Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wireless control system including: a directional control system responsive to a directional command signal for steering a watercraft, the directional control system including a rudder position sensor to measure and transmit a rudder position signal, and a helm control system responsive to a helm command signal for receiving a directional input to a helm control unit from an operator, the helm control system including a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal to a master control unit in operable communication with the helm control system and the directional control system; the master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the helm position signal; and wherein the helm control unit wirelessly communicates with the helm control system.

Abstract: The invention provides a steering column assembly for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing the steering column assembly. The steering column assembly includes a steering column member having an aperture extending along an axis. The steering column assembly also includes a steering shaft rotatably disposed at least partially in the aperture. The steering shaft includes a steering wheel engaging end axially spaced from the aperture. The steering column assembly also includes a supporting member for supporting a vehicle accessory. The supporting member is cantilevered from the steering column member and cooperates with the steering column member to define a groove substantially surrounding the steering wheel engaging end.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system comprising: an input device; at least one transducer in operable communication with the input device; a rudder control system in operable communication with the input device and configured to control a rudder of a watercraft; and a bow thruster control system in operable communication with the at least one transducer and configured to control a bow thruster of the watercraft. A method for the maneuvering if a watercraft. The method comprises: applying a force in a first degree of freedom of an input device; measuring the movement of the input device in the first degree of freedom; converting the movement into a signal proportional to the amount of movement; and transmitting the signal to a bow thruster control system.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and an optional torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system optionally including a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: An electric power assist steering system is controlled by sensing torque in a steering shaft at a point along said steering shaft between a hand wheel and a mechanical connection to an electric motor, wherein the sensing includes sensing a magnetic field direction and intensity.

Abstract: A device and method for a vehicle steering column subassembly having current electronic features (equipment) and integrating such electronic features and additional wireless communication circuits within a common node to reduce over crowding of the electronics within the body of the vehicle, and further integrating an antenna utilized for such wireless communication devices to enhance signal strength. The common node is modularly disposed around the steering column and preferably on top of the steering column proximate a steering handwheel to protrude from the instrument panel and above the vehicle sheet metal to reduce shielding.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and an optional torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system optionally including a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: A watercraft steer-by-wire control system for watercraft comprising: a direction control system including a rudder position sensor; a helm control system including at least one of; a helm position sensor to produce and transmit a helm position signal and a torque sensor to produce and transmit a helm torque sensor signal. The system also includes a watercraft speed sensor and a master control unit in operable communication with the watercraft speed sensor, the helm control system, and the direction control system. The master control unit includes a position control process for generating the directional command signal in response to the watercraft speed signal, the helm torque sensor signal and the helm position signal. The master control unit includes a torque control process for generating the helm command signal, based on the helm torque sensor signal, the helm position signal and the watercraft speed signal.

Abstract: An electric power assist steering system is controlled by sensing torque in a steering shaft at a point along said steering shaft between a hand wheel and a mechanical connection to an electric motor, wherein the sensing includes sensing a magnetic field direction and intensity.

Abstract: A device and method for a vehicle steering column subassembly having current electronic features (equipment) and integrating such electronic features and additional wireless communication circuits within a common node to reduce over crowding of the electronics within the body of the vehicle, and further integrating an antenna utilized for such wireless communication devices to enhance signal strength. The common node is modularly disposed around the steering column and preferably on top of the steering column proximate a steering handwheel to protrude from the instrument panel and above the vehicle sheet metal to reduce shielding.