Abstract: A roller support assembly for a dynamometer system includes a plurality of bearing support structures wherein each bearing support structure includes at least one roller bearing, at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane, at least one horizontal support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a horizontal plane, and an installation site structure supporting each of the plurality of bearing support structures. Each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane and each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes a pair of vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A roller support assembly for a dynamometer system includes a plurality of bearing support structures wherein each bearing support structure includes at least one roller bearing, at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane, at least one horizontal support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a horizontal plane, and an installation site structure supporting each of the plurality of bearing support structures. Each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes at least one vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane and each of the at least two bearing support structures further includes a pair of vertical support assembly for supporting the at least one roller bearing in a vertical plane.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, variable pitch propeller comprising: a central hub defining a propeller rotation axis; a plurality of blade assemblies symmetrically disposed about the hub, each assembly having a substantially cylindrical segment with a propeller blade fast therewith and defining a leading blade edge, each blade assembly being pivotally attached to the hub adjacent the leading edge of the blade of that assembly, a support means interconnecting each assembly and the hub at a location remote from the pivotal attachment to permit controlled blade pitch adjustment to occur as a function of the magnitude of opposed hydrodynamic and centrifugal forces acting on the assemblies by pivotal movement of each assembly, about its the pivotal attachment, both circumferentially and radially relative to the axis.

Abstract: A kit, an assembly and the combination of these with a boat's stern drive unit for the purpose of extending the propeller rearwardly of the boat to increase the trim height adjustment range and leverage. The kit and the assembly include an extruded spacer and an extension shaft.

Abstract: A torque arm, for a dynamometer defining an axis of rotation, having a first, support, end configured for rigid attachment of the arm to the dynamometer, a second, free, end for engaging a reaction stop, a longitudinal axis, an axis intersecting and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the axes intersecting and being perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the arm is attached to the dynamometer and a strain gauge for measuring strain of the arm on the transverse axis whereby the strain measurement is a function of torque applied to the arm by an attached dynamometer about an axis of rotation independent of the distance between the axis of rotation and a reaction stop engaging the second end. A dynamometer assembly comprising a dynamometer and such a torque arm attached to a housing of the dynamometer.

Abstract: A pitch gauge for measuring the pitch of a propeller blade which comprises an engaging portion for insertion into a propeller hub, a scale provided on the engaging portion to measure the depth that the engaging portion is inserted into the propeller hub, and a contacting portion for contacting a blade on the propeller hub which prevents further insertion of the engaging portion when the contacting portion contacts the blade. By inserting the pitch gauge into the propeller hub at two different positions a predetermined rotational angle apart, two axial reference points can be obtained. From the axial reference points and the predetermined rotational distance, the pitch of a propeller blade can be computed.

Abstract: The invention provides improved reed constructions for use in a reed valve assembly suitable for use in the induction porting of two-stroke internal combustion engines. The reeds incorporate improved hinge designs and dual-stage reed arrangements in which both primary and secondary reeds incorporate ports which do not overlap one another to improve flow through the dual-stage reed assembly involved.

Abstract: A nose cone comprising a substantially conical lower portion, defining an axis, and a hydrodynamic portion extending substantially normal to the axis with a smooth transition between the exterior surfaces of the conical portion and the hydrodynamic portion. The conical portion tapers into a tip which houses a metal tubing having an opening lying substantially on the axis and the opposite end of the tubing extends normal to the axis out through an end of the hydrodynamic portion remote from the tip. The metal tubing preferably has a gradual transition to minimize any pressure losses which may occur and can be cast within the nose cone assembly upon manufacture thereof or can be assembled thereafter. The rear portion of the nose cone assembly is provided with a recessed area for attaching the nose cone to the forward portion of a propulsion device.

Abstract: An automatic variable pitch propeller including a central hub defining an axis of propeller rotation and a plurality of blades connected to and extending from the central hub substantially normal to the axis of rotation, each blade being mounted for rotation about a pitch axis, a cam mechanism to translate centrifugal forces imposed on that blade into a force tending to rotate that blade toward a course pitch, that force being opposed by water pressure tending to decrease blade pitch. The cam mechanism including a cam groove formed in an insert, of a material harder than the blades, in each blade shaft and the propeller being provided with variable minimum and maximum blade pitch stops, resilient bias toward minimum blade pitch and manual a pitch-up shift mechanism.

Abstract: A universal nose cone which has a cavity with height, width and depth dimensions to accommodate a plurality of different water craft drive lower housings so that once the nose cone has been suitably profiled a desired one of these lower housings can be adhesively secured to the gear casing for which it was profiled with the edge of the cavity engaging that housing thereby to streamline that lower housing to improve performance of the water craft using that drive housing.

Abstract: An automatic variable pitch propeller comprising a central hub defining an axis of propeller rotation and a plurality of blades connected to and extending from said central hub substantially normal to the axis of rotation, each blade being mounted for rotation about a pitch axis, means to translate outward movement of that blade resulting from centrifugal forces imposed on that blade by rotation of the propeller into a force tending to rotate that blade about its pitch axis toward a feathered pitch condition, the force being opposed by a feathering force acting at a center pressure of the blade offset from the pitch axis, caused by resistance to rotation of said propeller and tending to decrease blade pitch toward a feathered condition.

Abstract: A turbocharger particularly adapted for use with two-cycle engines and including provision for lubrication at both high and low speeds as well as automatic enriching of the fuel mixture during turbo boost. The shaft is mounted within a housing on a pair of ball bearings. A seal is provided between the exhaust-driven turbine and the adjacent bearing to prevent exhaust gases from entering. A conduit is provided communicating between the other bearing and an intake portion of the compressor. A first hose is connected to draw oil mist from the crankcase into the housing adjacent the bearing at the exhaust turbine end whereby the oil mist is drawn through the bearings and into the compressor to provide lubrication at least at low engine RPM.