Patents by Inventor Niel M. Schueller

Niel M. Schueller 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: 9457882
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a stern drive engine including a mounting base, an engine mounting foot or bracket for securing an engine to a watercraft, and a lock ring for securing the engine mounting bracket in a constant position relative to the mounting base. The mounting base includes a threaded mounting bolt to receive a first adjustment nut, the engine mounting bracket, the lock ring and a second nut. The bottom surface of the locking ring engages a top surface of the engine mounting bracket with a downwardly extending arm or arms of the lock ring extending through an aperture in the engine mounting bracket to engage the first adjustment nut. The threaded bolt of the mounting base extends through apertures of the engine mounting bracket platform and mounting ring, and a second nut engages the top surface of the lock ring, preventing rotation of the first adjustment nut, and ultimately limiting movement of the marine stern drive engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Niel M. Schueller, David J. Waldvogel, Steven R. Johns
  • Patent number: 9334034
    Abstract: A system and method for combined control of steering and trim of a marine engine unit. The system and method includes a steering apparatus generating steering signals, a trim control generating trim signals, an electronic unit receiving steering trim and cylinder position signals and sending output signals. A port hydraulic cylinder and a starboard hydraulic cylinder that extend and retract are included. The cylinders connected to first and second port and starboard joints to provide movement of the engine unit. The first and second port and starboard joints enable movement of the engine unit vertically and horizontally when the port and starboard hydraulic cylinders are extended and retracted to provide a full range of steering and trim movement of an engine unit using only two hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Waldvogel, Niel M. Schueller, John A. Groeschel
  • Patent number: 9168979
    Abstract: Methods and systems are for corrosion protection on marine vessels. A marine drive is for propelling a marine vessel in saltwater. The marine drive includes a generally planar outer running surface and a collection area located proximate to the outer running surface. An electrode conducts electricity from a source of electricity to the saltwater such that the electricity reacts to the saltwater and generates chlorine gas bubbles that tend to cause corrosion on the outer running surface. The electrode is mounted on the marine drive and protrudes out from and at an angle to the outer running surface so as to inhibit flow of the chlorine gas bubbles towards the collection area at least when the marine vessel is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Niel M. Schueller, Kevin R. Anderson, David J. Waldvogel, Carl J. Prien, John A. Groeschel
  • Patent number: 8197292
    Abstract: The invention concerns a marine vessel propulsion system that can be set into an opening of a boat's hull and which comprises a propulsion and steering unit (9) that can be rotated or swivelled about a vertical axis (z) and which is fixed to the hull by a securing mechanism (12) having a predetermined fracture point or level. It is proposed that a protective plate (13) is arranged on the boat's hull in the aft direction (opposite to the direction of travel F) and behind the propulsion and steering unit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Niel M. Schueller, Andrea Pellegrinetti, Michele Zottele
  • Publication number: 20100087107
    Abstract: The invention concerns a marine vessel propulsion system that can be set into an opening of a boat's hull and which comprises a propulsion and steering unit (9) that can be rotated or swivelled about a vertical axis (z) and which is fixed to the hull by a securing mechanism (12) having a predetermined fracture point or level. It is proposed that a protective plate (13) is arranged on the boat's hull in the aft direction (opposite to the direction of travel F) and behind the propulsion and steering unit (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicants: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, BRUNSWICK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard A. Davis, Niel M. Schueller, Andrea Pellegrinetti, Michele Zottele
  • Patent number: 5236380
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing improved oil circulation in a marine propulsion system. A supply passage is formed in the gearcase, having its inlet in communication with a space located forwardly of the lower face of the driven gear located in the propeller shaft cavity. The supply passage communicates oil to a drive shaft housing supply passage, and communication between the drive shaft housing supply passage and the upper cavity formed in the drive shaft housing, within which are disposed the lower and upper gears and the input gear, is cut off. Oil flowing through the drive shaft housing supply passage is routed to the universal joint bearings, and temperature of oil at the universal joint bearings is significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Niel M. Schueller, Gary L. Meisenburg, Charles F. Gray, Jr.