Patents Assigned to POLARIS
  • Electro-magnetic propagation modeling
    Publication number: 20060199546
    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 (e.g., real numbers, integers, etc.). Casting propagation models in the matrix-based framework enables efficient computer implementation and calculation, ease of tuning, admissibility (i.e., the tuned parameters of a linear matrix model are guaranteed to be the global optimum), 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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: September 7, 2006
    Applicant: Polaris Wireless, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Durgin
  • Snowmobile fuel system sump tank
    Patent number: 7089917
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a fuel sump system may include one or more of the following features: (a) a fuel tank, (b) a fuel sump tank in fluid communication with the fuel tank to receive fuel from the fuel tank, (c) a fuel pump having an intake positioned in the sump tank to pump fuel from the sump tank to an engine via a fuel supply line, (d) a fuel return line in fluid communication with the engine for returning fuel the fuel return line being in fluid communication with the sump tank to supply returned fuel to the sump tank, (e) a fuel pressure regulator operably coupled to the return line, and (f) a transfer pump operatively coupled to the fuel tank and the sump tank for transferring fuel from the fuel tank to the sump tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. McKinster, John A. Crudden, Kevin Ness, Richard A. Frederickson
  • Anti-dart snowmobile ski
    Patent number: 7090229
    Abstract: An anti-darting ski for snowmobiles, the ski including a longitudinally extending runner with a central keel. A generally flat wear strip with two skags is attached to the bottom of the keel. The wear strip is contoured to match the bottom surface of the keel. The skags are laterally spaced beneath the wear strip such that their inside surfaces do not extend towards each other. The skags and wear strip may be mounted flush with the outside edges of the keel. The skags may also be located asymmetrically about a longitudinal center point of the ski. The dual skag system acts to minimize darting of the snowmobile in the snow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin A. Monsrud, Robert W. Przekwas, Arlyn T. Saagge, Keith W. Peppel
  • Fuel injection system and method for two-cycle engines
    Patent number: 7089892
    Abstract: A straddle seat type vehicle with a two-cycle internal combustion engine with a crankcase fuel injector. The crankcase fuel injector is mounted through a wall of the crankcase and injects fuel in a jet directed at incoming air entering into the crankcase. The engine may also include a transfer passage fuel injector that injects fuel in a jet directed generally transverse to the direction of airflow through the transfer passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Hosaluk, Darren J. Hedlund, Kevin D. Ness
  • Heat exchanger system
    Patent number: 7080704
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for providing a heat exchanger for vehicles that have liquid cooled engines. The heat exchanger is positioned within the vehicle so as to accept airflow moving across the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion. The heat exchanger is positioned within the vehicle so as not to adversely affect the vehicle's center of gravity. A divider is used with the heat exchanger to help channel at least a portion of the airflow to the heat exchanger, while also preventing any byproduct produced from contact between airborne materials and the heat exchanger from causing a nuisance to the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Rick Kerner, Norman O. Berg
  • Flush mounted taillight
    Patent number: 7073618
    Abstract: A light assembly for mounting to a motorcycle fender that has an aperture sized to receive the light assembly, the light assembly in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a reflector, (b) a source of light, and (c) a lens having a shape conforming to an outer surface of the fender wherein the lens is flush with the outer surface of the fender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Song
  • Ventilated clutch assembly with reduced-slip sheave surfaces
    Patent number: 7070527
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for cooling a V-belt in a clutch assembly of a CVT. As previously mentioned, the CVT is comprised of a drive clutch assembly, a driven clutch assembly, and an endless V-belt disposed about the drive and driven clutch assemblies. The invention will cool the V-belt as it rides about the drive clutch and driven clutch assemblies. In addition, the invention provides a method for providing a reduced-slip sheave surface for the V-belt in a clutch assembly of a CVT. Normally, as the V-belt rides about the drive and driven clutch assemblies, the V-belt contacts inner surfaces of the clutch assemblies. The invention will reduce belt slippage across the inner surfaces of the clutch assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Darin Saagge
  • Operator selectable engine assist braking
    Patent number: 7072754
    Abstract: An operator selectable engine braking assist system is provided that allows the operator of a vehicle to select the amount of engine braking assist provided. An engine braking assist selector is provided to allow the operator to select a level of engine braking assist. A controller is programmed with an engine braking algorithm and implements the algorithm in response to the selector to produce engine braking in an amount selected by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Sean E. Sherrod
  • Snowmobile
    Patent number: 7059440
    Abstract: A snowmobile including a frame, drive track, and an engine. The engine extends in a first direction from a cylinder bore axis of the engine and a back side extends in a second direction from the cylinder bore axis. Air may enter a cylinder bore of the engine from the front side and exhaust gases may exit the engine from the front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Norman O. Berg, Keith W. Peppel, Richard H. Bates, Jr., Edwin M. Monsrud
  • Vehicle expansion retainer
    Patent number: 7055454
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle may include one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory to a mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Whiting, Steve Erickson, David Foss
  • Methods and apparatus for providing reverse drive in a recreational vehicle
    Patent number: 7044872
    Abstract: A vehicle with a continuously variable transmission (continuously variable transmission) includes a torque responsive clutch having a cam and at least one coupling. The cam has a plurality of projecting surfaces, and a plurality of slots being defined between the projecting surfaces. The slots of the cam are used to direct cam followers that move across the slot surfaces as the vehicle is driven forward or in reverse. As the vehicle adjusts from forward to reverse or vice versa, the cam followers may jump from one side of the slot to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Barry A. Johnson
  • Engine air intake system
    Patent number: 7040437
    Abstract: An engine air intake system for vehicles such as snowmobiles. The air intake system helps prevent airborne contaminants from entering the vehicle engine through the air intake. The intake includes an elongated channel with openings on either end that provides a throughway for contaminants entering the channel. A wall of the channel includes at least one aperture leading to an intake port on an engine cylinder. The intake port is positioned generally parallel to the direction of airflow through the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Fredrickson, Jan Hedlund, Jim Vizanko
  • Suspension for a tracked vehicle
    Patent number: 7040426
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to recreational vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for traversing challenging terrain with a recreational vehicle. A vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a first drive track that is supported by a first rear suspension and a second drive track of vehicle is supported by a second rear suspension. The first drive track and the second drive track may be operatively coupled to an engine by a drive train for propelling the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman O. Berg
  • Hitch receiver
    Patent number: 7040645
    Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly including a mounting frame including a tubular receiver readily attachable to a chassis of a towing vehicle and a hitch mount assembly detachably coupled to the tubular receiver for free 360° horizontal rotation therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: L. M. Skip Borneman, Steven W. Aronson
  • Motorcycle rear frame mounting system
    Patent number: 7036837
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus utilized to mount a motorcycle fender, as well as one or more components, directly to an upper rear portion of a motorcycle frame. The upper rear portion of the frame includes one or more rear frame rails, each having a plurality of holes defined therein. These holes are further used in securing the fender and the one or more components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Kathy J Bauer, Gary C. Gray, Jeffrey P. Wolf, Jason W.B. Hoeve, Michael M. Song
  • Exhaust pipe heater
    Patent number: 7031825
    Abstract: A vehicle with a two-stroke engine includes a system for rapidly heating an exhaust pipe. The system may include a heating mode signal generator, a sensor, and a controller. Activation of the signal generator signals the controller, which, in turn, determines whether the engine RPM falls in a range such that the vehicle remains stationary. The controller may then set the engine ignition timing to a heating mode range that rapidly heats the exhaust pipe system. The ignition timing may be after top dead center in the heating mode. A method of rapidly heating an exhaust pipe is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Bates, Jr., Brian R. Gillingham
  • High flow reed valve assembly for a two-cycle engine
    Patent number: 7028649
    Abstract: A reed valve assembly in certain embodiments of the present teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) a W shaped reed cage assembly having at least two reed cages, each reed cage having outer air ports and inner air ports wherein the inner air ports face one another, (b) a plurality of reeds that cover the inner and the outer air ports, the reeds secured to the reed cage assembly, and (c) a center splitter secured between the inner air ports of the reed cages, the center splitter having a shape designed to match the deflected shape of the inner reeds when the inner reeds open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Hosaluk, Dan Erickson, Scott E. McKinster
  • Cargo box for an all-terrain vehicle
    Patent number: D519439
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris, Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Nathan Dahl, Anthony Norman Pink, Tim Wysocki
  • Seat and pair of side panels for an all terrain vehicle
    Patent number: D520252
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Tandrup, Thomas McCoubrey, Scott Taylor, Scott Ostroski
  • Motorcycle headlight
    Patent number: D521163
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Michael M. Song