Abstract: The present invention is described as an integrated electronic assembly. The electronic assembly comprises a heat dissipating device, a power conditioning circuit board, a power dissipating device mounted on a substrate, and a power interconnect assembly. The power conditioning circuit board includes a first side thermally coupled to the heat dissipating device, a power conditioning circuit for producing a conditioned power signal, and an aperture. The power dissipating device has a top surface thermally coupled to the heat dissipation device through an aperture. The substrate includes at least one power conductor disposed proximate at least one of the edges of the substrate. The power interconnection assembly, which electrically couples the conditioned power signal to the substrate and provides substantially all power to the substrate, includes an edge connector assembly removably coupled to the at least one edge of the substrate.

Abstract: An oil system for a two-stroke 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 an oil filter base to receive a replaceable oil filter thereon. The oil is routed in a closed loop that includes an oil reservoir, the inlet to the oil system housing, through the replaceable oil filter, and is then returned to the oil reservoir. Periodically, a 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.

Abstract: The present invention includes a distribution manifold for evenly distributing engine oil to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine, as well as, directing oil and purging any air accompanying the oil through the fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The manifold includes a plurality of cylinder oiling outlet housings, each having a number of cylinder oiling valves corresponding to the number of cylinders in an internal combustion engine. The distribution manifold has a centrally-located dome in fluid communication with the cylinder oiling outlet housings. Extending from the apex of the dome is a fuel system outlet housing also having an oiling valve to regulate the flow of oil to the fuel system. A notch extends along the upper interior surface of the centrally-located dome in fluid communication with the fuel system outlet housing.

Abstract: A fuel storage and supply apparatus (22) for a watercraft (10) incorporating a plurality of connections (50,66) penetrating a housing (32) in a single opening in a fuel tank (12). Each connection is sealed by a radial O-ring (56,68) so that the connection may be rotated about a longitudinal axis without adversely affecting the seal. A single opening (34) in the tank may thereby be used to provide connections for a fill tube (66), fuel tube (50), vent (86), and electrical penetrations (150) for an in-tank pump (136) or level sensor (156).

Abstract: An oil system for a two-stroke 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 an oil filter base to receive a replaceable oil filter thereon. The oil is routed in a closed loop that includes an oil reservoir, the inlet to the oil system housing, through the replaceable oil filter, and is then returned to the oil reservoir. Periodically, a 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.

Abstract: An oil system for a two-stroke 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 an oil filter base to receive a replaceable oil filter thereon. The oil is routed in a closed loop that includes an oil reservoir, the inlet to the oil system housing, through the replaceable oil filter, and is then returned to the oil reservoir. Periodically, a 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.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an oiling system for an outboard engine and includes an oil tank and an oil pump located within the tank. A manifold is coupled to the oil pump, and the manifold includes a solenoid controlled valve. The solenoid controlled valve controls the flow of oil through the manifold. The manifold further includes a plurality of check valves in flow communication with the solenoid controlled valve. The check valves are in flow communication between the solenoid controlled valve and the engine cylinders. The oil system, in the one embodiment, further includes a pressure regulator in flow communication with, and downstream from, the manifold. An outlet of the pressure regulator in flow communication with the oil tank, and allows oil to flow from the manifold to the tank when pressure in the system exceeds a preselected pressure. The oil system also includes a fuel solenoid controlled valve coupled to receive oil from the manifold and to supply oil to the engine fuel system.

Abstract: The present invention includes an oiling distribution system having an oil distribution manifold for evenly distributing engine oil to the cylinders of an internal combustion engine and an adapter base for coupling to the oil distribution manifold having therein an air purging passage for purging any air accompanying the oil exiting an oil pumping system. The air purging passage discharges air to the oil distribution manifold wherein the air is transported to the fuel system of an internal combustion engine through a fuel system oiling outlet. The air purging passage has an air inlet and air outlet that are sufficient size to allow the transport of air but minimize the flow of oil through the air purging passage. The present invention also provides a method for purging air from an oiling system.

Abstract: A multi-function pressure relief valve having a moveable seat and a needle is mounted on a fuel vapor separator. The needle is connected to a float assembly for opening and closing the pressure relief valve for venting an internal chamber of the fuel vapor separator. The moveable seat is biased to engage the needle for relieving excess pressure when vapor pressure in the internal chamber exceeds a biasing force on the movable seat. The valve opens in response to at least one of (1) changing fluid level in the fuel vapor separator, and (2) excess vapor pressure within the vapor fuel separator. During operation, the valve vents an internal chamber of the fuel vapor separator by disengaging the needle from the movable seat using a float attached to the needle. The valve closes when the float reaches a desired position to pressurize the internal chamber by engaging the needle to the movable seat.

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: A fuel storage and supply apparatus (22) for a watercraft (10) incorporating a plurality of connections (50,66) penetrating a housing (32) in a single opening in a fuel tank (12). Each connection is sealed by a radial O-ring (56,68) so that the connection may be rotated about a longitudinal axis without adversely affecting the seal. A single opening (34) in the tank may thereby be used to provide connections for a fill tube (66), fuel tube (50), vent (86), and electrical penetrations (150) for an in-tank pump (136) or level sensor (156).

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.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an oiling system for an outboard engine and includes an oil tank and an oil pump located within the tank. A manifold is coupled to the oil pump, and the manifold includes a solenoid controlled valve. The solenoid controlled valve controls the flow of oil through the manifold. The manifold further includes a plurality of check valves in flow communication with the solenoid controlled valve. The check valves are in flow communication between the solenoid controlled valve and the engine cylinders. The oil system, in the one embodiment, further includes a pressure regulator in flow communication with, and downstream from, the manifold. An outlet of the pressure regulator in flow communication with the oil tank, and allows oil to flow from the manifold to the tank when pressure in the system exceeds a preselected pressure. The oil system also includes a fuel solenoid controlled valve coupled to receive oil from the manifold and to supply oil to the engine fuel system.

Abstract: A fuel storage and supply apparatus (22) for a watercraft (10) incorporating a plurality of connections (50,66) penetrating a housing (32) in a single opening in a fuel tank (12). Each connection is sealed by a radial O-ring (56,68) so that the connection may be rotated about a longitudinal axis without adversely affecting the seal. A single opening (34) in the tank may thereby be used to provide connections for a fill tube (66), fuel tube (50), vent (86), and electrical penetrations (150) for an intank pump (136) or level sensor (156).

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is an oiling system for an outboard engine and includes an oil tank and an oil pump located within the tank. A manifold is coupled to the oil pump, and the manifold includes a solenoid controlled valve. The solenoid controlled valve controls the flow of oil through the manifold. The manifold further includes a plurality of check valves in flow communication with the solenoid controlled valve. The check valves are in flow communication between the solenoid controlled valve and the engine cylinders. The oil system, in the one embodiment, further includes a pressure regulator in flow communication with, and downstream from, the manifold. An outlet of the pressure regulator in flow communication with the oil tank, and allows oil to flow from the manifold to the tank when pressure in the system exceeds a preselected pressure. The oil system also includes a fuel solenoid controlled valve coupled to receive oil from the manifold and to supply oil to the engine fuel system.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor for a fluid tank of a marine vessel is provided. The sensor includes a sensor mount and further includes a circuit housing that is pivotally connected to the mount to pivot about a predetermined pivot axis. A float assembly is configured to supply an actuating angle substantially impervious to fluid tank tilt and/or fluid splash at least along an axis generally perpendicular to the pivot axis. A circuit in the circuit housing is responsive to the actuating angle from the float assembly to provide an output signal indicative of the fluid level in the tank.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system for a boat having an internal combustion engine is provided. The system provides a source of fuel. A fuel supply conduit is connected to the source of fuel to deliver fuel to the engine. A fuel impermeable housing has one end coupled to the source of fuel and defines a passageway that receives the fuel supply conduit interiorly of the boat. The passageway is hermetically sealed relative to the interior of the boat and provides a return path into the fuel source to any fuel that may spill in the passageway.

Abstract: The invention provides a fuel feed system for an internal combustion engine, the system including a fuel pump, a vapor separator including a fuel chamber having an inlet and an outlet and being adapted to contain a supply of fuel, the vapor separator including a float valve and a passage for venting fuel vapor from the chamber when the supply of fuel is below a predetermined level, and a vapor pump communicating with the passage and a source of cyclically varying pressure for pumping fuel vapor from the vapor separator and to a location remote from said source of alternating pressure, the fuel vapor pump operating independently of the fuel pump.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an engine comprising an engine block, a crankcase cover mounted on the engine block and including opposite first and second sides, a first carburetor mounted on the block at the first side of the crankcase cover, a second carburetor mounted on the block at the second side of the crankcase cover, a bracket supported by the crankcase cover intermediate the first and second carburetors, and a fuel supply component mounted on the bracket and comprising one of a fuel pump, an oil pump, a combined fuel and oil pump, a fuel vapor separator, a fuel vapor pump, a fuel filter, a primer fuel control valve, and a vacuum switch.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising a crankcase adapted to rotatably support a crankshaft having an axis, the crankcase defining a plurality of crankcase chambers and including a generally flat manifold mounting surface including therein a first series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, and a second series of inlet openings aligned in the direction of the crankshaft axis, the first and second series being laterally offset with respect to the direction of the crankshaft axis, and each of the inlet openings of the first and second series being respectively adapted to feed air to one of the crankcase chambers and having a minor dimension parallel to the crankshaft axis, a major dimension transverse to the crankshaft axis, and a portion overlapping the inlet openings of the other of the first and second series.