Patents by Inventor Flint Grahl

Flint Grahl has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9944375
    Abstract: A system for controlling trim position of a marine propulsion device on a marine vessel includes a trim actuator having a first end configured to couple to the marine propulsion device and a second end configured to couple to the marine vessel. A controller controls position of the trim actuator between an extended position wherein the propulsion device is trimmed up with respect to the vessel and a retracted position wherein the propulsion device is trimmed down with respect to the vessel. A shock relief mechanism overrides position control by the controller and allows extension of the trim actuator upon the occurrence of an overpressure event. An arresting mechanism, when activated, prevents extension of the trim actuator beyond a certain limit. The controller selectively activates the arresting mechanism in response to a determination that the propulsion device is being commanded in reverse. Methods for controlling trim position are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Martin, Daniel P. Klawitter, Flint Grahl, John A. Groeschel
  • Patent number: 9849957
    Abstract: A steering actuator is for steering an outboard marine engine about a steering axis. The steering actuator comprises a housing; a piston device that is disposed in the housing, wherein hydraulic actuation of the piston device causes the outboard marine engine to pivot about the steering axis; and a valve device that is disposed in the housing. The valve device controls a flow of a hydraulic fluid to move the piston device in a first piston direction and to move the piston device in an opposite, second piston direction. Movement of the piston device in the first piston direction causes the outboard marine engine to pivot in a first pivot direction and movement of the piston device in the second piston direction causes the outboard marine engine to pivot in an opposite, second pivot direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Flint Grahl, John A. Groeschel