Abstract: Several embodiments of warning systems for marine propulsion engines wherein the operator is provided with a reset device for resetting the warning and wherein the warning is held in its warning mode for a predetermined time even if the operator resets.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of coils for mounting on spark plugs for supplying the voltage for firing the spark plugs. In each embodiment, all operative components are disposed below the upper end of the center electrode terminal of the spark plug for reducing the size requirements of the engine. In some embodiments, the coil is mounted at least in part independently of the spark plug so that the spark plug will not carry the full weight of the coil.

Abstract: A separate lubricating system for an engine including a lubricant reservoir and a system for delivering lubricant from the reservoir to the engine for its lubrication. A sensing device is provided in the lubricant system for sensing the lubricant flow and comparing it with a desired flow for providing a warning signal in the event of inadequate lubricant flow. The invention is illustrated in a specific embodiment as applied to an outboard motor.

Abstract: Embodiments of engine starting systems for watercraft wherein a warning is issued in the event the starting system is enabled when a kill switch is closed. In some embodiments the starting system is also disabled if the kill switch is closed.

Abstract: A control panel for a watercraft powered by a plurality of engines wherein the controls for each of the engines is mounted on the same panel. The controls comprise at least a first pair of control elements for controlling separate functions of the engine independently but positioned in juxtaposition to each other and a common control element for controlling the same functions of both engines.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of warning devices for watercraft provided with a plurality of marine propulsion engines for providing an arrangement for avoiding course deviations in the event of an abnormal running condition of one of the engines which tends to cause a course deviation. In one embodiment, the course correction is provided by slowing of the normally running engine in the event of slowing of the abnormally running engine. In other embodiments, the course deviation is prevented by a steering device. In one embodiment, the steering device comprises means for steering of the normally running engine and in another embodiment, the steering device comprises a trim tab.

Abstract: Two embodiments of choke mechanisms for internal combustion engines such as those of outboard motors embodying an automatic actuator for positioning the choke valve in reponse to temperature variations and a mechanical actuator for permitting manual operation of the choke valve between its positions.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device having a pair of outboard motors each of which has a sensing device for sensing an abnormal running condition, a warning device for indicating a warning of the abnormal running condition and a control device for slowing the speed of the engine in response to the sensed abnormal running condition. An arrangement is provided wherein the sensing of an abnormal running condition of either engine is effective to slow the speed of both engines and provide the abnormal running condition indication for both engines. The normal engine may be reset to full speed control in response to shifting of the normal running engine either into a neutral condition or by slowing or stopping of it.

Abstract: An electronic revolution rate limiting apparatus is described which generally comprises a transducer for generating a tachometer signal which is indicative of the revolution rate of the internal combustion engine, a circuit for generating a rate signal which is derived from an oscillator and is responsive to the operation state of the engine to determine the maximum revolution rate for each of a plurality of operation states, a circuit for producing a control signal which is responsive to the tachometer signal and the rate signal, and a switch for interacting with the ignition system of the engine to prevent a sparking voltage from being induced in the ignition system in response to the value of the control signal.

Abstract: An electronic revolution rate limiting apparatus is described which generally comprises a transducer for generating a tachometer signal which is indicative of the revolution rate of the internal combustion engine, a circuit for producing a control signal which is responsive to the tachometer signal and the operation state of the engine and which determines the maximum revolution rate for each of a plurality of operation states, and a switch for interacting with the ignition system of the engine to prevent a sparking voltage from being induced in the ignition system in response to the value of the control signal. When the revolution rate limiting apparatus is employed in a power plant in which the operation states comprise a plurality of drive states (e.g., forward, neutral, reverse), the circuit for producing the control signal is also responsive to which drive state the power plant is in, such that the maximum revolution rate may be individually controlled for each drive state.