Abstract: A programmable trim control system for marine applications preferably includes a controller, a control panel, a display device and a plurality of sensors. The controller receives input from the control panel and the plurality of sensors. The display device acts as a monitor for the controller. Each sensor monitors a single drive device, trim device or operational parameter. The controller further includes output ports connected to the drive devices and trim devices for controlling thereof. The trim control system preferably includes a manual mode, a diagnostic mode, a program mode and a preset mode. The positions or settings of the trim and drive devices are set in the program mode and recorded in the controller. Data stored in the controller will be accessed by the trim control system when in the preset mode.

Abstract: A transmission housing having a modulatable power transmission therein which includes a clutch having interleaved clutch plates and having a central power transmitting shaft extending axially through the clutch. The clutch includes a fluid operated movable piston for effecting clutch operation by compression of the plates. The piston has a smaller piston area and a larger piston area, the smaller piston area has fluid flow directed to it at a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable. The larger piston area is adapted to have fluid flow directed thereto to effect maximum and unmodulatable engagement of the clutch. A spring loaded normally closed trigger valve controls fluid flow to the larger piston area in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined amount at the smaller piston area. The trigger valve is mounted on the outside of the transmission housing and is readily accessible for adjustment, for example.

Abstract: A transmission housing having a modulatable power transmission therein which includes a clutch having interleaved clutch plates and having a central power transmitting shaft extending axially through the clutch. The clutch includes a fluid operated movable piston for effecting clutch operation by compression of the plates. The piston has a smaller piston area and a larger piston area, the smaller piston area has fluid flow directed to it a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable. The larger piston area is adapted to have fluid flow directed thereto to effect maximum and unmodulatable engagement of the clutch. A spring loaded normally closed trigger valve controls fluid flow to the larger piston area in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined amount at the smaller piston area. The trigger valve is mounted on the outside of the transmission housing and is readily accessible for adjustment, for example.

Abstract: A modulatable power transmission clutch including interleaved clutch plates and having a central power transmitting shaft extending axially through the clutch. The clutch includes a fluid operated movable piston for effecting clutch operation by compression of the plates. The piston has a smaller piston area and a larger piston area, the smaller piston area has fluid flow directed to it a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable. The larger piston area is adapted to have fluid flow directed thereto to effect maximum and unmodulatable engagement of the clutch. A spring loaded normally closed trigger valve controls fluid flow to the larger piston area in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined amount at the smaller piston area. The trigger valve is mounted in the shaft and is normally closed so that pressure fluid is directed to the smaller piston area at a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable.

Abstract: A modulatable power transmission clutch including interleaved clutch plates and having a central power transmitting shaft extending axially through the clutch. The clutch includes a fluid operated movable piston for effecting clutch operation by compression of the plates. The piston has a smaller piston area and a larger piston area, the smaller piston area has fluid flow directed to it a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable. The larger piston area is adapted to have fluid flow directed thereto to effect maximum and unmodulatable engagement of the clutch. A spring loaded normally closed trigger valve controls fluid flow to the larger piston area in response to fluid pressure above a predetermined amount at the smaller piston area. The trigger valve is mounted in the shaft and is normally closed so that pressure fluid is directed to the smaller piston area at a variable fluid pressure whereby the clutch is modulatable.

Abstract: A double-acting hydraulic cylinder and piston rod unit having fluid hoses for conducting fluid thereto. A generally flat outer end is provided on the piston or cylinder. A bracket has a spherical socket and either the piston rod end or cylinder has a spherical ball portion swively mounted in the socket. A yoke has a slot in which the generally flat end is slidably mounted for sliding in opposite directions. The flat end prevents relative rotation between the rod and cylinder about a longitudinal axis. Guide slots are provided and arranged at right angles to the yoke slot, the yoke being slidable in the guide slots whereby the unit can swivel about the socket and can slide in the opposite directions in the yoke and the unit can also move at right angles thereto by sliding with the yoke in the guide slots. The piston rod and cylinder are prevented from rotating relative to one another about their longitudinal axis and thereby prevent twisting of the hoses.

Abstract: A transmission gear train has a clutch designed to minimize shift shock upon engagement while still exhibiting relatively rapid initial engagement. To this end, a face cavity is formed in the clutch actuating piston which acts as an accumulator into which hydraulic fluid flows for a period of time after initial clutch engagement. This fluid flow causes clutch pressure to be lower than system main pressure while the accumulator is filling, thereby providing a cushioning effect which reduces shift shock. Use of the accumulator or face cavity eliminates the need for a stepped piston and the additional seals and flow passages normally required for a stepped piston, thus simplifying clutch manufacture and operation.

Abstract: A PTO clutch assembly includes coaxial primary and secondary clutches and in use is initially externally actuated but primarily internally-actuating so as to require relatively low manual or other external actuating forces to engage the clutch assembly--the major portion of the actuating forces being imposed internally by the engine flywheel or the like after imposition of the external forces. The resulting clutch assembly, utilizing the engine flywheel for the major portion of engagement forces, requires only a fraction of the external actuating forces required by conventional over-center clutch assemblies of comparable capacity. The clutch assembly is also partially self-adjusting, with wear of the primary clutch disc stack being compensated through increased axial movement of the actuator for the primary clutch.

Abstract: A self-adjusting mechanism compensates for wear of over-center clutches and the like and is adapted to mechanically sense clutch wear or slack when the clutch is engaged and to compensate for such wear or slack upon disengagement of the clutch. The self-adjusting mechanism preferably comprises a relatively durable and simple ratchet mechanism including teeth mounted on the adjusting ring and a pawl mounted on the clutch face plate. The pawl retracts upon clutch engagement by an amount determined by the thickness of the gap between the adjusting ring and the face plate which is in turn dependent at least in part on clutch wear, and advances upon clutch disengagement by an equal amount. Slack adjustment takes place when the pawl engages a new tooth upon retraction and then advances upon clutch disengagement to drive the tooth and thus the adjusting ring to rotate on the hub.

Abstract: A torque transfer system is provided for transferring torque from an input element such as a flywheel of an internal combustion engine to an output element such as a PTO shaft. The torque transfer system includes the input and output elements and a drive system comprising a drive ring attached to the input element and a drive plate positively or non-positively coupled to the output element. The drive ring transfers torque to the drive plate so as to absorb torsional vibrations which occur during operation of the system, so as to resist abrasion of the drive ring from the drive plate, and so as to resist failure from rotational shock loads imposed on the drive ring by the drive plate.

Abstract: A straddle bearing incorporates a U-shaped frame receiving bearings which support an output shaft of a PTO assembly. The bearings flank or straddle a sheave or other drive member which is fixed to the output shaft. Radial loads imposed on the drive member are transmitted to the U-frame as opposed to the clutch and flywheel. The sheave and U-frame are dimensioned to permit replacement of belts or other torque transfer elements without disassembling the U-frame. In addition to being supported on the clutch housing, the U-frame can be supported on a beam and/or a bracket connected to the prime mover frame or a frame of the driven device. The configuration of the U-frame permits adjustment of the orientation of the U-frame with respect to the clutch housing, and also permits the mounting of an auxiliary drive member on the output shaft.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for the drive pinion of a marine transmission or the like reduces deflections of the shaft on which the pinion is mounted. The bearing arrangement mounts the pinion in part on the shaft and in part directly on the transmission housing, thus reducing loads imposed on the shaft by the pinion. The bushing which typically supports the pinion on the drive shaft is eliminated in favor of a first bearing supporting the input end of the pinion in the housing and a second bearing supporting the output end of the pinion on the shaft. Third and fourth bearings support the output and input ends of the shaft in the housing and on the pinion, respectively. Preferably, the first, second, and third bearings comprise single taper roller bearings which permit the points at which the effective loads are imposed on the shaft to be shifted and the running clearances of which are adjusted by a single shim pack.

Abstract: A synchronized clutch for coupling a driven element to a drive element includes an externally activated nonpositive coupling, and a positive coupling which engages automatically when the driven element achieves a designated operational state. The nonpositive coupling, preferably comprising at least one friction element permitting some slippage between the drive and driven elements, accelerates the driven element to a velocity which at least approaches synchronization of the drive and driven elements. The positive coupling preferably comprises a sliding drive ring which is responsive to centrifugal weights to positively couple the drive and driven elements at a designated velocity. The external forces actuating the nonpositive coupling are preferably applied manually through a lever. Provision is preferably made for the automatic disengagement of the clutch when the velocity of the driven element decreases below a designated velocity.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes one or more drive systems, each including an engine, an engine throttle, and a shiftable transmission. A control system for each drive system comprises a manually operable control lever assembly for electrically operating a servo assembly which mechanically operates the engine throttle and the transmission shifting clutches. The control lever assembly comprises a one-piece plastic support base which is adapted to pivotally support one or two identical one-piece plastic control levers. Components associated with a control lever are interchangeable and identical and include a potentiometer mechanically interconnected between the control lever and the base, a detent plate and a detent arm. The control lever assembly also comprises based-mounted components including a station selector switch, a mode selector switch, an electrical connector and a flexible circuit board for electrically connecting the potentiometer selector switches and electrical connector.

Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle comprises an engine and a power transmission system, including a shiftable change gear transmission having a power input shaft and a differential having front and rear output shafts and a biasing clutch, for driving the front and rear vehicle wheels. The differential, with biasing clutch disengaged, allows for differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels. Increased speed of one output shaft as may be caused by its' associated wheels slipping, results in decreased speed of the other output shaft. Conversely, decreased speed of one output shaft as may be caused by its' associated wheels being bogged down by mud, sand or deep snow, results in increased speed of the other output shaft. The degree of differential action may be determined from the known input shaft speed, the gear ratio engaged and an output shaft speed.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes port and starboard drive systems, each including an engine, an engine throttle, and a transmission furnishing drive power to a propeller on a drive shaft. Each transmission includes forward and reverse clutches, and each clutch can be fully engaged, fully disengaged and modulated. Two alternately usable separate control stations operate the throttles and clutches to control vessel speed and direction. Each control station comprises port and starboard sets of manually operable control devices, and each set includes a mode selector switch for selecting cruise mode or troll mode for its respective throttle and a manually operable direction/speed control lever. In troll mode the lever selects and modulates the selected respective clutch to control propeller speed. In cruise mode the lever fully engages the selected respective clutch and also regulates the engine throttle to control propeller speed.

Abstract: A drive member such as a gear of a pulley cooperates with a pair of clutch elements, each of which has a splined connection with a shaft. One clutch element is axially fixed; the other is shiftable through a small distance towards and from the fixed one. Each clutch element has a conical surface concentric to the shaft that tapers oppositely to the conical surface on the other. The drive member has an inner periphery of larger diameter than the shaft and has oppositely tapering conical surfaces that respectively mate with the conical surfaces on the clutch elements, which thus at all times maintain the drive member coaxial with the shaft and confine it against axial shifting. An actuator urges the shiftable clutch element towards the fixed one to engage the clutch elements with the drive member. A spring biases the clutch elements apart so that the mating conical surfaces can serve as bearings lubricated by oil delivered through the shaft.

Abstract: An electronic control for the automatic transmission of a motor vehicle receives input signal in digital, analog, and pulsed form from signal generating devices responsive to operating conditions in the apparatus, processes them in accordance with a stored program and provides output signals to operate various tranducers. The electronic control is embodied in a stack of customized circuit boards. Each board is connected to a control bus (for information exchange between boards) and to an I/O signal bus (for information exchange between the apparatus and the electronic control). A connector board is connected to an electric power supply, to the signal generating devices, to the transducers and to visual display devices. A CPU (central processing unit) board protects against data loss in low/off power conditions.

Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission utilizing ten gears, seven clutches and four shafts provides eight forward speeds and four reverse speeds. The transmission is coaxial in that the input and the output shafts are on the same centerline. The transmission requires only a minimum number of gears, clutches and shafts for the large number of gear ratios provided, and at the same time it is relatively compact and has only three shaft centers. In this transmission there are always three clutches applied in any speed range. Of the seven shifts between forward speed ranges, four of them require the engagement of one different clutch only, two of them require two different clutches to engage simultaneously, and one shift requires engaging three different clutches. The clutches are of the type having multiple friction plates, and hydraulically applied force pistons which are spring load returned. The clutches include appropriate ball dump valves in the force pistons.

Abstract: A power transmission utilizing only eleven gears and four shafts to obtain six forward speeds, three reverse speeds, and an 19-inch drop from input to output shafts. Optionally, there may be provided an inbuilt power-take-off and brake uniquely located with an 8-inch drop from the input shaft. A power transmission further expanded to obtain twelve forward speeds and six reverse speeds with addition of (1) a low-range planetary system, and (2) a direct clutch, each connectable between a journalled output gear to the output shaft.