Abstract: A nozzle including a plurality of moveable nozzles configured to transition between a first state in which streams produced by the nozzles combine to form a collective stream, or the appearance of a collective stream, and at least one second state in which the nozzles produce separate respective streams; and a drive mechanism configured to transition the nozzles between the first and second states.

Abstract: A nozzle including a plurality of moveable nozzles configured to transition between a first state in which streams produced by the nozzles combine to form a collective stream, or the appearance of a collective stream, and at least one second state in which the nozzles produce separate respective streams; and a drive mechanism configured to transition the nozzles between the first and second states.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system that utilizes a transmission shift sequence to control shifting of the propulsion system transmission between forward and reverse gears. The marine propulsion system includes a controller that executes the transmission shift sequence using engine speed and transmission fluid pressure signals to determine the timing of various steps in the shift sequence. The controller is connected to a shift actuator for the transmission and to an engine speed throttle to thereby control transmission shifting and engine speed as a part of the transmission shift sequence. By monitoring engine speed and transmission fluid pressure, and by controlling transmission shifting and engine speed settings, the transmission shift sequence can provide the operator with the ability to carry out quick shifts that will neither stall the engine nor damage the transmission clutch.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system that utilizes a transmission shift sequence to control shifting of the propulsion system transmission between forward and reverse gears. The marine propulsion system includes a controller that executes the transmission shift sequence using engine speed and transmission fluid pressure signals to determine the timing of various steps in the shift sequence. The controller is connected to a shift actuator for the transmission and to an engine speed throttle to thereby control transmission shifting and engine speed as a part of the transmission shift sequence. By monitoring engine speed and transmission fluid pressure, and by controlling transmission shifting and engine speed settings, the transmission shift sequence can provide the operator with the ability to carry out quick shifts that will neither stall the engine nor damage the transmission clutch.

Abstract: A charge motion control valve actuator method and apparatus that utilizes a motor, output shaft, control circuit, and sensor to provide closed loop control of the position of the output shaft via the motor. The control circuit has an input for receiving actuator commands and has an output connected to the motor to control operation of the motor. The sensor is connected to the control circuit and provides the control circuit with data indicative of the position of the output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the motor via a gear set and coil spring. Feedback from the sensor enables the control circuit to control the position of the output shaft, and the control circuit can also output data relating to the position of the output shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for an intake manifold tuning valve to regulate airflow in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The actuator includes a motor, control circuit, and sensor all mounted in a housing that has an opening through which an output shaft extends. The output shaft carries a valve blade that is positioned within the intake manifold when the actuator is assembled in place. The sensor provides the control circuit with feedback data indicating the position of the valve blade and this data permits the actuator itself to provide closed loop control of the position of the valve blade using an actuator command received from the engine's electronic control unit. The housing includes a stop member that engages the valve blade at a certain rotational position to thereby enable diagnostic checks of the valve to determine if the blade is present and functioning.

Abstract: A charge motion control valve actuator method and apparatus that utilizes a motor, output shaft, control circuit, and sensor to provide closed loop control of the position of the output shaft via the motor. The control circuit has an input for receiving actuator commands and has an output connected to the motor to control operation of the motor. The sensor is connected to the control circuit and provides the control circuit with data indicative of the position of the output shaft. The output shaft is connected to the motor via a gear set and coil spring. Feedback from the sensor enables the control circuit to control the position of the output shaft, and the control circuit can also output data relating to the position of the output shaft.

Abstract: An actuator for an intake manifold tuning valve to regulate airflow in an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The actuator includes a motor, control circuit, and sensor all mounted in a housing that has an opening through which an output shaft extends. The output shaft carries a valve blade that is positioned within the intake manifold when the actuator is assembled in place. The sensor provides the control circuit with feedback data indicating the position of the valve blade and this data permits the actuator itself to provide closed loop control of the position of the valve blade using an actuator command received from the engine's electronic control unit. The housing includes a stop member that engages the valve blade at a certain rotational position to thereby enable diagnostic checks of the valve to determine if the blade is present and functioning.

Abstract: A speed synchronizer for master and slave engines is disclosed. The speed controller of the slave engine is adjustable by a manual actuator and also by a servo actuator. The servo actuator is responsive to a circuit which develops a correction signal corresponding to the difference between engine speed signals. A transfer mechanism selectively transmits movement of either the manual actuator or the servo actuator to the speed controller. The transfer mechanism comprises first and second levers rotationally mounted about a shaft and coupled together for concurrent movement by a spring. The first lever is connected with the manual actuator and the second lever is connected on one side of its rotation shaft to the servo actuator and on the other side of its rotation shaft to the speed controller.

Abstract: An emergency throttle limiter is disclosed for a top speed limiting governor of a vehicle. The governor is of the type which comprises an overriding throttle closing device for moving the throttle to a position for limiting the engine speed to a governed value. A brake is provided for arresting the throttle closing device against movement in the open throttle direction and an electromagnet maintains the brake in a released condition as long as electrical power is supplied to the governor. When the power supply is interrupted, the electromagnet is deenergized and allows the brake to be engaged to arrest the overriding throttle control device against movement in the open throttle direction.