Thomas Teresa Griffith

US Patent:

6299493, Oct 9, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/539582

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
Loy Hoskins - Springdale AR
Robert F. Saunders - St. Paul AR

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B63H 1900

US Classification:

440 6

Abstract:

A technique for steering a watercraft includes applying drive signals to first and second electric propulsion systems disposed at locations on either side of a longitudinal centerline of the craft. The drive signals power motors of the systems to drive props at corresponding speeds and directions. The props generated components of thrust which combine to provide a net resultant thrust to steer the watercraft. An operator command device receives operator commands, and a control circuit translates the commands to the drive signals to steer the craft in accordance with the operator commands.

US Patent:

6224437, May 1, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/539755

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
Calvin Tyler - Gadsden AL

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B63H 5125

US Classification:

440 53

Abstract:

A mount assembly for a trolling motor is provided. The mount assembly includes a bracket adapted to support the trolling motor. A pivoting member, such as a link or an arm, has a first end pivotally coupled to the bracket. The pivoting member is also pivotally coupled to an abutment adjacent a boat deck or gunwale at its second end. A support member is rigidly affixed to a surface of the bracket such that the support member sustains the overhung load of the trolling motor while it is in the stowed position on the boat deck or gunwale. The support member is flat and unobtrusive when the motor is in its run position.

US Patent:

63224062, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/540695

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
Loy Hoskins - Springdale AR
Robert F. Saunders - St. Paul AR
Calvin Tyler - Gadsden AL

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B60L 1102

US Classification:

440 6

Abstract:

A propulsion system for watercraft, such as pleasure craft, fishing boats, and so forth, includes a pair of unitary propulsion units driven by electric motors. The units are positioned to create components of thrust, and a net or resultant thrust to navigate the watercraft in response to operator inputs. The propulsion units may be mounted in a stern region of the craft to provide fore-and-aft navigational thrust, as well as thrust for turning the craft as desired. The rotational speeds of the units are adjusted in cooperation to produce the desired navigational thrust. Props of the units may be positioned within integral recesses within the hull, with motors for driving the props positioned within a drive cavity of the hull. The motors may be reversible to further enhance the controllability and maneuverability of the watercraft.

US Patent:

63224054, Nov 27, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/540090

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
Jeffrey T. Hudson - Murfreesboro TN

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B60L 1102

US Classification:

440 6

Abstract:

An operator input device for a propulsion unit on a watercraft. The propulsion unit is of the type having an electric motor and a prop drivingly coupled to the electric motor. The operator input device includes a control circuit coupled to the propulsion unit and a switch coupled to the control circuit. The switch is adapted to momentarily alter a predefined rotational state of the prop when activated by the operator. Prior to activation of the switch the propulsion system operates having a predefined rotational state of the prop in a first rotational direction and at a first pre-selected speed. When the switch is activated, the motor and prop may be altered regarding either rotational speed, direction or both.

US Patent:

62802674, Aug 28, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/540683

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
David D. Jones - Lake Forest IL
Calvin Tyler - Gadsden AL

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B63H 2008

US Classification:

440 53

Abstract:

A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is mounted to the hull in a central area, such as forward of a transverse centerline of the hull. The propulsion system includes a propulsion assembly coupled to a retractable arm, which is pivotable between a stowed and operational position. In the stowed position at least a portion of the propulsion assembly may be received within a recessional housing formed in the hull.

US Patent:

6279499, Aug 28, 2001

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/540814

Inventors:

Thomas E. Griffith - Florence MS
Harold L. Wikel - Muskego WI

Assignee:

Bombardier Motor Corporation of America - Grant FL

International Classification:

B63H 2546

US Classification:

114151

Abstract:

A propulsion system for a watercraft is provided, which may be an integral part of a watercraft or may be retrofitted to a particular watercraft. The propulsion system is fixedly mounted to the hull in a central area, rather than along the perimeter of the watercraft. The propulsion system includes a jet-drive assembly coupled to a jet, an angular drive assembly for rotating the jet, and a control system for controlling the jet-drive assembly and the angular drive assembly.