Abstract: A gearcase for a marine propulsion system has an input shaft rotatable about a central axis of rotation and an output shaft coaxially arranged with the input shaft. A clutch assembly is operable between a first clutch position and a second clutch position, wherein, when the clutch assembly is in the first clutch position, the input shaft is coupled to the output shaft for rotating the output shaft in a first rotational direction. When the clutch assembly is in the second clutch position a gear assembly operably connects the input shaft to the output shaft for rotating the output shaft in an opposite second rotational direction. The gearcase can be part of a marine propulsion system, such as an outboard motor for a mud boat. A method of transferring power in a gearcase and a marine propulsion system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine craft which includes a portable drive assembly temporarily attached to the transom, the portable drive assembly including an elongated drive housing enclosing an upper drive assembly and a lower driven assembly and a timing belt connecting the upper drive assembly to the lower driven assembly. The craft further includes an engine mounting plate attached externally to the drive housing adjacent the upper drive assembly perpendicular to the drive housing. The lower driven assembly also has a propeller shaft at least a portion of which is enclosed within a shaft housing attached to the drive housing adjacent the driven assembly, the shaft housing extending in excess of 18 inches beyond the drive housing, and a propeller attached to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: A marine craft which includes a portable drive assembly temporarily attached to the transom, the portable drive assembly including an elongated drive housing enclosing an upper drive assembly and a lower driven assembly and a timing belt connecting the upper drive assembly to the lower driven assembly. The craft further includes an engine mounting plate attached externally to the drive housing adjacent the upper drive assembly perpendicular to the drive housing. The lower driven assembly also has a propeller shaft at least a portion of which is enclosed within a shaft housing attached to the drive housing adjacent the driven assembly, the shaft housing extending in excess of 18 inches beyond the drive housing, and a propeller attached to the propeller shaft.

Abstract: An air cooled, belt drive and engine assembly mountable to the transom of small flat bottom boats in much the same manner as water cooled outboard engines with a lower foot that does not extend below the bottom of the boat but extends a sufficient distance behind the boat to insure the proper angle of attack when the propeller is in contact with mud and vegetation. The engine mount includes tilt-up capability and pivotal horizontal steering. The propeller is capable of cutting through vegetation, provides propulsive thrust in mud and provides relatively fast boat speed in deep water.

Abstract: A belt driven outboard drive and engine assembly mountable to the transom of small flat bottom boats in much the same manner as water-cooled outboard engines. The assembly includes a lower drive shaft assembly that does not extend below the bottom of the boat, but extends a sufficient distance behind the boat to insure the proper angle of attack when the propeller is positioned for contact with mud and vegetation. The engine-mounting bracket includes a unique dual pivot tilt-up and tilt-down capability, an incremental positioner and a pivotal horizontal steering handle. The propeller is capable of cutting through vegetation, provides propulsive thrust in mud and provides relatively fast boat speed in deep water. The assembly further includes a clutch and reverse drive electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention provides termite detection systems, the systems comprising at least one sensor, wherein the sensor generates a signal when there is moisture caused by termite activity; at least one digital processor coupled to the sensor, wherein the digital processor receives the signal from the sensor; and at least one warning device coupled to the digital processor, wherein the warning device is activated when the digital processor receives the signal form the sensor. The present invention also provides methods for detecting termites in a building, the methods comprising: installing a termite detection system in the building; and monitoring the termite detection system until moisture is detected in the building.