US3797449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Trim indicator and circuit therefor
Assignee: MI Inc DOING BUSINESS AS MEDALLION INSTRUMENTS Inc A CORP OF MI
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Filing: 1971-11-08
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1991-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A trim or tilt angle-indicating system for providing a visual indication of the position angle of the outdrive unit in an inboard-outboard boat propulsion system including an electrical meter coupled in a bridge circuit supplied power by a regulated voltage supply. One leg of the bridge circuit comprises a variable resistor which has a wiper arm coupled to the outdrive unit. As the trim angle of the outdrive is varied, the resistance of the variable resistor changes, to thereby unbalance the bridge circuit. The resulting electrical current flow through the meter deflects a meter needle to indicate that the trim angle of the outdrive unit on a dial is associated with the meter.
Inventors
- 👤 W Carpenter
- 👤 R Sponaas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:29
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D1/00; G05D1/08; G05D1/0875; F; F02; F02B; F02B61/00; F02B61/04; F02B61/045
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
188 words
For use in marine craft having an outboard-type drive train including an outdrive unit with an electrically actuated system for raising and lowering the outdrive unit to change its trim angle, a trim angle indicator including a meter movement having a meter needle for indicating the trim angle of the outdrive unit, said indicator comprising: a voltage regulator having input terminals for coupling said regulator to a source of operating potential, and having output terminals; a bridge network including a variable resistor having a movable wiper arm for varying the resistance of said variable resistor, said bridge having first and second input terminals coupled to said output terminals of said voltage regulator, said bridge also having first and second output terminals; said meter movement coupled to said first and second output terminals of said bridge; and means for moving said wiper arm of said variable resistor as the trim position of the outdrive unit changes, to vary the resistance of said variable resistor thereby causing an electrical current to flow through said meter movement and thereby causing the latter to indicate the trim position of the outdrive unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
188 words
For use in marine craft having an outboard-type drive train including an outdrive unit with an electrically actuated system for raising and lowering the outdrive unit to change its trim angle, a trim angle indicator including a meter movement having a meter needle for indicating the trim angle of the outdrive unit, said indicator comprising: a voltage regulator having input terminals for coupling said regulator to a source of operating potential, and having output terminals; a bridge network including a variable resistor having a movable wiper arm for varying the resistance of said variable resistor, said bridge having first and second input terminals coupled to said output terminals of said voltage regulator, said bridge also having first and second output terminals; said meter movement coupled to said first and second output terminals of said bridge; and means for moving said wiper arm of said variable resistor as the trim position of the outdrive unit changes, to vary the resistance of said variable resistor thereby causing an electrical current to flow through said meter movement and thereby causing the latter to indicate the trim position of the outdrive unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
59 words
The indicator as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for moving said wiper arm of said variable resistor comprises: a movable element in said system for raising and lowering the outdrive unit and a mechanical coupling means for connecting said wiper arm to said movable element such that said wiper arm tracks the position of the outdrive unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
The indicator as defined in claim 1 wherein said voltage regulator comprises a zener diode coupled between said output terminals of said voltage regulator and means biasing said diode in the avalanche mode of operation when said voltage regulator is coupled to a source of operating potential.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
77 words
The indicator as defined in claim 3 wherein one of said input terminals of said voltage regulator is coupled to one of said output terminals of said voltage regulator and wherein said means biasing said diode comprises a current limiting resistor coupled between the other of said input terminals and the other of said output terminals, such that said resistor biases said zener diode in an avalanche mode of operation And limits current flowing through said diode.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |