Patents by Inventor Brian Provost

Brian Provost has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10858087
    Abstract: A vertical-input outboard-motor angled-drive lower unit apparatus and method for improved operations in shallow, muddy, marshy water or water choked with vegetation or obstacles. Vertically applied single-direction rotational power from an outboard motor engine is transferred to operator-controlled forward and reverse rotational power applied at an acute angle to the horizontal water surface. The apparatus is cooled by an external flow of water without being taken into any port which might become blocked. A thrust redirection plate reflects otherwise wasted propeller thrust, especially when operating in reverse, for more efficient operation and reduced churning of the water surface. An angled skeg and the angled orientation of the output shaft and housing deflect obstructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20200317316
    Abstract: A vertical-input outboard-motor angled-drive lower unit apparatus and method for improved operations in shallow, muddy, marshy water or water choked with vegetation or obstacles. Vertically applied single-direction rotational power from an outboard motor engine is transferred to operator-controlled forward and reverse rotational power applied at an acute angle to the horizontal water surface. The apparatus is cooled by an external flow of water without being taken into any port which might become blocked. A thrust redirection plate reflects otherwise wasted propeller thrust, especially when operating in reverse, for more efficient operation and reduced churning of the water surface. An angled skeg and the angled orientation of the output shaft and housing deflect obstructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 10690197
    Abstract: An outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch system and method, providing an improved means of shifting between forward and reverse with an outboard boat motor, providing an ability to shift in circumstances where the propeller is not spinning freely, such as in weeds or mud, and providing improved shifting with less damage to gears in all circumstances. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch can be built into an outboard motor, or can be later-installed as a retrofit. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch provides an electric clutch controlled by a sensor switch activated and deactivated by the mechanical linkages of the outboard motor's shifting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20190178309
    Abstract: An outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch system and method, providing an improved means of shifting between forward and reverse with an outboard boat motor, providing an ability to shift in circumstances where the propeller is not spinning freely, such as in weeds or mud, and providing improved shifting with less damage to gears in all circumstances. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch can be built into an outboard motor, or can be later-installed as a retrofit. The outboard-motor automatic disengaging clutch provides an electric clutch controlled by a sensor switch activated and deactivated by the mechanical linkages of the outboard motor's shifting system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: June 13, 2019
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9926834
    Abstract: A dewatering device for an internal combustion engine having an engine body with a lower portion, an exterior wall, and a combustion chamber formed in the engine body, the dewatering device comprising a normally closed dewatering valve detachably secured to the exterior wall, a valve activating member, and a bracket for supporting the valve activating member on the lower portion of the engine body. The dewatering valve is spring loaded and moves between a normally closed position and an open position upon operation of the valve activating member, thereby allowing evacuation of water from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20170361912
    Abstract: An outboard-motor vibration-isolating cooler system apparatus providing a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system with an isolating power-take-off shaft, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9845139
    Abstract: An outboard-motor vibration-isolating cooler system apparatus providing a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system with an isolating power-take-off shaft, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9815539
    Abstract: An outboard-motor vibration-isolating cooler system method providing a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system with an isolating power-take-off shaft, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9580159
    Abstract: An outboard-motor closed-loop cooler system apparatus providing a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9545985
    Abstract: A method for providing an outboard-motor closed-loop cooler system as a retrofit substitute for the midsection and the lower unit of a standard outboard motor, having a substitute closed-loop cooling system with an exterior heat exchanger, a substitute oil reservoir, a substitute exhaust system, and a substitute propulsion system, allowing an existing standard outboard-motor powerhead to be used in conditions not conducive to standard open-loop water cooling, such as shallow-water, muddy-water, obstructed-water, seawater, or corrosive-water conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20160222870
    Abstract: A dewatering device for an internal combustion engine having an engine body with a lower portion, an exterior wall, and a combustion chamber formed in the engine body, the dewatering device comprising a normally closed dewatering valve detachably secured to the exterior wall, a valve activating member, and a bracket for supporting the valve activating member on the lower portion of the engine body. The dewatering valve is spring loaded and moves between a normally closed position and an open position upon operation of the valve activating member, thereby allowing evacuation of water from the combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 9309854
    Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine without assistance of a battery uses a pull-start assembly to generate electricity and store the generated power in one or more capacitors electrically connected to an electronic control unit via a permanent magnet alternator. The system includes a hand pump for manually forcing a portion of liquid fuel into an air/fuel mixture chamber while an air relief valve connected to an air injector is open. By closing the relief valve and activating the pull-start assembly, the user causes the fuel into the combustion chamber, where the ignition process is initiated upon receipt of a control signal from the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20140261313
    Abstract: A kit for replacing a carburetor-based fuel delivery system for internal combustion engines with an electronic fuel injection system has an electronic control unit receiving signals from pressurization pump and a number of sensors mounted on the throttle, engine and the manifold. According to the invention, the standard manifold is replaced with the machined manifold which carries at least one fuel injector with a nozzle that can extend into an intake chamber of the engine. A pressure regulator maintains the fuel in the fuel lines at a set value and re-circulates unused fuel through a fuel reservoir/vapor separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20130340698
    Abstract: A system for starting an internal combustion engine without assistance of a battery uses a pull-start assembly to generate electricity and store the generated power in one or more capacitors electrically connected to an electronic control unit via a permanent magnet alternator. The system includes a hand pump for manually forcing a portion of liquid fuel into an air/fuel mixture chamber while an air relief valve connected to an air injector is open. By closing the relief valve and activating the pull-start assembly, the user causes the fuel into the combustion chamber, where the ignition process is initiated upon receipt of a control signal from the electronic control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: BRIAN PROVOST
  • Patent number: 7871302
    Abstract: An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Patent number: 7662005
    Abstract: An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20090191774
    Abstract: An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20080020658
    Abstract: An outboard motor for small watercraft, such as a pleasure boat, has a capability of changing between a forward shift position and a reverse shift position by causing a lower part of the unit to rotate in small increments and move along an arc formed by a ratchet plate secured above the propeller assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20070123119
    Abstract: An outboard drive unit for a watercraft to allow propulsion of the watercraft in mud and water. The drive unit has a reduction gear assembly mounted between a motor and a propeller assembly, thereby allowing an engine of given capacity to turn a propeller with increase pitch and surface plane area. A propeller shaft is oriented at an obtuse angle in relation to an input shaft extending from the motor to allow the watercraft to accelerate easier, especially in mud conditions, while protecting the propeller from impact with grass and under water obstructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventor: Brian Provost
  • Publication number: 20060035541
    Abstract: An outboard drive unit for a watercraft to allow propulsion of the watercraft in mud and water. The drive unit has a reduction gear assembly mounted between a motor and a propeller assembly, thereby allowing an engine of given capacity to turn a propeller with increase pitch and surface plane area. A propeller shaft is oriented at an obtuse angle in relation to an input shaft extending from the motor to allow the watercraft to accelerate easier, especially in mud conditions, while protecting the propeller from impact with grass and under water obstructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: February 16, 2006
    Inventor: Brian Provost