Abstract: Systems and methods are for maneuvering a marine vessel having a plurality of steerable propulsion devices. The plurality of propulsion devices are controlled to achieve a lateral movement by controlling the steering orientation of port and starboard propulsion devices so that forward thrusts provided by the port and starboard propulsion devices intersect at or forwardly of a center of turn of the marine vessel. One of the port and starboard propulsion devices is operated to provide a forward thrust and the other of the port and starboard propulsion devices is operated to provide a reverse thrust so that the lateral movement is achieved and a resultant yaw component is applied on the marine vessel. An intermediate propulsion device is controlled to apply an opposing yaw component on the marine vessel that counteracts the resultant yaw component.

Abstract: A pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.

Abstract: A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to the bracket and the support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to the slider. A drum is rotationally supported by the bracket. A constant force spring is attached to the drum at one end and to the slider at the other end. The constant force spring is biased to wrap around the drum, the constant force spring unwrapping from the drum as the slider moves toward the retracted position. The constant force spring biases the slider toward the extended position. A damping mechanism damps the rotational motion of the drum relative to the bracket for smooth, non-abrupt movement of the slider.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pawl assembly that can be installed to the output shaft of a latch mechanism more easily, and in some embodiments without the use of tools, as compared to prior art pawls.

Abstract: A sliding and rotating hinge module for supporting a display screen or the like, includes a bracket, a slider and a support member. The slider is capable of sliding movement relative to said bracket and said support member is capable of pivotal movement relative to said slider. A drum is rotationally supported by the bracket. A constant force spring is attached to the drum at one end and the bracket at another end. The constant force spring is biased to wrap around the drum, the constant force spring unwrapping from the drum as the slider moves toward the retracted position. The constant force spring biases the slider toward the extended position. A damping mechanism damps the rotational motion of the drum relative to the bracket for smooth, non-abrupt movement of the slider.

Abstract: A tiller arm is provided with a lock mechanism that retains the tiller arm in an upwardly extending position relative to an outboard motor when the tiller arm is rotated about a first axis and the lock mechanism is placed in a first of two positions. Contact between an extension portion of the lock mechanism and the discontinuity of the arm prevents the arm from rotating downwardly out of its upward position.

Abstract: A cowl latching system provides a retainer that is attached to the outboard motor and a catch device which is attached to a cowl structure. The catch device is shaped to allow the retainer to move between first and second extension portions. The retainer is provided with first and second retention members that can each move from a retracted position to an extended position under the urging of a resilient member such as a spring. The first and second retention members can also be urged from their respective extended positions to their respective retracted positions by the movement of the first and second extension portions of the catch device when the cowl structure is installed unto the outboard motor.

Abstract: First and second pliable members are each attached to an outboard motor and to a fixed location on the transom or transom bracket associated with the outboard motor. One pliable member is used on the starboard side of the outboard motor while another is used on the port side. As the outboard motor is tilted about its trim axis, the two pliable members work in coordination with each other to exert a force on the outboard motor in a direction away from any direction in which the outboard motor is rotated about its steering axis as it is being tilted about its trim axis. This coordinated action by the two pliable members aligns the outboard motor in a straight ahead position when it is tilted upward into an inoperable position for transportation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fastener adapted to be secured to a first member for fastening a keeper secured to a second member. The fastener comprises a base member, a sleeve member connected to the base member, and a slide member received within the sleeve member to be extended or withdrawn. The sleeve member is included with an opening into which a cam mechanism is received for rotatable movement. A cam member is also provided extending from the cam mechanism and into a cam opening provided in the slide member. The fastener also includes a turning member which is adapted to rotate the cam mechanism so as to move the cam member within the cam opening in order to extend or withdrawal the slide member. The fastener may also include a biasing member confined within the base member in order to bias the sleeve member relative to the base member as the slide member is fastened with the keeper. In addition, the fastener may be adapted for increasing the amount of extension or withdrawal of the slide member.

Abstract: A fluid pump having a pump housing, and an impeller in the housing and coupled to the drive shaft of a drive motor. An improved main seal is provided in the housing to seal the hole through which the drive shaft extends. The seal includes a carbon seal member having a flat end face in sliding relationship to the flat end face of a ceramic seal rotatable with the drive shaft and the impeller. The seal further includes a pre-loaded element which forces the two seal faces together. An improved mounting bracket is provided to mount the drive motor and the pump housing on a fixed support. The mounting bracket includes a central mounting plate and a pair of inclined, side wings which extend from the pump housing toward the drive motor so as to eliminate the need for a second bracket on the opposite side of the motor.