Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive a user-specified vehicle limit, such as a speed limit, from an input device, such as a gauge interface of the vehicle or a diagnostic tool. The electronic control unit is further configured to enforce the received vehicle limit, without a need to reprogram (e.g., erase and rewrite) vehicle engine control data stored by the electronic control unit, such as lookup tables or maps that are used to determine the operational parameters (e.g., ignition timing, throttle) based on sensor inputs (e.g., engine revolutions per minute, engine temperature).

Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The ECU can include a vehicle-mounted component configured to measure and interact with components of the vehicle such as the engine, the transmission, etc, and a remote component configured to communicate with the vehicle-mounted component and vice versa. The vehicle-mounted component can be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate substantially without limitation until a certain parameter threshold is met, such as the engine usage reaching a certain predetermined quantity. The vehicle-mounted component can limit the engine in a variety of ways when the parameter threshold is met. The remote component can receive information from the vehicle-mounted component regarding the monitored parameters and the limitations caused by the vehicle-mounted component.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The ECU can include a vehicle-mounted component configured to measure and interact with components of the vehicle such as the engine, the transmission, etc, and a remote component configured to communicate with the vehicle-mounted component and vice versa. The vehicle-mounted component can be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate substantially without limitation until a certain parameter threshold is met, such as the engine usage reaching a certain predetermined quantity. The vehicle-mounted component can limit the engine in a variety of ways when the parameter threshold is met. The remote component can receive information from the vehicle-mounted component regarding the monitored parameters and the limitations caused by the vehicle-mounted component.

Abstract: An electronic control unit (“ECU”) limiter is disclosed. The electronic control unit may be configured to receive a user-specified vehicle limit, such as a speed limit, from an input device, such as a gauge interface of the vehicle or a diagnostic tool. The electronic control unit is further configured to enforce the received vehicle limit, without a need to reprogram (e.g., erase and rewrite) vehicle engine control data stored by the electronic control unit, such as lookup tables or maps that are used to determine the operational parameters (e.g., ignition timing, throttle) based on sensor inputs (e.g., engine revolutions per minute, engine temperature).

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed a snowmobile configured to start in response to a remote-start signal. One embodiment of the invention includes a snowmobile outfitted with a remote starting system. The remote starting system, itself, includes a remote starting activation switch that transmits a radio frequency signal to a remote starter module to initiate starting of an engine within the snowmobile. The remote starter module receives the radio frequency signal from the remote starting activation switch and, in response to receiving the radio frequency signal, initiates closure of a switch interposed between a battery and a starter motor, thereby causing the starter motor to crank and start the engine of the snowmobile. The engine may be shut off by the remote starting system if the engine RPM exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A bearing mount for a vehicle such as a snowmobile. The bearing mount has a body, the body having first and second recesses. The first recess has at least one electrical device disposed therein. The electrical devices may include a voltage regulator, a speedometer sensor, and a charging circuit. The bearing mount may be filled with potting so as to encapsulate the electrical devices. The first recess may be defined by a wall. The wall may include a plurality of outwardly projecting lobes. The second recess is formed to support a bearing therein. The bearing mount may include a fill aperture, fill passage, and reservoir for holding material such as lubricant to be delivered to the second recess. The bearing mount may be sufficiently sturdy and rigid as to be mounted directly to a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable emergency stop switch for a snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, personal watercraft, or other recreational vehicle that requires an emergency stop switch and typically includes handlebars. The emergency stop switch of the present invention includes a switch housing that is mounted to and adjustable relative to a module that includes at least one other vehicle control. The module is typically rotatably adjustable relative to a handlebar of the vehicle. The adjustability of the emergency stop switch housing relative to the module enables the emergency stop switch to be oriented into a desired position regardless of the rotated position of the module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable emergency stop switch for a snowmobile, ATV, motorcycle, personal watercraft, or other recreational vehicle that requires an emergency stop switch and typically includes handlebars. The emergency stop switch of the present invention includes a switch housing that is mounted to and adjustable relative to a module that includes at least one other vehicle control. The module is typically rotatably adjustable relative to a handlebar of the vehicle. The adjustability of the emergency stop switch housing relative to the module enables the emergency stop switch to be oriented into a desired position regardless of the rotated position of the module.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a headlight system. The apparatus includes a control yoke control unit having a brake control, a dimmer switch, an actuating mechanism, and at least one control support for supporting the brake control and dimmer switch. Both controls are incorporated into the control unit. The control unit may have only a single control support with both controls therein, or it may have two control supports each with one control. The control unit also includes an electrical connector for connecting the dimmer switch to a headlight and a source of electrical power. The actuating mechanism is movable in first and second directions from a neutral position, such that moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the first direction actuates the brake control, and moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the second direction actuates the dimmer switch.

Abstract: A power distribution module for a personal recreational vehicle includes a housing and a cover. The housing defines an interior and includes a wall having an array of receptacle openings. The receptacle openings are adapted to receive and secure electrical components inside the housing. A distribution harness includes a plurality of electrical conductors and is coupled to the housing wherein the electrical conductors are in electrical communication with the electrical components inside the housing. The power distribution module can optionally include a decal to assist quick and accurate placement of the electrical components during the manufacturing process. A method for producing a personal recreational vehicle having a standardized housing over a range of models. The housing includes a component arrangement guide for locating and installing electrical components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a headlight system. The apparatus includes a control yoke control unit having a brake control, a dimmer switch, an actuating mechanism, and at least one control support for supporting the brake control and dimmer switch. Both controls are incorporated into the control unit. The control unit may have only a single control support with both controls therein, or it may have two control supports each with one control. The control unit also includes an electrical connector for connecting the dimmer switch to a headlight and a source of electrical power. The actuating mechanism is movable in first and second directions from a neutral position, such that moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the first direction actuates the brake control, and moving the actuating mechanism from the neutral position in the second direction actuates the dimmer switch.

Abstract: A bearing mount for a vehicle such as a snowmobile. The bearing mount has a body, the body having first and second recesses. The first recess has at least one electrical device disposed therein. The electrical devices may include a voltage regulator, a speedometer sensor, and a charging circuit. The bearing mount may be filled with potting so as to encapsulate the electrical devices. The first recess may be defined by a wall. The wall may include a plurality of outwardly projecting lobes. The second recess is formed to support a bearing therein. The bearing mount may include a fill aperture, fill passage, and reservoir for holding material such as lubricant to be delivered to the second recess. The bearing mount may be sufficiently sturdy and rigid as to be mounted directly to a vehicle.