Twin Disc Incorporated

Robert N Schenk

Robert B Bertolasi

Paul A Pelligrino

Dean J Bratel

Michael B Gee

Mark B Wilson

Frederic E Nystrom

Klaus Meyersieck

David D N Vann

Steven B Hall

Dana L Birkland

Russel E Gates

Gary L Potter

Darryl S Babu

A programmable trim control system for marine applications preferably includes a controller, a control panel, a display device and a plurality of sensors. The controller receives input from the control panel and the plurality of sensors. The display device acts as a monitor for the controller. Each sensor monitors a single drive device, trim device or operational parameter. The controller further includes output ports connected to the drive devices and trim devices for controlling thereof. The trim control system preferably includes a manual mode, a diagnostic mode, a program mode and a preset mode. The positions or settings of the trim and drive devices are set in the program mode and recorded in the controller. Data stored in the controller will be accessed by the trim control system when in the preset mode.

Programmable trim control system for marine applications

A marine vessel propulsion system includes one or more drive systems, each including an engine, an engine throttle, and a shiftable transmission. A control system for each drive system comprises a manually operable control lever assembly for electrically operating a servo assembly which mechanically operates the engine throttle and the transmission shifting clutches. The control lever assembly comprises a one-piece plastic support base which is adapted to pivotally support one or two identical one-piece plastic control levers. Components associated with a control lever are interchangeable and identical and include a potentiometer mechanically interconnected between the control lever and the base, a detent plate and a detent arm. The control lever assembly also comprises based-mounted components including a station selector switch, a mode selector switch, an electrical connector and a flexible circuit board for electrically connecting the potentiometer selector switches and electrical connector. The servo assembly comprises a plastic housing containing two identical servo units for mechanically operating the engine throttle and the transmission shifting clutches. Each servo unit comprises a support frame on which are mounted a reversible electric motor having a rotatable motor shaft, a rotatable link-drive shaft and a solenoid-operated clutch for connecting and disconnecting the motor shaft and the link-drive shaft. A potentiometer mechanically connected to the link-drive shaft is restrained from rotation by a clamp engaged with the motor housing.

Control means for marine engines and transmissions

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Racine, WI, United States of America

Robert N Schenk