Abstract: A fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine includes an improved control device for quickly starting the engine. The internal combustion engine includes at least one combustion chamber formed by at least a first member and a second member that moves relative to the first member. The second member is coupled to an output shaft such that movement of the second member causes the output shaft to rotate. A fuel injector supplies fuel to the combustion chamber. The fuel injector includes an actuator to regulate an amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector. The internal combustion engine further includes a fuel control system that comprises a controller, which is connected to the fuel injector actuator, and a sensor, which is arranged to detect rotation of the output shaft. The sensor is adapted to produce a signal that is indicative of rotation of the output shaft and is connected to the controller.

Abstract: A watercraft control system includes a transmitting device and a watercraft control device which receives transmitted signals from the transmitting device and maneuvers the watercraft to a fallen driver, pursues a diver, or the like. The transmitting device can also unlock various devices and systems on the watercraft by generating an authentic ID code. In other embodiments, a signal intensity is monitored to trigger a guidance system, while still other embodiments replace the transmitting device with on-board sonar systems.

Abstract: A network system using a LAN to provide relative position data for a engine in a plurality of outboard motors attached to a watercraft and using that data to display engine condition information for each engine in the array of engines installed on the watercraft.

Abstract: A watercraft battery control system monitors a battery charge. The system informs the watercraft operator when the battery charge is below a predetermined value. Alternatively, the system automatically controls engine operation by starting the engine or by increasing the speed of the engine to allow a generator to replenish the battery charge when the battery charge has fallen below a predetermined value. By informing the user of an inadequate battery charge, the user can start the engine an recharge the battery. Alternatively, the system automatically maintains the battery at a predetermined charge level to ensure safe and enjoyable watercraft operation.

Abstract: A diagnostic system is provided for a watercraft that is propelled by an outboard drive. Sensors can detect conditions of components related to at least the operation of the outboard drive. The diagnostic system can leave inside and outside computers. The inside computer is placed in the watercraft, while the outside computer is placed out of the watercraft. The outside computer is installed with a program to provide the inside computer with an instruction signal to start a diagnosis on the components. The inside computer is installed with a program to provide sensors with a commencement signal to start checking the components, to require the sensors to provide a detection signal, to collect detection signals, and to provide the outside computer with a result of the checking based upon the detection signals. The program of the outside computer additionally controls a monitor of the outside computer to indicate the conditions of the components based upon the result of the checking.

Abstract: A watercraft propelled by an outboard motor includes an inspection system. The inspection system includes a terminal computer that conducts an inspection of an engine control device and a control unit. The computer includes a program that performs an inspection process that provides the control device with a command signal to start an inspection of the control device and that requests the control device to output a first response signal. The process determines whether the response signal is consistent with a first specified signal. The process provides the control unit with a command signal to start an inspection of the control unit and requests the control unit to output a second response signal. The process determines whether the second response signal is consistent with a second specified signal. The control device controls a throttle actuator and a shift actuator based upon the second response signal and provides the inspection system with an operating signal.

Abstract: An engine control system for a watercraft includes a throttle valve or other engine output adjustment device. A control device controls the a state of the adjustment device (e.g., controls the position of the throttle valve). A controller is located remotely from the engine and provides the control device with an initial control amount to apply to the adjustment device. The control device determines an amount of engine load, preferably based upon signals from an adjustment device sensor (e.g., a throttle position sensor) that detects the state of the adjustment device (e.g., the position of the throttle valve) and an engine speed sensor. The control device stores a control map that has control amounts versus the initial control amounts and the engine load. The control device selects one of the control amounts using one of the initial control amounts and one of the engine loads.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprises an engine mounted within an engine compartment. The engine comprises an induction system having a throttle valve that controls the flow of air through the induction system. The engine also comprises a fuel injection system that controls the amount of fuel supplied to the engine. The amount of fuel injected into the engine is substantially reduced if the throttle valve rapidly close and a transmission of the outboard motor is engaged. If the transmission of the outboard motor is disengaged when the throttle valve rapidly closes, the amount of fuel injected into the engine is reduced to a lesser degree.

Abstract: A charging system for a plurality of batteries is provided to better regulate the charging process of the batteries, particularly in the case where one of the batteries is being charged by multiple generators. In one mode, the charging system inhibits overcharging of the batteries. In a further variation, the charging system seeks to maintain the voltages of the batteries within a predetermined charge range (i.e., between an undercharged value and a fully charged value).

Abstract: An outboard motor comprises an engine mounted within an engine compartment. The engine comprises an induction system having an induction passage extending between an air intake box to a combustion chamber. A throttle valve is positioned along the passage. A bypass passage communicates with the passage at a location between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber. An adjustable valve controls flow through the bypass passage. The adjustable valve is opened as the throttle valve is opened or as the engine speed is increased. The adjustable valve is closed when the throttle valve is rapidly closed or when the engine speed is rapidly decreased.

Abstract: An engine for a marine vehicle includes a controller having a predetermined map defining a relationship between a fuel injection parameter and an engine operation characteristic. Additionally, the controller includes at least one compensation factor for adjusting the fuel injection parameter. The compensation value is derived from data recorded during a test of the engine. The compensation factor is used during the normal operation of the engine to achieve a predetermined air/fuel ratio.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to reduce the likelihood of engine stall when the watercraft engine speed is rapidly decreased while the watercraft is in a planing mode. The engine is controlled by a method that detects a rapid engine speed decrease when the watercraft is believed to be in the planing mode. A operational characteristic of the engine is adjusted to increase the engine speed such that, after the engine reaches a stable engine speed, the stable engine speed is higher than a desired idle speed. The operational characteristic can be an advance in ignition timing or an increase in airflow to the engine.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine is fuel injected. A controller either detects or calculates engine speed, throttle angle and a rate of change of the throttle angle. A first fuel injection amount is preset during a preset period of time following engine starting and subsequently controlled by the controller. While being controlled, an amount of fuel injected is comprised of two components: a base amount determined by engine speed and throttle angle and an additional amount determined by throttle angle and a rate of change in throttle angle. Ignition timing also can be varied in the two component manner as well.

Abstract: An outboard motor comprises an engine mounted within an engine compartment. The engine comprises an induction system having an induction passage extending between a plenum chamber and a combustion chamber. A throttle valve is positioned along the passage. A bypass passage communicates with the passage at a location between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber. An adjustable valve controls flow through the bypass passage. The adjustable valve can be moved below a first preset throttle angle position and fixed above that preset throttle angle. The engine further comprises a fuel injector. The fuel injection amount is controlled by more than one control map. The control maps determine a fuel injection amount based on at least two sensed engine conditions. Based on throttle angle position, the control scheme determines which control map is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing corrected throttle valve opening data to the ECU for calculation of various engine parameters includes computing a throttle opening adjustment value H by subtracting a sensed throttle valve opening S from a actual throttle valve opening D at engine idle. An adjusted throttle valve opening K is computed throughout the range of throttle openings by adding the adjustment value H to the sensed throttle valve opening S. In this manner, an erroneous sensed throttle valve opening S is corrected by the adjustment value H. The process of determining the throttle valve adjustment value preferably is performed at the engine idle state and can be triggered by a physical trigger; by connecting and disconnecting certain electronic devices from the ECU according to a prescribed pattern; by shifting an outboard motor from a neutral to a forward or reverse state; or by other triggering means.

Abstract: A watercraft has an engine that is controlled to reduce the likelihood of engine damage when the watercraft engine speed is rapidly increased due to a lack of load on the propulsion unit. The engine is controlled by a method that detects engine speed and reduces the power output of the engine by varying degrees depending on the speed of the engine relative to plural predetermine speeds.

Abstract: An outboard motor powers a watercraft and comprises an engine mounted within an engine compartment. The engine comprises an induction system having an induction passage extending between an air intake box to a combustion chamber. A throttle valve is positioned along the passage. A bypass passage communicates with the passage at a location between the throttle valve and the combustion chamber. An adjustable valve controls flow through the bypass passage. The adjustable valve can be closed at a first rate if a the watercraft is traveling at a speed greater than a preset value and at a second rate if the watercraft is traveling at a speed below the preset value.

Abstract: An engine control system includes an improved construction that can release an engine from an abnormal engine speed so that, for example, the operator can operate a shift actuator without any overload. The engine includes an air induction system that introduces air to the combustion chamber and includes a throttle valve. The throttle valve admits the air to flow through the air induction system unless placed in a closed position. A throttle valve position sensor is arranged to sense the position of the throttle valve. An engine speed sensor is also arranged to sense a rotational speed of the crankshaft. A control device is provided for slowing down the engine speed based upon a throttle position signal from the throttle valve position sensor and a speed signal from the engine speed sensor.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an anti-theft switch which disables the starter button and provides a kill signal to the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized use and inadvertent draining of the battery.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an engine having a fuel injection system. The fuel injection system is controlled to gradually reduce a speed of the engine if a lubrication pressure detected within the engine is below a predetermined pressure. Additionally, the fuel injection system is controlled to maintain a reduced engine speed until the throttle lever is moved to a position corresponding to a lower speed.