US4088087A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Remote control apparatus marine vessels having dual propeller shafts
Assignee: Nabco Ltd
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Filing: 1976-12-16
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Granted: 1978-05-09
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Expires: 1996-12-16
Abstract
Abstract Fluid pressure operable remote control apparatus for a marine vessel equipped with a dual shaft and propeller propulsion system and fluid pressure operable operator controllers for coordinating operation respective valve devices and servo-positioners, whereby the desired operating disposition of the shafts and propellers, relative to each other, is effected for providing the desired speed and directional movement of the vessel.
Inventors
- 👤 Akifumi Nitta
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:42
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63H; B63H5/00; B63H5/07; B63H5/125; B63H21/00; B63H21/21; B63H21/213; B63H25/00; B63H25/42; B63H5/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
343 words
Remote control apparatus for marine vessels having dual propeller shafts and propellers mounted thereon, said control apparatus comprising a first and a second propeller shaft, each being pivotally anchored at one end and each being angularly displaceable about said one end relative to each other and to the axis of the vessel for effecting a corresponding change in the direction of the vessel's propulsion and movement, a steering wheel for steering the vessel, control valve means operable responsively to rotation of said steering wheel for producing a first fluid pressure control signal for effecting rotation of said first and second propeller shafts in the same direction in accordance with the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, a pair of independently operable forward and reverse levers, a first control valve device for producing a second fluid pressure control signal at a pressure corresponding to the amount of movement of one of said forward and reverse control levers and related to the first propeller, a second control valve device for producing a third fluid pressure control signal at a pressure corresponding to the amount of movement of the other of said forward and reverse control levers and related to the second propeller, a first positioner device for angularly displacing said first propeller shaft, a second positioner device for angularly displacing said second propeller shaft, a first relay valve device connected to said control valve means and to said first control valve device and operable responsively to said second control signal produced thereby for causing operation of said first positioner device and consequent angular displacement of said first propeller shaft accordingly, and a second relay valve device connected to said control valve means and to said second control valve device and operable responsively to said third control signal produced thereby for causing operation of said second positioner device and consequent angular displacement of said second propeller shaft accordingly, the amount of said angular displacement of said first and second propeller shafts being in accordance with the pressure of said second and third control signals, respectively.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
343 words
Remote control apparatus for marine vessels having dual propeller shafts and propellers mounted thereon, said control apparatus comprising a first and a second propeller shaft, each being pivotally anchored at one end and each being angularly displaceable about said one end relative to each other and to the axis of the vessel for effecting a corresponding change in the direction of the vessel's propulsion and movement, a steering wheel for steering the vessel, control valve means operable responsively to rotation of said steering wheel for producing a first fluid pressure control signal for effecting rotation of said first and second propeller shafts in the same direction in accordance with the angle of rotation of the steering wheel, a pair of independently operable forward and reverse levers, a first control valve device for producing a second fluid pressure control signal at a pressure corresponding to the amount of movement of one of said forward and reverse control levers and related to the first propeller, a second control valve device for producing a third fluid pressure control signal at a pressure corresponding to the amount of movement of the other of said forward and reverse control levers and related to the second propeller, a first positioner device for angularly displacing said first propeller shaft, a second positioner device for angularly displacing said second propeller shaft, a first relay valve device connected to said control valve means and to said first control valve device and operable responsively to said second control signal produced thereby for causing operation of said first positioner device and consequent angular displacement of said first propeller shaft accordingly, and a second relay valve device connected to said control valve means and to said second control valve device and operable responsively to said third control signal produced thereby for causing operation of said second positioner device and consequent angular displacement of said second propeller shaft accordingly, the amount of said angular displacement of said first and second propeller shafts being in accordance with the pressure of said second and third control signals, respectively.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
Remote control apparatus for marine vessels, as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of said positioner device comprises a hydraulically operable cylinder device connected to the respective propeller shaft and an input valve portion operable responsively to fluid pressure supplied thereto from the respective relay valve device for effecting said angular displacement of the respective propeller shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
Remote control apparatus for marine vessels, as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of said positioner devices comprises solenoid means operable at will for maintaining the respective positioner device in position in the event of failure of fluid pressure from the relay valve device.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
Remote control apparatus for marine vessels, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said control valve means comprises at least one fluid pressure control valve device connected to both said first and second relay valve devices for providing a common fluid pressure control signal therefor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-08 | 1981-11-07 | 1982-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-08 | 1985-11-07 | 1986-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-08 | 1989-11-07 | 1990-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |