Patents by Inventor Waylon D. Shields

Waylon D. Shields has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6062360
    Abstract: A synchronized gear shift mechanism is provided for a marine propulsion system. Using a hub and a sleeve that are axially movable relative to an output shaft but rotationally fixed to the shaft and to each other, the gear shift mechanism uses associated friction surfaces to bring the output shaft up to a speed that is synchronism with the selected forward or reverse gear prior to mating associated gear tooth surfaces together to transmit torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The friction surfaces on the forward and reverse gears can be replaceable to facilitate repair after the friction surfaces experience wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Waylon D. Shields
  • Patent number: 6050867
    Abstract: A drain system is provided for a marine vessel in which three types of drain operations can be performed at one common location near the transom of the marine vessel. A multiple conduit structure is provided with a plurality of fluid passages extending at least partially through its structure. A first fluid passage allows the bilge of the boat to be drained. A second fluid passage allows multiple locations on the engine to be drained through a common port. A second sealing plug is provided to close the second passageway that prevents fluid communication between the various fluid conduits used to drain the cooling water of the engine. A third fluid passage is provided through the multiple conduit structure to allow lubricating oil to be drained from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Waylon D. Shields, Woody R. Smith, Tommy R. Yerby
  • Patent number: 5707263
    Abstract: A system for a trimable marine stem drive shifts the trimable range on a conventional hydraulic trim system. The system includes an enlarged cylinder anchor pin hole in the drive shaft housing, an anchor pin smaller in size than the enlarged anchor pin hole located in the drive shaft housing, and a movable trim adjustment insert that is inserted into the enlarged anchor pin hole to secure the anchor pin in a fixed position within the enlarged hole. It is preferred that the enlarged anchor pin hole be a substantially horizontal elongated hole, and that the trim adjustment insert be placed rearward of the anchor pin to position the anchor pin in a forward position, or forward of the anchor pin to locate the anchor pin in a rearward position. The invention shifts the trimable range of the drive, while maintaining vibration isolation characteristics available in conventional hydraulic trim systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Eick, Waylon D. Shields, Arthur L. Barker
  • Patent number: 5462463
    Abstract: A marine drive (10, 310) has two counter-rotating propellers (12 and 14, 312 and 314). Inner and outer concentric counter-rotating propeller shafts (40 and 42, 340 and 338) are supported by a spool (38, 336) in the lower horizontal bore (28, 328). Passages are provided in the housing for communicating lubrication and/or exhaust with the horizontal bore. Locking structure (50, 404) holds the driven gears and bearings in place in the lower horizontal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Meisenburg, Edward C. Eick, Phillip D. Magee, Charles M. Mixon, Robert B. Weronke, Waylon D. Shields, Woody R. Smith, Steven J. Pavey
  • Patent number: 5366398
    Abstract: A marine drive (10, 310) has two counter-rotating propellers (12 and 14, 312 and 314). Inner and outer concentric counter-rotating propeller shafts (40 and 42, 340 and 338) are supported by a spool (38, 336) in the lower horizontal bore (28, 328). Passages are provided in the housing for communicating lubrication and/or exhaust with the horizontal bore. Locking structure (50, 404) holds the driven gears and bearings in place in the lower horizontal bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Gary L. Meisenburg, Edward C. Eick, Phillip D. Magee, Charles M. Mixon, Robert B. Weronke, Waylon D. Shields, Woody R. Smith, Steven J. Pavey
  • Patent number: 5352141
    Abstract: A marine drive (10) has a spool (36) positioned in the lower horizonal bore (28) and supporting a dual propeller shaft assembly (38, 40). An exhaust passage (130) includes a passage (132) in the drive housing (26) communicating with the horizontal bore (28) at the spool (36), and a spool exhaust passage (134) passing exhaust rearwardly through the spool to the propeller through-hub exhaust passages (136, 138), providing through-hub exhaust through dual propellers (12, 14). An oil passage (152) in the housing (26) communicates with the horizontal bore (28) forwardly of the exhaust passage (132) and lubricates the dual propeller shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Waylon D. Shields, Woody R. Smith, Steven J. Pavey