Engine, Motor, Or Transmission Control Means Patents (Class 440/84)
  • Patent number: 6223712
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprises a piston arranged to move reciprocally in a predetermined direction relative to an engine block. A drive shaft is mounted in the engine block and arranged to be driven by the piston in rotational motion about a first axis perpendicular to the direction of motion of the piston. Rotational motion of the drive shaft is transferred to a first shaft that is mounted in the engine block parallel to the drive shaft. Rotational motion of the first shaft is then transferred to a second shaft such that the engine produces a rotational output about an output axis that is parallel to the direction of reciprocal motion of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Robert E. Montgomery
  • Patent number: 6124809
    Abstract: A safety system for marine vehicles such as personal watercraft which have a motor and throttle means for controlling the motor speed, the safety system comprising sensors for detecting a turning motion of the marine vehicle and a system to maintain power to the motor for a predetermined period of time when the throttle controls are abruptly released during a turning motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Pierre Boudriau
  • Patent number: 6113442
    Abstract: A marine propulsion engine abnormal condition sensing arrangement, specifically a low oil pressure sensor, that is effective to permit a low cost sensor by using a separate power supply circuit that need not pass through the main watercraft control in order to drive the switch. The warning device that is operated by the switch is provided with a separate power supply so that its characteristics need not determine the current that is supplied to the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6093066
    Abstract: An outboard motor throttle and transmission control that employs a bowden wire mechanism for transmitting control signals from the tiller handle to the engine throttle and transmission control. The control handle is pivotally mounted on the front end of a tiller arm and the wire actuators exit the control handle and enter the protective cowling on opposite sides of a longitudinal center plane or on opposite sides of the protective cowling so as to increase the length of the wire actuators in this area so as to facilitate their bending without kinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Isogawa, Takaji Kawai
  • Patent number: 6085684
    Abstract: A trim tab control apparatus includes a switch housing that mounts to the lever of a throttle of a boat. The switch housing provides a socket that holds a dual trim tab switch arrangement in front of and below the handle of the throttle. This enables a pilot of a boat to operate either or both of the switches that control the port and starboard trim tabs. The pilot of the boat can operate either trim tab by depressing a selected of the switches or both trim tabs can be raised or lowered at the same time by operating both switches at the same time with one finger, wherein typically only the index finger of the pilot is required. The apparatus of the invention enables the operator of a boat to operate both port and starboard trim tabs without even having to view the switches because they are in such close proximity to the user's index finger while the pilot is driving the boat, holding onto the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: R. Gene Cotton
  • Patent number: 6086435
    Abstract: The present invention is an ignition control system for an engine having an ignition system. The ignition control system is arranged to determine if a speed of the engine is decreasing at greater than a predetermined rate, and if so, to initiate an ignition timing compensation mode in which target engine speeds during the time of deceleration are set. These target engine speeds are compared to the actual engine speed and a firing timing of the ignition is advanced if the actual engine speed is less than the target speed and the firing timing of the ignition system is delayed if the actual engine speed exceeds the target speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kahushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hoshiba, Kazuhiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6068528
    Abstract: A personal watercraft catalytic exhaust system wherein an over-temperature sensor is provided that is effective to shut down the engine in the event the catalyst reaches a dangerous temperature. The engine, once shutdown, cannot be restarted until the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature which may be lower than the overheat temperature. In the process of stopping the engine, it is slowed down first so as to give the rider additional warning that the shutdown procedure will be initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akitaka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6050866
    Abstract: A dual function single lever control apparatus for controlling the reversing bucket of a jet propulsion engine for a boat in synchronization with the throttle. A planar cam with a curvilinear slot having two legs synchronizes the dual functions with a throttle and shift lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Inventor: Samuel J. Bass
  • Patent number: 6035796
    Abstract: The present invention relates to houseboats and powerboats. More particularly, this invention is directed to utilize electronic circuitry and controls, in combination with boat docking technology, that will allow a fully functional powerboat to be efficiently and functionally integrated into the stern of a houseboat. The powerboat functions normally as a stand-alone unit. When the powerboat is locked into the houseboat's stern docking station, and electronics connected, it functions as the drive and navigational component for the houseboat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Phillip P. Vowels
  • Patent number: 6030261
    Abstract: A control for a propulsion unit for a watercraft, the unit powered by an internal combustion engine, is disclosed. At least one sensor is associated with the propulsion unit for providing data regarding a condition of the propulsion unit. The control includes a memory for storing sensor data, an input accepting data from the sensor(s) and storing the data in the memory, and an output for reading data from the memory. The memory has a first data position and a last data position. The control is arranged to store data obtained from the sensor(s) through the input sequentially to the first and through the last data position and to then repeat the sequence of storing back at the first position after the last data position is filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Motose
  • Patent number: 6015319
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine control system for an internal combustion engine for propulsion of an associated watercraft. The engine includes an air intake in communication with a combustion chamber of the engine and an air intake adjustment means for altering the amount of air let into the combustion chamber of the engine. There is also an operation device controlling a water propulsion device of the watercraft. The device is movable between a forward, a neutral or a reverse position. A first control means for controls the air intake adjustment means based upon the position of the movable operating device. A second control means controls the air intake adjustment means independent of the first control means based upon a set of predetermined conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6015317
    Abstract: The present invention is an overheat detection system for an engine having at least one cooling jacket which is drained of coolant when the engine stops running. The detection system includes a sensor for sensing a temperature associated with the cooling jacket. The detection system is arranged to output an overheat signal in the event the temperature sensed by the sensor is above a predetermined temperature except within a predetermined time after the engine has been started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Hoshiba, Kazuhiro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5997371
    Abstract: A choke control for an outboard motor having a cowling, a water propulsion device and an internal combustion engine positioned in the cowling and arranged to propel the water propulsion device is disclosed. The engine has at least one combustion chamber and an intake system including an intake pipe extending along a side of the engine for providing air to the combustion chamber. A choke control is provided for actuating a choke valve associated with the intake pipe. The choke control includes a choke actuator which is positioned exterior to the cowling and supported by a mount associated with the cowling, the choke actuator connected to the choke valve via a choke linkage which is positioned within the cowling generally above the intake pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroshi Oishi
  • Patent number: 5967867
    Abstract: A grip 6b is projectingly provided on one side of an upper end of a control lever 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 of a controller for a boat propelling device, and a switch accommodating portion 7b is projectingly provided on the other side. Control switches 14 and 15 are mounted in the switch accommodating portion 7b. The switch accommodating portion 7b is formed, on its front surface on the side of an operator, with an operating face 23 which is inclined, so that it comes closer to a center plane 21 extending laterally of the control lever 4.sub.1, 4.sub.2 at a laterally outer location. The control switches 14 and 15 have operating buttons 14a and 15a mounted to face the operating face 23. Thus, when the operator grasps the grip portion of the control lever, the thumb of his or her hand is naturally opposed to the operating buttons of the control switches and hence, the operator can extremely easily operate the operating buttons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Access Corp.
    Inventors: Shoichi Rinzaki, Yoshihiro Harada, Kazumichi Hamaguchi
  • Patent number: 5967862
    Abstract: An engine control for a planing-type boat having an engine powering a water propulsion unit is disclosed. The engine has an exhaust port leading from a combustion chamber for routing exhaust products therefrom and an exhaust timing valve cooperable with the exhaust port and movable between a first position for delaying the closing of said exhaust port and a second position for advancing the closing of said exhaust port. A valve control mechanism is provided for moving the valve. The engine control is arranged to control the position of the exhaust timing valve with the valve control mechanism. The engine control is arranged to move the valve towards the first position when acceleration of the engine is detected and a speed of the boat is below a planing speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hitoshi Motose
  • Patent number: 5941188
    Abstract: A watercraft includes an improved display arrangement located in a steering operator for steering of the watercraft. The steering operator has at least one hand grip. The display arrangement includes a visual display and a display controller connected to the visual display so as to control the display of watercraft operational information on the visual display. The display controller establishes at least two display modes for the visual display to change the type of operational information displayed. A selector is supported by the steering operator near the grip for easy use by the watercraft operator in changing the display modes of the visual display with the display controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Sumihiro Takashima
  • Patent number: 5904604
    Abstract: An electrical system is disclosed for a watercraft powered by an outboard motor with an internal combustion engine having a block defining a crankcase at one side and having a cylinder head generally positioned on an opposite side thereof, the engine oriented such that an output shaft thereof extends vertically. The electrical system includes a starter and generator mounted generally alongside the crankcase of the engine and between the ends thereof, the generator driven by a flexible belt extending in engagement with the output shaft, and the starter motor positioned for engagement with a flywheel positioned on the output shaft of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaru Suzuki, Masanori Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5887564
    Abstract: A four-cycle engine mounted on a small planing watercraft is disclosed, in which an oil tank is integrally formed with the side walls of a cylinder head, a cylinder block, a crankcase, or an oil pan of the engine body. An oil receptacle is arranged on the bottom of the engine body and communicating with the internal space of the crankcase. The engine body includes an oil passage for transporting the engine oil collected in the oil receptacle to the oil tank by a scavenging pump, and an oil passage for supplying the engine oil in the oil tank to the various parts of the engine body by a feed pump. The oil tank may be formed of a tank base portion integral with the side walls of the engine body and a tank cover. Oil mist separating fin may be arranged in the oil tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yuichi Kawamoto
  • Patent number: 5885120
    Abstract: An engine control is provided for controlling an engine powering a planing-type watercraft. The engine control activates a fuel increasing system for providing an additional amount of fuel to said engine over a first amount of fuel during a period of acceleration of said watercraft to its planing speed. In addition, the engine control preferably adjusts the position of an exhaust timing valve to delay the passage of exhaust from the combustion chamber(s) of the engine during that time the additional fuel amount is being provided to the engine in order to prevent overheating and fouling of an exhaust catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Yamazaki, Kazumasa Itoh
  • Patent number: 5827150
    Abstract: A marine propulsion engine control system wherein the control includes an arrangement for slowing the speed of the engine by disabling certain cylinders in the event of an abnormal engine running condition. Also, an arrangement is provided for slowing the speed of the engine if a change speed transmission for driving the propulsion shaft by the engine offers more than a predetermined resistance to shifting. The controls are interrelated so that the engine protection control predominates. That is, if the engine is in protection control mode and the operator attempts a shift and more than a predetermined resistance is felt, the shift control routine will not be initiated to effect any additional engine speed reduction. In addition, when the engine speed is reduced, fuel is continued to be supplied by the fuel injectors to avoid backfiring, stalling, and uneven running. When rapid deceleration is called for the spark advance is rapidly retarded but fuel injection amount is gradually decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kyoji Mukumoto
  • Patent number: 5813886
    Abstract: A structure for mounting control sensors in an engine of an outboard motor permits a reduced number of components for attaching control sensors, a higher degree of freedom for laying out the parts constituting the engine, efficient wiring, further improved vibration insulating properties, and use of a throttle body employed for an engine of other equipment than the outboard motor. A discrete sensor mounting holder, as a single unit, which is composed of a vibration-proof member and which holds an intake air temperature detecting sensor and an atmospheric pressure detecting sensor, respectively, is fixed to an engine of the outboard motor, the engine being provided with a fuel injecting unit and the intake air temperature detecting sensor and the atmospheric pressure detecting sensor for controlling the fuel injecting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Nobuyuki Shomura
  • Patent number: 5797777
    Abstract: A control handle for the tiller of an outboard motor that embodies a twist-grip throttle control, a pivotally supported transmission control and a trim switch, all juxtaposed to each other but oriented in such a way so that actuation of one will not affect accidental actuation of any other control. The trim control is disposed in a projection on the lower side of the outer housing of the control handle and is disposed inwardly from the sides thereof and is protected by a flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tsunekawa, Kouji Abe
  • Patent number: 5797371
    Abstract: A cylinder-disabling control system for a multi-cylinder engine provided with an exhaust manifold to which each exhaust port is connected, which control system comprises an engine performance sensor, an operation mode selector for selecting the cylinder-disabling mode or the all-cylinders-engaged mode, depending on the engine performance, and a resuming controller for resuming the disabled cylinders one at a time when switching from the cylinder-disabling mode to the all-cylinders-engaged mode, thereby allowing for continuous and smooth switching between the cylinder-disabling mode and the all-cylinders-engaged mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kimihiro Nonaka
  • Patent number: 5755606
    Abstract: A high-performance outboard motor embodying a V-type four overhead camshaft four-cycle internal combustion engine. A compact cam driving arrangement is provided for driving the camshafts from the crankshaft of the engine at the upper end. A flywheel is mounted to the lower end of the crankshaft and is driven by a starter motor for starting of the engine. Another engine accessory is driven off the upper end of the crankshaft so as to maintain a compact and yet highly serviceable arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Takahashi, Hitoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 5741166
    Abstract: One or more helm stations are provided to remotely control the engine, transmission and steering functions of a boat or ship. Multiple station remote helms, either portable or stationary, include electric switches that, when closed, energize solenoids and relays to control single or multiple engine throttles, transmissions, ignition, starting, stopping and steering functions of a boat or ship. These switch groups are placed in any location on the vessel or may be mounted on a hand held portable unit which is plugged into various locations where matching receptacles are placed. The throttle, transmission shifting and steering movement is provided by hydraulic cylinders, with fluid pressure supplied by electrically powered hydraulic pumps. The fluid supply to these cylinders is controlled by electric solenoid operated valves, which in turn are activated by the electric helm switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventor: James O. Newman
  • Patent number: 5669267
    Abstract: Disclosed is a remote-control apparatus having a base and a first slider supported with respect to the base. A first cable includes a first conduit and a first core coupled to the slider and movable in the first conduit. An output cable includes a clamped conduit supported with respect to the base and having an output core movable in the clamped conduit. In the improvement, the apparatus includes a second slider supported with respect to the base. A second cable has a second conduit and a second core coupled to the second slider and movable in the second conduit. The first core and the output core are coupled to the first slider and the second core is coupled to the second slider. A new method for remotely controlling a mechanism, e.g., a boat outboard engine throttle or clutch, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: IMO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Ross, Andrew K. Stiteler, Jerald G. Wagner
  • Patent number: 5665025
    Abstract: An engine control system wherein the engine throttle valve is maintained in a substantial partially opened position at idle and the desired idle speed is maintained by controlling the spark advance. A lost motion connection connects the operator engine speed control with the throttle control so that when the operator speed control reaches a pick up position, the lost motion will be taken up and normal throttle opening will occur. This improves transient running. The system includes arrangements for detecting wear or other changes in the operative condition and compensating for it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushuki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiko Katoh
  • Patent number: 5593330
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of personal watercraft having safety switches for enabling a kill switch if the operator falls overboard. In addition, a key-operated waterproof main switch is provided in the circuit to facilitate locking and to avoid drainage of the battery when not in use. A number of mounting arrangements for assuring further watertightness are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5542862
    Abstract: A number of embodiments of watercraft having generally opened passenger's areas that are closed on their sides by an upstanding wall and which incorporates a pivoted control mast that has a portion carrying one or more watercraft propulsion unit controls for operation of the watercraft by either a standing or seated rider within the rider's area. Various types of seating arrangements are disclosed and in some embodiments, the seats are foldable between a lowered, horizontal position and a position wherein a seatback is provided. Alternate cover arrangements are also provided for covering the control mast when in its lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noboru Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5538449
    Abstract: A trolling valve safety device that locks or limits actuation of a boat engine throttle from its idle position during use of a trolling valve, and vice versa, preferably includes a rotating control plate having mounts for throttle cables so that throttle actuation requires plate rotation. This rotation can be limited by a cam slider which slides under force of trolling valve control cables and provides a cam member that inserts in control slots of the control plate. The cam member is positioned in a locking radial slot when the trolling valve is engaged and thereby locks or limits engine throttling. The cam member is positioned in a releasing arcuate position when the trolling valve is disengaged and thereby permits rotation of the plate and associated engine throttling. A stop pin can also extend from the plate to selectively permit or limit rotation of the plate by alignment or disalignment with a groove in the cam slider and can be adjustable to permit slight throttling during trolling valve use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Andre L. Richard
  • Patent number: 5539294
    Abstract: A remote control system for controlling the actuation of control levers through an actuator unit from a remote location by a moveable operator. The system includes a control position detector for detecting the position of the operator which is directly connected to the operator to reduce the manual effort required for actuation of the control levers and to improve the responsiveness of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyonobu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5494464
    Abstract: A watercraft powered by a pair of jet propulsion units each having reverse thrust buckets that are controlled by pedals positioned in the operator's compartment. The pedal control is such that both reverse thrust buckets can be operated by a single foot of the operator for reverse thrust operation and braking or so that each pedal may be operated independently for abrupt turning maneuvers. An interlock system is provided so that the engines for the jet propulsion units cannot be started unless the reverse thrust buckets are in their neutral positions and a detent mechanism is provided for holding the pedals and the reverse thrust bucket in this neutral condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi
  • Patent number: 5449305
    Abstract: A small watercraft powered by twin jet propulsion units, each driven by a respective engine. The engine is concealed within a hatch cover that has a larger portion which is removable for removal of the engine and a smaller portion which is pivotal for servicing of the engine without removing the larger portion. A centrally positioned operator's seat has a seat back with a handle so as to facilitate mounting of a rear deck and facilitate a passenger standing on the rear deck during operation. There are disclosed a pair of driving engines positioned within a V-hull in a central location so as to improve stability and yet permit extreme maneuverability. A fuel tank supplies fuel to the engines and is separated from the engines by a bulkhead with both the fuel tank and the engines being accessible when the smaller hatch cover is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Noboru Kobayashi, Tomoyoshi Koyanagi, Keijiro Ikeda
  • Patent number: 5423277
    Abstract: In a helm, throttle and directional control system for small craft, a safety device arranged to operate between an actuating member and an actuated member has such members coupled rotatively together by means of mechanical one-way coupling devices wherein a resilient force holds the actuated member constantly biassed to a locked position, and wherein the locking action is released by moving the actuating member against the resilient force, thereby motion can be transferred to the actuated member from the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Ultraflex s.r.l.
    Inventor: Giorgio Gai
  • Patent number: 5413461
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a propulsion engine output in a vessel, based on the net axial force on a propeller shaft in the vessel. The apparatus includes a regulating loop with a computer which continuously controls the delivery of fuel to the vessel's engine, and optionally controls the attack angle of the vessel's propeller blades. Control of the fuel delivery is performed in accordance with predetermined control algorithms, and optionally, by operator-set parameter values and maneuvering operations. The apparatus further includes at least one force sensor mounted to a bearing which supports the vessel's propeller shaft. The force sensor, which is preferably mounted to a thrust bearing, detects a net axial force on the propeller shaft. The net axial force detected is then used as a parameter in the control algorithms and therefore as a factor in controlling the delivery of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Oddvard Johnsen
  • Patent number: 5408230
    Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement from a remote control unit to a controlled element which includes a throttle or transmission control lever on a marine propulsion unit. An operator is associated with the remote control unit and is movable between a plurality of positions. The remote control system further includes a pair of detectors, one in proximity to the remote control unit for transmitting an electrical signal to a controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the operator, and the other positioned in proximity to the controlled element for transmitting an electrical signal to the controlling unit indicative of the detected position of the controlled element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ryozo Okita
  • Patent number: 5368510
    Abstract: A trolling valve safety device limits actuation of a boat engine throttle from its idle position during use of a trolling valve, and vice versa. The trolling valve safety device preferably includes a rotating control plate having mounts for throttle cables so that throttle actuation requires plate rotation. This rotation can be limited by a cam slider which slides under force of trolling valve cables and provides a cam member that inserts in control slots of the control plate. The cam member is positioned in a locking radial slot when the trolling valve is engaged and thereby limits engine throttling. The cam member is positioned in a releasing arcuate position when the trolling valve is disengaged and thereby permits rotation of the plate and associated engine throttling. A stop pin can also extend from the plate to selectively permit or limit rotation of the plate by alignment or disalignment with a groove in the cam slider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventor: Andre L. Richard
  • Patent number: 5350328
    Abstract: Provided is a marine engine control system of small size with a very high operation efficiency, good responsiveness and improved safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Mikiya Yagi
  • Patent number: 5336120
    Abstract: The invention concerns a control system for operating a ship's motive installation (1, 2). Via a gearing (4) having adjustable clutches (67, 69) for forward and astern movement, an engine (3) drives a propeller shaft (7). Control and sensor devices (53, 54) are provided. With them the engine speed and the degree of slip of the clutches can be altered. With a control lever (13, 14) of a control post (9) a propeller shaft speed can be adjusted. A control electronics (21) defines the momentary operational condition by freely selecting from three possible operation conditions. The respective operation condition is defined depending on operational parameters to be observed of the engine (3) and/or the gearing (4). The control system is particularly adequate for use within a ship's multi-engine motive installations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Maurer, Manfred Braig, Raimund Auer, Christoph Goebel, Josef Schwarz, Thomas Voss
  • Patent number: 5327843
    Abstract: In a helm, throttle and directional control system for small craft, a safety device arranged to operate between an actuating member and an actuated member has such members coupled rotatively together by means of mechanical one-way coupling means wherein a resilient force holds the actuated member constantly biased to a locked position, and wherein the locking action is released by moving the actuating member against the resilient force, whereby motion can be transferred to the actuated member from the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Ultraflex S.r.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Gai
  • Patent number: 5318466
    Abstract: A remote-control device incorporates a remote-control lever for the shifting and throttle operations of a marine propulsion unit. A shift range exists in the central region of lever movement where only shift operations can take place, and once the remote-control lever has passed through the above mentioned specific movement range, it is in a throttle range wherein its movement can control only the throttle. The remote-control device includes a throttle drive control arrangement which opens and closes the throttle valve in relation to the operation of the above mentioned remote-control lever in a manner which depends upon an operator selected operational mode made via a mode select switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Sanshin Industries, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Nagafusa
  • Patent number: 5314362
    Abstract: A throttle opening limiting system is provided for a marine propulsion unit comprising a throttle, a manually operated throttle control device and an intermediate linkage arrangement operatively connecting the manually operated throttle control device to the throttle. The intermediate linkage arrangement further comprises a means for setting a distinct and different maximum obtainable throttle opening position for each of a forward, a neutral and a reverse operative state of the marine propulsion unit. The throttle opening limiting system is fully openable in the forward operative state, is limited to an intermediate position in the reverse operative state, and is limited to a smaller opening position in the neutral operative state than the intermediate position of the reverse operative state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Osamu Nagahora
  • Patent number: 5214977
    Abstract: A remote control system for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever on a marine propulsion unit, which includes an actuating element that has both manual and electrical modes of operation. In the manual operation mode, a controlled element which is connected to the lever on the propulsion unit is actuated by a lever arm in response to movement of a first operator. In the electrical operation mode, the controlled element is actuated by a motor which is operated in response to electrical signals transmitted to the motor through a control unit from a position detector of the actuating element in response to movement of the first operator and from a position detector associated with the controlled element. A second remote operator is also provided for transmitting movement to the controlled element and lever on the propulsion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Nagafusa
  • Patent number: 5211591
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a propulsion unit including a first member movable vertically to actuate a transmission in response to such vertical movement, a second member rotatably supported by the propulsion unit and adapted to be rotated by an operator either directly or indirectly, and a connection for detachably connecting the first and second members to effect vertical movement of the first member in response to rotation of the second member, which connection includes an aperture in the first member, a stud fixedly extending from the second member for movement in common therewith and received in the aperture, a resilient member fixed to the second member for movement in common therewith and including a part movable relative to the second member between an interfering position wherein the part is engagable with the first member to prevent withdrawal of the stud from the aperture and a spaced position affording removal of the stud from the aperture, a tab connected to the resilient mem
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Scott N. Burmeister, Mark C. Noble
  • Patent number: 5176546
    Abstract: A leisure boat is provided in a round form having a diameter of about 1 to 2 meters, and includes propeller means provided at a position closer to its bow from the center of the boat and the bow and having a mechanism for changing its driving direction and sensor means provided on the outside of the boat for sensing external force. The sensor means is so connected to the propeller means that when the boat comes in contact or collision with another boat, etc., the sensor means detects the resulting external force to transmit it to the propeller means, thereby changing its driving direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1993
    Assignee: Shiratori Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Koji Shiratori
  • Patent number: 5171171
    Abstract: An improved kill switch assembly is provided for a small watercraft which is powered by an engine and operated by a watercraft control, preferably in the form of a handlebar assembly. The kill switch and its associated actuating button are adapted to be mounted on the watercraft control or handlebar assembly of the watercraft so as to follow an apendage of the operator during operation of the watercraft. In the preferred embodiment, a cord assembly operably connects the actuating button to the operator's arm. The kill switch assembly is designed so that the actuating button is released to stop the engine if the operator falls overboard, but is adapted to greatly reduce the chance of inadvertent release of the actuating button to stop the engine due to the operator's movements while on board the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Tani
  • Patent number: 5167549
    Abstract: A replacement single tiller (1) has a cubical hollow base (4) from which throttle-operating cables (8a 8b) (etc) extend to different motor throttles for simultaneous throttle control. Within base (4) is rotary shaft (33) mounting pinions (30, 31) about the peripheries of which cables (8a 8b) are respectively moved by push-pull entrainment. Twist grip (3) on shaft (33) therefore controls both motors. Projection (5) fits between parallel arms of a motor bracket and is held therein by pin (18) in bore (14); such brackets are mutually interconnected by a transverse conducting rod for joint steering by the tiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: E. P. Barrus
    Inventor: Robert D. Glen
  • Patent number: 5167550
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting a watercraft having on-board engine and guidance controls into a drone remotely controlled through towing apparatus by the skier riding on skis behind it. A control unit is secured to the watercraft. The control unit engages the on-board engine and guidance controls of the watercraft. The engine and guidance controls are operated by the control unit through a remotely located tow handle. The tow handle is physically and electronically connected to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Inventor: Robert A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 5154653
    Abstract: A bung plug assembly (30) for a clamshell life-raft canister (14) comprises a tubularly-shaped housing (32) for holding wound, or coiled, rope (84) with a resilient grommet cap (34) on an outwardly-directed end (64) thereof and a resilient rear cap (36) on an inwardly-directed end (66) thereof. The resilient grommet cap defines a grommet-cap bore (40) therethrough through which an outer-end portion (50) of the rope extends and a canister slot (72) for receiving edges of top and bottom halves (16, 18) of the canister as well as a key slot (46) for receiving a resilient molded key (44) to engage an edge of at least one canister half. A bung plug (38) having a rope passage (42) therethrough for receiving the outer-end portion of the rope is inserted into the grommet-cap bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Hampton Rubber Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Ketterman, Raymond M. Kinne
  • Patent number: 5127858
    Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes one or more drive systems, each including an engine, an engine throttle, and a shiftable transmission. A control system for each drive system comprises a manually operable control lever assembly for electrically operating a servo assembly which mechanically operates the engine throttle and the transmission shifting clutches. The control lever assembly comprises a one-piece plastic support base which is adapted to pivotally support one or two identical one-piece plastic control levers. Components associated with a control lever are interchangeable and identical and include a potentiometer mechanically interconnected between the control lever and the base, a detent plate and a detent arm. The control lever assembly also comprises based-mounted components including a station selector switch, a mode selector switch, an electrical connector and a flexible circuit board for electrically connecting the potentiometer selector switches and electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Twin Disc Incorporated
    Inventors: Paul A. Pelligrino, Gary L. Potter, Robert N. Schenk