Patent ID: 7222577
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: B63H

Abstract:
1. A system for controlling a marine vessel having first and second steering nozzles and corresponding first and second reversing buckets, comprising: a processor configured to receive a first vessel control signal and that is configured to provide at least one first actuator control signal and a second set of actuator control signals that are derived from the first vessel control signal; wherein the at least one first actuator control signal is to be coupled to and control the first and second steering nozzles, and the second set of actuator control signals are to be coupled to and control the first and second reversing buckets; and wherein the processor is configured to provide the second set of actuator control signals so that the first reversing bucket is positioned in a discrete first or second reversing bucket position, and so that the second reversing bucket is positioned in a discrete first or second reversing bucket position, in response to receipt of the first vessel control signal that corresponds to any translational thrust command having at least one component in one of a port and starboard direction; and wherein both the first reversing bucket and the second reversing bucket remain substantially in the first or second discrete reversing bucket positions so long as the first vessel control signal corresponds to any translational thrust command with the component in the one of the port and starboard direction.