Abstract: A road surface detection system, in one example the system includes a hydraulic unit of an anti-lock braking system, the hydraulic unit including a preload adjuster, and a plurality of pressure sensors configured to generate pressure sensor data. The system also includes a controller configured to receive the pressure sensor data from the plurality of pressure sensors, determine a target preload pressure level, compare the pressure sensor data with the target preload pressure level to calculate a pressure differential between the pressure sensor data and the target preload pressure level, determine a road surface based upon the calculated pressure differential, and regulate the preload adjuster to change the pressure within the hydraulic unit based upon the road surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking system that is designed to give the rider of a vehicle an audible indication of an impending lock-up condition (i.e., a condition where the wheel of a wheeled vehicle or track or a snowmobile is not rotating relative to the vehicle). Preferably, the frequency of the audible indication is proportional to the speed of the wheel or track. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the sound (e.g., frequency) are tuned to achieve an audible indication that can be readily heard and perceived by a rider under specific conditions, such as when the rider is wearing a helmet and also in the presence of other noise, such as engine and exhaust noise. In general, an audible indication in the range of about 6 kHz+/?1 kHz is preferred. The audible indication can be altered by changing the geometry and dimensions of the brake rotor and brake pads.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assist assembly is provided for a vehicle with a mechanical steering assembly operable by a user to steer the vehicle. The hydraulic steering assist assembly includes a hydraulic actuator adapted to be coupled to the mechanical steering assembly and has a first side and a second side. A bi-directional hydraulic pump is placed in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic steering assist assembly further includes a valve in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator, and a control system for controlling the bi-directional hydraulic pump and the valve. The bi-directional hydraulic pump provides a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator, which applies a force on the mechanical steering assembly to assist steering the vehicle. The valve can act as a steering damper.

Abstract: A hydraulic steering assist assembly is provided for a vehicle with a mechanical steering assembly operable by a user to steer the vehicle. The hydraulic steering assist assembly includes a hydraulic actuator adapted to be coupled to the mechanical steering assembly and has a first side and a second side. A bi-directional hydraulic pump is placed in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic steering assist assembly further includes a valve in fluid communication with the first side and the second side of the hydraulic actuator, and a control system for controlling the bi-directional hydraulic pump and the valve. The bi-directional hydraulic pump provides a pressurized fluid to the hydraulic actuator, which applies a force on the mechanical steering assembly to assist steering the vehicle. The valve can act as a steering damper.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a frame, a seat coupled to the frame, and left and right wheels. Left and right drive shafts transmit power to the left and right wheels, and an input shaft transmits power to the left and right drive shafts. A differential including a housing assembly receives power from the input shaft and divides the power between the left and right drive shafts. A speed sensor is positioned through (e.g., threaded) the housing assembly such that an inner end of the sensor is positioned inside the differential. In one embodiment, the speed sensor includes left and right speed sensors, and the at least two housings comprise a left housing and a right housing. Preferably, both the left speed sensor and the right speed sensor are positioned in one of the left housing and the right housing.