Abstract: A manufacturing method for an optical connector includes inserting and fixing a multi-core fiber into a ferrule, wherein at least one of a plurality of cores of the multi-core fiber is a spiral core, inserting the ferrule into a housing and aligning the cores with the housing around a central axis of the multi-core fiber, and obliquely polishing the ferrule until a width of an end surface of the ferrule perpendicular to a direction of the central axis reaches a predefined width.

Abstract: A frequency converting circuit which reduces the amount of leakage of oscillating signals to the output, includes a local oscillator; a mixer for mixing the input signal with the output of the local oscillator, and a variable trap circuit connected in the output of the mixer. The local oscillator includes a PLL circuit, and a tank circuit having a coil and a varactor diode whose capacity is controlled by the PLL circuit. The variable trap circuit also includes a coil and a varactor diode, and is controlled by the PLL circuit to resonate at an output frequency of the local oscillator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an exhaust gas discharge system for a watercraft. The system has a first discharge path, including a first outlet, primarily for use during high speed vessel operation and a second discharge path, including a second outlet, for use during both low and high speed vessel operation. The first outlet is arranged to constantly remain below a water surface level of a body of water within which the watercraft is operated, while the second outlet is arranged to locate above the water level surface during high speed vessel operation and to locate below the body of water, at a level higher than the first outlet, during idle and low speed vessel operation. Additionally, the second discharge path has an exhaust flow sectional area of a size at least as large as the exhaust flow sectional area of the first discharge path. The system is capable of discharging exhaust gases in a smooth, efficient manner, and is comprised of a relatively simple structure.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive having an outboard drive unit that includes a bevel gear forward, reverse transmission having hydraulicly operated clutches. A hydraulic pump for actuating the clutches and for lubricating the transmission is driven off the rear end of the input shaft and control valve means selectively communicates the fluid from the hydraulic pump with the hydraulic clutches. The valve means is a rotary plug type valve but is constructed so as to minimize axial and radial forces acting that would tend to bind its movement. The construction of the outboard drive unit is such that the bevel gear transmission and hydraulically operated clutches can conveniently be inserted through like diameter oppositely facing openings formed in the upper end of the housing assembly of the outboard drive unit.

Abstract: A bevel gear transmission for a marine outboard drive having hydraulically actuated clutches for selectively coupling oppositely rotating bevel gears to a shaft to affect either forward or reverse drive. The bevel gears are each supported on the shaft by thrust bearings and are on the outer sides of the bevel gears and are urged into engagement with the thrust bearings by coil compression springs that also act to release the respective clutches. As a result of this arrangement, a constant lash is maintained between the bevel gears regardless of whether they are transmitting a driving thrust or not.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive having an outboard drive unit that includes a bevel gear forward, reverse transmission having hydraulically operated clutches. A hydraulic pump for actuating the clutches and for lubricating the transmission is driven off the rear end of the input shaft and control valve means selectively communicates the fluid from the hydraulic pump with the hydraulic clutches. The valve means is a rotary plug type valve but is constructed so as to minimize axial and radial forces acting that would tend to bind its movement. The construction of the outboard drive unit is such that the bevel gear transmission and hydraulically operated clutches can conveniently be inserted through like diameter oppositely facing openings formed in the upper end of the housing assembly of the outboard drive unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved outer surface for an upper region of an encasing arrangement for the outboard unit of a watercraft inboard-outboard propulsion system. Particularly, an independent casing is disclosed which has a relatively smooth, even and continuous outer surface and which is mountable upon a portion of such an outboard unit. The casing mounts in such a manner that its outer surface locates so that it is substantially flush with the outer surface portions of the outboard unit encasement which lie adjacent to the mounted casing. The lack of uneven surfaces, according to the arrangement of the present invention, makes the unit particularly useful in connection with activities which employ a line which is utilized to tow someone or something behind the watercraft, as the line will not snag upon the upper region encasing arrangement.

Abstract: A shifting system for an outboard drive unit comprised of a shift mechanism that is interposed between a remote operator and a controlled member associated with the transmission of the drive unit. An input cable having an inner wire and outer sheath interconnects the operator with the shift mechanism while an output cable of the same structure interconnects the shift mechanism with the controlled member. The shift mechanism includes a lever which has three inner wire connecting portions and which is pivotally mounted on a base that includes a pair of connecting portions for the outer cables. The connection points of the inner wires and outer cables are selectively changed to accommodate different types of transmission selectors and drive units with normal or reverse rotation propellers.

Abstract: A shifting device for shifting a clutch of an engine transmission in a marine propulsion unit having an outdrive unit. The shifting device includes an actuator which is releasably connected at one end to a remotely positioned operator by a cable and releasably connected at the other end to a transmission lever on the propulsion unit for adjusting the lever in response to movement of the operator. The actuator includes a moveable member which is slidably supported in a guideway formed in the outdrive unit to minimize the force required to be exerted on the cable at its connection with the actuator, to improve the durability of the cable, and to facilitate assembly and maintenance work of the shifting device and propulsion unit.

Abstract: An improved shifting mechanism for a transmission incorporating a dog clutch wherein a motion transmitting mechanism is interposed between the shift operator and the dog clutch for effecting initial rapid movement of the dog clutch from its neutral position to its drive position upon initial movement of the shift lever from its neutral position toward its drive position and then a slower more positive movement to final engagement.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of sea water hose fixing devices for fixing a conduit within an opening of a marine outboard drive without damaging the hose so as to permit reuse of the hose upon disassembly. The conduit is maintained within the opening by means of a pair of interengaging inner members that interlock with the conduit and interlock the conduit with that member in which it is received without causing damage of the conduit so as to facilitate reuse.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive particularly adapted for use in a twin stern drive arrangement which facilitates reversal of the degree of rotation of the output shaft. A bevel gear train drives a drive shaft of the outboard drive and because of the counterrevolution is supported by a pair of oppositely acting thrust bearings. An improved arrangement is provided for preloading the thrust bearings and for positioning the driven bevel gear within the drive shaft housing so as to adjust the meshing relationship between the gears.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for a marine outboard drive including a linkage system that interconnects a remotely positioned shift lever to a slidably supported dog clutching element. A detent mechanism is provided in the motion transmitting mechanism for retaining the motion transmitting mechanism in a position corresponding to one of the positions of the dog clutching element.

Abstract: A securing means for a flexible bellows which covers universal joint in a marine inboard/outboard drive unit. The flexible bellows has an end portion which is inserted within a cylindrical opening in an outboard drive casing. The bellows end portion is secured by a retaining sleeve which engages the inner surface of the bellows and forms a seal between the casing and the retaining sleeve. The retaining sleeve has a tubular body to engage the end portion of the flexible bellow and a flange portion to affix the retaining sleeve to the swivel casing. The retaining sleeve has a pair of lips attached to its flange portion for easy installation and removal.

Abstract: A marine outboard drive that is particularly adapted for use in twin stern drive arrangements and which facilitates selective reversal of the degree of rotation of the output shaft. This is accomplished by means of a bevel gear train including a bevel gear that is selectively positionable upon the input shaft so as to drive the drive shaft in either of two selective directions of rotation. The bearing and dog clutching arrangement of the system is such that loads can be taken regardless of the direction of rotation.