Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A support for the upper drive shaft of a marine stern drive unit. The support has an axial body installable in the axial bore of the upper case. Retainers on the body are engageable with the upper case to secure the support in place. One or both retainers are axially adjustable relative to the body. Adjustment may be achieved at threaded sections on the body which matingly engage threaded sections on the retainer.

Abstract: A support for the upper drive shaft of a marine stern drive unit. The support has an axial body installable in the axial bore of the upper case. Retainers on the body are engageable with the upper case to secure the support in place. One or both retainers are axially adjustable relative to the body. Adjustment may be achieved at threaded sections on the body which matingly engage threaded sections on the retainer.

Abstract: A support for the upper drive shaft of a marine stern drive unit. The support has an axial body installable in the axial bore of the upper case. Retainers on the body are engageable with the upper case to secure the support in place. One or both retainers are axially adjustable relative to the body. Adjustment may be achieved at threaded sections on the body which matingly engage threaded sections on the retainer.

Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.

Abstract: A telephone switch system is connected digitally to an external computer system operating database software and having access to a digitally stored database of information used by the switch. The switch performs data transactions on the database in the manner of a client. The database engine allows live queries, which automatically update querying clients as pertinent data changes. The database engine also allows query concentration, which caches query results and supplies the cached results to querying clients making identical queries within a prescribed period of time. The database engine further allows batch inserts, which allow a user to add a plurality of records with a single command.

Abstract: Telecommunication equipment is connected to and controlled by a computer which executes software controlling the digital communication between the telecommunication equipment and the computer. Software in the form of a wizard or expert also executes on the computer and acts to simplify the computer user's interaction with the telecommunication equipment and underlying software which controls the telecommunication equipment.

Abstract: A telephone switch system is connected digitally to an external computer system operating database software and having access to a digitally stored database of information used by the switch. The switch performs data transactions on the database in the manner of a client. The database engine allows live queries, which automatically update querying clients as pertinent data changes. The database engine also allows query concentration, which caches query results and supplies the cached results to querying clients making identical queries within a prescribed period of time. The database engine further allows batch inserts, which allow a user to add a plurality of records with a single command.

Abstract: A method of enhancing communication among a plurality of communicating devices in which an interface comprising a list of features for enhancing the ability of devices to communicate is copied from a device controlling communication to the controlled communication devices. The interface may be a variable portion of a communication protocol that, together with a static portion of the protocol provided separately, defines the communication capability of the devices. The method finds application in telephone systems where the controlling device is a public or private telephone exchange and the controlled devices are computer operated telephones. The display screen of the computer at each telephone may be used to select features of the interface that are to be used.