Abstract: A multi-plate clutch transmission includes an arrangement for selectively engaging the clutch by moving the sleeve to cause one or more friction disks on a sleeve connected to a shaft to move into contact with one or more friction disks on a clutch basket connected to a gear driven by another gear and another shaft driven by a prime mover. An arrangement for selectively disengaging the clutch is provided that uses prime mover torque to move the one or more friction disks on the sleeve out of contact with the one or more.friction disks on the clutch basket.

Abstract: A multi-plate clutch transmission includes an arrangement for selectively engaging the clutch by moving the sleeve to cause one or more friction disks on a sleeve connected to a shaft to move into contact with one or more friction disks on a clutch basket connected to a gear driven by another gear and another shaft driven by a prime mover. An arrangement for selectively disengaging the clutch is provided that uses prime mover torque to move the one or more friction disks on the sleeve out of contact with the one or more.friction disks on the clutch basket.

Abstract: A pontoon boat includes a deck supported by two pontoons extending in a fore-aft direction and water diverters mounted to the pontoons, the water diverters being movable between a neutral position that does not substantially divert water and a deployed position extended laterally from the boat to divert water.

Abstract: A tractor-type stern drive for a boat includes a drive housing pivotally attached to the stern of the boat about a steering axis. At least one pulling-type propeller is rotatably mounted to a forward end of the gear casing. The at least one propeller is powered by a vertical drive shaft perpendicular to the propeller shaft axis. The steering axis is offset forward of the drive shaft to help minimize steering torque about the steering axis.

Abstract: A tractor-type stern drive for a boat includes a drive housing pivotally attached to the stern of the boat about a steering axis. At least one pulling-type propeller is rotatably mounted to a forward end of the gear casing. The at least one propeller is powered by a vertical drive shaft perpendicular to the propeller shaft axis. The steering axis is offset forward of the drive shaft to help minimize steering torque about the steering axis.

Abstract: A drive for a boat includes a gear case and a propeller rotatably mounted to a front of the gear case. The drive also includes a drive support for mounting the gear case to the boat. The drive support allows at least a portion of the gear case to pivot about a trim axis to adjust the boat's trim. A trim plane is formed as part of, or added to, the gear case between a lower portion of the gear case, usually underwater in use, and an upper portion of the gear case. The trim plane has sufficient exposed lower surface area to apply a downward force on the water to assist trimming of the boat.

Abstract: A bellows for protecting a U-joint in a marine stern drive includes a flexible, hollow body defining an interior space and open at opposite ends, the body formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material to be self-supporting, having a first mating end and a second mating end and being pleated therebetween, a first sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the first mating end and, a second sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the second mating end.

Abstract: A bellows for protecting a U-joint in a marine stern drive includes a flexible, hollow body defining an interior space and open at opposite ends, the body formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material to be self-supporting, having a first mating end and a second mating end and being pleated therebetween, a first sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the first mating end and, a second sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the second mating end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition. In one embodiment, a marine powertrain is provided that includes a marine engine and a gear casing containing an oil and a gas. An engine speed sensor generates an output value, which indicates a speed of the marine engine. An oil sensor generates an output value, which indicates a condition of the oil. The condition of the oil is selectively monitored according to whether the marine engine is operating at a speed that is less than an engine speed threshold value, which denotes a speed of the marine engine at which the oil and the gas form an oil and aerated gas mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, method, and computer program product for monitoring oil condition. In one embodiment, a marine powertrain is provided that includes a marine engine and a gear casing containing an oil and a gas. An engine speed sensor generates an output value, which indicates a speed of the marine engine. An oil sensor generates an output value, which indicates a condition of the oil. The condition of the oil is selectively monitored according to whether the marine engine is operating at a speed that is less than an engine speed threshold value, which denotes a speed of the marine engine at which the oil and the gas form an oil and aerated gas mixture.

Abstract: A transom shield assembly adapted to be coupled to a transom of an inboard/outboard boat includes a transom shield, and a cover, attachable to the transom shield, for covering a trim pump. The transom shield assembly permits a trim pump to be hydraulically connected to a trim cylinder to form a tilt/trim assembly and, after hydraulically connecting the trim pump to the trim cylinder to form a tilt/trim assembly, permits the tilt/trim assembly to be installed on the inboard/outboard boat without hydraulically disconnecting the trim pump and the trim cylinder.

Abstract: A transom shield assembly adapted to be coupled to a transom of an inboard/outboard boat includes a transom shield, and a cover, attachable to the transom shield, for covering a trim pump. The transom shield assembly permits a trim pump to be hydraulically connected to a trim cylinder to form a tilt/trim assembly and, after hydraulically connecting the trim pump to the trim cylinder to form a tilt/trim assembly, permits the tilt/trim assembly to be installed on the inboard/outboard boat without hydraulically disconnecting the trim pump and the trim cylinder.

Abstract: An over-the-highway truck or tractor equipped with a gear shift lever selectively foldable from an operating position to a folded position is disclosed. The gear shift lever includes upper and lower lever portions relatively telescopically and rotatably connected. The upper lever portion includes a generally L-shaped slot, while the lower lever portion carries a pin slidably engageable with and guided by the L-shaped slot for relative guiding movement of the lever portions. A tapered leg of the slot is arranged to allow relatively telescopic and pivotal movement between the lever portions and a foot of the slot extends laterally from the leg. The foot allows relatively rotatable movement between the lever portions to engage the pin and foot in the operating position. A coil spring urges the lever portions apart so that when the pin is within the leg the lever portions are relatively moveable axially.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic transmission, an oil expansion reservoir is formed as an integral part of the hydrostatic transmission housing, providing an extension to the housing chamber which encloses motion transmitting components of the transmission. The reservoir is defined by a yieldably compressible hollow body mounted within the chamber of the transmission housing. The hollow body is sealably attached at its open end to the outer wall of the transmission housing. The body includes a continuous cylindrical sidewall connected to a closed end wall and formed of alternating reversed annular folds which cause compression and expansion of the body sidewall to occur in a bellows-like fashion rectilinearly along a central longitudinal axis of the body.