Patent Publication Number: US-2020298948-A1

Title: Automated boat lift and trolley

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
     Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present invention is directed to a boat lift and trolley assembly, and more particularly to an automated boat lift and trolley assembly with integrated electronic control and sensor system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock channel. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Boat lift assemblies exist. However, there is a need for an automated system and method for moving a boat between a boat garage for storage and a dock channel. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with one aspect of the disclosure, an automated system is provided for moving a boat from a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a method for automated movement of a boat lift and trolley is provided for movement of a boat between a storage position in a boat garage to a deployed position in a dock channel. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair of rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end at a dock, the pair of rails disposed beside a dock channel on the dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of rails of the track. The system also comprises a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly operable to lift the boat off the trolley, and to lower the boat into water through the boat channel. The system also comprises one or more sensors configured to sense one or both of a position of at least a portion of the boat trolley and an operation position of the lift assembly. The system also comprises a controller configured to control operation of the boat trolley to move along the track, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat into the water based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by the one or more sensors to the controller. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boat trolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a lower frame having a set of wheels configured to movably couple the lower frame a track. The system also comprises an upper frame comprising at least two support bunkers configured to contact and support a hull of the boat thereon, the upper frame having one or more support beams removably coupleable to the lower frame and configured to be lifted off of the lower frame by a lift assembly at a dock. The lower frame comprises one or more delrin guides configured to receive the support beams of the upper frame therein, the delrin guides tapering outward to facilitate coupling of the upper frame to the lower frame, the outward taper configured to guide the beams of the upper frame into alignment with support beams of the lower frame. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails. The system also comprises a lift assembly disposed at the dock. The lift assembly comprises a platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the track rails. The lift assembly is operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use. The lift assembly is operable to raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a raised position, the pair of platform rails being substantially aligned with the pair of track rails when the platform is in the raised position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the platform and the track. The system also comprises a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and between the track and the platform. The system also comprises a controller at least partially disposed in the garage. The controller is configured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the lowered position based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to the controller. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock is provided. The system comprises a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock. The system also comprises a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails. The system also comprises a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and between the track and a dock. The system also comprises a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controller configured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the track and the dock. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an automated boat lift and trolley assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2A  is another top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 1 , without the boat; 
         FIG. 2B  is a side view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 2A ; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 2A , without the boat; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a rear view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a boat lift and trolley assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the boat lift and trolley assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective top view of a trolley assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trolley assembly; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a lower frame of the trolley assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial view of the lower frame of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an upper frame of the trolley assembly of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial view of the trolley assembly of  FIG. 10  on a track with the boat disposed on the trolley; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of  FIG. 10  with a boat disposed thereon; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the trolley assembly of  FIG. 10  on a track and with a boat disposed on the trolley; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view of an automatic boat lift and trolley that travels between a boat garage and a platform lift, showing the boat in the boat garage; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and trolley of  FIG. 17 , showing the boat on the track between the boat garage and platform lift; 
         FIG. 19  is a schematic view of the automatic boat lift and trolley of  FIG. 17  showing the boat on the platform lift; 
         FIG. 20A  is a perspective schematic view of the automatic boat lift and trolley, showing the boat on the platform lift; 
         FIG. 20B  is a schematic partial view of the transition from the track to the platform, in a locked configuration; 
         FIG. 20C  is a schematic partial view of the transition from the track to the platform, in an unlocked configuration; 
         FIG. 21  shows a schematic partial view of the automatic boat lift and trolley showing the boat on the platform lift with the platform lift in the lowered position; 
         FIG. 21A  is a schematic partial view of the platform lift in the lowered position; 
         FIG. 22  is a schematic perspective partial view of the trolley on the track, the trolley supporting a boat thereon; 
         FIG. 23  is a schematic perspective partial view of the drive assembly of the automatic boat lift and trolley with the trolley and boat on the platform lift; 
         FIG. 23A  is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of the drive assembly for the trolley; 
         FIG. 23B  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the drive assembly for the trolley; 
         FIG. 23C  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the drive assembly for the trolley; 
         FIG. 24A  is a schematic partial perspective view of a mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule coupled to a wheel set of the trolley; 
         FIG. 24B  is another schematic perspective view of the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule in a disengaged position relative to a wheel set of the trolley; 
         FIG. 24C  is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule in a disengaged position relative to a wheel set of the trolley; 
         FIG. 24D  is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing a grabber armlet of the mule coupled to a wheel set of the trolley; 
         FIG. 24E  is another schematic perspective partial view of the mule of the drive assembly for the trolley, showing the mule coupled to a wheel set of the trolley; 
         FIG. 24F  is another schematic perspective partial view of the automatic boat lift and trolley with the trolley and boat on the platform lift; 
         FIG. 24G  is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of the automatic boat lift and trolley, showing sensors of the system; 
         FIG. 25  is a schematic perspective partial view of the automatic boat lift and trolley, showing certain electronic components of the system; 
         FIG. 25A  is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 25B  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 25C  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 25D  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 25E  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 26  is a schematic perspective partial view of a portion of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 26A  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 26B  is a schematic perspective partial view of another portion of the electronics system of the automatic boat lift and trolley system; 
         FIG. 27  is a schematic block diagram showing a control module for the boat lift and trolley assembly; 
         FIG. 28A  is a schematic view of an example remote control device and interface; 
         FIG. 28B  is a schematic view of an example screen on an interface of the remote control device; 
         FIG. 28C  is a schematic view of an example screen on an interface of the remote control device; 
         FIGS. 29A and 29B  illustrate an example process for deploying boat from the garage; and 
         FIG. 30  illustrates an example process for returning a boat to the garage. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1-5  show an embodiment of a boat lift and trolley system  100  (hereafter “the system”). The system  100  includes a trolley  10  having a plurality of wheels and a frame on which a boat B can be removably supported. In one embodiment, the trolley  10  frame can be welded and made of aluminum, though other suitable metals or other suitable materials can be used. The trolley  10  frame can have a plurality of adjustable support pads  16  (see  FIG. 9 ) to support a variety of different boat B hull profiles. 
     The trolley can travel along a track  20  that extends between a first end  22  and a second end  24  so that the track  20  extends between a boat garage G and a dock channel D. The track  20  can have a width W 1 . The dock channel D can have an opening with a width W 2  that is at least as wide as width W 1 . The boat garage G can have a length L 1  that is longer than a length of the boat B. The dock channel D can have a length L 2  that is at least as long as the boat B. A height H of the track  20  from a top of the sea wall can be between about 4 inches and about 12 inches, for example about 6 inches. In one embodiment, the length L 1  can be between about 30 feet and about 60 feet, for example about 40 feet and the length L 2  can be between about 20 feet and about 50 feet, for example about 25 feet. The width W 1  can be between about 15 feet and about 30 feet, for example about 19 feet. However, other suitable dimensions for the length L 1 , length L 2  and width W 1  can be used. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the track  20  extends linearly between the first end  22  and the second end  24 . The trolley  10  can travel along a length L 3  from the boat garage G to the dock channel D. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the track  20  can have a curved portion (e.g., where needed to accommodate the spatial relationship between the boat garage G and the dock channel D). 
     A sling assembly  30  can include a plurality of posts  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, two pairs of posts  32  are on opposites sides of the opening of the dock channel D. However, the sling assembly  30  can include additional pairs of posts  32 . The sling assembly  30  can include a sling that extends between each pair of posts  32  and across the opening of the dock channel D. 
     The system  100  further comprises a drive assembly, including a motor M see  FIG. 2A ) (e.g., electric motor, such as a single point robust motor drive) that drives movement of the trolley  10  along the track  20  between the proximal end  22  and the distal end  24 . In one embodiment, the motor M can operate a chain drive, such as a stainless steel chain drive, that is attached to the trolley  10  (e.g., to one or more wheels of the trolley  10 ). In one embodiment, the track drive can be located in the boat garage G. In one implementation, the motor M is mounted to the track  20 . In another implementation, the motor M is mounted adjacent the track  20 . In one implementation, the motor M can be an electric motor. In another implementation, the motor can be a hydraulic motor. 
     Though  FIGS. 2A-2B and 4A  show various dimensions for various components of the assembly  100 , one of skill in the art will recognize that the various components of the assembly  100  can have other suitable dimensions. 
       FIGS. 6-8  show another embodiment of a boat lift and trolley system  200  (hereinafter “the system”). The system  200  is similar to the system  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the system  200  are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the system  100  in  FIGS. 1-5  and the description for the various components of the system  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-5  is understood to apply to the corresponding components of the system  200  in  FIGS. 6-8 , except as described below. 
     The system  200  differs from the system  100  only in that at least a portion of the track  20  has a curved portion  21  between the dock channel D and the boat garage G. As best shown in  FIG. 7 , the curved portion  21  can have an outer rail with a first radius of curvature R 1  and an inner rail with a second radius of curvature R 2 . In some embodiments, radius of curvature R 2  can be less that the radius of curvature R 1 . Though  FIGS. 7-8  show various dimensions for various components of the system  200 , one of skill in the art will recognize that the various components of the system  200  can have other suitable dimensions. 
       FIG. 9  shows one embodiment of a trolley  10  for use with the system  100 ,  200 . The trolley  10  can be made of metal, such as aluminium or steel. In one embodiment, the trolley  10  can be rated to hold a boat B weighing 26000 lbs or more. The trolley  10  can have a pair of side rails  11 , each of which is coupled to a plurality of wheels  12  (e.g., Delrin wheels) that can ride on the track  20 . In the illustrated embodiment, each side rail  11  is coupled to or supports three sets of wheels  12 . The trolley  10  can include a frame  14  that extends between the pair of rails  11  and defines a channel  18  along a longitudinal axis of the trolley  10 . The trolley  10  also has a plurality of support pads  16  for supporting the hull of the boat B. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of support pads  16  are arranged in two rows on each side of the channel  18 . The support pads  16  can advantageously be adjustable (e.g., in height, in angular orientation) to allow them to be adjusted to fit varying hull profiles. In the illustrated embodiment, the trolley  10  has six support pads  16  arranged in three pairs about the channel  18 . The trolley  10  also defines a channel  19  between each two pairs of support pads  16  in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the trolley  10 . Said channel  19  allows for the slings  34  to easily be passed under the hull portion between said two pairs of support pads  16  to couple the slings  34  to the posts  32  when the boat B is to be lowered into the dock channel D, or to decouple the slings  34  from the posts  32  when the boat B has been lifted out of the water and onto the trolley  10  and is ready to be moved to the boat garage G. 
     The trolley  10  can have one or more proximity sensors S 1  that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies  12  (e.g., a wheel assembly  12  on a proximal end of the trolley  10 , a wheel assembly  12  on a distal end of the trolley  10 ). The proximity sensor(s) S 1  can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track  20 ) and communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the movement of the trolley  10 , as further discussed below, if an obstruction is sensed. 
       FIGS. 10-16  show another embodiment of a boat trolley assembly  10 B. The boat trolley assembly  10 B is similar to the boat trolley assembly  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , except as noted below. Thus, the reference numerals used to designate the various components of the boat trolley assembly  10 B are similar to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the boat trolley assembly  10  in  FIGS. 1-9  and the description for the various components of the boat trolley assembly  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-9  is understood to apply to the corresponding components of the boat trolley assembly  10 B in  FIGS. 10-16 , except as described below. 
     The boat trolley assembly  10 B includes a lower frame  11 B and an upper frame  15 B removably disposed on and coupled to the lower frame  11 B. The lower frame  11 B is supported on a set of wheel assemblies  12 B (e.g., Delrin wheels) that couple to rails of the track  20 . As best shown in  FIG. 14 , the wheel assemblies  12 B can extend over an I-beam portion of the rails of the track  20  to couple to the track  20 . 
     The lower frame  11 B can have support beams  11 B 1 ,  11 B 2  that extend between and couple (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.) to the set of wheel assemblies  12 B. Additionally, the lower frame  11 B can have cross-beams  11 B 5  that extend between the wheel assemblies  12 B in a diagonal manner and can couple to the support beams  11 B 1 ,  11 B 2  (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.). 
     The lower frame  11 B can also have a set of angled delrin guides  11 B 3  coupled to the beams  11 B 2  (e.g., with bolts, welds, etc.) that can receive thereon a beam of the upper frame  15 B to couple the upper frame  15 B to the lower frame  11 B. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower frame  11 B has four delrin guides  11 B 3 , one at each corner of the lower frame  11 B (e.g., proximate the wheel assemblies  12 B). However, in other embodiments, the lower frame  11 B can have fewer or more delrin guides  11 B 3 . The angled delrin guides  11 B 3  advantageously allow the upper frame  15 B to be positioned properly onto the lower frame  11 B, the angled shape of the delrin guides  11 B 3  allowing the upper frame  15 B to achieve the correct position on the lower frame  11 B even if the upper frame  15 B is initially misaligned relative to the lower frame  11 B. 
     The lower frame  11 B also have a plurality of supports (e.g., angled supports)  11 B 4  (generally at the corners of the lower frame  11 B, coupled such as with bolts or welds to the beams  11 B 2 ) configured to receive pick points of the upper frame  15 B thereon, as discussed further below. 
     With reference to  FIG. 13 , the upper frame  15 B can include a pair of boat support bunkers  16 B that extend between and are coupled (e.g., with bolts) to a pair of support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2  (e.g., I-beams) by bracket assemblies  16 B 2  on either end of the boat support bunkers  16 B. The bracket assemblies  16 B 2  can couple to the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2  (e.g., with bolts) at various locations along the length of the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2  via one or more bolt holes  15 B 4  in the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2  (that receive bolts, clevis pins, etc.) to adjust a width between the boat support bunkers  16 B to advantageously accommodate a variety of boat hull sizes thereon. Additionally, angle adjustment assemblies  16 B 3  can couple to the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2  (e.g., with bolts) and to the bracket assemblies  16 B 2  proximate the boat support bunkers  16 B at both ends of the boat support bunkers  16 B. The angle adjustment assemblies  16 B 3  can be adjusted to adjust the angle between a plane defined by the boat support bunker  16 B relative to a horizontal plane defined by the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2 , to advantageously accommodate boat hulls of different sizes and shapes (e.g., boat hulls that are wider and extend at a lower angle towards the bottom of the boat, boat hulls that are narrower and extend at a steeper angle toward the bottom of the boat). Accordingly, the user can adjust (e.g., manually adjust) both the width between the support bunkers  16 B and the angle of the support bunkers  16 B and the horizontal plane defined by the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2 , as described above, to ensure the support bunkers  16 B are adequately spaced and oriented to support the hull of the user&#39;s boat B. 
     The upper frame  15 B can have a plurality of pick-up assemblies  15 B 3  coupled to (e.g., bolted, welded, etc.) to ends of the support beams  15 B 1 ,  15 B 2 , from which the upper frame  15 B can be raised off of the lower frame  11 B, for example to then lower the upper frame  15 B with the boat B supported thereon into the water at the end of the dock. In one embodiment, the pick-up assemblies  15 B 3  can include a quick disconnect member or a clevis pin that can be used to couple cable clevises from a lift mechanism to the upper frame  15 B (e.g., via holes in pick-up assemblies  15 B 3 ) at the dock to lift the upper frame  15 B off the lower frame  11 B, after which the lower frame  11 B can be moved out of the way (as discussed above) to allow the upper frame  15 B to be lowered into the water with the boat B thereon so that the boat B can then be navigated in the water. 
     The upper frame  15 B can also have a plurality of vertical guide poles  18 B that can serve to guide the operator of the boat B to navigate the boat B onto the upper frame  15 B (e.g., in proper alignment) while it&#39;s submerged and so that when the upper frame  15 B is raised by the lift mechanism, the boat support bunkers  16 B can engage and support the bottom of the hull of the boat B. 
     The lower frame  11 B can have one or more proximity sensors S 2  that can signal whether the upper frame  15 B is disposed more than a predetermined distance above the lower frame  11 B, to thereby allow a controller to move the lower frame  11 B out of the way before the upper frame  15 B is lowered into the water at the dock (via the lift mechanism). In one embodiment, the proximity sensors S 2  can be disposed on the delrin guides  11 B 3 . In another embodiment, the proximity sensors S 2  can be disposed on one or more of the support beams  11 B 1 ,  11 B 2  or cross-beams  11 B 5 . 
     The trolley  10 B can have one or more proximity sensors S 3  that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies  12 B (e.g., a wheel assembly  12 B on a proximal end of the trolley  10 B, a wheel assembly  12 B on a distal end of the trolley  10 B). The proximity sensor(s) S 3  can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track  20 ) and communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the movement of the trolley  10 B, as further discussed below, if an obstruction is sensed. 
     Additionally, the posts or pilings  32  of the dock can have one or more sensor clips mounted thereon that can prevent the trolley  10 B from moving (e.g., that can communicate a signal to a controller to prevent the trolley  10 B from moving) unless the sensor clips are coupled to lift cable clevises (e.g., that have been decoupled from the pickup assemblies  15 B 3  of the upper frame  15 B), which would also deactivate the boat lift mechanism. Advantageously, this would prevent the trolley  10 B from moving away from the dock while the cables of the lift mechanism were attached to the upper frame  15 B, avoiding damage to the dock or lift mechanism. In other embodiments, one or more sensors (e.g., weight sensors on the trolley  10 B or sensors on the lift mechanism LM) can sense when the upper frame  15 B has been lifted off the lower frame  11 B by a predetermined amount to allow the lower frame  11 B to be moved out of the dock D to allow the upper frame  15 B and boat B to be lowered into the water through the dock channel. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 14 and 16 , the track  20  can have a gap TG between a first section  21 A and a second section  21 B of the track  20  and a spacer member  23  that extends along the gap TG between the first and second sections  21 A,  21 B. In one embodiment, the gap TG can be defined at the location where the garage door GD closes off the boat garage G to allow the garage door GD to close the garage G (e.g., for the garage door GD to bear against the spacer member  23 ) so as to inhibit entry of debris (e.g., leaves, dirt) and vermin or insects into the garage G. The wheel assemblies  12 ,  12 B advantageously can span the gap TG so that the gap TG does not inhibit the movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B over the gap TG while it moves from the first section  21 A to the second section  21 B of the track  20 . The spacer member  23  has a first groove  23 A on one side of the track  20  and a second groove  23 B on an opposite side of the track  20 , where the grooves  23 A,  23 B can receive a chain drive (not shown) of the drive mechanism when the chain de-tensions (e.g., once the trolley  10 ,  10 B is in the boat garage G and has stopped moving). 
     The trolley assembly  10 B can be made of a suitable metal (e.g., rust resistant metal, such as aluminium or stainless steel). In one embodiment, the boat support bunkers  16 B can be made from wood. However, other suitable materials can be used. In one embodiment, the trolley assembly  10 B can have a weight rating of 10,000 pounds. However, in other embodiments, the trolley assembly  10 B can support boats B weighing less than or more than this. 
       FIGS. 17-26B  schematically illustrate a boat lift and trolley system  300  (hereinafter “the system”). The system  200  is similar to the system  100  in  FIGS. 1-5  and the system  200  in  FIGS. 6-8 , except as described below. Therefore, reference numerals used to designate the various components of the system  300  are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the system  100  in  FIGS. 1-5  or system  200  in  FIGS. 6-8 . Thus, the structure and description for the various features or components of the system  100  in  FIGS. 1-5  and of the system  200  in  FIGS. 6-8  are understood to also apply to the corresponding features or components of the system  300  in  FIGS. 17-26B , except as described below. 
     The system  300  differs from the system  100 ,  200  in that it includes a platform lift mechanism  30 ′. The platform lift mechanism  30 ′ can include a platform  34 ′ that supports a pair or rails  20 A′,  20 B′ (“platform rails”) thereon. The platform  34 ′ can include a frame that supports the rails  20 A′,  20 B′. The rails  20 A′,  20 B′ can substantially align with the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  to allow the boat trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C to travel from the track  20  onto the platform  34 ′ with the boat B thereon. The platform  34 ′ can be moved (e.g., via a hydraulic mechanism) between a raised state (see  FIG. 20A ) where the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ of the platform  34 ′ substantially align with the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20 , and a lowered state (see  FIG. 21, 21A ) where the platform  34 ′ is lowered from the dock to underwater position to allow the boat B to be removed from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. The platform  34 ′ advantageously has a low profile and excludes the need for any above dock hardware (e.g., such as posts  32  or slings  34 ). The trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C remains on the platform  34 ′ as it moves between the lowered and raised state. As further discussed below, the platform lift mechanism  30 ′ includes a drive assembly M′ operable to move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C onto, as well as off, the platform  34 ′. 
     The platform lift mechanism  30 ′ of  FIGS. 17-26B  can have one or more sensors S 8 , S 8 A (see  FIGS. 24F-24G ) that sense the position of the platform  34 ′ to determine if it&#39;s in a lowered position or in a raised position. The sensor(s) S 8 , S 8 A can optionally be powered by low voltage line power that powers the motor M′ on the platform lift mechanism  30 ′, said low voltage line power carried via a conduit to the sensor(s) S 8 , S 8 A. In one implementation, if the platform  34 ′ is in the raised position with the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (with boat B) on it, the controller EM (in the garage G) will optionally actuate the hydraulics of the lift mechanism  30 ′ in the up mode to ensure the platform  34 ′ is fully raised. Once a signal from the sensor(s) S 8 , S 8 A confirm the platform  34 ′ is fully raised and/or signal from the sensor(s) S 7  confirm the platform  34 ′ is aligned with the track  20 , the mule  50 ′ can move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C from the platform  34 ′ onto the track  20 , as further discussed below. 
       FIG. 17  shows the boat B in the boat garage G. Though not shown in the drawing, the boat B is disposed on a trolley, such as the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C.  FIG. 18  shows the boat B (while on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C) on the track  20  at a location between the boat garage G and the platform  34 ′.  FIG. 19  shows the boat B (while on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C) on the platform  34 ′.  FIGS. 21-21A  show the platform  34 ′ in the lowered state relative to the track  20  to position the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C underwater to allow the boat B to be removed from over the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 20A-20C , in one implementation the system  300  can include a locking mechanism  40  actuatable to lock and unlock the track  20  relative to the platform  34 ′ to substantially couple and decouple the track  20  to the platform  34 ′. The locking mechanism  40  can include one or more locking pins  42  and one or more actuators  44 . In the implementation shown in  FIGS. 20A-20C , the locking mechanism  40  includes a pair of pins  42 , one of the pins  42  actuatable to interconnect the rail  20 A of the track  20  with the rail  20 A′ on the platform  34 ′ and the other of the pins  42  actuatable to interconnect the rail  20 B of the track  20  with the rail  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′. In one implementation, one or more sensors S 7  (e.g., proximity sensors) are operable to sense alignment between the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  and the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′ to allow the actuator(s)  44  to move the pin(s)  42  to the extended position to interlock the track  20  with the platform  34 ′. The sensor(s) S 7  can optionally be mounted to a portion of the track  20  near the gap  46 , such as mounted to a flange (not shown) attached to the track  20  or the actuator  44 . The sensor(s) S 7  can optionally be powered with line power from the controller EM (located in the garage G). Alternatively, the sensor(s) S 7  can optionally be mounted on the platform  34 ′ and powered by low voltage line power that powers the motor M′ on the platform lift mechanism  30 ′, said low voltage line power carried via a conduit to the sensor(s) S 7 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 20A-20C , the one or more actuators  44  can be hydraulic actuators operable to move the locking pins  42  between an extended position (see  FIG. 20B ), where the locking pins  42  engage portions of the rails  20 A,  20 B on the track  20  and rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′, and a retracted position (see  FIG. 20C ), where the locking pins  42  do not interlock the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′. In another implementation, the one or more actuators  44  can be pneumatic actuators. In still another implementation, the one or more actuators  44  can be electric motors. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 20A-20C , the locking pins  42  can extend through openings in flanges  21 A 1 ′,  21 A 2 ′ attached to the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  and through openings in flanges  21 B 1 ′,  21 B 2 ′ attached to the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′ to interlock (e.g., substantially rigidly couple) and substantially align the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′. The ends of the rails  20 A,  20 B are spaced from the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ by a distance  46 . Advantageously, interlocking of the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′ inhibits (e.g., prevents) misalignment of the platform  34 ′ with the track  20  to facilitate movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C over the rails  20 A,  20 B,  20 A′,  20 B′. Additionally, one or more sensors S 9  (e.g., contact sensors, pressure sensors, load sensors) can detect when the pin(s)  42  have been fully extended to confirm the platform  34 ′ is engaged with the track  20 . 
     Once the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C has moved from the track  20  onto the platform  34 ′, a stop tab (e.g., hydraulic stop, pneumatic stop)  36 ′ can be actuated to be moved relative to at least one of the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ to inhibit (e.g., prevent) movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C along the rails  20 A′,  20 B′. One or more sensors S 14  can confirm engagement of the stop tab  36 ′. The locking pin(s)  42  can then be retracted to disengage the platform  34 ′ from the track  20  and allow a user to use the platform controls to lower the platform  34 ′ to a submerged position. 
       FIG. 22  schematically illustrates a trolley assembly  10 C supporting a boat B on rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20 . The trolley assembly  10 C is similar to the trolley assembly  10  of  FIG. 9 , except as described below. Therefore, reference numerals used to designate the various components or features of the trolley assembly  10 C are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the trolley assembly  10  in  FIG. 9 , except that a “C” is added to the numerical identifier. Thus, the structure and description for the various features or components of the trolley assembly  10  in  FIG. 9  are understood to also apply to the corresponding features or components of the trolley assembly  10 C in  FIG. 22 , except as described below. 
     The trolley assembly  10 C can be an integral (e.g., single piece structure) with four sets of wheels  12  (e.g., generally at the corners of the trolley assembly  10 C) and two support pads or bunkers  16 C attached to a frame  14 C of the trolley assembly  10 C and that can support the hull of the boat B thereon. The trolley assembly  10 C is advantageously made of corrosion resistant materials that allow the trolley assembly  10 C to be submerged in water (e.g., in salt water) when the platform  34 ′ is moved to the lowered state, and from which the boat B can be removed from on top of the trolley assembly  10 C for use. 
     The trolley assembly  10 C can have one or more proximity sensors S 4  that can be disposed on one or more of the wheel assemblies  12 C and one or more proximity sensors S 4 ′ that can be disposed on the frame  11 C of the boat trolley  10 C. The proximity sensor(s) S 4 , S 4 ′ can sense an obstruction (e.g., on the track  20 ) and communicate (wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G), which can stop the movement of the trolley  10 C, as further discussed below, if an obstruction is sensed. 
       FIGS. 23A-26B  show features of a drive assembly  400  of the boat lift and trolley system  100 ,  200 ,  300 . The drive assembly  400  can include a chain drive  60 . The chain drive  60  can include a drive sprocket  62 , which can engage an output shaft of the motor M (in the garage G), a driven or tail sprocket  66  located near the end of the track  20  (e.g., proximate the gap  46  between the track  20  and the platform  34 ′), and a chain  64  that extends between (and loops around) the drive sprocket  62  and the driven or tail sprocket  66 . The drive sprocket  62  can optionally be located in the garage G. Optionally, the chain drive  60  can include one or more chain idler rollers  65  that support the chain  64  between the sprockets  62 ,  66 . The chain  64  can extend along a portion of a rail (e.g., portion of the rail  20 B in  FIG. 23B, 24A ) and attach to a mule  50  (e.g., via a connector  67 ) that is movably coupled to the rail  20 B by one or more rollers or wheels  52 . Therefore, operation of the motor M to rotate the drive sprocket  62 , which moves the chain  64  along the track  20  causes the mule  50  to move along the track  20 . In particular, operation of the motor M in one direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft clockwise) causes the drive sprocket  62  to rotate clockwise and the chain  64  to move so that the mule  50  moves away from the drive sprocket  62 . Similarly, operation of the motor M in an opposite direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft counter-clockwise) causes the drive sprocket  62  to rotate counter-clockwise and the chain  64  to move so that the mule  50  moves toward the drive sprocket  62 . Accordingly, the mule  50  can move along the rail  20 B from a location in the garage G to a location proximate the end of the track  20  (e.g., proximate the gap  46  between the track  20  and the platform  34 ′). 
     With reference to  FIG. 23A , the platform lift mechanism  30 ′ can have a drive assembly  400 ′ that can include a chain drive  60 ′. The chain drive  60 ′ can include a drive sprocket  62 ′, which can engage an output shaft of the motor M′ (on the platform  34 ′), a driven or tail sprocket  66 ′ movably coupled to the rail  20 B′, and a chain  64 ′ that extends between (and loops around) the drive sprocket  62 ′ and the driven or tail sprocket  66 ′. The drive sprocket  62 ′ can be located on the platform  34 ′. The chain  64 ′ can extend along a portion of a rail (e.g., portion of the rail  20 B′ of the platform  34 ′) and attach to a mule  50 ′ (via connector  67 ′) that is movably coupled to the rail  20 B′ by one or more rollers  52 ′. Therefore, operation of the motor M′ to rotate the drive sprocket  62 ′, which moves the chain  64 ′ along the rail  20 B′ causes the mule  50 ′ to move along the rail  20 B′. In particular, operation of the motor M′ in one direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft clockwise) causes the drive sprocket  62 ′ to rotate clockwise and the chain  64 ′ to move so that the mule  50 ′ moves away from the drive sprocket  62 ′ (e.g., toward the front of the platform  34 ′ near the track  20 ). Similarly, operation of the motor M′ in an opposite direction (e.g., to rotate the output shaft counter-clockwise) causes the drive sprocket  62 ′ to rotate counter-clockwise and the chain  64 ′ to move so that the mule  50 ′ moves toward the drive sprocket  62 ′ (e.g., toward the rear of the platform  34 ′ away from the track  20 ). Accordingly, the mule  50 ′ can move along the rail  20 B′ from a location near the track  20  to a location further apart from the track  20 . 
     The mule  50  that travels on the track  20  and the mule  50 ′ that travels on the platform  34 ′ (e.g., on the rail  20 B′) can optionally have a similar construction. The mule  50  can engage the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C), as further discussed below, and move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C along the track  20  (e.g., via actuation of the chain drive  60  in a forward direction) from the garage G toward the end of the track  20  (e.g., proximate the gap  46 ), where the mule  20  can disengage from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., when at least a portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C has travelled onto the platform  34 ′). The mule  50 ′ can engage the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., engage a rear portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C), as further discussed below, and move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C onto the platform  34 ′ (via actuation of the chain drive  60 ′ in a forward direction) so that the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is fully supported on the platform  34 ′. To move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C off the platform  34 ′ and onto the track  20 , the mule  50 ′ can engage the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., engage the rear portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C) and move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C off the platform  34 ′ and onto the track  20  (e.g., by operating the chain drive  60 ′ in a reverse direction that is opposite to the forward direction). Once at least a portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C has travelled onto the track  20  from the platform  34 ′, the mule  50 ′ can disengage from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., from a rear portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C). The mule  50  can then engage the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., engage a front portion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C) and move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C along the track  20  (e.g., via actuation of the chain drive  60  in a reverse direction opposite the forward direction) toward the garage G. Accordingly, the mules  50 ,  50 ′ can work to hand off the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C to each other as the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C travels between track  20  and the platform  34 ′. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23-26B , the mule  50  can be movably coupled to a rail of the track  20 , such as to one of the rails  20 A,  20 B.  FIG. 24A  shows the mule  50  over the rail  20 B, though in another implementation the mule  50  can be movably coupled to the rail  20 A. The mule  50  can have a frame  51  with one or more rollers or wheels  52  rotatably coupled to the frame  51 , the rollers or wheels  52  being able to rotate over an upper surface  27   a  of a head  29  of the rail  20 B. The mule  50  and optionally have one or more wheels  54  rotatably coupled to the frame  51 , where the wheels  54  engage an underside  27   b  of the head  29  of the rail  20 B, to control upward torque applied to the mule  50  and resist lateral forces on the mule  50 , thereby providing for increase stability of the mule  50  on the rail  20 B. The mule  50  can have a grabber armlet  55  that is actuatable (by an actuator  56  on the mule  50 ) between an engaged position (see  FIG. 24D ) and a release position (see  FIG. 24C ). In the engaged position (see  FIG. 24D ), the grabber armlet  55  engages a portion of a wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C to couple the mule  50  to the wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C (such that the mule  50  and trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C move together as an integral unit). In the release position (see  FIG. 24C ), the grabber armlet  55  does not engage the wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C so that the mule  50  and trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C can move independently of each other. In one implementation, the grabber armlet  55  can have a clamp  55 A (e.g., a spring-loaded clamp) that can engage (e.g., extend over) a pin  12 C 1  of the wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C. With the grabber armlet  55  in the engaged position, the mule  50  can pull or push the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., with the boat B supported thereon) along the track  20  (e.g., from the garage G to the end of the track  20  adjacent the platform  34 ′ and locations in between). 
     With reference to  FIG. 24A , the mule  50  can optionally include an electronics module  57  with circuitry C (e.g., including a wireless transmitter A′ and one or more antennas A) and a power source P (e.g., a battery, such as a rechargeable battery), as well as one or more sensors S 5  (e.g., proximity sensors). The sensor(s) S 5  on the mule  50  can communicate (e.g., wirelessly via the wireless transmitter A′) with the controller EM (located in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G) to control the operation of the motor M, and therefore control the motion of the mule  50  along the track  20  (e.g., when it is separated from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C and/or when it is coupled to the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C). Further discussion of the operation of the sensors is provided below. The power source P can power the sensor(s) S 5  on the mule  50  and/or the actuator  56  of the mule  50  that operates the grabber armlet  55 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23A and 24E , the platform lift mechanism  30 ′ includes a mule  50 ′ movably coupled to the rail  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′ that is similar to the mule  50 . Therefore, reference numerals used to designate the various components or features of the mule  50 ′ are identical to those used for identifying the corresponding components of the mule  50  in  FIG. 24A , except that a “′” is added to the numerical identifier. Thus, the structure and description for the various features or components of the mule  50  in  FIG. 24A  are understood to also apply to the corresponding features or components of the  50 ′ in  FIGS. 23A and 24E , except as described below. 
     In one implementation, the mule  50 ′ is identical to the mule  50 . In another implementation, the mule  50 ′ can be smaller in size than the mule  50 . In some implementations, the mule  50 ′ excludes the electronics module  57 . The mule  50 ′ can include sensors S 6  that are powered by line power from the motor M′ (e.g., a submersible hydraulic motor), and travels between a proximal location AA and a distal location BB along the rail  20 B′. As with the mule  50 , the mule  50 ′ can have a grabber armlet  55 ′ that is actuatable between an engaged position and a release position. In the engaged position, the grabber armlet  55 ′ engages a portion of a wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C to couple the mule  50 ′ to the wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C (such that the mule  50 ′ and trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C move together as an integral unit). In the release position, the grabber armlet  55 ′ does not engage the wheel assembly  12 ,  12 B,  12 C so that the mule  50 ′ and trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C can move independently of each other. With the grabber armlet  55 ′ in the engaged position, the mule  50 ′ can pull or push the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (e.g., with the boat B supported thereon) along the platform  34 ′ (e.g., between a proximal location AA and a distal location BB). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 23A-25E , the mule  50 ,  50 ′ can have a power transmitter  58 A,  58 A′ (e.g., inductive power transmitter) optionally provide power to sensors on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, such as proximity sensors S 1 , S 3 , S 4 , S 4 ′, via a power receiver  18 C of the boat trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, allowing the sensors on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the controller EM (in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G) via a transmitter  17 C on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. The mule  50  can also have a power receiver  58 B (e.g., inductive power receiver) via which it receives power (e.g., to charge the power source, such as batteries, P of the mule  50 ), as further described below. Advantageously, this allows the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C to not have a power source (e.g., battery) which may be damaged when the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is submerged in water with the platform  34 ′. The power source P on the mule  50  can be charged or recharged when the mule  50  is retracted to or proximate an end position (e.g., the “storage position”) in the garage G (e.g., when the mule  50  has pulled the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C all the way back into the garage G). In one implementation, an inductive power transmitter G 1  can be disposed in the garage and positioned so as to inductively transmit power to the power receiver  58 B of the mule  50  when the mule  50  is in the “storage position” in the garage G. In one implementation, though the power transmitters G 1 ,  58 A, receiver  58 B are inductive power transmitters and receiver, respectively. In another implementation, the power transmitters G 1 ,  58 A and receiver  58 B can transmit or receive power via electrical contacts thereof. The battery charge level (and whether the batter is currently being charged) may be detected and report by battery charge level sensors. 
       FIG. 27  shows a block diagram of a control system  500  for the boat lift and trolley assembly  100 ,  200 ,  300 . The control system  500  includes a controller EM (e.g., located in the garage G, such as on a wall of the garage G) that receives information from a plurality of sensors S 1 -Sn (e.g., where n is a digit, such as S 1 -S 10 , S 1 -S 15 , as described herein, or greater or fewer number of sensors, etc.). The controller EM sends control signals to the motor M (and optionally to the motor M′ on the platform  34 ′) and receives operational information from the motor M based at least in part on the information the controller EM receives from the plurality of sensors S 1 -Sn. As discussed above, one or more of the sensors S 4 , S 4 ′ can be on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C to sense a position and/or motion of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C and/or any obstructions on the track  20  and in the path of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. Optionally, one or more of the sensors can be located in one or more locations on the track  20 , for example, to sense a position of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. For example, at least one of the sensors S 10  can be located in the boat garage G, just outside the boat garage G, and/or at the edge of the dock channel D. For example, one or more sensors S 11  can be disposed in the garage G proximate the end of the track  20  to indicate the end of the track  20  and one or more sensors S 12  can be disposed outside the garage G to indicate when the mule  50  and/or boat trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is proximate the garage door GD, to cause the garage door GD to open. One or more sensors S 13  (see  FIG. 24G ) can be disposed proximate the end of the track  20  (near the gap  46 ) to indicate the end of the track  20 . One or more sensors can be located on the garage door of the boat garage G. With reference to the lift mechanism  30 , one or more sensors can optionally be located on the posts  32  to sense when the slings  34  are connected thereto. 
     In operation, the boat B can be disposed within the boat garage G and on top of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C frame with the garage door GD in a closed position. The mule  50  can be coupled to the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, as discussed above, and proximate stop AB in the garage G near end of track  20 . A user can initiate the automated deployment of the boat B by actuating a button, such as a “trolley out” activation button or “garage door open” activation button on a controller (e.g., control attached to the garage G, handheld remote control R, or a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone), at which point the garage door GD can open. Once the garage door GD is open (e.g., and triggers a signal from a “garage open” sensor S 15 , such as a proximity sensor that senses a location of the garage door GD), the controller EM can optionally turn on a chain tensioner to tension a drive chain attached to the trolley, such as drive chain  60  operatively coupleable to trolley  10 C via mule  50 ). When the drive chain is tensioned to a predetermined amount, as sensed by a (tension) sensor, the controller EM can receive a signal that movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is allowed. The operator can optionally press and hold a “trolley out” button to actuate the motor M to move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C (and the boat B) out of the boat garage G. The “trolley out” button can optionally be a deadman button that the operator must continuously press for the trolley  10 A,  10 B,  10 C to move. As the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C moves, one or more sensors S 4 , S 4 ′ (e.g., proximity sensors) on the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C and/or sensors S 5  on the mule  50  can sense for obstructions in the trolley&#39;s path (e.g., on the track  20 ), and can signal the controller EM to stop movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C if an obstruction is sensed. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism  30 ,  30 ′ can have one or more sensors that can communicate with the controller EM. For example, the lift mechanism  30  can have one or more sensors indicating that the lift cables/slings are in a stowed position and can communicate such a signal to the controller EM. Alternatively, as discussed above the lift mechanism  30 ′ can have one or more sensors S 8  that sense a position of the platform  34 ′ (e.g., fully raised, lowered) and optionally communicates this to the controller EM. It the platform  34 ′ is not in a fully raised position, the controller EM will stop the trolley  10 A,  10 B,  10 C short of the end of the track  20  (near the gap  46 ) until sensors confirm the platform  34 ′ has been fully raised, sensors S 7 , S 9  confirm alignment between the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ and the rails  20 A,  20 B and/or sensors confirm the locking pins  42  have been actuated by the actuator(s)  44  to lockingly couple the track  20  to the platform  34 ′. 
     In one implementations, even upon receipt of signals that the platform  34 ′ is completely raised, the controller EM can optionally pause movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C for a predetermined period of time before actuating the mule  50  (via the chain drive  60 ) to move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C onto the platform  34 ′. During said pause, the controller EM can bump the hydraulics of the platform  34 ′ in the up mode to ensure the platform  34 ′ is fully raised, and the pins  42  can be extended to align the rails  20 A,  20 B with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′. and the locking engagement of the pins  42  with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ is confirmed by sensors. 
     The controller EM actuates movement of the mule  50  (via the chain drive  60 ) to move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C onto the platform  34 ′ until the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C engages the mule  50 ′. The mule  50 ′ on the platform  34 ′ can then engage the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, as discussed above, and the mule  50  can disengage from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C and the controller EM actuates movement of the mule  50  in the opposite direction (away from the platform  34 ′), for example to a predetermined distance from the gap  46 . The locking tab  36 ′ on the platform  34 ′ can then be moved, as discussed above, to inhibit movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C while on the platform  34 ′. The controller EM then actuates the locking pins  42  to retract to disengage the track  20  from the platform  34 ′ (e.g., disengage the rails  20 A,  20 B from the rails  20 A′,  20 B′). At this point, the operator can optionally use the controls on the platform  34 ′ to lower the platform  34 ′. Alternatively, the operator can use a remote control or their mobile electronic device to operate the platform  34 ′. 
     Once the operator is done operating the boat B, and is ready to return the boat B to the garage, the operator can operate the system in reverse. For example, once the operator has maneuvered the boat B over the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, the operator can operate the “Platform Up” button (e.g., Deadman button) on the platform controller (e.g., remote control, mobile electronic device) to raise the platform  34 ′. When the platform  34 ′ reaches the raised position, the platform  34 ′ stops. The operator can then actuate the “Boat to Garage” button (e.g., dead man button) to start the trolley process. As the operator continues to hold the “Boat to Garage” button, the controller EM can bump the platform hydraulics to ensure the platform  34 ′ is fully raised, then the locking pins  42  can be actuated to extend and engage the rails  20 A,  20 B of the track  20  with the rails  20 A′,  20 B′ on the platform  34 ′. Once the engagement of the track  20  with the platform  34 ′ is sensed, the hydraulic lock tab  36 ′ on the platform  34 ′ will disengage and the mule  50  will move to its forward most position and stop. The mule  50 ′ will push the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C toward the track  20  until the mule  50  engages the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C, at which point the mule  50 ′ will disengage from the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. The controller EM can then actuate the mule  50  (via the chain drive  60 ) to pull the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C toward the garage G. Once the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C clears the gap  46 , the locking pins  42  can optionally be actuated (by the controller EM) to disengage the track  20  from the platform  34 ′. The mule  50  will continue to pull the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C toward the garage G. If the garage door GD is closed, it can optionally open automatically once the mule  50  and/or trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C trigger a sensor on the track  20 . The trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C can continue into the garage G and stop when it reaches a stop position (as triggered by a sensor proximate the end of the track  20  in the garage G). The garage door GD can then be closed (using a Door Close button). 
     If the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is stopped in the garage door GD area, one or more track sensors S 10  (e.g., sensors proximate the gap TG) can communicate with the controller EM to inhibit the closing of the garage door GD until the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is clear of the garage door GD area. The trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C can continue to travel toward the dock D (e.g., via a chain drive  60  actuated by the motor M under the control of the controller EM). One or more track end sensors S 13  can communicate with the controller EM to stop the position of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C in a predetermined position on the dock D once it is reached. 
     As discussed above with reference to the trolley  10 B, clips from the lift mechanism  30  can then be attached to pick-up mechanisms  15 B 3  (e.g., lift clevises) of the upper frame  15 B of the trolley  10 B. The movement of the lift cable or sling from the stowed position can lock the movement of the trolley  10 B, as discussed above. The operator can then press a “lift up” button to raise the boat B (and upper frame  15 B) off the lower frame  11 B of the trolley  10 B. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism will not operate to lift the boat B unless all dock side cable clip sensors are vacant (indicating that the lift cable clips have been moved from the stowed position to couple them to the upper frame  15 B. 
     The “lift up” button actuation can lift the upper frame  15 B and boat B off the lower frame  11 B of the trolley  10 B until a lift stop sensor senses that the upper frame  15 B has been lifted by at least a predetermined amount. Once said predetermined amount is reached, the lift stop sensor can communicate a signal to the controller EM, allowing the controller EM to allow movement of the lower frame  11 B of the trolley  10 B. 
     Optionally, the operator can then press a “trolley in” button to cause the controller EM to move the lower frame  11 B of the trolley  10 B from underneath the upper frame  15 B (e.g., via the motor M operated chain drive attached to the lower frame  11 B). The trolley  10 B can be moved until a parking sensor is activated, indicating that the lower frame  11 B of the trolley  10 B is clear of the boat B, at which point the controller EM can receive a signal to stop movement of the lower frame  11 B. At this point, the operator can actuate the lift mechanism to lower the boat and upper frame  15 B into the water. Advantageously, the parking sensor would prevent the lift mechanism from lowering the upper frame  15 B and boat B if it does not sense that the lower frame  11 B is clear of the upper frame  15 B. 
     Once use of the boat B was complete, the operator could navigate the boat B back onto the upper frame  15 B while this is submerged in the water and press a “lift up” button to lift the boat B and upper frame  15 B out of the water. Once a sensor of the lift mechanism  30  indicates the boat B is in the lifted position, such a sensor can communicate a signal to the controller EM allowing movement of the lower frame  11 B. The operator can press a “trolley out” button to operate the motor M to drive the lower frame  11 B under the upper frame  15 B until a track end sensor is triggered. The operator can then operate the lift mechanism  30  to lower the upper frame  15 B onto the lower frame  11 B, as discussed above, at which point the operator can decouple the lift cable clips from the upper frame  15 B and place them in the stowed position, thereby triggering the cable/sling stowed signal that can communicate to the controller EM that the trolley  10 B can be moved. Such a signal allowing the trolley  10 B to move, will not occur unless all the cable clip sensors on the lift mechanism indicate that the lift cables have been stowed and are no longer attached to the upper frame  15 B. The operator can then operate a “trolley in” button to cause the controller EM to move the trolley  10 B (via the motor M driven chain drive) toward the garage G. The signal from the cable clip sensors indicating that the lift cables are stowed, would allow the trolley  10 B to continue moving toward the garage G without stopping once it passes the parking sensor, as discussed above. Optionally, a release and reapplication of the “trolley in” button can bypass the stop point indicated by the parking sensor. 
     The controller EM could continue to move the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C toward the garage G (e.g., as long as the operator continues to press the “trolley in” button). The trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C will thus continue to move until it triggers and “end of track” sensors S 15 , which signal communicated to the controller EM will stop movement of the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C. Additionally, the controller EM can prevent the closure of the garage door GD if an inside track sensor S 10  (e.g., track sensor located inside the garage G) senses that the trolley  10 ,  10 B,  10 C is too close to the garage door GD). Once properly inside the garage G, the operator can press the “door close” button, causing the controller EM to activate the chain de-tensioner, which allows the chain to lose tension and rest in the grooves  23 A,  23 B discussed above, allowing the garage door GD to fully close. A garage door sensor S 10  can be used to sense if there are obstacles in the closing plane of the garage door GD and if so can communicate a stop signal to the motor activating the movement of the garage door GD. 
     As discussed above, the actuation buttons for the various actions of the system (e.g., trolley in, trolley out, etc.) can be on a remote control R (e.g., a handheld remote control); in another embodiment, the user and use a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone or tablet (e.g., which has been paired with the controller EM and communicates wirelessly with the controller EM, such as via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, RF), as the remote control R to actuate the controller EM (e.g., via a mobile app previously installed on the mobile electronic device, or via the internet without using a mobile app). 
     With reference to  FIG. 27 , operation of the trolley  10  embodiment is very similar to that of the trolley  10 B, discussed above. The one or more sensors on the trolley  10  and/or one or more sensors on the track  20  can sense once the trolley  10  is clear of the boat garage G (e.g., more than a predetermined distance away from the entrance of the boat garage G) and the controller EM can actuate the garage door GD to close, and the one or more sensors can sense the position of the garage door GD. If said sensors sense that the trolley  10  is not clear of the boat garage G, the controller EM can inhibit (e.g., prevent) the garage door GD from closing to prevent the garage door from striking the boat B. 
     Once clear of the boat garage G, the controller EM can operate the motor M (e.g., via a deadman button pressed by the operator) to move the trolley  10  toward the dock channel D. One or more of the sensors can sense when the trolley  10  is adjacent the opening of the dock channel D. At this point, the user can decouple the slings  34  from the posts  32 , and the sensors can communicate said decoupling to the controller EM, which can then actuate the motor M to move the trolley  10  over the opening in the dock channel D. The user can then position the slings  34  under the boat B and recouple the ends of the slings  34  to the posts  32 . The sensors can communicate the recoupling of the slings  34  to the posts  32 , and the controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lift the boat B off the trolley  10  frame  14 . Once the boat B is off the trolley  10  (e.g., as sensed by one or more sensors, such as weight sensors on the trolley  10  or sensors on the lift mechanism LM), the controller EM can move the trolley  10  from below the boat B and out of the opening in the dock channel D, and can then operate the lift mechanism LM to lower the boat into the dock channel D and onto the water surface. The user can then operate the boat B. 
     Once done operating the boat B, the boat B can be moved from the dock channel D to back to the boat garage G by operating the control system  500  and boat lift and trolley assembly  100 ,  200  in the reverse order. First the user can move the boat B back into position in the dock channel and confirm the slings  34  are disposed under the hull of the boat B. The controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lift the boat B out of the dock channel D. One or more sensors can sense when the boat B has been lifted to a predetermined position out of the dock channel D; for example, sensors can sense a position of the boat B and/or the slings  34  to sense that the predetermined position has been reached and communicate this to the controller EM. The controller EM can operate the motor M to move the trolley  10  into position under the boat B, and one or more sensors, can inform the controller EM when the trolley  10  is under the boat B, at which point the controller EM can operate the lift mechanism LM to lower the boat B onto the trolley  10  frame. If the trolley  10  frame is not completely under the boat B, as sensed by one or more of the sensors, the controller EM can prevent the lift mechanism LM from lowering the boat B. One or more sensors (e.g., weight sensors) can sense when the boat B has been placed on the trolley  10  frame, and a user can decouple the slings  34  from the posts  32  and remove the slings from under the boat B, at which point the controller EM can operate the motor M to move the trolley  10  away from the dock channel D and toward the boat garage G. The user can the recouple the slings  34  to the posts  32 . 
     One or more sensors can sense when the trolley  10  is proximate the garage G, and the controller EM can operate the garage door GD to open. Sensors on the garage door GD can indicate the position of the garage door GD, and the controller EM can operate the motor M to move the trolley  10  into the garage G based on an indication that the garage door GD is fully open. One or more sensors can inform the controller EM when the trolley  10  frame  14 , with the boat B thereon, is fully inside the boat garage G, and the controller EM can operate the garage door GD to close. 
     In addition to the indications provided to the controller EM by the one or more sensors on the track  20  or on the trolley  10 , as discussed above, the sensors S 2  can inform the controller EM if there are any obstructions on the track  20 , and the controller EM can prevent movement of the trolley  10  based on said sensed information until such an obstruction is no longer sensed. 
     As noted above, optionally a remote control device (e.g., such as remote control R) may be configured to control the operation of the mechanisms discussed herein. For example, the remote control may be in the form of a portable wireless device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a wearable (e.g., a smart watch), and/or the like. The remote control device may also be a wired controller removably attached to a structure (e.g., attached to the garage, a post, or elsewhere). Optionally, the remote control functionality may be provided via an application (an “app”) downloaded onto the remote control device (e.g., via an app store) or preinstalled on the remote control device. The app may be installed in non-volatile remote control device memory and may be executed by a processing device to perform operations described herein. In addition to providing an interface for controlling the mechanisms described herein, the remote control device may report status data received from sensors described herein, errors, camera views, messages, and/or other data. 
     Referring to  FIG. 28A , an example remote control device and interface is displayed. Optionally, the illustrated remote control device may include a touch display, a soft or hard keyboard, microphones, cameras, and/or speakers. In this example, the remote control device is a wireless device that includes one or more wireless interfaces (e.g., a cell phone modem, a WiFi interface, a Bluetooth interface, a Zigby interface, a proprietary wireless interface, and/or other interface). The wireless interfaces may be used to send commands to the motors and other devices/components described herein and to request/receive data from the sensors disclosed herein. Some or all of the received sensor data may then be processed and displayed to the user via one or more user interfaces. 
     For example, the sensors may include position sensors (e.g., contact sensors, magnetic sensors, ultrasonic sensors, photoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, load sensors, float sensors, capacitive sensors, cameras, and/or other sensor types). By way of example, the sensors may be positioned and configured to detect the position of the boat trolley, the position of the lift assembly, the position of the garage door, the position of the mule  50 ,  50 ′, the alignment of the rails  20 A,  20 A′,  20 B,  20 B′, and/or whether the pin(s)  42  have been fully extended to confirm the platform is engaged with the track. The sensors may include one or more wired or wireless cameras configured to stream images (e.g., still images and/or video images) to the remote control device. For example, one or more cameras may be positioned within the garage, on the trolley, on the mule, on the platform, on the tracks, and/or elsewhere to provide views of the boat, trolley, mule, track, platform, garage, garage door, and/or surrounding environment. The cameras may include wide angle lenses, fish eye lenses, rectilinear lenses, and/or macro lenses. The cameras may be positioned to be upward facing, downward facing, or level facing. The cameras may be motorized so that the pointing angle of the camera is controllable via the remote control device. Each camera may transmit images in association with a camera identifier (which may indicate the location of the camera). 
     Additionally, as discussed elsewhere herein, sensors may be configured to indicate that the lift cables/slings are in a stowed position. Sensors may be configured to measure the charge level of the batteries discussed herein, and to detect whether the batteries are currently being charged. Sensors may be configured to determine sling connection status. Some or all of the motors discussed herein may be equipped with some or all of the following sensors: overcurrent sensors (to detect overcurrent conditions), vibration sensors (to detect potentially damaging vibration), speed/rotation sensors, and/or temperature. The foregoing sensors may be used to detect a motor failure or potential failure, and to identify the cause of such failure or potential failure. 
     Certain sensors may be discrete in nature. For example, the mule position sensors may be spaced apart on the track(s) (e.g., every foot, every three feet, or other spacing) so as to provide a corresponding position detection resolution. Certain sensors may be continuous in nature (e.g., range finder sensors) so as to provide continuous or almost continuous position detection with high resolution (e.g., 0.1 inch, 0.5 inch, 1 inch). 
     The sensors may be water resistant, and in particular seawater/saltwater compatible. For example, sensors may optionally have housings of saltwater resistant materials, such as titanium, ceramic, plastic, and/or marine bronze. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 28A , the example user interface may be organized into multiple areas to provide a logical, easy to learn arrangement. Further, such an arrangement may provide the most or more commonly used and/or critical control and status in a single display to thereby reduce the need to navigate through many screens. In the illustrated example, a control area  2802  provides controls to cause the foregoing mechanisms to transport the boat to the platform, to transport the boat to the garage, to move the platform up, to move the platform down, to open the garage door, and close the garage door. 
     Optionally, certain controls may be selectively configured as dead man controls that the user must continuously press for the corresponding operation to be performed to completion, wherein if the user releases the control, the app (which may continuously monitor the user&#39;s touch of the control) commands the corresponding component to stop a corresponding operation (or ceases commanding the component to perform the corresponding operation). Optionally, the app may be configured to respond to voice commands to execute the operations described herein. For example, the voice commands may be received via the remote control device microphone, and the voice commands may be translated to text (e.g., using a natural language processing engine). The text may be compared to tags associated with available operations, a match may be identified, and the matching operation may be caused to be performed. 
     In addition, controls are provided which may cause the application to access and/or display certain information. For example, activation of a message control may cause messages generated by the app or received by the app from a remote system to be presented (see, e.g.,  FIG. 28C ). Example messages may include an indication that there is a software update for the app, that remedial action needs to be taken (e.g., removal of debris on the track, replacement of rechargeable battery, etc.), current weather and/or ocean conditions, and/or other message types. Activation of the error log control may cause an error log to be accessed and presented, where the error log includes detected errors and the respective date/time of the detected errors. For example, the error log may include a history of detected obstructions, such as the object and/or location of the obstructions (e.g., stern, bow, mule, trolley, etc.). By way of further example, the error log may include motor overcurrent detections, battery charge failures, sensor failures, etc. The error log may include errors detected since inception of the error log and/or may be limited to a user specified date range. 
     Activation of the status control may cause the current operational and/or location status of various components (see, e.g.,  FIG. 28B ), such as the garage door, the platform, the trolley, the mule, the pin(s), the rail alignment, the drive train tension, the sling status, the presence/location of obstructions, and/or the like. For example, the status may indicate “Trolley moving,” “Trolley stopped,” “Obstruction stern,” “Obstruction bow,” “Obstruction Mule,” “Latch/lock error,” “mule battery at 75% charge,” “Garage door open,” “Garage door closed,” “Platform up,” Platform down,” “Pins locked,” “Rails aligned,” “Drive train slack,” “Boat parked,” and/or the like. Errors displayed via the status user interface may also be included in the error log, however the error log may exclude non-error related status. 
     Various camera controls may be provided. When a given camera control is activated, the corresponding camera feed may be used by the remote control device and displayed via the camera feed display area  2804 . In this example, trolley camera, track camera, and garage camera controls are provided, however additional, fewer and/or different camera controls may be provided. In addition, controls may be provided that enable the user to point the cameras to a desired pointing angle. 
     In addition, an animated, graphic representation of various components may be displayed in animated status area  2804 . By way of illustration, sensor position data received by the app may be analyzed and the sensor data may be reflected via the animated status area  2804 . For example, animated status area  2804  may indicate the position of the galley as the galley is being moved down the track. By way of further example, the animated status area  2804  may indicate the current position of the mule(s), garage door, and/or platform (e.g., up, down, moving upwards, moving downwards). In addition, the gauge  2806  may indicate the vertical position of the platform. By way of illustration, the app may store a mapping of various sensors to the illustrated tracks, track positions, and related components. When a sensor reports a position of a given component (e.g., the location of the trolley on the tracks) the representation of the trolley and/or boat may be redrawn or moved to correspond to the reported position. 
     The gauge  2808  may indicate the battery charge level of a mule battery, and may indicate whether or not the battery is currently being charged. Optionally, a battery charge level gauge or other indicator may be provided for each mule and/or other battery-powered devices. 
       FIGS. 29A-29B  illustrate an example process for deploying a boat from the garage (which may be executed by the apparatus described herein), as similarly discussed above. At block  2902 , the process detects a user activation of a “boat out” control. Optionally, the process operates on a dead man basis, where the process continuously monitors the user activation of the “boat out” control, and if the user releases the control, the process stops certain operations. 
     At block  2904 , a determination is made from the garage door sensor readings as to whether the garage door is open. If the garage door is not open, at block  2906 , the garage door is commanded to open. The process may wait until the garage door sensors indicate that the garage door is fully open. At block  2908 , the transport mechanism (e.g., the dockside mule and trolley) is commanded to transport the boat to the platform at the end of the track. The platform motors/pneumatics are commanded to raise the platform. 
     As the boat is being navigated on the track, the various sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) monitor for obstructions (e.g., branches, rocks, seaweed, etc. on the track). At block  2910 , a determination is made as to whether the sensors detected an obstruction. If an obstruction is detected that appears to be a potential hindrance to the safe transport of the boat, at block  2912 , the process commands the transport mechanism to stop movement (e.g., to stop movement of the dockside mule and trolley). Otherwise, at block  2914 , sensors are monitored to detect if the transport mechanism has reached the end of the track ending at the gap between the track and the platform. In response to detecting that the transport mechanism has reached the end of the track, the transport mechanism is commanded to halt. 
     At block  2918 , a determination is made from corresponding sensor readings as to whether the platform is fully raised to the top position. At block  2920 , the platform hydraulics are bumped in the up mode to ensure the platform is fully trapped in an XY retainer (which reduces or eliminates the likelihood of minor leaks). 
     At block  2922 , the lock pins are extended from the dockside tracks to the platform tracks to align the dockside tracks with the platform tracks. In response to the process sensing that the lock pins are fully extended and locked (via corresponding sensors) to the platform tracks, at block  2924  the transport mechanism is commanded to be moved to the platform track until the stern side of the trolley contacts the platform mule. At block  2926 , the platform mule clamps are commanded to latch the trolley truck (e.g., on the stern side). At block  2930 , the dockside mule clamps are commanded to unlatch from the bow-side trolley truck. At block  2931 , the platform mule is commanded to transport the trolley onto the platform and park the trolley in the appropriate location (e.g., the stern side of the platform). At block  2932 , the dockside mule is commanded to move backwards (e.g., 2-4 feet) from the platform gap. At block  2932 , a platform-based hydraulic mechanism is commanded to push a locking tab up to lock the platform mule or the trolley to prevent trolley movement 
     At block  2934 , the pins are commanded to retract from the platform rails. At block  2936 , in response to sensors detecting that the pins have been successfully retracted, the platform controls are enabled so that the user can utilize the platform control to provide desired commands. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates an example process for returning the boat and trolley to the garage, as similarly discussed above. The boat is docked onto the lowered platform (where the platform is lowered beneath the surface of the water) and onto the trolley support bunkers. At block  3002 , the process detects a user activation of a “Platform up” control, indicating that the platform and bunkered boat are to be raised. Optionally, the process operates on a dead man basis, where the process continuously monitors the user activation of the “Platform up” control, and if the user releases the control, the process stops certain operations (e.g., the movement of the platform). 
     At block  3004 , in response to the detected activation of the “Platform up” command, the platform is commanded to be raised. When the platform is fully raised, the platform movement stops. At block  3006 , the process detects a user activation of a “Boat to garage” control, indicating that boat and trolley are to be returned to the garage. At block  3008 , in response to detecting the “Boat to garage” command, the user-accessible platform controls (e.g., provided via the remote control device) are optionally disabled to prevent the user from commanding the platform to perform an action that may be unsafe or that may damage the boat, rails, or other components. In addition, the controller is commanded to bump the up platform hydraulics to ensure that the platform cylinder is in the full up position. At block  3010 , the pins are commanded to extend from the track end to engage the platform rails, and to thereby align the platform tracks with the tracks going to the garage. At block  3012 , in response to sensing via sensors that the pins are fully extended and locked to the platform rails, the trolley hydraulic lock tabs on the platform are caused to disengage. 
     At block  3014 , the dockside mule is commanded to move to the most forward position on the track, to a point just before the gap between the dockside track and the platform, and stop. At block  3016 , the platform mule, on the stern side of the boat, is commanded to transport the trolley towards the dockside mule, until the dockside mule clamps engage the trolley. At block  3018 , the platform mule is commanded to release its clamps so as to disengage from the trolley. At block  3020 , position sensors are monitored to determine if the trolley has cleared the gap between the platform and the tracks. In response to detecting that the trolley has cleared the gap between the platform and the tracks, the process proceeds to block  3022 , and the pins are retracted from the platform rails. At block  3024 , in response to detecting that the pins have been retracted from the platform rails (so that the platform tracks are no longer mechanically coupled to the dockside tracks), the platform controls (e.g., on the remote control device) are enabled so that the user can independently control the platform now that it is safe to do so. 
     At block  3026 , the dockside mule is commanded to transport the trolley to the garage. At block  3028 , the process detects, via corresponding door sensors, whether the garage door is open. In response to detecting the garage door is not open, at block  3030 , the garage door is commanded to open. At block the  3032 , a determination is made as to whether the trolley is at a parked position in the garage (e.g., by monitoring a sensor at or near the end of the track that indicates whether the trolley is at a designated end point). At block  3034 , the garage door is commanded to close automatically, or a user can manually activate a door close control so as to close the door. 
     Additional Embodiments 
     In embodiments of the present invention, an automated boat lift and trolley system may be in accordance with any of the following clauses: 
     Clause 1: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat from a boat garage and a dock, comprising:
         a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock;   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of rails of the track;   a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the track, the lift assembly operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon into water to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, the lift assembly operable to raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon such that the pair of platform rails are substantially aligned with the pair of track rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley from the platform onto the track;   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and from the track onto the platform; and   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controller configured to automatically control operation of the boat trolley to move along the track, between the track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat into the water based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to the controller.       

     Clause 2: The system of clause 1, wherein the drive assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate an end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotates in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction. 
     Clause 3: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end position proximate an end of the track, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 4: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 5: The system of any preceding clause, further comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable batteries on the mule when the mule is at or near the first end position in the garage. 
     Clause 6: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 7: The system of any preceding clause, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the track rails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platform is coupled to the track. 
     Clause 8: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform rails. 
     Clause 9: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to move between the first location and the second location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 10: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track. 
     Clause 11: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage. 
     Clause 12: The system of any preceding clause, wherein the remote control device is a mobile electronic device. 
     Clause 13: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock, comprising:
         a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock;   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails;   a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the track rails, the lift assembly operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, the lift assembly operable to raise the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to a raised position, the pair of platform rails being substantially aligned with the pair of track rails when the platform is in the raised position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the platform and the track;   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and between the track and the platform; and   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controller configured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the track and the platform, and to control the lift assembly to lower the boat trolley with the boat thereon to the lowered position based at least in part on the sensed information communicated by one or more sensors to the controller.       

     Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein the drive assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction. 
     Clause 15: The system of any of clauses 13-14, wherein the chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of the track, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 16: The system of any of clauses 13-15, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 17: The system of any of clauses 13-16, further comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the first end position in the garage. 
     Clause 18: The system of any of clauses 13-17, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 19: The system of any of clauses 13-18, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the track rails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platform is coupled to the track. 
     Clause 20: The system of any of clauses 13-19, wherein the lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform rails. 
     Clause 21: The system of any of clauses 13-20, wherein the chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to move between the first location and the second location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 22: The system of any of clauses 13-21, wherein the platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track. 
     Clause 23: The system of any of clauses 13-22, wherein the controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage. 
     Clause 24: The system of any of clauses 13-23, wherein the remote control is a mobile electronic device. 
     Clause 25: An automated boat lift and trolley system for moving a boat between a boat garage and a dock, comprising:
         a track comprising a pair of track rails, the track configured to run from a proximal end within a boat garage and a distal end proximate a dock;   a boat trolley configured to support a boat thereon, the boat trolley having a set of wheels that movably couple the trolley to the pair of track rails;   a drive assembly as least partially disposed in the garage and configured to drive the movement of the boat trolley along the track and between the track and a dock; and   a controller at least partially disposed in the garage, the controller configured to automatically control operation of the drive assembly to move the boat trolley along the track between the track and the dock.       

     Clause 26: The system of clause 25, further comprising a lift assembly disposed at the dock, the lift assembly comprising a platform spaced from the distal end of the track, the platform having a pair of platform rails onto which the boat trolley is moved from the track rails, the platform movable between a raised position where the platform rails are substantially aligned with the track rails and a lowered position to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track rails and platform rails, the lift assembly being operable to lower the platform with the boat trolley and boat thereon to the lowered position to facilitate removal of the boat from the boat trolley for use, the controller configured to control the movement of the platform between the lowered position and the raised position. 
     Clause 27: The system of any of clauses 25-26, wherein the drive assembly comprises a motor disposed in the garage, the motor operatively coupled to a track chain drive having a drive sprocket in or proximate the garage, a driven sprocket at or proximate a distal end of the track, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupled to the boat trolley, wherein operation of the motor to rotate an output shaft thereof in one direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a first direction and the chain to move in a second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the second direction, and wherein operation of the motor to rotate the output shaft in an opposite direction causes the drive and driven sprockets to rotate in a third direction opposite the first direction and the chain to move in a fourth direction opposite the second direction thereby causing the boat trolley to move in the fourth direction. 
     Clause 28: The system of any of clauses 25-27, wherein the chain of the track chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a mule coupled to the chain, the mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of track rails and configured to move between a first end position in the garage and an opposite end position proximate the distal end of the track, the mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley in the second or fourth directions, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 29: The system of any of clauses 25-28, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 30: The system of any of clauses 25-29, further comprising an inductive power transmitter disposed in or near the garage, the inductive power transmitter configured to charge the one or more rechargeable batteries of the mule when the mule is at or near the first end position in the garage. 
     Clause 31: The system of any of clauses 25-30, wherein the mule further comprises one or more rechargeable batteries, a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet, and the boat trolley comprises one or more proximity sensors configured to receive power from the one or more rechargeable batteries when the mule is coupled to the boat trolley, the one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the drive system to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the track. 
     Clause 32: The system of any of clauses 25-31, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the track to the platform when the track rails are substantially aligned with the platform rails to facilitate movement of the boat trolley between the track and the platform, the locking mechanism comprising one or more pins actuatable between a retracted position in which the platform is decoupled from the track and an extended position in which the platform is coupled to the track. 
     Clause 33: The system of any of clauses 25-32, wherein the lift assembly comprises a platform drive assembly comprising a motor operatively coupled to a platform chain drive having a drive sprocket proximate a first location on the platform track, a driven sprocket proximate a second location on the platform track spaced from the first location, and a chain coupled to the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket, the chain operatively coupleable to the boat trolley when at least a portion of the boat trolley is on the platform and configured to move the boat trolley along the platform rails. 
     Clause 34: The system of any of clauses 25-33, wherein the chain of the platform chain drive operatively couples to the boat trolley via a platform mule coupled to the chain, the platform mule being movably coupled to one of the pair of platform rails and configured to move between the first location and the second location on the platform track, the platform mule comprising a grabber armlet actuatable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position the grabber armlet is configured to couple with the boat trolley so that the platform mule can exert a force on the boat trolley to move the boat trolley, and wherein in the disengaged position the grabber armlet is configured to decouple from the boat trolley to allow the platform mule to move independently of the boat trolley. 
     Clause 35: The system of any of clauses 25-34, wherein the platform mule further comprises a wireless transmitter, an electronic actuator configured to operate the grabber armlet and one or more proximity sensors configured to communicate with the controller, the controller configured to operate the platform drive assembly to stop movement of the boat trolley when the proximity sensors sense an obstruction on the platform track. 
     Clause 36: The system of any of clauses 25-35, wherein the controller comprises a wireless transceiver, the controller configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote control to operate one or both of the motion of the boat trolley and a garage door of the boat garage. 
     Clause 37: The system of any of clauses 25-36, wherein the remote control is a mobile electronic device. 
     While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the systems and methods described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present inventions is defined only by reference to the appended claims. 
     Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. 
     Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
     Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added. Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. 
     The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware (e.g., ASICs or FPGA devices), computer software that runs on computer hardware, or combinations of both. Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signal processor (“DSP”), an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can include electrical circuitry configured to process computer-executable instructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGA or other programmable device that performs logic operations without processing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Although described herein primarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device may also include primarily analog components. For example, some or all of the rendering techniques described herein may be implemented in analog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computing environment can include any type of computer system, including, but not limited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframe computer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, a device controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, to name a few. 
     The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor device, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storage medium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processor device can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to the processor device. The processor device and the storage medium can reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discrete components in a user terminal. The computer devices discussed herein may optionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, cameras, microphones, and/or the like. 
     While the phrase “click” or similar phrases may be used with respect to a user selecting a control, menu selection, or the like, other user inputs may be used, such as voice commands, text entry, gestures, etc. User inputs may, by way of example, be provided via an interface, such as via text fields, wherein a user enters text, and/or via a menu selection (e.g., a drop down menu, a list or other arrangement via which the user can check via a check box or otherwise make a selection or selections, a group of individually selectable icons, etc.). When the user provides an input or activates a control, a corresponding computing system may perform the corresponding operation. Some or all of the data, inputs and instructions provided by a user may optionally be stored in a system data store (e.g., a database), from which the system may access and retrieve such data, inputs, and instructions. The notifications/alerts and user interfaces described herein may be provided via a Web page, a dedicated or non-dedicated mobile device (e.g., phone application), computer application, a short messaging service message (e.g., SMS, MMS, etc.), instant messaging, email, push notification, audibly, a pop-up interface, and/or otherwise. 
     The user terminals described herein may be in the form of a mobile communication device (e.g., a cell phone), laptop, tablet computer, interactive television, game console, media streaming device, head-wearable display, networked watch, etc. The user terminals may optionally include displays, user input devices (e.g., touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, voice recognition, etc.), network interfaces, etc. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements, and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
     Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree. 
     The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.