Marine Patents (Class 74/480B)
  • Patent number: 4656960
    Abstract: A sailboat steering assembly is provided which has a hiking stick that assumes fixed positions in use, but smoothly responds to any changes induced by manual manipulation of the helmsman. Typical swinging and flopping of the unattended hiking stick are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: StaFast Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank A. Davenport
  • Patent number: 4650429
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: James C. Boda
  • Patent number: 4646588
    Abstract: A single lever control head assembly (10) for dual-position-shifting of a transmission and dual position throttle control of a motor includes a support housing (12) and a single lever (62) pivotally supported in a bore (142) in a cylindrical housing (12) for rotation about a lever axis (A). The bore (142) and its axis (A) are offset from the center axis of the cylindrical housing. A throttle arm (16) is rotatably supported by the housing (12) for pivotal movement about a throttle arm axis (B). The transmission arm (20) has a cylindrical female portion (22) rotatably supported by the housing (12) for pivotal movement about a transmission arm axis (A). The transmission arm axis and the lever axis are coaxial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Merriman/Yacht Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Winter
  • Patent number: 4645462
    Abstract: A steering apparatus for a trolling motor utilizes a rotatable pedestal to support a boat occupant seat. The seat is detachably connected to the pedestal for rotation therewith and the pedestal is connected to the trolling motor by a control cable for changing the direction of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Hubert S. Fulton
  • Patent number: 4632232
    Abstract: The single lever control for operating the clutch and throttle of a marine motor has a support on which a sleeve is mounted on a pivot. A rod is mounted in the sleeve for axial movement. The distal end of the rod is actuated to move the rod and the sleeve about the pivot and also to move the rod axially relative to said sleeve. An actuating arm and a cam track cooperate to move the rod and sleeve in an arc about the pivot between first and second positions between which the clutch is operated by an operator actuated by rotation of the arm about its pivot. The actuating arm moves the rod axially relative to said sleeve when the arm is beyond the clutch operating range. The rod is connected to the throttle. A friction device acts on the rod to resist axial movement of the rod relative to the sleeve. The friction load resists change of the throttle setting but has no affect on clutch operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1986
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Richard P. Kolb, Anthony P. Prince
  • Patent number: 4631033
    Abstract: A portable outboard motor foot control device having adjustable cables characterized by a cable house which is adjacent to the foot pedal and from which the cable or cables extend, and a guide through which the cable or cables extend as they exit the cable house, the guide being adjustable to firmly set the direction at which the cable or cables exit the cable house. Preferred embodiments include a drum frictionally held between opposed upright plates forming part of the cable house. Changes in the rotational orientation of the drum change the angle of passageways in the drum through which the cables pass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: Johnson Fishing, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugene P. Menne
  • Patent number: 4624206
    Abstract: The invention provides, for conventional electric trolling motors, a steering arm which allows positive and convenient steering from positions spaced a substantial distance from the motor, can be adjusted to allow steering by one who is standing in the boat being powered by the trolling motor, and is foldable to a stowed position while still mounted on the trolling motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventors: Richard D. Frye, John P. Huff, Rhodes H. Barnette
  • Patent number: 4622015
    Abstract: An outboard motor embodying an improved steering mechanism that is operative to retain the motor in a preset steered position and which may be easily and automatically disengaged by the operator to permit steering under emergency conditions. In addition, the means for retaining the motor in its steered condition is operable from a remote position at the end of the tiller in proximity to the operator so that he need not remove a hand from the tiller to either engage or release the mechanisms. Furthermore, other controls for the engine are disposed at the end of the tiller in proximity to the steering control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yukio Sumigawa
  • Patent number: 4611549
    Abstract: There is provided a rotation control system for a Z-type propulsion apparatus which can achieve an optimum turning of a vessel under any steering conditions of the vessel by controlling the rotation speed of a hollow rotary housing of the Z-type propulsion apparatus in accordance with the load exerted on the rotary housing, the number of revolution of a propeller provided in the rotary housing, or the combination thereof. A difference between a signal representative of an angle of a steering handle and a signal representative of an angle of the rotary housing is first detected. The detected signal, which is representative of the difference between the angle of the steering handle and the angle of the rotary housing, is then limited in accordance with the load exerted on the rotary housing, speed of the vessel, or the combination thereof, and the rotary housing is driven in accordance with the limited signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Kodera, Yasuo Aizawa, Kohji Ichijo
  • Patent number: 4610214
    Abstract: There is provided a system for controlling the rotation of a rotary housing mounting a propeller unit of a Z-type propulsion apparatus in which the rotary housing does not rotate in the direction opposite to that of rotation of a steering handle even when the steering handle for commanding the rotary housing to rotate is angularly moved by more than .+-.180.degree.. A vector calculation circuit either produces a sinusoidal signal representative of a sine of the difference of angle between the steering angle of the steering handle and the follow-up angle of the rotary housing and a cosine signal representative of a cosine of the difference of angle or produces the sinusoidal and cosine signals and a second sinusoidal signal representative of an angle obtained by adding 45.degree. to the difference of angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1986
    Assignee: Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Kodera, Yasuo Aizawa, Kohji Ichijo
  • Patent number: 4582493
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Toyohara, Yukio Sumigawa
  • Patent number: 4553496
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a tiller extension which is used on the tiller of boats or vessels, in particular. The tiller extension of this invention is directed to a quick release, remote release, telescoping extension device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Inventor: Robert Foresman
  • Patent number: 4534739
    Abstract: A recoil starter lock and neutral throttle limit is suitable for use in a marine drive having a rotatable shaft operable between neutral and drive positions, a movable throttle control for opening and closing the throttle valve and a recoil starter lock. A cam is mounted on the shaft for movement by rotation of the shaft as the operator shifts gears. A recoil starter lock actuating member coacts with the cam and is pivotally movable by the movement of the cam as the latter moves between the neutral and drive positions. The actuator member is coupled to the recoil starter lock for releasing the lock when the gear shift is in neutral. The actuating member has a stop engaging a stop on the throttle lever when the shaft is in the neutral position that limits the amount by which the throttle control may be moved and the throttle valve of the motor may be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: Brunswick Corp.
    Inventor: Gordon C. Slattery
  • Patent number: 4532877
    Abstract: A maneuvering system of watercraft and the like provided with maneuvering equipment including a plurality of maneuvering devices, such as thrusters and main screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Nagata, Masanari Inagaki, Hajime Yamada
  • Patent number: 4527983
    Abstract: My invention provides a control for a trolling motor of a fishing boat, whereby both steering of the boat and operation of the motor may be controlled through use of but one foot of a fisherman. The control has a very low profile so that a standing person may operate the same with his foot in a position not too far displaced from a flat condition on the boat deck, whereby such person is balanced at all times and thus may devote full attention to fishing and little if any attention to maintaining balance. The control comprises a hollow box having center bearing for supporting a shaft in upright position. A foot plate is disposed exteriorly of the box and connected to the shaft, the construction being such that the shaft may be rotated by movement of the foot imparted to the foot plate and also depressed by downward pressure of the foot on the footplate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: Jerry N. Booth
  • Patent number: 4522142
    Abstract: The present invention entails a rudder-tiller control system for a boat. In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-hull boat is shown with a plurality of rudders, a rudder-tiller arm extending from each rudder, and a tiller connector bar operatively interconnected to each rudder-tiller arm through a universal type connector assembly. The connector assembly operatively interconnected between respective rudder-tiller arms and the tiller connector bar allows at least three degrees of freedom and relative movement between respective rudder-tiller arms and the tiller connector bar. More specifically, each connector assembly includes a housing having a ball joint rotatively confined within a spherical shaped cavity within the housing. Secured to the ball joint and extending therefrom is a connecting pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1985
    Inventor: John W. Frye, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4513680
    Abstract: A boat steering mechanism for permitting a remotely mounted rudder control by means of a push-pull control cable, comprising a rack being formed with a groove for inserting an inner cable, a projection projecting from the center or its vicinity of a rack casing into which the rack is slidably inserted, an inclined hole for slidably inserting the inner cable, perforated through the projection into the groove, a triangular guide portion having an inclined plane which continues from the lower end of the inclined hole and projecting from the inner wall of the rack casing into the groove so as to be inserted into the groove and a fitting member for fastening on one end of the inner cable, secured to the rack at one end of the groove, whereby the push-pull control cable can be provided with a large curvature and the sliding resistance of the whole mechanism can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1985
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System, Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Teraura
  • Patent number: 4495881
    Abstract: A boat steering mechanism for permitting a remotely mounted rudder control by means of a push-pull control cable, comprising a rack engaging with a pinion and being formed with a groove for inserting an inner cable, a projection projecting from the center or its vicinity of a rack casing into which the rack is slidably inserted, an inclined hole for slidably inserting the inner cable, perforated through the projection into the groove and a fitting member for fastening one end of the inner cable, to the rack at one end of the groove, whereby the push-pull control cable can be provided with a large curvature and the sliding resistance of the whole mechanism can be decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Makoto Teraura
  • Patent number: 4483682
    Abstract: The linear motion power assist mechanism includes a stationary member, a friction drum rotatably supported on the stationary member, an output member mounted for linear, reciprocative movement relative to the stationary member, an input member mounted for linear, reciprocative movement relative to the stationary member and relative to the output member, a first flexible member, such as a wire cable, loosely wound around the drum in one direction, a second flexible member loosely wound around the drum in the opposite direction, and an unidirectional motor rotating the drum. The first cable is tightened on the rotating drum and pulls the output member in a first direction in response to movement of the input member in the first direction. The second cable is tightened on the rotating drum and pulls the output member in the opposite or second direction in response to movement of the input in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1984
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Cavil, William R. Krueger
  • Patent number: 4470492
    Abstract: A control assembly particularly for use in marine controls where a single lever thereof actuates a clutch and throttle of a marine power unit. The assembly has a first input shaft rotatable relative to a body thereof, and an extensible and retractable first output structure for controlling a function, e.g. the throttle. The assembly includes a cam mounted on the first input shaft for rotation therewith and a cam follower cooperating with the cam and the first output structure. A lever means cooperates with the body and cam follower so that the first output structure is actuated in an amount dependent on direction and rotation of the input shaft from an initial position thereof. In a preferred embodiment, a second output structure for the clutch is responsive to primary rotation of the input shaft from the initial position thereof and is unresponsive to secondary rotation, and the first output structure is unresponsive to primary rotation of the shaft and is responsive to secondary rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1984
    Inventor: Jacob Kobelt
  • Patent number: 4449420
    Abstract: A steering apparatus comprising an operating unit having an operating pulley rotated by a steering wheel, a steering unit having a steering pulley rotated by two inner cables so as to steer a rudder means through a steering screw rotated by the steering pulley and a steering pipe moved by the steering screw, and substantially two pull cables having the two inner cables connecting the operating unit and the steering unit, whereby the rudder is operated by the steering wheel without the influence of waves, and further the steering apparatus can be constructed by combination of the plural operating units and the plural steering units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1984
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Masanao Baba
  • Patent number: 4439163
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a steerable and tiltable propulsion unit including an engine, a speed control mechanism movable from an idle speed setting to range of advanced speed settings, a starting mechanism operable to start the engine, a transmission shiftable between a neutral position and a drive position, and a mechanism connected to the transmission for preventing starting of the engine when the transmission is absent from the neutral position, and for preventing shifting of the transmission to the neutral position when the speed control mechanism is at a setting advanced from the idle setting, and for releasably holding the transmission in the neutral position, and for biasing the transmission from the neutral position and toward the drive position upon release of the transmission from the neutral position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis N. Burmeister, Thomas A. Busse, Wesley C. Jones
  • Patent number: 4429550
    Abstract: An icemaker comprising a freezer mold having an ice piece forming cavity, ice ejecting means including means to release the ice piece from the cavity and a pad mechanism for raising the ice piece from said cavity to a position above the top of the cavity, a sweep pivotally supported above the mold for movement from a first position rearward of the cavity to a second position overlying the cavity for engaging and sweeping the raised ice piece from the mold. There is included drive means for rotating a drive element in one direction and then in the opposite direction. A torsion spring is arranged to store energy during movement of the sweep from its first position to its second position. There are means coupling the drive element to the sweep to drivingly engage the sweep and move the sweep from the first position to the second position and for coupling the torsion spring to the sweep to return the sweep from the second position to the first position upon release of the stored energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Bruce B. Latter
  • Patent number: 4416637
    Abstract: A marine propulsion device comprises a steering member and a steerable member including a propeller. A steering mechanism operatively connects the steering member with the steerable member and includes an actuating and locking device. The actuating and locking device comprises a cylinder having opposite first and second end portions and a piston which is mounted for reciprocative movement within the cylinder between the first and second end portions. A drive assembly operatively connects the piston with the movable steering member to effect reciprocative movement of the piston in response to steering member movement. A driven mechanism operatively connects the piston with the steerable member such that piston reciprocation is transmitted into movement of the steerable member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1983
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald E. Kashmerick, Lawrence E. Zdanowicz
  • Patent number: 4335566
    Abstract: A control system (20) for an outdoor power equipment unit (2) includes a control member (22) pivotally mounted on the housing (4) of unit (2). Control member (22) rotates in a first direction from a neutral position to a first position in which a brake and clutch drive is actuated to a second position in which a traction drive for housing (4) is actuated. A latch (60) stops rotation of control member (22) in the first position since the clutch comprises a selectively operable drive motor (6) and the first position is the proper position for starting the drive motor (6). Latch (60) is releasable to allow continued rotation of control member (22) to its second engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1982
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Lyle E. Hurd
  • Patent number: 4311471
    Abstract: A remote steering device adapted for attachment to a stern drive unit and an outboard motor affixed to the stern portion of a boat. The remote steering device comprises a pair of elongate members rotatably affixed to one another and having longitudinal axes of rotation, adapted such that a first elongate members may rotate about its longitudinal axis relative to the second elongate member without causing rotation of the second member. One of the elongate members is provided as a pair of telescoping members in order to vary the distance between the outer ends of the device. A ball-joint is adjustably affixed to each outer end of the remote steering device, and brackets are provided for attaching the device to the stern drive unit and the outboard motor. When the stern drive unit is raised to its upper inoperative position, the elongate members securely affixed to the stern drive unit and the outboard motor may rotate about the longitudinal axis to avoid twisting stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1982
    Inventor: Charles L. Queen
  • Patent number: 4301759
    Abstract: Control system, including a plurality of control members electrically coupled with one another and with a device to be controlled, particularly for controlling a ship's equipment, wherein each control member is provided with a potentiometer for generating electrical control signals, and each control member can be coupled with a follow-up member, the control member and the follow-up member being connected to a differential amplifier determining a signal which is characteristic of a difference in position of each control member and each follow-up member and forming control signals for the follow-up members, the follow-up members preferably being formed by a setting motor and a potentiometer coupled with the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Assignee: Stork Kwant B.V.
    Inventor: Dirk de Vries
  • Patent number: 4280371
    Abstract: Control lever assembly for cable operated apparatus in which ends of cable cores are connected to lever with simple structure eliminating clevis and locked pin to provide compact, easy-to-service anchors. Independently adjustable drag or friction device reduces accidental creep of lever, and/or indexing device provides resilient positive location of lever. Lever is journalled for swinging and mounts a rotatable member having a first anchor structure and a support member secured to the rotatable member and having a second anchor structure spaced from the first anchor. A cable fitting has journals and is secured to the end of the cable and fits between the support member and rotatable member to anchor the cable thereto. Axle pin passing through the fitting journals fitting in aligned recesses of rotatable member and support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: Jacob Kobelt
  • Patent number: 4262619
    Abstract: The hiking stick is made up of first and second telescoping members which may be set in a desired telescoped position to define an overall length. One end of the stick is coupled to the end of the rudder tiller and the other end of the stick terminates in a handle. The use of the stick is simply to facilitate steering of the sailboat, particularly in situations of "coming about" where maintaining a proper hold of the rudder tiller can become awkward in the absence of the stick. The handle of the stick is designed to define an engaging structure for cooperation with a clip arranged to be secured to the tiller. By this arrangement, the handle can be received in the clip to hold the stick in generally parallel overlying position with the tiller and thus in an out-of-the-way location for convenient storage when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: Harrison W. Hine
  • Patent number: 4262618
    Abstract: A remote control steering attachment for a steering wheel wherein a driving motor is releasably attached to the steering wheel by means of a cross member adjustably bolted to the steering wheel. A clutch is interposed between the driving motor and the steering wheel so that the steering wheel can be operated when the unit is declutched and the driving motor is not being used. A remote control is used for controlling the driving motor and thus turning the steering wheel from a location distant from the steering wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Inventor: William P. VanDerZee
  • Patent number: 4253349
    Abstract: A control unit for an engine of the type having a shift means for shifting between forward, neutral, and reverse and a throttle means for controlling engine speeds between idle and high speed includes a housing and a control handle rotatably supported at one end by the housing. Shift and throttle cables extend between the engine and the housing, and respond to rotation of the handle to control the engine shifting and throttle during portions of the period of rotation of the handle. A lock rod extends through the handle and is adapted at one end to alternately engage and disengage with the housing; and when engaged with the housing, prevents rotation of the handle from a position corresponding to neutral and idle throttle. A trigger at the outer end of the handle is connected to axially rotate the lock rod to radially disengage the other end of the lock rod and permit rotation of the handle out of the neutral and idle conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1981
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Larry A. Floeter, Howard J. Derber, Edwin B. Hatch
  • Patent number: 4228756
    Abstract: A tiller-crossbar connector for catamaran rudder control includes a central bolt member passing through a spherical nylon member at one end and through a hemispherical nylon member at the opposite end with a spring member disposed between the two nylon members. Each nylon member is positioned within the bolt-retaining recess of a corresponding standard end cap and the spherical curvatures of these nylon members conform to the hemispherical curvature of the standard bolt-retaining recess. With the spring member disposed between these two end caps, the entire connector and end cap assembly is able to be tightly clamped together by means of a nut threadedly received on one end of the central bolt member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Sailing Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Storer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4228760
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1979
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Pennwalt Corporation
    Inventor: Walter Kulischenko
  • Patent number: 4228757
    Abstract: A boat steering assembly having a tiller lever for providing a steering input upon being pivoted about a first pivot axis and an actuating lever supported for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis. The ends of the levers are interconnected in order to pivot the tiller lever upon pivoting movement of the actuating lever and for positioning the levers in parallel relationship with one another in a neutral position. The length of the tiller lever from its first pivot is longer than the length of the actuating lever from its second pivot to their respective ends. There is also an acutator assembly comprising a reciprocating member having a hydraulically operated piston at each end which is slidably disposed for movement between two cylinders which are defined by a housing. A first end of an actuating lever is operatively connected to the housing and a second end extends out of the housing and is adapted for connection to a steering means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1980
    Assignee: Teleflex Incorporated
    Inventor: Robert A. R. Wood
  • Patent number: 4220111
    Abstract: A watercraft having at least a pair of steerable propellers thereon spaced longitudinally along the center of the watercraft from a center of lateral resistance on the watercraft. The steerable propellers are also spaced equidistant from the longitudinal center line and on opposite sides thereof. The propellers are rotatably supported in underwater housings supported for angular movement through 360.degree.. A control device is provided for varying the direction of applied thrust to the watercraft by systematically varying the axes of rotation of the propellers relative to each other, assuming the thrust force for each steerable propeller is of the same magnitude. The magnitude of thrust can be, if desired, varied to provide additional control variations for the watercraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Assignee: Schottel-Werft Josef Becker GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Franz Krautkremer, Siegfreid Lais
  • Patent number: 4205738
    Abstract: A single lever clutch and throttle control which in normal operation assures that the throttle is held out of operation until the clutch is completely engaged and further assures that the clutch is held in the engaged position during operation of the throttle. An engine warm up mode allows operation of the throttle while the clutch is held disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1980
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Masanao Baba
  • Patent number: 4195534
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a throttle control for an engine including a housing supporting a control lever for rotation relative to a neutral position, a throttle lever movably mounted on the housing and adapted to actuate the engine throttle, a throttle drive member including a drive pin and mounted for rotation in response to movement of the control lever from the neutral position, and a cam member connected between the throttle lever and the throttle drive member. The cam member includes a cam track receiving the drive pin and having a shape effective to displace the cam member relative to the throttle drive member, transversely relative to the rotational axis of the throttle drive member, so as to move the throttle lever in response to rotation of the throttle drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1980
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony P. Prince
  • Patent number: 4181032
    Abstract: An apparatus for rotating a shaft about an axis of rotation less than one full revolution. The apparatus comprises a crank attachable to the shaft; a first link pivotally attached to the crank, the first link having a first attachment point; and a first stop for preventing rotation of the first link about the crank when the shaft is rotated in a first direction from a neutral position. A force applied to the first attachment point has a lever arm to the axis of rotation that lengthens as the shaft is rotated from the neutral position in either clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1980
    Inventors: William Wagner, Daryl A. Wagner
  • Patent number: 4144956
    Abstract: A control unit comprising a casing, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the casing, a lever having a boss secured to the drive shaft, a shift rod extending through the boss and slidably inserted in a bore of the drive shaft, the shift rod being biased by a spring in a returning direction, a locking ring turnably supported on the outer periphery of the drive shaft, a drive gear rotatably supported by the drive shaft and having a toothed portion on part thereof and a circular outer peripheral surface continuous with the toothed portion, a driven gear rotatable by the drive gear, a drive plate having a drive pin implanted therein, a throttle cam having a specified cam groove receiving the drive pin therein and mounted on a pin on the driven gear movably in a direction at right angles to the drive shaft, a clutch arm having a clutch cable pivoted thereto, and a throttle arm having a throttle cable pivoted thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1979
    Assignee: Nippon Cable Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Masanao Baba
  • Patent number: 4119186
    Abstract: A single lever control for the throttle and clutch of a marine propulsion device including a housing pivotally supporting both a main control lever and an auxiliary warm-up lever, a throttle lever, and a gear shift lever. The throttle lever is alternately operable to regulate the setting of a remotely located engine throttle in response to movement of either the main control lever from a neutral position or the warm-up lever from an idle position. The gear shift lever is operable to shift an engine clutch in response to initial movement of the main control lever from the neutral position. A lock-out lever mounted inside the housing cooperates with a lock-out plate carried by the warm-up lever and with a recessed, arcuate surface on the gear shift lever to prevent movement of warm-up lever when the main control lever is displaced from the neutral position and to prevent movement of the main control lever when the warm-up lever is displaced from the idle position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1977
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Hrishikesh Choudhury, Heinrich E. Luksch
  • Patent number: 4114745
    Abstract: A plurality of single lever control stands are provided at remote locations for controlling a pneumatically operated marine propulsion system. Control of the propulsion system is transferred between the several control stands by connecting each stand to a source of supply air under pressure. The control stands each include a throttle valve which will produce a set of three pressure signals. A valve located at each stand must be actuated by an operator at that location before the air supply will be activated for that station. Two of the signals select the ahead and astern direction of motion for the vessel and the third signal varies in proportion to the throttle lever position and controls engine speed. Banks of shuttle valves receive pairs of sets of these pressure signals and pass onto the control the signals at the higher pressure level. The system includes transfer valves at the main and secondary stations which cannot be overridden by stations of lower priority.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: The Falk Corporation
    Inventor: John M. Phinney
  • Patent number: 4106604
    Abstract: A control unit comprises a frame member, a drive shaft rotatably supported by the frame member, a lever member slidably mounted on the drive shaft, a shift rod secured to the lever member, locking means fitting around the drive shaft, a drive member turnably supported by the drive shaft and having a toothed portion and a circular outer peripheral edge, a clutch actuating member having a toothed portion meshable with the toothed portion of the drive member and inwardly curved locking edges, a clutch rod pivoted to the clutch actuating member, a driven member secured to the drive shaft, a drive pin mounted on the driven member, a throttle operating member turnably supported by the frame member and having a cam aperture slidably receiving the drive pin therein, and a throttle rod pivoted to the throttle operating member. The control unit operates the clutch and throttle mainly of a marine engine by a single lever and has an improved waterproof structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Masanao Baba
  • Patent number: 4099476
    Abstract: Apparatus for remotely controlling direction and speed of marine engines, including at least two operator controllers located remotely from each other in respective areas of the vessel, electric-hydraulic apparatus operably interposed between the two controllers and responsive to control signals transmitted from and corresponding to the direction and speed setting of one of the controllers for synchronously effecting corresponding setting of the other controller at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1978
    Assignee: The Nippon Air Brake Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroo Inoue, Isao Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 4089397
    Abstract: A control mechanism comprising a lever, a housing member, an axle journaled in the housing, a throttle operating means turnable by the lever and secured to the axle, gear means rotatable by the throttle operating means, a clutch arm fixed on the gear means, a throttle cable operable by the throttle operating means and a clutch cable operable by the clutch arm.Control mechanism adapted to operate both the clutch and throttle of engine by a single main lever. The mechanism assures that the throttle is held out of operation until the clutch is completely shifted, while the clutch is held in its shifted position during the operation of the throttle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1978
    Assignee: Nippon Cable System Inc.
    Inventor: Masanao Baba
  • Patent number: 4054102
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a marine installation including a marine propulsion device including a transom bracket adapted to be fixed relative to a boat hull, a swivel bracket including spaced parallel apertures and mounted on the transom bracket for tilting movement about a tilt axis extending parallel to the apertures, a propulsion unit mounted from the swivel bracket for common tilting movement and for propulsion unit steering movement about a steering axis perpendicular to the tilt axis, a steering helm comprising a housing adapted to be fixed relative to the boat hull and a steering shaft mounted on the housing for rotation upon a fixed axis, a pair of flexible push-pull cables each including an outer casing having spaced first and second ends, and an inner core having a first end and a spaced second end portion extending through the respective apertures, first connections fixedly joining the outer casing first ends to the housing, second connections fixedly joining the inner core first ends to the steering sha
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1977
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventors: Gaylord M. Borst, Martin E. Larson
  • Patent number: 4020713
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a motor and rudder of a power boat selectively from either of two remote stations, each of which includes means for producing linear input signals for motor shift and throttle control and for steering control. The system includes a steering input selector mechanism which is capable of transmitting the linear input signal for steering control from one of the stations to the rudder while isolating the signal from the other station. A motor input selector mechanism is capable of transmitting the linear input signals for motor shift and throttle control from one of the stations to the motor while isolating the signals from the other station. The steering and motor input selector mechanism may be actuated to facilitate the selection of one of the stations whenever corresponding linear input signals from the two stations are substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1977
    Assignee: Incom International Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Cantley, John E. Litzell
  • Patent number: 4014281
    Abstract: A ship's steering unit comprising a housing, a cable wheel mounted within the housing, a shaft with a pinion thereon in driving engagement with the cable wheel, and a one-piece body which serves as a bearing support for the shaft, the shaft having a shroud portion providing a member for mounting the unit to a support surface, which when the unit is orientated with its housing lowermost is spaced below the upper region of the shaft and the bearing support therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1977
    Assignee: Teleflex Morse Limited
    Inventor: James Frederick Hemens
  • Patent number: 4009678
    Abstract: A racing boat is powered by a pair of pendent inboard-outboard drive units having inboard steering arms. A pair of push-pull cable units connect a forward located steering wheel unit to the arms. The cable units extend along opposite sides of the boat with the casing fixed at the steering wheel and the core wires secured to the opposite sides of the steering wheel and to the opposite steering arms. A power steering unit coupled to the one steering arm and having in input element. The adjacent cable unit has a threaded extension pipe with a fixed coupler connected to the power control input. A core rod is connected to the core, is slidably mounted in the pipe and is pivotally connected to the power steering link to transmit casing reaction forces to the power input. An adjustable rigid linkage includes a tie rod having adjustable ends pivotally connected to the anchor member on the extension pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1977
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Irving William North
  • Patent number: 3958524
    Abstract: A system is provided for controlling a motor and rudder of a power boat selectively from either of two remote stations, each of which includes means for producing linear input signals for motor shift and throttle control and for steering control. The system includes a steering input selector mechanism which is capable of transmitting the linear input signal for steering control from one of the stations to the rudder while isolating the signal from the other station. A motor input selector mechanism is capable of transmitting the linear input signals for motor shift and throttle control from one of the stations to the motor while isolating the signals from the other station. The steering and motor input selector mechanism may be actuated to facilitate the selection of one of the stations whenever corresponding linear input signals from the two stations are substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1976
    Assignee: Incom International, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Cantley, John E. Litzell
  • Patent number: 3955438
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an auxiliary handle adapted to be removably attached to a rotatable part of an outboard motor steering handle for rotation of the steering handle part to control outboard motor engine operation and for lateral swinging movement of the steering handle to control outboard motor steering operation. The auxiliary handle comprises an attachment section adapted to be removably fixedly connected to the steering handle part for common rotation and lateral movement, together with an extension section, and a linkage connecting the extension section to the attachment section for effecting common rotary movement of the attachment section in response to rotation of the extension section, for effecting common lateral movement of the attachment section in response to lateral movement of the extension section, and for permitting movement of the extension section relative to the attachment section in response to application to the extension section of a force above a predetermined amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1976
    Assignee: Outboard Marine Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Zakrzewski