Abstract: A personal watercraft is disclosed as having a forced air induction system that is particularly suitable for aftermarket installation. The induction system includes support structure for supporting the compressor in a non-cantilevered manner within the watercraft body. In supercharger applications, the induction system provides a drive arrangement for powering the supercharger that eliminates or reduces the need to remove the jet pump driveshaft. The belt drive embodiment includes a pulley having a fluid flow passageway extending inwardly from the belt-engaging surface so as to relieve any hydrodynamic forces between the belt and pulley. A body-engaging plate of the support structure is associated with a high-friction material pad for frictionally enhancing the securement of the plate to the body. The support structure further includes a fire extinguisher mount removably supporting a fire extinguisher within the interior space of the body.

Abstract: A forced air induction system (10) constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and configured for supplying compressed induction fluid to an internal combustion engine (E) for powering a vehicle (V) is disclosed. The illustrated forced air induction system (10) broadly includes a blower (12) for compressing induction fluid for the engine (E) and an improved carburetor hat (14) in communication with the blower (12) for delivering the compressed induction fluid to the carburetor (C). The illustrated blower (12) is a centrifugal supercharger. The illustrated carburetor hat (14) defines a neck section (26), a throat section (28), and an internal chamber (30) disposed between the neck and throat sections (26,28).

Abstract: A multi-phase centrifugal supercharging system (10) configured for supplying compressed induction fluid to an engine (E) is disclosed. The air induction system (10) broadly includes a drive assembly (12) powered by the engine (E), a supercharging assembly (14) driven by the drive assembly (12) to compress induction fluid, and an induction fluid flow control assembly (16) in communication with the supercharging assembly (14) to control operation of the supercharging assembly (14) and cooperating therewith to deliver the compressed induction fluid to the intake manifold (IM) of the engine (E). The supercharging assembly (14) includes a pair of centrifugal superchargers (28 and 30) that are phased by the control assembly (16) between multiple operating phases, including a series phase (172) and a parallel phase (176). An alternative air system (306) is also disclosed, in use with a pneumatic conveyor (300), that phases between normal series operation and parallel, clog-displacing operation.

Abstract: A multi-phase centrifugal supercharging system (10) configured for supplying compressed induction fluid to an engine (E) is disclosed. The air induction system (10) broadly includes a drive assembly (12) powered by the engine (E), a supercharging assembly (14) driven by the drive assembly (12) to compress induction fluid, and an induction fluid flow control assembly (16) in communication with the supercharging assembly (14) to control operation of the supercharging assembly (14) and cooperating therewith to deliver the compressed induction fluid to the intake manifold (IM) of the engine (E). The supercharging assembly (14) includes a pair of centrifugal superchargers (28 and 30) that are phased by the control assembly (16) between multiple operating phases, including a series phase (172) and a parallel phase (176), to supply constant target boost to the intake (IM) over the entire rev range of the engine (E).

Abstract: A supercharged motorcycle (10) configured for mounted operation by a rider (R) is disclosed. The supercharged motorcycle (10) broadly includes a motorcycle (12) and an air induction system (14) configured to deliver compressed induction fluid to the intake manifold (48) of the motorcycle's engine (18). The air induction system (14) broadly includes an air intake assembly (62) for receiving ambient air and delivering it downstream, a supercharger (64) in downstream communication with the air intake assembly (62) for compressing the air, an air delivery assembly (66) for delivering the compressed air to the engine (18), and a drive assembly (68) for powering the supercharger (64) off of the drive train (44). The entire air induction system (14) is positioned entirely outside of the leg-receiving areas (ALR) defined by the motorcycle (12) so as to not engage the rider's legs (L) and feet (F), when the rider (R) is mounted on the seat (34) in the normal operating position.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the adiabatic efficiency of a centrifugal compressor is provided. The apparatus includes a soft material insert that is placed in the case of the centrifugal compressor such that the soft material faces the compressor impeller. This gap between the impeller and the soft material insert can be minimized to prevent air from escaping the compressor and thereby increasing the efficiency of the centrifugal compressor.

Abstract: The air induction system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18) and pressurizes it. The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein. Alternately, the control mechanism (118) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the inlet (110) of a turbocharger (106) to provide supercharged air thereto at a substantially constant pressure.

Abstract: 30A centrifugal supercharger includes a case, a rotatable impeller, a high speed shaft drivingly coupled between the impeller and the engine, and a multiple bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the shaft on the case. The bearing arrangement includes a shaft bearing and a case bearing, each of which includes at least one set of relatively rotatable inner and outer races. The inner race of the shaft bearing is fixed relative to the shaft. The outer race of the case bearing is fixed relative to the case. The outer race of the shaft bearing and inner race of the case bearing are fixed relative to one another either by a spacer or by an integral, unitary construction. In addition, at least one of the bearings can include dual components (inner and outer races and ball rings). The ball rings of the shaft and case bearings can be coplanar to one an other or offset therefrom. A compressor having a compound bearing assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case, a rotatable impeller, a high speed shaft drivingly coupled between the impeller and the engine, and a multiple bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the shaft on the case. The bearing arrangement includes a shaft bearing and a case bearing, each of which includes at least one set of relatively rotatable inner and outer races. The inner race of the shaft bearing is fixed relative to the shaft. The outer race of the case bearing is fixed relative to the case. The outer race of the shaft bearing and inner race of the case bearing are fixed relative to one another either by a spacer or by an integral, unitary construction. In addition, at least one of the bearings can include dual components (inner and outer races and ball rings). The ball rings of the shaft and case bearings can be coplanar to one an other or offset therefrom.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: An adjustable booster pump and controller is provided for controlling the amount of fuel delivered to an engine. The adjustable booster pump and controller utilize the engine's original fuel input system and may be used to increase the flow of fuel to the engine as a function of fuel demand. Various inputs may be inputted in the controller to determine under what conditions more fuel is needed. These inputs may be time, engine revolutions per minute, vehicle speed, manifold intake pressure, and others. The user may then selectively determine when more fuel is needed and may adjust the controller to increase the output of the booster pump to increase the fuel flow to the engine.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case, a rotatable impeller, a high speed shaft drivingly coupled between the impeller and the engine, and a multiple bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the shaft on the case. The bearing arrangement includes a shaft bearing and a case bearing, each of which includes at least one set of relatively rotatable inner and outer races. The inner race of the shaft bearing is fixed relative to the shaft. The outer race of the case bearing is fixed relative to the case. The outer race of the shaft bearing and inner race of the case bearing are fixed relative to one another either by a spacer or by an integral, unitary construction. In addition, at least one of the bearings can include dual components (inner and outer races and ball rings). The ball rings of the shaft and case bearings can be coplanar to one an other or offset therefrom.

Abstract: An air induction system (10) for use with an internal combustion engine (E) including an intake is disclosed. The system (10) includes a supercharger (12) and a valve assembly. The valve assembly comprises a valve (14) and a valve control mechanism (16). The supercharger (12) receives air through a supply opening (18), pressurizes it, and discharges it through an exhaust opening (20). The valve (14) is in communication with the supply opening (18) to control air supply thereto. The control mechanism (16) is coupled to the valve (14) and causes it to vary the air supply to the opening (18) in response to air pressure conditions downstream from the supercharger (12). In one embodiment, the control mechanism (16) varies the air supply responsive to air pressure in the intake in order to both throttle the supercharger (12) as well as substantially eliminate undesirable surge conditions therein.

Abstract: A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies.