Abstract: A swash plate pump is particularly adapted for use as a helm pump for controlling a tiller of a marine vessel and has a rotor mounted within a pump housing. The rotor is rotatable by a wheel about a housing axis and has a plurality of cylinders therein disposed circumferentially around the rotor. A piston is resiliently mounted in each cylinder for reciprocal movement along a respective cylinder axis so that outer ends of the pistons engage a swash plate inclined obliquely to the housing axis at a fixed swash plate angle. Bleed conduits are provided in the outer ends of each piston, each bleed conduit having an opening disposed on the respective cylinder axis. The outer end of each piston is shaped to provide access to the bleed conduit between the bearing plate and the outer end of the piston, preferably by having a truncated conical end wall inclined at an end face angle equal to the swash plate angle to provide line contact between the end wall and the swash plate.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus is connected to a pressurized fluid supply and a conventional helm pump controlled by the helm of a vessel to shift the rudder. The apparatus comprises an actuator cylinder connectable to the rudder, and a servo cylinder and a main valve connected to the helm pump to pass fluid therebetween and between the actuator cylinder. The actuator cylinder and servo cylinder have respective bodies and piston rods, and portions of the servo cylinder and actuator cylinder are connected together for concurrent simultaneous movement along respective longitudinal axes. Valve shifting structure is responsive to a change in fluid signal from the helm pump applied to the servo apparatus. Fluid diverting structure is responsive to a threshold supply pressure so as to actuate the valve to stop flow of supply fluid when supply pressure drops below the threshold pressure.

Abstract: An internally air cooled brake disc assembly of the invention is manufactured by casting in small pieces to eliminate problems associated with casting large discs with integral air cooling passages. The assembly has a main disc member and a plurality of disc segments secured to the main disc member. The disc segments are separate entities and can expand and contract independently of each other, thus reducing distortion from thermal effects. Assembled outer surfaces of each disc segment are generally flat and provide an annular surface to be swept by brake pads. Inner surface of each disc segment has a plurality of ridges and at least one groove which spaces apart the ridges. The ridges contact the main disc member so that at least one passage is formed between the disc segment and the disc member to receive a flow of cooling air. When the disc segments are secured on each side of the main disc member, the disc assembly has a plurality of cooling passages on each side of the main disc member.

Abstract: The valve apparatus has a poppet valve engaging a valve seat to seal an outlet port from an inlet port thereof. A piston is reciprocable within a piston chamber, and first and second piston ports communicate with opposite sides of the piston. The piston cooperates with the poppet valve and is biased to an extreme position thereof, in opposition to force from a fluid signal applied to the piston through one of the piston ports. The valve configuration can be changed in the field to be either normally-open or normally-closed by re-positioning the piston biasing and redirecting fluid into the appropriate piston port using an interchangeable piston port distributing structure. The valve can be solenoid actuated, manually operated or pilot-pressure actuated from an adjacent valve, and the type of valve actuation can also be changed in the field. Also, a supply manifold member is secured to the inlet port of the valve to supply fluid thereto.

Abstract: A control lever apparatus for actuating two sheathed control cables, such as push/pull cables, for connecting together two or more control stations, particularly in marine applications. A manual lever and sprocket are journalled for concurrent rotation relative to a body having a longitudinal body axis. A sheath anchoring structure cooperates with the body and has a sheath clamp adapted for securing the sheaths of the control cables laterally spaced apart and disposed parallel to the body axis. A length of chain passes over the sprocket and has two opposite end portions which extend generally axially of the body. A core connector is secured to each end of the chain and is adapted to be secured to the cores of the control cable assemblies. The apparatus provides a positive and simple mechanical connection between two or more control heads which can be simply installed, and for usual lengths of cable runs does not incur excessive frictional losses.

Abstract: A load sharing apparatus and method for coupled master and slave engines having respective throttle actuators to receive initial throttle signals, and load transmitters for transmitting load signals reflecting load on the particular engine. Apparatus has a load comparison structure which receives load signals from the load transmitters of the engines and produces a differential signal reflecting comparison of the engine loads. The apparatus also includes a servo structure which receives the differential signal and produces an output signal which is a servo signal. The servo signal is transferred to the throttle actuator of the slave engine, to change the initial throttle signal to the slave engine by an amount dependent on the servo signal thus sharing loads equally between the master and slave engines.

Abstract: Apparatus is for controlling load on an engine, particularly a marine engine powering a controllable pitch propeller which serves as an engine loading device. Apparatus cooperates with a circuit having a supply fluid at a constant supply pressure, and a control fluid at a variable control pressure reflecting engine load. The apparatus has a signal receiver to receive a load demand signal from an operator, and a positioner apparatus with a positioner output which cooperates with the loading device of the engine. The positioner apparatus receives the supply and control fluids and has a partition separating the fluids to permit interaction therebetween to control the positioner output. The apparatus has a hydraulic fluid valve to control flow of hydraulic fluid relative to the positioner apparatus, the fluid valve being connected to the positioner output and an output of the signal receiver so as to be responsive to relative positions of both outputs.

Abstract: Adjustable holding device for holding an item in a desired location relative to a surface, for example it can be used in a marine control system for holding an end of an outer sheath of a control cable adjacent a throttle control. To avoid the excessive number of brackets commonly required for holding items such as control cables, housings, and other light-weight accessories relative to an engine crankcase, gearbox, etc., the present invention provides a holding device that is universally adjustable in three planes to permit simple attachment to the crank case or gearbox with one portion of the device, and easy attachment at an opposite end to the item to be located. The device has inner and outer brackets for securing to the surface and to the item itself, with first, second and third members extending between the brackets. Lockable hinges connect adjacent members and brackets together rigidly, and yet provide adjustment to permit a wide range of inclination of the items.

Abstract: A brake actuating system for use with a brake assembly having a body, a brake actuator and at least one friction member cooperating with the actuator and the body to brake a brakeable member. The invention provides a system with improved operator "feel" of braking force, and has a first fluid valve receiving pressurized fluid and controlling actuation of the actuator, with a signal input adapted to receive a signal from an operator and to be responsive to extension of the actuator. In this way, a change in brake signal from the operator produces a corresponding change of extension of the actuator which produces a corresponding change in fluid output signal to the actuator.

Abstract: An infinitely variable, double-acting positioning linear actuator which responds proportionally to fluid pressure includes a hollow cylindrical housing and an actuating rod axially movable through the housing. Two partitions cooperate with the actuating rod for movement therewith and define within the housing a spring chamber and first and second actuating chambers which are at opposite ends of the spring chamber. A compression spring is mounted within the spring chamber and each actuating chamber has a fluid port to communicate with pressurized fluid. First and second retaining structures within the spring chamber cooperate with respective ends of the spring and each have a respective stop. The spring chamber has a limiting structure which cooperates with the stops to hold the stops spaced apart at a particular spacing when the actuator is centered.

Abstract: A control lever assembly, particularly for controlling marine propulsion systems, having first and second signal outputs controllable simultaneously by a single lever. The lever is journalled for rotation about a lever axis relative to a body, and can be shifted axially between engaged and disengaged positions. An interrupter driver has driving engagement structure and responds to lever rotation and cooperates with the first signal output. An interrupter driven structure has driven engagement structure which is engageable with the driving engagement structure when the lever is in the engaged position, and is disengageable when the lever is in neutral and is shifted axially. When engaged, the second signal output is responsive to primary rotation of lever. Selector structure permits the axial movement only when the lever is in neutral, and simultaneously permits rotation of the lever to control the first signal output with no corresponding change in the second signal output.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for coupling together a plurality of fluid actuated components utilizing a pressurized fluid which provides a versatile structure to enable easy customizing of control systems. Each component has ports to receive and to discharge fluid when secured to the mounting assembly. The assembly has a main face with at least a first face recess separated from an adjacent second face recess by a partition, a portion of the partition being adapted to be removed to provide communication between the first and second face recesses. The assembly also has input and output connecting recesses adapted to receive and to discharge fluid and to communicate with the face recesses. The assembly includes an intermediate plate fitted and sealed between the components and the mounting plate to seal portions of the recesses to form passages through the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A twin lever control assembly for controlling two inter-related functions, such as a clutch/gearbox unit and a throttle of a marine power unit, has an interlock to permit movement of one lever only if the remaining lever is in a particular position. The assembly has an interlocking shaft fitted for movement between two connecting members which rotate with rotation of the respective lever. The shaft has a length greater than spacing between opposed faces of the connecting members, and is spring-urged towards the first connecting member. The connecting members have sockets to receive adjacent ends of the interlocking shaft to prevent movement of the receiving connecting member, the shaft being forced into the socket by either the spring force, or by a camming effect between the first member and the shaft.

Abstract: A control head assembly which automatically locks a control lever into one of two or more selected positions, thus reducing chances of accidental disengagement. The lever is relatively stiff and is rotatable between at least two selected positions and is also movable along hinge axis. Stops carried on control head mounting and on lever permit rotation of the lever between the two positions when the stops are disengaged and prevent rotation when the stops are engaged. A spring cooperates with the lever and mounting to permit axial movement for engagement and disengagement and to hold in engagement when lever is in one of the selected positions. The stop on the lever has a particular shape which can be accepted in at least two orientations relative to the stop on the mounting.

Abstract: A control assembly particularly for use in marine controls where a single lever thereof actuates a clutch and throttle of a marine power unit. The assembly has a first input shaft rotatable relative to a body thereof, and an extensible and retractable first output structure for controlling a function, e.g. the throttle. The assembly includes a cam mounted on the first input shaft for rotation therewith and a cam follower cooperating with the cam and the first output structure. A lever means cooperates with the body and cam follower so that the first output structure is actuated in an amount dependent on direction and rotation of the input shaft from an initial position thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a second output structure for the clutch is responsive to primary rotation of the input shaft from the initial position thereof and is unresponsive to secondary rotation, and the first output structure is unresponsive to primary rotation of the shaft and is responsive to secondary rotation thereof.

Abstract: A control lever assembly for actuating a control cable, particularly a cable of the type capable of transmitting compressive forces as well as tensile forces, known as a push-pull cable. The assembly has a lever journalled for rotation relative to a body thereof, and a core anchoring structure adapted to rotate with the lever and to be subjected to relative lateral movement during such rotation. The core anchoring means anchors one end of a core of the control cable, and a sheath retaining means retains a portion of a sheath of the cable to restrict axial movement of the sheath following actuation of the cable. A connecting structure, which is structurally independent of the control cable, cooperates with the sheath retaining structure and the core anchoring structure to swivel the sheath retaining structure in response to rotation of the core anchoring structure.

Abstract: A power assist device for a control system to amplify force to assist in movement of control apparatus. Device has signal input device and directional valve which are both responsive to a control signal, and a fluid power cylinder assembly which is connectable to an input of the control apparatus to apply an amplified control signal thereto. The directional valve means controls fluid flow between first and second chambers on opposite sides of a piston of the power cylinder assembly so as to determine the direction of movement of the assembly in response to valve position. The signal input device has an indicator to indicate a particular control setting or datum for a control signal which can be felt by operator, which contrasts with prior art power assist device where feel of a particular setting location is lost.

Abstract: A self-centering apparatus for caliper brake assembly to control relative positions of brake shoes so that they are equally spaced from the brake disc, irrespective of attitude of brake. The caliper brake assembly has a pair of caliper arms hinged to the body thereof, with brake shoes at inner ends of the arm and a brake actuator extending between outer portions of the arm. A rocker device is hinged to the body for rotation about a rocker axis disposed parallel to the hinge axes of the caliper arms, and the rocker links interconnect the caliper arms and the rocker device so that movement of one caliper arm is essentially equal and opposite to movement of the remaining caliper arm.

Abstract: A fluid actuated positioner for producing a mechanical output signal proportional to a fluid input signal. Input signal acts on input rod of input cylinder to control a main valve which controls flow between chambers of a hydraulic power cylinder. Power cylinder has output piston rod connected to device to be controlled, and fluid forces on output rod are determined by pressure differences across faces of output piston, which differences are determined by amount of metering of main valve. Valve can be simple clearance passage maintained open to permit steady flow therethrough in non-changing signal, or can be spool valve which stops flow during non-changing. Both devices do not require exceptionally close tolerance manufacture, and creep problems are reduced.