Patents by Inventor James Mahnich

James Mahnich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6299494
    Abstract: A water jet propulsion unit having an articulating exit nozzle assembly which serves as both a thrust nozzle and a steering nozzle. The assembly includes a flow-through inner housing or duct having a flanged portion with an inlet and a ball-shaped portion with an outlet, and a convergent nozzle having a spherical socket which fits around the ball-shaped portion of the inner duct. This ball and socket arrangement allows the nozzle to rotate relative to the ball-shaped portion of the inner duct. A limit pin on the duct projects into a slot formed in the nozzle wall to prevent rotation of the nozzle about a centerline of the duct. Abutment of the pin with the ends of the slot limit the trim angle of the nozzle to a predetermined range. A bracket is attached to the nozzle for controlling the angular position of the nozzle relative to the inner duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: William W. Bowers, James Mahnich