Abstract: Ringing noise in a tube or in tubes comprising a propeller shaft of an automotive drive is attenuated by an elastomeric ring positioned in each shaft. The elastomeric ring is a split ring, preferably made of recycled rubber, wherein the ring normally has a rectangular shape and is bent into a cylindrical shape for insertion in the tube. The outward bias of the ring is sufficient to hold the ring in place within the tube, while a gap in the material of the ring allows the ring to exert further expansive force against the inner surface of the tube while the tube is rotating. A single ring located midway between the ends of a tube is sufficient to attenuate ringing noise in one example of a tube, however a plurality of spaced rings may be used in other tube configurations to attenuate ringing noise. Preferably, the elastomeric ring has an axial extent of about 5% of the length of the tube.

Abstract: A transmission for a marine propulsion device is provided with a movable member that responds to relative rotational movement between it and a driving shaft with an axial movement relative to the driving shaft and to a driven component. This axial movement is directed against one of two spring components which resist the axial movement. During the compression of either of the spring components, rotation of the driven component is non-synchronous with the driving component during a brief period of time. Also, the driven component is decoupled at least partially from torque transmitting relation with the driving component during the axial movement of the movable member relative to the driving and driven components.

Abstract: A propeller for a boat includes a propeller shaft having a shaft hole, a shaft sleeve mounted in the shaft hole of the propeller shaft and provided with a metal core with a through hole for insertion of a driving shaft of the boat, and a shock-absorbing member covering an outer surface of the metal and having an outer surface contacted with an inner surface of the propeller shaft that surrounds the shaft hole; and a lock unit mounted on the driving shaft for fixing the driving shaft in the through hole of the shaft sleeve, so that the propeller is rotatable by the driving shaft. When the propeller bumps hard things during rotation to result in vibration to the propeller, the shock-absorbing member can absorb the vibration so as to protect the driving shaft from damage.

Abstract: An outboard motor S has a first drive shaft 31 directly interlocked with an engine E, a second drive shaft 32, an intermediate gear mechanism 33 interlocking the first drive shaft 31 and the second drive shaft 32, an output gear mechanism 50 driven by power transmitted thereto through the second drive shaft 32, a propeller shaft 17 driven for rotation by power transmitted thereto through the output gear mechanism 50, and a gear case 13 holding the output gear mechanism 50. The second drive shaft 32 extends downward beyond a vertical position corresponding to the lower end of the first drive shaft 31. The gear case 13 is provided with water intakes 98 through which a water pump 90 sucks water in a space between the first drive shaft 31 and the output gear mechanism 50 with respect to a vertical direction on the front side of the second drive shaft 32. The space for the water intakes 98 can be easily secured because the second drive shaft 32 is disposed on the rear side of the first drive shaft 31.

Abstract: An outboard motor S has: a first drive shaft 31 interlocked with an internal combustion engine, a second drive shaft 32 interlocked with the first drive gear 31, an output gear mechanism 50 driven by the second drive shaft 32, a propeller shaft 17, and a gear case 13 holding the output gear mechanism 50 and the propeller shaft 17 and having a normally submerged gearing holding portion 21. The second drive shaft 32 is disposed rearward of the first drive shaft 31 with respect to a longitudinal direction. The gearing holding portion 21 has a tapered part 21a extending forward from a position corresponding to the second drive shaft 32 and having a front end 21c. The tapered part 21a is tapered toward the front. The disposition of the second drive shaft 32 rearward of the first drive shaft 31 enables forming the gear case 13 in a small size and reduces underwater resistance to the gear case 13.

Abstract: In an outboard motor mounted on a stern of a boat, comprising a power source and a driven unit including a drive shaft connected to the power source and a propeller connected to the drive shaft through a gear mechanism, wherein the power source is detachably connected to the driven unit through an interlock unit, i.e., the outboard motor can be separated into a power unit housing the power source and the driven unit. Owing to this configuration, it becomes possible to provide the outboard motor that is improved in transportability or portability, can be easily mounted on a boat, and minimizes the amount of space required for storage.

Abstract: A marine vessel includes a hull and has at least one load carrying facility defined by at least one loading space with a given height, a given width and a given length, whereby the loading space is provided on a bulkhead deck, and a propulsion arrangement, which includes at least one steerable thruster unit connected by a shaft arrangement to a drive means. In order to provide better access to the bulkhead deck for loading and unloading the marine vessel, the steerable thruster unit is arranged below the bulkhead deck and the drive means is arranged above the loading space. The shaft arrangement comprises a substantially vertical shaft section extending from the drive means above the loading space through the given height of the loading space and to the steerable thruster unit below the bulkhead deck.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly comprises a connect shaft portion, a plungable constant velocity joint, and a hollow shaft portion with a cavity. An energy absorbing material is disposed within at least a portion of the cavity. The material absorbs energy when the constant velocity joint plunges into the hollow shaft portion when a predetermined force is exerted upon the constant velocity joint. The energy absorbing material may comprise a foam material, such as, an organic foam, a cellular foam, a synthetic foam, a metal foam, and the like. In addition to absorbing energy, the foam material minimizes the transmission of high frequency vibration of the propeller shaft assembly.

Abstract: An outboard motor cam have a power transmission mechanism for transmitting rotational power of a crankshaft of an engine to a propeller through a drive shaft, an advancing/reversing-switching mechanism and a propeller shaft, and adapted to be propelled by the propeller being driven for rotation. A torque variation-absorbing device can be disposed in a coupling section between the crankshaft and the drive shaft, and supported through bearings.

Abstract: A pod propulsion system comprises a housing defining a fluid duct and an annular drum rotatably mounted to the housing within the fluid duct. The annular drum has a drum interior and a cylindrical outer surface. The system further comprises a rotor mounted to the drum for rotation therewith, the rotor and the drum having a common axis of rotation. A bearing assembly mounted to the housing comprises a first bearing comprising a first plurality of bearing pads disposed circumferentially around the drum. Each pad has a pad bearing surface adapted to contact a first drum portion in a predetermined manner and is pivotably mounted to the housing so as to maintain contact of the pad bearing surface with the first drum portion in the predetermined manner when an orientation of the drum portion relative to the housing changes.

Abstract: Propeller shaft (2) and a propeller (7) for marine drive units. The shaft has a splines portion (3) on which the propeller is designed to be fixed. The shaft also has a threaded portion (10) for a lock nut between the shaft end and the splines portion for axial fixing of the propeller. The splines portion (3) on the shaft has keyways/grooves (4) which are narrower than the keys (5) therebetween, where the propeller has a hub (6) with corresponding keys (8) and keyways (9).

Abstract: A linkage for coupling to at least one rotatable shaft of a high voltage circuit breaker has an elongated body having a central body portion and opposed end portions. At least one of the end portions comprises a pair of parallel side walls and a bottom wall extending longitudinally from the central body portion along the end portion. Each of the parallel side walls comprises an outer side wall portion and an inner side wall portion. Each outer side wall portion extends longitudinally beyond an outer end of a lower part of the inner side wall portion and an outer end of the bottom wall. The parallel side walls and bottom wall form a slot having an open end adapted to receive a square or rectangular end of a rotatable shaft in the slot. The slot has an upper longitudinal opening between the adjacent upper edges of the side walls and a lower longitudinal opening between adjacent lower edges of the outer side wall portions that extend beyond the bottom wall.

Abstract: A joint for transmission of torque between an input element and an output element, the joint including a spring associated with the input and output elements and arranged in use to transfer torque between the elements, and a resiliently deformable member arranged to transmit thrust between the input and output elements.

Abstract: A drive shaft supporting structure for a watercraft is provided that supports in a substantially watertight manner at least a portion of the driveshaft. The drive shaft extends from an engine, which is disposed within an inner section of a hull of the watercraft (e.g., an engine compartment), to a propulsion unit that is disposed outside the inner section of the hull. The driveshaft supporting structure includes a bearing part that is mounted on a peripheral surface of the driveshaft at a location within the inner section of the hull. An elastic part is mounted on a peripheral surface of the bearing part and a bearing part supporting section supports a press-fitted assembly of the elastic part and the bearing part. The bearing part supporting section is attached to a wall of the hull (e.g., a duct wall) at a location where the driveshaft extends from the inner section of the hull.

Abstract: An improved marine vessel includes a hull, the hull including a transom and having a predetermined waterline intersecting the hull and the transom. The vessel further includes an upper driveshaft disposed above the waterline, an engine disposed within the hull including an engine drive shaft, and a transmission shaft. The transmission shaft is configured to operatively couple the engine drive shaft to the upper drive shaft. The transmission shaft extends in an inclined orientation relative to a bottom of the hull between the engine drive shaft and the upper drive shaft. The vessel includes a stern drive attached to the transom, wherein the stern drive operatively couples the upper drive shaft to a propeller.

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided having a stern drive attached to the transom of the vessel. An actuator is provided for adjusting the pitch of the stern drive relative to the transom of the vessel. The stern drive is mounted on the transom of the vessel such that a driveshaft driven by the engine of the vessel and passing through the transom to enter the stern drive does so above the waterline of the vessel. Furthermore, the actuator is of a sufficient length to allow the pitch of the stern drive to be adjusted to such a degree that the entire stern drive can be brought above the waterline of the vessel. To this end, the actuator may be disposed between the transom of the vessel and a cantilevered member attached to the stern drive.

Abstract: Amphibious vehicle comprises longitudinally mounted prime mover, transmission, and offset final drive; with drive outputs; and a power take off. Outputs drive front and rear differentials, via optional decouplers. Power take off powers drive tube, independently from co-axial rear propshaft. Tube powers sprockets via belt or chain; gears could be used here. Optional marine decoupler drives shaft, and thus water jet pump. A power train with front wheel drive only; a dead rear axle is provided. A power train with rear wheel drive only; a dead front axle is provided. Prime mover may be offset parallel to centre line; and may be an engine or an electric motor, possibly powered by a fuel cell. The power take off may be in the form of a drive spline.

Abstract: In a drive shaft support structure for a marine propulsion machine, a gear case is provided with a vertical drive shaft receiving, bore and a drive shaft driven by an internal combustion engine is supported for rotation in the drive shaft receiving bore. A gear case is provided with a gear chamber connected to the lower end of the drive shaft receiving bore. A bevel gear mechanism for transmitting power from the drive shaft to a propeller shaft is disposed in the gear chamber. The drive shaft is supported for rotation in a bearing. The bearing is fitted in the drive shaft receiving bore and is held fixedly in place with a bearing-fastening member screwed in an internal threaded part of the drive shaft receiving bore. A covering member provided with a central hole through which the drive shaft is passed is attached to the gear case so as to close the open upper end of the drive shaft receiving bore in a liquid-tight fashion.

Abstract: A marine vessel is provided having a stern drive attached to the transom of the vessel. An actuator is provided for adjusting the pitch of the stern drive relative to the transom of the vessel. The stern drive is mounted on the transom of the vessel such that a driveshaft driven by the engine of the vessel and passing through the transom to enter the stern drive does so above the waterline of the vessel. Furthermore, the actuator is of a sufficient length to allow the pitch of the stern drive to be adjusted to such a degree that the entire stern drive can be brought above the waterline of the vessel. To this end, the actuator may be disposed between the transom of the vessel and a cantilevered member attached to the stern drive.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly is described that includes a self-aligning thrust bearing used in fluid thrust assemblies where the thrust may become unevenly distributed, e.g. in a water jet propulsion unit. The thrust bearing is designed to be lubricated by water and to be self-aligning against uneven thrust forces applied to it. The self-alignment is achieved by the design of the bearing, which is in the form of an annular multi-layer plate. The bearing plate comprises a metallic central core layer, an interface layer of marine bearing material on one side of the core and a flexible backing layer on the other side of the core. The backing layer supports the thrust flange against a support face and is formed of a high resilience polymer material capable of being deformed under thrust action sufficiently to align the thrust bearing to correct for uneven thrust.

Abstract: A sternpost or strut bearing assemblage is disclosed having a flat mounting plate integrally formed with a pair of separated collars, which collars have their centers longitudinally aligned with each other to receive a vessel's drive shaft. A pair of opposed split bearing retainer covers is affixed to the mounting plate. Each cover is essentially omega shaped, and on the semi cylindrical inner surface thereof, the cover includes a plurality of longitudinally located retaining grooves having seated therein a mating series of ribs located on the outer surface of a hard semi cylindrical bearing shell which shell has a soft inner water lubrication lining. A split bearing is divided lengthwise at a midpoint parting line into two bearing halves, and each bearing half rides in an associated bearing retainer cover that is fastened by bolts in a removable fashion to the mounting plate of the bearing assemblage proper.

Abstract: A watercraft has a pivoting, shock absorbing component that absorbs forces applied to its hull. The watercraft includes a hull, a deck coupled to the hull, an engine, and a jet propulsion system movably coupled to the engine. In one embodiment, a forward hull portion couples to the deck and a rearward hull portion movably couples to the deck and/or the forward hull portion. The jet propulsion system mounts to the rearward hull portion, while the engine mounts to the deck. A suspension element is disposed between the hull rear portion and either the deck or the hull forward portion. In another embodiment, the hull and deck are movably coupled to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a jet propulsion unit (1) for propulsion of a waterborne craft comprising at least one impeller pump (3) with a pump housing (4) in which an impeller shaft (22) or ajournal (21) connected to said impeller shaft (22) is is rotatably journalled in bearings, and an impeller (7) blades (24), the impeller (7) being fixed to said impeller shaft (22) or journal (21) so as to follow the rotation of the impeller shaft (22), the impeller blades (24) being arranged at the impeller ( ) with a play of the blades (25) between each impeller blade (24) and the inside (15) of the pump housing (4). According to the invention the jet propulsion unit (1) also comprises an axially adjustable thrust bearing (27) arranged to cooperate with the impeller shaft (22) for adjusting said play (25).

Abstract: In a personal watercraft with an engine 17 disposed at a central portion of a craft body and a water jet propeller 18 disposed at a stern of the watercraft, a propeller shaft 33 of the water jet propeller is connected to an end 31 of a crankshaft of the engine by a shaft coupling 32. The shaft coupling as well as the ends of the crankshaft and propeller shaft are covered from the top and from both sides with a cover apparatus 22, including a first cover section 35 for removable attachment to the engine or the hull, and a second cover section section 36 for removable attachment to the first cover section. When the cover is removed, it only of the second cover section section, and even if the space for working is small, not much time is required for removal and re-attachment thereof.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Power train for an amphibious vehicle has an engine aligned with vehicle axis. The crankshaft drives optional flexible coupling, shaft, and optional decoupler. Drive shaft drives marine propulsion means, which may be a water jet drive or a screw propeller. Shaft also drives bevel gear, which drives transmission through bevel gear and input shaft. Hence, transmission is mounted transversely, and perpendicular to the engine. The bevel gears, coupling and decoupler are contained in a casing. Transmission drives road wheels through integral differential, drive shafts, and relay shaft. Transmission may be manual, sequential change manual, automated manual, automatic, or continuously variable transmission. The engine may be offset to the vehicle center line.

Abstract: A retaining ring assembly and method of assembly is disclosed. A gearcase includes a propeller shaft housing that is retained in the gearcase. The propeller shaft housing is secured against rotational, radial, and axial movement by a retainer. The retainer has a general circular shape and includes a first ring and a second ring. Both rings include a plurality of collinear threaded holes. Threaded fasteners secure the first ring to the second ring via the threaded holes in each respective ring. The first ring has a tapered surface that engages with a tapered surface of the propeller shaft housing. The second ring has an outer diameter that engages with an annular groove on an inner surface of the gearcase. As the threaded fasteners of the retainer are tightened, the tapered face of the first ring is forced against the tapered face of the propeller shaft housing while the second ring is retained in position by the annular groove of the gearcase.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a driveshaft housing and a lower unit coupled with each other. A driveshaft, which extends through the driveshaft housing and the lower unit, is divided into upper and lower section. The upper driveshaft section defines splines on a bottom outer surface. The lower driveshaft section defines splines on a top outer surface. A tubular coupling member defines splines on an inner surface thereof. The coupling member couples the bottom outer surface of the first shaft with the top outer surface of the second shaft by the respective splines. In one arrangement, a water pump is driven by the driveshaft. The coupling member is interposed between a rotor of the water pump and respective portions of the first and second shafts. In another arrangement, a bearing unit journals the driveshaft. The coupling member is interposed between a bearing of the bearing unit and the respective portions of the first and second shafts.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thick stator vane that effects continuous acceleration of the water stream within the jet pump, a non-uniform spacing of stator vanes or impeller blades to reduce noise output of the jet pump during operation, and a coupling structure positioned between the impeller and engine that prevents transfer of axial thrust to the engine caused by jet pump failure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A boat propulsion system for propelling a boat through water with debris in the water and shallows. The boat propulsion system includes a motor assembly being designed for being positioned in a boat. A propeller member is operationally coupled to the motor assembly whereby the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. The propeller member is designed for being positioned under the boat whereby the propeller member is positioned in the water for rotating in the water to propel the boat through the water when the propeller member is rotated by the motor assembly. A direction assembly is designed for being coupled to the boat. The direction assembly is designed for being actuated by the user whereby the direction assembly is for controlling the direction of the boat when the propeller member is propelling the boat through the water.

Abstract: A propulsion system for ships having an impeller (13, 14), a stator shell (1), and an impeller housing (3) for achieving a water jet, 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 the shaft (11, 12) consists of a light weight shaft, which has considerably lower bending rigidity than a homogenous, conventional steel shaft, and the driving force is transmitted via at least one non-flexible coupling (11B, 12A) and via the bearing arrangement which is rigid as to bending and handles the axial load, to the stator shell (1), such that a high power density is achieved.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An impeller drive shaft in a vessel is supported on a vessel body at a midsection thereof by a bearing member. A driven side coupler to be coupled with a drive side coupler on the side of an engine output shaft is mounted on a front end of the impeller driving shaft, a collar having a diameter larger than the maximum diameter D of the shaft is detachably mounted on the rear of the mounting portion for the driven side coupler on the impeller driving shaft, and the driven side coupler is fixed with respect to the shaft so as not to be capable of movement from axial thrust by an abutment between the collar and the driven side coupler. The collar may also be divided into two or more pieces with respect to the circumferential direction. The aforementioned arrangement improves durability of the shaft at the mounting portion for the driven side coupler and facilitates ease of maintenance.

Abstract: In a personal watercraft with an engine 17 disposed at a central portion of a craft body and a water jet propeller 18 disposed at a stem of the watercraft, a propeller shaft 33 of the water jet propeller is connected to an end 31 of a crankshaft of the engine by a shaft coupling 32. The shaft coupling as well as the ends of the crankshaft and propeller shaft are covered from the top and from both sides with a cover apparatus 22, including a first cover section 35 for removable attachment to the engine or the hull, and a second cover section section 36 for removable attachment to the first cover section. When the cover is removed, it only of the second cover section section, and even if the space for working is small, not much time is required for removal and re-attachment thereof.

Abstract: To provide an output shaft structure of a personal watercraft, which is capable of enhancing the durability of the engine. An engine is mounted on a watercraft body with a crankshaft extending in the longitudinal direction of the watercraft body. A shaft of a propulsion device is coupled to a rear end of the crankshaft in such a manner as to be disposed on an extension of the crankshaft. The crankshaft is supported by an engine case via plain metal. An output shaft is provided separately from the crankshaft and is coupled to the rear end of the crankshaft. The shaft of the propulsion device is coupled to the rear end of the output shaft. The output shaft is supported by the engine case via rolling bearings immovable in a thrust direction. A spline is formed on or in each of the rear end of the crankshaft and the front end of the output shaft, and a spline to be engaged with these splines is formed in or on an inner surface of a connection pipe.

Abstract: To provide an output power shaft structure for a personal watercraft which is superior in durability. A shaft of a propulsion device is connected to a rear end of a crankshaft of an engine, which is carried on a watercraft body such that the crankshaft thereof is directed in a longitudinal direction of the watercraft body, on an extension line of the crankshaft. A rear end of the crankshaft is disposed in an engine case, and an output power shaft separate from the crankshaft is connected to the rear end of the crankshaft. The shaft of the propulsion device is connected to a rear end of the output power shaft. The rear end of the crankshaft and a front end of the output power shaft are connected to each other in a transmission chamber in which a transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the crankshaft to a camshaft is provided at a rear portion of the crankshaft. A driving sprocket wheel of the transmission mechanism is provided on the output power shaft.

Abstract: A lubrication system is provided that allows delivery, and preferably regulated delivery, of lubricant to a coupling between a crankshaft and the driveshaft of, for example, an outboard motor. The lubrication system includes a passageway through which lubricant flows, and preferably a flow restrictor regulates the amount of lubricant delivered through the passageway. In one mode, the passageway is generally formed vertically through the central axis of a vertically oriented crankshaft and extends between the crankcase chamber and the coupling. Lubricant, such as crankcase oil, is able to flow through the passageway and onto the coupling. One or more seals preferably inhibit lubricant from flowing beyond the coupling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a personal watercraft comprising an engine capable of achieving a high power without increasing the diameter of an output shaft where a crankshaft-side sprocket is attached, and thus without increasing the diameter of the sprocket. The engine is configured such that an extended shaft that is separable from the crankshaft and has a diameter smaller than that of the crankshaft is connected to one end portion of the crankshaft so as to be coaxial with the crankshaft, and a sprocket is provided on the extended shaft. With such a structure, by forming the extended shaft of a material having relatively high strength, the diameter of the extended shaft can be made smaller than that of the crankshaft, and hence, the diameter of the sprocket provided on the extended shaft can be reduced. Since the diameter of a camshaft-side sprocket can be reduced, the size of the entire engine can be reduced.

Abstract: A bearing member for rotatably supporting a drive shaft for driving an impeller on a boat body configured to prevent wearing of an outside circumferential surface of a drive shaft and/or an inside circumferential surface of an inner lace. An inner lace makes contact with an outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft, and an outer lace is disposed on the outside of the inner lace with a rotary body dsiposed therebetween. A connecting member for rotating both the drive shaft and the inner lace is provided between the outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft and the inner lace. The connecting member is a ring-shaped elastic body pressed against the outside circumferential surface of the drive shaft and a side surface of the inner lace. Two bearing members are provided at an interval therebetween, and the connecting member is disposed between the bearing members.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A stern drive unit for incorporation in the drive leg of a stern drive or outboard drive of a watercraft comprises an intermediate drive shaft (8) mounted for axial translatory movement within an outer housing (1) and splined at its upper end for driven engagement with an input drive shaft (23) of the stern or output drive. The intermediate shaft (8) carries upper and lower gears (9, 10) that are rotatable relatively to the intermediate shaft (8) but can be coupled thereto by means of friction clutches recessed within the respective gears. The intermediate shaft (8) can be driven axially relatively to the housing (1) in each of two directions by means of a hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangement (26-33). A collar (15) fixed with respect to the intermediate drive shaft (8) is arranged to actuate the respective friction clutches in each direction of translatory motion whereby the intermediate shaft (8) can be directly coupled either to the gear (9) or the gear (10).

Abstract: A propulsion system and method for driving one or more accessories in an outdrive of a boat having an engine coupled to a drive shaft to supply torque thereto are provided. The torque received by the drive shaft is principally used to propel the boat. The propulsion system includes a driven shaft dedicated to drive the one or more accessories, and further includes a gear assembly for passing a portion of the torque received by the drive shaft to the driven shaft so that each of the one or more accessories coupled to the driven shaft receives driving torque therefrom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for connecting a drive axle to a propeller. A drive member is configured to mount on a drive axle, a tubular member is coupled to the propeller, and a resilient member is configured to be positioned between the drive member and the tubular member. The drive member has an axis and includes a plurality of radially outwardly extending tabs. The tubular member is coupled to the propeller and has an axis and a plurality of radially inwardly extending tabs. The resilient member has an axis and is configured to be positioned between the outwardly extending tabs and the inwardly extending tabs. Furthermore, the resilient member is mounted coaxially with the drive member and the tubular member.

Abstract: To ensure that fitting a coupler rubber in a reverse condition will be prevented, and to ensure that the fitting direction of the coupler rubber can be visually checked even after the fitting. A driving-side coupler is provided on an end of an output shaft of an engine. A driven-side coupler is provided on an end of a drive shaft. A coupler rubber is disposed between the couplers. At least a portion of the coupler rubber is exposed between the couplers, and the exposed portion is provided with a mark indicating the fitting direction of the coupler rubber.

Abstract: A shaft coupling for an outboard motor includes an improved construction that can be held under a good lubricative condition. The outboard motor includes an engine. An engine body defines a first aperture through which a crankshaft extends and is journaled. A recessed portion of the crankshaft defines inner spline grooves. A support member that supports the engine body has a second aperture. A driveshaft extends through the second aperture toward the recessed portion. The driveshaft has a tip portion defining outer spline grooves that are coupled with the inner spline grooves. A first seal member is disposed between an outer surface of the output shaft and an inner surface of the first aperture. A second seal member is disposed between an outer surface of the driveshaft and an inner surface the second aperture. The engine body, the support member, the output shaft, the driveshaft and the first and second seal members together define a lubricant chamber to enclose lubricant.

Abstract: To prevent the dispersal of water in a watercraft body, prevent interference of a coupler with piping, and prevent deterioration of the piping. An engine is mounted on a watercraft body with a crankshaft of the engine extending along the longitudinal direction of the watercraft body and a shaft of a jet pump is coupled via a coupler to a rear end of the crankshaft in such a manner so as to be disposed on an extension of the crankshaft. A coupler cover is provided for covering the coupler, and piping for cooling water, which is in communication with the jet pump, is fixed onto the coupler cover. A turbo-charger is disposed over the coupler, and the piping is fixed on the coupler cover at a position between the coupler cover and the turbo-charger. The coupler cover is turnable around the shaft.