Brunswick Corporation

Lance W Ziemer

Michael P Dengel

Steven J Gonring

Gene A Smedema

Kenneth W Kujawski

A system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine vessel's propulsion device includes a joystick assembly providing input signals to a control module. The joystick assembly includes a docking station at the helm; a first electrical connector in the docking station cable-connected to the control module; a detachable base for coupling with the docking station; a handle moveable within the detachable base to generate the input signals; a second, complementary electrical connector in the detachable base; and a wireless transmitter mounted in the detachable base. A wireless receiver communicates with the transmitter and the control module. When the detachable base is coupled to the docking station and the electrical connectors are mated, the cable transmits input signals to the control module. When the detachable base is removed from the docking station and the electrical connectors are disconnected, the wireless transmitter and receiver transmit input signals to the control module.

Joystick assembly and system for controlling steering and thrust of a marine propulsion device

A system and method are for diagnosing a fault state of a shift linkage in a marine propulsion device. A control lever is movable towards at least one of a maximum reverse position and a maximum forward position. A shift linkage couples the control lever to a transmission, wherein movement of the control lever causes movement of the shift linkage that enacts a shift change in the transmission. A shift sensor outputs a position signal representing a current position of the shift linkage. A control circuit diagnoses a fault state of the shift linkage when after the shift change the position signal that is output by the shift sensor is outside of at least one range of position signals that is stored in the control circuit.

Systems and methods for diagnosing a fault state of a shift linkage in a marine propulsion device

An end cap assembly for an air compressor driven by an internal combustion engine has a crankshaft structure provided with a shaft, an end cap disposed around the shaft, a first set of ball bearings mounted in the end cap for disposition around the shaft and a second set of ball bearings mounted in the end cap and spaced from the first set of ball bearings for disposition around the shaft. A crankshaft seal and bearing spacer arrangement is disposed around the shaft between the first and second sets of ball bearings for blocking passage of air and oil from the engine, and preventing the first and second sets of ball bearings from contacting each other.

Growing community of inventors

Van Dyne, WI, United States of America

Lance W Ziemer