Abstract: A common fluid pressure supply apparatus (40) for a watercraft (10). A fluid interconnection apparatus interconnects the hydraulic fluid circuits operating the hydraulic transmission (18), power steering (30), and tilt-trim function (34) for an inboard/outboard stem drive (20) watercraft. A single fill vessel (104), oil cooler (82), and filter (126) are utilized for the common fluid pressure supply apparatus. The fluid interconnection apparatus may include the transmission housing reservoir (42).

Abstract: A method of changing a preselect altitude value includes receiving an input from a pilot. In response, the preselect altitude value is changed by a first amount from a current preselect altitude value toward a minimum altitude value. The first amount that the preselect altitude value is changed by is dependent upon a proximity of the current preselect altitude value to the minimum altitude value such that if a difference between the current preselect altitude value and the minimum altitude value is greater than a first predetermined interval, the first amount is equal to the first predetermined interval. If the difference between the current preselect altitude value and the minimum altitude value is less than the first predetermined interval, then the first amount is less than the first interval, for example resulting in the preselect altitude value being set directly to the minimum altitude value.

Abstract: A computer system having a highly parallel system architecture with multiple central processing units, multiple core logic chipsets and pooled system memory is provided with one or more AGP ports capable of connection to AGP devices. A memory manager is provided within the operating system for allocating pooled memory resources without regard to the location of that memory. A method is presented for dynamically allocating memory for the AGP device that is located on the same core logic chipset to which the AGP device is connected. By allocating local memory instead of allocating memory on remote core logic units, the AGP device can access the needed memory quickly without memory transmissions along the host bus, thereby increasing overall performance of the computer system.

Abstract: An assembly and techniques for facilitating assemblage of a drive unit to a gimbal housing in a boat are provided. The assembly uses a universal joint (U-joint) in the gimbal housing for pivotally engaging the drive unit to the gimbal housing. The U-joint includes an input shaft that receives driving power and an output shaft connectable to the drive unit. The assembly further uses an alignment subassembly configured to support the U-joint in an alignment position while its output shaft is being connected to the drive unit.

Abstract: A transom seal assembly for sealing an opening in a boat transom is provided. A propulsion system has a part thereof extending through the transom opening and the seal assembly is positioned between the part and the transom opening to provide respective individually secure dual watertight seals relative to the interior of the boat.

Abstract: A tilt-trim subsystem assembly affixed to an outdrive of a stern drive that may be supported by a gimbal unit and may be configured to rotate about a predetermined axis to impart a desired trim or tilt to the drive system is provided. The tilt-trim assembly has one respective end thereof configured to pivotally receive one anchor pin supported by the outdrive. The assembly includes one or more cylinders having one end thereof pivotally connected to another anchor pin so that when the cylinder is actuated the outdrive and the tilt-trim subsystem assembly are a jointly rotated about the predetermined axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flange connector 10 for adjoining adjacent concrete structural members 12. The flange connector 10 is a one-piece steel member having a faceplate 18, opposing faceplate returns 22, flattening bends 24, embedded legs 26 and reinforcing tabs 28. To allow the faceplate 18 to expand during welding, the opposing faceplate returns 22 extend away from the faceplate 18 at approximately ninety degree (90°) angles. The embedded legs 26 then extend from the faceplate returns 22 by way of flattening bends 24 that span between the embedded legs 26 and the faceplate returns 22. The flattening bends 24 extend away from the faceplate returns 22 at an angle that allows the embedded legs 26 to be positioned in a plane substantially parallel to the horizontal surface of the concrete structural members 12.

Abstract: A remote menuing system uses a control knob to select menu items on a display screen. The menu items may be selected by depressing a switch, the switch being integrated with the control knob. Once the menu item has been selected, an operator may modify the value of the selected item by rotating the control knob. When a desired value is displayed, the item may be set by again depressing the switch integrated with the control knob. The use of an integrated control knob and switch, provides ease of use of a menu system while allowing the integrated knob to be located away from the display screen.

Abstract: A protocol for communicating messages between a manager for a computer system and a remote facility asynchronously connected with the system manager and a method for exchanging messages using the protocol. The protocol determines whether the system manager is ready to exchange messages with the remote facility, determines whether the remote facility is ready to exchange messages with the system manager and exchanges messages between the system manager and the remote facility. To exchange messages, a command message which includes a first field for identifying a command transmitted by the command message and a second field for identifying the command message is transmitted. In response, a command reply message which includes a first field for identifying the command to which the command reply message is in response to, a second field for matching the command response message to the command message and a third field for transmitting a response to the command message is transmitted.

Abstract: A protocol for communicating messages between a manager for a computer system and a remote facility asynchronously connected with the system manager and a method for exchanging messages using the protocol. The protocol determines whether the system manager is ready to exchange messages with the remote facility, determines whether the remote facility is ready to exchange messages with the system manager and exchanges messages between the system manager and the remote facility. To exchange messages, a command message which includes a first field for identifying a command transmitted by the command message and a second field for identifying the command message is transmitted. In response, a command reply message which includes a first field for identifying the command to which the command reply message is in response to, a second field for matching the command response message to the command message and a third field for transmitting a response to the command message is transmitted.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a water cooled internal combustion engine, a gimbal housing adapted to be mounted on a boat transom and including a front end, an exhaust opening in the front end, a first exhaust relief opening in the front end adjacent one side of the exhaust opening, a second relief opening in the front end adjacent the other side of the exhaust opening, an exhaust outlet, an exhaust conduit communicating between the exhaust opening and the exhaust outlet, a first exhaust relief passage communicating between the first exhaust relief opening and the atmosphere, and a second exhaust relief passage communicating between the second exhaust relief opening and the atmosphere, and an exhaust system communicating between the engine and the exhaust opening for conducting exhaust gases and coolant water away from the engine, and communicating between the engine and the first and second exhaust relief openings for conducting exhaust gases away from the engine.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a gimbal housing adapted to be fixedly attached to the transom of a boat and including an end plate adapted to be generally aligned with the boat transom and having an opening, opposite sides, and a rear surface, the gimbal housing also including a first generally vertical side member extending rearwardly from one side of the end plate, and a second generally vertical side member extending rearwardly from the other side of the end plate, a gimbal ring pivotally connected to the gimbal housing for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal housing about a generally vertical steering axis, a propulsion unit pivotally connected to the gimbal ring for pivotal movement relative to the gimbal ring about a generally horizontal tilt axis, and for pivotal movement with the gimbal ring about the steering axis, a hydraulic cylinder/piston assembly connected between the gimbal ring and the propulsion unit for effecting pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the gimbal ring,