Abstract: A family of snowmobiles having different tunnel widths is disclosed. A snowmobile having spacers between the tunnel and the sides of the engine compartment and a method of manufacturing such a snowmobile are also disclosed. A snowmobile having a countershaft which is disposed rearwardly of the engine, vertically higher than the air intake opening, and forwardly of the air intake controller is also disclosed.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a single rear wheeled vehicle having a single rear wheel mounted between left and right arms comprises left and right hitch arms having first and second ends. The first ends have first apertures. The second ends are connected together. Shock absorbing bushings are disposed inside the first apertures. Left and right mounting brackets have first and second ends. The first ends of the mounting brackets have first apertures and are fastened to the hitch arms, and the second ends connect to the arms. Fasteners pass through the shock absorbing bushings and through the first aperture of the first end of the mounting brackets to fasten the mounting brackets to the hitch arms. A trailer connector is connected to the second ends of the left and right hitch arms. A vehicle having a trailer hitch is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rotor for an electrical generator is disclosed, including a rotor body having a circular portion and a cylindrical portion coaxial with the circular portion. A generally cylindrical recess is defined by the cylindrical portion and the first side of the circular portion for receiving a stator. At least one first wall is at least partially spaced apart from the first side of the circular portion, defining at least one chamber therebetween. The chamber has an inlet. An aperture in the at least one first wall defines an outlet of the at least one chamber. At least one second wall extends outwardly from the first side of the circular portion. The at least one second wall has an end portion adjacent to the inlet of the at least one chamber. An internal combustion engine with an electrical generator and a method of cooling an electrical generator are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is that of a solar energy system that uses a light-guide solar panel (LGSP) to trap light inside a dielectric or other transparent panel and propagates the light to one of the panel edges for harvesting by a solar energy collector such as a photovoltaic cell. This allows for very thin modules whose thickness is comparable to the height of the solar energy collector. This eliminates the depth requirements inherent in traditional concentrated photovoltaic solar energy systems.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell sub-assembly and a method for manufacturing same. The electrochemical cell sub-assembly includes a current collector sheet having a pair of opposite surfaces and a pair of opposite edges, each surface being coated with a respective layer of electrode material. A layer of polymer electrolyte envelopes both layers of electrode material and one of the pair of edges of the current collector sheet, thereby encapsulating the one edge of the current collector sheet while leaving exposed the other edge of the current collector sheet.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and a method for assembly of electrochemical cells. The stacking apparatus includes at least one stacking head having an adjustable holding member adapted to hold an electrochemical laminate of a pre-determined length and means for adjusting the shape of the electrochemical laminate of the pre-determined length during stacking of a plurality of electrochemical laminates. The electrochemical laminates are assembled in a way that prevents air entrapment between the electrochemical laminates.

Abstract: An ice hockey stick has a shaft and an adjoining blade. The shaft has a proximal end proximate the blade, a distal end opposite the proximal end, and an outer surface. The outer surface has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape transitioning towards the proximal end to one of a generally hexagonal, octagonal, decagonal, or dodecagonal cross-sectional shape, and a front shaft face and an opposing rear shaft face. A width of a portion of the shaft, as measured between the front shaft face and the rear shaft face, tapers towards the proximal end. The blade has a front blade face flush with the front shaft face and a rear blade face opposing the front blade face. The rear blade face is flush with the rear shaft face. The blade also has a heel and a neck affixed to the proximal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A propeller assembly has first and second propeller blades pivotably mounted on a propeller hub. The first and second propeller blades are pivotable with respect to the propeller hub about corresponding first and second pivot axes to vary a pitch of the first and second propeller blades. A support member has a first end at least partially disposed within the first propeller blade and a second end at least partially disposed within the second propeller blade. The first end has a first central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the first pivot axis. The second end has a second central longitudinal axis generally coaxial with the second pivot axis. A gear case having a propeller and a marine outboard engine having a propeller are also disclosed.

Abstract: A personal watercraft has a hull and sub-deck (HSD) assembly, a deck above the sub-deck, and a suspension member pivotally connected therebetween. A suspension element, including a spring assembly, is connected between any two of the deck, the HSD assembly, and the suspension member. The spring assembly has first and second portions having first and second spring rates respectively. The second spring rate is greater than the first. A controller controls a lifting device to set an initial distance between the deck and the sub-deck to one of a first distance and a second distance greater than the first. The suspension element moves through a majority of a full stroke with the first portion of the spring assembly at least partially expanded when the initial distance is the first distance, and with the first portion of the spring assembly fully compressed when the initial distance is the second distance.