Abstract: A drive system for driving at least one and preferably, a plurality of driven components. The drive system includes a multi-drive plate for securedly mounting and accurately positioning a plurality of drive system components on a single support structure. The drive system also has a single drive belt for being driven by at least one driving member. The multi-drive plate supports and aligns pulleys connected to the driving member and the driven component so that the single drive belt drives at least one driven component. The driving device may include a clutch for allowing the drive system to be driven by a main driving device or by an auxiliary drive device. The driving device and the at least one driven component are mounted on the same side of the multi-drive plate. The pulleys attached to the driving device and the at least one driven component and the serpentine belt are mounted on another side of the multi-drive plate so that the serpentine belt is easily accessible.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an emergency propulsion system for both motor powered and sailing vessels which have a single propeller shaft. This emergency system may be used with inboard engines or with a sailing vessel that has a small engine used for moving said vessel and/or docking. While and when under way engine failure may be experienced. Such failure is usually very inconvenient to the user of the boat. Many times such failure can and does become a serious matter. The present hydraulic propulsion system of this invention is intended to provide a "get home" drive for trawlers or sailing vessels using a single engine. A small diesel engine that is used to provide electrical generation is also selectively employed to turn a hydrostatic pump and then through a fluid connected means drives a hydrostatic motor which drives a V-belt to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: This invention provides a torque tube or coupling housing which is adapted to join a power transmitting member to a power driven member. A rectangular or square metal tube provides this torque tube which has two parallel, spaced-apart outer surfaces. In these spaced-apart surfaces and preferably near their central portions are formed aligned pilot holes. Using these pilot holes as an axis appropriate mounting holes are formed in each of the planar surfaces. The torque tube is then bolted in place to provide a fixed coupling of the power members. As a method, this torque tube provides the steps for joining a power output to a power receiving device wherein the coupling is drilled to provide mounting holes measured from the to be mounted component.