Abstract: This invention relates to an impact energy absorbing structure for a cabin of an automotive vehicle. The impact energy absorbing structure is provided with a trim member (10) covering an inboard side of a structural member, which constitutes the cabin of the automotive vehicle. An impact absorbing member is interposed between the inboard side of the structural member and the trim member (10), so that impact energy directed from a surface of the trim member (10) toward the structural member can be absorbed. When an occupant of the cabin is about to hit the structural member, impact energy is damped so that the occupant can be protected. The structural member includes a pillar (1) or the like, which constitutes the cabin of the automotive vehicle. The trim member (10) is arranged to cover an inboard side of the pillar (1) or the like. Resin-made ribs (11) or the like can be mentioned as the impact absorbing member.

Abstract: This invention relates to an impact energy absorbing structure for a cabin of an automotive vehicle. The impact energy absorbing structure is provided with a trim member (10) covering an inboard side of a structural member which constitutes the cabin of the automotive vehicle. An impact absorbing member is interposed between the inboard side of the structural member and the trim member (10), so that impact energy directed from a surface of the trim member (10) toward the structural member can be absorbed. When an occupant of the cabin is about to hit the structural member, impact energy is damped so that the occupant can be protected. The structural member includes a pillar (1) or the like, which constitutes the cabin of the automotive vehicle. The trim member (10) is arranged to cover an inboard side of the pillar (1) or the like. Resin-made ribs (11) or the like can be mentioned as the impact absorbing member.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a marine drive, which includes a pair of counter-rotating propellers, provides improved acceleration from idle or low speeds. Engine exhaust from an engine which powers the marine drive is conveyed to the water about each of the propellers. The exhaust gases aerate the water about each propeller to reduce drag resistance on each propeller. Several embodiments of the propulsion system are disclosed which convey the exhaust gases to both propellers for this purpose.

Abstract: Several embodiments of automatic position controls for marine propulsion devices wherein the lift condition of the propulsion device is adjusted in response to a sensed running condition of the watercraft such as changes in acceleration, speed or planing condition. In some embodiments, the trim of the propulsion unit is also adjusted in response to the sensed conditions.

Abstract: Several embodiments of remote control arrangements for marine watercraft which permit an operator to steer and control an outboard drive of a watercraft from a forward position in the same manner as conventional tiller control. Both linkage and cable operated control systems are disclosed and applications to outboard motors or inboard/outboard drives are illustrated and described.

Abstract: A lower unit assembly for a marine outboard drive having a forward, neutral, reverse transmission positioned forwardly of a thrust flange on the propeller shaft and for driving the propeller shaft in forward and reverse directions. Several embodiments of arrangements are shown for lubricating not only the thrust flange, but the thrust bearings which it engages by circulating lubricant from the transmission rearwardly of the thrust flange.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a marine drive including a pair of non-parallel unequal links pivotally connected at one of their ends to the transom and at their other ends to the outboard drive so that the outboard drive will be raised on pivotal movement of the links while maintaining a relatively lower amount of pivotal movement of the outboard drive relative to the associated watercraft so as to minimize the overhang and yet permit a large degree of raising of the propeller during the pivotal movement. The linkage system further permits the outboard drive to assume the desired trim angle under all driving conditions.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motors having fuel injected internal combustion engines. In each embodiment, the fuel injection pump is disposed so that its drive shaft extends horizontally and so that its outlets for pressurized fuel are below its top end to avoid the inclusion of air in the fuel. In each embodiment, the fuel injection pump has an air vent that is vented back to a remotely positioned fuel tank.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives having a horizontally disposed input shaft and a vertically disposed drive shaft with a transmission means for driving the drive shaft from the input shaft. In accordance with the invention, the transmission means comprises a selectively operable coupling position rearwardly of the drive shaft so as to not interfere with tilting movement of the outboard drive about a horizontally disposed pivot axis.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motors having fuel injected internal combustion engines. In each embodiment, the fuel injection pump is disposed so that its drive shaft extends horizontally and so that its outlets for pressurized fuel are below its top end to avoid the inclusion of air in the fuel. In each embodiment, the fuel injection pump has an air vent that is vented back to a remotely positioned fuel tank.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard motors having fuel injected internal combustion engines. In each embodiment, the fuel injection pump has its drive shaft disposed externally of the engine. The shaft is lubricant pressurized by driving gears within a transfer drive housing.

Abstract: A tilt locking and shock absorbing arrangement for a marine outboard drive embodying a single cylinder and piston assembly for controlling the tilt and trim positions of the drive and for further absorbing shocks applied to it. An accumulator arrangement is provided having gas over oil and is valved into the system in such a way as to retard passage of the gas into the shock absorbing device per se and which will return any escaped gas back to the accumulator.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of supporting devices for marine propulsion apparatus wherein the path of movement of the outboard drive may be adjusted through an adjustable pivotal connection of the supporting linkage system.

Abstract: Several embodiments of outboard drive units of inboard-outboard drives that employ a friction clutch separate from the forward, reverse transmission. In each embodiment, the friction clutch is contained within the outer housing of the outboard drive and is hydraulically actuated by a pump, motor arrangement that is also contained within the outer housing of the outboard drive unit.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of arrangements for stabilizing the running of a marine propulsion unit by slowing the speed of the propulsion unit when an underwater obstacle is struck. In some embodiments, the slowing is accomplished by misfiring of the engine and in other embodiments, the speed is reduced by throttling the fuel supply to the engine. The embodiments illustrate the application of the principle to an outboard drive of an inboard/outboard drive arrangement or for an outboard motor. The striking of the underwater obstacle is sensed by either an impact sensor, by sensing the angular position of the outboard drive, or by sensing the rise in pressure in a shock absorber that resists the popping up action.

Abstract: An outboard motor arrangement and particularly an improved power head construction therefor embodying a hinged cover member that is pivotal to offer access to the engine for servicing without necessitating its removal. In addition, an elastomeric support is provided for the engine that minimizes the transmission of vibrations from the engine to the associated watercraft.

Abstract: Several embodiments of hydraulically operated tilt and trim units for outboard drives wherein both tilt and trim cylinders are provided that are effective to operate together to provide trim adjustment and wherein the trim cylinder is pivotally connected directly to the outboard drive. An arrangement is provided for permitting movement of the trim cylinder upon tilt up operation. In all embodiments, the piston rods of the tilt and trim cylinders are disposed so that they will be out of the water when the outboard drive is tilted up. Some embodiments employ a linkage system so that the outboard drive will move in a manner so that it will not increase significantly the effective length of the associate watercraft when the outboard drive is tilted up.

Abstract: An improved supporting arrangement for an outboard motor or marine outboard drive wherein a pair of links are pivotally connected at one of their ends to the transom of the associated watercraft and at the other of their ends to the outboard drive for movement of the outboard drive between a trimmed down position and a tilted up out of the water position. One of the links is expandible in length and a fluid motor is provided for this purpose. In addition, a further fluid motor is pivotally connected between one of the links and the transom for effecting the pivotal movement. Various alternative linkage arrangements are illustrated.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of hydraulic tilt and trim units for marine outboard drives. The devices employ a reversible fluid pump that drives a double acting cylinder to effect pivotal movement of the outboard drive between a tilted up and a tilted down position. The circuitry of the connection between the fluid pump and motor is such that the displaced fluid from the fluid motor need not flow through the pump during tilt down operation so that tilt down operation can be accomplished at a greater rate of speed than tilt up operation.

Abstract: An outboard motor arrangement and particularly an improved power head construction therefor embodying a hinged cover member that is pivotal to offer access to the engine for servicing without necessitating its removal. In addition, an elastomeric support is provided for the engine that minimizes the transmission of vibrations from the engine to the associated watercraft.