring charge state of the rechargeable
battery; a camera; a
microphone for audio monitoring; a speaker for playing audio from the buoy; a
fish finder; a
sensor for monitoring attachment of the mooring buoy to the underwater anchor
and/or tension
thereon; a sensor for monitoring attachment of the mooring buoy to the
watercraft and/or tension
thereon; a radar-detectable reflector; a wind speed and direction sensor; a
depth sounder for
measuring tidal changes; a tidal variance sensor; or a water sensor for
sensing salinity and/or pH.
As will be understood, other sensor(s) may be included as desired to suit a
particular application.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may be provided with one or more
cameras for
providing visual confirmation of watercraft attachment, local weather
conditions, and/or buoy
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
location. In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy may be programmed to send
an image, a
video, or both, from the camera to a remote server and/or to a user at a
predetermined interval, in
response to an event such as detection of a storm event, a break-away
condition, a drag
condition, or a boat theft condition, or upon receiving a request from a user.
In certain
embodiments, the one or more cameras may be used to provide an image feed to
the controller
and/or to a remote server, which may be programmed to analyze the image feed
using an
algorithm to verify boat attachment. In such manner, a break-away or theft
condition may be
identified be analyzing an image feed provided by the one or more cameras, for
example.
In certain embodiments, mooring buoys as described herein may comprise a
multifunctional
electronics module enclosed in the interior chamber, the multifunctional
electronics module
comprising a rechargeable battery; at least one solar panel for capturing
energy from sunlight and
charging the battery; a satellite-based positioning system for tracking
location of the mooring
buoy; a signalling light; a wireless communications system for communicating
with a user; and a
controller.
In certain embodiments, where it is desirable for the transparent dome
covering and electronics
components of the mooring buoy to be readily detachable from the lower buoyant
body (for
example, to service the electronics, to store the electronics during low
season or winter, or to
avoid theft, without requiring full removal of the mooring buoy and without
requiring
detachment of the mooring buoy from the underwater anchor), the interior
chamber may be
designed as a self-contained unit which is separable from the lower buoyant
portion. By way of
example, the interior chamber may be enclosed within the transparent dome
covering and a
lower base portion, and in certain embodiments the transparent dome covering
may be sealingly
engageable with the lower base portion to form the interior chamber for the
electronics. An
example of such an embodiment is depicted in Figures 11(A) and 11(B), with the
lower base
portion indicated as (110). Figure 11(A) depicts the transparent dome
covering, lower base
portion, interior chamber and contents thereof removed from the lower buoyant
body for storage.
In Figure 11(B), the lower base portion is re-attached to the lower buoyant
body (3). In one such
embodiment, the lower base portion may comprise a complementary tiered lower
base portion,
which is structured to reversibly engage with the upper surface of the lower
buoyant body.
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
Figures 11(A) and 11(B) depict one such embodiment, in which the lower base
portion (110) is a
tiered lower base portion, with a protruding section (111) formed therein
which corresponds to
and may be mated with a recessed section (112) of the lower buoyant body (3),
whereby the
protruding section (111) may be received in the recessed section (112) and may
engage with the
recessed section (112) via a friction fit or threaded engagement, for example,
thereby reversibly
securing the lower base portion to the lower buoyant portion (3). The interior
chamber may then
comprise a recessed chamber portion (17) within the lower buoyant body, the
recessed chamber
portion (17) being defined by the protruding section (111). The recessed
chamber portion may
then be used to house electrical components in the manner as already described
herein. In certain
embodiments, the protruding section may engage with the recessed section via a
friction fit, via a
threaded bolt-type engagement, via a ridge/groove-type engagement, or another
such coupling,
thereby securing the lower base portion to the lower buoyant body. The
interior chamber and
electronics therein (i.e. the transparent dome covering, the lower base
portion, and electronics
housed in the interior chamber defined therebetween) may then be removed from
the lower
buoyant body as a self-contained unit by overcoming or undoing the friction
fit or other such
engagement between the lower base portion and the lower buoyant body. This may
be desirable
to, for example, service the electronics, prevent theft, interchange the
electronics between
different lower buoyant bodies, or install the electronics on another buoy. In
certain
embodiments, the lower base portion may be structured to accommodate and
secure to a standard
buoy, thereby using the standard buoy as a lower buoyant body.
Examples of a mooring buoy as described herein (as well as housings for such
mooring buoys)
are depicted in Figures 1-8. In the depicted examples, a mooring buoy (1) is
shown, which
comprises:
a lower buoyant body (3);
a transparent dome covering (11) securable to the lower buoyant body (3), when
secured
to the lower buoyant body (3), the transparent dome covering (11) and the
lower buoyant
body (3) defining an interior chamber (4) enclosing:
a rechargeable battery (6);
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
a controller (9) configured to control operation of the mooring buoy (1); and
at least one solar panel (7);
a pressure equalization vent (29), the pressure equalization vent (29) mounted
through the
transparent dome covering (11); and
one or more attachment points (10) for engaging with one or more securing
lines, thereby
securing the buoy (1) to an underwater anchor and to a watercraft via one or
more
securing lines.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the lower buoyant body (3) comprises a polymer-
based floatation
body, and the transparent dome covering (11) comprises and a polycarbonate
dome. A signalling
light (8) is further provided, comprising a light emitting diode (LED)-based,
or other such
energy-efficient or low energy, lighting system which is colour configurable
and features
intensity modulation and is user controllable via a smartphone application
through a wireless
communication system of the mooring buoy.
The lower buoyant body (3) provides suitable flotation force to support
commonly used mooring
chain sizes, and in the depicted non-limiting example is formed using a
rotomolding process
which may provide a durable high density polymer outer layer and an inner low
density foam
layer. Other lower buoyant body configurations are also contemplated. A
shackle-type
attachment point (10) with a molded-in stainless steel bushing is provided on
the bottom of the
lower buoyant body (3) of the mooring buoy. A band of reflective material may
be provided,
encircling the mooring buoy for providing improved visibility in low light
conditions. It will be
recognized that a variety of different materials and components may be used,
and may be
selected to suit a particular application. These examples are simply provided
for illustrative
purposes.
In the depicted example, the lower buoyant body (3) is structured to provide
about 120 lbs (about
55kg) of buoyancy. The attachment point (10) is for engaging with a securing
line running from
an underwater anchor up to the surface, allowing the mooring buoy (10) to
provide buoyancy to
maintain a portion of the securing line at the surface, so the securing line
can be secured to a
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
watercraft by the user, thereby mooring the watercraft. As will be understood
a variety of
different attachment point/securing line arranges may be used depending on the
particular
application. The buoy is free of sharp protrusions that could harm a
watercraft (while still
including a flexible bird spike to deter bird perching). In certain
embodiments, the buoy may
include a radar reflector proud of the waterline, which may for example
comprise a metallic-
based radar reflector enclosed inside the buoy. In certain embodiments, the
device may act as a
SPAR buoy and allow for an ice flow to traverse over it, if necessary. In
certain embodiments,
the mooring buoy may be configured to keep the electronics in the interior
chamber dry, even if
the buoy becomes fully submerged.
In the depicted embodiment of Figures 1-8, a satellite-based positioning
system (in this example,
a GPS unit) and a wireless communications system (in this example, an RF
transceiver) are
integrated with the controller (9), along with an accelerometer for motion
sensing, however it
will be understood one or more of these may alternatively be provided as
separate units. In this
example, the controller (9) collects sensor data and sends and receives
information and
instructions from remote computer device(s) through the wireless
communications system. As
shown in Figure 4(F), the depicted lower buoyant body (3) includes an indented
ring (18), on
which a reflective stripe may be positioned to prevent the reflective stripe
from being scratched
or damaged from impact with the boat hull or other floating body (such as a
log, etc...) during
use.
As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the depicted mooring buoy comprises a pressure
equalization vent
(29) comprising a gas permeable membrane, the pressure equalization vent (29)
mounted
through the transparent dome covering (11). In Figure 3(A), the mooring buoy
is shown with the
transparent dome covering (11) secured to the lower buoyant body (3), thereby
providing a
sealed interior chamber (4) for the buoy electronics. In Figure 3(B), the
transparent dome
covering (11) has been removed from the mooring buoy, allowing access to the
interior chamber
(4) for service of the electronics.
In the depicted embodiment, as shown in Figures 3(D) and 3(E), the interior
chamber (4)
comprises a recessed chamber (17) portion within the lower buoyant body (3),
and the
rechargeable battery, GPS unit, accelerometer, and the controller of the
mooring buoy are
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
secured within a recessed chamber (17). In such manner, heavy components (i.e.
the battery) and
components which are sensitive to motion or which function more effectively
when bobbing and
rocking motions are reduced, are located close to the center of gravity of the
mooring buoy,
thereby reducing experienced motion due to, for example, rocking and bobbing
due to waves.
Such reduced motion may benefit, for example, a GPS unit by increasing
stability in order to
facilitate suitable communication periods for signal fixing without excessive
gyrating, or a
motion sensor such as an accelerometer by dampening unimportant motion
detections, for
example. As shown in Figures 4(A), 4(C), 4(D), and 4(E), the lower buoyant
body (3) has the
recessed chamber (17) formed therein. Additional views of the depicted lower
buoyant body (3)
are provided in Figures 4(A)-4(G).
In the depicted embodiment, the recessed chamber (17) is covered by covering
plate (20) secured
over the recessed chamber (17). As shown in Figures 3(D) and 3(E), the mooring
buoy (1)
comprises a support post (14) extending substantially vertically away from the
lower buoyant
body (3), and at least one solar panel (7) (in the depicted example, 5 solar
panels (7) are
.. provided) is/are positioned about the support post (14) at least partially
supported by the support
post (14). In the depicted embodiment, the support post (14) is integrated
with the covering plate
(20) such that the covering plate (20) comprises the support post (14). The
recessed chamber (17)
is thereby separated from the rest of the interior chamber (4), allowing for
sensitive and/or
valuable electrical components therein to benefit from a second layer of
protection from the
elements by providing protection against failure of the transparent dome
covering (11). A port
formed through the support post (14), with openings (40) raised above an upper
tier (41) of the
upper surface (13) of the lower buoyant body (3), is provided for running
wires into the recessed
chamber (17), thereby maintaining openings above a level at which water might
pool in the event
of transparent dome covering (11) failure.
.. The support post (14) is depicted in further detail in Figures 5(A)-5(E).
In the depicted
embodiment, the signalling light (8) is located at a top section of the
support post (14), at a light
housing (15) formed therein. As well, in the depicted embodiment, the mooring
buoy (1) is
substantially pear-shaped, with the transparent dome covering (11) and the
lower buoyant body
(3) each having a substantially circular horizontal cross-section, wherein an
average diameter of
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
the transparent dome covering (11) is less than an average diameter of the
lower buoyant body.
By way of example, Figure 1 depicts an embodiment in which the mooring buoy
(1) is
substantially pear-shaped, having a circular horizontal cross-section and
progressively increasing
and then decreasing in diameter moving from bottom (i.e. submerged end) to top
of the mooring
buoy.
As shown in Figures 1-3, and as shown in further detail in Figures 6(A)-(C),
the depicted
mooring buoy embodiment comprises a transparent dome covering (11) which, when
secured to
the lower buoyant body (3), together defines the interior chamber (4). The
interior chamber (4)
encloses electronics components for the mooring buoy (such as the battery,
controller, and solar
panels), and seals against the lower buoyant body (3), thereby providing a
sealed (water-tight)
engagement between the transparent dome covering (11) and the lower buoyant
body (3). As
shown in Figure 4(G), the upper surface (13) of the lower buoyant body (3)
includes a friction fit
rim (19) about its outer edge, to which the transparent dome covering (11) can
be sealingly
engaged. In Figures 1, 2, 4, and 6, the transparent dome covering (11) fits
onto, and is sealed to,
the top of the polymer-based lower buoyant body (3) with the aid of an
overlapping lip as the
friction fit.
Figures 5(A)-5(E) depict an embodiment of a support post (14) as described
herein, which is
used in the mooring buoy depicted in Figures 1-3. The support post (14) is
integrated with, or
connected to, covering plate (20) which fastens to the upper surface (13) of
the lower buoyant
body (3), and covers the recessed chamber (17). The support post (14) includes
a channel
running therethrough for connecting the signalling light (8) positioned at the
light housing (15)
of the support post (14) to the controller (9) and battery (6), and for
providing wired
connection(s) to allow the solar panel(s) (7) to charge the battery (6). The
channel may also
provide venting between the recessed chamber and the rest of the interior
chamber. The support
post (14) includes a signalling light housing (15) which includes openings
therein to allow light
transmission. The support post (14) also includes a support ridge (25)
extending radially outward
from the support post (14), for securing the one or more solar panels (7).
As shown in Figures 3(E) and 7(A)-(E), the at least one solar panel (7) (in
the depicted example,
5 solar panels (7) are provided) are positioned about the support post (14) on
a vertical incline,
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
and secured indirectly to the support post (14) at the support ridge (25) of
the support post (14)
extending radially outwardly therefrom. The upper portion of each solar panel
(7) is connected to
a pentagonally shaped plate (26) (5 sides, each corresponding to one of the
solar panels) with a
central hole therein sized to accommodate the support post (14) and rest atop
and/or affix to the
support ridge (25). In certain embodiments, the pentagonally-shaped plate (26)
may comprise a
plate with five bent flaps to which the solar panels (7) may be mounted, and
the 5 solar panels
(7) may be mounted at an angle to the horizon. As will be understood, the
plate (26) need not be
pentagonal, and may for example adopt another shape with a number of sides
appropriate for the
desired number of solar panels to be installed, for example. In the depicted
embodiment, the
solar panels (7) are mounted on a vertical incline with an angle to the
horizon of about 68 ,
although this is merely for illustrative purposes as other angles may be used
depending on the
particular location, angles of light received, and type of solar panel used.
In the depicted
embodiment, the support post (14) comprises a tube which is hollow, thereby
allowing wires
from the solar panels to be fed under the plate (26), through openings (40),
and down through the
.. tube to the battery and controller with minimal visual disruption, and
allowing the controller and
battery to be housed in a protected region.
As shown in Figure 5(A), the upper end (22) of the support post (14) includes
an engagement
member (23) for connection with an upper cap (24). The upper cap (24) is
depicted in further
detail in Figures 8(A)-8(E). As shown, the upper cap (24) comprises a widened
head portion (27)
.. structured to seal against the exterior of the transparent dome covering
(11), and includes a
protruding portion (engagement member, such as a friction fit or threaded
member) (28) which
extends through a hole in the transparent dome covering (11) and engages with
the
corresponding engagement member (23) of the support post (14), thereby further
securing the
transparent dome covering (11). As the transparent dome covering provides a
watertight interior
.. chamber (4) enclosing electrical components of the buoy, a pressure
equalization vent (29)
comprising a gas permeable membrane is provided mounted through the
transparent dome
covering (11) to allow equilibration and to prevent over- and under-pressuring
due to changes in
temperature or temperature fluctuations within the sealed interior chamber
(4).
As shown in Figure 8, a flexible bird spike (30) is provided mounted to and
extending from a top
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
of the upper cap (24) to prevent birds from perching on the mooring buoy (1).
In certain
embodiments, the flexible bird post (30) may comprise a thin stainless spring
steel rod affixed to
the top of the transparent dome covering (11) as a means of deterring birds
from resting on the
top of the buoy (1).
The mooring buoy (1) depicted in Figures 1-3 is substantially pear-shaped,
with the transparent
dome covering (11) and the lower buoyant body (3) each having a substantially
circular
horizontal cross-section, wherein an average diameter of the transparent dome
covering (11) is
less than an average diameter of the lower buoyant body (3).
Mooring buoys as described herein may be of particular interest to pleasure
craft owners and
marina operators, for example. In certain embodiments, mooring buoys as
described herein may
provide a relatively low profile buoy, which may aid mariners in the operation
and management
of their pleasure craft. Features such as on-demand ambient illumination
and/or flashing (fog
piercing), night-glow, owner ID verification, position monitoring,
verification of connection to
mooring chain/rope, alarm signaling on location variance, theft alarm
signalling, and/or ambient
water temperature sensing may be configured with design embodiments described
herein. In
certain embodiments, features may include position sensing which may be used
to provide a
position variance signal, proximity sensing with a boat, and the variance
signal may be used to
monitor linkage between the boat and the mooring buoy. In certain embodiments,
mooring buoys
described herein may be generally non-damaging to boat hulls, may include
water temperature
sensing, and/or may be detectable by radar.
Also provided herein are housings for mooring buoys. In certain embodiments,
there is provided
herein a housing for a mooring buoy, the housing comprising:
a lower buoyant body;
a transparent dome covering securable to the lower buoyant body, when secured
to the
lower buoyant body, the transparent dome covering and the lower buoyant body
defining
an interior chamber; and
one or more attachment points for engaging with one or more securing lines.
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
In another embodiment, the housing may further comprise a pressure
equalization vent for
equalizing pressure between the interior chamber and the environment, and/or
for preventing
pressure build-up in the interior chamber due to temperature fluctuations, for
example. In certain
embodiments, the pressure equalization vent may be mounted through the
transparent dome, or
may be otherwise in communication with the interior chamber and the
environment and routed
through, for example, the lower buoyant body or an upper cap. In certain
embodiments, the
pressure equalization vent may comprise a gas permeable membrane, for example.
In another
embodiment, the interior chamber may comprise a recessed chamber portion
within the lower
buoyant body. In yet another embodiment, the housing may further comprise a
covering plate
secured over the recessed chamber.
In still another embodiment, the housing may further comprise a vertical
support post extending
away from the lower buoyant body. In another embodiment, the covering plate
may comprise the
vertical support post extending away from the lower buoyant body (i.e. the
support post may be
integrated with, or connected to, the covering plate). In another embodiment,
the support post
may comprise a housing for a signalling light located at a top section of the
support post. In still
another embodiment, the support post may comprise a support ridge extending
radially outward
from the support post for supporting at least one solar panel on a vertical
incline. In yet another
embodiment, the transparent dome of the housing may be secured by an upper cap
which is
positioned at a top portion of the transparent dome, the upper cap having a
protruding portion
which extends through the transparent dome and engages with the support post
via, for example,
a threaded or friction fit engagement.
In yet another embodiment, the housing may further comprise a flexible bird
spike mounted to a
top portion of the transparent dome covering. In certain embodiments, the
flexible bird spike
may be mounted to an upper cap of the housing. In another embodiment, the
flexible bird spike
may be made from spring steel or another flexible material which deters birds
without causing
damage to watercraft hulls.
In another embodiment, the housing may be substantially pear-shaped, with the
lower buoyant
body and the transparent dome covering each having a substantially circular
horizontal cross-
section, wherein an average diameter of the transparent dome covering is less
than an average
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
diameter of the lower buoyant body.
In certain embodiments, the housing may include an antifouling coating.
Methods performed by mooring buoys are also provided herein. In an embodiment,
there is
provided herein a method performed by a mooring buoy, the method comprising:
monitoring one or more parameters;
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to a remote location at
a first
reporting frequency;
detecting based on a motion sensor of the mooring buoy a potential storm
event; and
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to the remote location
at a
second reporting frequency which is greater than the first reporting
frequency.
When no storm event is detected, reporting frequency may be low to conserve
battery power.
When a storm event is detected, reporting frequency may be increased to
provide frequently
updated and/or real-time information to the user.
In certain embodiments, the one or more parameters may comprise a buoy
location, a buoy storm
event condition, a buoy break-away condition, a buoy drag condition, buoy
sensor information,
buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy battery status,
watercraft location status,
watercraft connection status, water temperature, or any combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the method may further comprise sending a notification
to a user that a
potential storm event has been detected. In certain embodiments, the method
may further
comprise sending a light, noise, or message-based alert upon detecting the
potential storm event.
In certain embodiments, the message-based alert may be sent to different
recipients or recipient
groups depending on whether or not a watercraft is moored to the mooring buoy
Such methods may be performed in order for the mooring buoy to automatically
detect an alert
condition, such as a storm event, and take appropriate action to alert the
user and/or provide the
user with up-to-date information to track and/or locate the mooring buoy in
the event of break-
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CA 2997440 2018-03-06
away or drag during the storm event.
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
method comprising:
monitoring one or more parameters;
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to a remote location at
a first
reporting frequency;
detecting based on a satellite-based positioning system of the mooring buoy a
potential
break-away or drag condition when a location of the mooring buoy is away from
an
expected location; and
periodically communicating the one or more parameters to the remote location
at a
second reporting frequency which is greater than the first reporting
frequency.
When no break-away or drag condition is detected, reporting frequency may be
low to conserve
battery power. When a break-away or drag condition is detected, reporting
frequency may be
increased to provide frequently updated and/or real-time information to the
user.
In certain embodiments, the one or more parameters may comprise a buoy
location, a buoy storm
event condition, a buoy break-away condition, a buoy drag condition, buoy
sensor information,
buoy alarm status, buoy signalling light status, buoy battery status,
watercraft location status,
watercraft connection status, water temperature, or any combination thereof.
In certain embodiments, the method may further comprise sending a notification
to a user that a
potential break-away condition or drag condition, or both, has been detected.
In certain
embodiments, the method may further comprise sending a light, noise, or
message-based alert
upon detecting the potential break-away or drag condition. In certain
embodiments, the message-
based alert may be sent to different recipients or recipient groups depending
on whether or not a
watercraft is moored to the mooring buoy
In another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
method comprising:
detecting based on a sensor of the mooring buoy a potential detachment of a
watercraft
from the mooring buoy; and
sending a light, noise, or message-based alert upon detecting the potential
detachment of
the watercraft from the mooring buoy.
In certain embodiments, the sensor for detecting a potential detachment of the
watercraft may
comprise one or more cameras of the mooring buoy. In certain embodiments, the
mooring buoy
may be provided with one or more cameras for providing visual confirmation of
watercraft
attachment, and the mooring buoy may be programmed to provide an image feed to
the
controller and/or to a remote server, which may be programmed to analyze the
image feed using
an algorithm to verify boat attachment. In such manner, a potential detachment
of the watercraft
may be detected by automated analysis of an image feed provided by the one or
more cameras,
for example.
In certain embodiments, the sensor for detecting a potential detachment of the
watercraft may
comprise a conductive wire loop attached, provided on, or integrated with a
painter, leader, or
leash linked between the watercraft and the mooring buoy. A detachment of the
watercraft from
the mooring buoy may be detected based on a break in conductivity. In certain
embodiments, a
wire loop of the mooring buoy may be attached to a conductive plug of the
watercraft, and
detachment from the plug may be identified based on a break in the circuit,
for example.
In certain embodiments, the sensor may comprise a Bluetooth-based modem. In
certain
embodiments, a Bluetooth or other such wireless tag may be positioned on the
moored
watercraft, and the presence or absence of the moored boat may be detected
based on detection
of the tag. The mooring buoy may be programmed to periodically check that the
wireless tag is
still within range. If the moored boat (i.e. the wireless tag) is not
detected, an alert may be sent to
the boat owner via the wireless communications system, for example. In certain
embodiments, a
user interface may be accessible by a user, for example via a smartphone app,
to allow the user to
notify the buoy that they are taking the boat, to avoid unnecessary alarm.
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In still another embodiment, there is provided herein a method performed by a
mooring buoy, the
method comprising:
detecting an approach of an authorized watercraft, or an activation signal
sent from an
authorized user, via a radio frequency (RF) transceiver of the mooring buoy;
and
causing a signalling light of the mooring buoy to illuminate or flash in
response to the
approach of the watercraft or detection of the activation signal, thereby
signalling
location of the mooring buoy to the user of the watercraft.
As will be understood, in certain embodiments, methods as described herein may
further
comprise steps of:
capturing energy from sunlight using one or more solar panels of the mooring
buoy; and
using the captured energy to charge a rechargeable battery of the mooring buoy
which
powers the mooring buoy.
As will also be understood, in certain embodiments, the mooring buoy of
methods described
herein may be a mooring buoy as described herein, such as the example depicted
in Figures 1-8
and described in detail above.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy as described herein may be configured
to provide
ambient lighting in low light conditions via a signalling light of the buoy.
The signalling light
may, for example, include a light sensor or timer, which may cause the
signalling light to glow or
dimly light in low-light conditions (such as in the evening or at night). In
certain embodiments,
activation of the signalling light may be controllable by the user to
illuminate, or to flash,
providing a beacon for the user. The user may be able to control the
signalling light either
through a user interface or button on the mooring buoy, or remotely via a
wireless device able to
communicate with the mooring buoy via the wireless communications system, or
both. In certain
embodiments, the signalling light may be configured to illuminate, or to
flash, when the user or
the user's watercraft approaches the mooring buoy as automatically detected by
a wireless
communications system of the mooring buoy, or when the user or a dock or
harbourmaster sends
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a signalling light activation signal to the mooring buoy.
In certain embodiments, watercrafts utilizing a particular dock site or
harbour may be each
provided with a Bluetooth or other such wireless beacon, each having a unique
identifier. The
mooring buoys used at the dock site or harbour may be programmed to receive
the unique
identifier from the wireless beacon and to check whether the unique identifier
is found on an
allowed list of identifiers in order to determine whether the approaching or
docked watercraft is
authorized to use the mooring buoy. A signal may be provided to the watercraft
user and/or the
harbourmaster to indicate authorization status, for example. In certain
embodiments, the mooring
buoy may be provided with a camera, the video feed from which may be used to
determine
.. whether an authorized watercraft is approaching and/or using the mooring
buoy.
In certain embodiments, the signalling light may be configured to provide
light of different
colors, allowing signals to be sent to the user. For example, if the mooring
buoy is already
occupied, the mooring buoy may illuminate in red, whereas if a mooring buoy is
available it may
illuminate in green. As another example, where a mooring buoy detects that a
non-authorized
user or watercraft is approaching or attempting to use the buoy, the buoy may
illuminate in red.
Signals may be selected so as to not interfere with navigation signals and
other nautical
requirements and regulations. For example, blue and white signals could be
used instead of red
and green where appropriate.
As will be understood, in certain embodiments the mooring buoys described
herein may include
one or more additional sensors or other functional units providing the mooring
buoy with
additional features. By way of example, the multifunctional electronics module
may additionally
comprise or connect with one or more of a water temperature sensor; a camera;
a microphone; a
speaker; a fish finder; a sensor for monitoring charge state of the battery; a
sensor for monitoring
movement of the mooring buoy via an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a sensor
for monitoring
attachment of the mooring buoy to the underwater anchor and/or tension
thereon; a sensor for
monitoring attachment of the mooring buoy to the watercraft and/or tension
thereon; a radar-
detectable reflector; a wind speed and direction sensor; a tidal variance
sensor; a depth sounder
for monitoring tidal changes; or a water sensor for sensing water chemical
properties such as
salinity and/or pH. By way of example, sensor data collected by the mooring
buoy and provided
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to the controller may include: water temperature via a temperature probe
attached to or
embedded in the shackle bushing of the attachment point for securing the buoy;
signalling light
status; the state of charge or condition of the rechargeable battery;
location; movement of the
buoy via an inertial measurement unit (IMU); and/or the power being collected
by the solar
panels, which may be communicated to the user via a wireless communications
system,
optionally via a server.
As will be understood, in certain embodiments, sensors and other functional
units may be
stationed at any suitable point about the mooring buoy, and may communicate
back to the
controller, in certain embodiments. For example, a water temperature sensor
may be positioned
at the bottom of the outer housing of the buoy to allow reading of water
temperature, or an
ambient light sensor may be positioned atop the outer housing of the mooring
buoy to read
daylight levels.
In certain embodiments, a load cell, strain gauge, or other such tension
strain device may be
provided to detect strain on one or more securing lines connected between the
mooring anchor,
mooring buoy, and/or watercraft. In certain embodiments, tension on the
mooring anchor or boat
connection may be monitored via a load cell shackled in line with the securing
line chain or rope.
Detection of strong forces along one or more of the securing lines may trigger
an alert condition.
Figure 9 shows a schematic of another embodiment of a mooring buoy as
described herein which
includes GPS (90), wind speed/direction monitoring (91), LED lighting (92),
and a wireless
communications system (93A and 93B). The buoy further comprises a radar
reflector (94), a
solar panel (95), a lower buoyant portion (96), and a battery (97).
In the buoy depicted in Figure 9, the GPS unit (90) comprises a uBlox MAX-M8Q
GPS unit.
The controller comprises an internet of things (I0T)-type device, such as a
"Particle Electron",
and is configured with a wireless communications system (93A and 93B) which
connects to the
interne (i.e. the cloud) via cellular network. The buoy further comprises an
inertial measurement
unit (IMU) such as an LIS3DHTR for measurement of sea state. The electronics
are powered by
one or more rechargeable batteries with an estimated capacity rating of, for
example, about
60Wh. The rechargeable batteries may be recharged via the solar panel (95)
(estimated 15 watts),
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for example. Each TOT device may have a unique identifier so that each may be
individually
addressed. The buoy houses an LED-based signalling light system (92), or other
such energy-
efficient lighting, which may be within a clear polycarbonate section and may
be, for example,
above or below a radar reflector (94), to emit a light beacon. The buoy has a
logical connection
.. to the watercraft, with for example a conductivity sensor, to positively
ensure the watercraft is
present and secured to the mooring. The buoy further comprises an ultrasonic
wind speed and
direction monitor (91), such as a KDS-101 by Komoline. In certain embodiments,
the buoy may
include a wireless communications system having a local area wireless network
(93B) via for
example Wi-Fi for local signaling of the craft to buoy for remote beacon
activation. Central
computing and local electronics control may be provided upon an arduino-IDE
capable micro-
processor, for example, in certain embodiments. As will be understood, these
examples are
provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to be limiting.
Figure 10 shows a schematic in which a mooring buoy as described herein is
configured to
communicate with a user (100) in proximity to the mooring buoy via a local
link (101) such as
WiFi or Bluetooth, and configured to communicate with a remote user (102) via
a wireless
cellular link (103) which conveys information to a cloud computing system or
server farm (104)
which can then be accessed by the remote user (102). In certain embodiments,
the proximate user
(100) and/or the remote user (102) may be provided with a software-based
interface for
communicating with the mooring buoy, providing the user with a display which
may show, for
.. example, current GPS location of the mooring buoy, expected GPS location,
deviation between
current and expected, an alert if deviation is above a specified threshold, a
report on connectivity
of the craft with the mooring, a report on status of battery, a report on
water temp, a report on
wind speed and direction, a toggle for controlling the signalling light to
turn on/off or to
illuminate in a particular manner, and/or status of the signalling light
(on/off), for example. If a
storm event or a break-away condition or a drag condition is detected, this
may be promptly and
clearly conveyed to the user.
In certain embodiments, the mooring buoy shown in Figure 9 or 10 may be
configured to detect
severe weather via an IMU or other motion sensor, and enter a storm mode upon
detection of
severe weather in which monitoring/data collection and/or reporting frequency
is increased,
CA 2997440 2018-03-06
particularly with regard to mooring buoy location. Under conditions where risk
of break-away or
drag is elevated, rapid reporting may be desirable so the user can be alerted
to issues more
quickly and may take action to remedy the situation. Under calm, low-risk
conditions,
monitoring and reporting frequency of the mooring buoy may be reduced to
conserve power,
while under high-risk conditions monitoring and reporting frequency of the
mooring buoy may
be increased to increase safety and potentially prevent damage.
One or more illustrative embodiments have been described by way of example. It
will be
understood to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and
modifications can be
made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
claims.
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