Abstract: A marine propulsion system is configured to allow many different combinations and interconnections between three internal combustion engines, three generators, two motors, two clutches, two marine propulsion devices, and an electrical storage device. By appropriately interconnecting these devices in advantageous combinations, energy consumption can be reduced, operational efficiency of the engine can be improved, and redundancy can be provided in the event that one or more components are disabled.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling movement of a marine vessel. An operator controllable device outputs a signal that is representative of an operator-desired rate of position change of the vessel about or along an axis. A sensor outputs a signal that is representative of a sensed actual rate of position change of the vessel about or along the axis. A rate of position change controller outputs a rate of position change command based upon the difference between the desired rate of position change and the sensed rate of position change. A vessel coordination controller controls movement of the vessel based upon the rate of position change command.

Abstract: A bracket system and method for bracketing accessories is disclosed that does not mar the exterior of the structure to which an accessory is to be attached. In one embodiment an accessory mounting system is disclosed having a first and second bracket, each bracket having an accessory attaching end and an opposite end adapted for engaging a corresponding joint defined by two abutting structures. Accessories are mounted according to this system when the brackets are placed within their corresponding joints without the aid of screws or like attachment mechanisms and an accessory is attached therebetween resulting in the brackets becoming press-fit in place. Methods for creating and utilizing this invention are also provided.

Abstract: A bracket system and method for bracketing accessories is disclosed that does not mar the exterior of the structure to which an accessory is to be attached. In one embodiment an accessory mounting system is disclosed having a first and second bracket, each bracket having an accessory attaching end and an opposite end adapted for engaging a corresponding joint defined by two abutting structures. Accessories are mounted according to this system when the brackets are placed within their corresponding joints without the aid of screws or like attachment mechanisms and an accessory is attached therebetween resulting in the brackets becoming press-fit in place. Methods for creating and utilizing this invention are also provided.

Abstract: A self-cleaning smoke-monitoring system that is used in measuring opacity of exhaust from an internal combustion engine. The invention includes a pair of air passages that supply a flow of filtered air over the optic elements of the smoke-monitoring system. The flow of particulate-free air is the result of a venturi effect created in the exhaust flow such that ambient air is continuously drawn in through the air ducts.

Abstract: A forward scattering loss compensated smoke sensor or smoke detector and a back scattering loss compensated smoke detector are disclosed. Both systems include first and second light sources for supplying a light signal into a fluid containing particulates. Both systems also include first and second photodetector devices for detecting directly transmitted, forward scattered and/or back scattered light. A ratiometric value or signal is produced in accordance with direct versus scattered detected light levels. The selection of forward versus back scattering particulate detection devices and methods is driven by the efficiency of the scattering which is a function of light source frequencies and particulate size.

Abstract: An optical spectral analyzer (10) for receiving an input beam (30) through a multi-mode optic fiber (28). The input or beam (30) has a predetermined spectral band width. The random individual spectral components of the beam (30) are dispersed by a grating (40) to generate a spectrum (42, 42' . . . 42.sup.N). A detector (52) senses the magnitude of the elements in a reflected focused spectrum (50, 50' . . . 50.sup.N) to recover the information placed on the optic fiber (28) at a remote location by a spectrum encoding device.