Abstract: A link for a chain, which is used in a linear actuator, comprises a base member and a plate pivotably mounted on the base member. An arm extends from the plate. A first connecting means is disposed on a distal end of the arm to connect the link with a first adjacent link. The plate has a protrusion for releasably engaging a second adjacent link. A second connecting means is disposed on the base member to connect the link with the second adjacent link.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a pair of chains. Each chain has a first link and a second link. The second link of each chain is adjacent to the first link of the chain. A pivotal connection pivotally connects the first and second links. The first link is pivotable about a pivot axis which is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first link. A chain connecting member connects the chains at distal ends thereof. A drive mechanism moves the chains between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of each chain is helically wound when the chains are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a chain having adjacent first and second links. A pivotal connection pivotally connects the first link to the second link. The first link is pivotable about a pivot axis which is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first link. A locking mechanism releasably locks the first link and the second link to prevent the first link from pivoting about the pivot axis. A releasing mechanism releases the locking mechanism to allow the first link to pivot about the pivot axis. A drive mechanism moves the chain between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the chain is helically wound when the chain is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A link for a chain, which is used in a linear actuator, comprises a base member and a plate pivotably mounted on the base member. An arm extends from the plate. A first connecting means is disposed on a distal end of the arm to connect the link with a first adjacent link. The plate has a protrusion for releasably engaging a second adjacent link. A second connecting means is disposed on the base member to connect the link with the second adjacent link.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a pair of chains. Each chain has a first link and a second link. The second link of each chain is adjacent to the first link of the chain. A pivotal connection pivotally connects the first and second links. The first link is pivotable about a pivot axis which is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first link. A chain connecting member connects the chains at distal ends thereof. A drive mechanism moves the chains between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of each chain is helically wound when the chains are in the retracted position.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a chain having adjacent first and second links. A pivotal connection pivotally connects the first link to the second link. The first link is pivotable about a pivot axis which is non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first link. A locking mechanism releasably locks the first link and the second link to prevent the first link from pivoting about the pivot axis. A releasing mechanism releases the locking mechanism to allow the first link to pivot about the pivot axis. A drive mechanism moves the chain between an extended position and a retracted position. At least a portion of the chain is helically wound when the chain is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a marine craft or other vehicle having a communication bus and a plurality of helm apparatuses. Each of the helm apparatuses includes a steering device. Additionally, each of the helm apparatuses is connected to the communication bus. Each of the helm apparatuses provides helm signals indicative of incremental and decremental movement, of the steering device thereof. The helm signals are transmitted over the communication bus. The steering apparatus further includes a rudder which has an actuator and a control means for receiving each of the helm signals and which provides rudder signals to the actuator to steer the rudder in accordance with movement of the steering devices of the helm apparatuses. The control means is connected to the communication bus. Each of the rudder signals are derived from each of the helm signals from one of the helm apparatuses which is steered fastest when a plurality of the helm apparatuses is simultaneously steered.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assembly applies a force to a tiller arms of twin marine, outboard propulsion units and rotates the propulsion units about a steering axis between a center position and hard over positions to each side of the center position. Each propulsion unit is supported for arcuate movement about a tilt axis which is generally perpendicular to the steering axis. There is a hydraulic steering apparatus mounted on a first of the propulsion units which includes a hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to a member which is pivotally mounted on the tiller arm of the first propulsion unit. A tie-bar is pivotally connected to the steering apparatus and pivotally connected to the tiller arm of a second propulsion unit. For example, the tie-bar may be pivotally connected to the steering apparatus by a ball joint connected to the steering apparatus by a bracket which moves with the member.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assembly applies a force to a tiller arm of a marine, outboard propulsion unit and rotates the propulsion unit about a steering axis between a center position and hard over positions to each side of the center position. The propulsion unit is supported for arcuate movement about a tilt axis which is generally perpendicular to the steering axis. The steering assembly includes a hydraulic steering cylinder with an elongated piston rod reciprocatingly mounted within the cylinder for movement along a piston rod axis. A pair of support arms are pivotable about the tilt axis and are connected to the piston rod, allowing arcuate movement of the rod about the tilt axis, while maintaining the rod axis parallel to the tilt axis. A member is pivotally mounted on the tiller arm for pivoting about a first axis which is parallel to the steering axis. The cylinder arm is connected to the cylinder and extends radially outwards from the piston rod axis.

Abstract: A manual hydraulic helm pump (10) for actuating a remote submerged steering element in a boat includes a drive shaft (26) rotatably supported in a housing (12). A rotary cylinder block (32) disposed in the housing (12) is fixed to the drive shaft and includes a plurality of axial compression chambers (40). The cylinder block (32) is supported at one end by a roller bearing (34) and at the other end by the drive shaft (26). Each of the compression chambers (40) include a slidable piston (42) biased outwardly against an angular swash plate (50). A spigot-type timing valve (52) is nonrotatably supported within the cylinder block. A transfer valve (59) is fixed relative to the housing (12). A pair of tubular connector sleeves (72a, 72b) movably interconnect the timing valve (52) and the transfer valve (59).