Importance

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Abstract

There is disclosed a portable system to control and monitor the basic maneuvering functions of marine vessels: The control and monitoring functions are contained on a hand held, small and lightweight consul which can be plugged into multi-pin sockets which are wired from various remote places of the ship to a central electronics logic and control module matrix. Switches on the portable helm control the electronic module matrix which powers servo motors mechanically linked to: engines' throttle controls, shift forward-neutral-reverse controls, and steering apparatus. Feedback loops monitor the positions of these maneuvering functions. Monitored on the portable helm are: rudder angle, engines' idle status, forward, neutral and reverse status of each drive trian, power on, and engines' synchronization. A synchronization circuit is disclosed which provides automatic speed equalization of multi-engine marine vessels, and a shift inhibit circuit which prevents shifting the engines wherever the engine speeds are above idle. The system can operate alone or as an adjunct to existing helm systems.

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First Claim