Patent ID: 6598553
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
A power steering assist system for a watercraft, comprising:(A) a hydraulically actuated steering cylinder assembly that is configured for connection to a steered mechanism of the watercraft, said steering cylinder assembly including (1) a steering cylinder, (2) a steering piston that is mounted in said steering cylinder to define first and second chambers on opposite sides thereof, and (3) a rod that is affixed to said steering piston, wherein one of said rod and said steering cylinder is movable relative to the other and is configured for connection to the steered mechanism; (B) a fluid pressure source that has an outlet fluidically coupled to said first chamber in said steering cylinder; and (C) an operator-controlled helm that is spaced from said steering cylinder assembly and that has high pressure, return, and metering ports formed therein, said high pressure port being coupled to said fluid pressure source, said return port being coupled to a reservoir, and said metering port being coupled to said second chamber of said steering cylinder, wherein said helm includes (1) a metering element having at least first and second ports, said second port being coupled to said metering port in said helm; and (2) a control valve assembly that is coupled to said metering element and that is switchable between at least first and second states to alternatively couple said first port in said metering element to said high pressure and return ports of said helm, respectively, thereby alternatively permitting pressurized fluid to flow into said metering port from said metering element and from said metering port into said metering element.