Backup method for controlling the operation of a marine vessel when a throttle lever is disabled
First Claim
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1. A method for controlling the operation of a marine propulsion device, comprising the steps of:
- providing a manually operable handle which is configured to control operation of said marine propulsion device;
recognizing a fault condition associated with said manually operable handle;
providing an annunciator;
providing a plurality of switches;
transmitting a message with said annunciator for receipt by an operator of said marine propulsion device;
receiving an input signal from at least one of said plurality of switches activated by said operator; and
changing an operating parameter of said marine propulsion device in response to said input signal, wherein said fault condition relates to a position signal which is responsive to a position of said manually operable handle and wherein said recognizing step comprises the steps of receiving said position signal and comparing said position signal to a preselected range of magnitudes of said position signal.
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Abstract
A control system is provided which allows the operator of a marine vessel to select a transmission position (e.g. forward, neutral, or reverse) and an engine speed in the event that a throttle lever malfunctions. By providing messages to the operator on an annunciator and receiving selections from the operator on a plurality of push button switches, a microprocessor selects gear positions and engine operating speed in response to commands received from the operator.
28 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for controlling the operation of a marine propulsion device, comprising the steps of:
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providing a manually operable handle which is configured to control operation of said marine propulsion device; recognizing a fault condition associated with said manually operable handle; providing an annunciator; providing a plurality of switches; transmitting a message with said annunciator for receipt by an operator of said marine propulsion device; receiving an input signal from at least one of said plurality of switches activated by said operator; and changing an operating parameter of said marine propulsion device in response to said input signal, wherein said fault condition relates to a position signal which is responsive to a position of said manually operable handle and wherein said recognizing step comprises the steps of receiving said position signal and comparing said position signal to a preselected range of magnitudes of said position signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for controlling the operation of a marine propulsion device, comprising the steps of:
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providing a manually operable handle which is configured to control operation of said marine propulsion device; recognizing a fault condition associated with said manually operable handle; providing a visually readable annunciator; providing a plurality of push buttons; transmitting a message with said annunciator for receipt by an operator of said marine propulsion device; receiving an input signal from at least one of said plurality of push buttons activated by said operator; and changing an operating parameter of said marine propulsion device in response to said input signal, wherein said fault condition relates to a position signal which is responsive to a position of said manually operable handle and wherein said recognizing step comprises the steps of receiving said position signal and comparing said position signal to a preselected range of magnitudes of said position signal. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling the operation of a marine propulsion device, comprising the steps of:
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providing a manually operable handle which is configured to control operation of said marine propulsion device; providing an annunciator; providing a plurality of switches; transmitting a message with said annunciator for receipt by an operator of said marine propulsion device; receiving an input signal from at least one of said plurality of switches activated by said operator; changing an operating parameter of said marine propulsion device in response to said input signal; recognizing a fault condition associated with said manually operable handle, wherein said operating parameter is a gear selection associated with a transmission of said marine propulsion device, said fault condition relating to a position signal which is responsive to a position of said manually operable handle, said annunciator comprising a liquid crystal display device, said recognizing step comprising the steps of receiving said position signal and comparing said position signal to a preselected range of magnitudes of said position signal, said plurality of switches comprising at least one push button. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification