Bobby Gene Heninger

US Patent:

6786783, Sep 7, 2004

Filed:

Jul 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/612989

Inventors:

Bruce Herbkersman - Virginia Beach VA
Bobby Heninger - Virginia Beach VA
Casey Lynn - Eustis FL
Rick Richert - Eustis FL

Assignee:

Volvo Penta of the Americas - Chesapeake VA

International Classification:

B63H 2130

US Classification:

440111

Abstract:

An engine installation jig and method for installing an engine in a marine vessel according to predetermined engine installation criteria. The jig comprises a longitudinal member, two lateral crossbar members and a fixture head. The jig also includes leveling devices for manipulating the position of the jig relative to the marine vessel and at least one leveling sensor for providing a visual indication of the planar orientation of the jig within the marine vessel. The jig is coupled to the marine vessel via the leveling devices and the fixture head. Once the jig has been aligned and installed, engine mount holes are drilled in either the stringers or the stringer brackets of the marine vessel, the engine set into the marine vessel so that the engine mounts align with the drilled engine mount holes, and the engine installed.

US Patent:

6785944, Sep 7, 2004

Filed:

Mar 4, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/086716

Inventors:

Bruce Herbkersman - Virginia Beach VA
Bobby Heninger - Virginia Beach VA
Casey Lynn - Eustis FL
Rick Richert - Eustis FL

Assignee:

Volvo Penta of the Americas - Chesapeake VA

International Classification:

B25B 2714

US Classification:

292811, 2940709, 294071, 29559, 269152, 408 72 R

Abstract:

An engine installation jig and method for installing an engine in a marine vessel according to predetermined engine installation criteria. The jig comprises a longitudinal member, two lateral crossbar members and a fixture head. The jig also includes leveling devices for manipulating the position of the jig relative to the marine vessel and at least one leveling sensor for providing a visual indication of the planar orientation of the jig within the marine vessel. The jig is coupled to the marine vessel via the leveling devices and the fixture head. Once the jig has been aligned and installed, engine mount holes are drilled in either the stringers or the stringer brackets of the marine vessel, the engine set into the marine vessel so that the engine mounts align with the drilled engine mount holes, and the engine installed.