Abstract: An exhaust relief system for an outboard motor includes an exhaust chamber into which exhaust is discharged from the engine. A first passage in communication with the exhaust chamber provides contraction of the exhaust as the exhaust passes rearwardly, from which the exhaust is discharged into an expansion chamber which substantially surrounds the exhaust chamber. From the expansion chamber, the exhaust is routed through and contracted into a second passage in communication with the expansion chamber, after which it is discharged to atmosphere. The tortuous path provided by the exhaust relief system of the invention, along with the repeated expansion and contraction of the exhaust as it flows to atmosphere, provides a muffling effect at idle operation.

Abstract: An interlock mechanism is provided for a latch assembly which releasably secures upper and lower cowl sections of an outboard motor. The interlock mechanism is movable between a locking position and a release position, and is normally disposed in its locking position, such as by a coil spring. The interlock mechanism is mounted to the latch handle, which is pivotably mounted to one of the cowl sections. A hook is interconnected with the latch handle, and is engageable with a catch assembly provided on the other of the cowl sections. The interlock assembly normally engages a stationary engagement pin provided on one of the cowl sections, which prevents accidental pivoting movement of the latch handle. The interlock mechanism is manually movable to its release position, so that the latch handle can be pivoted so as to disengage the hook from the catch mechanism.

Abstract: A two stage carburetor for introduction of an air-fuel mixture into the crankcase of a two-stroke marine engine includes a carburetor body that defines a pair of throttle bores, one of which has a reduced cross-sectional area. The throttle bores deliver an air-fuel mixture to separate and distinct reed blocks having comparable cross-sectional areas.

Abstract: In a two cycle internal combustion engine (2), a fuel injection system is provided with a low profile compact intake manifold (22) mounted to the crankcase (8) by an adaptor plate (24) and defining an intake air flow path in a first direction (28) behind the manifold (22) through a gap between the manifold (22) and the crankcase (8) provided by the adaptor plate (24). Intake air then flows (32) into throttle bore passages (30) from behind the manifold and then reverses direction and flows through supply passages (34) having fuel injectors (38) and then into the crankcase (8). The passages share a common plenum (42) within the manifold. The fuel injectors (38), their electrical connectors (48) and a common rigid fuel supply rail (44) are all in the common plenum (42) entirely within the low profile manifold (22) and sealed from moisture and salt in a marine environment.

Abstract: A fishing device presents lures or bait just off the bottom of a stream, lake, or river. The device includes a sinker having a streamlined body, an L-shaped wire, and a pair of trailing legs. The L-shaped wire has a first attachment loop at the top end of the upper leg for attaching a fishing hook assembly, and a second attachment loop at junction of the upper and lower legs for attaching a fishing line. The lower end of the L-shaped wire is embedded in the sinker. The trailing legs have their front ends embedded in the body of the sinker and extend rearwardly out of the rear end of the sinker to form a V pattern. The tail wires assist in keeping the device upright when trolling, casting, or even when stopped, and propel the device out of rocks and crevices.

Abstract: A cold start fuel enrichment system for an internal combustion engine uses fuel from the upper carburetor for enriching the air-fuel mixture in the lower carburetors by gravity feed. A fuel line runs from the upper carburetor float bowl to the throttle bores of the lower carburetor. A solenoid valve in the fuel line controls its operation.