Abstract: A self-contained marine propulsion device is disposed within a container, or pod, that is removably attachable to an undersurface of a deck of a pontoon boat. An engine is contained within the container and connected in torque transmitting relation with the marine propulsion device which can be a sterndrive device or a jet drive device. The marine propulsion system is dirigible, with a portion that is rotatable about a generally vertical steering axis and is supported by the container which is attached to the deck of the pontoon boat.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system is configured to be assembled, as one unitary structure, into a marine vessel. A transom attachment member is provided and is attachable to both an engine and a drive unit to form a single marine propulsion system structure which can be lowered into an opening formed in a transom of a marine vessel.

Abstract: A protective containment device is provided to serve as a strain relief component for hoses, wires, and push-pull cables extending through a front surface of an outboard motor. The protective containment device is formed from first and second portions that are assembled together with a flexibly connected divider that segregates certain components within the protective device from other components. A cylindrical ring, made of first and second retainers, is disposed around an outer surface of the cylindrical conduit to hold the first and second portions together and to retain a flexible tube in place.

Abstract: A remote control manually movable handle for a gear selection and throttle selection device is provided with asymmetry in order to improve the mechanical advantage available to the operator when moving the selection handle from neutral gear position to forward or reverse gear position. The total neutral zone is increased in order to provide this improved mechanical advantage while maintaining the generally similar range of travel of the forward gear zone in comparison to known prior art systems. By changing the relative gear teeth arrangements of the remote control system, this asymmetry and resulting mechanical advantage is achieved. A handle shape is provided that results in a general perpendicularity between the handle and a reference line in order to improve the feel of the handle when used by the operator of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A golf bag accessory system for protecting the body and clothing of a person carrying a golf bag, comprising a pad with a cushioning, gripping first-side, and a low-friction, sliding second-side. The pad is attachable to the golf bag. The pad may comprise indicia, and indicia display business methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling system for an out drive of a stern drive device draws water from a body of water in which a marine vessel is operated and conducts the water through a conduit to an outlet end that is configured to direct a stream of water into a space which is defined under a removably attachable cover and above a surface of a heat producing portion of the out drive. The cover contains a turbulently flowing stream of water in the space in order to more efficiently conduct the water in thermal communication with the outer surface of the heat producing portion. Return passages are provided between the cover and the surface of the out drive to allow water to return, under the influence of gravity, back to the body of water from which it was drawn.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine comprises first and second fuel reservoirs connected in fluid communication with each other. The first fuel reservoir is a fuel vapor separator which has a vent conduit connected in fluid communication with a second fuel reservoir. Under normal operation, fuel vapor flows from the fuel vapor separator and into the second fuel reservoir for eventual discharge to the atmosphere. Any liquid fuel caused to flow out of the vent conduit of the fuel vapor separator is contained within the second fuel reservoir and prevented from being discharged into the cavity under the cowl of an outboard motor and eventually into a body of water in which the marine system is operated.

Abstract: A tell-tale system is provided for an outboard motor in which the tell-tale fluid conduit is connectable to an external water source, such as a water hose, and is extendable away from the cowl of the outboard motor in order to facilitate its use during a flushing operation. When not being used in the flushing procedure, the connector of the fluid conduit is snapped into position in connection with the cowl to maintain its position when used as a tell-tale port.

Abstract: An oil lubrication circuit is provided for an internal combustion engine in which first and second paths are located within a central bore of a camshaft. Liquid lubricant is directed from a gerotor pump to an oil filter and back toward numerous lubrication points of a crankshaft by utilizing the first and second paths which flow in opposite directions and which are both concentric with a central axis of rotation of the camshaft.

Abstract: An outboard motor is provided with an air duct located within the cavity of a cowl of an outboard motor. The air duct defines a chamber within it in association with first and second openings that allow heated air to flow, through the creation of convection currents, out of the engine compartment under a cowl. This convection flow removes heat from fuel system components and reduces the likelihood that “vapor lock” will occur subsequent to the use of an internal combustion engine that is followed by turning the engine off.

Abstract: A rubber diver's garment with a zip-out front panel flap bounding within the zipper track a relatively large opening approximately coincident in size to the size of the front panel of the upper torso of the garment, which opening by its size and the enlargement thereof afforded by the stretch of the rubber construction material of the garment, readily permits the diver to project arms, legs and neck respectively into the sleeves, leggings and hood seal of the garment without the assistance of another.

Abstract: A marine propulsion apparatus is provided in which a support structure is attached to an internal combustion engine to support the engine and allow the engine to be pivoted about a steering axis. A steering handle is attached to the support structure and the steering handle is rotatable within a range about an axis. A driveshaft housing is attached to the internal combustion engine and a driveshaft is supported within the housing. The apparatus can be raised or lowered relative to a bracket which comprises a support cylinder. The steering handle is adjustable within a range of travel and the entire marine apparatus can be raised or lower to accommodate various different types of marine vessels.

Abstract: A rubber diver's garment with a zip-out front panel flap bounding within the zipper track a relatively large opening approximately coincident in size to the size of the front panel of the upper torso of the garment, which opening by its size and the enlargement thereof afforded by the stretch of the rubber construction material of the garment, readily permits the diver to project arms, legs and neck respectively into the sleeves, leggings and hood seal of the garment without the assistance of another.

Abstract: An exhaust control system is provided for a marine propulsion system used on a marine vessel. Several parameters are monitored by a controller and a controller uses the information provided by these sensors to control the position of a valve within an exhaust conduit assembly. Sound level is measured at a preselected position on the marine vessel and the degree of opening of a valve is controlled to limit the noise level emanating from the exhaust system. Some exhaust can be diverted directly to the atmosphere through the transom as long as the noise level does not exceed a preselected limit, which can typically be a state law regulation. If a noise level is exceeded, the controller forces the exhaust through an underwater discharge point, typically through the propeller hub of the marine propulsion system.

Abstract: An underwater light has a head assembly including a reflector, a light source located in the head assembly and movable relative to the reflector, a housing that moves relative to a slide that engages the switch such that it is twist activated. Continued twisting adjusts the position of the light source to adjust beam spread. Bearings are included in the head assembly to allow the twisting action to be effected under high pressure, while o-ring seals prevent leakage.

Abstract: An engine control system digitally stores corresponding values of timing angles and engine speeds and selects the timing angles based on the operating speed of the engine. In the engine speed range near idle speed, the timing angle is set to a pre-selected angle after top dead center (ATDC) and the relationship between engine speed and timing angle calls for the timing angle to be advanced from the pre-selected angle after top dead center (ATDC) to successively advancing angles which subsequently increase angles before top dead center (BTDC) as the engine increases in speed. In one application, a timing angle of 10 degrees after top dead center (ATDC) is selected for a engine idle speed of approximately 800 RPM. This relationship, which is controlled by the engine control unit, avoids stalling the engine when an operator suddenly decreases the engine speed.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation device has a plurality of guide assemblies disposed about its outer and inner periphery, such that a plurality of resilient bands can each be disposed in a pair of complementary guide assembles, the bands biased to restrain expansion of the bladder when deflated or partially inflated to reduce drag, increase comfort and improve air distribution.