Patents Assigned to POLARIS
  • Removable vehicle seat cowl
    Patent number: 7441818
    Abstract: A removable vehicle component, such as a seat cowl, including a body configured to couple to a vehicle in a first position wherein the body covers a portion of a seat of the vehicle and in a second position, such as connected to the vehicle windshield, wherein the body does not cover the portion of the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Gary C Gray, Brian R Koesters
  • Computationally-efficient estimation of the location of a wireless terminal based on pattern matching
    Patent number: 7433695
    Abstract: A method of using a non-GPS-derived technique to estimate the location of an Assisted-GPS-enabled wireless terminal for the purposes of generating location-specific assistance data for the wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless terminal then uses the assistance data to acquire and process one or more GPS signals and to derive information that is probative of the wireless terminal's location. The GPS-derived location information is then combined with non-GPS-derived location to form an estimate of the location of the wireless terminal that is better than can be derived from either alone. This combination of GPS-derived and non-GPS techniques is particularly useful when the wireless terminal can only acquire one or two GPS signals because it is not possible to determine the location of the wireless terminal with only two GPS signals alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Wireless, Inc.
    Inventors: Scot Douglas Gordon, Robert Lewis Martin, David Stevenson Spain, Jr.
  • Method and operation of an engine
    Patent number: 7431024
    Abstract: An engine is disclosed which may operate in a first operating state wherein a spark ignited fuel is ignited in a combustion chamber with an igniter and a second operating state wherein a compression ignited fuel is ignited in a combustion chamber with an igniter. A compression ratio in the combustion chamber being up to about eight to one. The engine may be a four-stroke engine. The engine may include a piston having a top portion with a recessed central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: James H Buchwitz, Chad M Cunningham, Nathan D Dahl, Ryan W Sorenson, Dean J Hedlund, Christopher R Benning
  • User interface for braking a vehicle
    Patent number: 7431131
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decelerating and/or stopping a vehicle are disclosed. A vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention may include a first wheel, a second wheel, and a brake system capable of applying a first braking force to the first wheel and a second braking force to the second wheel such that a ratio of the second braking force to the first braking force is equal to a pre-selected braking force ratio. The vehicle may also include a second brake input mechanism capable of varying the ratio of the second braking force to the first braking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Chevalier
  • Electro-magnetic propagation modeling
    Patent number: 7433652
    Abstract: A generalized framework is disclosed in which a wide variety of propagation models can be cast in a matrix-based format using arbitrary matrix coefficients. Casting propagation models in the matrix-based framework enables efficient computer implementation and calculation, ease of tuning, admissibility, and aggregating multiple propagation models into a single matrix-based model. Matrix-based propagation models based on transmitter-receiver azimuth orientation, transmitter antenna height, terrain elevation, and clutter are also disclosed. The propagation models can be used in conjunction with automated data acquisition from information sources such as topographic maps, clutter maps, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory D. Durgin
  • CRANIOSPINAL FUSION METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20080234755
    Abstract: A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Fraser Cummins Henderson, John W. Newman
  • CRANIOSPINAL FUSION METHOD AND APPARATUS
    Publication number: 20080234766
    Abstract: A method for effecting reduction, stabilization and enhancement of fusion of the human cranio-cervical junction, which may be performed in order to relieve mechanical stresses imparted to the spinal cord and brainstem as a result of an abnormal clivo-axial angle, includes steps of achieving the correct craniocervical relationship, of effecting a fusion of a first portion of a bone forming material based structural member to a human cranium, and effecting fusion of a second portion of the bone forming material based structural member to a least one portion of a human cervical spine. Fusion of the bone forming material based structural member to the human cranium may be promoted through the use of plate member that is shaped to define a graft accommodation space between the plate member and the cranium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS BIOTECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Fraser Cummins Henderson, John W. Newman
  • Computationally-Efficient Estimation of the Location of a Wireless Terminal Based on Pattern Matching
    Publication number: 20080214208
    Abstract: A method of using a non-GPS-derived technique to estimate the location of an Assisted-GPS-enabled wireless terminal for the purposes of generating location-specific assistance data for the wireless terminal is disclosed. The wireless terminal then uses the assistance data to acquire and process one or more GPS signals and to derive information that is probative of the wireless terminal's location. The GPS-derived location information is then combined with non-GPS-derived location to form an estimate of the location of the wireless terminal that is better than can be derived from either alone. This combination of GPS-derived and non-GPS techniques is particularly useful when the wireless terminal can only acquire one or two GPS signals because it is not possible to determine the location of the wireless terminal with only two GPS signals alone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Scot Douglas Gordon, Robert Lewis Martin, David Stevenson Spain
  • Estimating Whether Or Not A Wireless Terminal Is In A Zone Using Radio Navigation
    Publication number: 20080207219
    Abstract: A method for estimating whether or not a wireless terminal is in a zone is described. The method is based on the following observation: when a wireless terminal is at a particular location, the values of the traits of the ambient electromagnetic signals that vary with location represent a “fingerprint” or “signature” for that location. This enables the location of a wireless terminal to be estimated by comparing the observed values of the traits of the ambient electromagnetic signals with the fingerprint for each potential location for the wireless terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Tarun Kumar Bhattacharya, Martin Feuerstein, Scot Douglas Gordon
  • Estimating Whether Or Not A Wireless Terminal Is In A Geographic Zone Using Pattern Classification
    Publication number: 20080207222
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for estimating whether or not a wireless terminal is in a geographic zone. The illustrative embodiment employs a pattern classifier that is trained on traits of electromagnetic signals at various locations. A computer-executable program is then generated based on the trained pattern classifier, and the program is installed and executed on a subscribed identity module of the terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS WIRELESS, INC.
    Inventors: Tarun Kumar Bhattacharya, Martin Feuerstein, Scot Douglas Gordon
  • Integrated frame and air box method and apparatus
    Publication number: 20080190683
    Abstract: The present teachings generally include a motorcycle having an engine with at least two cylinders. A first cylinder head has a first top portion and a first side portion. A second cylinder head has a second top portion and a second side portion. The first cylinder head and the second cylinder head are associated with the engine. A frame member defines an integral air box that communicates air into the engine. The frame member couples to the first side portion of the first cylinder head and the second side portion of the second cylinder head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jason W. B. Hoeve
  • Control arm suspension system for a vehicle
    Patent number: 7410182
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including control arms and a spindle. The suspensions of the invention use control arms pivotably and rotatably coupled to a spindle to improve the structural and performance characteristics of the suspension system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Giese, Richard Harold Bates
  • Fuel pickup return line and separator
    Patent number: 7410022
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and assemblies for providing improved fuel management to fuel injected engine systems of off-road vehicles, such as snowmobiles, personal watercraft, motorcycles, utility vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles. The fuel-injected engine systems can return fuel after passing through a pressure regulator located either upstream or downstream of the engine. Fuel may be returned to the fuel pump through various routes, rather than simply returning the fuel into the fuel of the fuel tank. Fuel may be returned directly to the fuel pump upstream of all fuel pickups or upstream of some fuel pickups and downstream from other fuel pickups. Some embodiments include a vapor separator located downstream of the pressure regulator but somewhere upstream of the fuel pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Berg, Douglas M. Corneliusen, Scott E. McKinster
  • Slip Fit Electrical Connector
    Publication number: 20080188140
    Abstract: An electrical connector for transformer studs accommodates two different size transformer studs, at different times, in a slip-fit blind bore. A large circular bore is threaded and over-sized for a slip fit of a stud of the largest size with ample clearance space to facilitate placement of the large stud in the bore. A smaller threaded recess is created by an arc formed in a periphery of the large circular bore and is sized to fit a smallest stud. A set screw holds the smaller stud in the threaded recess or the larger stud in the large circular bore. The matching threads provide an effective, efficient, long-lasting, and sturdy electrical transformer connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS SALES CO.
    Inventors: Lewis Hill, Nick Moraitis
  • Light weight track for a snowmobile
    Publication number: 20080174176
    Abstract: A ground engaging track for a vehicle has a continuous loop or endless belt body portion having an exterior surface to engage the ground and an interior surface including driven members. The driven members are configured to be engaged by a drive sprocket to rotate the body portion to move the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Norman O. Berg
  • ADJUSTABLE FOOT CONTROL FOR VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080173122
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The vehicle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the vehicle. The vehicle may have moveable foot control levers to accommodate different size riders. The vehicle may include a moveable windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Bagnariol
  • Snowmobile
    Patent number: 7401674
    Abstract: A snowmobile includes a seat having a rear end with a rear end face. The rear end face is inclined upwardly and rearwardly from an upper surface of a tunnel of a frame so that a cavity is defined beneath the seat between the inclined rear end face of the seat and the upper surface of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Norman O Berg, Keith W Peppel, Richard H Bates, Jr., Edwin M Monsrud
  • TWO WHEELED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080169148
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: Jason William Beiber Hoeve, Mark W. Chevalier, Ronald A. Vorndran
  • TIP OVER STRUCTURE FOR A TWO WHEELED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080169627
    Abstract: A two-wheeled vehicle, a touring motorcycle, is disclosed. The touring motorcycle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The touring motorcycle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the motorcycle. The touring motorcycle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the motorcycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: POLARIS INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventors: David Louis Bagnariol, James Arthur John Holroyd
  • TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20080169134
    Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include multiple fuel storage tanks arranged in a split side-by-side configuration. The vehicle may include a rear suspension having a linkage which moves in a direction not parallel with a centerline plane of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a tip-over structure which prevents unwanted tip-over of the vehicle. The vehicle may have moveable foot control levers to accommodate different size riders. The vehicle may include a moveable windshield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Vittorio Tomolillo, Andrew M. Otterson, Michael J. Hanten, Michael M. Song