Abstract: A hydraulic assisted steering mechanism for marine propulsion drive wherein the hydraulic assist is operated by a control valve having its valve element actuated by a wire actuator that is operated by the steering mechanism. The actuating element that interconnects the wire actuator to the control valve element is supported for movement in a variety of embodiments so as to confine the movement in same direction as the valve element.

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: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for controlling the steering of a watercraft or the like. Specifically, the steering device of the invention includes a push-pull cable steering arrangement which has a portion located along the rear of the watercraft. Such rearward portion is disposed for reciprocal movement within a cylindrical cable guide. The steering device also includes a hydraulic power assist arrangement which includes a hydraulic cylinder having a moveable piston and associated piston rod contained therein. Operator initiated movement of the push-pull cable arrangement is operable to actuate the hydraulic power assist arrangement, thus aiding in steering maneuvers. In order to provide an exceptionally compact arrangement, the cylindrical cable guide of the push-pull cable steering arrangement is disposed inside of the hydraulic cylinder of the hydraulic power assist arrangement.

Abstract: An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle having a propulsion unit, including a steering arm, to effect steering movement thereof about a steering axis, and an operator actuable steering helm. A first actuable steering member, such as a mechanical push-pull cable, is operably connected to the steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at the helm. A power steering assist unit, operably connected to the first steering member, comprising a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and hydraulic fluid source is interposed between the steering helm and the first actuable steering member and mounted remote from the propulsion unit, and further is hydraulically actuated in response to steering actuation at the steering helm. An actuator for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid through the power steering assist unit is operably connected to the first actuable steering member.

Abstract: An hydraulic actuator assembly for a power steering ram of a marine inboard/outboard drive of the type where the ram is connected to a tiller arm and has a spool valve mounted on the ram. The spool valve has a fastening tube which opens the spool valve when displaced in either direction to supply hydraulic fluid to the ram to move the tiller arm in the direction the fastening tube is displaced. The assembly includes an hydraulic actuator having a cylinder with an internal piston and a rod connected to the piston and sealingly extending from a first end of the cylinder. The rod has a distal end which connects to the tiller arm. The cylinder has a connector on a second end thereof. There is a mounting bracket extending generally radially from the cylinder which has a first end connected to the connector of the cylinder and a second end which is distal with respect to the cylinder. The second end has an aperture for connecting the bracket to the fastening tube of the spool valve.

Abstract: Several embodiments of remote control arrangements for marine watercraft which permit an operator to steer and control an outboard drive of a watercraft from a forward position in the same manner as conventional tiller control. Both linkage and cable operated control systems are disclosed and applications to outboard motors or inboard/outboard drives are illustrated and described.

Abstract: The power steering mechanism for vehicles, in particular motor boats, has a control wheel that is drive-connected to a control via cable that is attached thereto and a lever system connected thereto. The core of the cable is mechanically connected to the lever system whereas the sheath of the cable is attached to the displaceable control member of the control valve. The control valve controls a hydraulic operating cylinder whose power piston also acts on the lever system of the control. To simplify and reduce the size of the arrangement, the operating cylinder and the control valve are built directly together in axial direction, and the core of the cable penetrates the control member of the control valve and is connected to the power piston of the operating cylinder and in this manner is also connected to the lever system of the control.

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 boat thruster kit that enables a boat owner to install a side thruster in a small boat with the aid of simple tools. The thruster uses a conventional reversible electric trolling motor that is housed in a pipe housing with offset flanged outlets connected to a pipe housing by expandable flexible pipes. Internal struts and supports holds the propulsion unit of the reversible electric trolling motor in a cross passage so that water can be directed out of either thrust port on the side of the watercraft.

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 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 combined manual and automatic steering for a watercraft wherein there is provided an automatic steering control and a manual steering control that is operative to override the automatic control upon manual operator actuation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hydraulic circuit for a marine propulsion device, which circuit comprises a sump for hydraulic fluid, a reversible hydraulic pump, a first fluid conduit communicating between the sump and the pump and including a one way check valve permitting flow to the pump from the sump and preventing flow to the sump from the pump, a second fluid conduit communicating between the sump and the pump and including a one way check valve permitting flow to the pump from the sump and preventing flow to the sump from the pump, and a mechanism for opening one of the check valves in response to closure of the other of the check valves.

Abstract: Hydraulic wing actuator for turning movement of a spindle, especially a rudder stock (3), comprising a lower part (2) fixed to the ship hull and an upper part (1) secured to the lower part and which together define a substantially torus shaped guiding path for wings (8, 7) connected with the lower part and the rudder stock respectively, where a ball shaped hub (4) being secured to the rudder stock (3) and journalled slideably in the lower and upper parts, creating the radially inward facing, concave limitation of the guiding path, which remaining torus shaped part being formed by the upper and lower parts, at least one fixed partition wall (5) being connected with the lower part and the upper part and comprising to both sides protruding wings (8) abutting tightly to the guiding path, whereby one fluid conduit leads to each side of each fixed partition wall (5) for alternatively pressurizing or depressing the two spaces on both sides of the partition walls, and at least one carrier (6) being fixedly connected

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: A diving model submarine utilizes an automatic depth level control mechanism, water jet propulsion, a water powered aspirator for ballast tank evacuation, hydraulic control of steering, diving plane attitude, and ballast tank valve action. The model diving submarine is controlled by radio signals and fires torpedos.

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: This invention is a method of steering a boat by rotation of the outboard motor (or lower unit in the case of an inboard/outdrive unit) about its pivot point by hydraulic principles. This invention is comprised of a driven cylinder mounted near the motor (lower unit), the hydraulic pump, which is another cylinder, and the motor, which is simply a man-powered steering wheel, and flexible lines to carry the hydraulic fluid between the pump and the driven cylinder.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (10) of the type for steering a boat including a hydraulic cylinder (18) having port and starboard sides (20, 22) and a piston (24) within the cylinder (18) moveable therebetween. A steering pump (12) has first and second fluid outlets (14, 16). Port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) interconnect the port and starboard sides (20, 22) to the first and second outlets (14, 16) respectively, for fluid communication therebetween. A closed separator tank (30) separates air from hydraulic fluid. The tank (30) includes port and starboard tank line (32, 34) in fluid communication with the port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) respectively. The tank (30) includes a bleeder valve mechanism for selectively allowing fluid flow in one direction from the port tank line (32) into the separator tank (30) and out the starboard tank line (34) and alternatively in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit pivotable about a first steering axis to steer a marine vehicle, a trim tab mounted on the propulsion unit and pivotable about a second steering axis for assisting in steering the vehicle, and a hydraulic sensing arrangement for sensing torque on the propulsion unit relative to the first steering axis to pivot the trim tab in response to the torque. The device also includes steering mechanism for pivoting the propulsion unit about the first steering axis to steer the vehicle. The steering mechanism includes a steering member connected to the propulsion unit, and operable to move the steering member to pivot the propulsion unit. The steering mechanism operable to move the steering member includes a push-pull cable with a core and a flexible housing.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit pivotable about a first steering axis to steer a marine vehicle, a trim tab mounted on the propulsion unit and pivotable about a second steering axis for assisting in steering the vehicle, and a hydraulic sensing arrangement for sensing torque on the propulsion unit relative to the first steering axis to pivot the trim tab in response to the torque.

Abstract: An integral hydraulic valve and cylinder assembly for power steering a marine drive. The assembly is operatively connected between the propulsion unit and the steering wheel of a boat and includes a common valve body for housing both the cylinder and the valve. A valve spool located within a spool-receiving bore formed in the valve body is axially slidable therein in response to movement of the steering wheel between neutral and operational positions for selectively establishing fluid communication of an inlet port with outlet ports and work passages in the valve body leading to the cylinder. A core wire is connected to the steering arm of the propulsion unit and is axially slidable within an internal bore in the valve body. In response to valve spool movement, hydraulic assistance is properly directed to aid in steering the boat.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device adapted for mounting to a boat transom and comprising a propulsion unit, a swivel bracket connecting the propulsion unit to the boat transom for pivotal movement of the propulsion unit relative to the boat transom about a steering axis, and an extendable and contactable steering link pivotally connected to the boat transom and to the propulsion unit for rotating the propulsion unit about the steering axis. The device also comprises an operator actuated extendable and contractable control link connected to the boat transom and to the propulsion unit and operably connected to the steering link for selectively effecting extension and contraction of the steering link in response to operator actuation of the control link.

Abstract: An outboard propulsion system comprising a support for attachment to the deck of a vessel to which is bolted a prime mover with its drive shaft in a horizontal position transversely of the vessel, a propulsion assembly supported by the support in suspension outboard of the vessel for arcuate movement about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the drive shaft, the propulsion assembly comprising an upper gear box, an input shaft journaled in the gear box on an axis coinciding with said horizontal axis, a steering column connected at its upper end to the gear box for rotation about an axis at right angles to the axis of the input shaft, a lower gear box fixed to the lower end of the steering column within which is journaled a propeller shaft, gears in the lower gear box drivably connecting the propeller shaft to the transmission shaft, a hydraulic elevating cylinder for effecting arcuate movement of the propulsion assembly in a vertical plane about the axis of the input shaft, a hydraulic clutch for operabl

Abstract: A hydraulic control package or assembly (30) for use in a marine steering system (10) having a steering helm pump (12) with port (14) and starboard (16) fluid outlets and a return inlet (18) for hydraulically actuating a piston (22) in a hydraulic cylinder (20) having port (24) and starboard (26) inlets for moving the piston (22) back and forth in the cylinder (20) in response to fluid delivered from the helm pump (12). A fluid reservoir (32, 34, 36) is closed and pressurized with air and is defined by an open ended tube (32) having a cap (34) sealing the top end of the tube (32) and a valve body (36) sealing the bottom end of the tube (32). The valve body (36) houses the control valve means for controlling the fluid flow in the system between the helm pump (12) and the actuating cylinder (20). The cap (34) and valve body (36) are held against the respective ends of the tube (32) by tie rods (50).

Abstract: A ship steering system includes a pump assembly for controlling hydraulicy actuated rudders, a first actuation unit for translating a helm steering command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly, and a second actuation unit for translating a combined helm steering command signal and ship roll reduction command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly. A decoupling device is interconnected to the first and second actuation units and the pump assembly for decoupling the first actuation unit from the pump assembly when the second actuation unit is activated.

Abstract: Steering apparatus for a boat includes a pair of laterally spaced rudders, each having a forwardly directed control arm. In each of three embodiments a tiller arm is employed. In one embodiment a pinion gear is journaled for rotation on the tiller arm, being in mesh with two gear racks each of which connects with a control arm. In a second embodiment, the tiller arm shifts a pair of pulleys about which is entrained a rope or cable, one control arm being clamped to a cable section at one side of the pulleys and the other control arm being clamped to the cable section of the other side of the pulleys. In the third embodiment, a pair of hydraulic cylinders have their closed ends pivotally connected to the tiller arm and their piston rods connected to the control arms. The open end of one cylinder is hydraulically coupled to the closed end of the other cylinder, and the closed end of said one cylinder is hydraulically coupled to the open end of said other cylinder.

Abstract: A rudder assembly for marine craft wherein the main rudder carries one or more fins pivotable as well as lockable in relation to it, wherein the actuating and control devices for the fin are integrated with the rudder assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided to be propelled by a rearward discharge of fluid therefrom and including fluid jet developing structure for discharging a rearward jet of fluid along a predetermined path for propelling the vehicle forwardly. A pair of upstanding steering vanes are mounted for rotation about upstanding axes spaced transversely apart and disposed on opposite sides of the center line of the aforementioned path. Control structure is also provided and operative to simultaneously similarly angularly displace the vanes about their axes of oscillation and the control structure further includes adjustment structure for selectively relatively angularly displacing the vanes about their axes of oscillation. The vanes extend rearwardly of their axes of oscillation distances greater than one-half the distance between the axes of oscillation of the vanes, whereby opposite relative angular displacement of the vanes to forwardly and outwardly inclined positions displaced generally 50.degree. to 60.degree.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprises a steering member and a steerable member including a propeller. A steering mechanism operatively connects the steering member with the steerable member and includes an actuating and locking device. The actuating and locking device comprises a cylinder having opposite first and second end portions and a piston which is mounted for reciprocative movement within the cylinder between the first and second end portions. A drive assembly operatively connects the piston with the movable steering member to effect reciprocative movement of the piston in response to steering member movement. A driven mechanism operatively connects the piston with the steerable member such that piston reciprocation is transmitted into movement of the steerable member.

Abstract: A compensator is disclosed for centering a frame supported steerable member comprising part of the steering system for a vehicle. The compensator is connected between the frame and the steering system and comprises a cylinder containing a pair of pistons and an actuator for engaging the pistons in response to movement of the steerable member. A fluid system provides fluid resistance to off-center piston movement and fluid force for return piston movement and includes components for independently varying both the resistance and the return force. The compensator may include a trimming apparatus for remotely varying the center position of the steerable member and components for controlling the rate of both turning and return movements. Optional valves may provide for deactivating the compensator manually or in response to power steering system failure, overpressurization, or vehicle speed.

Abstract: In a pressurized-fluid operated steering gear system for a ship of the kind in which a plurality of actuators (piston-and-cylinder or rotary vane) are disposed in opposed pairs to turn the tiller arm when a diametrically opposed pair is pressurized and the other diametrically opposed pair is relieved of pressure the improvement that there is located in the cylinder, or arcuate chamber, of each actuator a free moving member which separates two distinct pressurized fluid inlets of said cylinder or chamber. If there is no pressure delivery from one inlet the member moves to one end of the cylinder or chamber so that the actuator is worked by pressure solely from the other inlet.

Abstract: A ship steering system includes a pump assembly for controlling hydraulicy actuated rudders, a first actuation unit for translating a helm steering command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly, and a second actuation unit for translating a combined helm steering command signal and ship roll reduction command signal into a mechanical control signal for the pump assembly. The second actuation unit includes an electrically activated mechanical actuator that translates the electrical helm and roll reduction command signal into a mechanical impulse that controls the operation of the pump assembly. The mechanical actuator includes a switch apparatus for switching the rudder control function from the first actuation unit to the second actuation unit when the switch apparatus and second actuation unit are activated.

Abstract: A ship's steering gear of the type operated by liquid under pressure incorporates two liquid systems each containing a pump fed from its own supply tank and a thruster unit capable of providing by itself steering action on a steering member. The two systems are interconnected by way of an isolating valve device. Each tank contains a liquid detecting device arranged on a drop of liquid level in that tank first to close the isolating valve device and on further drop of liquid level to stop the pump fed from the tank and start the pump in the other liquid system if it is not operating already.

Abstract: A marine steering gear equipped with an emergency steering means which comprises an emergency directional control valve capable of replenishing hydraulic fluid or oil to a plurality of pressure chambers of an actuator for a hydraulic steering engine through check valves and stop valves, and a relief valve designed to set a desired charge pressure and installed in lines of oil to be supplied through the directional control valve, check valves, and stop valves so as to forcibly reduce the air volumes in the pressure chambers and thereby hold the rudder blade substantially in a hydraulically locked state.

Abstract: Propulsion apparatus for an undersea vehicle comprises a pair of counter-ating low speed impellers driven from a spider shaft rotating at relatively high speed. The reduction is accomplished by a variable speed reducing and torque transmitting device which allows infinite resolution for speed control including a zero speed setting while maintaining a constant high speed at the input spider shaft. Attitude of the vehicle is controlled by a plurality of regulated inlet ports and roll control is regulated by increasing the speed of one impeller and decreasing the speed of the other. The sea water utilized for the attitude is also used for propulsion. Control systems within the vehicle utilize an electro-pneumatic-hydraulic system complex.

Abstract: A rudder assembly for marine craft wherein the main rudder carries one or more fins pivotable as well as lockable in relation to it, wherein the actuating and control devices for the fin are integrated with the rudder assembly.

Abstract: A reversing mechanism for steerable propellers on ships wherein the direction of travel of the ship is controlled by the position of the steerable propeller. A selector switch is provided for controlling the direction of travel as well as directions forward and rearward such that when the direction of travel is to be reversed, the steerable propeller will be sequentially disengaged from the propeller driving mechanism and automatically pivoted through 180.degree. to effect a reverse operation without altering the position of the steering control. In other words, the position of the steerable propeller will be altered without altering the position of the steering control when the direction of travel of the ship is to be reversed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inboard-outboard driving mechanism for a boat having a hull, the driving mechanism including a support adapted to be fixed relative to the boat hull, an engine mounted on of the support, a propulsion leg including a rotatably mounted propeller, and structure for connecting the propulsion leg to the support for pivotal steering movement about a steering axis. The inboard-outboard driving mechanism also includes apparatus for causing pivotal steering movement of the propulsion leg including a steering shaft rotatably journaled in the support, and gearing connecting the steering shaft and the propulsion leg for pivoting the propulsion leg in response to rotation of the steering shaft. The steering shaft is selectively rotated by a lever mounted on the engine for pivotal movement and having opposite ends, one of the ends being connected through a gear box to the steering shaft.

Abstract: A sailing craft is provided which has the ability to limit heeling under various headings, and which includes a deck assembly mounted for lateral movement between two outrigger type hulls. The deck assembly may be moved toward the windward side of the craft, and so that its weight and that of the crew serve to counteract heeling resulting from the wind forces. A third hull is mounted adjacent the bow portion of the deck assembly, and the three hulls are disposed in a triangular, highly stable arrangement. Also, apparatus is provided whereby the crew may selectively rotate the third hull about a vertical axis to effect steering of the craft.

Abstract: The vehicle has a body provided with ground-engaging portions and has an imaginary longitudinal medial vertical face of symmetry. At least one pair of devices which produce fluid streams is disposed substantially symmetrically on opposite sides of the face of symmetry. The devices have axes of rotation which parallel one another and the said face of symmetry. The body has further mounted thereon at least one pair of matching hydraulic motors whose rotors are connected with the fluid-stream producing devices to drive the same. The motors are supplied at the same rate of flow with streams of hydraulic pressure fluid, and consequently the fluid-stream producing devices are driven at equal velocities and, in turn, produce equal reaction thrusts symmetrically on both sides of the said face of symmetry. This stabilizes the attitude of the vehicle and produces forward movement in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A boat steering assembly having a tiller lever for providing a steering input upon being pivoted about a first pivot axis and an actuating lever supported for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The ends of the levers are interconnected in order to pivot the tiller lever upon pivoting movement of the actuating lever and for positioning the levers in parallel relationship with one another in a neutral position. The length of the tiller lever from its first pivot is longer than the length of the actuating lever from its second pivot to their respective ends. There is also an acutator assembly comprising a reciprocating member having a hydraulically operated piston at each end which is slidably disposed for movement between two cylinders which are defined by a housing. A first end of an actuating lever is operatively connected to the housing and a second end extends out of the housing and is adapted for connection to a steering means.

Abstract: Auxiliary control of fluid actuated steering apparatus for ships, boats and the like (hereinafter, "water vessels") includes isolating the existing steering control system from the steering apparatus and providing flow-communication between fluid under pressure and the steering apparatus through an auxiliary directional control sub-system enabling control of the steering apparatus independently of the main steering control system. According to a preferred embodiment, the source of the fluid includes a quantity of fluid stored under pressure and another quantity of fluid adapted to be provided under pressure. Isolation of the existing steering control system is carried out by coupling the source of fluid to a by-pass control sub-system preferably adapted both to isolate the main steering control system and to couple the auxiliary directional control sub-system to the steering apparatus.

Abstract: An automatic control device for ships, more especially sailing ships, consisting of a feeler for detecting a difference between an actual value and a required value of the ship's direction and a regulator which is controlled by the feeler and positions a rudder of the ship, when a difference between the actual value and the required value occurs, in such a way that the difference is reduced.

Abstract: A three actuator steering mechanism for rotating a strut type forward landing gear of an aircraft particularly adapted for use in ground steering. The actuators are of a linear push-pull construction and are mounted at both ends by rotatable joints. At one end the joints attach the actuators to a nonrotating segment of the landing gear structure, while at the opposite ends the joints connect the actuators to a steering collar through which the landing gear is actually rotated. With the landing gear aligned in the forward direction, the two laterally mounted actuators form moment arms with the steering collar about the vertical rotational axis of the landing gear, in the conventional fashion. The center actuator is attached with an orientation such that it contributes no steering torque with the landing gear facing forward but increasingly supplements the two lateral actuators as the steering angle of the steering collar diverges in either direction from forward.

Abstract: A steering control system for a ship including a hydraulic rudder actuator, a reversible variable displacement pump for powering the rudder actuator, a valve system for controlling the pump in responsive to certain input signals, and a helm system for generating command signals. The valve system includes two parallel fluid flow paths with at least oe relief valve in each flow path for generating a differential pressure to control the pump output. The valve system also includes a control valve with two movable members, one moving in response to rudder motion and the other moving in response to command signals, and controlling the relief valves in the flow paths. A permanent magnet electric motor receives command signals from a manual helm or an automatic pilot or otherwise, and drives one of the moving members of the control valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling direction and speed of marine engines, including at least two operator controllers located remotely from each other in respective areas of the vessel, electric-hydraulic apparatus operably interposed between the two controllers and responsive to control signals transmitted from and corresponding to the direction and speed setting of one of the controllers for synchronously effecting corresponding setting of the other controller at all times.

Abstract: Fluid pressure operable remote control apparatus for a marine vessel equipped with a dual shaft and propeller propulsion system and fluid pressure operable operator controllers for coordinating operation respective valve devices and servo-positioners, whereby the desired operating disposition of the shafts and propellers, relative to each other, is effected for providing the desired speed and directional movement of the vessel.

Abstract: A closed hydraulic system (10) of the type for steering a boat including a hydraulic cylinder (18) having port and starboard sides (20, 22) and a piston (24) within the cylinder (18) moveable therebetween. A steering pump (12) has first and second fluid outlets (14, 16). Port and starboard hydraulic lines (26, 28) interconnect the port and starboard sides (20, 22) to the first and second outlets (14, 16) respectively, for fluid communication therebetween. A closed separator tank (30) separates air from hydraulic fluid. The tank (30) includes port and starboard tank .[.line.]. .Iadd.lines .Iaddend.(32, 34) in fluid communication with the port and starboard hydraualic lines (26, 28) respectively. The tank (30) includes a bleeder valve mechanism for selectively allowing fluid flow in one direction from the port tank line (32) into the separator tank (30) and out the starboard tank line (34) and alternatively in the opposite direction.