The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 30, 1997
Filed:
Sep. 01, 1995
James M Hundertmark, Fond du Lac, WI (US);
Other;
Abstract
A steering mechanism for a marine vehicle operably connected to a propulsion unit, which comprises a hydraulic cylinder having opposed stop members, e.g., end caps, and is supported by a rod extending along the longitudinally axis of the cylinder. A piston is affixed to the support rod and mounted in the cylinder, and fluid passageways open to the cylinder and are spaced longitudinally to each side of the piston to form opposed chambers in the cylinder. The piston is provided with a longitudinal bore extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder, so that the bore establishes fluid communication between the opposed chambers. Valve member disposed in the bore is biased to a normally dosed position, but actuated to an open position when the piston is brought into abutting relationship with a stop member thereby establishing fluid communication between the opposed chambers, the valve member and the fluid passageways. A steering arm extends fixedly from the hydraulic cylinder and is connected to the propulsion unit. When hydraulic fluid is selectively transported to either side of the piston mounted on the support rod, the cylinder moves causing accompanying movement of the steering arm, thereby effecting steering movement of the propulsion unit.