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:
an actuating tie-bar configured to be coupled to a first drive and a second drive of a watercraft, the actuating tie-bar being operable to generate a force that causes the actuating tie-bar to modify its length.
52 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is configured to prevent the first drive from contacting the second drive.
53 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar holds the first and second drives a fixed distance apart when the actuating tie-bar is locked.
54 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is operable to adjustably hold the first and second drives apart by a distance in a range of distances.
55 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is external to a hull of the watercraft.
56 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is controlled by a valve, wherein fluid is driven through the valve by a pump.
57 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is operable to generate a force that causes the actuating tie-bar to extend its length.
58 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is operable to generate a force that causes the actuating tie-bar to retract its length.
59 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie-bar is operable to generate forces that cause the actuating tie-bar to extend and/or retract its length.
60 . The apparatus of claim 51 , wherein the actuating tie bar is coupled to a hydraulic circuit that fluidically actuates the actuating tie-bar to modify its length.
61 . The apparatus of claim 60 , wherein the hydraulic circuit comprises at least one valve fluidically coupled to the actuating tie-bar and a pump that drives fluid through the at least one valve.