Patents by Inventor Willis J. Patterson

Willis J. Patterson 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: 4915050
    Abstract: Apparatus is described for controlling the steering of an outboard motor (e.g., a trolling motor) on a marine craft. The apparatus includes a frame for attachment to a mounting surface for the motor, a D.C. motor which can be driven in clockwise and counterclockwise directions, a capstan, a flexible cable extending between the ends of the frame and being connected to the capstan and the outboard motor, and switches for actuating the D.C. motor and controlling direction of rotation. The apparatus causes the outboard motor to be pivoted in the desired direction to steer the marine craft. The D.C. motor can be controlled from a remote location on the marine craft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventors: Ronald E. Wicker, Willis J. Patterson