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.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for accurately maintaining the speed of a motorboat at a value set by an operator. Speed of the boat, and force on the boat due to a water skier are measured. Actual speed is compared to a desired speed set by the operator, and speed of the boat engine adjusted to minimize the difference between the desired speed and the actual speed. Engine speed is further adjusted to prevent or minimize changes in the speed of the boat caused by the forces on the boat due to a water skier. The device further incorporates features to reduce the likelihood of speed measurement errors due to a malfunctioning speed measuring device.

Abstract: A remote control system is provided for transmitting control movement to a controlled member, such as a throttle or transmission control lever, on a marine propulsion unit from a selected one of a plurality of remote control units each of which has an operator movable between a plurality of positions. A remote control mechanism has at least one slidably supported control element operatively connected to each of the operators for linear reciprocation of the control elements upon movement of the respective operator. The remote control mechanism further includes a pinion gear operatively engaged with the control elements, a shaft connected for rotation with the pinion, and a pair of connecting links for converting the linear reciprocation of the control elements into a rotary motion of a spindle. A first rotation angle detecting device detects the rotational position of the spindle and transmits a signal to a control unit indicative of this rotational position.

Abstract: An engine control apparatus for marine use comprising an operating plate which is driven by pushing/pulling operation through a cam attached to a driving disc, a transmission link which is arranged so as to extend in the moving direction of the operating plate and to be movable in the direction, and moreover, which is driven by pushing/pulling operation according to the operation of a free throttle lever, and a throttle arm which is connected to the transmission link at a first rotation center and connected to the top end of the operating plate at a second rotation center which is apart from the first center of rotation. In the device, when a throttle is operated through the operating plate, the throttle arm rotates around the first center of rotation, and on the other hand, when the throttle is operated through the free throttle lever, the throttle arm rotates around the second center of rotation.

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: A marine propulsion device comprising a lower unit, a propeller shaft rotatably supported by the lower unit and adapted to support a propeller, an engine supported by the lower unit and drivingly connected to the propeller, the engine including an engine block, and a throttle arm movably mounted on the engine block, a control cable operably connected to the throttle arm, a mechanism for removably securing the control cable to the engine block, and a cowl assembly surrounding the engine and including a pan-like lower cover member and a dome-shaped upper cover member, one of the cover members having therein an access opening affording access to the mechanism for securing the control cable to the engine block, and an access cover removably secured to the cover member in covering relation to the access opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately maintaining the speed of a motorboat at a value stet by an operator. The speed of the boat is measured, and compared to a desired speed set by the operator, and the speed of the boat engine adjusted to minimize the difference between the desired speed and the actual speed. The device further incorporates features allowing incremental adjustment of the desired speed, storage of several of these speeds for future use, and a safety feature causing the system to behave as though it were of a conventional manual type if the operator makes a gross change to the setting of a manual throttle lever.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit including a rotatably supported propeller, and an engine drivingly connected to said propeller and comprising an engine block, a spark timing control mechanism rotatably supported by the engine block for spark advancing and retarding movement between a minimum spark advance position and a maximum spark advance position, a throttle supported by the engine block for movement between idle and full speed positions, a control lever supported by the engine block for movement in opposite directions and adapted to be connected to an operator controlled actuating member, and a control linkage connected to the lever and to the throttle and to the spark timing control mechanism, and operative in response to control lever movement, for displacing the throttle from the idle position to a first intermediate position between the idle and the full speed positions without displacing the spark advance position, for displacing the throttle from the firs

Abstract: A control arrangement for a small watercraft of the jet propulsion type having a reverse thrust bucket that is operated by a shift control. The shift control is positioned in relationship to the throttle control such that an operator can operate only one of the controls at a given time. In addition, the throttle control is biased to its neutral position so that when an operator releases his hand from the throttle control to effect a shift, the speed of the watercraft will be reduced.

Abstract: A single tiller 7 is used to control two outboard motors mechanically connected to a manner know per se for simultaneous steering. Twist grip 8 turns drum 10 to wind on cables 11 and 12. Each of these cables enters a connector (13 or 14 respectively) where it is connected to two further cables (24,25 or 26,27 respectively) whereby cables 24, 26 are longer and 25, 27 are shorter. The longer cables 24, 26 are attached to the throttle control of the motor further from the tiller 7 and the shorter cables 25,27 to the nearer motor throttle control, in each case so that the throttle can be opened or shut by a positive pull-pull action, whereby lighter construction can be achieved. More motors and cables can be used if desired.

Abstract: A shift speed equalizer is provided in a marine transmission in a marine drive subject to a decrease in engine speed upon shifting from neutral to a forward or reverse gear due to a high propeller pitch or the like, such as in bass boat applications, and subject to an increase in engine speed upon shifting back to neutral. The shift from neutral to forward or reverse is sensed, and engine speed is increased in response thereto, to compensate the decrease in engine speed due to shifting. The return shift back to neutral is sensed, and engine speed is decreased in response thereto, to compensate the increase in engine speed due to shifting. Engine speed is increased by advancing engine spark ignition timing, and engine speed is decreased by retarding or returning engine ignition timing to its initial setting.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives including an arrangement for automatically adjusting the trim condition of an outboard drive in response to an acceleration and/or deceleration condition of the watercraft. In the embodiments the acceleration or deceleration condition is sensed by the position of a control element. In some embodiments this control element is a single-lever throttle and transmission control, in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the throttle linkage and in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the spark advance mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: Maneuvering gear for a small boat, comprising a control stick that allows steering and throttle control with a single hand and that is easily adjustable to an optimum height according to the boat size or the maneuvering position of the operator. The control stick may extend substantially erect ahead of a helm seat of the boat, the control stick being supported on the hull so that it may be angularly turned to the right or left in order to maneuver the boat to the right or left. The control stick has a throttle lever near the upper end thereof for controlling the velocity of the boat. The control stick further includes a mechanism for enabling the stick to be folded down.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of controls for marine propulsion units having two engines and propulsion systems with abnormal running control devices operated in response to abnormal engine conditions. The systems are interrelated so that when the control of the abnormally running engine is activated, the control of the normally running engine is also activated.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of marine outboard drives having throttle and transmission controls which are operated either at the outboard drive or remotely from it. At least one of the sets of controls is selectively disconnectable so that the other of the controls can operate the throttle and transmission without movement of the disconnected controls.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives including an arrangement for automatically adjusting the trim condition of an outboard drive in response to an acceleration and/or deceleration condition of the watercraft. In the embodiments the acceleration or deceleration condition is sensed by the position of a control element. In some embodiments this control element is a single-lever throttle and transmission control, in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the throttle linkage and in other embodiments the element comprises a portion of the spark advance mechanism of the engine.

Abstract: An improved exhaust system and bearing arrangement for a small displacement outboard motor that is rotatable through substantially 360 degrees for reverse operation. The drive shaft housing is formed with a reduced diameter cylindrical portion that is journaled within the swivel bracket by a bearing arrangement comprised of plastic elements and O-ring elements. The engine has an exhaust system with an exhaust pipe that at least in part encircles the drive shaft and which extends into the drive shaft housing below at least one the bearings to provide sufficient length for tuning and to avoid undue heating of the bearing.

Abstract: Several embodiments of marine outboard drives including devices for protecting the unit in the event of tilting up more than a predetermined extent. The protection devices slow the engine when the outboard drive is tilted up more than the predetermined amount. This may be done by interrupting the spark, retarding the spark advance or closing a throttle. The invention is disclosed in combination with either an outboard motor having an underwater inlet for cooling the engine or an outboard drive portion of an inboard-outboard drive having a stabilizer for holding the outboard drive during a portion of its trim adjusted movement.

Abstract: A submersible drive unit for propelling a scuba diver through water. The propulsion device comprises a shrouded propeller which is removably and adjustably attached to the diver's air tank. Removably attached to the propeller shroud is a waterproof motor housing for encasing a motor to drive the propeller. Batteries for driving the motor are enclosed within two kidney-shaped cases, one located on each side of a conventional diver's weight belt. A hand grip having at least one switch is used to activate/deactivate the unit as well as to control the speed.

Abstract: A throttle connector assembly receivable in an aperture formed in a motor cover in a marine propulsion device and operable to retain a throttle cable trunnion in a fixed position relative to the motor cover, the throttle connector assembly comprising a pair of cooperating connector section elements joined for movement between open and closed positions relative to each other and adapted to encircle, when in the closed position, the throttle cable trunnion and to retain the throttle cable trunnion against longitudinal movement relative to said connector section elements, the connector section elements being further adapted to form, when in the closed position, a collar, the collar having an outer surface, a first portion insertible through the aperture in the motor cover, a second portion incapable of passing through the aperture, and a substantially annular groove formed in the outer surface, the throttle connector assembly further comprising a substantially C-shaped retainer receivable in the annular groove a

Abstract: An underwater viewing platform is described which has a stern mounted electric drive motor whose direction and speed may by varied by forward mounted controls located adjacent the prone-lying operator's hands near a large forward mounted viewing window. A shade cowl arches up over the viewing window and has a U-shaped stern-facing, padded opening for receiving the operator's head. With the operator's head in place, the large viewing window is substantially shaded from overhead sunlight and has a large viewing angle and field of view. The window has a lens for providing the desired degree of magnification or demagnification. Bottom illumination is provided by an underwater light for night time use. Navigation and battery status and drain instruments are conveniently mounted within or on the shade cowl. Various design features reduce operator fatigue and extend useful range and endurance. End useful range and endurance.

Abstract: A preassembled throttle cable and pulley assembly includes a pair of pulleys contained within pulley housings. A pair of throttle cables are strung around the pulleys in a predetermined manner and the cable ends are contained within the pulley housings. The pulleys are keyed so as to insure their attachment to a tiller and throttle linkage in a proper configuration.

Abstract: A marine vessel propulsion system includes port and starboard drive systems, each including an engine, an engine throttle, and a transmission furnishing drive power to a propeller on a drive shaft. Each transmission includes forward and reverse clutches, and each clutch can be fully engaged, fully disengaged and modulated. Two alternately usable separate control stations operate the throttles and clutches to control vessel speed and direction. Each control station comprises port and starboard sets of manually operable control devices, and each set includes a mode selector switch for selecting cruise mode or troll mode for its respective throttle and a manually operable direction/speed control lever. In troll mode the lever selects and modulates the selected respective clutch to control propeller speed. In cruise mode the lever fully engages the selected respective clutch and also regulates the engine throttle to control propeller speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a plurality of driving units comprises a lever device pivotable to operate each driving unit, and a switch device having a plurality of switches each for changing the position of a driving portion of each driving unit. The switch device is disposed in the lever device such that the lever device and thed plurality of switches are simultaneously manually operated.

Abstract: A single cable shift assembly includes a casing (30) mounted to a surface adjacent the pull-pull cables (14, 16) of a shift/throttle control linkage. A pair of pulleys (34, 36) direct cables (14, 16) in opposite directions. A slide (38) within casing (30) includes anchors (40, 42) for securing the cable ends to spaced positions along the longitudinal axis of the slide. The slide is provided with a connector pin (44) that secures the control cable (48) to the slide and translates linear movement of the control cable into linear movement of the slide.

Abstract: A watercraft embodying an improved control arrangement wherein the speed of the watercraft is reduced in the event of operator inattention is sensed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine propulsion device comprising an engine with a throttle operable to control fuel flow to the engine, a lower unit with a rotatably mounted propeller, a transmission for connecting the engine into driving engagement with the propeller, a throttle control lever connected to the engine throttle and adapted for operator movement of the throttle control lever between a minimum throttle position and a full open throttle position, a stop connected to the throttle control lever, a gear shift lever connected to the transmission and adapted for operator movement about a pivot axis between an engaged position and a neutral position, and including a first projection, a throttle blocking lever including first and second arms which rotate about the gear shift lever pivot axis, the first arm having an end positioned adjacent the throttle control lever stop, the second arm normally extending generally parallel to the gear shift lever, and including a second projection adjacent the first projection

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an engine drivingly connected to the propeller and comprising an engine block, a spark timing mechanism, a fuel supply mechanism, a control lever supported by the engine block, a mechanism for displacing the fuel supply mechanism from an idle setting to a full speed setting in response to movement of the control lever from an idle position to a full speed position, and a spark timing control mechanism for permitting movement of the control lever from the idle position to a first intermediate position without displacing the spark timing mechanism from a minimum spark advance setting, for displacing the spark timing mechanism from the minimum spark advance setting to a maximum spark advance setting in response to movement of the control lever from the first intermediate position to a second intermediate position, and for displacing the spark timing mechanism from the maximum spark advance setting to an intermedi

Abstract: There is disclosed a portable system to control and monitor the basic maneuvering functions of marine vessels: The control and monitoring functions are contained on a hand held, small and lightweight consul which can be plugged into multi-pin sockets which are wired from various remote places of the ship to a central electronics logic and control module matrix. Switches on the portable helm control the electronic module matrix which powers servo motors mechanically linked to: engines' throttle controls, shift forward-neutral-reverse controls, and steering apparatus. Feedback loops monitor the positions of these maneuvering functions. Monitored on the portable helm are: rudder angle, engines' idle status, forward, neutral and reverse status of each drive trian, power on, and engines' synchronization.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a mounting assembly adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a propulsion unit mounted on the mounting assembly for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller, and an internal combustion engine drivingly connected to the propeller and including a throttle, a throttle control member movably mounted on the propulsion unit for controlling the throttle, a stop member mounted on the propulsion unit for movement relative thereto, the stop member having a surface located adjacent the throttle control member for limiting movement of the throttle control member, and a thumb wheel for moving the stop member, thereby adjusting the limit of movement of the throttle control member.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprising a mounting assembly adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat, a propulsion unit mounted on the mounting assembly for pivotal movement relative thereto about a generally vertical steering axis, the propulsion unit including a rotatably mounted propeller having a rotary axis, and an engine drivingly connected to the propeller and including a throttle, and a throttle control member mounted on the propulsion unit for movement in the direction of the rotary axis for opening and closing the throttle.

Abstract: A single-lever hydraulic control system for marine applications which controls both engine throttle and the transmission engaged therewith, and which allows for multiple control stations.

Abstract: A recreational and therapeutic propelled pontoon chair. The invention fundamentally comprises a pair of pontoons in fixed spaced relationship with each other. A chair for maintaining a user is positioned between the pontoons with a drive and power source being maintained behind the chair. The chair is adjustable in elevation and includes an adjustable leg rest. Control cables on an arm rest regulate speed and direction. In another embodiment, such cables are attached to a headband.

Abstract: An outboard motor embodying an improved throttle and trim tab control mechanism. A trim tab is pivotally supported by the outboard motor for assisting in its steering operation. The trim tab is operated by means of a pair of flexible transmitters that are affixed, at their upper ends, to extend in a generally longitudinal direction and which are operated from a drum by means of a lost motion connection that is operative in response to movement of the steering lever relative to the outboard motor. The steering lever is further supported for rotation and is operatively connected to the engine throttle for controlling its throttle in response to rotation of the control lever.

Abstract: An adjustment is provided for the friction between a throttle hand grip (12) and the steering arm (10) of an outboard motor. An internal cam surface (32) in knob (15) will press against a corresponding external cam surface (31) on the throttle control handle (19) to allow adjustment of the friction between the throttle control handle (19) and the steering arm tube (17) by rotating the knob (15).

Abstract: An adjustable throttle linkage for use in an outboard motor having a pivotable throttle valve, and a throttle lever for controlling the position of the throttle valve. The adjustable throttle linkage comprises a connecting link having opposite ends, one end being connected to the throttle lever. The other end of the connecting link is adjustably connected to a control member in turn connected to the throttle valve. The apparatus for adjustably connecting includes a yoke connected to the control member, and the yoke includes a body having a first portion including a central bore adapted to house the threaded portion of the connecting link. The yoke includes a slot including opposed surfaces and housing a thumb wheel, the thumb wheel being threaded onto the threaded portion of the connecting link such that threaded movement of the thumb wheel on the connecting link causes movement of the yoke with respect to the connecting link.

Abstract: Two embodiments of control device for outboard motors wherein the engine throttle control, transmission control and kill switch are all supported by the steering handle and are operative independently of each other. In one embodiment, the transmission control is pivotal about an axis offset to an axis of rotation of the throttle control. In the other embodiment, the transmission control is reciprocal along a line parallel to the axis of rotation of the throttle control.

Abstract: An outboard motor having an improved shifting and throttle control arrangement wherein the operating handle is moved in a forward direction to engage the forward gear of the transmission and in a rearward direction to engage the reverse gear of the transmission so as to avoid the likelihood of incorrect shifting.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for motor vehicles such as boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, motorbikes and the like, having a handlebar control includes a hand grip mounted on the handlebar and a safety switch in the hand grip for shutting down the power unit of the vehicle in response to withdrawal of the operator's hand from the hand grip of release of hand pressure thereon.

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.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprises a marine propulsion unit including an engine and a rotatably mounted propeller which is operatively connected with the engine. The engine has a throttle movable between an idle position and an advanced position. A steering tiller is attached to the marine propulsion unit, and a throttle grip having an exterior gripping surface is rotatably attached on the steering tiller. A throttle linkage assembly operatively connects the throttle grip with the throttle for moving the throttle between the idle position and the advanced position in response to rotation of the throttle grip. An idle adjustment assembly is carried by the throttle grip and is operatively connected with the throttle linkage assembly for adjusting the low operational engine speed above the true idle speed of the engine.

Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprises a marine propulsion unit including an engine mounted on the marine propulsion unit and a propeller rotatably mounted on the marine propulsion unit and operatively connected with the engine. The engine has a throttle movable between an idle position for operating the engine at an idle speed and an advanced position for operating the engine at a speed above the idle speed. A steering handle is attached to the marine propulsion unit and a throttle grip is attached to the steering handle for rotation relative thereto. A throttle linkage assembly operatively connects the throttle grip with the throttle and is movable axially of the axis of rotation of the throttle grip for moving the throttle between the idle position and the advanced position in response to rotation of the throttle grip.

Abstract: Boat's engine speed and direction of rotation of the engine's propeller shaft are remotely controlled at the helm. Movement of hand control knobs through a semicircular area controls the full range of speed of the engine as well as its forward-neutral-reverse actuator. The knobs rotate a pulley structure which steps up rotation to flexible shafts. The stepped-up rotation of the flexible shafts is converted to linear motion by ball screw cylinders having output members connected to the engine's speed and propeller shaft actuators.