Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and an optional torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system optionally including a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: A hand wheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system having a steering feel that meets drivers' expectations is provided with a housing having an aperture, a steering shaft extending through the aperture and rotatably supported by the housing, an electric motor, a position sensor and torque sensor, and a mechanical steering feel enhancement device. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is attached to the housing and provides a positive stop function, a return-to-center function, and/or a friction/weight function. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is in mechanical communication with the steering shaft and may exist as a separate unitary subassembly prior to being installed on the housing. The electric motor has an output shaft that is in mechanical communication with the steering shaft for imparting a torque to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and an optional torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system optionally including a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: A hand wheel actuator for a steer-by-wire steering system having a steering feel that meets drivers' expectations is provided with a first housing having an aperture, a steering shaft extending through the aperture and rotatably supported by the housing, an electric motor, a position sensor and torque sensor, and a mechanical steering feel enhancement device. The position and torque sensors, are positioned within said first housing and configured to detect the angular displacement of the steering shaft and torque applied against the steering shaft respectively. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is attached to the first housing and provides at least one of a positive stop function, a return-to-center function, or a friction/weight function by mechanical means. The mechanical steering feel enhancement device is in mechanical communication with said steering shaft and is disposed in a second housing and existing as a separate unitary subassembly prior to being installed on said first housing.

Abstract: A differential steering actuator including an input shaft, an output shaft, a motor in operable communication with a vehicle sensor and a differential gear element, wherein the differential gear element is communicated with the input shaft, and the motor so as to translate motion of the input shaft into motion of the output shaft.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and a torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system also includes a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.