Abstract: An infinitely self-adjusting mechanical brake system which has a caliper housing and actuator assembly partially surrounding a brake disk for making small brake adjustments automatically. A brake disk pad adjacent to a mechanical brake is connected to a brake activator. A brake adjuster is connected to the brake activator for automatically adjusting to substantially reduce the gap between the brake disk pad and the brake disk.

Abstract: An adjustable suspension system which has a shock absorber affixed to the suspension system, a movable sealing piston located within a shock absorber for sealing fluid and a suspension adjuster connected to the shock absorber for moving fluid between the adjuster and the shock absorber. A conduit connects the suspension adjuster and the shock absorber. The conduit also includes a hose connecting the suspension adjuster with the shock absorber. A shock housing is adjacent to and outside the shock body. The shock housing surrounds the periphery of the shock body. The shock housing and the shock body define a passageway for fluid. The shock body has a portion that defines at least one port hole between the shock cap and the sealing piston. The shock absorber includes a fluid chamber defined by a shock cap, a shock body, and the sealing piston.

Abstract: A chain drive which has an automatic chain tension adjustor. The chain adjustor has a housing cover with a cover head suitable for being turned with a ratchet for transferring torque to an adjacent motor spring. The motor spring is connected to a shaft within a chain adjustor screw housing. A chain adjustor screw within the shaft is urged by the motor spring through the shaft and housing against the chain adjustor arm. The arm pushes the chain and reduces slack in the chain.

Abstract: An alignment ball which is disposed within a channel of a vehicle part such as a brake caliper. The vehicle part is connected to a rigid vehicle support such as a chaincase by means of a fastening member such as a nut and bolt. The alignment ball is connected to the fastening member for properly aligning the brake caliper with the rigid vehicle support.

Abstract: A bilge pump control system for a personal watercraft which allows for the continuous pumping of the bilge whenever the vessel's engine is operating, but which also permits an operator to activate the bilge pump upon command even when the engine is not operating.

Abstract: A carburetors drain apparatus, particularly suited for two stroke internal combustion engine applications. The drain apparatus diverts fuel contaminants away from the fuel jets to a remotely located sediment collector. The collector retains the accumulated contaminants until drained.

Abstract: A steering post for a snowmobile is positionable in more than one position and includes a bearing which has a two part bearing block and a two part bearing. The bearing includes a generally spherical body with axially aligned oppositely extending cylindrical extensions and a bore substantially the same diameter as the steering post axially aligned with and extending through the spherical body and extensions. The bearing body includes openings axially aligned and communicating with a cavity adapted to receive the spherical body therein. The openings include an encircling chamfered area engagable by the extensions on the spherical body such that when the steering post is out of alignment that it does not engage the bearing body and bind.

Abstract: An improved spindle arrangement for a suspension system for supporting skis of a snowmobile induces a steering bias in each of the respective skis. A spindle is attached to respective upper and lower linkages of unequal dimensions by ball joints. The ball joints attached at each respective spindle are offset from the longitudinal axis of the spindle in a manner such that a bias is induced in each respective ski causing it to toe-out. Accordingly, the bias induced in the skis creates a situation wherein the snowmobile will give the rider much more confidence and a more comfortable ride when operating the snowmobile at high speed by eliminating the disconcerting feeling that can be generated when the skis tend to toe-in.

Abstract: A suspension/traction unit for a snowmobile is disclosed as having an area of primary support and a two stage angle of attack. The traction unit includes a drive sprocket rotatably mounted to the snowmobile chassis a predetermined height above ground level when the snowmobile is at rest. An endless belt is guided by slide rails such that a low primary angle of attack of about 6 degrees is presented as well as a secondary angle of attack steeper than the primary angle attack making it possible for the snowmobile to effectively start and move in deep snow.

Abstract: A suspension system for the skis of a snowmobile controls the movement of a projected steering point associated with each ski such that the steering points move substantially parallel to a vertical plane containing the longitudinal axis of the snowmobile during deflection of the suspension system. The linkage for each ski includes a spindle arrangement, the chassis, an upper suspension linkage, and a lower suspension linkage.

Abstract: An air intake noise suppressor for a snowmobile engine disposed on the intake side of a carburetor has an enclosure with a front face having apertures therein connected to the carburetor and a rear face canted relative to the front face. The rear face has an integrally formed frustoconical extension for permitting air to flow into the enclosure. The frustoconical extension extends into the enclosure and the enclosure has a irregular bottom wall providing additional reflective surfaces inside the enclosure. Sound emanating from the carburetor enters the enclosure through the apertures and is reflected and entrapped therein unit it is attenuated. The small amount of sound that may escape the enclosure through the frustoconical extension is either attenuated in a juxtaposed enclosure formed by a shroud or directed through louvers down and away to either side of the driver.

Abstract: An idle detector and safety apparatus for use in an internal combustion engine includes a magnet which is mounted to the carburetor piston valve and a magnetically actuatable switch positioned outside of the carburetor body. A sensor is also provided to indicate throttle position. When the throttle sensor indicates the throttle is in an idle position, a circuit checks the status of the magnetically actuatable switch. If the switch indicates that the piston valve is in the idle position as is proper, engine ignition is allowed to continue. If the switch indicates that the piston valve is improperly in a high speed position, engine ignition is caused to be interrupted. As a result, the engine is prevented from going into an uncontrolled, runaway condition should the piston valve become misplaced.