Abstract: The present invention relates to a steering handle device for small jet-propelled boats in which the stern of the boat is used as a floor deck on which the rider stands, and the engine is mounted on the front of the floor deck. A handle post is pivotally connected to the bow of the boat by a horizontal shaft. 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 steers using the handle bar and by changing the position at which he/she applies foot pressure to the boat. The steering handle device is characterized by the handle bar being constructed substantially in a H-shape as seen from a front view. The handle bar assembly consists of a handle bar body horizontally extending transversely of the boat, and a pair of grips vertically extending from the opposite ends of the handle bar body.

Abstract: A marine propeller equipped drive unit is provided for support from the transom of a boat in generally the same manner an outboard motor is supported from a boat transom and a pedal crank assembly is provided for mounting within a boat forward of a transverse seat thereof to be operated by the legs of a person supported from the seat, the pedal crank assembly including an output shaft and the drive unit including an upper end input shaft and there being provided an open drive shaft assembly extending between and operably connecting the output shaft to the input shaft.

Abstract: A wheel drive for a boat steering wheel comprises a front drivable ring for clamping to the spokes of the wheel, and a driving part including an autopilot-controlled motor supported on a rear ring that is itself supported on the front ring by a series of circumferential rollers engaging a grooved path around the front ring. A torque reaction engagement between the rear ring and an adjacent object prevents rotation of the driving part so that the motor can drive the front ring and the wheel in rotation by means of a drive belt. The engagement does not carry the weight of the driving part, which forms a self-contained unit with the drivable part.

Abstract: A marine autopilot apparatus having a microcomputer for controlling a rudder control loop formed of at least a rudder servo amplifier, and a power unit, for detecting an abnormality concerning the steering of a rudder and for indicating an alarm concerning the detected abnormality and the like. A representing alarm indicator lamp classifying the abnormalities into a single or plurality of groups and for collectively indicating the abnormalities in the form of the single or plurality of groups. A general-purpose indicator for indicating various data at least concerning the steering, set values and respective contents of the abnormalities detected and a rudder control collective alarm circuit for indicating the occurrence of the abnormality in the rudder control loop. The rudder control collective alarm circuit is driven when at least one of a plurality of alarm points within the rudder control loop, and the power unit exhibits an abnormal condition.

Abstract: An amphibious sail craft with a sail-wing system is disclosed, including a rotatably mounted mast, a rotatable boom pivotally mounted to the mast, and a sail-wing mounted to the boom and rotatable with the boom about horizontal and vertical axes for varying the attitude of the sail-wing among sail positions or wing positions or combinations thereof. Mechanism to turn the mast and to rotate and tilt the boom to thereby control the attitude of the sail-wing includes: sheets to rotate the boom about its axis; a control wheel to selectively pull one or the other of the sheets, or to pull them both to control the rearward tilt of the boom; and a control column and reaction gear to turn the mast away from the movement of the control column.

Abstract: The rotatable connection between the steering link rod and the cable output ram in a marine drive steering linkage includes a demountable retainer which provides positive retention of the connection and manual assembly and disassembly thereof without the use of tools. The retainer is attached to the link rod thereby precluding the loss or improper substitution of component parts.

Abstract: A permanent magnet direct-current gearhead motor is supported by a base member so that its output gear motion is transmitted to a splined steering shaft which descends and is attached to the electric trolling motor itself. The transmission of motion between the gearhead motor and the spline gear on the upper end of the steering shaft may utilize a larger intermediate gear so that limit switches can be installed thereon to limit the range of rotation of the gears, and thus of the trolling motor itself. The direction of the gearhead motor rotation is dependent on the polarity of the direct current applied; the desired polarity being established through by button-type switches connected through a double throw, double pole direct current relay which is housed on the base member, adjacent to the gearhead motor. The button switches may be positioned at a multiple number of different locations within the boat, wherever desired.

Abstract: A friction steering drive system for electric fishing motors of the type customarily used in trolling. These trolling motors commonly have the motor-propeller assembly supported at the lower end of a motor tube that is held by a swivel bracket secured to the mounting assembly of the boat. To steer the boat, the motor-propeller assembly is turned by actuating a steering drive motor that turns the motor tube through a gear train and a friction drive connection between the steering gear and the motor tube.

Abstract: A steering system for controlling an auxiliary marine engine includes an auxiliary engine steering cable operably connected to the hydraulic cylinder of the steering system for the primary engine so that linear movement of the hydraulic cylinder results in movement of the steering cable and pivotal steering of the auxiliary engine.

Abstract: A tiller extension hinge comprising two axes of rotation (6 and 8) at right angles or substantially at right angles to each other, one (8) supporting the tiller extension (1) and the other (6) having a permanent position relative to the tiller (4) and having an orientation considerably deviating from vertical, i.e. being substantially horizontal. If required, the axis (6) may be placed entirely in a horizontal plane and, if required, in a vertical plane through the tiller (4). The orientation of the axes of rotation will ensure that the tiller extension hinge does not unintentionally block the movement of the tiller extension (1) and that the position of the tiller (4) may be adjusted without difficulty in cases as well, when the tiller (1) is situated in or nearly in continuation of the tiller (4).

Abstract: A stabilizing device for an outboard marine motor includes a plate having two spaced apart arms which are adapted to be connected to opposite sides of the powerhead of the motor and adapted to be connected to the steering arm of the motor at the end of the plate generally opposite to the location of the connection of the arms to the motor.

Abstract: A first tie rod 7 pivots at each end at 8 to respective steering brackets 3 for two outboard motors 1 and 2. Thus, whichever tiller 6 is moved (of either motor) the other will follow by interconnection. A second tie rod pivots at each end 11 to the upper ends respectively of two arms 12 attached one to each throttle grip 5. If either throttle grip 5 is twisted the other also moves by virtue of the tie rod interconnection 10 and arms 12.

Abstract: An automatic rudder attachment for outboard jet motors. A rudder attachment is designed to provide steering capability at low or drifting speeds when the jet thrust is reduced and during reverse direction when the jet thrust is reversed. The rudder swings up to a retracted position when the jet motor is operating and provides sufficient thrust for steering. The rudder is pivotally attached over the jet nozzle whereby the water race effects the vertical swing of the rudder.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to spring biased trolling flaps used in conjunction with a motorized fishing boat for limiting the speed of the boat while trolling and coupled to the steering mechanism of the boat to aid in steering the boat when the boat is operating at a slow speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering handle device for jet-propelled small-sized boats on the type in which the operator rides the boat in a standing posture. The invention prevents the operator's body from being twisted around during the turning of the boat to the extent that he is forced to assume an unstable steering posture, and makes it possible to apply the foot pressure resulting from the operator's body weight to the boat body effectively and as desired from the standpoint of human engineering so as to provide the so-called quick steering performance.

Abstract: A handle device for a jet-propelled small-sized boat wherein a handle post is pivotally connected to the stem of the boat so that it can be tilted around the axis of a transverse shaft and a handle bar is fixed to the upper end of said post by an attaching bracket, the handle device being characterized in that: the attaching bracket is made in two parts, a front bracket and a rear bracket, the front bracket being attached to the handle post and the rear bracket to the handle bar, the position at which the rear bracket is connected to the front bracket being adjustable by sliding the rear bracket longitudinally of the boat. Thus, it is made possible to readily cope with the rider's physical build and steering technique which vary from rider to rider, and to change the position of the step-on pressure applied to the boat.

Abstract: An improved steering arrangement for a small watercraft wherein the steering device is supported on a rigid supported mast that extends upwardly and forwardly over the engine and hatch cover for ease of access. The mast is also buoyant so that the watercraft cannot become accidentally inverted.

Abstract: A helm steering wheel for a sea-going vessel is mounted on the back of the wheel-support so that the instruments on the support are fully visible and not obstructed by the passing of the spokes of the wheel. The wheel is in the shape of a concave dish and rotates on an axle which is mounted in the support so that the support is between the wheel-hub and the operator and positioned so that the rim of the wheel is closely adjacent the operator standing in front of the support.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for a boat, comprising a steering wheel, a rudder and a push-pull control cable layed between former two, wherein a connecting device, of the push-pull control cable and a steering mechanism on the side of the rudder, comprises a cable cap fixed to a conduit of the push-pull control cable, a guide pipe provided in said steering mechanism, an adjusting nut adjustably engaged to said cable cap and a semi-box nut having an annular bottom to be used for connecting the cable cap and the guide pipe by catching the adjusting nut on the cable cap and simultaneously being engaged to a male-threaded surface of the guide pipe. The adjustment of the effective length of the conduit of the push-pull control cable is easily achieved by the selection of an axial position of the adjusting nut.

Abstract: An interior actuation system for controlling an exterior control surface of a torpedo or the like which has an afterbody with radial inlet vanes defining inlet liquid passages to the propellers of the torpedo. A linear actuator is mounted in the afterbody. A bell crank is connected at one end to the linear actuator and extends radially outwardly therefrom through one of the inlet vanes. A driving connection, including a link arm connected at one end to the opposite end of the bell crank, extends longitudinally from the bell crank through the afterbody outside the liquid passages and operatively interconnects the control surface to the linear actuator.

Abstract: A steering mechanism is disclosed for a boat equipped with an outboard motor. The steering mechanism has a pair of opposed single acting cylinders maintained in a spaced relationship by a frame member. A pair of brackets enable pivotal connection of the steering mechanism with the mounting bracket of the motor. A piston is received in and extends between the cylinders and carries a lost motion linkage connectable with the tiller arm of the motor to induce steering movement of the motor upon actuation of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tiltable steering handle unit which can be manually unlocked to adjust its angular position and then automatically locked at a selected angular position, whereby an operator can choose an optimum attitude of the steering unit depending on his physical features or preferences.

Abstract: A boat steering assembly (10) including a pedestal steering actuator (11) in a column (12) mounted on a boat sole (16). A pair of steering cables (18,20) lead from the actuator through a substantially vertical orientation and then through a universal self-adjusting pulley (26) and then in substantially horizontal orientation to a rudder assembly (24). A depending bracket assembly (22) is mounted under the boat sole (16). The universal self-adjusting idler pulley (26) is mounted under the pedestal column (12) below the boat sole (16) by the depending bracket assembly (22). The steering cables (18,20) extend down from the steering actuator (11) and about the pulley assembly (26) with the bracket assembly (22) disposed on the outside of the turn of the cables (18,20) through the pulley (26) to suspend the pulley (26) in tension from the bracket assembly (22). The pulley assembly (26) is adjustable to accommodate various positions of the rudder assembly ( 24) relative to the pedestal column (12).

Abstract: The marine propulsion device includes a propulsion unit mounted for tilting movement about a generally horizontal tilt axis and for pivotal steering movement about a vertical steering axis, and a power steering system adapted to operably connect an actuator to the propulsion for increasing the steering force applied to the propulsion unit by the actuator. The power steering system is wholly supported on the propulsion unit and includes a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly having an axis extending in fixed parallel rotation to the tilt axis and including a cylinder, a piston mounted in the cylinder, and an extendable and retractable piston rod connected to the piston, and a control valve connected to a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid for selectively controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from the opposite sides of the piston to extend and retract the piston rod. The control valve includes a valve member and valve housing rotatably and axially movable relative to each other.

Abstract: Several embodiments of steering devices for outboard motors that are operative to hold the outboard motor in a steered position but which will release upon emergency application due to fracturing of a frangible member. In each embodiment, the steering device comprises a pin that is movable into and out of engagement with an opening formed in the other of the members. In some of the embodiments, the member in which the opening is formed is frangible and, in another, the pin is frangible.

Abstract: A recreational and therapeutic propelled pontoon chair. The invention fundamentally comprises a pair of pontoons in fixed spaced relationship with each other. A chair for maintaining a user is positioned between the pontoons with a drive and power source being maintained behind the chair. The chair is adjustable in elevation and includes an adjustable leg rest. Control cables on an arm rest regulate speed and direction. In another embodiment, such cables are attached to a headband.

Abstract: The rotation angles around the X and Y axes due to the operation of a joystick lever having degrees of freedom of three axes are respectively detected by two rotation angle detectors. A push button switch is provided at the edge of the joystick lever. When the push button switch is not operated, the operating direction and operation amount of the joystick lever are calculated on the basis of the outputs of two rotation angle detectors. When the push button switch was operated, the operating direction and operation amount of the joystick lever are calculated from the output of either one of two rotation angle detectors.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit adapted to be pivotally mounted on the transom of a boat for pivotal movement relative to the transom about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and a powerhead drivingly connected to the propeller, a steering handle connected to the propulsion unit and extending generally horizontally therefrom for causing pivotal steering movement of the propulsion unit in response to lateral movement of the steering handle, and an extension handle assembly removably attached to the steering handle and including an extension handle, a coupling device including a plurality of fingers spaced around the steering handle and having respective inner ends pivotally connected to the extension handle, and respective outer ends biased outwardly from the steering handle, and a cylindrical sleeve surrounding the coupling device and being slideable around the fingers longitudinally thereof for moving the outer ends inwardl

Abstract: A sailboat steering assembly is provided which has a hiking stick that assumes fixed positions in use, but smoothly responds to any changes induced by manual manipulation of the helmsman. Typical swinging and flopping of the unattended hiking stick are eliminated.

Abstract: A pivot assembly has a substantial amount of inherent frictional torque. A shaft has a clearance space between itself and a wall of its journal hole. A pliable tubular bushing is axially compressed within the shaft clearance space to create rotational friction between the shaft and the bearing journal. Such an assembly has diverse applications in areas such as the swivel for sailboat tiller extensions, toilet seat lid hinges, and hinged covers for electronic cabinets or other equipment.

Abstract: A catamaran tiller having a grip is provided to permit tension to be applied to the tiller more easily. In one embodiment the grip extends laterally from a sleeve which fits over the tiller rod and is secured thereto at a desired location. Provision is made to have the grip rotatably mounted on the sleeve or for the sleeved to be secured with the grips in alternative positions. A circular grip is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electric trolling motor is remotely controlled by a hand held or foot operated radiant energy transmitter coacting with a receiver, the trolling motor and a turning or directional motor connected through gearing with a trolling motor support shaft. The trolling motor can operate in a straightaway propulsion mode or in left hand or right hand directional turning modes, all remotely controlled. The fisherman is free to occupy the bow of the boat during fishing activities while remotely controlling the trolling motor at the stern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catamaran-type sail boat comprising several inclined mast-like elements rotatively mounted at their lower ends and upper ends respectively by appropriate lower connecting mechanism and upper connecting mechanism, the masts being provided over at least a portion of their length with a fin rigidly connected to the masts, the fin working as a sail. Angular rotation positioning mechanism is provided to rotate the rotatable masts provided with the fin so that the boat can be driven at will.

Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for a sailboat automatic pilot comprised of a rotatable drum connected to a compass member, the drum having a series of light-reflective and light-absorbent stripes. A light source located adjacent to the drum illuminates the drum surface. A pair of light detectors provide signals to circuits which detect the transition between the light-reflective and light-absorbent stripes and determine the direction of rotation of the drum to provide corrective signals to a steering actuator.

Abstract: The location of azimuth thruster propellers at the parallel hulls of semisubmersible offshore vessels, is arranged so the water jet from a propeller at one hull, which is occasionally directed towards the adjacent hull will pass mainly below last-mentioned hull. When thruster propellers are arranged in pairs the bottoms of the hulls will preferably be inclined upwardly/outwardly within the portion around a thruster propeller located outside of a longitudinal middle plane through the hull. In order to facilitate the docking of the vessel, the bottom plating in the fore and aft bodies of the hulls, where the thruster propellers are mounted, should be raised sufficient to prevent the propellers projecting below the base lines of the hulls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic control unit for a marine installation comprising a helm station including a pump comprising first and second pump discharge ports, which pump is selectively and alternatively operable to deliver fluid under pressure from the first and second pump discharge ports, a plurality of steerable marine propulsion units, a plurality of corresponding hydraulic steering cylinders respectively connected to each of the propulsion units and including respective first ports which, when subject to fluid under pressure, tend to steer the propulsion units in one direction and including respective second ports which, when subject to fluid under pressure, tend to steer the propulsion units in the opposite direction, and hydraulic tie lines connecting the second port of each steering cylinder except the last steering cylinder with the first port of the following steering cylinder, which hydraulic control unit includes a hydraulic circuit adapted for communication between the first pump discharge p

Abstract: A monohull, sport, sailing boat with fixed mast, centerboard, and rudder, cat-rigged with righting moment provided by manipulation of a trapeze attached high on the mast by a support line of adjustable length. Steering lines running forward from a thwartship steering bar affixed to the rudder lead to a slide car carried on a thwartship track forward of the mast. The tiller is connected to this car by a universal joint. The mainsheet is led forward of the mast and its forward location with the tiller and trapeze permit the sailor to cross in front of the mast when tacking without having to release the tiller or the sheet or to change trapeze adjustment. This arrangement also permits use of a larger said area.

Abstract: A steering system for a steerable marine drive has a fluid filled cylinder with the housing connected to the boat and the piston connected to the steering arm of the marine drive. The piston contains valves operated by the control cable connected to the steering wheel of the boat. When the valves are closed, the piston, and hence the marine drive, is locked in position. Propeller torque or other forces imposed on the marine drive are transferred to the boat rather than to the control cable and the steering wheel. To steer the marine drive, the control cable initially opens the valves in the piston, unlocking the marine drive. Thereafter it moves the marine drive to the desired position. A lost motion mechanism, including that used in a vane steering system, may be utilized for this purpose. Alternately, the piston may lock the lost motion mechanism rather than the marine drive, to prevent the transmission of forces to the steering wheel.

Abstract: A kayak steering apparatus for controlling kayak weathercocking during operation in side wind conditions. An elastomeric line in tension and a non-elastic control line are each attached to opposite side arms of a vertically pivoting rotor which is mounted to the stern of a kayak, with the rotor further being connected to a rudder. A kayak operator can, by hand, pull on or release the control line which acts in combination with tension in the elastomeric line to turn the rotor and thereby set rudder angular position. For setting vertical depth, the rudder is connected to the rotor by a pin which allows the rudder to pivot about a generally horizontal axis. Depth adjustment is also hand controllable by pulling or releasing a line connected to the upper portion of the rudder at a location offset from the horizontal axis defined by the pivoting pin.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a tiller extension which is used on the tiller of boats or vessels, in particular. The tiller extension of this invention is directed to a quick release, remote release, telescoping extension device.

Abstract: A device for retrieving objects floating on the surface of a body of water by remote control thereof including a housing portion including a pair of forwardly extending spaced-apart pontoon members streamlined in shape and a housing member extending therebetween, a forwardly projecting scoop pivotally mounted on the housing member and extending forwardly therefrom between the pontoon members and movable between a raised and a lowered position, a drive circuit operatively connected to the scoop to produce movements thereof, a propulsion motor with a propeller mounted on the housing portion in position extending therefrom to below the surface of the body of water supporting the device, a steering mechanism and associated drive motor therefor mounted extending from the body portion to adjacent the propeller, a radio receiver device and associated control circuits including a source of energy located in the housing portion, said control circuits including mechanisms for controlling the energizing and the directio

Abstract: An underwater appendage for sailboats, such as a keel or rudder, is fitted with an external shell-like shroud, which is placed around a core portion of the appendage such that the outer shroud forms a deformable water foil which is fastened on both sides of the core near its rear or trailing edge, and which shroud is everywhere else spaced away from the core. This deformable shroud forms a hydrofoil, the leading edge of which can be displaced to either side of the core by means of inflatable bladders placed on either side of the core, thus creating a desired angle of attack for the deformable foil, either to port or starboard. Inflation of the bladder on the windward side of the boat creates an angle of attack to windward and also a bulging of the shrouded water foil on the windward side creating the desired hydrodynamic lift to counter the lateral component of the aerodynamic force on the sail.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric rudder rotor which in its simplest construction is in the form of an externally running underwater electric motor and comprises a fixed stator and a rotating rotor, which carries the rotor cylinder, the stator being supplied with electric current and the rotor being rotated by magnetic interaction between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A steering system for a boat, comprising a steering unit, at least one push-pull control cable and a pinion-rack unit. The pinion-rack unit has a rack casing having at least one inner cable guiding portion along at least one side wall thereof, a cable guide for outwardly guiding smoothly an inner cable of the push-pull control cable from the inner cable guiding portion, an end portion of the inner cable connected with the end portion of the rack, and a pinion meshed with the rack. The steering system can be easily mounted on a boat, does not require a wide space for mounting and for arranging a push-pull control cable, and can be applied to several types of boats, e.g. a boat which has two or more operator's seats.

Abstract: A steering device for an outboard motor that releasably restrains the motor in a predetermined position and which can be automatically released upon the exertion of more than a predetermined force to the motor to steer it in the event of an emergency. The releasable restraining device is also automatically engageable upon return of the motor to its first position and can be manually released.

Abstract: An improved automatic steering controller for boats employs an adjustable feedback link between the output element and feedback elements of the system. A preferred form employs a lever arrangement in which the feedback ratio is varied by varying the lever arm to connections from the lever to one or the other, or both, of the output element and feedback element. The lever is related to the feedback element in a way that facilitates reversal of feedback element movement whereby to permit steering control from either side, port or starboard, of a tiller or wheel.

Abstract: A watercraft includes two steerable propellers driven by motors, the angular positions of and the thrusts produced by the steerable propellers being controlled by a control system. The control system includes an input device having a frame, a head and a handwheel supported on the frame for independent pivotal movement about a common first axis, and a lever supported on the head for pivotal movement about a second axis normal to the first axis. The head, handwheel and lever are each operatively coupled to a respective input element by a respective gear arrangement. A microcomputer responsive to the input elements is connected through several control devices to the motor and the steerable propellers for effecting the requisite control thereof.

Abstract: A boat steering mechanism for permitting a remotely mounted rudder control by means of a push-pull control cable, comprising a rack being formed with a groove for inserting an inner cable, a projection projecting from the center or its vicinity of a rack casing into which the rack is slidably inserted, an inclined hole for slidably inserting the inner cable, perforated through the projection into the groove, a triangular guide portion having an inclined plane which continues from the lower end of the inclined hole and projecting from the inner wall of the rack casing into the groove so as to be inserted into the groove and a fitting member for fastening on one end of the inner cable, secured to the rack at one end of the groove, whereby the push-pull control cable can be provided with a large curvature and the sliding resistance of the whole mechanism can be decreased.

Abstract: A water bicycle and a detachable device for converting a sail board into a water bicycle. The water bicycle has a flotation member and a frame removably mounted to the flotation member. Pedals are rotatably mounted to the frame. Paddle wheels are provided on either side of the frame and are interconnected with the pedals so as to be rotatably driven by the pedals. A steering handle is rotatably mounted to the frame and is interconnected with the paddle wheels to selectively steer the water bicycle by raising and lowering the paddle wheels.

Abstract: A valve actuating assembly (10) including an input housing (12) and a circular drive wheel (14) rotatably supported by the input housing (12) and having a cylindrical outer periphery with a plurality of parallel teeth (16). A drive gear (22) is rotatably supported by the input housing (12) and is in meshing engagement with the teeth (16) of the drive wheel (14). The input housing (12) has a first pair of cable guide tubes (24) disposed opposite to one another on opposite sides of the drive gear (22). An output housing (28) is identical to the input housing and supports a driven wheel which is identical to the drive wheel (14). A first conduit (30) is connected to and extends between one of the guide tubes (24) of the input housing (12) and one of the guide tubes of the output housing (28). A second conduit (31) is connected to and extends between the other guide tubes (24) of the input housing (12) and the other guide tube of the output housing (28).