Abstract: A steering system includes a steering sensor, a gear motor assembly, and a controller. The steering sensor is disposed at a helm. The gear motor assembly at least partially extends between a mid-unit and a lower unit of an outboard motor. The controller is in communication with the steering sensor and the gear motor assembly. The controller is programmed to command the gear motor assembly to pivot the lower unit relative to the mid-unit in response to a signal provided by the steering sensor.

Abstract: A marine electric power steering system includes an input assembly, a steering actuator, and a cable assembly. The input assembly is operatively connected to a steering shaft. The input assembly has a steering sensor assembly and a motor assembly. The steering actuator is disposed within a pontoon and is in communication with the steering sensor assembly. The cable assembly extends through a wall of the pontoon. The cable assembly operatively connects the steering actuator and a steering device that is pivotally mounted to the pontoon.

Abstract: A power steering system for a marine steering includes a hydraulic cylinder, an actuator block that is mounted on an outer end of a ram of the cylinder, and valving. An actuator arm, mounted on the actuator block, is connected to the steering link, to the steering rod, and to the valving. The actuator arm is configured to move on the actuator block upon the transmission of steering command forces thereto by the steering rod to actuate the valving so as to drive the ram into or out of the barrel and to transmit steering forces to the steering link from the actuator block. The actuator block is configured such that it can accept standard steering links of different engine brands.

Abstract: A traction control system is for a marine vessel. The traction control system comprises a first internal combustion engine that causes rotation of a first propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in the water. A second internal combustion engine causes rotation of a second propulsor to thereby propel the marine vessel in water. A sensor senses a change in operation of the first internal combustion engine that is indicative of a loss of traction between the first propulsor and the water. A control circuit is programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the first propulsor when the sensor senses the change in operation of the first internal combustion engine, thereby allowing the first propulsor to regain traction with the water. When the control circuit slows rotation, the control circuit is further programmed to temporarily slow rotation of the second internal combustion engine, thereby preventing unintended movement of the marine vessel.

Abstract: A suspension device includes a clamp bracket, a tilting shaft, a swivel bracket, a steering shaft, a case, an electric motor, and a transmitter. The electric motor and the transmitter are held in the interior of the case. The electric motor produces power to rotate the steering shaft about a central axis of the steering shaft. The transmitter transmits power from the electric motor to the steering shaft side. The case is located on a placing portion provided on the swivel bracket, and removably attached to the swivel bracket.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes a transom bracket, a steering shaft, an outboard motor, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The steering shaft is joined to the transom bracket, and is turnable around a steering axis extending in an up-down direction. The outboard motor is joined to the steering shaft, turnable around a tilt axis, and turnable around the steering axis together with the steering shaft. The tilt mechanism is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis with respect to the steering shaft. The steering mechanism includes a power conversion mechanism arranged to convert power of the electric motor into turning of the steering shaft around the steering axis.

Abstract: An arrangement for the maneuver control of a twin-engine boat (1) includes an extendible rod (6) connected to the engines (8) from its ends for changing the boat thrust direction of the engines (8) and a mechanism for moving the extendible rod (6) relative to the boat (1) in the longitudinal axis direction thereof.

Abstract: A propeller assembly is disclosed, comprising propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. A cam follower is disposed on each propeller blade. A cam is movable between a first position, a second position and a third position. Recesses formed in the cam have a first segment, a second segment and a third segment, oriented at first, second and third angles. The first segment is oriented at a first angle relative to the central axis. The cam followers engage the first segment of the recesses when the cam moves between first and second positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between a first pitch and a second pitch. The cam followers engage the second segment of the recesses when the cam moves between second and third positions to vary the pitch of the propeller blades between the second pitch and a third pitch.

Abstract: A support assembly for a trolling motor is disclosed whereby the trolling motor shaft is clamped into a separate threaded rack unit. A motor driving a gear engaged with the rack unit causes the trolling motor to be raised and lowered vertically. A spring is employed in the breakaway mounting assembly to allow the trolling motor propulsion unit to deflect upon striking an underwater obstacle, and thereby prevent damage to the trolling motor.

Abstract: In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line. The power of the engine is transmitted to the propeller via a vertical drive shaft (10) which is coaxial with the vertical axial line. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. This is particularly beneficial when two or more outboard marine motors are used one next to the other.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes a transom bracket, a steering shaft, an outboard motor, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The steering shaft is joined to the transom bracket, and is turnable around a steering axis extending in an up-down direction. The outboard motor is joined to the steering shaft, turnable around a tilt axis, and turnable around the steering axis together with the steering shaft. The tilt mechanism is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis with respect to the steering shaft. The steering mechanism includes a power conversion mechanism arranged to convert power of the electric motor into turning of the steering shaft around the steering axis.

Abstract: In an outboard marine motor including an upper case (4) enclosing an engine (E) and a lower case (5) fitted with a propeller (12) and connected to a lower end of the upper case, the lower case is configured to be turned relative to the upper case around a vertical axial line. The power of the engine is transmitted to the propeller via a vertical drive shaft (10) which is coaxial with the vertical axial line. Thereby, the outboard marine motor can be steered simply by turning the lower case. Because the upper case having a relatively large lateral dimension as compared with the lower case is not required to be turned, a large steering angle can be achieved without the outboard marine motor interfering with watercraft having the outboard marine motor mounted thereon. This is particularly beneficial when two or more outboard marine motors are used one next to the other.

Abstract: An outboard motor having a steering control and a rudder reference sensor, both connectible to a computer-operated guidance system. The steering control utilizes a linear actuator connected through a linkage to the motor. The actuator utilizes a rack that moves along the axis about which the motor pivots from its use position to its storage position, thereby enabling the rudder position sensor to remain connected to the motor when the motor is pivoted from its use position to its storage position. The sensor can include a follower disposed in a sloping groove on the rack, a pin on the rack engaged in a helical groove on a cylinder, or an externally mounted sensor connected to the steering linkage through an auxiliary linkage.

Abstract: In an outboard motor steering control system having a plurality of outboard motors each mounted on a stern of a boat by a shaft to be movable by an outboard motor actuator relative to the boat and each having an internal combustion engine and a propeller powered by the engine to propel the boat, a tie-bar motor (actuator) is operated such that the outboard motors can be finely operated synchronously to make desired steering angles finely, i.e., to achieve the desired steering angles in response to a detected rotation angle of a steering wheel. Also outboard motor actuators are individually operated to regulate the relative angles between the outboard motors, thereby enhancing both straight course-holding performance and turning performance.

Abstract: A swivel bracket can be attached to a transom plate of a watercraft by means of a clamp bracket. A steering bracket can be rotationally provided in a swivel shaft of the swivel bracket. An outboard motor body can be secured to the steering bracket. An electric motor can be housed in the outboard motor and engaged with a stationary gear secured to the swivel bracket by way of a reduction gear. Driven by the electric motor, the steering bracket turns relative to the swivel bracket, causing the outboard motor body to turn.

Abstract: A pod unit including a pod housing (1) and an assembly unit (6), a so called seating, for the pod housing (1), wherein the seating (6) has a lower portion (6A) and an upper portion (6F) as well as a base (15) for the installation of the pod housing (1) which comprises a lower casing portion (1A) for the accommodation of a propulsion unit (2, 3, 4), an intermediate portion (1B) comprising air ducts (9, 10), and an upper portion (13), which is fixedly connected to a steering engine (14, 18, 19), with a gear ring (14) to be fixed at the base (15). A cooling system having at least one fan (7) is mounted within the seating.

Abstract: A pod unit including a pod housing (1) and an assembly unit (6), a so called seating, for the pod housing (1), wherein the seating (6) has a lower portion (6A) and an upper portion (6F) as well as a base (15) for the installation of the pod housing (1) which comprises a lower casing portion (1A) for the accommodation of a propulsion unit (2, 3, 4), an intermediate portion (1B) comprising air ducts (9, 10), and an upper portion (1C), which is fixedly connected to a steering engine (14, 18, 19), with a gear ring (14) to be fixed at said base (15). A cooling system comprising having at least one fan (7) is mounted within the seating.

Abstract: A retractable thruster (5) is connected to a lifting device for retracting the thruster in two stages, the lifting device in the first stage lifting the thruster to a level at or near the keel (7) of the vessel, the second stage including lifting the thruster to an access level (13), located above the first level. The lifting device may be formed by a rack (3,3′) which can be constructed on deck level, or by hydraulic cylinders. Preferably the frame (6) which carries the thruster is formed by a closed container having buoyancy, the drive motor, gearbox and rotational drive unit being placed in the container.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a boat has a powerhead or a motor with an exhaust port for exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are exhausted through the propeller hub via an exhaust housing. The exhaust housing is a walled enclosure having an inlet, an internal volume in flow communication with the inlet, and an outlet in flow communication with the internal volume. The exhaust housing further includes hollow structures for dividing a portion of the internal volume into a plurality of flow channels which extend in side-by-side relationship. The transverse dimensions of each flow channel is substantially less than the transverse dimensions of the walled enclosure. The result is that standing waves are shifted to a higher frequency range. The hollow dividing structures have internal volumes which communicate with space external to the exhaust housing via openings in the walled enclosure, which allow the admission of a cooling medium.

Abstract: A automated steering mechanism for an outboard motor for an effective and efficient alternative to cable steering. The automated steering mechanism for an outboard motor includes a housing, an electric motor, gears, an elongate drive member connected to a steering arm which is swivelly attached to an outboard motor, mounting brackets for attaching the housing to a boat, and a control unit connected with wires to the electric motor for energizing and controlling the direction of the electric motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper is provided for a steering system, such as that of a boat or watercraft. A manually movable steering mechanism, such as a steering wheel, is connected to a piston and cylinder combination in such a way that rotation of the steering wheel causes relative movement between the piston and cylinder. Hydraulic fluid is disposed within the cylinder in such a way that movement between the cylinder and piston requires the hydraulic fluid to move from one portion of the cylinder to another portion of the cylinder. This fluid movement is conducted through a conduit which can be external to the cylinder or internal to the cylinder and extending through the piston.

Abstract: An adapter for accommodating variations in size and design of outboard motor powerheads, to couple a power steering servo unit thereto, utilizing existent mounting brackets and steering brackets without restriction on powerhead use, characterized by an anchor socket pivoted on a transverse mounting bracket axis to secure a motor operated tiller member at a fixed steering position that shifts its steering center eccentrically with respect to the turning center of the powerhead, the anchor socket accommodating angular displacement caused by said eccentricity.

Abstract: A two-position geared steering device for an electric trolling motor is provided. The steering device has a tiller attached to a sector drive gear. The sector drive is rotatably mounted by a bracket on a fixed part of the electric trolling motor engaging the two-part split shaft gear which is clamped to the motor shaft. The electric trolling motor steering device provides steering with rotation of the tiller in either a vertical or horizontal plane. The sector drive gear assembly allows repositioning the sector and the tiller to operate in either the horizontal and vertical planes. The steering device may be easily adapted to an existing trolling motor using a simple clamp assembly.

Abstract: A steering apparatus for an outboard motor includes an electrically-energized motor having a pinion meshed with a pivotally mounted gear sector. A linkage connects the gear sector to the outboard motor such that by energizing the electrical motor to rotate the shaft in a selected direction, the direction of the propeller thrust can be controlled.

Abstract: A marine hydraulic system for operation of a power steering assembly includes a pressure accumulator to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid and valving that permits the transfer of hydraulic fluid within the cylinder to provide efficient use of hydraulic fluid.

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

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

Abstract: An auxiliary outboard motor for boats comprising an electric propulsion motor having a propeller, a supporting shaft therefor with a first rack gear mounted thereon, a device for mounting the supporting shaft onto a boat, the mounting device comprising a primary mounting bracket for fastening to a boat and having a second rack gear secured thereto, a secondary mounting bracket pivotally connected to the primary bracket, the secondary mounting bracket comprising a housing having a bearing for supporting the supporting shaft for longitudinal movement with respect to the secondary mounting bracket, a reversible electric drive motor housed in the secondary bracket, and including a device for drivingly engaging the first and second rack gears for moving the supporting shaft longitudinally with respect to the secondary bracket and for pivoting the secondary bracket relative to the primary bracket for moving the supporting shaft between an operative position and a stowed position, and a device for disengaging said e

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

Abstract: A marine hydraulic system for operation of a power steering assembly includes a pressure accumulator to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid and valving that permits the transfer of hydraulic fluid within the cylinder to provide efficient use of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A marine propulsion driving apparatus for an inboard engine of the type having an input drive shaft with a propeller shaft extending through the stern of the boat, with the body of the drive extending substantially straight out from the stern of the boat with a propeller at the outer end thereof. Both steering of the boat and vertical trimming of the drive body are brought about by operating the drive body itself, the drive body being mounted in a mounting ring at the stern of the boat. A trimming mechanism mounted relative to the mounting ring includes two cooperating inclined adjustment rings mounted in direct contact with each other. One of these adjustment rings carries the drive body and the two adjustment rings are rotatable relative to each other such that different inclination angle combinations are obtained and the drive body is thereby trimmed vertically.

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

Abstract: A marine hydraulic system for operation of a power steering assembly includes a pressure accumulator to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid and valving that permits the transfer of hydraulic fluid within the cylinder to provide efficient use of hyraulic fluid.

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 remote steering control for outboard powerheads on boats, having a reversible motor and pinion mounted on a bracket moving with the powerhead engaging a tiller segment on the motor mount, steering right and left in response to a remote and portable hand held control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pedal boat and in particular to one having two inflation members connected by a transverse rod, a seat mounted on the middle of the transverse rod, a transmission gear, a pair of pedals operatively associated with the transmission gear and a propeller connected to the lower end of the transmission gear, whereby the boat can be easily propelled in the water by use of the pedals.

Abstract: A steering structure for a ship propelling device includes: a support member for supporting the body of the ship propelling device on a hull; a universal joint for connecting between a drive shaft connected to a drive source and an input shaft of the ship propelling device; a vertically driving means adapted to cause the body to vertically pivot about a pivot shaft; and a turning driving means adapted to cause the body to pivot about an axis orthogonal to the axis of the pivot shaft. The vertically driving means and the body are connected together through a link mechanism. Such arrangement makes it possible to turn the whole of the ship propelling device independently of any vertical movement thereof, contributing to reduction of the production cost and a stable steering operation of the propelling device.

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 system for a boat, comprising a steering unit, at least one push-pull control cable and a pinion-rack unit.The above pinion-rack unit has a rack casing, a rack slidably inserted into the rack casing, a cable guide for outwardly guiding an inner cable of the push-pull control cable; the inner cable being inserted into an inner cable path formed in a surface of the rack, a small guide groove being formed in the inner cable path and a small projection piece slidably inserted into the small guide groove and is formed on the front bottom portion of the cable guide, whereby the inner cable can be very smoothly operated and the space for arranging the push-pull control cable can be saved.

Abstract: A boat steering mechanism for permitting a remotely mounted rudder control by means of a push-pull control cable, comprising a rack engaging with a pinion and 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 and a fitting member for fastening one end of the inner cable, 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: The invention relates to a steering arrangement for boats equipped with inboard-outboard drive (10). The gearbox (22) of the drive is arranged so as not to be horizontally pivotal in relation to the stern (12) of the boat, while the underwater housing (26) of the drive is horizontally pivotal in relation to the gearbox (22). For rotating the underwater housing in relation to the gearbox, a steering gear (44-56) acts which comprises a toothed segment (56). Hereby a total steering angle of up to 180.degree. can be obtained.

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 water-going vessel having a plurality of water intake turbines extendible and retractable in unison beneath the underside of the vessel. Hull construction pieces preferably comprise a plurality of hollow spheres sandwiched within containment walls, with each sphere in contact with and secured to every adjacent sphere thereto, and further secured to touching containment walls. One preferred turbine has, in sequence, (1) two water intake tunnels having disposed therein rotatable independently controllable tandemly disposed blade groups which spiral water there through in inwardly projecting angles; (2) a mixing chamber wherein water angularly exiting each tunnel collides and proceeds linearly; (3) a venturi constriction passage wherein gas is introduced into water traveling there through; and (4) an exit passage wherein gas is introduced into water traveling there through.

Abstract: An outboard motor system for propelling a vessel comprising a power plant stationarily fixed to the vessel with its drive shaft in the horizontal athwartship position, a propeller assembly comprising a propeller and a kinematic train for driving the same mounted to the vessel for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the drive shaft and for vertical movement relative to the drive shaft, the kinematic train including an input shaft, the axis of which coincides with the axis of rotation of the propeller assembly and is parallel to the drive shaft, pulleys fixed to the respective shafts and a band entrained about the pulleys.