Patents Assigned to Sanshin
  • Propulsion system for watercraft
    Patent number: 5743773
    Abstract: A small, compact electrically operated outboard motor for use with a very small watercraft. A substantial portion of the propulsion device for the outboard motor is intended to be submerged and is mounted for steering and tilt and trim movement. These movements are controlled as well as the speed and direction of rotation by a control lever and mounting arrangement that can be conveniently positioned within the hull of an associated watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chitose Saito, Yasunari Okamoto
  • Marine propulsion system
    Patent number: 5741165
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of outboard drive systems that include a combined vertically extending drive shaft driven by the propulsion unit and which drives a generally horizontally extending propeller shaft that drives a propeller positioned substantially rearwardly of the transom. The propulsion system is supported for steering and trim movement about respective spaced apart axes and these axes are both disposed substantially below the transom of the associated watercraft. The propeller driven by the propeller shaft is disposed further from the trim axis than the forward end of a tiller that is affixed to the outboard drive for affecting the steering and trim movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kbushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Chitose Saito, Yasunari Okamoto
  • Engine operation control system
    Patent number: 5738073
    Abstract: An engine operation control system for an engine having at least one variable volume combustion chamber with an ignition element corresponding thereto and an exhaust port for controlling the flow of exhaust from the chamber is disclosed. Upon detection of an engine overheat condition, the operation control system operates to advance the timing of the firing one or more of the ignition elements and misfiring these elements, whereby engine cooling is achieved without backfire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Koike, Kazumasa Itoh
  • Outboard motor
    Patent number: 5735614
    Abstract: A crankshaft bearing arrangement for a two cycle crankcase compression internal combustion engine that provides a low frictional resistance and corrosion resistant. Electro galvanic corrosion is precluded by the utilization of an electrical insulating substance and by minimizing the electrical potential differences between the materials of the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Isogawa
  • Lubricant supply for internal combustion engine
    Patent number: 5732672
    Abstract: A lubricant supply system is provided for the induction system of a marine propulsion engine. The lubricant supply system delivers lubricant to the a flow controlling valve in the induction system upon shutting down of the engine and can be operated manually at the discretion of a user. The lubricant serves to reduce the likelihood of post-operation corrosion of the valve, particularly at the sliding support surfaces of the valve and also provides lubricant from start-up operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryoichi Nakase
  • Four-cycle outboard motor
    Patent number: 5733157
    Abstract: Embodiments of four-cycle outboard motors having an improved exhaust system. The exhaust system includes an expansion chamber that is formed in the drive shaft housing of the outboard motor below an oil tank for the engine which is positioned therein. A water chamber is formed around the expansion chamber and the lower portion of the oil tank for cooling them. An above-the-water exhaust gas discharge is provided that communicates with the area above the water jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Okuzawa, Takaji Kawai
  • Impeller shaft seal and lubricator arrangement
    Patent number: 5730633
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for a marine propulsion drive that insures good sealing and adequate lubrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Henmi, Chihiro Matsumoto
  • Engine control system and method
    Patent number: 5727536
    Abstract: A feedback control system and method for operating an internal combustion engine to provide the desired air/fuel ratio under all running conditions. The feedback control operates to modify the fuel/air ratio from that achieved by a basic setting that is derived from parameters of engine performance so as to maintain the desired ratio. The feedback control adjusts the air/fuel ratio in two different modes. In a first, normal operation mode, the feedback control adjusts the air/fuel mixture supplied to all cylinders based upon feedback from a sensor connected to a single of the cylinders. In a second operational mode, when the speed of the engine is accelerating, the feedback control determines and adjusts the air/fuel mixture, but makes adjustments to all cylinders except the sensed cylinder independent of the output of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Kato
  • Engine component layout for outboard motor
    Patent number: 5724936
    Abstract: An intermediate drive mechanism allows an alternator to be mounted beneath an engine flywheel on the side of the engine. This location reduces both the girth and height of the engine, thereby reducing the size of the power head of an outboard motor. The intermediate drive mechanism includes a first intermediate pulley, which lies generally at the same level as a drive pulley attached to the engine output shaft. A second intermediate pulley lies beneath the first intermediate pulley and generally at the same level as a driven pulley of the generator. Belts couple the pulleys of the intermediate drive mechanism to the respective drive and driven pulleys. The intermediate pulleys also can move relative to the corresponding pulleys so as to function as a belt tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Osakabe
  • Engine operation control system
    Patent number: 5722370
    Abstract: An engine operation control system which controls ignition timing is disclosed. The system fires all ignition elements simultaneously, at least one of the ignition elements being fired effectively and all other ignition elements fired ineffectively in accordance with a first firing advance, and at least another of the ignition elements fired effectively and all other ignition elements ineffectively in accordance with a second firing advance, the first and second firing advances being determined independently of one another in order that the timing of the effective firing of each ignition element is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Koike, Kazumasa Itoh
  • Throttle linkage mechanism
    Patent number: 5722364
    Abstract: An adjustable throttle damper retards closure of associated throttle valves. The throttle damper is positioned between runners of an intake manifold to which the throttle valves communicate. A lever selectively couples the throttle damper to a throttle linkage operating the throttle valves. This arrangement reduces the width of the engine. The throttle damper also operates against a lead throttle lever of the throttle linkage in order minimize the effect play in the linkage has on valve synchronization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahide Watanabe, Yoshifumi Iwata
  • Marine hydraulic tilt and trim control
    Patent number: 5718613
    Abstract: An improved tilt and trim device for a marine propulsion unit that permits effective tilt and trim movement through a compound tilt and trim cylinder. A latching arrangement is provided between elements of the cylinder so as to minimize the number of internal valves and valve actuators to simplify the construction from those employed in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakamura
  • Engine speed control system
    Patent number: 5715793
    Abstract: An engine speed control system for an engine of the type having a throttle position sensor for outputting throttle position data, from which engine control parameters are determined, is disclosed. In accordance with this system, an output value of the throttle position sensor is obtained. If the output value is within a predetermined range, an adjustment value is calculated. If the adjustment value is within a predetermined range, a new throttle position value is calculated based on the output value of the throttle position sensor as adjusted by the adjustment value. Engine control parameters, such as timing and fuel injection volume, are then determined based on the adjusted throttle position value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Motose
  • Bearing arrangement for marine transmission
    Patent number: 5716247
    Abstract: A transmission for a marine outboard drive includes a compact bearing arrangement to provide an increased flow area for exhaust discharge behind the transmission with a lower unit of the drive. The bearing arrangement also improves the stability of a supported propulsion shaft. The bearing arrangement includes a first bearing assembly which supports the propulsion shaft at a point corresponding with the axial location at which a driving clutch is coupled to the shaft. The clutch selectively engages a driven gear of the transmission to drive the propulsion shaft. A thrust flange on the propulsion shaft desirably is positioned between the first bearing assembly and a second bearing assembly which journals the driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ogino
  • Sacrificial anode for marine propulsion unit
    Patent number: 5716248
    Abstract: Sacrificial anode arrangements for marine propulsion units wherein the sacrificial anode is juxtaposed to the trim tab and is detachably connected to the lower unit housing by fastening means which can be removed from the upper surface thereof. In one embodiment, the trim tab is detachably connected to the sacrificial anode is connected to the outer housing portion through the sacrificial anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Daisuke Nakamura
  • Outboard motor cowling arrangement
    Patent number: 5713771
    Abstract: An air intake system for an engine powering an outboard motor is disclosed. The engine is positioned within a cowling of the motor, the cowling including an air intake vent. The engine is vertically positioned, having a camshaft drive at an upper end thereof, the camshaft drive enclosed by a drive cover. An air passage is defined between the drive cover and cowling and leads from the vent to an engine air intake. The air intake comprises a passage formed by the cover and extending therethrough. The passage through the cover leads to a throttle body having a throttle plate therein, the throttle body connected to a surge tank from which runners extends to provide air to the combustion chambers. Air flows through the passage in the cover through a flexible hose member extending between the cover and the throttle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Hitoshi Watanabe
  • Cooling arrangement for outboard motor
    Patent number: 5713772
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of four-cycle internal combustion engines having belt-driven overhead cam shafts. The power head of the outboard motor includes a protective cowling that has an atmospheric air inlet and the air drawn through this atmospheric air inlet is directed over a timing belt that drives the cam shaft from the engine crankshaft for its cooling. The air flow is controlled either by utilization of fans, baffles and/or utilizing the flow of air caused by the induction system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Hitoshi Watanabe
  • Sensor arrangement for engine control system
    Patent number: 5711148
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of feedback control systems for two-cycle, internal combustion engine management systems. Each embodiment employs an exhaust system sensor which senses the exhaust gases by drawing exhaust gases from the exhaust of the engine. In some instances this is done directly from the cylinder and in others it is done in the exhaust system. In each embodiment, the sensor is provided in an accumulator chamber so as to provide an accurate signal of instantaneous engine running conditions. The use of the accumulator chamber insures that the combustible gases will not be diluted with fresh air charge, but will be able to purge from cycle to cycle so as to provide cycle-by-cycle information. Various arrangements are provided for protecting the sensor including serpentine flow paths, shields, the direction in which the exhaust gases are delivered and combinations of these features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiki Katoh
  • Engine sensor
    Patent number: 5712422
    Abstract: A control system for an engine embodying an oxygen sensor is provided. The oxygen sensor senses the actual combustion conditions in a combustion chamber. An insulating arrangement is provided including an insulated conduit and an insulated sensor body for maintaining high temperature of the sensor element by avoiding heat transfer from the conduit and sensor body to the engine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Kato
  • Transmission clutch
    Patent number: 5709130
    Abstract: A reversing transmission for marine propulsion units or the like. The reversing transmission includes a multiple disc clutch assembly that is cooperative with a pair of bevel gear and clutch assemblies. These bevel gear and clutch assemblies are made up of a two-part construction each comprised of a bevel gear and a tubular sleeve that is affixed to the bevel gear and which carries a series of clutch plates. A clutch actuating piston is also incorporated that has a tapered end face so as to improve and make smoother the clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayoshi Suzuki