Abstract: A personal watercraft having an electrical reverse mechanism is disclosed. The electric reverse mechanism has a reverse thrust gate mechanically pivotable by an electric motor between a full-up position to permit full-forward propulsion of the watercraft and a fill-down position to enable either full-reverse propulsion or braking of the watercraft. The electric reverse mechanism may include a directional control toggle switch that outputs to the motor a forward signal when toggled to a forward position and a reverse signal when toggled to a reverse position. The motor pivots the reverse gate toward the full-up position when receiving the forward.signal and toward the full-down position when receiving the reverse signal. The electric reverse mechanism may include a display meter that displays an indication of the relative position of the reverse gate between the full-up and full-down positions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a compound which inhibits binding between a target protein and a macromolecular ligand of the target protein. The compound comprises a targeting group, an attaching group and, optionally a linker group. In one aspect of the invention, the targeting group is a moiety that binds non-covalently to a surface of the target protein with a Kd of greater than about 0.1 &mgr;M and within sufficient proximity to the target protein/macromolecular ligand binding site to inhibit binding between the target protein and the macromolecular ligand. In another aspect of the invention, targeting group is degradable in vivo. In yet another aspect of the invention, the compound comprises a linker group that is cleavable in vivo.

Abstract: A magnetic control valve is provided in a suction powered pool cleaner of the type for vacuuming dirt and debris from submerged floor and side wall surfaces of a swimming pool. The pool cleaner comprises a head defining a suction inlet for vacuum inflow of water and debris into a plenum chamber, and further through a suction tube adapted for connection via a vacuum hose to a conventional pool water filtration system. The control valve includes an oscillatory valve member movable between open and substantially closed positions relative to an upstream end of the suction tube to produce pressure fluctuations causing the cleaner to advance in steps over submerged pool surfaces. Oscillatory driving of the valve head is assisted by permanent magnets mounted on the valve member and cleaner head to generate repulsion forces as the valve head respectively approaches the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Technique for determining the location of a mobile unit in a wireless communication system and presenting it to a remote party. In a scenario with first and second position estimates, the first position estimate is presented within a first predetermined time interval of call setup between the mobile unit and the remote party, and, if the second position estimate is available for presentation to the remote party, the second position estimate is presented within a second predetermined time interval after presentation of the first position estimate. Else, status information on availability of the second position estimate is presented within the second predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A snowmobile having asymmetrical, high floatation skis. The snowmobile includes left and right steerable skis carried by a front suspension system that in turn is mounted to the snowmobile's chassis. Each ski has a downwardly extending longitudinal keel, and inner and outer floatation portions extending laterally from the keel. The inner floatation portion of each ski is wider than the outer floatation portion of such ski, making the ski asymmetrical with respect to the keel and giving the ski greater floatation without increasing the overall width of the snowmobile. Preferably the front suspension system includes left and right generally downwardly and forwardly extending spindles, each spindle carrying at its lower end the corresponding ski. The spindles define the steering axes for their respective skis. Preferably the steering axis of the spindle passes through the keel.

Abstract: A multi-function display meter system for a motorized vehicle such as a motorcycle. The display system has a microprocessor-based controller that stores a value for each of a plurality of predetermined indication modes. A mode switch may be used to select one of the indication modes for display on a display unit, and a set switch may be used to set the value of at least one of the indication modes when that mode is selectively displayed. On a vehicle with handlebars, the mode and set switch are conveniently located on opposite handlebars. One of the indication modes may be a hi-beam icon brightness level whose level may be set when it is the selected mode. The system may also include a sensor that senses information related to the vehicle, such as the electrical system voltage level and whether the engine is running.

Abstract: A ramped cap unit is provided for installation into a swimming pool in a position covering a main pool drain equipped with an upstanding antivortex safety drain cover plate, wherein the ramped cap unit has a smoothly contoured shape to permit a pool cleaner device to travel thereover without interrupting or obstructing cleaning operation. The cap unit comprises a generally inverted saucer defining a smoothly sloping and convex or ramped upwardly presented surface having a diametric size and shape to fit over the safety drain cover plate. An array of ribs formed on the underside of the cap unit engage an outer periphery of the upstanding cover plate to retain the cap unit in position thereon. A large plurality of vents are formed in the cap unit at spaced-apart locations to permit downward water flow therethrough substantially without disrupting the antivortex and safety functions of the underlying drain cover plate.

Abstract: A method for determining the location of a mobile unit (MU) in a wireless communication system and presenting it to a remote party. The location of a remote MU is determined by comparing a snapshot of a predefined portion of the radio-frequency (RF) spectrum taken by the MU to a reference database containing multiple snapshots taken at various locations. The result of the comparison is used to determine if the MU is at a specific location. The comparison may be made in the MU, or at some other location situated remotely from the MU. In the latter case, sufficient information regarding the captured fingerprint is transmitted from the MU to the remote location. The database may be pre-compiled or generated on-line.

Abstract: A jet-propelled personal watercraft having a grab handle for a child riding in front of the operator of the watercraft. The watercraft includes a hull defining an engine compartment sized to contain an internal combustion engine for powering the watercraft, a deck portion providing a passenger area containing controls operable by an operator in the passenger area, and a longitudinally extending seat adapted to accommodate at least two riders seated in straddle fashion. A jet propulsion unit is powered by the engine, the jet propulsion unit including a steerable water discharge nozzle. The controls include a set of handlebars operatively connected to the steerable water discharge nozzle to facilitate steering of the watercraft by the operator, the handlebars extending transversely with respect to the watercraft and having a center and a rotational axis extending through such center.

Abstract: A front snowmobile suspension of the type having a ski carried at the front end of a trailing arm. The front end of the trailing arm is pivotably secured to the chassis by a pair of generally transversely mounted radius rods. The rear end of the trailing arm is pivotably secured to the chassis at a position sufficiently closer to the chassis centerline than the front end of the trailing arm that the trailing arm is oriented at an angle of at least about 8°, and preferably at least about 10°, with respect to the chassis centerline. In this location the rear end of the trailing arm may be positioned inboard of at least a portion of a body panel (typically the side panel)—i.e. the rear end of the trailing arm is disposed between the body panel and the centerline of the chassis.

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitor unit is provided for automated checking and adjustment of water chemistry in a spa or hot tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The spa chemistry monitor unit includes a relatively compact buoyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water, wherein the controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings such as hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) levels at predetermined time intervals. The monitor unit responds to the water chemistry readings to deliver a selected metered dose of one or more chemicals to maintain water chemistry readings within a selected target range for substantially optimized water clarity and hygiene.

Abstract: Injection molded bumpers for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's, snowmobiles and the like. In one embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded bumper comprising a fiber-filled plastic resin body. Optionally, the fiber-filled plastic resin may have fibers of a length of at least about ¼ inch. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally vertically oriented front surface having upper and lower peripheral edges. At least a portion of the upper peripheral edge and at least a portion of the lower peripheral edge each has a flange extending generally horizontally away from the front surface. The flanges have thicknesses substantially less than the lengths they extend from the front surface and thereby define generally horizontally extending reinforcing ribs. Additional reinforcing ribs may also be provided intermediate the flanges.

Abstract: A front snowmobile suspension of the type having a ski carried at the front end of a trailing arm. The rear end of the trailing arm is pivotably secured to the chassis and the front end of the trailing arm is pivotably secured to the chassis by a pair of generally transversely mounted radius rods which in turn are pivotably secured to the chassis. Each radius rod has an inner end pivotably attached to the chassis and an outer end pivotably attached to the front end of the trailing arm. The outer ends of the radius rods are positioned forwardly of the inner ends of the radius rods a sufficient distance that the radius rods, viewed from the top, form an angle of at least about 15° with respect to a transverse plane that is perpendicular to the chassis centerline.

Abstract: A flow controller is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the flow controller maintains the suction pressure applied to the pool cleaner at a substantially constant and adjustably preset level consistent with substantially optimized pool cleaner operation. The flow controller comprises a generally tubular housing mounted at a location submerged within the pool water, preferably by installation in-line along the vacuum hose coupled to the pool cleaner. The flow controller includes a pivotally mounted flap valve biased by a spring for normally closing a bypass relief port. The flap valve is drawn by suction pressure toward a modulated open position to prevent the suction pressure from exceeding a preset threshold level.

Abstract: A snowmobile having an adjustable width front suspension. The snowmobile has a chassis and front skis spaced laterally from each other. For at least one of the skis, a mounting column extends generally upward and parallel radius rods, which may be of adjustable length, are pivotally connected between the chassis and the mounting column. The lateral spacing of the front skis may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the radius rods or by adjusting the lateral position on which the radius rods mount to the chassis or the mounting column.

Abstract: A self-contained and free floating spa chemistry monitoring and dispensing unit is provided for automated checking and adjusting of water chemistry in a spa tub or the like to maintain the spa water in a clean and substantially sanitary state. The unit includes a compact bouyant housing having an on-board controller coupled to a plurality of sensor electrodes in contact with the water. The controller is programmable to cause the sensor electrodes to take water chemistry readings at predetermined time intervals in order to determine, for example, the pH or the oxidation reduction potential of the spa water. A dispensing means is operated by the controller to dispense chemicals to the water in an amount responsive to the water chemistry readings. The dispensing means includes metering assemblies mounted within the necks of bottles, wherein each bottle contains a respective chemical for affecting spa water chemistry.

Abstract: A rotatable hose coupling is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the rotatable hose coupling is mounted in-line along the vacuum hose and responds to cyclic pressure differentials to index the hose through a rotational increment each time the filtration equipment is turned on and off. The rotatable hose coupling comprises a tubular plunger having one end received axially and slidably within a cam housing defining an axially opposed and spaced-apart pair of cam surfaces. At least one radially extending cam pin carried by the plunger engages the cam surfaces to rotatably index the cam housing relative to the plunger in response to axial back-and-forth displacement of the plunger within the cam housing.