Abstract: A system includes a first sensor positioned at a first location that senses a pallet identifier associated with a transfer pallet. A component is associated with the transfer pallet. A second sensor positioned at a second location remote from the first sensor senses the pallet identifier associated with the transfer pallet. A marking machine proximate to the second location marks the component with a component identifier associated with component unique birth data based on the pallet identifier.

Abstract: A method for testing casting quality includes collecting sand that has fallen from an internal cavity of the casting at a collection area. The collection area includes a screen and a pad. The method further includes capturing a first image of sand that has fallen onto the pad and analyzing the first image to determine an amount of black sand that has fallen onto the pad. The method further includes capturing a second image of sand that has been retained on the screen and analyzing the second image to determine an amount of black sand chunks retained on the screen.

Abstract: A system includes a first sensor positioned at a first location that senses a pallet identifier associated with a transfer pallet. A component is associated with the transfer pallet. A second sensor positioned at a second location remote from the first sensor senses the pallet identifier associated with the transfer pallet. A marking machine proximate to the second location marks the component with a component identifier associated with component unique birth data based on the pallet identifier.

Abstract: A tetherless occupant detector system uses an infrared sensor and a monitor circuit that provides a deactivation signal to an engine control unit or other control mechanisms in the event of an operator of the marine vessel leaving a preselected control position at its helm. The infrared sensor provides an output signal that is generally representative of the heat produced by an occupant within the control position of a marine vessel. The monitor circuit reacts to a sudden decrease in this heat magnitude and provides a deactivation signal in response to detecting this sudden decrease. The deactivation signal provided by the monitor circuit can be received by an engine control unit which then, in turn, deactivates a marine propulsion system. Alternatively, the deactivation signal itself can cause a deactivation of the marine propulsion system.

Abstract: A data storing method for a marine propulsion system uses two groups of three data logs each in which each data log comprises a plurality of data records. The information on preselected parameters are stored into the data records of the three data logs at different time increments. This allows the three data logs to cover a relatively long period of time at a lesser resolution, a shortest period of time at a highest resolution, and an intermediate period of time at an intermediate resolution. This allows an analyst to carefully review the various parameter magnitudes during the periods of time immediately preceding a catastrophic event, such as an accident or an engine failure, either of which resulting in an engine shut down.

Abstract: A retainer for a transom-mounted outboard boat motor is mounted on the inside face of the transom generally surrounding the area where the clamping thumb screws of the motor mounting bracket engage the transom. The retainer includes a retaining lip defining an undercut groove which will engage the pads on the clamping thumb screws should the motor shift inadvertently out of position and prevent horizontal sliding or vertical tilting which may result in loss of the motor. The retainer is easily attached to the boat transom and offers no significant interference to attachment or removal of the motor.

Abstract: In a marine drive (10), a propeller shroud is provided by a cage (24) having internal spoke structure (26, 28, 38, 40, 46, 48) and having retainer structure (50, 74) mounting the cage (24) to the gearcase (12) and engaging the gearcase (12) and driveshaft housing (11) in a particular manner such that impact force on the cage (24) is transmitted to(1) the junction of the lower skeg (20) and the torpedo-shaped portion (14) of the gearcase (12,)(2) the leading edge of the gearcase (12) at the front edge (31) of the strut portion (23) and the front edge (33) of the skeg (20),(3) the underside of the anti-ventilation plate (22), and(4) the rearwardly extending portion (52) of the driveshaft housing (11) above the anti-ventilation plate (22) and the splash plate (13).

Abstract: A retainer for a transom-mounted outboard boat motor is mounted on the inside face of the transom generally surrounding the area where the clamping thumb screws of the motor mounting bracket engage the transom. The retainer includes a retaining lip which will engage the pads on the clamping thumb screws should the motor shift inadvertently out of position and prevent horizontal sliding or vertical tilting which may result in loss of the motor even if the thumb screws are inadvertently left fully loosened and the engine is operated in reverse in a tight turn. The retainer is easily attached to the boat transom and includes a recessed mounting notch in the retainer lip which facilitates mounting and offers no significant interference to attachment or removal of the motor.

Abstract: The rotatable connection between the steering link rod and the cable output ram in a marine drive steering linkage includes a demountable retainer which provides positive retention of the connection and manual assembly and disassembly thereof without the use of tools. The retainer is attached to the link rod thereby precluding the loss or improper substitution of component parts.

Abstract: A marine propeller mounting arrangement includes a sleeve member (14) for mounting on a propeller shaft (11), a propeller (10) having an inner hub (17) which fits over the sleeve member (14) and a cushion member (16) fitting between the sleeve member (14) and the propeller inner hub (17). The sleeve member (14) includes radially extending projections (26) registering with channels (31) in the hub to positively drive the propeller (10), even in the event of failure of the cushion member (16). The propeller (10) has an outer hub (28) surrounding the inner hub (17) to define an exhaust gas passageway through the propeller (10).

Abstract: A safety stop switch assembly (10) for controlling a device such as an outboard motor includes a toggle switch having a switch arm (12). A clip (16) is held in place around the switch arm (12) by a spring arm (21). The clip (16) can be attached to the operator by a lanyard (17). When the operator is sufficiently removed from the device, the lanyard (17) will pull the clip (16) away from the switch arm (12) and turn the switch off. The switch arm (12) can be used to control the outboard motor with or without the use of the clip (16).

Abstract: A safety pressure regulator employing a diaphragm actuator that upon exposure to high temperature an element melts to release the valve from the actuator to effect its automatic closing.

Abstract: An engine driven outboard drive unit for propelling a watercraft has a vertical drive shaft driving a horizontal propeller shaft on which a propeller is mounted. The drive unit has a gearcase torpedo which houses both the propeller shaft and an annular exhaust gas passage. The exhaust passage discharges aft through the plane of the propeller. A small annular projection is formed around the aft end of the torpedo to improve high speed performance.

Abstract: A propeller having a specified combination of blade sweep, camber and rake which provides distinct operating advantages when utilized on pleasure boats; and further including weed cutting and protection features which make the prop particularly suitable for use on outboard motors and stern drives employing underwater exhaust through the lower gear case housing. Propeller blade rake and camber are adjusted as described to improve performance of light to moderately loaded, medium to high speed pleasure boats. The blades are swept aft and weed cutting blade-like fingers extend forwardly of the propeller blades to prevent weeds from accumulating forward of the prop and blocking the exhaust passageway.

Abstract: a marine propulsion drive unit which includes a speed measurement indicator. The speed measurement indicator is operatively connected to a pitot tube 22 within the lower gear unit 14 of the marine propulsion drive. The opening of the pitot tube 22 being in the leading edge 27 of the lower gear unit 14 at an elevation below the cavitation plate 17. This opening is formed by a blind horizontal passageway 23 extending from the leading edge 27. The horizontal passageway 23 intersects a blind vertical passageway 24 which is connected by tubing 29 to the speed measurement indicator.