Abstract: The invention includes an oil system vent that is remote from an oil reservoir so that the oil reservoir can be stored in the bilge section of a boat. The oil reservoir has an oil supply outlet and an oil supply return. The oil reservoir is constructed without a ventilation means attached thereto. The oil system vent includes an oil return port having an oil input and an oil output. The oil input receives pressurized lubricant and the oil output returns the pressurized lubricant to the oil supply return of the oil reservoir. The oil return port has a vent port in communication with atmospheric pressure so that when lubricant is drawn and used from the oil reservoir, the vent port allows air to displace the used lubricant in the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir is positioned at a relatively low elevation, in the bilge section of the boat, and the vent port is positioned at a relatively high elevation with respect to the outboard motor.

Abstract: Computerized system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine are provided. The system includes a speed-setting device operable to supply a signal indicative of a desired engine speed. A speed sensor is coupled to the engine to supply a signal indicative of the actual speed of the engine. An electronic control unit is coupled to receive the respective signals indicative of desired engine speed and actual engine speed. The control unit in turn includes a comparator configured to compare the respective signals indicative of desired and actual engine speed relative to one another and supply a comparator output signal based on the magnitude of any differences therebetween. A processor is responsive to the comparator output signal to adjust one or more engine operational parameters of the engine.

Abstract: A common fluid pressure supply apparatus (40) for a watercraft (10). A fluid interconnection apparatus interconnects the hydraulic fluid circuits operating the hydraulic transmission (18), power steering (30), and tilt-trim function (34) for an inboard/outboard stem drive (20) watercraft. A single fill vessel (104), oil cooler (82), and filter (126) are utilized for the common fluid pressure supply apparatus. The fluid interconnection apparatus may include the transmission housing reservoir (42).

Abstract: An electric propulsion system for watercraft, such as fishing boats, includes an electric motor disposed within a dry cavity of the craft hull, and a prop disposed outboard, below a waterline of the craft. The prop is driven by the motor via a support and power transmission assembly. The motor and prop may be supported by the support and power transmission assembly. A seal assembly is provided at the location where the support and power transmission assembly passes through the hull. A pair of similar propulsion systems may be provided at symmetrical locations with respect to a longitudinal centerline of the hull. Control circuitry permits navigational commands to be input by an operator and translated to speed commands for the propulsion system or systems. The system may remain deployed at all times without the need to retract and stow the prop or motor during transport.

Abstract: A four stroke internal combustion engine having a flexible arrangement is disclosed such that the engine can be easily configured for supercharged or normally aspirated operation. The engine includes a cooling system that includes both closed loop and open loop cooling systems for improved cooling efficiency. A power take off housing located on one end of the crankcase. Various engine components are operatively coupled to the crankshaft within the power take off housing including a cam shaft for a valve actuation assembly, a generator, an engine starting mechanism, a balance shaft, and a supercharger. The engine contemplated in accordance with the present invention also includes a dry sump lubrication system having lubricant separator for separating lubricant from blow-by gas within the engine.

Abstract: A shift linkage has a linkage bracket that transmits motion from a drive linkage to a driven linkage. The linkage bracket has a slot that operably engages with a guide to facilitate during an outboard marine engine operation. The slot has an upper and a lower portion such that the lower portion is configured with a lost-motion channel. A guide is disposed in the slot and is configured to ride along the lost motion channel. The drive linkage is connected to the guide to displace initial motion and the driven linkage is connected to the tongue to receive linear motion from the drive linkage. The drive linkage is connected to the guide such that the lost motion channel and the guide are engaged to produce a force having vertical and horizontal components. The vertical component engages a switch and the horizontal component transmits motion to the driven linkage.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an electronic control unit for an internal combustion engine. The electronic control unit may have multiple channels with each channel being adapted to provide an input drive signal to a fuel delivery apparatus. A first channel is selected for calibration. A reference signal of desired and known parameters is also defined. The reference signal is defined such that it is indicative of the cyclical performance of a fuel delivery apparatus such as a fuel injection device. A command signal is generated and passed through the circuitry of the selected channel. The channel circuitry generates a drive signal in response to the command signal. A desired parameter of the drive signal is measured for comparison with the known parameter of the reference signal. If necessary, the command signal is then adjusted so as to produce a modified drive signal which has a parameter with reduced variation from the known reference parameter.

Abstract: A steering control system is provided that provides thrust for steering control in a watercraft that is powered by a propulsion unit. The steering control system is applicable to various types of watercraft, including boats and personal watercraft, that are powered by inboard jet propulsion systems or outboard engines. The steering control system is activated by the steering helm assembly and/or an electronic control mechanism. Thrust is provided by preferably controlling the throttle, or more particularly the air-fuel mixture of the carburetor of the engine. The system is particularly, although not solely, suited for steering while the watercraft is operated at low speeds.

Abstract: A watercraft (10) having two sources of (22, 32) of cooling water (28, 34) for injection cooling of hot exhaust gas (30) being conveyed through an exhaust pipe (16) upstream of muffler (54). The first water source (22) may be an active apparatus such as the engine cooling apparatus (22). The second source of water (32) may be a passive apparatus such as a Pitot tube (38) formed in the stern drive (20) of the watercraft (10). By providing two independent sources of cooling water, the probability of exhaust component failures is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump includes a drive section and a pump section. The drive section has a reciprocating coil assembly to which alternating polarity control signals are applied by a reciprocating circuit during operation. A permanent magnet structure of the drive section creates a magnetic flux field which interacts with an electromagnetic field produced during application of the control signals to the coil. Depending upon the polarity of the control signals applied to the coil, the coil is driven in one of two directions of movement. The reciprocating circuit employs a storage capacitor and several switches to capture the energy of the reciprocating coil as the pump is driven downwardly. The charge is recycled as the capacitor dissipates, thereby reversing the polarity of the current through the coil and driving the coil assembly upwardly to its initial position.

Abstract: A locomotive is described including a frame having a wall with a roof and floor defining an enclosed space thereon. A turbine engine is disposed within the enclosed space. An air inlet is provided to permit ingress of air into the enclosed space for ingestion by the turbine and for circulation around the turbine to cool the turbine. A first silencer is disposed between the air inlet and the turbine to minimize noise generated by the turbine. An exhaust duct, for connection to the exhaust outlet of the turbine, is also provided to permit egress of exhaust gases generated by the turbine from the enclosed space. In addition, a second silencer, connected to the exhaust duct, is provided to minimize noise generated by the turbine. Finally, at least one of the wall, roof, and floor of the enclosed space incorporate noise dampening materials to minimize noise generated by the turbine. An enclosure assembly for a turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for restricting the areas of contact between components to be plated or coated and liquid solutions containing plating or coating agents, without the use of masking tape. Components made of electrically conductive material are suspended underneath a hood or bell housing which is sized and shaped to receive those portions of the components that should not be plated (or coated). Then the suspended components and the hood or bell housing are fully immersed in a bath of plating (or coating) solution, forming an air pocket under the hood or bell housing. This air pocket surrounds those portions of the components which are not to be plated (or coated) and prevents the liquid solution in the bath from touching those portions. The air acts as a mask that prevents paint or metal from contacting or adhering to surfaces not to be plated (or coated).

Abstract: An oil system for an outboard marine engine is disclosed. The oil system includes an oil system housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an oil return. The housing includes a solenoid chamber to receive a solenoid therein to toggle lubricant flow from the inlet passage to either the return passage or the outlet passage. The oil is routed in a closed loop that includes an oil reservoir, the inlet to the oil system housing, through the housing, and is then returned to the oil reservoir. Periodically, the solenoid opens the closed loop system to divert oil to the two-stroke engine, at which time a remote vent valve is activated to allow air to enter the oil reservoir to displace the dispensed oil. The system preferably includes a replaceable oil filter to filter the continuous flow of oil in the closed loop system.