Abstract: An actuator housing securely attached to a back wall of a rotary helm unit mounted below the dashboard of a watercraft provides a mechanism for automatic control of the watercraft's rudder. The actuator housing encloses a wheel shaft extension passing through an axial bore in a back wall of the rotary helm unit. A first end of the wheel shaft extension within the actuator housing has a drilled out core containing a spring. The spring exerts a force against a pusher shaft axially aligned with the wheel shaft extension. A transverse pin integral with the pusher shaft is located adjacent a gear affixed to the pusher shaft. When the spring is overcome by a contra force exerted on the pusher shaft, the transverse pin seats within two oppositely positioned grooves on the wheel shaft extension and causes the wheel shaft to turn in response to a system of gears activated by an electric motor mounted adjacent the actuator housing.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for mounting an auxiliary motor such as a trolling motor to the transom of a boat. The apparatus includes a frame, a motor mount, a pivot connection between the frame and the motor mount, a control motor supported by the frame, a gear carried by the frame and driven by the control motor, and a linking arm connected between the gear and the motor mount.

Abstract: An electro mechanical steering mechanism used to remotely steer an outboard motor. A battery powered gear head motor drives a gear rack running horizontally through a generally square tube mounted on the inside of a boat transom. Spring connectors attached to opposite ends of the gear rack are connected to the outboard motor whereby when the steering mechanism is activated to laterally move the gear rack causing the spring connectors to move the outboard motor to selected positions thereby controlling the turning of the outboard motor.

Abstract: A kit for locating on the steering wheel of a watercraft a switch assembly for operating actuating mechanisms for tilting upwardly or downwardly the outdrive of a motor associated with the watercraft to enable the operator of the watercraft to keep both hands on the steering wheel especially when the watercraft is travelling at a high rate of speed. The kit comprises a switch assembly for mounting on the steering wheel; a cable reel assembly having a rotary housing and a stationary housing mounted to the vehicle; and a wiring harness having a first end electrically connected to the switch assembly, an intermediate section fixed to the rotary housing and coiled into a plurality of convolutions within a chamber in the stationary housing for expansion within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in one direction and contraction within the chamber if the steering wheel is turned in the other direction, and being operatively connected to the actuating mechanisms which causing the tilting of the motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damped actuator linkage for use on an erwater vehicle. The linkage includes a first linkage member connected to an actuator for providing a torsional force, a second linkage member connected to a utility device, and a layer of non-metallic material interposed between the first and second linkage members to reduce the transmission of noise and the attenuation of vibrations. The non-metallic material layer may be a layer of polyurethane material or a layer of silicone compound. This layer is preferably cast in concentric arrangement between the two linkage members.

Abstract: In a helm, throttle and directional control system for small craft, a safety device arranged to operate between an actuating member and an actuated member has such members coupled rotatively together by means of mechanical one-way coupling means wherein a resilient force holds the actuated member constantly biased to a locked position, and wherein the locking action is released by moving the actuating member against the resilient force, whereby motion can be transferred to the actuated member from the actuating member.

Abstract: An improvement in a lubrication adaptor for a marine steering system in which the lubrication adaptor is threaded onto a control cable housing and provides for the lubricated telescopic movement of a tubular member relative to the control cable housing, the lubrication adaptor having a chamber extending between a seal and a clearance between the tubular member and the control cable housing for containing lubricant, the improvement including a tapered, frusto-conical surface contour configuration along the inner surface of the chamber, the frusto-conical configuration being oriented with a smaller diameter adjacent the seal and a larger diameter adjacent the clearance for urging the lubricant in the direction away from the seal and into the clearance.

Abstract: A human-propelled water bicycle suitable for training or recreative purposes. The water bicycle has two steerable front pontoons and two rear pontoons fixed to a main frame substantially similar to a convention bicycle frame. Handlebars are provided to turn the steerable front pontoons and therefore allowing the water bicycle to be steered. The water bicycle has a pedal mechanism and a bicycle-type transmission powering a propeller located at the rear of the water bicycle.

Abstract: A twin wing sailing yacht having a pair of wing appendages depending from a canoe or hull, the wing appendages including structures which support at their lower ends a fore and aft extending ballast tandemly suspended between them. The wings are rotatable about generally vertical axes under the control of collective and cyclic steering mechanisms.

Abstract: A remote control tiller arm is provided for controlling the operation of an outboard motor. An inverted U-shaped steering boom is attached to the outboard motor and extends over-the motor boat operator. The steering boom includes a throttle mechanism for remotely controlling the speed of the outboard motor. By using the steering boom, the motor board operator can steer the boat from a forward looking position.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical steering device for boats, comprising a push-pull cable (11) coupled between a steering gear (3) and a steering arm (12). The cable jacket is connected with play to the gear housing. The steering gear is coupled to a command value sender (8), the signal of which is compared in an electronics unit (10) with a signal from an actual value sensor (15) (rudder indicator) coupled to the steering arm. An electrical servo motor (14) is coupled to the steering arm and is controlled by the electronics unit in response to the difference between the command value and the actual value signals.

Abstract: A power steering system for an outboard motor for steering an outboard motor disposed outside of a rear portion of a hull and usually including a manual steering system mounted upon the hull for operating a steering element so as to manually steer the outboard motor body, is disclosed. A power unit is operatively connected to the manual steering system and includes an electric motor for applying a steering assist force to the manual steering system. The power unit is located at the portion of the hull capable of effectively utilizing the inner space of the hull and the electric motor of the power unit is controlled by means of a control unit in accordance with the navigation conditions of the hull and the operating conditions of the outboard motor as detected by means of suitable sensors. The sensors comprise various sensors such as, for example, a steering torque sensor and an engine speed sensor.

Abstract: A small watercraft of the jet propulsion type having a cockpit that is adapted to accommodate either one or two riders. When one rider is accommodated he may sit in the center of the seat and operate the watercraft from the center thereof. When two riders are positioned, one may be the operator and may operate the watercraft from one side thereof. To permit this, a steering control is disclosed that is moveable by a power device between either a central or side position. In one embodiment, the power device comprises an electrical motor and in another embodiment the power device comprises a hydraulic motor driven by a reversible electric motor and reversible fluid pump.

Abstract: A vessel and a steering mechanism for the vessel is disclosed. In one embodiment, the vessel comprises a hull, a motor apparatus for providing propulsion to the hull, a pedestal mounted within the hull, and a pulley device, operably connected to the pedestal, for steering the vessel. The pulley device may comprise a first, second and third rimmed disc which are interconnected by cable means.

Abstract: A submarine is steered by means of a special bow assembly. The submarine has a body formed with a contoured surface and a forward portion forming a bow. The assembly comprises an annular member surrounding the bow with an outer surface complementary to the contoured surface of the body, and actuating means secured to the body for movement of the annular member forward and away from the bow at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When the annular member is displaced at the angle, the vehicle is caused to turn in the direction toward which the annular member is turned.

Abstract: A tiller handle extension for use as a furtherance of a marine type outboard motor tiller control handle by attaching it to a tiller control handle by using an adapter that is modified to fit a tiller control handle. The device is adapted to be used quickly and easily by use of any adapter modified for attaching to virtually all sizes of tiller handles. The device not only permits one to control the throttle on the tiller control handle, but is an extension of the kill button, which stops the motor. The kill button is usually located at the outer end of the motor's tiller control handle. By attaching the present invention to the tiller control handle, the kill button is extended, by use of an actuator within the present invention, to the end of the tiller handle extension. This permits an operator to stop the motor by pushing a button, which is part of an actuator located in the present invention, which in turn depresses the actual kill button on the end of the tiller control handle.

Abstract: A unique wind propelled craft including a body, a deck which forms the upper surface of the body, a sail for propelling the body by wind forces, a rudder for maneuvering the craft, and a rudder control assembly for controlling and adjusting the position of the rudder. The rudder control assembly includes a steering assembly and a pair of rotating steering members operably connected to the rudder for turning the rudder upon rotation of the steering members. Each of the steering members is adapted to releasibly engage the steering assembly at two separate locations along the deck. The steering assembly includes an elongated multi-function rudder control arm. The control arm includes at its distal end a grip for engagement with a user's hand and at its proximate end a universal joint assembly. The universal joint assembly allows a user to manipulate the control arm throughout an entire hemisphere of positions without effectuating any corresponding movement of the steering members or the rudder.

Abstract: A manifold is disclosed for converting a manual hydraulic steering signal into a proportional electrical signal. The manifold is connectable between a hydraulic fluid supply, such a helm pump, and a hydraulic steering cylinder and includes a rotary actuator responsive to variations in the flow of hydraulic fluid from the fluid supply. The manifold is useful for converting small marine vessels from manual to power steering and for providing emergency manual steering in large tankers and the like.

Abstract: A V bottom hull watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units that are supported for pivotal movement about horizontally disposed pivot axes and rotary movement about a longitudinal pivot axis to rotate the water inlet openings and elevate them from a downwardly facing normal operating position and an upwardly facing service position. The water inlet openings are disposed so that they extend parallel to the sides of the V bottom. Steering nozzles are supported for pivotal movement at the discharge ends of the jet propulsion units and pivot about vertically extending axes that are not perpendicular to the water inlet openings so that no vertical thrust will be exerted on the watercraft hull when the steering nozzles are pivoted to effect steering.

Abstract: A tiltable marine steering helm assembly which includes a steering-wheel shaft mounted in a universal joint permitting the steering wheel shaft to be tilted at various angles and providing the full rotational movement of the wheel regardless of the tilt angle. The universal joint includes two pairs of yokes mounted perpendicularly to each other, and a coupling operatively engaged by these yokes. The wheel shaft is able to tilt vertically and to rotate freely due to the design of the universal joint. The components of tilt helm assembly may be reconfigured to permit mounting on either a vertical or a 20 degree tilt dashboard. Also provided in a flexible helm cover which can be installed to the helm assembly without hardware.

Abstract: A power steering system for an outboard motor capable of permitting an electric motor to be driven only when the driving of the electric motor is required and automatically controlling the steering force of a steering wheel depending upon the steering reaction force. The system is so constructed that a steering cable is moved depending upon the rotation of the steering wheel and the movement of the steering cable is detected by means of a steering force sensor, which supplies a signal to a controller. The controller controls the output of the electric motor depending upon the signal.

Abstract: A six-way foot control device has a toe portion pivotally mounted to a heel portion so that two directions of angular toe displacement may be realized about a neutral position. The heel portion is itself pivotally mounted to permit two directions of sideways angular displacement about a corresponding second neutral point. Finally, the foot control is slidably mounted to permit two directions of linear displacement about a third neutral point. Each direction of displacement is detected by a transducer and may control another function of an aircraft or vehicle.

Abstract: A small jet propelled watercraft having a jet propulsion unit with a steering nozzle and further including a steering ski at the front of the watercraft for providing lift to the hull and also for providing a steering effect. The steering nozzle and steering ski are interconnected so that they are steered in opposite directions so as to provide a crisper steering and steering even at low speeds or when coasting.

Abstract: A steering system (10) of a boat (25) has a steering column (12), a dashboard mounting structure (18), a cable housing (20), and a cable (22). Parts within the cable housing (20) transfer rotation of the steering column (12) to a push-pull movement of the cable (22), causing a rudder or the like (62) to be pivoted to steer the boat (25). The cable housing (20) has a cable access door (70) to enable convenient replacement of the cable (22) as needed. The dashboard mounting structure (18) includes first and second nuts (90, 92) and a lockwasher (94) to attach the steering system (10) to the dashboard (98). The lockwasher (94) has vertical walls (106) that prevent rotation of the first nut (90) and a tab (108) that fits into a hole (104) in the dashboard (98) when the second nut (92) is tightened to prevent rotation of the lockwasher and the steering system.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for connection between a steering wheel (12) and a steerable member (14) includes a clutch mechanism (28) operatively connected to the steering wheel (12) and a drive mechanism (30) connected between the clutch mechanism (28) and a push pull cable (22). The push pull cable (22) is in turn connected to the steerable member (14). The clutch mechanism (28) prevents torsional forces from the steerable member (14) to be transmitted to the steering wheel (12). The clutch mechanism (28) includes a driving dog (38) connected to the steering wheel shaft (18) and a pinion member (40) connected to the drive mechanism (30). The driving dog (38) includes three radially extending legs (44, 45, 46) and the pinion member (40) includes arcuate arms (64, 65, 66) extending therebetween. Rollers (84-89) are biased by springs (96-98) to be wedged between the arms (64, 65, 66) and housing (32), and are released only upon rotation of the legs (44, 45, 46).

Abstract: A small watercraft of the jet propulsion type having a cockpit that is adapted to accommodate either one or two riders. When one rider is accommodated he may sit in the center of the seat and operate the watercraft from the center thereof. When two riders are positioned, one may be the operator and may operate the watercraft from one side thereof. To permit this, a steering control is disclosed that is moveable between either a central or side position.

Abstract: A steering torque detecting apparatus capable of being simplified in structure and readily assembled. Potentiometers each are actuated in association with the movement of a cable wire to generate an output signal. Steering control is carried out depending upon the output signal.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assembly (10) connected to the tiller arm (24) of an outboard marine engine (22) includes a piston rod (36) supported for arcuate movement about the tilt axis (B) while remaining parallel thereto. A hydraulic cylinder (42) travels along the piston rod (36). An arm (70) extends from the cylinder (42) to a first pivotal member (64) establishing a first pivotal connection about an axis (C) parallel to the tilt axis (B). A rigid link (68) extends between the first pivotal member (64) and a second pivotal member (66). The second pivotal member (66) is also connected to the tiller arm (24) and establishes a second pivotal connection about an axis (D) perpendicular to the tilt axis (B).

Abstract: A motion transmitting remote control assembly (10) is of the type for transmitting forces in curved path by a flexible motion transmitting core element (18). The assembly (10) comprises a first actuator (12) and a second actuator (14). The first actuator (12) is disposed adjacent the output (35) and comprises a first drive member (24), a first handle (32) and a clutch (36) all coaxial about the first input shaft (30). The clutch (36) comprises a pin (38) which coacts with two slots (37) in the first drive member (24). A spring (42) biases the pin (38) into the two slots (37) so the pin (38) will engage the two slots (37) when they are aligned.

Abstract: A servo controlled trolling motor steering system provides improved speed and steering control. The system includes apparatus for mounting the motor on a boat for rotation about an axis to effect steering of the boat. A foot pedal includes a base and a foot pad pivotally mounted to the base, the foot pad being pivotal by a user to command a desired steering direction. A membrane potentiometer senses rotational position of the motor to develop an electrical signal representative of the rotational position, the signal comprising a steering feedback signal. A second membrane potentiometer senses pivotal position of the foot pad relative to the base to develop an electrical signal representative of the pivotal position, the signal comprising a steering command signal.

Abstract: A motorized water ski. The motorized ski includes a hull body, an engine to propel the hull body, and a long steering handle or pole pivotally attached to the hull body. The ski includes a pole-latch attachment which can be used to maintain the steering pole in a fixed upright storage position while maintenance is performed on the engine of the jet ski.

Abstract: A power steering system for a boat which is capable of accurately detecting steering torque of a steering wheel, to thereby generate appropriate assistance force corresponding to the steering torque. Rotation of the steering wheel causes pressure to be produced in one of cylinder chambers of a cylinder mechanism, so that steering torque of the steering wheel may be detected depending upon a difference in pressure between cylinder chambers, to thereby permit a drive motor to generate assistance force corresponding to the detected steering torque.

Abstract: A personal watercraft having a selectively extendable and vertically pivotable steering set up is disclosed. The watercraft hull includes a channel for slidably receiving and engaging a steering arm to which a steering handlebar is mounted proximate one end and opposing protuberances formed proximate the opposite end. When the steering arm is fully extended retention means associated with the channel engage the protuberances so as to provide a pivotal connection. In an alternative embodiment the steering arm is selectively vertically rotatable and telescopically extendable.

Abstract: A shaft for a yacht steering pedestal has a swivel between the pedestal outer bearing and the steering wheel. The swivel permits the wheel to be rocked from a normal athwartships position to an angular position alongside the pedestal and thereby gain walking freedom in the cockpit of a sailing vessel.

Abstract: Steering and manoeuvering system for water-borne vessels with two individually turnable propulsion units aranged mutually spaced athwartships in the stern portion of the vessel, and including an actuating turning device (7,8) actuable by a steering control (1), e.g. a lever, such as to maintain the propulsing units parallel during turning in normal sailing of the vehicle ahead or astern, i.e. in the so-called normal steering mode, and an actuating drive device (9,10) for setting the propulsive power and direction ahead/astern of the respective propulsion unit, said drive device being actuable by a power control (2). The system is switchable between said normal steering mode (3) and at least one special manoeuvering mode (4,5), in which the two propulsion units achieve a force resultant directed substantially athwartships for athwartships and/or turning movement of the vessel.

Abstract: A boat steering assembly (10) having a substantially circular rotary gear (12) engaging an output gear such that the leverage is varied between the output gear (16, 16') and the steering wheel (32). The steering wheel (32) has a shaft gear (28) engaging in idler gear (22) which eccentrically rotates the circular gear (12) about the first axis (14). The eccentrically rotating circular gear (12) engages the output gear (16, 16') having a partially sinusoidal profile thereby automatically varying the distance (i.e., leverage) between the first axis (14) and a point of contact (52) between the circular (12) and output (16, 16') gears.

Abstract: A small boat comprising a helmseat positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, and a control stick for steering the boat positioned at the front of this helmseat. Since the helmseat is positioned at the center of the forward half of the boat, the driver is located approximately equidistant from the left and right gunwales, which makes it easier to steer the boat. In addition, a control stick is positioned to the front of the helmseat, and, because this control stick can be used to steer the boat and also to change the direction of the boat, the amount of space required to steer the boat is less than that required in a design wherein steering is performed by turning a circular steering wheel, such as with the prior art already described. This is effective particularly for a small boat moving at a high speed.

Abstract: A steering system for an outboard motor capable of improving the operability and the responsibility to an emergency. In the steering system, a torque sensor is actuated depending upon rotation of a steering wheel to generate an output signal. The so-generated output signal is then fed to an electric motor to drive it, so that the electric motor generates torque for assisting steering of an outboard motor.

Abstract: A combination steering console and refreshment center for a pontoon boat. The console includes a first face on which a steering wheel is mounted and a second opposed face. The upper portion of the second face is provided with an opening that is enclosed by a hinged cover which is movable from a closed position to a generally horizontal open position. A horizontal serving counter is disposed in the housing and is formed with a plurality of wells; one of the wells can constitute a sink, a second well can constitute a cooler and the third well can serve as a bottle rack. A generally vertical backsplash extends upwardly from the rear edge of the counter and a removable, flexible curtain joins the backsplash with the upper wall of the console. By disengaging the curtain, access can be had to equipment located behind the first face of the console.

Abstract: A small boat embodying an improved hatch cover construction. The hatch cover is made from a thin lightweight material but is reinforced by a sub-frame and this reinforcing sub-frame rotatably journals the steering column.

Abstract: An electronic processing circuit 17 compares digital signals representing the position of a number of mutually connected control members to the contents of an electronic memory 18. On detecting a difference indicating the displacement of the position of one of the control members, the circuit 17 actuates those motors of motors 4, 5, 6 which are associated with the non-actuated control members in order to make them folllow the displacement. Excessive displacements indicating a fault are shown on an indicator 19.

Abstract: A steering plate attaches to an outboard motor without disturbing the joint between engine mounting and driveshaft housing. The attachment fastens to the motor at the sides and rear in two parallel horizontal planes and a vertical plane for rigidity to resist forces in diverse directions.

Abstract: Maneuvering gear for a small boat, comprising a control stick that allows steering and throttle control with a single hand and that is easily adjustable to an optimum height according to the boat size or the maneuvering position of the operator. The control stick may extend substantially erect ahead of a helm seat of the boat, the control stick being supported on the hull so that it may be angularly turned to the right or left in order to maneuver the boat to the right or left. The control stick has a throttle lever near the upper end thereof for controlling the velocity of the boat. The control stick further includes a mechanism for enabling the stick to be folded down.

Abstract: A self-locking mechanical steering helm for a boat includes a worm gear set having a worm fixed on the steering wheel shaft and a worm gear clustered with a cable sprocket for controlled the movement of the steering cable which extends to the outdrive of the boat.

Abstract: A steering mechanism of an aquatic vehicle having a hull comprises a stationary housing secured to the hull on a deck side thereof, a movable housing to be engaged with the stationary housing, and a steering pole having a base end secured to the movable housing and a free end to which a handle member is secured. Either one of the stationary housing and the movable housing is provided with arcuate guide grooves each having an imaginary center of curvature about which the steering pole is rotated and which is positioned in the inner side of the hull and a movable mechanism to be engaged with the arcuate grooves is disposed on the other one of the stationary housing and the movable housing.

Abstract: In a servo steering system for motor boats comprising a steering wheel which mechanically acts on the position of a hydraulic control valve, and a rubber cylinder connected to a hydraulic power unit by way of the control valve, the control valve comprises an additional adjustment unit which is connected to an autopilot unit and is controllable by this latter. In this way both normal servo-assisted hand-steering and autopilot steering are made possible in a simple manner.

Abstract: In a hydraulic system for roll stabilization of a vessel by motions of the rudder an arrangement for supplying a hydraulic fluid to the rudder engine comprises a constant delivery pump, a pressure accumulator, and a valve gear unit. While the valve is opened the hydraulic fluid is delivered by the pump and the accumulator, and when the valve is closed the pump fills up the accumulator to maximum working pressure. The valve gear unit comprises a proportional control valve for controlling period, direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid to the steering engine and a load compensation device for controlling the returning flow returning via the proportional control valve for compensating for irregular loads from the waves or the sea against the rudder.

Abstract: An attachable steering handle for an electric trolling motor that includes a swivel, an adaptive shaft connected to the swivel, and a control handle shaft connected to the swivel. The attachable steering handle is connectable to the trolling motors by connecting the adaptive shaft to the motor shaft and to the motor control housing. The control handle shaft is positionable between an upper position and lower position, that are generally parallel to the motor shaft. The swivel includes two disk shaped spacers with a center hole in each spacer. A bolt is passed through the holes in the spacers and the head of the bolt is welded to one spacer. The bolt has a threaded end that protrudes out of the hole in the second spacer. A generally T-shaped handle having a threaded nut on the working end is provided to mate with the threaded end of the bolt. The handle is used to lock and unlock the swivel when the user adjusts the position of the control handle shaft with a soft handle on its distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering handle device for jet-propelled small-sized boats of the type in which: structurally, the stern of the boat is adapted for use as a floor deck on which the rider stands, with an engine mounted on the front portion of the floor deck; a handle post is pivotally connected at its front or lower end to the bow of the boat by a horizontal shaft so that it is swingable; a base board for attaching the handle bar is integrated with the rear or upper end of the handle post overhanging the floor deck, and an attaching plate for the handle bar is pivotally connected to the base board by a vertical shaft; the rider holding the handle bar steers the boat to freely slide over water surface while changing the position at which the foot pressure is applied to the boat; the steering handle device being characterized in that: the handle bar is constructed in a substantially H-shape in a front view consisting of a handle bar body horizontally extending transversely of the boat, and a p

Abstract: An auxiliary steering device for outboard motors is disclosed. The auxiliary steering device includes an elongated housing defining a longitudinal axis. A reciprocating moving mechanism is coupled with the elongated housing for movement along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A motor is coupled with the moving mechanism to reciprocatingly drive the moving mechanism along a line defined by the longitudinal axis. A tie rod is coupled with the moving mechanism and the outboard motor to pivot the outboard motor which, in turn, steers the boat in response to the movement of the moving mechanism along the line defined by the longitudinal axis. A controller is also associated with the motor and a mechanism for limiting movement of the reciprocating moving member along the longitudinal axis is provided to limit movement in both directions along the line defined by the longitudinal axis.