US5366394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Speed detecting system for marine propulsion unit
Assignee: Yamaha Marine Co Ltd
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Filing: 1992-11-30
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Granted: 1994-11-22
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Expires: 2012-11-30
Abstract
Abstract An improved speed detecting system for a marine propulsion unit that can be integrated into the unit and which comprises an element driven by water flow contained within the propulsion unit and means for generating a digital electrical signal depending upon the rate of travel.
Inventors
- 👤 Isao Kanno
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 10:56
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02B; F02B61/00; F02B61/04; F02B61/045; G; G01; G01P; G01P5/00; G01P5/02; G01P5/06; G01P5/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A marine propulsion unit having an outer housing containing a lower unit and propulsion device submerged in a body of water in which an associated watercraft is operating for propelling the watercraft, a speed sensor comprising an element driven by the flow of water through said speed sensor contained within said outer housing and above the water level, a pressure receiving port formed in said lower unit below the water level and in a forwardly facing direction for receiving water, conduit means within said outer housing for delivering water from said pressure receiving port to said speed sensor and for delivering water from said speed sensor back to the body of water in which said watercraft is operating, and means for providing a digital electrical output signal in response to the water flow through said speed sensor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A marine propulsion unit having an outer housing containing a lower unit and propulsion device submerged in a body of water in which an associated watercraft is operating for propelling the watercraft, a speed sensor comprising an element driven by the flow of water through said speed sensor contained within said outer housing and above the water level, a pressure receiving port formed in said lower unit below the water level and in a forwardly facing direction for receiving water, conduit means within said outer housing for delivering water from said pressure receiving port to said speed sensor and for delivering water from said speed sensor back to the body of water in which said watercraft is operating, and means for providing a digital electrical output signal in response to the water flow through said speed sensor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 1 wherein the means for generating the digital electrical signal acts in response to the rotation of the element.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 2 wherein the means for providing a digital signal comprises a photoelectric sensor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 3 wherein the marine propulsion unit comprises an outboard motor adapted to be mounted on the hull of an associated watercraft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
127 words
A marine propulsion unit having an outer housing containing a lower unit and propulsion device for propelling an associated watercraft, a speed sensor contained within said outer housing, conduit means for delivering water from a pressure receiving port to said speed sensor and for delivering water from said speed sensor back to the body of water in which said watercraft is operating, means for providing a digital electrical output signal in response to the water flow through said speed sensor, said speed sensor having a first and second range of operation, each offering greater sensitivity dependent upon the water flow, and selectively operable restrictive means for changing the velocity characteristics through the speed sensor in response to the actual speed of travel to provide better speed response.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
127 words
A marine propulsion unit having an outer housing containing a lower unit and propulsion device for propelling an associated watercraft, a speed sensor contained within said outer housing, conduit means for delivering water from a pressure receiving port to said speed sensor and for delivering water from said speed sensor back to the body of water in which said watercraft is operating, means for providing a digital electrical output signal in response to the water flow through said speed sensor, said speed sensor having a first and second range of operation, each offering greater sensitivity dependent upon the water flow, and selectively operable restrictive means for changing the velocity characteristics through the speed sensor in response to the actual speed of travel to provide better speed response.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 5 wherein the speed sensor comprises an element driven by the flow of water through said speed sensor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 6 wherein the means for generating the digital electrical signal acts in response to the rotation of the element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 7 wherein the means for providing a digital signal comprises a photoelectric sensor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
29 words
A marine propulsion unit as set forth in claim 8 wherein the marine propulsion comprises an outboard motor adapted to be mounted on the hull of an associated watercraft.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1997-11-21 | 1998-05-23 | 1998-11-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-11-21 | 2002-05-23 | 2002-11-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-11-21 | 2006-05-23 | 2006-11-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |