Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for determining the mechanical angular position of a rotating member of a prime mover which is connected, directly, or indirectly, to an electric machine, such as a permanent magnet synchronous machine or an induction machine. The electrical angular position of the rotor of the electric machine is determined by a sensorless AC motor control system, such as a Field Oriented Control System or back EMF control system, and is used in turn to determine the mechanical angular position of the rotating member.

Abstract: A method and a system for controlling a propulsive power output applied to a propeller shaft of a ship. If a current value of a propulsive power of a propulsive power source equals or falls below a lower power limit value, and/or if a current value of an operational parameter reaches a first/lower parameter limit value, a control unit is configured to: increase a power output of an internal combustion engine of the propulsive power source. Thus, operation of the engine below a lower power limit is avoided.

Abstract: A marine drive has a powerhead and a cowling enclosing the powerhead. The cowling comprises a first cowl portion and a second cowl portion coupled to the first cowl portion and being movable with respect to the first cowl portion into and between a closed cowl position in which the powerhead is enclosed by the cowling and an open cowl position in which the powerhead is accessible. A recoil starter is for starting the marine drive. The recoil starter extends through the second cowl portion and comprises a pull-start handle coupled to the marine drive via a recoil cable. Manually pulling the pull-start handle out of a recoiled position with respect to the marine drive causes the marine drive to start. The pull-start handle is also movable into an offset position, in which the second cowl portion is freely movable into and out of the open and closed cowl positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless power-supply control assembly 100 for wirelessly controlling a boat's main power supply. The assembly 100 comprises an enclosure assembly 110, wherein a latching relay 600 and a wireless-receiver relay 300 are mounted. The wireless receiver relay 300 is controlled by commands from a wireless transmitter and causes the latching relay 600 to connect or disconnect the boat's main power. In other embodiments, an ignition-sense relay 400 is also mounted within the enclosure and disconnects power to the wireless-receiver relay 300 when the boats ignition is on. In yet another embodiment, a manual override switch 200 is provided within the enclosure for bypassing the latching relay 600 and manually connecting the boat's power.

Abstract: A floating manure agitator that floats on the surface of a manure lagoon and that may be remotely controlled to agitate manure supernatant into a slurry with sludge settling on the bottom of the lagoon. The agitator is provided with a plurality of fluid outputs, the direction of which may be controlled to motivate and steer the agitator. The outputs are angled to develop vortices of supernatant into the sludge to further mix the materials into a slurry.

Abstract: An activation and deactivation assembly for an electric outboard motor with an internal motor controller, a tiller arm, a handle mounted on the tiller arm, and a rotating knob attached to the distal end of the handle. The knob has a longitudinally aligned key slot that receives a complimentary shaped key. Located inside the handle is a reed switch and mounted on the key is a magnet that is magnetically attracted to the reed switch. An optional lanyard attaches the key to the tiller arm, an optional dead main lanyard is attached to the lanyard, and a linear hall effect sensor is located in the handle.

Abstract: An activation and deactivation assembly for an electric outboard motor with an internal motor controller, a tiller arm, a handle mounted on the tiller arm, and a rotating knob attached to the distal end of the handle. The knob has a longitudinally aligned key slot that receives a complimentary shaped key. Located inside the handle is a reed switch and mounted on the key is a magnet that is magnetically attracted to the reed switch. An optional lanyard attaches the key to the tiller arm, an optional dead main lanyard is attached to the lanyard, and a linear hall effect sensor is located in the handle.

Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling operation of an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine and transmission, it is configured to determine whether acceleration is instructed to the engine by an operator when the gear position is the second speed, detect a slip ratio of a propeller based on theoretical velocity and actual velocity of a boat, control a throttle opening to suppress increase in the slip ratio when the acceleration is determined to be instructed, and change the gear position from the second speed to the first speed when the slip ratio is equal to or less than a first predetermined value and the change amount of the slip ratio is equal to or less than a prescribed value. With this, it becomes possible to appropriately control operation of the engine and the transmission during acceleration, thereby improving the acceleration performance of immediately after acceleration start.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine is disclosed which includes a supercharger operatively connected to the crankshaft via a clutch supported by an intermediate shaft such that torque variations are partially absorbed by the clutch.

Abstract: A marine vessel control apparatus is arranged and programmed to control a propulsion device including an engine and a propulsion device control unit. The marine vessel control apparatus includes a starter switch arranged to be operated by an operator to start the engine, and a main control unit arranged and programmed to receive a start command from the starter switch and to communicate with the propulsion device control unit. The main control unit includes a stand-by unit arranged to, when receiving the start command from the starter switch, stand by until information for determination of a predetermined start permission condition is acquired from the propulsion device control unit, a determining unit arranged to, after the information is acquired, determine if the start permission condition is met, and an engine start command unit arranged to, if the start permission condition is met, provide an engine start command to the propulsion device control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a start-protection system for an engine of a marine vessel. The engine has gears and a shift actuator for operatively shifting the gears. The system includes a first position sensor disposed to operatively sense whether the engine is in a forward, neutral or a reverse gear position. The first position sensor generates a signal representative of the gear position. The system includes a second position sensor adjacent to a shift control which controls shift functions of the engine. The second position sensor generates a signal representative of the position of the shift control. The system includes processing means. The processing means are configured to receive the signals of the position sensors, determine the gear position and the position of the shift control and enable the engine to start upon determining that both the shift control and the engine are in neutral positions.

Abstract: A marine power system comprises a motor for providing propulsion. It also comprises an energy storage unit (ESU) for storing and supplying energy to the motor. A prime power system is connected to the ESU and motor for selectively providing energy to these subsystems through a bus. The motor selectively receives energy from the prime power system and the ESU and can supply regenerative braking energy to the bus. The system can also accommodate multiple generator sets providing system power. The ESU can also provide starting power for the prime power system. Alternately, the prime power system drives a mechanical power system output shaft connected to the motor, and the marine system comprises an alternator driven by the prime power system output shaft. The ESU can transmit energy to the alternator. The prime power system can be located on a tugboat displacing a barge carrying the energy storage unit.

Abstract: A marine vessel control apparatus is arranged to start and stop engines that are respectively provided in multiple propulsion devices. The marine vessel control apparatus includes multiple individual start/stop switches arranged to correspond to the respective multiple propulsion devices and arranged to be operated by an operator to individually start and stop the engines in the respective multiple propulsion devices, an all-device start/stop switch arranged to be operated by the operator to collectively start and stop the engines in the multiple propulsion devices, an operating state acquiring unit arranged to acquire operating states of the engines in the respective multiple propulsion devices, and a control unit. The control unit includes multiple input ports corresponding to the respective multiple individual start/stop switches. Each of the input ports is connected with the corresponding individual start/stop switch. All of the input ports are connected commonly with the all-device start/stop switch.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a marine propulsion unit, which can activate an engine even when a computer system in an engine control unit is reset, includes a computer system arranged to actuate a starter motor using power from a battery on a hull in order to activate an engine, a reset state detection device arranged to detect a reset state of the computer system when the computer system is reset, and an analog circuit arranged to actuate the starter motor for a predetermined time period to activate the engine once the reset state is detected by the reset state detection device.

Abstract: There is provided a watercraft in which a controlling state before a start-up changes less easily and an operating state of a remote controller and a remote controller lever for operating the watercraft propulsion unit is easily kept stable, although at least one of watercraft propulsion units has been in operation and other watercraft propulsion unit(s) starts-up. Remote controllers are connected to watercraft propulsion units. The remote controllers include controlling units, and remote controller levers corresponding to the watercraft propulsion units. The controlling units are mutually connected together to communicate with each other. When one of the watercraft propulsion units has been in operation and the other one start-up from a stop state, the controlling unit corresponding to the start-up watercraft propulsion unit recognizes a controlling state of the controlling unit in operation and controls to agree with the controlling state thereof.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine for a watercraft is disclosed. The marine outboard engine includes a starter motor operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine and a capacitor electrically connected to the starter motor. The capacitor is powering the starter motor to initiate rotation of the crankshaft. An alternator is operatively connected to the engine and is electrically connected to the capacitor for charging the capacitor when the engine is operating. A starting system and a method for operating a starting system of a marine outboard engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control device for a marine propulsion system includes a base and at least two levers. Each one of the levers is supported by the base at a first end for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis and extending generally normal to the pivot axis to have a second end. The second end has a grip. The grip of one of the levers extends toward the second end of the other one of the levers. The respective grips are nested with each other when the levers extend generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: A marine propulsion system includes an outboard motor including an engine, a propeller, a shift position switching mechanism, an oil pump, valves, and an ECU. The shift position switching mechanism includes hydraulic clutches arranged to change the connection state between the engine and the propeller. The shift position switching mechanism is switchable among forward, reverse, and neutral. A first valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and a first hydraulic clutch. A second valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and a second hydraulic clutch. A third valve opens and closes the communication between the oil pump and each of third and fourth valves.

Abstract: An outboard motor has a throttle actuator adapted to control an amount of intake air supplied to an engine, and a shift mechanism that controls shift operation between a neutral and at least a forward gear. The throttle actuator includes a member that is adapted to interfere with the shift mechanism so as to prevent shift actuation when the throttle is opened beyond a predetermined setting. As such, shift operation is prevented at high throttle openings, but throttle operation is still enabled.

Abstract: An outboard motor of a watercraft can include a shifting mechanism for performing gear shifting among forward, neutral, and reverse positions. A shift actuator can be configured to drive the shifting mechanism. A shift position sensor can be configured to detect a position of the shift actuator with respect to the forward, neutral, and reverse positions. A controller can be configured to control the shift actuator in accordance with a signal provided from the shift position sensor. A start-regulation circuit can have a plurality of semiconductor devices configured to deactivate a starting motor of the engine when a starting switch of the engine is turned on in a state where a position other than neutral is detected by the shift position sensor.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine for a watercraft is disclosed. The marine outboard engine includes a starter motor operatively connected to the crankshaft of the engine and a capacitor electrically connected to the starter motor. The capacitor is powering the starter motor to initiate rotation of the crankshaft. An alternator is operatively connected to the engine and is electrically connected to the capacitor for charging the capacitor when the engine is operating. A starting system and a method for operating a starting system of a marine outboard engine are also disclosed.

Abstract: An outboard motor engine and a protruding member for use therewith are provided. The outboard motor engine can have a crankshaft whose first end can be connected to a driven member. The protruding member can extend outwardly in the axial direction from a second end of the crankshaft and rotate about an axis with the crankshaft. A flywheel can be fixed on a protruding end side of the protruding member by a tightening member. A drive pulley can be fixed on a base side of the protruding member on the axis. The tightening member can be oriented eccentrically with respect to the drive pulley in the axial direction of the protruding member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for constructing a flywheel assembly is disclosed. The flywheel assembly includes a flywheel hub that is constructed to engage a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A ferrous ring is attached to the flywheel hub with an elastomer ring positioned therebetween. The elastomer ring isolates the ferrous ring from the flywheel hub such that the ferrous ring resonates at a frequency that substantially reduces the amplitude of the resonance of the crankshaft and flywheel. Such a construction effectively dampens the torsional resonance of the engine and provides for smoother operation.

Abstract: A watercraft has multiple engines each having a starting device. A common switch mechanism provides a control device with at least an initiation signal to activate the starting devices, such that all of the engines can be started concurrently in response to operator activation of a single switch. A sensing device separately senses the start state of each engine, preferably by sensing an engine speed of each engine. The control device deactivates the starting device separately and asynchronously from one another based on the sensed start states of the engines.

Abstract: In an engine starting system for an outboard motor mounted having a propeller and a steering mechanism driven by an electric motor, including a battery connected to the engine; a starter motor and an ignition switch provided in a voltage supply circuit from the battery to the starter motor, the positions of the ignition switch is arranged to have a START position at which the starter motor, the electric motor and other electric loads are supplied with the voltage from the battery; an ON position at which the voltage supply to the starter motor is discontinued when the key is turned from the START position, a first OFF position at which the voltage supply to the electric motor and the other electric loads is discontinued when the key is turned from the ON position, and a second OFF position at which the current supply to the electric actuator is still continued when the key is turned from the ON position.

Abstract: A watercraft has multiple engines each having a starting device. A common switch mechanism provides a control device with at least an initiation signal to activate the starting devices, such that all of the engines can be started concurrently in response to operator activation of a single switch. A sensing device separately senses the start state of each engine, preferably by sensing an engine speed of each engine. The control device deactivates the starting device separately and asynchronously from one another based on the sensed start states of the engines.

Abstract: A watercraft has a throttle position sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a start switch. The sensors communicate with a controller. The controller can regulate engine speed. The controller regulates or limits the engine to a low speed when the throttle angle is above a predetermined value during startup, and/or when the engine temperature is too low.

Abstract: In an engine starting system for an outboard motor mounted having a propeller and a steering mechanism driven by an electric motor, including a battery connected to the engine; a starter motor and an ignition switch provided in a voltage supply circuit from the battery to the starter motor, the positions of the ignition switch is arranged to have a START position at which the starter motor, the electric motor and other electric loads are supplied with the voltage from the battery; an ON position at which the voltage supply to the starter motor is discontinued when the key is turned from the START position, a first OFF position at which the voltage supply to the electric motor and the other electric loads is discontinued when the key is turned from the ON position, and a second OFF position at which the current supply to the electric actuator is still continued when the key is turned from the ON position.

Abstract: A switch reluctance device is used as a starter/generator for an outboard motor. The rotor of the switch reluctance device is attached to the crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and serves as a flywheel for the engine. The switch reluctance device is operated in a motoring mode when it is used as a starter motor for the internal combustion engine. The switch reluctance device is operated in an electrical power generating mode when the internal combustion engine is operating above a predetermined operating speed.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an anti-theft switch which disables the starter button and provides a kill signal to the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized use and inadvertent draining of the battery.

Abstract: An outboard motor with a manual recoil starter is provided with an electrical system that is manually actuated and provides the required electrical power to an electrical load associated with a fuel pump, fuel injectors, and ignition coils of the engine. When the operator pulls the rope of the manual recoil starter, the required electrical power for the fuel pump, ignition coils, and fuel injectors is provided by a small compact battery pack. When fully charged, the battery capacity is equal to or less than 12 ampere-hours and is sufficient to power the ignition and fuel system, but typically not sufficient to power a starter motor.

Abstract: A watercraft includes an anti-theft switch which disables the starter button and provides a kill signal to the engine, thereby preventing unauthorized use and inadvertent draining of the battery.

Abstract: A pull starter for an engine powering an outboard motor having a cowling and a water propulsion device is disclosed. The engine is positioned in the cowling and has a generally vertically extending crankshaft. A lower end of the crankshaft is arranged to drive the water propulsion device. The starter includes a drum connected to the crankshaft at a top end of the engine, a starter cord having a first end connected to the drum and a second end connected to a handle, and a cord guide for guiding the cord through the cowling, the cord guide including an arcuate cord-engaging surface. The cord extends through said cowling in a first direction and is then guided by the arcuate surface of the cord guide into a second direction to the drum.

Abstract: A small watercraft includes a hull. A rider area that accommodates at least one rider is provided at least in part by said hull. An engine is carried by the hull and drives a propulsion unit for propelling the hull. A steering control is provided in the rider area for steering the watercraft. A control panel is also provided in the rider area. The control panel includes a plurality of push buttons. A control unit is interrelated with the push buttons and the engine so as to allow the engine to be activated when the buttons are pushed in a predetermined sequence.

Abstract: An electrically powered automatic choke system for a turnkey outboard motor has a thermostatic override switch. The automatic choke feature is often not necessary, and sometimes not even desirable, when restarting the engine. The thermostatic override switch prevents the automatic choke from closing carburetor choke shutters when the ambient temperature near the engine under the cowl exceeds a choke deactivation temperature. A switch assembly is provided to retrofit engines on existing outboard motors.

Abstract: An automatic throttle adjustor system for a power boat which is operable to return a carburetor throttle valve to an idle setting from a user-selected setting when a sensor mounted on a bottom of the boat is about to leave the water, and which is operable to return the throttle valve to the user selected setting from the idle setting when the sensor is again submerged in the water. The system includes the sensor, a controller, an actuator, and a throttle linkage. The sensor supplies signals to the controller indicative of whether the sensor is submerged or airborne. The controller uses the signals supplied by the sensor to switch the actuator between a normal, activated state, in which the throttle valve is at the user-selected setting, to a deactivated state, in which the throttle is moved to the idle setting. The throttle linkage includes an element which is in a first position when the actuator is in the activated state and which moves to a second position when the actuator is deactivated.

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.

Abstract: A disclosed engine assembly comprises an engine; a crank shaft having an end extending outward from inside the engine; a rotating body mounted at the end of the crank shaft; a cover body mounted on the engine so as to cover the rotating body; the cover body comprising a lower cover that covers at least lower part of the rotating body and an upper cover connected to the lower cover so as to cover at least upper part of the rotating body; the lower cover having at least one ventilating intake port for sucking hot air located around the engine under the intake port; the upper cover having a ventilating exhaust duct for discharging the sucked hot air; the rotating body including a timing belt located near one side of the engine, a tensioner located near one side of the engine and having a mounting position adjustment bolt for adjusting a tension on the timing belt, and a manually starting pulley located on one side of the engine outside the timing belt; and the starting pulley having at least one opening located

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.

Abstract: A device for sensing the presence of hull water above an acceptable level in the hull of a boat and communicating to any combination of ignition, starter, aural and/or visible means in such manner as to cause the boats engine to stop running and apprise the boat operator as to the presence of excessive hull water.

Abstract: A shift interlock system for preventing the starting of an outboard motor when the motor is in gear, the outboard motor having an engine, a starter housing, a starter pulley enclosed by the housing, and a transmission shift lever having a neutral setting, a reverse setting and a forward setting. The system includes a subhousing secured to the starter housing, a plunger mounted in the subhousing for reciprocal linear movement between a retracted position, and an extended position in which the plunger engages the starter pulley to prevent the rotation of the pulley, the plunger being biased in the extended position, and a cam member disposed in the subhousing to pivot between a neutral position in which the cam member overcomes the biasing force and retracts the plunger, and at least one drive gear position in which the cam member permits the extension of the plunger.

Abstract: A voltage maintenance system is provided for an engine-driven vehicle having a primary battery, a starter that is energized by the primary battery, an ignition switch for selectively and momentarily activating the starter to start the engine and one or more electrical accessories that are electrically connected to and energized by the primary battery during normal operation of the vehicle. The voltage maintenance system includes a secondary battery. The system senses activation and subsequent de-activation of the starter each time the engine is started. A switching circuit is provided for electrically connecting the secondary battery to the electrical accessories and electrically isolating the primary battery from the electrical accessories such that the secondary battery energizes the electrical accessories each time activation of the starter is sensed.

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.

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.

Abstract: An improved warning system for a marine propulsion unit that includes a starter, a starter switch, an ignition circuit having a kill switch for disabling the ignition circuit, a warning device and an abnormal operating condition sensor. The warning device is in circuit with the abnormal engine condition sensor and the device for sensing an attempt to start the engine with the kill switch enabled so that the single warning device will indicate either of the conditions.

Abstract: Each of control boxes has an operation lever and an element moving together with the operation lever and a primary sensor for detecting the position of the moving element are arranged in each of the control boxes. A drive unit includes a motor, a movable rack driven by the motor and a secondary sensor for detecting the position of the moving rack. A control circuit serves to drive the motor to make any positional difference of the moving element and the movable rack zero. In a case where the position of the moving element does not coincide with that of the movable rack even after a predetermined time period goes by from when the rotation of the motor is started, current supply to the motor is temporarily stopped and then again started. When the control boxes are to be changed over from one to the other, this changeover is allowed only in a case where the control boxes which are to be changed over from one to the other and the drive unit are in neutral position.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine comprising an engine block including an outer surface, structure including the engine block and a member connected to the surface of the engine block for defining a substantially closed chamber, a crankshaft extending from the engine block and into the chamber, a flywheel located in the chamber, connected to the crankshaft, and including thereon a starter gear, a stator located in the chamber and fixed to the engine block, a magnet or magnets located in the chamber and fixed to the flywheel for rotation therewith in a path adjacent to the stator, a finned coolant jacket located in the chamber and adapted to be connected to a source of coolant exterior to the chamber, structure on the flywheel for creating air flow in a path extending between the stator and the coolant jacket, a starter motor mounted on the block exteriorly of the chamber and including an output shaft extending into the chamber through the member, and a mechanism locatd in the chamber, drivingly connected to the o

Abstract: Two embodiments of starting systems for internal combustion engines that prevent backfiring by precluding starting when the kill switch is energized. In one embodiment, the kill switch includes two pair of contacts, one for the kill circuit and one for the starting circuit, with the starting circuit contacts being normally closed and the kill circuit contacts being normally open. In the other embodiment, energization of the kill circuit also energizes a relay that opens the starting circuit.

Abstract: In a water born vehicle of the type described in my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,826,220 including a pivoted control handle extending rearwardly from the bow the improvement comprising a starting cable arrangement which may be selectively secured to the handle and through the pivotal motion of the handle may be articulated to crank the engine. The engine may be provided with a self-reeling starting cable spool with the cable thereof routed across pulleys to emerge at a point below the free end of the handle. The cable may then be selectively engaged to a hook on the handle which, when articulated, extracts the cable from the spool.

Abstract: An inhibit lock arrangement for a marine engine controller including a valve-operating shaft axially movable by an operator's handle, when set in a "start" position, for opening a valve whereby a fluid pressure signal is transmitted to the engine to start the engine. Axial movement of the shaft may be blocked by a piston rod actuated by a cylinder when the cylinder is pressurized by a pressure signal indicating an undesirable engine operating or malfunctioning condition. A pair of pivotable latches disposed on each side of the operator's handle for retaining the handle in a neutral position until a release piston is actuated by the operator for releasing the latches and permitting the handle to be moved through a slot but not into the "start" positions until the undesirable condition has been eliminated.