Abstract: A mounting system for connecting a marine power head having a vertically disposed crankshaft to a jet propulsion unit for isolating operational vibrations includes an adaptor plate, a power head mounting apparatus on the adaptor plate for securing the power head to the plate, and a connecting assembly for connecting the adaptor plate to the jet propulsion unit at at least one point, the connecting assembly including resilient portions to isolate vibrations generated by the power head.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit assembly having forwardly located laterally spaced portions respectively including laterally aligned outwardly opening sockets and laterally aligned horizontally extending apertures communicating with the sockets, a king pin assembly including a portion located between the laterally extending portions and including a laterally extending bore aligned with the apertures, rubber mount assemblies respectively engaged in the sockets and having respective bores in alignment with the bore in the king pin assembly, a laterally extending bolt projecting through the bores and through the apertures in spaced relation thereto and including a head engaging one of the rubber mount assemblies, and a nut threaded on the bolt and engaging the other of the rubber mount assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a lower unit having port and starboard sides and comprising a drive shaft housing having an upper end, a power head including an engine fixedly attached to said upper end of said drive shaft housing, and an engine cover assembly comprising a starboard lower cover member extending downwardly to said lower end of said drive shaft housing and including an inwardly open recess, a port lower cover member extending downwardly to said lower end of said drive shaft housing and including an inwardly open recess, and means connecting together said port and starboard cover members independently of said lower unit and in surrounding covering relation to said drive shaft housing, and means resiliently supporting said lower cover members on said lower unit and including rubber mounts respectively extending from said port and starboard sides of said lower unit and into said inwardly open recesses of said lower cover members.

Abstract: Two embodiments of balancer arrangements for internal combustion engines particularly adapted for use in outboard motors. In each embodiment, the balancer shaft is journalled within the crankcase chamber of the engine and is driven from the crankcase from a point between its ends. Single and twin balancer shaft arrangements are disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustic isolation structure providing an acoustically isolated opening nd comprising coaxial inner and outer annular structural members defining an irregular annulus between them. Acoustical isolation material is provided within this annulus to acoustically uncouple the two members. Radially overlapping structural rings extending from the members into the annulus limit lateral movement of the inner member and preserve the generally coaxial relation of the members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damped actuator linkage for use on an erwater vehicle. The linkage includes a first linkage member connected to an actuator for providing a torsional force, a second linkage member connected to a utility device, and a layer of non-metallic material interposed between the first and second linkage members to reduce the transmission of noise and the attenuation of vibrations. The non-metallic material layer may be a layer of polyurethane material or a layer of silicone compound. This layer is preferably cast in concentric arrangement between the two linkage members.

Abstract: A tandem propeller assembly for use with a marine propulsion unit is disclosed wherein a single shock-absorber assembly is utilized to assure damping effects for both propellers so as to protect the propulsion system from being damaged when either propeller is obstructed by drifting wood or other debris. Each of the preferred embodiments disclosed provides a simple structure for absorbing impacts upon either propeller in a tandem propeller assembly while minimizing any increase in the surface area of contact with the water which would increase the propulsion resistance and would result in speed loss.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device having a powerhead drivingly connected to a propeller shaft, a lower unit rigidly connected to the powerhead and supporting the propeller shaft, a swivel bracket spaced from the lower unit and the powerhead and adapted to allow pivotal movement of the powerhead and the lower unit around a generally vertical steering axis, a connecting link between the swivel bracket and one of the powerhead and the lower unit, a portion of the link being spaced from the powerhead, and a pad for deadening noise generated by the powerhead, the pad being adjacent the link and at least partially filling the space between the link and the powerhead.

Abstract: A shock absorbing hub for a marine propeller assembly includes an inner spindle telescoped onto the splined drive shaft of the engine, an outer sleeve spaced radially outwardly of the spindle, and a molded-in-place core of elastomeric material filling the space between the spindle and the sleeve to transmit torque between the two while cushioning torsional shock. A housing carrying propeller blades is keyed to the outer sleeve and may be removed therefrom for repair or replacement without taking any retaining components off of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing structure for a marine outboard drive that is comprised of an elastic abutment between the drive shaft housing and clamping bracket and which has a greater resilience than the connection between the drive shaft housing and the steering shaft of the outboard drive so as to permit the absorption of rotational couples caused by vibrations without introducing undue resilience in the steering system of the outboard drive.

Abstract: A vibration absorbing steering device for an outboard motor having a swivel bracket constructed and arranged for mounting to a transom bracket of a boat and defining a vertical passageway includes a tubular pivot shaft being pivotally engaged in the passageway, an engine mount bracket designed to mount the engine for rotation with the pivot shaft, and a vibration absorbing torque tube for absorbing vibration generated by the engine. The torque tube is vertically disposed within the tubular pivot shaft and is secured at one end to the pivot shaft. A tiller arm has a pivot end attached to the upper end of the torque tube so that the tiller arm is connected to the engine mount bracket through the torque tube, and the torque tube absorbs vibration from the engine which would normally be transmitted through the tiller arm to the operator. In addition to absorbing engine vibration, the present device also permits positive steering control of the motor by manipulation of the tiller arm.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit including a wall defining a cavity, and a rubber mount which is located in the cavity and which includes an annular outer shell having an outer surface engaging the wall and an inner surface defining an axially extending bore having a minimum diameter, an inner core extending through the bore, being adapted to be connected to a kingpin, and including an end core portion having a diameter less than the minimum diameter, and an opposite end core portion having a diameter greater than the minimum diameter, and a resilient member extending between the outer shell surface and the inner core.

Abstract: A joint structure joins an outboard engine assembly to a boat hull. The outboard engine assembly has an engine, a case, a propeller rotatably supported on the case and drivable by the engine. The joint structure includes an attachment adapted to be coupled to the boat hull, the case having an inner surface defining an inner housing region, and elastic mount mechanism accommodated in the inner housing region for elastically supporting the case to the attachment. The elastic mount mechanism comprises a support member coupled to the attachment, and an elastic member disposed on the support member, the elastic member being elastically deformable from partial abutment to full abutment against a portion of the inner surface of the case in response to an increase in compressive forces which are applied between the case and the attachment when the engine is in operation.

Abstract: This invention is adapted to be embodied in an outboard motor that is comprised of a power head having an internal combustion engine surrounded by a protective cowling. The engine includes an exhaust port in communication with an exhaust pipe for discharging exhaust gases from the engine. A steering shaft is affixed to the drive shaft housing by upper and lower connections which include elastic bushings. An upper reservoir receives cooling water from the engine to cool structures adjacent the exhaust pipe and specifically the elastic bushings. The reservoir is dammed up on the forward side by the bushing and receives cooling from the cooling water.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for an outboard motor which comprises a steering bracket having a mounting bore and a steering handle having a mounting shaft at one end that is received for pivotal rotation within the mounting bore. In one embodiment, a wave washer is positioned within a counterbore formed at the upper end of the mounting bore and coaxial therewith so that the wave washer is between the steering bracket and the steering handle. In another embodiment, a pair of rubber members are each positioned within one of a pair of counterbores that are coaxial with the mounting bore, one being formed at the upper end of the mounting bore and the other being formed at the lower end, so that the rubber members are interposed between the steering bracket and the steering handle.

Abstract: A transmission mounting system includes a plurality of adjustable support units which are positioned between a transmission and supporting or reference surfaces. Each support unit includes a relatively yieldable elastic bearing and an extensible-retractible spacing link arranged in tandem. Signals indicative of the distance between transmission and the support surface are generated by a sensor and received by a control unit. The control unit effects dimension changes in the spacing link which compensate for deformation of the elastic bearing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising an internal combustion engine including an engine block, a drive shaft housing, a propeller shaft rotatably supported by the drive shaft housing and adapted to support a propeller, a drive shaft extending through the drive shaft housing and including an upper end driven by the engine and a lower end drivingly connected to the propeller shaft, and a resilent mount connected solely to the engine block and adapted to be supported by a kingpin.

Abstract: An outboard motor and improved torsional vibration damper adapted to be supported on the lower end of the output shaft of the engine of the outboard motor. The torsional vibration damper is formed with an oil receiving groove in which oil and fuel which may drain from the engine can collect without affecting the elastomeric sleeve. A drain hole permits the oil to be relieved from the oil collecting groove and this drain hole is threaded so as to receive a puller for pulling the torsional damper from the engine output shaft.

Abstract: A structureborne vibration-compensated motor arrangement includes a pair of twin AC motors supported by a rotatable shaft structure and a stationary outer housing. Each motor includes an annular stator core structure and an annular rotor field structure. The stator core structure is mounted by an annular stator support member which, in turn, is stationarily supported by the outer housing. The rotor field structure is mounted by an annular rotor support member in spaced relation, either axially or radially, from stator core structure. The rotor support member, in turn, is mounted to the rotatable shaft structure for rotation therewith.

Abstract: A shock absorber for absorbing external momentary steering forces acting on a steerable stern drive for boats. The shock absorber (11) is a hydraulic piston-cylinder device which is articulated between the anti-cavitation plate (9) of the drive (3) and a fixed portion (4) of the boat.

Abstract: A marine installation including a transom fabricated of a first metal and including a forward surface, a rearward surface, and a mounting opening extending between the surfaces, and a marine propulsion device including a transom bracket fabricated of a second metal less noble than the first metal, and a mechanism for detachably mounting the transom bracket on the transom and for simultaneously electrically insulating the transom bracket from the transom, which mechanism includes a sleeve fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged in the mounting opening and having therein a bore, a sheet fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged with the rearward surface and with the sleeve and having therein an opening in registry with the bore, a washer fabricated of electrically insulating material and engaged with the forward surface and with the sleeve and having therein an aperture in registry with the bore, and a bolt having a head engaging the washer, extending through the aperture, th

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comrising a propulsion unit including a cavity defined in part by a wall, an opening communicating with the cavity, a rubber mount insertable into the cavity through the opening, and an expandible wedge insertable through the opening and into the cavity, securable to the propulsion unit, and engageable with the rubber mount for fixedly securing the rubber mount to the propulsion unit and between the insertable expandible wedge and the wall of the cavity.

Abstract: There is disclosed a marine vessel which is particularly suited for mine hunting operations or the like because of improved survivability characteristics in the presence of multi-directed underwater transmitted excessive shock or vibration forces, such as are generated by a nearby exploding mine or the like. The ship is of the propeller driven type having a propeller shaft driving engine and gearbox unit mounted inboard of the vessel hull upon a rigid sled-like platform which in turn is resiliently supported relative to rigid structure of the vessel by spring means sandwiched therebetween. The spring means are of such nature as to resiliently yield in response to excessive compression, tension, shear or roll forces encountered from any direction. The spring means comprises an array of spaced apart spring devices, and back-up blocks of non-resilient compression-deformable material are provided in association therewith.

Abstract: A coupling for a marine outboard drive for coupling the engine output shaft to the input shaft of the outboard drive. The coupling is formed of a composite member having a molded hub portion that defines a curved recess and a sheet metal member that is affixed to the hub member and which is adapted to be affixed to the engine output shaft. An elastomeric member is received in the recess of the hub member and supports an internally splined member that has a splined connection to the input shaft of the outboard drive.

Abstract: A torsional damper for interconnecting the engine crankshaft and the driveshaft in a marine drive unit utilizes a high viscosity fluid as the fluid drive medium and also to cushion the transmission from the crankshaft to the driveshaft of torsional vibrations created by peak engine firing impulses. The damper includes two sets of interleaved and overlapping damper plates disposed within a housing. One set of plates is attached to the crankshaft input for relative rotation therewith and the other set is attached to the driveshaft and driven by the high shear resistance of the transmission fluid. The extremely high viscosity fluid reduces slip between the plate sets and thus between the crankshaft and driveshaft to a minimum, yet effectively precludes the transmission of torsional vibrations which significantly reduce drive train life. The damper construction of the present invention may be adapted for use in both outboard motors and stern drives.

Abstract: A propeller thruster installation includes a propeller unit rigidly supported in an inner tunnel tube which in its turn is elastically coaxially supported in an outer tunnel tube which is rigidly secured to the hull of a ship. In order to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations from the propeller unit to the interior of the ship an annulus between the outer and inner tunnel tubes is filled with, a continuously maintained "bubble curtain" of air.

Abstract: An outboard motor having an improved arrangement for supporting and preloading a thrust bearing of a driveshaft. The preloading device comprises a plurality of relatively small diameter stiff coil springs that encircle the driveshaft and place a compressive force on the thrust bearing.

Abstract: An outboard drive having an improved arrangement for absorbing torsional vibrations and isolating the drive shaft from them. Several embodiments of torsional vibration dampers are disclosed each of which includes a first member that is detachably connected to the drive shaft and an inertial member that is coupled to the first member. In some embodiments, this coupling is achieved by an elastomeric sleeve and in others it is achieved by means of a viscous fluid.

Abstract: Noise transmission problems in a torpedo or the like are avoided through the use of a vibration isolating mount 16 to mount various components to the hull 10. The mount 16 includes a generally vertical ring 60 having a vertical, axially facing surface 66 and mounting means 62 for mounting the ring to the hull 10 or the like. Also included is a generally vertical, annular yoke 76 having a vertical, axially facing surface 80 aligned with, spaced from and facing the ring surface 66 and having mounting means 92, 94 for securing the yoke to an object 14, 18 subject to vibration. At least one soft, elastomeric pad 90 extends horizontally between the ring 60 and the yoke 76, the pad 90 being disposed between the surfaces 66 and 80 and bonded thereto. The pad 90 will always be in shear to provide good attenuation and occasionally will be placed in tension or compression when relative movement between the ring 60 and the yoke 76 having an axial component occurs.

Abstract: Several embodiments of coupling devices for marine outboard drives for providing a coupling between an engine output shaft and the outboard drive, drive shaft. Each embodiment employs as the coupling a first portion that provides a relatively resilient driving connection for absorbing low speed torque vibrations and a second more rigid driving connection for providing a more positive power transmission at high speeds and high loads. In some embodiments, the more resilient connection is provided by a spring which may comprise either a torsional spring or a torsional coil spring. In other embodiments, elastomeric elements provide the driving connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a fluid-tight seal at an aperture where a rotatable shaft passes through a barrier into a barred fluid. A mechanical seal is mounted on the rotatable shaft. A stationary portion of the mechanical seal is elastomerically joined to the barrier by an elastomeric joint to form a substantially fluid-tight chamber bounded by the mechanical seal, the elastomeric joint and the barrier. The stationary portion of the mechanical seal is sealingly positioned adjacent to the rotatable portion of the mechanical seal. The elastomeric joint absorbs relative radial and axial motion between the barrier and the mechanical seal. The chamber is flushed with a flushing fluid. The stationary portion of the mechanical seal is rigidly anchored to the stationary shaft drive housing. The rotatable portion of the mechanical seal is attached to the rotatable shaft at such a distance from a stationary drive shaft housing that the resistance of the shaft to radial deflection is substantially maximum.

Abstract: An improved vibration damping structure for an outboard drive having a drive shaft housing with a pair of spaced apart side walls. A resilient coupling is provided between the spaced side walls for damping vibrations.

Abstract: An outboard drive arrangement having a drive shaft housing having spaced walls defining a hollow interior. An exhaust pipe extends into the hollow interior and resilient elements are interposed between the exterior walls of the exhaust pipe and the interior walls of the drive shaft housing for providing a resilient connection therebetween for damping vibrations.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprising a mounting assembly adapted to be fixedly attached to the transom of a boat and including a cylindrical bore defining a steering axis, a propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, a power head drivingly connected to the propeller, and a steering arm shaft pivotally received in the bore in the mounting assembly for pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the mounting assembly and to the transom about the steering axis, and a friction device mounted on the mounting assembly and frictionally engaging the steering arm shaft for damping oscillation of the steering arm shaft about the steering axis relative to the mounting assembly.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a cycloidal propeller is disclosed which has elastic support rings and elastic thrust rings. At least the elastic thrust rings are clamped between two frustoconical surfaces which are substantially parallel to each other. One surface is on a ring attached to the propeller base plate and the other is on a ring attached to the propeller foundation. The position of the rings may be changed to adjust the natural frequency of the mounting, for better damping of the forces from the propeller. The elastic support rings are preferably also clamped between parallel frustoconical surfaces. The angle of inclination of all the frustoconical surfaces in relation to the plane of the propeller base plate is between 32.degree.-38.degree..

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 coupling assembly (17) for coupling the crankshaft (18) of an inboard engine (11) to the input shaft (19) of an outboard propulsion unit (15) has a coupling member (21) stamped from steel. The coupling member (21) is attached to the engine flywheel (20) at three points at the vertices of the triangular coupling member base. An elastomeric annulus (23) couples the coupling member (21) to the input shaft (19).

Abstract: An outboard motor including an improved mounting arrangement for electronic components wherein they are mounted so that induction air will pass across and cool them. In addition, the electronic components are mounted on a circuit board and the mounting of the circuit board relative to the engine is in such a direction that the vibrations generated by the outboard motor are less likely to damage the electronic module.

Abstract: A propeller thruster installation includes a propeller unit rigidly supported in an inner tunnel tube which in its turn is elastically coaxially supported in an outer tunnel tube which is rigidly secured to the hull of a ship. In order to reduce the transmission of noise and vibrations from the propeller unit to the interior of, an ship the annulus between the outer and inner tunnel tubes is filled with elastic gas cushions, or a continuously maintained "bubble curtain" of air.

Abstract: An outboard motor arrangement and particularly an improved power head construction therefor embodying a hinged cover member that is pivotal to offer access to the engine for servicing without necessitating its removal. In addition, an elastomeric support is provided for the engine that minimizes the transmission of vibrations from the engine to the associated watercraft.

Abstract: Several embodiments of vibration damping devices for preventing the transmission of vibrations from the power head of an outboard motor to the transom of the boat to which it is attached. In each embodiment, a vibration damping pad is interposed between the power head and the drive shaft housing to isolate vibrations. In accordance with another feature of the invention, a flexible coupling is interposed between the engine output shaft and the drive shaft for permitting relative vibration damping between the power head and the drive shaft housing. A number of embodiments are disclosed that show various arrangements through which the vibration damping pad is affixed to a pair of supporting plates. In addition, an arrangement is provided for cooling the vibration damping pad in the area through which exhaust gases are passed from the engine to the drive shaft housing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of resilient supports for outboard motors embodying a relatively soft elastomeric element for damping low magnitude loads and a relatively hard elastomeric element that is loaded upon large magnitude relative movements. In some embodiments the loading arrangement is such that the softer resilient element is operative over a larger range of relative movement in one direction than in the other. In one embodiment an arrangement is employed wherein the elastomeric elements need not be bonded to their loading elements. In all embodiments the vertical support is only provided through the softer elastomeric element.

Abstract: There is disclosed in a surface effect ship which is constructed substantially of aluminum alloy material a hull construction including a side hull component which is bottomed by an operationally "wet" aluminum alloy keel plate, an improved propeller support arrangement comprising a superior strength thin-profile steel alloy strut extending cantilever-wise through the keel plate and carrying at its outer end bearing means for support of a ship propeller shaft. Interiorly of the side hull the steel strut is mechanically anchored to an operationally "dry" aluminum alloy member of the side hull structure, while at its underwater "wet" intersection with the aluminum alloy keel plate it is supported thereby but electrolytically and dynamically insulated therefrom by means of an epoxy-like housing device which at that cantilever support juncture encircles the strut.

Abstract: An inboard outboard drive having a structural part which passes through an opening in the hull of a boat. A mounting shield for supporting the structural part is at its inner portion provided with symmetrical receiver grooves into which the support flanges on the structural part may be selectively inserted in either one of two reversed positions and has in an outer portion an asymmetrically located flange for securing to the hull. The shield may according to need be put on the inner or outer side of the hull, depending on which of them is more even than the other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a bracket adapted to be fixed relative to the transom of a boat and including an opening extending generally horizontally when the bracket is boat mounted, a marine propulsion unit including a fixed assembly extending through the opening, fixed relative to the bracket, and including a power head located above the bracket and including an internal combustion engine, and an upper housing located below the bracket and fixed to the power head.

Abstract: A nonsteerable drive mechanism for a watercraft which includes an upper part arranged within the watercraft and has a drive motor with a downwardly directed driving shaft. A lower part is arranged outside of the hull of the watercraft and has an angled gear arrangement, the driven shaft of which extends horizontally below the waterline in the lower part and has a propeller fixedly secured to its free end. The upper part is resiliently mounted to a base plate and the lower part, independently therefrom, is rigidly secured to the base plate. A fixed closure member closes off an opening through the hull and a part of the base plate encircling the opening of the watercraft, which closure member is sealingly penetrated through by a shaft connection connected to the angled gear arrangement. The power transmission from the upper part to the lower part takes place through an elastic coupling connecting the driving shaft to the shaft connection.

Abstract: In a drive arrangement for a ship, a flexibly mounted drive unit provides the torque for a propeller shaft. The propeller shaft can be supported in a flexibly mounted thrust bearing. A drive shaft interconnecting the drive unit and the propeller shaft includes a single length rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each end. At least one of the universal joints can absorb axial movement while both can absorb angular movement. The drive unit may consist of a drive motor or the combination of a drive motor and a reduction gear unit interconnected by a rigid shaft with a constant velocity universal joint at each of its ends.