Abstract: A control method and system for a controllable pitch marine propeller including operating modes comprised of a maneuvering mode and a cruise mode and check modes comprised of an engine check mode and propeller check mode. The cruise mode provides for wide open throttle acceleration and power stop. Smooth transition sub-modes are provided for providing smooth transition between cruise mode and maneuvering mode and vice versa. The system operates by a lever (28) which controls a pitch control unit (10) which in turn controls engine speed and also the pitch of propeller blades (12) of propeller (14). Thus, dependent on the position of the control lever (28) in either maneuvering mode or cruise mode, an appropriate engine speed and propeller pitch is selected automatically for driving a watercraft.

Abstract: A control method and system for a controllable pitch marine propeller including operating modes comprised of a manoeuvering mode and a cruise mode and check modes comprised of an engine check mode and propeller check mode. The cruise mode provides for wide open throttle acceleration and power stop. Smooth transition sub-modes are provided for providing smooth transition between cruise mode and manoeuvering mode and vice versa. The system operates by a lever (28) which controls a pitch control unit (10) which in turn controls engine speed and also the pitch of propeller blades (12) of propeller (14). Thus, dependent on the position of the control lever (28) in either manoeuvering mode or cruise mode, an appropriate engine speed and propeller pitch is selected automatically for driving a watercraft.

Abstract: An actuator such as a vehicle hand brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an electric motor (18) which drives an orbital gear box (20) which in turn has an output connected to a pulley (60) for applying a load to cables (62) to apply the brake. A pinion gear (24) is mounted on the output of the motor (18) and drives a pinion gear (27) which in turn meshes with a spur gear (30) connected to input shaft (36) an eccentric (42) for driving the gear box (20). The orbital gear box (20) has orbit gears (50, 52) which are fixed together and which have a different number of teeth to provide a gear ratio. The gear (52) meshes with an output gear (56) which in turn is fixed to the pulley (60).

Abstract: A berley macerator (10) has a bucket (14) for receiving material to be macerated. A motor (20) is provided for driving a worm which in turn drives a worm wheel (22). A chopper blade (36), mounted on the worm wheel (22), rotates with the worm wheel (22) to macerate the material. A motor control circuit is provided for driving the motor (20) and also for determining if the blade (36) becomes jammed so that the motor (20) can be switched off and an audible signal provided to indicate that a jam has occurred.

Abstract: A propeller (10) including a hub (11), a plurality of blades (13) extending outwardly from the hub (11) and part annular connecting elements (17) which interconnect tips (16) of adjacent blades (13). The trailing edges (21) of the elements (17) extend from the trailing edge of one blade (13) at its tip to intersect the adjacent blade (13) at a relief point (23) on the high pressure side of the blade (13) between the leading and trailing edges of the blade (13). The leading edge (20) of the elements (17) extends from the leading edge of a blade (13) at its tip (16) to intersect the adjacent blade (13) at a relief point (25) on the low pressure side of the blade (13) intermediate the leading and trailing edges of the blade (13) at its tip (16).