Timothy W Merten

61994987, Mar 13, 2001

Aug 26, 1998

9/139901

James M Hundertmark - Fond du Lac WI
Timothy W. Merten - Oshkosh WI
Arthur R. Templeman - late of Sarasota FL
by Patricia L. Templeman - Venice FL

B63H 2522

114150

In a marine hydraulic steering assembly for a propulsion unit there is included a hydraulic steering cylinder operatively connected to the propulsion unit and is provided with first and second chambers. A hydraulic output system is actuated by a steering wheel at the helm of the marine vehicle and is operatively connected to the propulsion unit for effecting common movement of the hydraulic steering cylinder in response to actuation by the steering wheel. The hydraulic output system including a second hydraulic cylinder having first and second chambers, and a reservoir, and fluid communication extends between the first chamber and the reservoir and the second chamber and the reservoir. A first hydraulic conduit extends between the first chamber of the hydraulic steering cylinder and the first chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, and a second hydraulic conduit extends between the second chamber of the hydraulic steering cylinder and the second chamber of the second hydraulic cylinder, the first and second hydraulic conduits having expandable wall portions. Fluctuations in torque on the propulsion unit delivers or exhaust hydraulic fluid between the chambers via the hydraulic conduits to cause the conduits in the direction of the torque to expand to maintain the hydraulic steering cylinder at about zero pressure thereby effectually preventing external forces from pivoting the propulsion unit about the vertical steering axis and substantially reducing instability of the vehicle.

52284050, Jul 20, 1993

Mar 15, 1991

7/670533

Timothy W. Merten - Oshkosh WI

Mer-Tech Inc. - Oshkosh WI

B63H 2522

114150

An in-line power steering system for a marine vehicle having a propulsion unit, including a steering arm, to effect steering movement thereof about a steering axis, and an operator actuable steering helm. A first actuable steering member, such as a mechanical push-pull cable, is operably connected to the steering helm and actuated in response to steering actuation at the helm. A power steering assist unit, operably connected to the first steering member, comprising a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly and hydraulic fluid source is interposed between the steering helm and the first actuable steering member and mounted remote from the propulsion unit, and further is hydraulically actuated in response to steering actuation at the steering helm. An actuator for regulating the flow of hydraulic fluid through the power steering assist unit is operably connected to the first actuable steering member. A second actuable steering member, such as a mechanical push-pull cable, is operably connected to the power steering assist unit and to the steering arm for overcoming torque on the propulsion unit relative to the steering axis for effecting common movement of the steering member in response to steering actuation at the steering helm to pivot the propulsion unit about the steering axis.