Watercraft with steer-responsive throttle
US6336833B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02B61/045
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A watercraft with a steer-responsive throttle generates thrust when the steerable propulsion unit is turned beyond a predetermined angular threshold. The turning of the steering wheel beyond the threshold causes the throttle to be opened so that the steerable propulsion unit produces a thrust at least equal to the minimal propulsive force needed to effectively steer the watercraft. A watercraft equipped with a steer-responsive throttle ensures that there is always sufficient thrust for steering the watercraft even when the operator fails to open the throttle manually. This steer-responsive throttle is applicable to single-engine personal watercraft, twin-engine jet boats or motorboats equipped with swivel-mounted outboard motors. In a first embodiment of the steer-responsive throttle, rotation of the steering wheel beyond the angular threshold causes an actuating cable to open the throttle. In a second embodiment, an electronic control system regulates the throttle by calculating the optimal throttle setting based on measurements derived from a speed sensor, a steering angle sensor and, optionally, a throttle position sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.