SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING MARINE CRAFT WITH STEERABLE PROPELLERS
An apparatus and method for use with a marine vessel having a first steerable propeller and a second steerable propeller is disclosed. The apparatus and method providing for movement of the first and second steerable propellers relative to each other and also maintains a minimum distance between the first and second steerable propellers so as to prevent the first and second steerable from contacting each other. Also disclosed is a control system and method to control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to provide the fixed distance between the first and second steerable propellers and so as to individually control the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propellers to allow the first steerable propeller and the second steerable propeller to move relative to each other.
1 - 50 . (canceled)
51 . An apparatus, comprising:
a mechanical device configured to be coupled to a first drive and a second drive of a watercraft, the mechanical device being configured to allow the first drive and the second drive to move freely and to prevent the first drive from contacting the second drive.
52 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the mechanical device comprises a bumper.
53 . The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the bumper is attached to the first drive, and wherein the mechanical device further comprises a second bumper attached to the second drive, and wherein the bumper and the second bumper are arranged to contact one another when the first drive and the second drive are within a threshold distance of one another.
54 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the mechanical device comprises a bar.
55 . The apparatus of claim 52 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to allow the first drive and the second drive to be individually steered.
56 . An apparatus, comprising:
a mechanical device configured to be coupled to a first drive and a second drive of a watercraft, the mechanical device being configured to adjustably hold the first and second drive a fixed distance apart in response to a tie-bar control signal generated in response to any one of a rotational movement command, a translational movement command, and a combination of a rotational movement command and a translational movement command.
57 . The apparatus of claim 56 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to prevent the first drive from contacting the second drive.
58 . The apparatus of claim 56 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to lock and unlock, and wherein the mechanical device holds the first and second drive the fixed distance apart when the mechanical device is locked.
59 . The apparatus of claim 56 , wherein the mechanical device comprising a hydraulic cylinder.
60 . The apparatus of claim 56 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to generate a force between the first drive and the second drive.
61 . The apparatus of claim 60 , wherein the mechanical device comprises an actuating tie-bar external to a hull of the watercraft.
62 . The apparatus of claim 61 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is configured to adjustably hold the first and second drive apart any distance in a range of distances.
63 . An apparatus, comprising:
a mechanical device configured to be coupled to a first drive and a second drive of a watercraft, the mechanical device comprising an actuating tie-bar external to a hull of the watercraft and configured to generate a force between the first drive and the second drive.
64 . The apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to prevent the first drive from contacting the second drive.
65 . The apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to adjustably hold the first and second drive a fixed distance apart.
66 . The apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the mechanical device is configured to lock and unlock, wherein the mechanical device holds the first and second drive the fixed distance apart when the mechanical device is locked.
67 . The apparatus of claim 63 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is configured to adjustably hold the first and second drive apart any distance in a range of distances.