Having Thru-hull Sealing Means Patents (Class 440/112)
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Patent number: 11584499Abstract: A clamping mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a male clamping body. The mechanism also includes a female clamping body configured to mate with the male clamping body. The mechanism further includes tightening bolts structured to connect the male clamping body to the female clamping body. The mechanism includes connecting spans connected to the male clamping body and the female clamping body. The mechanism also includes integral positioning ring halves connected to the male clamping body and the female clamping body, wherein the positioning rings are designed to fit into a positioning groove of a drive shaft and to provide a backstop to a support ring. Also, the connecting spans, the male clamping body, and the female clamping body have inner diameters that are identical and are arranged to securely fit onto an outer surface of the drive shaft when the tightening bolts are tightened.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Inventor: Chad Wathey
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Patent number: 10638666Abstract: A transmission shaft assembly includes a connecting tube extended along a central axis, a transmission shaft being a rigid shaft made of metal material, which is extended along the central axis and disposed in the connecting tube, a first limiting element disposed on an end of the connecting tube and formed with a first hole allowing the transmission shaft to pass there through, a second limiting element disposed on the other end of the connecting tube and formed with a second hole allowing the transmission shaft to pass there through, and a bushing. The bushing includes a main body formed with a channel extended along the central axis and several projecting parts disposed on the periphery of the main body. The bushing is located in the connecting tube and disposed between the first limiting element and the second limiting element. The transmission shaft passes through the first hole, the channel, and the second hole successively.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Nanjing Chervon Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Huixing Fu
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Patent number: 10384756Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Seven Marine, LLCInventors: Eric A Davis, Richard A Davis
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Patent number: 10384755Abstract: An outboard motor for a marine vessel application, and related methods of making and operating same, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the outboard motor includes a horizontal-crankshaft engine in an upper portion of the outboard motor, positioned substantially positioned above a trimming axis of the outboard motor. In at least another embodiment, first, second and third transmission devices are employed to transmit rotational power from the engine to one or more propellers at a lower portion of the outboard motor. In at least a further embodiment, the outboard motor is made to include a rigid interior assembly formed by the engine, multiple transmission devices, and a further structural component. In further embodiments, the outboard motor includes numerous cooling, exhaust, and/or oil system components, as well as other transmission features.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Seven Marine, LLCInventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
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Patent number: 10239598Abstract: An outboard motor having an internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a driveshaft, a planetary transmission that operatively connects the driveshaft to a transmission output shaft, a band brake configured to shift the planetary transmission amongst a forward gear, neutral gear and reverse gear, a hydraulic actuator is configured to actuate the band brake, and a cooling water circuit that extends adjacent to the hydraulic actuator so that the hydraulic actuator exchanges heat with cooling water in the cooling water circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Wayne M. Jaszewski
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Patent number: 10214272Abstract: A boat drive including combustion engine located within the hull and a drive unit located outside the hull. The drive has a propeller shaft and an exhaust system with an exhaust duct and an outlet. The exhaust duct connects the engine to the exhaust outlet for carrying away exhaust gases from the engine and cooling water introduced into the exhaust duct. The exhaust outlet is arranged in the propeller shaft. A first exhaust release opening is arranged in the exhaust duct, between the engine and the exhaust outlet, so that during operation, a first fraction of the exhaust gases and cooling water is discharged through the first exhaust release opening, while a second fraction of the exhaust gases and the cooling water is discharged through the exhaust outlet. A device is provided for adjusting the first fraction that can be discharged through the first exhaust release opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2014Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Loris Maniero, Alberto Frigo, Massimo Tranquillini
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Patent number: 10018275Abstract: A sealing arrangement is used when mounting a thruster in a well box attached to a hull of a marine vessel. The well box has an axis, a bottom flange, a top flange, an annular wall therebetween and hoisting pipes fastened parallel with the axis to the bottom flange radially outside the annular wall. Both the well box and a mounting flange have at least one surface acting as a sealing surface between the well box and the thruster. At least one of the surfaces has a groove for a seal for preventing water from entering the well box. The well box has a rotationally symmetric wall with an internal guide surface and the mounting flange of the thruster has an axially extending rotationally symmetric part provided with an outer surface having means for sealing the mounting flange in relation to the well box.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2015Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: WÄRTSILÄ NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Albert Drost, Jeroen Van Loon, Davor Bilic, Jan Kees De Bruin
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Patent number: 9896177Abstract: A marine drive comprises an internal combustion engine that effectuates rotation of the driveshaft, a propulsor driven into rotation by the driveshaft so as to effect thrust, and a transmission that shifts amongst a forward gear, a reverse gear, and a neutral gear. The marine drive has a gear case housing on the bottom portion and a driveshaft housing around the driveshaft and positioned between the internal combustion engine and the gear case housing. The marine drive has a shift rod rotatable about its own axis, wherein rotation of the shift rod about its own axis shifts the transmission amongst the forward gear, the reverse gear, and the neutral gear. The marine drive also comprises an actuator positioned in the driveshaft housing that effectuates the rotation of the shift drive about its own axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Andrew Tuchscherer, Wayne M. Jaszewski, Theodore J. Hanes
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Patent number: 9567036Abstract: A boat hull (1) for a boat, with a boat drive (2) which extends through a hull opening (3) in the bottom of the boat hull (1). The boat drive (2) is connected to the boat hull (1) by at least one fastening member (4). To do this, at least one positioning element (5) is provided, on the outside (6) of the boat hull (1), for positioning the fastening member (4) relative to the boat hull (1).Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Andrea Tognon, Stefano Targa
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Patent number: 9475565Abstract: A boat drive (1) with an upper drive portion (3), arranged inside a hull (2) of the boat, and a pivoting lower drive portion (4), arranged outside the hull (2) of the boat. The boat drive (1) passes through an opening (6) in the bottom of the hull (2) of the boat, forming an annular gap (5) that surrounds a periphery of the boat drive, and a sealing arrangement (10) is arranged in the area of the annular gap (5). The sealing arrangement (10) is designed as a sliding seal.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Fernando Gallato
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Publication number: 20150072578Abstract: A bellows for protecting a U-joint in a marine stern drive includes a flexible, hollow body defining an interior space and open at opposite ends, the body formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material to be self-supporting, having a first mating end and a second mating end and being pleated therebetween, a first sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the first mating end and, a second sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the second mating end.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2014Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: AB VOLVO PENTAInventors: Carl Stone, William Gremminger, Emil Hasl
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Publication number: 20150050849Abstract: A hull mounted, steerable marine drive system having trim actuation is both steerable through 360 degrees and is trimmable in a range of from approximately +3 degrees to approximately ?15 degrees. The marine drive system includes a watertight enclosure assembly for sealing the hull, which is adapted for keeping much of the marine drive system from being exposed to water. The enclosure includes a gasket flange plate, a retention plate and a folded gasket. The gasket flange plate closely follows the contour of the hull and enhances the hydrodynamic and wake performance of the present marine drive system. Further, marine drive system includes a forward-neutral-reverse (FNR) transmission assembly, a drive unit assembly having a trimmable upper unit and a steerable lower unit, a steering actuator assembly, a trim actuator assembly, and, preferably, trim foils for enhancing lift to assist in getting the boat up on plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Robert E. Nutt, Scott Crutchfield, Robert Scott Beach, Douglas J. Yoder, Douglas G. Bickelhaupt, George Edward Phillips, David J. Gruenwald, Bryan L. Danner
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Publication number: 20150038028Abstract: A hull seal assembly securing a drive unit within an opening in a boat hull may include a lower housing section, an upper housing section and an intermediate housing section of the drive unit, with the intermediate housing section having an outwardly extending retention portion. The hull seal assembly further includes a hull support ring mounted to a bottom of the boat hull and surrounding the opening and a clamp ring installed around the drive unit. with the hull support ring having a downwardly facing support ring surface; and fastened to the hull support ring and having an upwardly facing clamp ring surface. The outwardly extending retention portion may be disposed between a downwardly facing support ring surface and an upwardly facing clamp ring surface to retain the outwardly extending retention portion of the drive unit within the hull support ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: John C. Schlintz
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Patent number: 8740662Abstract: A sealing arrangement (1) for a pivotally arranged boat drive in a hull of a boat, the boat drive extends through a hull opening in the bottom of the boat. The boat drive forms, together with the hull of the boat or with a connecting piece (2) set into the hull of the boat, an annular gap. The annular gap is bridged by at least two flexible sealing elements (5, 6), and the at least two sealing elements (5, 6) enclose at least one ring chamber (7) between them.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Adone Bertolo, Andrea Tognon
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Patent number: 8708760Abstract: Disclosed herein is a trimmable pod drive assembly that includes a pod drive unit having a transmission assembly secured to a steering unit, a gear case assembly coupled to and rotatable by the steering unit about a steering axis, and a propeller rotatable about a propeller driveshaft axis extending through the gear case assembly so as to generate thrust along a thrust vector. The trimmable pod drive assembly further includes a trim assembly secured to the pod drive unit in a manner allowing for rotation of the pod drive unit about a trim axis that is substantially perpendicular to the steering axis, wherein actuation of at least one component of the trim assembly causes movement of the pod drive unit and the thrust vector about the trim axis.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Davis Engineering, LLCInventors: Eric A. Davis, Richard A. Davis
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Patent number: 8622779Abstract: A sealing unit longitudinally comprises first and second sealing sub-units disposed around first and second portions of a driveshaft of a marine propulsion system of a watercraft. The first sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to a front wall of the hull and the engine casing. The second sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to the driveshaft and a crankshaft. The second sealing sub-unit is disposed at least partially inside the first sealing sub-unit. An inside of the first sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with a water intake ramp. An inside of the second sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with an interior of an engine. The first sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the water intake ramp and a portion of an inside of the hull. The second sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the engine, the inside of the hull, and the water intake ramp.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.Inventors: Steve Brouillette, Michel Bourret, Charles Normand
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Patent number: 8506338Abstract: A connecting piece (1) that can be set or inserted into the hull of a boat. The connecting piece has an opening (2) therein for the passage of a pivoted boat drive unit. An outer edge area (3) of the connecting piece (1) facilitates fixing and sealing of the connecting piece (1) relative to the hull of the boat. The connecting piece (1) comprises a sandwich structure and the sandwich structure generally comprises an inner steel plate (5) and an outer steel plate (6) and an elastomer material arranged therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Adone Bertolo, Andrea Tognon
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Patent number: 8469755Abstract: A drive arrangement for an inboard-outboard drive engine of a watercraft, comprising a drive unit (2) with an upper part (3) arranged in a hull (1) of the watercraft and a lower part (4) which projects through a sealed opening in the hull (1) into the surrounding water such that a drivetrain extends through the drive unit (2). At least one propeller is supported by the lower part (4) and can be driven by a motor coupled to drive the upper part (3). The upper part (3) is in contact with a carrier system which, by virtue of a plurality of supporting units (12A-12D), supports reaction forces and torques produced in the drive unit (2) in the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions relative to the hull (1).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen, AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Adone Bertolo, Andrea Tognon
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Publication number: 20130115834Abstract: A bellows for protecting a U-joint in a marine stern drive includes a flexible, hollow body defining an interior space and open at opposite ends, the body formed of a thermoplastic elastomer material to be self-supporting, having a first mating end and a second mating end and being pleated therebetween, a first sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the first mating end and, a second sealing cuff formed of an elastomeric material, softer than the thermoplastic elastomer material, bonded to the second mating end.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Carl Stone, William Gremminger, Emil Hasl
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Patent number: 8152578Abstract: A joint 10 is shown for transmission of torque between an input shaft 12 and an output shaft 14. In the form shown, the joint 10 comprises an outermost helical coil spring 16 and an innermost helical coil spring 18, both of which are connected at their respective opposite ends to the input shaft 12 and to the output shaft 14. The innermost helical spring 18 is arranged to be entirely located within, and co-axially aligned with, the outermost helical spring 16 along the same centerline. The springs 16, 18 are arranged to be counter wound relative to one another to provide delivery of torque in a stabilised manner reflected in a significant reduction in the vibration observed within the joint 10 during use. The joint 10 is also arranged for transmission of thrust (or axial force) between the input shaft 12 and the output shaft 14.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: DBD Marine Pty Ltd.Inventors: Gary Rigby, Cheryl D. Rigby
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Publication number: 20120003886Abstract: A sealing unit longitudinally comprises first and second sealing sub-units disposed around first and second portions of a driveshaft of a marine propulsion system of a watercraft. The first sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to a front wall of the hull and the engine casing. The second sealing sub-unit is sealingly connected to the driveshaft and a crankshaft. The second sealing sub-unit is disposed at least partially inside the first sealing sub-unit. An inside of the first sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with a water intake ramp. An inside of the second sealing sub-unit is in fluid communication with an interior of an engine. The first sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the water intake ramp and a portion of an inside of the hull. The second sealing sub-unit prevents fluid communication between the engine, the inside of the hull, and the water intake ramp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.Inventors: Steve BROUILLETTE, Michel BOURRET, Charles NORMAND
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Publication number: 20110294378Abstract: A drive arrangement for an inboard-outboard drive engine of a watercraft, comprising a drive unit (2) with an upper part (3) arranged in a hull (1) of the watercraft and a lower part (4) which projects through a sealed opening in the hull (1) into the surrounding water such that a drivetrain extends through the drive unit (2). At least one propeller is supported by the lower part (4) and can be driven by a motor coupled to drive the upper part (3). The upper part (3) is in contact with a carrier system which, by virtue of a plurality of supporting units (12A-12D), supports reaction forces and torques produced in the drive unit (2) in the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions relative to the hull (1).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Adone Bertolo, Andrea Tognon
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Publication number: 20110281480Abstract: A connecting piece (1) that can be set or inserted into the hull of a boat. The connecting piece has an opening (2) therein for the passage of a pivoted boat drive unit. An outer edge area (3) of the connecting piece (1) facilitates fixing and sealing of the connecting piece (1) relative to the hull of the boat. The connecting piece (1) comprises a sandwich structure and the sandwich structure generally comprises an inner steel plate (5) and an outer steel plate (6) and an elastomer material arranged therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2010Publication date: November 17, 2011Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Fernando Gallato, Adone Bertolo, Andrea Tognon
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Patent number: 8011983Abstract: A marine drive has a break-away mount mounting first and second sections of the drive and breaking-away in response to a given underwater impact against the second section to protect the first section and the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard A. Davis, David T. Creech, Michael P. Mihelich, Jay Lee Cummings
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Patent number: 7985109Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Max Machine Worx, Inc.Inventors: Aaron C. Mansfield, Jason A. Mansfield
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Patent number: 7867046Abstract: A marine drive has a break-away mount provided by hollowed-out threaded fasteners mounting first and second sections of the drive and breaking away in response to a given underwater impact against the second section to protect the first section and the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Charles H. Eichinger
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Patent number: 7811143Abstract: A shaft seal pressure compensation system for an underwater device such a remotely operated vehicle powered by motor driven thrusters where the shaft of the motor extends from a motor housing into the surrounding water and is sealed by a shaft seal by automatically supplying air to pressurize the thrusters to balance the internal pressure of the thrusters to match the ambient water pressure. The air is supplied by a variable volume container that responsive to a pressure differential between the external ambient pressure and an internal pressure within the variable volume gas container for adjusting the volume of the variable volume gas container so that the internal pressure equals the ambient pressure, and thus balancing the system.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Inventor: Calvert Hawkes
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Mounting arrangement for a drive unit of a boat, and boat with mounting arrangement for a drive unit
Patent number: 7690959Abstract: A mounting arrangement is provided for mounting a boat drive to a boat hull and includes a mounting collar including a first plate having a first opening therein and a first wall extending from a top surface of the first plate around the first opening and defining a first cylinder. The mounting arrangement also includes a clamping collar including a second plate having a second opening therein and a second wall extending from a top surface of the second plate around the second opening and defining a second cylinder, an external shape of at least a top end of the first cylinder substantially matching an internal shape of at least a bottom end of the second cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventors: Edmund Alexander Szilagyi, David John Anspach, Andrew Ross Pelton -
Patent number: 7641528Abstract: The system is an enclosed, oil filled, shaft and thrust bearing assembly which includes an oil pump to circulate the oil throughout the system. The thrust bearing assembly allows the thrust to be directed to the shafts mounting system rather than through the vessels main propulsion engines and isolators thereby reducing vibration and noise emissions. In addition the elimination of thrust loading transmitted directly to the propulsion engines reduces wear and tear on the engine mounts, isolators and engine support structures. The non rotating casing of the shaft assembly allows clean water to flow to the propeller which allows more delivered horsepower to be used by the propeller.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Inventor: Peter R. Stolper
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Patent number: 7530870Abstract: A sealing member can include a radially-working lip which contacts a drive shaft in a radial direction to seal a gap between the drive shaft and the housing in the radial direction, an axially-working lip extending in an axial direction, and a contact member which contacts the axially-working lip to seal the gap between the drive shaft and the housing in the axial direction. The contact member can be fitted to the drive shaft to rotate with the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Tetsuya Mashiko, Hirohiko Kakuyama, Syuuji Fujita
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Publication number: 20090036006Abstract: A sealing member can include a radially-working lip which contacts a drive shaft in a radial direction to seal a gap between the drive shaft and the housing in the radial direction, an axially-working lip extending in an axial direction, and a contact member which contacts the axially-working lip to seal the gap between the drive shaft and the housing in the axial direction. The contact member can be fitted to the drive shaft to rotate with the drive shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: YAMAHA MARINE KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyuki Kishimoto, Tetsuya Mashiko, Hirohiko Kakuyama, Syuuji Fujita
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Patent number: 7438615Abstract: Outboard drive for boats, including a gear housing, an underwater housing connected rotatably to the gear housing, and a mounting element arranged between the gear housing and the underwater housing for mounting the drive in a boat hull with the gear housing on the inside and the underwater housing on the outside of the hull and including an exhaust passage with an exhaust outlet. The exhaust outlet is surrounded by a plate made of polytetrafluoroethylene fixed on the underside of the mounting element. The underwater housing is rotatable relative to the gear housing by an electric servomotor communicating with a control computer, which communicates with an engine control computer for an internal combustion engine connected to the drive and is arranged so as, when the engine is shut off, to give a signal to the servomotor to put the underwater housing in a position corresponding to moving straight ahead.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: AB VolvoInventor: Lennart Arvidsson
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Publication number: 20080188147Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Aaron C. Mansfield, Jason A. Mansfield
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Patent number: 7387556Abstract: An exhaust system for a marine propulsion device directs a flow of exhaust gas from an engine located within the marine vessel, and preferably within a bilge portion of the marine vessel, through a housing which is rotatable and supported below the marine vessel. The exhaust passageway extends through an interface between stationary and rotatable portions of the marine propulsion device, through a cavity formed in the housing, and outwardly through hubs of pusher propellers to conduct the exhaust gas away from the propellers without causing a deleterious condition referred to as ventilation.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventor: Richard A. Davis
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Patent number: 7361069Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Max Machine Worx Inc.Inventors: Aaron C. Mansfield, Jason A. Mansfield
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Patent number: 7318761Abstract: A marine stern drive and multi-speed transmission propulsion system in which a transmission, either manual or automatic, is interposed between the engine and stern drive extending at least partially outboard of the transom. A stern drive extension housing enclose the outboard transmission. The various embodiments may include automatic shifting, torque-absorbing couplings, dry oil sump and misalignment couplings. The system may be provided as an OEM item or as a retrofit and allows the engine to be maintained in its normal or original position thus enhancing the performance characteristics of the boat. The stern drive has forward, reverse and neutral shifting capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventors: Aaron C. Mansfield, Jason A. Mansfield
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Patent number: 7294031Abstract: A marine vessel and drive combination has upper and lower mounting plates mounting a marine propulsion device to a hull at an opening with a sealing grommet.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: Richard A. Davis, Christopher J. Nelson
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Patent number: 7238072Abstract: A support system for a marine engine provides a plurality of mounts that have primary axes that are aligned in parallel relation with a piston symmetry plane of the engine. These primary axes of the mounts are also aligned with the central axes of the cylinders of the engine. This arrangement improves the damping function of the mounts and more effectively isolates engine vibrations from the marine vessel.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Brunswick CorporationInventors: George E. Phillips, Derric Drake, Benjamin C. Wald
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Patent number: 7186157Abstract: A rotatable propeller drive (1) for a boat, where the propeller drive (1) includes an upper fixing plate (4) adapted for rotationally fixed attachment to the hull bottom (2) of the boat. A lower underwater housing (6) is provided on which at least one propeller (10, 10a, 10b) is mounted, which underwater housing (6) is mounted rotatably in the fixing plate (4) about an essentially vertical axis of rotation (8). An exhaust duct (50) is provided with an exhaust exit (14) located in the underwater housing (6). The exhaust duct (50) has an upper duct section (54) which extends through the fixing plate (4) and has an outlet opening (62) located in proximity to an opposite inlet opening (60) in a lower duct section (56) which extends through the underwater housing (6). One of the outlet opening (62) and inlet opening (60) overlaps the other at least within a limited first rotation angle range for the propeller drive (1).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventors: Staffan Mansson, Oddbjorn Hallenstvedt
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Patent number: 7182657Abstract: Boat hull with outboard drive unit, said drive unit (5) comprising an underwater housing (6) mounted on the outside of the hull bottom (1) and a gear housing (11) mounted on the inside of the hull bottom and joined to the underwater housing. Between the underwater housing and the gear housing there is fixed a mounting plate (20), which, together with a screw-down plate (24), with elastic ring (23, 27) inserts, fixes the drive unit to a flange (4), which is made on the inside of a well (3) surrounding an opening (2) in the hull bottom.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: AB Volvo PentaInventor: Staffan Månsson
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Patent number: 7101236Abstract: A marine propulsion unit utilizing a turbine engine is provided as a drop-in module. The propulsion unit includes a base which forms a part of the hull. The propulsion unit includes a drive unit which is mounted to the engine. Both the engine and the drive unit are moved with respect to the hull to change the angle of the propeller with respect to the hull. A hydraulic resistance system is provided to provide resistance to a turbine engine when in an idle condition. An auxiliary power transfer is provided to power an auxiliary gen-set and power unit. A main electrical power unit having an auxiliary engine is also connected to the power transfer unit. The auxiliary engine may be used to drive the vessel at low speeds and maneuvering conditions. One of the main engines may be used to drive both of the shafts through the power transfer unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2005Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Inventor: Jim Wilson
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Patent number: 6872108Abstract: A bearing body for rotatably supporting a drive shaft for driving an impeller on a watercraft body includes a bearing chamber containing bearing members rotatably supporting the drive shaft. Seal members are disposed on both sides of the bearing members and partition the bearing chamber by making contact with an outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft. The seal members are disposed so that grease in the bearing chamber does not leak out through the contact portions between the seal members and the outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft, and a breather passage is communicated with the bearing chamber. Two bearing members within the bearing chamber have a space formed between the bearing members, e.g., to form a grease reservoir between the bearing members. The aforementioned bearing structure reduces the necessity of maintenance, e.g., supplying grease to a drive shaft bearing portion, or at least the reduces the required frequency of maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Masahiko Tsuchiya
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Patent number: 6872110Abstract: A jet pump for a personal watercraft is designed to prevent water from contacting an impeller shaft therein. The apparatus includes a stator 31 with a channel 18 formed therein. An impeller 32 and an impeller shaft 35 are rotatably disposed in the stator 31, and are connected to one another by a threaded connection therebetween. A collar 40 is integrally formed with the impeller 32, and a water-resistant seal 37 is provided between the collar 40 and the stator. The impeller shaft 35 is constructed so that a drive shaft 22 is connectable to the front thereof by a spline fit. A shock-absorbing member 50 is provided for placement between the impeller shaft and the drive shaft, and the shock-absorbing member includes structure adapted to allow air or grease to pass toward the drive shaft side thereof, when the impeller is screwed on to the impeller shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomohiro Fuse
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Patent number: 6814637Abstract: The propeller drive is installed with its drive shaft inside a boat hull and it's driven (propeller) shaft outside. The shafts are interconnected by a silent chain. The drive shaft position is adjustable to adjust the distance between it and the driven shaft, thus adjusting tension in the chain. The drive shaft is carried in two bearings which are installed eccentrically in two bearing carriers. The bearing carriers are rotatably mounted in a casing and are structurally interconnected by a connector. The adjustments are made by rotational adjustment of the connector relative to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Inventor: Manfred W. Quaeck
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Patent number: 6796857Abstract: The invention comprises a propulsion system for ships comprising an impeller (13, 14), a stator shell (1), and a impeller housing (3) for achieving a waterjet, a shaft (11, 12) for the propulsion of the impeller (13), and a bearing arrangement for the shaft (11, 12) in the stator shell (1), and preferably a sealing (15) of the shaft (11, 12) in the impeller housing (3), wherein said bearing arrangement comprises at least one sliding bearing unit (25; 26) intended to carry axial load, and which sliding bearing preferably is water lubricated.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Rolls-Royce AktiebolagInventors: Jens Tornblad, Christer Häger, Sven-Gunnar Karlsson, Gunnar Styrud
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Patent number: 6758707Abstract: A mounting support (100, 200) for a marine vessel inboard drive propulsion system used in connection with a precision driveline includes a substantially cylindrical housing (107), one or more bearing assemblies (113) positioned within the cylindrical housing (107) for promoting rotation of a drive shaft (103) and one or more seals (119) typically located at both ends of the housing (107) for preventing water from contacting one or more of the bearing assemblies (113).Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Acme Marine Group, L.L.C.Inventor: Timothy Patrick Creighton
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Patent number: 6739923Abstract: An engine alignment jig assembly, which is used for installing an engine in a hull of a small watercraft via four engine mounts in such a manner that an output shaft of the engine is in alignment with a rotating shaft of a jet pump, is disclosed. The jig assembly includes an engine lower part dummy constructed to resemble a lower half of the engine. The engine lower part dummy includes a generally rectangular skeleton frame having substantially the same size in plan view as the lower half of the engine. Four screws are each provided at a respective corner of the rectangular skeleton frame and adapted to be threaded in a corresponding one of the engine mounts to attach the engine lower part dummy to the engine mounts. Two adjacent ones of the screws that are disposed on a bow side of the watercraft form left and right front screws, and the remaining two screws that are disposed on a stern side of the watercraft form left and right rear screws.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masatoshi Murakami
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Publication number: 20040092178Abstract: A mounting support (100, 200) for a marine vessel inboard drive propulsion system used in connection with a precision driveline includes a substantially cylindrical housing (107), one or more bearing assemblies (113) positioned within the cylindrical housing (107) for promoting rotation of a drive shaft (103) and one or more seals (119) typically located at both ends of the housing (107) for preventing water from contacting one or more of the bearing assemblies (113).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Timothy Patrick Creighton
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Publication number: 20040092177Abstract: A combination strut and rudder control assembly (300) for use in a marine vessel includes a strut (301) used for providing support to a drive shaft assembly and a relatable shaft (311) positioned behind the strut (301) for controlling a rudder used to steer the marine vessel. The invention promotes efficient operation of the marine vessel though the use a strut (301) combined with a rudder control to enable proper alignment and mounting of these devices under the vessel's hull.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventor: Timothy Patrick Creighton
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Patent number: 6695656Abstract: A drive shaft support structure for a boat for preventing water from penetrating a boat body via a cylindrical portion through which the drive shaft passes. The cylindrical portion extends inwardly from outside the boat toward the engine. A support portion for supports a rubber dampered bearing body, which rotatably supports the drive shaft on the engine side. The rubber dampered bearing body includes a rubber damper portion and a rubber cylindrical portion formed integrally with the rubber damper portion and extending toward the cylindrical portion. The rubber cylindrical portion and the cylindrical portion are directly connected. The rubber dampered bearing body supports the rear end of a cover for a coupler for connecting an output shaft of the engine and the drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Masahiko Tsuchiya