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YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA

YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA Patent applications
Patent application numberTitlePublished
20120096852ENGINE WITH A CHARGING SYSTEM - An engine has a charging system in which pressurized air is supplied to an intake side of the engine through an intake air passage. An induction passage branches and extends from the middle of the intake air passage and is provided with a control valve. The induction passage is in communication with an exhaust passage. The induction passage supplies secondary air to the exhaust passage through the control valve to treat the engine's exhaust gas.04-26-2012
20120094559MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION APPARATUS - A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes a transom bracket, a steering shaft, an outboard motor, a steering mechanism, a first cylinder, and a second cylinder. The steering mechanism is arranged to turn the steering shaft and the outboard motor around the steering axis with respect to the transom bracket. The first cylinder is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis between a first angle and a second angle larger than the first angle, and support the outboard motor between the first angle and the second angle. The second cylinder is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis between the first angle and a third angle larger than the second angle, and support the outboard motor between the first angle and the third angle.04-19-2012
20120094558MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION APPARATUS - A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes a transom bracket, a steering shaft, an outboard motor, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The steering shaft is joined to the transom bracket, and is turnable around a steering axis extending in an up-down direction. The outboard motor is joined to the steering shaft, turnable around a tilt axis, and turnable around the steering axis together with the steering shaft. The tilt mechanism is arranged to turn the outboard motor around the tilt axis with respect to the steering shaft. The steering mechanism includes a power conversion mechanism arranged to convert power of the electric motor into turning of the steering shaft around the steering axis.04-19-2012
20120094557MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION APPARATUS - A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes an outboard motor, a transom bracket, a steering shaft, a first mount, a second mount, a tilt bracket, a tilt mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The tilt bracket is attached to a transom via the transom bracket and the steering shaft. The outboard motor is joined to the tilt bracket. The tilt bracket includes a first joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a first mount, a second joint portion joined to the outboard motor via a second mount, and a support portion arranged to support the outboard motor at a height different from heights of the first mount and the second mount.04-19-2012
20120085833CONNECTION STRUCTURE OF LINEAR MOTOR TYPE TRANSPORT DEVICE - A connection structure of first and second linear motor type transport devices each having a base part, and a rail part set on the top surface of the base part is provided, including: a notch concave part formed in the top surfaces of the base parts with both devices connected; a reference positioning part serving as a reference position of lower edges on one side in the width direction of the rail parts; a bottom surface support part disposed in the notch concave part, and set between the bottom surface of the notch concave part and the bottom surfaces of the rail parts; and a pressing member interposed between the wall part of the notch concave part and lower edges on the other side of the rail parts, and urging the lower edges on the other side of the rail parts toward the reference positioning part, thereby linearly fixing the first and second linear motor type transport devices to be connected.04-12-2012
20120077395OUTBOARD MOTOR TILT MOVEMENT INTERRUPTION DEVICE, OUTBOARD MOTOR, MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION APPARATUS, AND MARINE VESSEL - In an outboard motor tilt movement interruption device, when a tilt-up stop condition is established by a presence of an obstacle in a tilt-up movement range of an outboard motor and the obstacle and the outboard motor are equal to or less than a predetermined distance from each other, a circuit arranged to actuate a tilt device is cut off by an ON/OFF switch. On the other hand, when the tilt-up stop condition is not established, the circuit is connected. When the tilt-up stop condition is established during an operation of the ON/OFF switch, the circuit is cut off, and tilt-up of the outboard motor is stopped. Thereafter, when the tilt-up stop condition becomes canceled, the circuit is connected and tilt-up of the outboard motor is restarted.03-29-2012
20120073893MOTORCYCLE - In a motorcycle, a seat frame portion connects to a main frame portion and extends rearward. A seat is arranged above the seat frame. A rear wheel is arranged below the seat frame portion. A rear arm supports the rear wheel in a vertically moveable fashion. A rear fender connects to the rear arm. The rear fender is situated at least partly between the seat frame portion and the rear wheel in the vertical direction. A sari guard is arranged at least partly to the side of the rear wheel. The rear end of the rear fender is situated rearward from the upper end of the rear wheel. The lower portion of the sari guard connects to the rear arm. The upper portion of the sari guard connects to the rear fender.03-29-2012
20120067264WATER JET PROPULSION BOAT - A water jet propulsion boat has a water jet propulsion device in a body, and is propelled by the water jet propulsion device. An electric unit having a waterproof structure and being separate from the body can be removably disposed in a storage section without using any tools. The storage section is defined by a recess provided in the body and being open upward.03-22-2012
20120043151TWO-WHEELED MOTOR VEHICLE - A two-wheeled motor vehicle prevents a belt from slipping in a continuously variable transmission even when support by a center stand is released and a rear wheel thus lands while spinning. The two-wheeled motor vehicle includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission that transmits torque via a belt, and a control device includes a stand position obtaining unit that obtains position information about the center stand, and an add-at-support-position unit that increases oil pressure generated in a primary oil sac and a secondary oil sac by a predetermined amount when the center stand is at the support position.02-23-2012
20120043150MOTORCYCLE - A motorcycle prevents an increase in air resistance and prevents wind and mud from hitting a rider during travelling of the motorcycle. A side cover of the motorcycle includes a first side cover and a second side cover. The first side cover is disposed laterally outwards of a head pipe and a front fork. The second side cover is disposed laterally outwards of a portion of the first side cover. A lateral end of the second side cover is positioned laterally outwards of the first side cover. A rear edge of the first side cover is at least partially positioned rearwards of a rear edge of the second side cover.02-23-2012
20120035009TWO-WHEELED MOTOR VEHICLE - A motorcycle capable of reducing and minimizing a period of time in which air that is immixed into hydraulic oil due to a vehicle body being inclined in a left-right direction stays in the hydraulic oil, includes an oil pump to feed hydraulic oil to an oil chamber of a primary pulley and an oil chamber of a secondary pulley, and a first control valve. The first control valve includes a discharge port to discharge the hydraulic oil from a first oil passage continuously from the oil pump to the oil chamber. Under normal control, the controller operates the first control valve based on the driving state of the motorcycle. Further, the controller determines whether or not the inclination of the motorcycle exceeds a predetermined threshold, and when the inclination of the motorcycle exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller operates the first control valve such that the discharge port is prevented from being closed.02-09-2012
20120028517MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel includes an outboard motor mounting portion provided at a stern of a hull, an outboard motor locating hole provided rearward of the outboard motor mounting portion and near the outboard motor mounting portion and penetrating vertically through the stern, a platform provided rearward of the outboard motor locating hole, and an outboard motor located in the outboard motor locating hole and mounted to the outboard motor mounting portion. This structure enables an occupant of the marine vessel to freely move in a space around the outboard motor on the platform and use the space.02-02-2012
20120022746SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE AND STEERING DAMPER DEVICE FOR USE IN SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle that reduces steering pull of a handle caused by a disturbance and also prevents degradation in a steering feeling includes a detector that detects a steering angle of a steering shaft, a steering damper, and a control device. The steering damper is arranged around the steering shaft and includes an electromagnet, a magnetic member, and a magnetic fluid stored in a gap between the electromagnet and the magnetic member. The control device includes a steering angular velocity determiner adapted to determine a steering angular velocity based on a steering angle detected by the detector, an instructor adapted to instruct a supply of current to the electromagnet for a first reference time when the determined steering angular velocity exceeds a first reference velocity and to instruct a stopping or reduction of the current supply after the first reference time elapses, and a driver that supplies the electromagnet with current in response to an instruction from the instructor.01-26-2012
20120021659MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, a jet propulsion unit, and a reverse gate. The jet propulsion unit includes a jet port arranged to jet water toward a rear of a hull. The reverse gate is arranged to be capable of being changed in opening degree between a fully closed position of covering an entirety of the jet port and a fully opened position of not covering the jet port at all. The reverse gate is arranged to be moved, between the fully closed position and the fully opened position, to a first partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and a second partially closed position of only partially covering the jet port and being closer to the fully opened position than the first partially closed position.01-26-2012
20110318977MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION APPARATUS - A marine vessel propulsion apparatus includes an engine, a rotation speed detecting device, a forward-reverse switching mechanism, a shift position detecting device, a liquid supplying device, a flow passage, a physical quantity detecting device, and a controller. The flow passage is arranged such that a liquid is supplied from the liquid supplying device when a crankshaft is rotating in one rotation direction. A physical quantity of the liquid in the flow passage after the forward-reverse switching mechanism has been switched from the forward drive state to the reverse drive state in a state where the crankshaft is rotating is a post-switching physical quantity. The controller executes a reverse rotation prevention control to control at least one of either the engine or the forward-reverse switching mechanism to prevent reverse rotation of the crankshaft in a case where the post-switching physical quantity is less than a predetermined first value.12-29-2011
20110281477OUTBOARD MOTOR AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - An outboard motor includes an outboard motor main body, an attachment mechanism, a pivoting mechanism, an angle detecting device, a rotation speed detecting device, and a controller. The pivoting mechanism includes a first cylinder arranged to support and pivot the outboard motor main body about a horizontal shaft from a first angle to a second angle greater than the first angle. An angle detection value and a speed detection value are input into the controller. The controller is arranged to execute a speed reduction control to control the engine so as to reduce the engine speed. The controller is arranged not to execute the speed reduction control when the angle detection value is a value corresponding to the inclination angle less than the first angle or a value corresponding to the inclination angle greater than the second angle.11-17-2011
20110278083SNOW VEHICLE - A snow vehicle includes a vehicle body, an arm member supported with respect to the vehicle body, a knuckle supported with respect to the arm member at a predetermined support point, a coupling unit arranged to couple the knuckle to the arm member, a ski member, and a ski coupling unit. The ski coupling unit couples the ski member to the knuckle such that the ski member pivots about a pitching axis with respect to the knuckle, the pitching axis extends in a width direction of the ski member. The pitching axis is disposed such that, when the vehicle is in a reference attitude of being placed on a horizontal surface, a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a reference normal directed to the horizontal surface from the support point is shorter than a horizontal distance from the pitching axis to a steering axis.11-17-2011
20110259696Stepwise Automatic Transmission For Saddle Riding Type Vehicle, Power Unit Equipped With The Same, And Saddle Riding Type Vehicle Equipped With The Same - In a stepwise automatic transmission, a mass is concentrated in a longitudinal direction thereof. The stepwise automatic transmission includes an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an output shaft, a first clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with a rotation speed of the input shaft, first and second power transmission mechanisms, and a second clutch which is connected and disconnected in accordance with rotation speed of the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft is disposed rearward of the input shaft. When the first clutch is connected, the first power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second clutch is provided on the intermediate shaft. When the second clutch is connected, the second power transmission mechanism transmits rotation of the intermediate shaft to the output shaft. A front end of the second clutch is located forward of a rear end of the first clutch as viewed from an axial direction of the input shaft.10-27-2011
20110259654TRACK BELT FOR SNOW VEHICLE AND SNOW VEHICLE - A track belt for a snow vehicle includes a belt body, a first lug, outer end circumferential regions, and contacting portions. The first lug is disposed at a central portion in a right/left direction of the belt body. The outer end circumferential regions are provided at both end portions in the right and left directions of the belt body, and include second lugs each having a height from the outer circumferential surface being no more than a half of a height of the first lug, or do not include lugs protruded from the outer circumferential surface of the belt body. The contacting portions are provided at the inner circumferential surface such that positions of the contacting portions in the right/left direction overlap with the outer end circumferential regions and are arranged to contact a rotating wheel member that opposes a snow surface across the belt body.10-27-2011
20110233836SPRING STRUCTURE - A spring structure (09-29-2011
20110223819OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, a housing, a catalyst, and an engine cover. The housing includes a partitioning wall that is arranged to partition an interior of the housing into a first exhaust space connected to exhaust ports of the engine, and a second exhaust space connected to the first exhaust space. The housing is arranged such that the second exhaust space is positioned at the same side as the first exhaust space with respect to a plane that includes central axes of the plurality of the cylinders. The catalyst is positioned at a height such that at least a portion of the catalyst overlaps with the first exhaust space when viewed from a horizontal direction. The catalyst is disposed in the second exhaust space so as to guide the exhaust guided from the first exhaust space to the second exhaust space.09-15-2011
20110223815MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel includes a hull and a jet propulsion device arranged to take in water through an intake port and eject the water through an ejection port rearward with respect to the hull. The ejection port is arranged posterior to the intake port. The marine vessel also includes a reversing member arranged to be movable between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The reversing member is arranged to, when placed at the reverse drive position, reverse the direction of the water ejected from the jet propulsion device forward with respect to the hull (in a direction capable of generating a propulsive force in the reverse drive direction). The marine vessel further includes an operation unit arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to locate the reversing member at the forward drive position or the reverse drive position, and an internal combustion engine arranged to drive the jet propulsion device. The marine vessel also includes a control unit arranged and programmed to operate in a reverse drive mode in which when the reversing member is located at the reverse drive position by the operation unit, and such that the control unit controls the internal combustion engine to operate within a predetermined speed range.09-15-2011
20110220429ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE WITH IMPROVED AIR INTAKE - An all terrain vehicle contains a partition wall which partitions a passenger space and a hood which is arranged ahead of the partition wall. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, an air outlet of an exhaust passage is opened in an upper space located between the partition wall and the hood.09-15-2011
20110212657PROPELLER UNIT FOR MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME - A propeller unit for a marine vessel propulsion device includes an inner cylinder arranged to be fixed to the propeller shaft, an outer cylinder, a first driving force transmitting member, and a second driving force transmitting member. The propeller unit for marine vessel propulsion device further includes a pair of first engaging portions, and a pair of second engaging portions provided on the outer cylinder and the second driving force transmitting member. The pair of second engaging portions are arranged such that the mutual engaging of the respective second engaging portions is disengaged when a driving force is not transmitted to the propeller shaft and are arranged such that the respective second engaging portions become mutually engaged in a driving force transmittable manner by elastic deformation of the first driving force transmitting member when a driving force that is not less than a reference driving force is transmitted to the propeller shaft.09-01-2011
20110186375SNOWMOBILE - A snowmobile includes a body, a steering mechanism provided in the body, a steering shaft connected with the steering mechanism for associated operation with the steering mechanism, a power steering device provided in the steering shaft, a pair of skis, and a connecting section arranged to connect the skis with the body and supporting the skis for pivotal movement in a horizontal direction about a first pivot axis in association with the steering shaft as well as for pivotal movement in the vertical direction about a second pivot axis which extends in a widthwise direction of the body. The first pivot axis is located at a more forward position than the second pivot axis in a horizontal plane which includes the second pivot axis. Each of the skis includes, in its lower surface, a straight portion extending straightly; an approach portion ahead of the straight portion and curving upward; and a keel portion protruding downward to a lower position than the straight portion and the approach portion. A horizontal distance between the second pivot axis and a rear end of the straight portion is longer than a horizontal distance between the second pivot axis and a fore end of the straight portion, and the keel portion has its fore end at a lower position than the second pivot axis, when the straight portion is horizontal.08-04-2011
20110181001SEALING STRUCTURE USING METAL GASKET - A metal gasket has a primary bead formed on an area positioned between a cylinder bore and a cooling water passage. A second bead is formed on an area corresponding to an opening of one or more cooling passages. A base member of the metal gasket comprises bead plates that have a rubber coating layer. The base member also comprises a shim member disposed between the bead plates. The primary bead is formed by defining a space respectively between the bead plates and the shim member. The secondary bead is formed by defining a space on a given area between the bead plates.07-28-2011
20110166724MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION CONTROL APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel propulsion control apparatus is arranged to control a propulsion unit and a steering unit. The marine vessel propulsion control apparatus includes a joystick unit, and a control unit programmed to control an output of the propulsion unit and a steering angle of the steering unit in accordance with an output signal of the joystick unit. The joystick unit includes a lever that is tiltable from a neutral position and arranged to be operated by a marine vessel operator to command a heading direction and stem turning of a hull. The control unit is programmed to maintain the steering angle of the steering unit when the output of the propulsion unit is stopped.07-07-2011
20110159752WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a pair of jet propulsion devices arranged right and left of a hull centerline. Each jet propulsion device includes a jetting unit arranged to jet water, a deflector supported on the hull and arranged to rotate to right and left, the deflector including a forward drive jet port and a reverse drive jet port. Each jet propulsion device includes a bucket arranged to change between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The bucket includes a reflecting surface arranged to reflect the water jetted from the forward drive jet port when the bucket is at the reverse drive position, and an auxiliary nozzle including an entrance opened to the reflecting surface and arranged to jet water introduced into the entrance along a hull right/left direction. The entrance of the auxiliary nozzle is spaced away from the forward drive jet port in the hull right/left direction and does not oppose the forward drive jet port in a state where the bucket is arranged at the reverse drive position and the deflector is arranged at the straight drive position.06-30-2011
20110133592ROTARY ELECTRICAL MACHINE - A rotary electrical machine has a mechanism capable of varying an output characteristic, without increasing mechanical loss, or without consuming the electric power that does not contribute to increasing torque. The rotary electrical machine has a rotor with N pole and S pole magnets alternately and fixedly disposed thereon. An end surface, (which opposes the rotor), of each of a plurality of first teeth positioned on a first stator section is broader than that of the opposite surface thereof, and a winding is wound around a portion between both of the end surfaces. A second stator section has second teeth, corresponding the number of the first teeth, and which has no winding. The second teeth are disposed to oppose the end surfaces of the respective first teeth, and each second tooth is reciprocally movable between a reference position at which the second tooth directly opposes the respective first tooth and a maximum movable position located at the right center position between the respective end surfaces. At the reference position, a strong magnetic flux flows into the entire first tooth from each magnet. At the maximum movable position, a weak magnetic flux flows over the end surface of each first tooth. A middle amount of the magnetic flux flow occurs at a middle moved position.06-09-2011
20110133520REINFORCEMENT DEVICE FOR VEHICLE - A reinforcement device for a vehicle is formed in a slender shape and comprises a medial region with a hydraulic damper. The damper generates a damping force against deformation in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction is defined as a lateral direction of the associated vehicle body. The reinforcement device is removably mounted at both ends to a frame of the vehicle.06-09-2011
20110127099TWO-WHEELED MOTOR VEHICLE - A motorcycle having high durability and a large space below a seat includes an internal space at least a portion of which is located between an engine unit and a seat provided in a cover member. The engine unit is pivotally suspended on a body frame. A center axis of a cylinder extends obliquely upward from a crankcase and forwardly. Oil reservoirs are provided in a bottom of a crank chamber and a bottom of a portion of a transmission chamber located in a front portion of a transmission case, respectively. The oil reservoirs are communicated with each other by a communication path. A bottom surface of the transmission chamber in the portion in which portion the oil reservoir is provided is located downward of the bottom surface of the portion rearward of the oil reservoir of the transmission chamber.06-02-2011
20110125377TRANSMISSION - A dual clutch automated manual transmission includes a first clutch and a second clutch, and a clutch torque capacity command value for a plurality of clutch actuators arranged to drive the first clutch and second clutch based on operation of a by-wire type of clutch lever, wherein the clutch torque capacity of the plurality of clutches is controlled. An operator can adjust a driving force by manually operating the clutch in the transmission in which a clutch operation is controlled automatically, such as an automatic transmission system, automated manual transmission system, or dual clutch automated manual transmission system, thereby improving drivability.05-26-2011
20110121524SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle that allows the amount of roll to be reduced is provided. The saddle riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body, a handle, and a suspension mechanism. The suspension mechanism is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body and supports a pair of left and right front wheels or a pair of left and right skis. The suspension mechanism includes a pair of left and right arm members and a pair of left and right air shock absorbers. The pair of left and right arm members supports the pair of front wheels or the pair of skis in a vertically movable manner. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers is coupled to the pair of arm members. The pair of left and right air shock absorbers each includes a cylinder, a piston, a piston rod, a first gas chamber, and a second gas chamber. The cylinder stores gas. The piston is stored in the cylinder and has a front surface and a back surface. The piston rod is coupled to the back surface of the piston. The first gas chamber is provided on the front surface side of the piston in the cylinder. The second gas chamber is provided on the back surface side of the piston in the cylinder. The regulator regulates the reaction forces of the first gas chamber and/or the second gas chamber in response to steering of the handle.05-26-2011
20110120822AUTOMOBILE HYDRAULIC SHOCK ABSORBER - An automobile hydraulic shock absorber includes a cylinder body, a piston, an upper support, a piston rod, a volume adjustment mechanism, first and second communicating passages, and a pressure-applying mechanism. The piston rod is attached to the upper support via a rubber cushion. The volume adjustment mechanism includes a free piston. The first and second communicating passages communicate the first oil chamber and second oil chamber with each other in the cylinder body via a diaphragm. The pressure-applying mechanism is disposed outside the cylinder body, movement thereof is restricted by the upper support, and the pressure-applying mechanism pushes the piston rod downward.05-26-2011
20110109252LINEAR SCALE, LINEAR MOTOR, AND LINEAR MOTOR CONTROLLER - Disclosed is a linear scale for obtaining a distance from a reference point. A scale detection mechanism is adapted to output waveform signals of the same phase. Also the scale detection mechanism corresponds to a magnetic flux density generated by magnetic bodies of a scale element. The scale detection mechanism may be sensors. The sensors are arranged at even intervals corresponding to a scale length of the scale element. The sensors are adapted to output sine-wave signals having the same phase to continuously detect the scale element in a movement direction of the scale element. The scale element has opposite ends each has the same polarity and configured such that an output voltage of the single sensor detecting the end of the scale element is reduced to one-half of an output voltage of the single sensor detecting the remaining portion of the scale element.05-12-2011
20110104966BOAT PROPELLING APPARATUS AND BOAT - A boat propelling apparatus is compact and capable of making an adjustment on its engine output characteristic. The boat propelling apparatus includes an engine, a surge tank and an intake manifold. The intake manifold includes therein an internal space for air to flow from the surge tank, and air intake passages branching from the internal space. The intake manifold includes recesses and a boss arranged to fit an extension member to define extension passages inside the internal space.05-05-2011
20110104965BOAT PROPELLING APPARATUS - A boat propelling apparatus includes an outboard engine including an outboard engine main body arranged to propel a boat; a trim bracket which includes mutually opposed platy side portions and a platy front portion connecting the side portions with each other, and arranged to pivotably support the outboard engine main body; and a clamp bracket which is mountable to and demountable to a boat edge and is connected with the trim bracket via one of the side portions and the front portion. The clamp bracket includes a swivel bracket mounted to the trim bracket and a holding portion which holds the swivel bracket. The swivel bracket has a convex portion whereas the holding portion has a concave portion. The concave portion and the convex portion have an identical curvature.05-05-2011
20110104964MOUNT STRUCTURE OF OUTBOARD MOTOR - A mount structure of an outboard motor includes a first member, a second member, a buffer member, a sandwiching member, and a second elastic member. A propulsive force generated by a propeller of the outboard motor is applied to the first member. The second member is arranged such that the propulsive force is transmitted to the second member via the first member. The buffer member includes an outer sleeve fixed to the first member, an inner sleeve inserted in the outer sleeve, a first elastic member fixed to the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve. The sandwiching member is arranged to sandwich the second member and the inner sleeve in a direction of action of the propulsive force. The second elastic member is fixed to the first member. The second elastic member is opposed to the sandwiching member across a gap in the direction of action.05-05-2011
20110100742STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE - A straddle-type vehicle includes a canister that is arranged to be warmed up during an operation of an engine and is arranged to be cooled down during a stop of the engine. In the straddle-type vehicle, a fuel tank is arranged over an engine, at least a portion of a carburetor that constitutes a throttle body is arranged below the fuel tank and behind a cylinder and a cylinder head, and at least a portion of a canister is arranged between the fuel tank and the cylinder head.05-05-2011
20110100252LINEAR TRANSPORT DEVICE - Disclosed is a linear transport device. A platform car of the linear transport device is detachably mounted on a rail fixed to a base in an opposing direction along which the platform car faces the mounting surface of the base. A linear motor that drives the platform car is provided. The linear motor includes a stator disposed on the base and a mover disposed on the platform car so as to face the stator. One of the stator and the mover is a permanent magnet, and the other is an electromagnet. A relative position variable mechanism for relatively displacing the stator and the mover so as to reduce the magnetic suction force generated between the stator and the mover is provided.05-05-2011
20110094819ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front upper cover, a meter unit and a cover. The vehicle body frame supports the front wheels and the rear wheels. The first roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in a transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The second roof supports are provided at the lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in the transverse direction of the vehicle, respectively. The right roof member connects an upper portion of the right first roof support and an upper portion of the right second roof support, whereas the left roof member connects an upper portion of the left first roof support and an upper portion of the left second roof support. The front upper cover is connected to an upper portion of the front panel and extends forward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The meter unit includes a display. The meter unit is disposed on the front panel such that the display is viewable from the seat. The meter unit is positioned in a transversely center portion of the vehicle. The cover extends from the front upper cover to the front panel so as to cover at least an upper portion of the meter unit. The cover is disposed in a higher position than an upper surface of the front panel in the transverse direction of the vehicle.04-28-2011
20110094818ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - In an all terrain vehicle, an engine body of an engine unit is positioned along a center line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A continuously variable transmission of the engine unit is disposed transversely lateral to the engine body. A center console includes an inner space. The center console is disposed in a transverse center portion of a cabin space. The center console connects a space positioned forward of a front panel and a space positioned under a seat. An intake duct is connected to an upper surface of the engine unit, and extends forward therefrom. The intake duct is at least partially disposed in the interior of the center console. An exhaust duct is connected to the engine unit, and extends rearward therefrom.04-28-2011
20110094817SNOWMOBILE - A snowmobile has a structure that reduces and minimizes adverse affects of snow on a throttle motor. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine which is disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, a throttle motor arranged to drive the throttle valve and disposed ahead of the engine, and an air box arranged to pass the intake air through toward the engine, disposed ahead of the engine and including a portion located ahead of the throttle motor.04-28-2011
20110094816ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, an engine unit, a pair of right and left head light units and a front carry bar. The vehicle body frame supports the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels. The right and left first roof supports are provided at transversely lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right and left second roof supports are also provided at the transversely lateral sides of the vehicle body frame. The right/left roof member connects an upper portion of the right/left first roof support and an upper portion of the right/left second roof support. The right/left head light unit overlaps with a right/left hub of the right/left front wheel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front carry bar is disposed forward of the vehicle body frame. The front carry bar includes a pair of right and left resin covers. The resin covers at least cover below the front portions of the right and left head light units, respectively.04-28-2011
20110094814SNOWMOBILE - A snowmobile includes a throttle motor that is protected from brake dust. The snowmobile includes a snowmobile body including an engine room therein, an engine disposed inside the engine room, brake equipment disposed inside the engine room, a throttle valve arranged to adjust intake air supplied to the engine, and a throttle motor which is disposed at a more forward position than the brake equipment inside the engine room and arranged to drive the throttle valve.04-28-2011
20110094813ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - In an all terrain vehicle, an engine unit is at least partially disposed under a seat. An exhaust pipe includes a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion is connected to a rear surface of the engine unit, and extends rearward therefrom. The second portion is connected to the first portion, and has a U-shaped configuration. The third portion is connected to the second portion, and extends forward therefrom. A muffler is connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler is arranged such that the first portion and the third portion at least partially overlap with an area located between two tangent lines of the muffler. The tangent lines of the muffler are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a tangent line shared by the first portion and the third portion.04-28-2011
20110094812ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - An all terrain vehicle includes a pair of right and left front wheels, at least a pair of right and left rear wheels, a vehicle body frame, a pair of right and left first roof supports, a pair of right and left second roof supports, a pair of right and left roof members, a seat, a front panel, a front gear case, a pair of front suspensions, a vehicle body cover, a radiator and a pair of head light units. The vehicle body frame includes a pair of upper frames, a pair of lower frames and a pair of front frames. The first roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in a transverse direction of the vehicle. The second roof supports are provided at lateral sides of the vehicle body frame in the transverse direction of the vehicle. The right roof member connects an upper portion of the right first roof support and an upper portion of the right second roof support, whereas the left roof member connects an upper portion of the left first roof support and an upper portion of the left second roof support. The vehicle body cover covers front of the vehicle body frame. The radiator is positioned longitudinally rearward of the front frames while positioned longitudinally forward of the front suspensions in a transverse side view. The radiator is also positioned in a transverse center of the vehicle. The head light units are positioned above the radiator in the transverse side view. The head light units also longitudinally overlap with the radiator.04-28-2011
20110094811ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE - In an all terrain vehicle, a radiator is disposed forward of a front panel in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The radiator is also disposed in a transverse center of the vehicle. A fan is configured to blow air from the front to an area behind the radiator. An engine unit is disposed rearward of the front panel. A cargo bed is disposed rearward of a seat. An exhaust device is disposed under the cargo bed. The exhaust device is disposed in the transverse center of the vehicle. A communication path is positioned in the transverse center of the vehicle. The communication path connects a space positioned behind the radiator and a space that the exhaust device is disposed. The communication path at least partially overlaps with the fan in a front view of the vehicle.04-28-2011
20110088967MOTORCYCLE - A motorcycle includes a spark arrester having an increased surface area without any undue increase in the length of a silencer or the width of the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a rear wheel and a silencer provided on a side of the rear wheel. The silencer includes an outer tube and a spark arrester which is tubular and is disposed inside the outer tube, the longitudinal axis of the spark arrester being oriented in a longitudinal direction of the outer tube. In a sectional plane which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the outer tube and the spark arrester, the outer tube has an outside dimension in a height direction greater than an outside dimension of the outer tube in a lateral direction, and the spark arrester has an outside dimension in the height direction greater than an outside dimension of the spark arrester in the lateral direction.04-21-2011
20110088607WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, a cockpit arranged at a hull center and including a periphery that is surrounded by a wall surface, a rear deck arranged at a hull rear portion at a rear of the cockpit and including a rear water-access area that is open to the rear, a saddle type watercraft operator seat arranged in the cockpit, a jet propulsion device attached to the hull and arranged to apply a propulsive force to the hull by sucking in water from surroundings and jetting the water, and an engine attached to the hull and arranged to apply a driving force to the jet propulsion device. The saddle type watercraft operator seat may extend in a front/rear direction of the hull and be arranged to divide an interior of the cockpit into two regions at the right and left.04-21-2011
20110070786OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, and a top cowling and a bottom cowling that are arranged to cover the engine. A flow-joining pipe is connected to each exhaust port of a plurality of cylinders of the engine. A first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe are connected to the flow-joining pipe in sequence. The flow-joining pipe and the first exhaust pipe are connected generally at the same height as a bottommost of the cylinders of the engine. The third exhaust pipe is disposed above a topmost of the cylinders of the engine. A catalyst is disposed in a connecting portion between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe so as to be housed in an upper end portion of the first exhaust pipe and in a lower end portion of the second exhaust pipe. The outboard motor is thus able to prevent water from adhering to a catalyst while avoiding any increase in size.03-24-2011
20110070785OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, and a top cowling and a bottom cowling that are arranged to cover the engine. A flow-joining pipe is connected to each exhaust port of a plurality of cylinders of the engine. A first exhaust pipe, a second exhaust pipe, and a third exhaust pipe are connected to the flow-joining pipe in sequence. The flow-joining pipe and the first exhaust pipe are connected generally at the same height as a bottommost of the cylinders of the engine. The third exhaust pipe is disposed above a topmost of the cylinders of the engine. A catalyst is disposed in a connecting portion between the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe so as to be housed in an upper end portion of the first exhaust pipe and in a lower end portion of the second exhaust pipe. The outboard motor is thus able to prevent water from adhering to a catalyst while avoiding any increase in size.03-24-2011
20110062624METHOD OF MANUFACTURING EXPENDABLE SALT CORE FOR CASTING - A melt is made by heating a salt mixture containing a salt of sodium. The melt is set at a temperature higher than the liquidus temperature of the salt mixture, and poured into a mold for expendable core molding. The temperature when the melt is completely poured into the mold is set within a range not exceeding the liquidus temperature of the salt mixture by 30° C. An expendable salt core for casting is molded by solidifying the melt inside the mold. This makes it possible to more stably obtain the strength of a water-soluble expendable salt core for casting made of a salt cast product obtained by melting and molding salts of sodium and the like.03-17-2011
20110060494SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle includes a stabilizer arranged to support a pair of wheels arranged at opposite sides of a vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, and a switching mechanism arranged to switch between a movable state in which the pair of wheels are permitted to move up and down and a locked state in which the pair of wheels are restricted from moving up and down. The switching mechanism includes a coupling pin member arranged to engage with the stabilizer to set the stabilizer to the locked state thereby restricting rotation of the stabilizer relative to the vehicle body, and to disengage from the stabilizer to set the stabilizer to the movable state thereby permitting rotation of the stabilizer relative to the vehicle body, and a solenoid fixed to the vehicle body and arranged to drive the coupling pin member into and out of engagement with the stabilizer. When the switching mechanism switches to the locked state, the vehicle can be parked and stored conveniently with the vehicle body standing unassisted.03-10-2011
20110057370CUSHION DEVICE AND MOTORCYCLE - A cushion device includes a shock absorber and an accumulator. As a piston moves in a certain direction in a cylinder so that the shock absorber is compressed, oil in an oil chamber is discharged to the accumulator through an oil hose. The compression operation of the piston allows a slide member to slide and the capacity of an oil chamber is reduced. The oil in the oil chamber is discharged to a regulation unit through an oil hose. The regulation unit controls a valve by the pressure of the oil coming in from the oil chamber and applies resistance to the oil discharged from an oil chamber to an oil chamber.03-10-2011
20110054752MULTIPLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION CONTROL APPARATUS AND MULTIPLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION CONTROL METHOD - A multiple clutch transmission control apparatus performs gear changing smoothly by improving clutch torque control precision, without reducing the speed of gear changing, in a vehicle or the like including a multiple clutch transmission. With this control apparatus, a control unit switches the transmission gear from the previous gear to the next gear by changing the torque transfer path by controlling the first clutch and the second clutch in a clutch changeover period. In the clutch changeover period, the control unit changes the torque transfer path by raising the clutch torque capacity of whichever of the first clutch and the second clutch is the next-gear-side clutch to reach a target value, and then lowering the clutch torque capacity of the previous-gear-side clutch.03-03-2011
20110052348MULTI-SHAFT LINEAR MOTOR AND COMPONENT TRANSFER APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a multi-shaft linear motor formed by a plurality of linear motors each provided with a magnetic body and an armature and adapted to produce a force causing the magnetic body and the armature to be relatively displaced along a given linear moving direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the magnetic body and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. In a typical aspect, each of the single-shaft linear motors in the present invention includes a base plate. The base plate has a base surface defining the moving direction, wherein the stator is fixed onto the base surface along the moving direction, and the mover is attached onto the base surface in a movable manner reciprocating along the moving direction and in opposed relation to the stator. The single-shaft linear motors are stacked in a stacking direction perpendicular to the base surface in such a way that the single-shaft linear motors are individually detachable as a unit, the base plate thereof contains the stator and the mover.03-03-2011
20110048819VARIABLE VALVE APPARATUS, AND AN ENGINE APPARATUS AND A TRANSPORT MACHINE HAVING THE SAME - In a variable valve apparatus, a second connector has a fifth side surface located below a fourth side surface and further away from a second side surface than is the fourth side surface, so that a width in a direction along a rocker shaft is narrower in a lower portion adjacent to an inlet valve than in an upper portion adjacent a slipper surface. A guide surface is provided in a lower portion of the fourth side surface and includes an arc that is shorter than a semicircle, and coaxial and equal in radius with an engaging hole. Thus, even when a connecting pin is advanced in a state of a through-hole and the engaging hole not being in precise alignment, the forward end of the connecting pin is guided through the guide surface into the engaging hole. An extended period can therefore be secured for advancing the connecting pin, to improve the certainty of connection.03-03-2011
20110047998EXHAUST SYSTEM, A SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME, AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING AND MOUNTING AN EXHAUST PIPE - An exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe includes an outer pipe and an inner pipe. A first through-hole and a second through-hole are provided in a peripheral surface of the outer pipe and a peripheral surface of the inner pipe, respectively, to receive an exhaust gas detector. Third through-holes are provided in the peripheral surface of the outer pipe, at a different position than that of the first through-hole. Since the third through-holes are provided in the outer pipe, a liquid can be drained promptly from a space between the outer pipe and inner pipe. Exhaust gas can be prevented from being discharged to the atmosphere by sealing the third through-holes.03-03-2011
20110030642INLET VALVE, INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND TRANSPORTATION APPARATUS INCLUDING THE SAME - An inlet valve includes a valve head including a valve surface located at a circumferential edge portion, and a single annular circumferential edge groove disposed radially inside and close to the valve surface in the circumferential edge portion. When intake air (an airflow) proceeds along a surface of the valve head and reaches the circumferential edge portion, only a portion thereof (a partial airflow) enters the circumferential edge groove and the remaining thereof (remaining partial airflow) passes by the circumferential edge groove. As the intake air (the partial airflow) having entered the circumferential edge groove forms a turbulent flow, the intake air surrounds the circumferential edge portion of the valve head and reaches below the circumferential edge portion of the valve head, thereby achieving an increase in volume of air taken into a combustion chamber. Further, because only a portion of intake air enters the circumferential edge groove, it is possible to suppress and minimize flow resistance applied to air taken into the combustion chamber from an inlet port.02-10-2011
20110025137LINEAR MOTOR AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENT TRANSFER DEVICE EQUIPPED WITH LINEAR MOTOR UNIT - One aspect of the present invention relates to a linear motor unit including a plurality of linear motors, each having a stator, a movable element that linearly reciprocates along the stator, and a magnetic sensor that can detect a position of the movable element, wherein the magnetic sensors of the adjacent linear motors are disposed so as to be placed in mutually different positions in a moving direction of the movable element.02-03-2011
20110010028BOAT PROPELLING SYSTEM - A boat propelling system capable of determining an abnormality regarding steering of a propelling system main body includes an outboard engine main body, a steering section arranged to steer the outboard engine main body, a steering angle sensor arranged to detect a steering angle of the steering section, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an ECU. The ECU calculates a target pivot angle change amount based on a target pivot angle derived from the steering angle and a baseline target pivot angle, calculates an actual pivot angle change amount based on the actual pivot angle and a baseline actual pivot angle, and obtains a gap amount between the target pivot angle change amount and the actual pivot angle change amount. Then, the ECU determines an abnormality regarding steering of the outboard engine main body based on a result of comparison between the gap amount and the first threshold value. Setting of the baseline target pivot angle and the baseline actual pivot angle is based on a result of a comparison between the gap amount and a second threshold value.01-13-2011
20100313857ENGINE WITH A CHARGING SYSTEM - An engine includes a charging system in which pressurized air is supplied to an intake side of the engine through an intake air passage. An induction passage branches and extends from the middle of the intake air passage and is provided with a control valve. The induction passage is in communication with an exhaust passage. The induction passage supplies secondary air to the exhaust passage through the control valve to treat the engine's exhaust gas.12-16-2010
20100305789MARINE VESSEL CONTROL SYSTEM, MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM, AND MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel control system includes a control unit, a first communication bus, a second communication bus, and an auxiliary device connection section. The control unit includes a main output section arranged to output marine vessel maneuvering control information including starting information of a marine vessel propulsion device, and a sub output section arranged to output backup information including the starting information of the marine vessel propulsion device. The first communication bus is connected to the marine vessel propulsion device and the control unit, and is arranged to transmit the marine vessel maneuvering control information to the marine vessel propulsion device. The second communication bus is connected to the marine vessel propulsion device and the control unit, and is arranged to transmit the backup information to the marine vessel propulsion device. The second communication bus includes an auxiliary device connection section that is arranged to enable connection of an auxiliary device that executes communication, related to auxiliary information other than the marine vessel maneuvering control information, with at least one of the marine vessel propulsion device and the control unit via the second communication bus.12-02-2010
20100296906SINGLE-SHAFT LINEAR MOTOR, MULTI-SHAFT LINEAR MOTOR, AND COMPONENT TRANSFER APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a linear motor provided with a magnetic body and an armature. The liner motor is adapted to produce a force causing the magnet body and the armature to be relatively displaced along a given linear moving direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the magnetic body and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. In a typical aspect, the linear motor of the present invention comprises a movable section attached to a base plate adapted to set the moving direction on a base surface thereof, in such a movable manner as to relatively reciprocate along the moving direction with respect to the base plate. A mover is provided on the movable section and formed as one of the magnetic body and the armature. A stator is provided on the base surface of the base plate in such a manner as to be disposed opposed to the mover in a widthwise direction, and formed as the other one of the magnetic body and the armature to extend along the moving direction. A standing wall is provided on an outer peripheral edge of the base plate at least at a position which is along the moving direction, to define a containing space in cooperation with the base surface. The containing space is opened to allow the stator, the mover, and the movable section to be selectively mounted therein and removed therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the base surface.11-25-2010
20100292876BOAT PROPELLING SYSTEM - A boat propelling system capable of determining operation accuracy of a transmission mechanism includes an outboard engine main body, a swivel bracket arranged to allow the outboard engine main body to pivot in a right-left direction with respect to a hull, an electric motor provided in the swivel bracket to pivot the outboard engine main body in the right-left direction, a pivot sensor provided in the electric motor to detect a pivot angle of a motor shaft, a transmission mechanism provided in the swivel bracket to transmit a driving force of the electric motor to the outboard engine main body, a pivot sensor arranged to detect an actual pivot angle of the outboard engine main body, and an ECU arranged and programmed to control an operation of the boat propelling system. The ECU determines operation accuracy of the transmission mechanism by comparing an actual pivot angle change amount of the outboard engine main body based on a result of detection by the pivot sensor and a calculated theoretical change amount based on a drive amount of the electric motor.11-18-2010
20100290871LINEAR MOTOR AND COMPONENT TRANSFER APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a linear motor provided with a magnetic body and an armature and adapted to produce a force causing the magnetic body and the armature to be relatively displaced in a given moving direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the magnetic body and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. The linear motor is provided with: a base plate adapted to set the moving direction on a base surface thereof; a movable section attached to the base plate in a relatively movable manner reciprocating along the moving direction with respect to the base plate; a mover provided on and along a lateral surface of the movable section on a one edge side in a widthwise direction of the base surface perpendicular to the moving direction, and formed as one of the magnetic body and the armature; and a stator provided on the base surface of the base plate to be disposed opposed to the mover from the one edge side toward the other edge side in the widthwise direction, and formed as other one of the magnetic body and the armature to extend along the moving direction.11-18-2010
20100289345LINEAR MOTOR COMPONENT MOUNTING APPARATUS AND COMPONENT INSPECTING APPARATUS - The invention relates to a linear motor equipped with a field element and an armature and adapted to produce a force causing the field element and the armature to be relatively displaced along a given axial direction by interaction of magnetic fluxes generated between the field element and the armature during an operation of supplying electric power to the armature. In one typical aspect of the invention, the linear motor is provided with: a stator which is formed as one of the field element and the armature; a mover which is formed as the other of the field element and the armature; a frame member which defines the axial direction; a rail which is adapted to guide the mover allowing only to reciprocate in a linear direction; a first positioning portion which is provided on the frame member to set a fixing position of the stator with respect to the frame member; and a second positioning portion which is provided on the frame member to set a fixing position of the rail with respect to the frame member in such a manner as to allow the mover to reciprocate along the axial direction with a given gap formed between the mover and the stator positioned by the first positioning portion.11-18-2010
20100270773SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE INCLUDING STEERING DAMPER - A saddle riding type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a head pipe, a steering shaft, and a steering damper. The head pipe is attached to the front end of the vehicle body frame. The steering shaft is inserted rotatably in the head pipe. The steering damper includes an electromagnet, a magnetic member, and a magnetic fluid. The electromagnet is provided around the steering shaft and has a first surface. The magnetic member is provided around the steering shaft and has a second surface opposed to the first surface. The magnetic fluid is stored in a gap formed between the first and second surfaces. One of the electromagnet and the magnetic member is attached to the steering shaft and the other is attached to the head pipe.10-28-2010
20100267505V-SHAPED BELT, BELT-TYPE TRANSMISSION, AND SADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE - To enhance the durability of the V-shaped belt by allowing the strength and the heat-radiating property of the resin blocks to stand together at high levels in the V-shaped belt, which has a plurality of resin blocks and endless connecting members connecting the resin blocks. The V-shaped belt includes a plurality of resin blocks arranged in a direction and an endless connecting member that is impacted into the resin blocks and that extends in the arrangement direction of the resin blocks. Depressions are longitudinally and vertically formed in the upside and downside of the front surface and the rear surface of each resin block. The depressions are separated from the connecting member and are also separated from the lateral surfaces of the resin block.10-21-2010
20100265604SIDE MIRROR OF MOTORCYCLE AND MOTORCYCLE THEREWITH - A side mirror includes a mount seat mounted to a front cowl that covers a portion of the front of a vehicle body, a mirror stay supported on the mount seat with a basal end thereof supported in a turnable manner, and a mirror provided at a tip end of the mirror stay. The mount seat includes a base portion 10-21-2010
20100262347VEHICLE - A vehicle can be operated in a first drive mode in which a front differential is set to a non-driven state and a rear differential is set to a differential state, a second drive mode in which the front differential is set to a non-driven state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, a third drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state, and a fourth drive mode in which the front differential is set to a differential locked state and the rear differential is set to a differential locked state. Transition is allowed only between adjacent drive modes.10-14-2010
20100261393OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, an exhaust passage, an idle exhaust passage, a contraction portion and an expansion chamber, a bypass passage, and a check valve. The bypass passage includes an upstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at a downstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber, and a downstream end connected to the idle exhaust passage at an upstream side relative to the contraction portion and the expansion chamber. The check valve is provided in the bypass passage. The check valve is arranged such that air flows only from the upstream end side to the downstream end side.10-14-2010
20100261392WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull having a sealed engine room, an engine installed in the engine room, a jet propulsion unit arranged to be driven by the engine so as to suck in water from around the hull and jet the water, a saddle type seat disposed above the engine room, a first exhaust pipe, an exhaust pipe cooling unit, and a catalyst unit. The first exhaust pipe is attached to a side of the engine inside the engine room, extends rearward from the side of the engine, and is arranged to guide exhaust gas discharged from the engine. The exhaust pipe cooling unit is arranged to cool the first exhaust pipe. The catalyst unit is connected to the first exhaust pipe, is disposed inside the engine room so as to oppose a rear surface of the engine, and is arranged to promote reaction of components contained in the exhaust gas.10-14-2010
20100250036MARINE VESSEL CONTROL APPARATUS, MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel control apparatus is arranged to start and stop engines that are respectively provided in multiple propulsion devices. The marine vessel control apparatus includes multiple individual start/stop switches arranged to correspond to the respective multiple propulsion devices and arranged to be operated by an operator to individually start and stop the engines in the respective multiple propulsion devices, an all-device start/stop switch arranged to be operated by the operator to collectively start and stop the engines in the multiple propulsion devices, an operating state acquiring unit arranged to acquire operating states of the engines in the respective multiple propulsion devices, and a control unit. The control unit includes multiple input ports corresponding to the respective multiple individual start/stop switches. Each of the input ports is connected with the corresponding individual start/stop switch. All of the input ports are connected commonly with the all-device start/stop switch. The control unit is arranged and programmed to control the start and stop of the engines in the multiple propulsion devices according to an input pattern to the multiple input ports and the operating states acquired by the operating state acquiring unit.09-30-2010
20100250035MARINE VESSEL STEERING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a steering mechanism arranged to be operable by an operator, a steering unit arranged to turn a pivoting unit mounted pivotally on a marine vessel, a detecting unit arranged to detect if an actual pivoting angle, the turning angle of the pivoting unit, becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined angle, a locking unit arranged to lock the turning of the steering mechanism, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to set a target pivoting angle based on the turning state of the steering mechanism and to drive the steering unit to make the actual pivoting angle equal to the target pivoting angle. The control unit is also programmed, when the detecting unit detects that the actual pivoting angle becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined angle, to drive the locking unit to lock the turning of the steering mechanism.09-30-2010
20100248565POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR MARINE PROPULSION UNIT - A power transmission system for a marine propulsion unit includes a case arranged to be supported on a hull; a propeller supported at the lower end portion of the case for rotation about an axis extending in a fore-and-aft direction; a transmission housed in the case and having an axis with planetary gear trains extending vertically to receive an output from an engine, and change the speed of the output prior to transmission thereof; and an interlocking device arranged to receive the output from the transmission and transmit the output to the propeller. A speed reduction device is arranged such that it is interposed between the transmission and the interlocking device, receives the output from the transmission, and decelerates the output to transmit it to the interlocking device. This arrangement reduces the weight of a transmission unit in a power transmission system of a marine propulsion unit and decreases an external size of the transmission unit.09-30-2010
20100248564LUBRICATOR IN POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OF MARINE PROPULSION UNIT - A power transmission system of a marine propulsion system includes a transmission arranged to change the speed of an output from an engine and then to transmit the output to a propeller shaft. Wet-type multi-plate clutches provided in the transmission include a plurality of clutch plates fitted to a clutch rotating body for axial movement with the clutch rotating body. The clutch rotating body includes an oil reservoir in its inner bottom portion and arranged to hold lubricating oil and a peripheral wall arranged to cover the oil reservoir from the radial outside and fit to each of the clutch plates to permit axial movement of the clutch plates. Communicating holes are arranged on the peripheral wall such that they communicate the oil reservoir side to the outside of the clutch rotating body in the radial direction. The above arrangement provides an engine wherein, even at startup of the engine in the marine propulsion system, each clutch plate of the wet-type multi-plate clutch in the power transmission system is sufficiently lubricated.09-30-2010
20100248563WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, an engine, a jet propulsion device, an exhaust channel, and an engine control unit. The engine includes a combustion chamber arranged to combust fuel therein, an exhaust port arranged to discharge exhaust gas after the combustion of the fuel in the combustion chamber, an exhaust valve arranged to open and close the exhaust port, an intake port arranged to pass air and the fuel into the combustion chamber, and an intake valve arranged to open and close the intake port. The jet propulsion device is arranged to be driven by the engine and to draw in water from around the hull and then jet the water. The exhaust channel is connected to the exhaust port of the engine and provides a channel through which the exhaust gas, discharged from the exhaust port, flows. The engine control unit is arranged to control the engine such that at least one location in a path leading from the exhaust channel to the intake port is blocked when the engine is stopped.09-30-2010
20100248560MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM AND MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel propulsion system includes a plurality of propulsion devices, each including a motor and a propeller rotated by the motor. The system further includes a common electric power supply switch arranged to be operated by an operator to turn on and off electric power supplies of the plurality of propulsion devices all at once, an electric power supply control unit arranged to put the electric power supplies of the respective propulsion devices in an on state all at once when the common electric power supply switch is turned on and to put the electric power supplies of the respective propulsion devices in an off state all at once when the common electric power supply switch is turned off, an abnormal state detection unit arranged to detect an abnormal state of each propulsion device, and a power transmission cutoff unit, which is arranged to, when an abnormal state of any of the propulsion devices is detected by the abnormal state detection unit, cut off transmission of power between the motor and the propeller of the propulsion device for which the abnormal state is detected.09-30-2010
20100242267TAPE FEEDER AND MOUNTING APPARATUS - When a component (X) is fed to a pickup position (09-30-2010
20100240270OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine and a catalyst. The engine includes a cylinder and a cylinder head. The engine includes an exhaust port, a catalyst housing portion, a first exhaust passage, and a passage defining member. The exhaust port is provided in the cylinder head. The catalyst housing portion is provided at a side portion of the cylinder head. The first exhaust passage is arranged to guide exhaust discharged from the exhaust port into an interior of the catalyst housing portion. The passage defining member defines a second exhaust passage. The second exhaust passage is arranged such that exhaust that has passed through the interior of the catalyst housing portion flows into the second exhaust passage. The catalyst is held by the engine in a state in which at least a portion of the catalyst is housed in the interior of the catalyst housing portion.09-23-2010
20100240269OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, an exhaust guide, and a catalyst. The engine includes a cylinder and crankshaft. The crankshaft is disposed along a vertical direction. The exhaust guide is arranged to support the engine from below. The catalyst is disposed in an interior of the engine. The engine includes a cylinder body. The cylinder body includes a housing portion arranged to house—the catalyst. The cylinder body includes a first exhaust passage that includes an interior of the housing portion. The catalyst is inserted into the housing portion from below and is sandwiched from above and below by the housing portion and the exhaust guide.09-23-2010
20100240267OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes a propeller, an engine, a transmission, a casing, an engine cooling mechanism, a cooling jacket, a water intake opening, and a transmission coolant flow channel. The casing is arranged to house the transmission. The engine cooling mechanism is arranged to cool the engine by supplying the water taken into the casing from the water intake opening to the engine via an engine coolant flow channel. The cooling jacket is arranged adjacent to the transmission inside the casing. The water intake opening is provided at a predetermined position of the casing to which a dynamic pressure is applied by water flow when a marine vessel travels. The transmission coolant flow channel is arranged to connect the water intake opening and the cooling jacket. The transmission coolant flow channel is provided independently of the engine coolant flow channel.09-23-2010
20100229822ENGINE COMPONENT PART AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - An engine component is composed of an aluminum alloy containing silicon, and includes a plurality of primary-crystal silicon grains located on a slide surface. The plurality of primary-crystal silicon grains have an average crystal grain size of no less than about 12 μm and no more than about 50 μm.09-16-2010
20100227516MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel includes a hull, a propulsion device arranged to propel the hull by a driving force of an engine that has a throttle valve arranged to be electrically controlled so as to open and close, an operation lever arranged to be operated by a marine vessel operator to adjust a throttle opening degree of the throttle valve and arranged to hold an operation position, a fine adjustment switch arranged to be operated by the marine vessel operator to increase or decrease the throttle opening degree to finely adjust the throttle opening degree that has been adjusted by the operation lever, and a control unit arranged to adjust the throttle opening degree based on an operation amount of the operation lever and an operation state of the fine adjustment switch.09-09-2010
20100221631FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE SAME - A fuel cell system for use in transportation equipment, for example, can determine an abnormality in its fuel supply device without additional detectors being provided for abnormality detection. The fuel cell system is mounted on a motorbike, and includes a cell stack which includes a plurality of fuel cells, an aqueous solution pump arranged to supply aqueous methanol solution to the cell stack, a controller which includes a CPU, an inflow temperature sensor arranged to detect a temperature of aqueous methanol solution which is introduced to the cell stack, and an outflow temperature sensor arranged to detect a temperature of aqueous methanol solution discharged from the cell stack. The CPU obtains an inflow outflow temperature difference by calculating a difference between a detection result from the inflow temperature sensor and a detection result from the outflow temperature sensor. Then, the CPU compares the inflow outflow temperature difference to a predetermined value, and thereby determines whether or not there is any abnormality in the aqueous solution pump.09-02-2010
20100220183COMPONENT PLACING APPARATUS - [Problems] To provide a component placing apparatus capable of effectively preventing the occurrence of a suction error by appropriately adjusting a displacement between respective coordinate systems of a placing head and imaging device while efficiently performing suction position recognition using the imaging device that is movable independently of the placing head.09-02-2010
20100214794Straddle-type Vehicle - A straddle-type vehicle includes a head light having a lens face, and an auxiliary light arranged above the head light and having a lens face. The auxiliary light is arranged behind the head light. Moreover, the straddle-type vehicle has an outside cover part formed on the sides of the head light and the auxiliary light. The outside cover part is inclined rearward and upward at a specified inclined angle, and the head light and the lens face are inclined at a smaller angle than is the outside cover part.08-26-2010
20100212990Vehicle including silencer - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an engine, an exhaust pipe, and a silencer. The silencer can include a main body and first and second pipes. An upstream end of the first pipe can be connected to the exhaust pipe, and be provided in the main body. The second pipe can be provided apart from the first pipe on the downstream side of the first pipe, coaxially with the first pipe, and extending through a downstream lid of an outer tube of the main body. The downstream portion of the first pipe can have an inner diameter that gradually decreases from the upstream side toward the downstream end. The upstream end of the second pipe can be provided in the main body and have a larger inner diameter than the inner diameter of the downstream end of the first pipe.08-26-2010
20100210155WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, an engine disposed inside the hull, a jet propulsion device arranged to be driven by a driving force of the engine, a water detection unit arranged to detect whether or not the hull is immersed in water, and a control unit arranged to restrict an engine rotational speed. The jet propulsion device is arranged to jet water rearward from a jet port to thereby apply a propulsive force to the hull. The water detection unit includes a water detection chamber arranged such that water around the hull is introduced when the hull is in water, and a water level sensor arranged to detect a water level inside the water detection chamber. The control unit is arranged to judge whether or not the hull is in water based on an output signal of the water level sensor and to set a maximum rotational speed of the engine to a rotational speed less than an upper limit rotational speed so as to restrict the rotational speed of the engine to not more than the maximum rotational speed when the hull is not in water.08-19-2010
20100206653CANISTER RETAINING STRUCTURE AND VEHICLE INCLUDING SAME - A motorcycle can include an engine, a fuel tank, a seat, and a canister. The fuel tank can have an upper surface and an inclined surface arranged to extend obliquely downward from a rear end of the upper surface toward a back of the motorcycle. The seat can include a seat front portion and a seat rear portion. The seat front portion can be provided on the inclined surface, and the seat rear portion can extend toward the back of the motorcycle. The canister can be arranged between the inclined surface and the seat front portion. The canister can store fuel gas generated in the fuel tank, and supply the fuel gas to the engine. At least one of the inclined surface and the lower surface can have a first cavity that stores the canister.08-19-2010
20100197180MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION UNIT - A marine vessel propulsion unit includes an engine, a drive shaft, a single propeller shaft, a single propeller, and a planetary gear mechanism. The drive shaft is arranged to extend vertically. The propeller shaft is arranged to extend in a direction intersecting the drive shaft. The rotation of the engine is transmitted to the propeller shaft via the drive shaft. The propeller is arranged to rotate together with the propeller shaft. The planetary gear mechanism is arranged at the front relative to the drive shaft and coaxial to a central rotation axis of the propeller shaft. The planetary gear mechanism is arranged to decelerate the rotation from the drive shaft and transmit the decelerated rotation toward the propeller shaft.08-05-2010
20100195341Straddle-Type Vehicle - A motorcycle is provided with a head light and an auxiliary light that are arranged along an up and down direction of a vehicle, and is provided with a front cover that can cover at least a portion of the legs of a rider. The respective lenses of the head light and the auxiliary light are arranged to be exposed in a forward portion of the vehicle. The front cover has an outside cover that is formed on both sides of the head light and the auxiliary light, and a head light cover that is formed in a portion closer to a center of the front cover than the outside cover. The head light and the auxiliary light protrude forward of the front edge of the outside cover. The head light cover protrudes forward of the outside cover.08-05-2010
20100194072Frame structure of a vehicle - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, has a structure in which strength of a body frame is increased and positional accuracy between members constituting the body frame is improved. A head pipe of the motorcycle can include a pipe portion inside which a steering shaft is disposed, and a wall portion formed rearward of the pipe portion. The wall portion and the pipe portion can be integrally formed by extruding performed in a direction in which the pipe portion extends. Left and right main frames extending rearward can be disposed on the wall portion. The motorcycle can further include a reinforcing member disposed rearward of the wall portion, arranged such that an upper portion thereof is sandwiched by the right and left main frames, and having rest portions on which the right and left main frames are placed.08-05-2010
20100192557MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, VEHICLE, MARINE VESSEL, AND EXHAUSTING METHOD FOR MULTI-CYLINDER INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - A multi-cylinder internal combustion engine capable of decreasing the pressure or temperature of exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine includes at least two cylinders and an exhaust path. The exhaust path includes a convergent-divergent nozzle and an exhaust merging section provided upstream with respect to an upstream end of the divergent section arranged to connect only exhaust ports of combustion chambers for which the opening periods do not overlap. A shock wave propagating in a merging upstream section is branched at a connection section, and the branched shock wave is reflected by an exhaust valve of cylinder and collides against the exhaust gas. In accompaniment with the passage of the exhaust gas having the pressure increased by the shock wave through the convergent-divergent nozzle, a new shock wave propagating in a downstream direction in the exhaust path is generated and also an expansion wave propagating in an upstream direction in the exhaust path is generated. Thus, the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas are significantly decreased.08-05-2010
20100192556INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, VEHICLE, MARINE VESSEL, AND SECONDARY AIR SUPPLY METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine capable of efficiently supplying air to an exhaust path even in a high load state. The internal combustion engine includes a convergent section, a divergent section, and a branch section. The branch section branches a shock wave, propagating in a downstream direction at a higher velocity than exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust path from a combustion chamber when an exhaust valve is opened, from a portion of the exhaust path which is upstream with respect to the divergent section, and propagates the shock wave back to the exhaust path. The exhaust gas is caused to pass the convergent section and to collide against the shock wave between the branch section and the divergent section so as to increase the pressure of the exhaust gas in the convergent section. Such exhaust gas is caused to pass the divergent section to generate a new shock wave. A secondary air supply system includes a supply section arranged to supply air to a portion of the exhaust path which is upstream with respect to the divergent section, using a negative pressure generated by the newly generated shock wave.08-05-2010
20100192554ENGINE PART - An engine part has a construction which prevents the surface discoloration/deterioration associated with a high-temperature exhaust gas, irrespective of the type of Cr used in the formation of a chromium plating layer (hexavalent chromium or trivalent chromium). The engine part includes a metal substrate, a chromium plating layer covering at least a region of a surface of the metal substrate, the region being heated to a temperature of about 350° C. or more, and an intermediate plating layer provided between the metal substrate and the chromium plating layer. The chromium plating layer has a thickness of about 0.2 μm or more in the region.08-05-2010
20100192553INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, VEHICLE, MARINE VESSEL, AND EXHAUST GAS CLEANING METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine capable of improving cleaning efficiency by preventing an increase in the temperature of the exhaust gas to lessen the deterioration of the catalyst. The internal combustion engine includes a convergent section, a divergent section, and a branch section. The branch section branches a shock wave, propagating in a downstream direction at a higher velocity than exhaust gas flowing into an exhaust path from a combustion chamber when an exhaust valve is opened, from a portion of the exhaust path which is upstream with respect to the divergent section, and propagates the shock wave back to the exhaust path. The exhaust gas is caused to pass the convergent section and to collide against the shock wave between the branch section and the divergent section, so as to increase the pressure of the exhaust gas in the convergent section. Such exhaust gas is caused to pass the divergent section to generate a new shock wave and to decrease the temperature of the exhaust gas. A catalyst of an exhaust cleaning device is provided in a portion of the exhaust path which is downstream with respect to the divergent section.08-05-2010
20100191397MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel propulsion system includes first and second propulsion devices arranged to be mounted on a hull so as to enable a steering angle to change, a first operation lever arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the first propulsion device to have a shift state selected from among a forward drive state, a neutral state, and a reverse drive state and to control a power output of the first propulsion device, a second operation lever arranged to be operated by the marine vessel maneuvering operator to control the second propulsion device to have a shift state selected from among a forward drive state, a neutral state, and a reverse drive state and to control a power output of the second propulsion device, a first lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the first operation lever, a second lever position sensor arranged to detect a position of the second operation lever, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to set a target pivoting speed according to the positions of the first and second operation levers relative to each other and set a target travel speed according to amounts of displacement of the first and second operation levers with respect to neutral positions. The control unit is also programmed to control the steering angles, shift states, and propulsive forces of the respective first and second propulsion devices such that the hull pivots at the target pivoting speed and travels at the target travel speed.07-29-2010
20100191396MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel propulsion system includes multiple propulsion devices, multiple operation levers, and multiple lever position sensors arranged to detect the positions of the multiple operation levers, and a control unit. The control unit is programmed to control, based on detection results from the multiple lever position sensors, the shift states of the respective propulsion devices and to change the steering angle of at least one of the propulsion devices. The control unit may be arranged to change the steering angles of the propulsion devices to facilitate the behavior of the hull corresponding to the shift states of the respective propulsion devices.07-29-2010
20100181416UNMANNED HELICOPTER - An airframe (07-22-2010
20100181361FEED AMOUNT DATA SETTING SYSTEM FOR TAPE FEEDER, TAPE FEEDER, MOUNTER - A mounter is operable to sequentially detect feed amounts of a motor at respective times when respective electronic components held by a tape reach a pickup position, while rotating a sprocket 07-22-2010
20100181137CLUTCH FOR AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING PLAY AMOUNT AND VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME - A clutch includes an automatic play adjusting mechanism interposed between a pressure plate and a pull rod, to allow movement of the pressure plate relative to the pull rod in a clutch axial direction in a clutch connected state, and to restrict the movement of the pressure plate relative to the pull rod in the clutch axial direction when the pull rod moves more than a prescribed play amount in the clutch axial direction. As a result, the clutch can restrict the shift of a touch point caused by thermal expansion or wear, and the play amount of the clutch can be adjusted automatically.07-22-2010
20100181134FOUR WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE - A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a crankshaft that obtains the power of the engine. The rotation driving force of the crankshaft is transmitted to a secondary shaft through a belt type continuously variable transmission. The rotation driving force of the secondary shaft is transmitted to a rear wheel by a second drive shaft. A cam chain is arranged between the crank web of the crankshaft and the driving pulley of the belt type continuously variable transmission. The second drive shaft is arranged between the crank web and the driving pulley and under the cam chain. The second drive shaft is arranged to at least partly overlap the rotation trajectory C07-22-2010
20100181133Vehicle shroud - A vehicle shroud can include a front projection, a middle projection and a rear projection. In a side view of the vehicle shroud, the front projection can be approximately wedge-shaped, and the middle projection can extend downward.07-22-2010
20100181132Vehicle shroud - A vehicle shroud can include a frontward portion, an intermediate portion, and a rearward portion. The vehicle shroud can have formed therein at least one opening extending in a substantially front-to-rear direction. A substantially horizontal portion of a front fender of the vehicle can be located frontward of, and be substantially aligned with, the opening. The vehicle can be a motorcycle, for example.07-22-2010
20100181131Vehicle shroud - A vehicle shroud can have an opening formed so as to extend in a substantially front-to-rear direction. A substantially horizontal portion of a front fender of the vehicle can be located frontward of the opening. The vehicle can be a motorcycle, for example.07-22-2010
20100180583INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, VEHICLE, MARINE VESSEL, AND EXHAUSTING METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An internal combustion engine includes a structure that increases the velocity of exhaust gas. The internal combustion engine includes a branch section arranged to branch a shock wave propagating at a higher velocity than exhaust gas and to guide the branched shock wave, and a reflecting section provided in the branch section. The reflecting section is arranged to reflect and return the shock wave back to an exhaust path and cause the shock wave to collide against the exhaust gas, thereby increasing the pressure of the exhaust gas. In accompaniment with the exhaust gas passing a divergent section of a convergent-divergent nozzle, a new shock wave propagating in a downstream direction in the exhaust path is generated, and the temperature and pressure of the exhaust gas are decreased.07-22-2010
20100178818STEERING APPARATUS FOR PROPULSION DEVICE AND PROPULSION DEVICE - A steering apparatus for a propulsion device includes a swivel portion, a motor, a lock portion, and a lock release mechanism. The motor is arranged to generate a driving force to turn the propulsion device main body in right and left directions. The lock portion is provided in a transmission path of the driving force. The lock portion is arranged to transmit a force from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and to be locked when a force is applied from the downstream side to thereby prevent a turning of the propulsion device main body in the right and left directions. The lock release mechanism is provided in the transmission path at the downstream side relative to the lock portion. The lock release mechanism is arranged to shut off or stop a transmission of force to the upstream side thereof to thereby prevent application of the force to the lock portion.07-15-2010
20100174450POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR A BOAT - A power supply system for a boat includes a generator, a rectifier circuit, a main electric system arranged to supply electric power to a control system that controls the boat propulsion system, the main electric system including a main battery, and an auxiliary electric system arranged to supply electric power to auxiliary equipment provided on the boat, the auxiliary electric system including an auxiliary battery. An operation signal supplied to an actuating device connected to the main electric system is detected, and in a case where it is decided, based on the detected signal, to prioritize the main electric system over the auxiliary electric system, current supply to the auxiliary electric system is restricted, to thereby attain a stable operation of the control system of the boat.07-08-2010
20100171824COMPONENT RECOGNIZING DEVICE, SURFACE MOUNTING MACHINE, AND COMPONENT TESTING MACHINE - To enable image recognition of a component at a high degree of accuracy in a stable manner over a long term with a component recognizing device configured to take an image of a component by moving a scan unit having an imaging device using a linear motor, and a surface mounting machine and a component testing machine each equipped with the component recognizing device.07-08-2010
20100170467BALANCER OF ENGINE, ENGINE, AND OUTBOARD MOTOR - A balancer of an engine includes a rod and a balancer piston. A first end portion of the rod includes a joining portion which is arranged to be joined to a crankshaft of the engine at a position that is eccentric relative to a rotation axis of the crankshaft. A second end portion of the rod is arranged to reciprocate inside a cylinder according to a rotation of the crankshaft. The balancer piston is fixed to the second end portion of the rod. The balancer piston is arranged to reciprocate inside the cylinder, while rocking between a contact state in which the balancer piston is in contact with an inner wall surface of the cylinder and a non-contact state in which the balancer piston is separated from the inner wall surface. The balancer piston includes a cylindrical outer peripheral portion that is curved so as to swell toward the inner wall surface. The outer peripheral portion is arranged such that lines of intersection with planes perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the balancer piston define circles. The outer peripheral portion includes a contact start portion which is arranged to come into contact first with the inner wall surface when the balancer piston switches from the non-contact state to the contact state. A distance from a center of a maximum outer diameter circle with the largest radius among the circles to the contact start portion is larger than the radius of the maximum outer diameter circle.07-08-2010
20100168985STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - A snowmobile includes an engine, an engine power controller, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The control portion does not control the engine power controller based on an amount detected by the operation amount detector in a preliminary zone in which the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector is not more than a first operation amount. The control portion controls the engine power controller based on an operation amount detected by the operation amount detector if the operation amount is greater than the first operation amount. A second operation amount smaller than the first operation amount is set in the preliminary zone and the control portion determines whether operation of the operation portion is carried out based on whether operation corresponding to the second operation amount is detected by the operation input detector.07-01-2010
20100168966SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle includes a balancer beam rotatably mounted on a vehicle body to cause a right wheel and a left wheel to move up and down in opposite directions, and is capable of making turns by leaning the vehicle body. The saddle riding type vehicle also includes a headlight, a drive mechanism arranged to rotate the headlight, a front detector arranged to detect a rotation angle of the balancer beam relative to the vehicle body, and a controller programmed to control the drive mechanism based on a result of detection by the front detector. The rotation angle detected by the front detector corresponds to an angle of the vehicle body leaning sideways relative to a traveling surface (relative lean angle). The controller controls the drive mechanism based on such result of detection by the front detector. The headlight can therefore illuminate directions of movement properly.07-01-2010
20100167098FUEL CELL SYSTEM AND TRANSPORTATION EQUIPMENT INCLUDING THE SAME - A fuel cell system prevents leakage of aqueous fuel solution to the cathode while reducing catalyst deterioration in the fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell including an anode and a cathode. An aqueous solution pump supplies the anode with aqueous methanol solution whereas an air pump supplies the cathode with air. Where there is an abnormality in the fuel cell, a CPU stops operation of the aqueous solution pump, and thereafter stops operation of the air pump when a temperature of the fuel cell detected by a cell stack temperature sensor is not higher than a predetermined value. When starting the fuel cell system with an abnormality existing in the fuel cell, the CPU drives the air pump and thereafter drives the aqueous solution pump.07-01-2010
20100163332STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE - A snowmobile includes an engine, a handle, an operation portion, an operation input detector, an operation amount detector, and a control portion. The handle includes a grip grasped by the rider. The operation portion is provided near the grip to control driving of the engine. The operation input detector is provided near the grip to detect whether operation of the operation portion has been carried out by the rider. The operation amount detector electrically detects the operation amount of the operation portion. The control portion controls driving of the engine based on the operation amount detected by the operation amount detector when operation of the operation portion by the rider is detected at the operation input detector.07-01-2010
20100163175VACUUM FORMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF MAKING VACUUM FORMED PRODUCT - A vacuum forming machine according includes a chamber configured to be loaded with a base member and a decorative sheet, a frame arranged to surround the base member that has been loaded into the chamber, a pressure reducer arranged to reduce the pressure inside the chamber, and a communication path arranged to establish communication between the inside of the frame and an external space at the atmospheric pressure.07-01-2010
20100163155VACUUM FORMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF MAKING VACUUM FORMED PRODUCT - A vacuum forming machine includes a holder arranged to hold a decorative sheet, upper and lower boxes separated by the decorative sheet and the holder, a pressure reducer arranged to reduce pressures inside the upper and lower boxes, a first valve arranged to adjust a degree of pressure reduction inside the upper box, a second valve arranged to adjust a degree of pressure reduction inside the lower box, a heater arranged to heat the decorative sheet, a temperature information collector arranged to collect temperature information about the temperature of the decorative sheet, and a controller programmed to control opening/closing operations of the first and second valves by reference to the temperature information while the pressure reducer is operating.07-01-2010
20100162782VACUUM FORMING MACHINE AND METHOD OF MAKING VACUUM FORMED PRODUCT - A vacuum forming machine includes a chamber configured to house a base member and a decorative sheet and including an exhaust port, an exhauster arranged to exhaust air from inside the chamber through the exhaust port, at least one static remover arranged to remove static electricity from a surface of the base member that has been loaded into the chamber, and a dust collector arranged so as to oppose the exhaust port.07-01-2010
20100154697MARINE VESSEL STEERING DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering device includes a turning mechanism arranged to be attached to a marine vessel, an operation unit arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the marine vessel, a steering angle detection unit arranged to detect a steering angle of the operation unit, a turning angle detection unit arranged to detect a turning angle of the turning mechanism, a turning control unit arranged to control the turning mechanism according to a steering angle, a phase shift determination unit arranged to determine whether phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other, and a turning control delay unit. The turning control delay unit is arranged to start control of the turning mechanism by the turning control unit after waiting for elimination of the phase shift by an operation of the operation unit when the phase shift determination unit determines that the phases of the steering angle and the turning angle are shifted relative to each other when starting the turning control unit.06-24-2010
20100151752WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a hull, an engine attached to the hull, a jet propulsion device arranged to be driven using an output of the engine and to jet water toward a rear of the hull from a jet port provided on an outer side of the hull, a bucket arranged to be disposed in a manner enabling movement between a forward drive position of not blocking the water jetted from the jet port of the jet propulsion device and a reverse drive position of blocking the water jetted from the jet port and, at the reverse drive position, to convert a jetting direction of the water jetted rearward from the jet port to a forward direction, a hydraulic cylinder arranged to be disposed in an interior of the hull and to move the bucket between the forward drive position and the reverse drive position, and an oil passage arranged to connect the engine and the hydraulic cylinder and to cause a lubricating oil inside of the engine to pass through as a hydraulic oil of the hydraulic cylinder.06-17-2010
20100151750OUTBOARD MOTOR CONTROL DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - An outboard motor control device is arranged to control a plurality of outboard motors. The outboard motor control device includes a malfunction determination unit arranged to determine whether any of the outboard motors is malfunctioning in turning angle control, a turning angle control stop unit arranged to stop turning angle control of an outboard motor determined as malfunctioning in turning angle control by the malfunction determination unit, a turning angle range limitation unit arranged to limit a turning angle range of other normally functioning outboard motor according to a turning angle of the outboard motor malfunctioning in turning angle control, and a turning angle control unit arranged to perform turning angle control of the normally functioning outboard motor in the turning angle range limited by the turning angle range limitation unit.06-17-2010
20100147615SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE - A saddle riding type vehicle capable of making turns by leaning a vehicle body includes a pair of rear wheels provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body, a pair of support mechanisms arranged to support the pair of rear wheels to be movable, independently of each other, up and down about a pivot axis relative to the vehicle body, an engine disposed forward of the pivot axis to produce a drive force, a differential mechanism arranged to distribute the drive force of the engine to the pair of rear wheels and to absorb a rotating speed difference between the pair of rear wheels at a time of making a turn, the differential mechanism including drive shafts arranged between the engine and the pivot axis, a pair of shaft drive mechanisms provided for the pair of rear wheels, respectively, and arranged to transmit the drive force of the differential mechanism to the pair of rear wheels, and a pair of constant velocity universal joints provided for the pair of shaft drive mechanisms, respectively, each including a pair of universal joints connected by a coupling yoke, the coupling yoke being located on the pivot axis, and the pair of universal joints being arranged in a positional relationship of point symmetry.06-17-2010
20100145558MARINE VESSEL MANEUVERING SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion system and a steering mechanism. The marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus includes a first operational unit arranged select a forward drive position for forward drive of the propulsion system, a reverse drive position for reverse drive of the propulsion system, and a neutral position for an inactive state of the propulsion system, a second operational unit arranged to command rightward and leftward movement of the marine vessel, and a target value computing unit arranged to determine target values including a target propulsive force for the propulsion system and a target steering angle for the steering mechanism, such that the marine vessel undergoes parallel movement in a direction that is in accordance with an operation position of the first operational unit when rightward or leftward movement is commanded by the second operational unit.06-10-2010
20100140007SNOWMOBILE - A snowmobile includes a vehicle body, a track belt, an engine, a left-and-right pair of skis, a suspension mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The track belt is located on a lower portion of the vehicle body. The engine drives the track belt. The suspension mechanism is a mechanism arranged to support the pair of skis so as to move in a vertical direction with respect to the vehicle body, and to support the pair of skis in an associated manner so that one of the skis moves downwards relative to the vehicle body when the other ski moves upwards relative to the vehicle body. The steering mechanism is a mechanism arranged to steer the pair of skis.06-10-2010
20100138083MARINE VESSEL MANEUVERING SUPPORTING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion system and a steering mechanism. The marine vessel maneuvering supporting apparatus includes an operational unit, operated by an operator, arranged to control movement and turning of a marine vessel, a target value computing unit having a plurality of computing modes and arranged to compute target values including a target propulsive force for the propulsion system and a target steering angle for the steering mechanism in accordance with an operational input from the operational unit, and a switching unit arranged to switch the computing modes of the target value computing unit.06-03-2010
20100134488REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM AND REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS - A remote control system and a remote control apparatus allow a human operator to remotely control a mobile body easily even if the system uses a low-speed communications link. The remote control system includes a remote control apparatus, in which a CPU selects old information based on both old information and the latest mobile body information from a mobile body, and determines a virtual view point V. The CPU generates a three-dimensional environmental image K and the virtual view point V based on the selected old information, and also generates a mobile body model M, a reference point B and a clipping center point based on the latest mobile body information and data regarding a mobile body model M, in a global coordinate system GC. The CPU calculates an angle of view based on a distance d between the virtual viewpoint V and the reference point B, makes a perspective projection of the three-dimensional environmental image K and the mobile body model M from the virtual view point V toward the clipping center point to obtain a projected image, makes a clip from the projected image based on the angle of view thereby making a composite image, and converts the composite image into a display image of a predetermined size. The resulting display image is displayed on a monitor.06-03-2010
20100132664FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR BOAT AND OUTBOARD MOTOR - A fuel supply system for a boat minimizes and prevents deterioration in combustion efficiency of the engine. The fuel supply system includes a throttle body that is connected to an engine and that supplies air to the engine, and an injector that injects fuel to the throttle body. The injector is configured to inject fuel to a direction opposite to an airflow direction in the throttle body.06-03-2010
20100132651OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine including a vertically extending crankshaft, a rope reel, a transmitting member, a force accumulation spiral spring, and an engine cover arranged to cover these components. The rope reel includes a plate portion arranged to be rotatable about the rotational center axis of the crankshaft and a rope winding portion provided integrally with the plate portion at the peripheral edge thereof and arranged to be wound with a rope to start the engine. The transmitting member is arranged to be rotatable about the rotational center axis of the crankshaft and to transmit rotation to the crankshaft. The force accumulation spiral spring is disposed on the opposite side of the engine with respect to the plate portion of the rope reel. The force accumulation spiral spring is arranged to accumulate a torque applied to the rope reel and transmit the torque to the transmitting member, first and second ends of the spring being fixed, respectively, to the rope reel and the transmitting member.06-03-2010
20100130078MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION UNIT - A marine vessel propulsion unit includes an engine, a drive shaft, a propeller shaft, a propeller, an intermediate shaft, a forward-reverse switching mechanism, and a shock reduction mechanism. The intermediate shaft is arranged on a central rotation axis of the propeller shaft. The intermediate shaft is arranged to transmit rotation between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. The forward-reverse switching mechanism is arranged to switch a rotational direction of the propeller shaft to a forward drive direction or a reverse drive direction. The shock reduction mechanism includes a plurality of spring members and a pair of stopper portions. The shock reduction mechanism is arranged on the central rotation axis of the propeller shaft. The plurality of spring members are arranged to absorb a force in the rotational direction by elastically deforming in the rotational direction when the force in the rotational direction is applied to the intermediate shaft. The pair of stopper portions are arranged to prevent elastic deformations of the plurality of spring members by coming into contact with each other when the elastic deformation amounts of the plurality of spring members reach a predetermined value.05-27-2010
20100126820FRICTION CLUTCH, VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME, AND ASSEMBLY METHOD OF FRICTION CLUTCH05-27-2010
20100126439OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor that facilitates replacement of an impeller of a water pump includes a water pump arranged to pump coolant and a pump driving mechanism arranged to distribute power from a drive shaft to the water pump. At least a portion of the water pump in which an impeller is housed can be detached and attached from the outside of an upper case. The pump driving mechanism distributes power in a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction of the drive shaft and transmits the power to the water pump.05-27-2010
20100124858MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION UNIT - A marine vessel propulsion unit includes an engine, a drive shaft, a propeller shaft, a propeller, an intermediate shaft, and a first reduction gear mechanism. The drive shaft is arranged to be rotated by the engine. The rotation of the drive shaft is transmitted to the propeller shaft. The propeller is arranged to be rotated together with the propeller shaft. The intermediate shaft is arranged on a central rotation axis of the propeller shaft or an extension of the central rotation axis. The intermediate shaft is arranged to transmit rotation between the drive shaft and the propeller shaft. The first reduction gear mechanism is arranged on a central rotation axis of the propeller shaft or the extension of the central rotation axis. The first reduction gear mechanism is arranged to decelerate the rotation of the intermediate shaft so as to transmit the decelerated rotation to the propeller shaft during both forward propulsion and backward propulsion.05-20-2010
20100120303PROPULSION DEVICE - A propulsion device includes a propulsion device main body, an attachment mechanism, and a steering mechanism. The attachment mechanism is arranged to attach the propulsion device main body to a hull such that the propulsion device main body turns right and left with respect to the hull about a swivel shaft. Further, the attachment mechanism is arranged to attach the propulsion device main body to the hull such that the propulsion device main body turns up and down with respect to the hull about a tilt shaft. The steering mechanism includes a motor and a transmitting mechanism. The transmitting mechanism is arranged to transmit a driving force of the motor to the propulsion device main body to turn the propulsion device main body to the right or the left. The attachment mechanism includes a housing space in which the motor and the transmitting mechanism are housed.05-13-2010
20100116190MARINE VESSEL STEERING APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel steering apparatus includes a rudder unit arranged to be mounted pivotally on a hull, an actuator arranged to turn the rudder unit, a rudder angle sensor arranged to detect the rudder angle of the rudder unit, a steering wheel arranged to be operated by an operator to steer the rudder unit, a wheel angle detecting unit arranged to detect the amount of change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and a control unit arranged to perform steering control by controlling the actuator based on values detected by the rudder angle sensor and the wheel angle detecting unit. The control unit is arranged to set the rudder angle of the rudder unit detected by the rudder angle sensor at the start of steering control corresponding to the steering wheel as an initial target rudder angle and compute a target rudder angle based on the initial target rudder angle and the change in the rotation angle of the steering wheel, and to control the actuator to change the rudder angle of the rudder unit in accordance with the target rudder angle.05-13-2010
20100116066MAGNETOSTRICTIVE LOAD SENSOR AND MOVABLE UNIT COMPRISING SAME - A magnetostrictive load sensor includes a coil with a through hole, a load sensing member disposed in the through hole, first and second magnetic circuit defining members which are joined together so as to cover the coil and which together define a magnetic circuit to pass a magnetic flux that has been generated by current flowing through the coil, and a housing that houses the coil. The load sensing member and the first and second magnetic circuit defining members are arranged together. Each of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members includes a first portion that contributes to defining the magnetic circuit and a second portion that is arranged so as to extend from the first portion and extend out of the magnetic circuit. The housing holds and fixes together the respective second portions of the first and second magnetic circuit defining members.05-13-2010
20100114412BOAT - A boat that allows effective steering even when the motor output power is decreased due to the low battery charge includes a first predictive determination unit arranged to compare an actual charge amount of a battery supplying an electric power to a steering motor or a predicted charge amount of the battery calculated from a predicted working current with a threshold predetermined in relation to running states; a steering load detector arranged to calculate a required output value of a steering motor necessary to steer an outboard motor while the boat is under way; and a steering load controller arranged to control the required output value to be decreased from the present output value when the first predictive determination unit determines that the threshold is larger than the battery charge amount.05-06-2010
20100108430Power steering device - A power steering device for a vehicle includes an input shaft (05-06-2010
20100108422ENGINE UNIT, AND MOTORCYCLE EQUIPPED THEREWITH - An engine unit includes a multi-speed transmission provided with a plurality of clutches, and enables assembly and maintenance of clutches and a sprocket wound with a drive chain to be easily performed. In an engine unit chassis, a drive shaft arranged to output a drive to a rear wheel via a sprocket provided at one end in the lateral direction, and a second main shaft are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to a crankshaft provided in approximately a lateral direction of the vehicle. A second clutch that transfers rotation power from the crankshaft to the second main shaft is detachably connected to one of the second main shaft, which projects from the engine unit chassis beyond one end of the drive shaft, in a position to overlap with at least portion of the sprocket axially sideways with respect to the drive shaft.05-06-2010
20100107810TWIN CLUTCH TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED THEREWITH - In a twin clutch transmission, a first main shaft transfers rotation power of a crankshaft that is provided in parallel, input via a first clutch, to a drive shaft via an odd-numbered transmission gear mechanism. A second main shaft transfers rotation power of the crankshaft that is provided in parallel, input via a second clutch, to the drive shaft via an even-numbered transmission gear mechanism. In a first power transfer path running from the crankshaft to the drive shaft via the first clutch and a second power transfer path running from the crankshaft to the drive shaft via the second clutch, back torque limiters are provided that, when reverse torque operates in a direction opposite the direction for acceleration of a rear wheel, limits transfer of the reverse torque.05-06-2010
20100107809TWIN CLUTCH TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLE AND MOTORCYCLE EQUIPPED THEREWITH - A twin clutch transmission can be made sufficiently small and can easily be mounted on a motorcycle without biasing the lateral weight balance. In this transmission, a first clutch is arranged to input rotation power transferred from a crankshaft to a first main shaft and to output the rotation power to a rear wheel via an odd-numbered transmission gear mechanism, and a second clutch is arranged to input rotation power transferred from the crankshaft to a second main shaft and to output the rotation power to the rear wheel via an even-numbered transmission gear mechanism. The first and second main shafts are arranged in a mutually rotatable fashion on an axis line parallel or substantially parallel to the crankshaft, and a transmitting portion of driving force output to the rear wheel via the even-numbered transmission gear mechanism on the second main shaft has an outer diameter approximately identical to that of a transmitting portion of driving force output to the rear wheel via the odd-numbered transmission gear mechanism on the first main shaft, and is arranged so as to not concentrically overlap the transmitting portion of the first main shaft.05-06-2010
20100107792SHIFT MECHANISM, AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED THEREWITH - A shift mechanism that provides a shift mechanism for enabling smooth gear shifting by a transmission, and a vehicle equipped therewith. With this mechanism, a shift drum, to which shift forks are connected via grooves on an outer periphery, is held every predetermined rotation angle. When differences are produced in the degree of rotation between a third rotating member that rotates by motor rotation and a second rotating member that rotates in accordance with the third rotating member, bias is accumulated in a torsion spring. Bias that is accumulated is released when the rotation angle of the third rotating member equals or exceeds a predetermined angle of rotation, rotating a first rotating member via a second rotating member, and rotating the shift drum quickly.05-06-2010
20100101082MOUNTING APPARATUS, MOUNTING METHOD AND BOARD IMAGING DEVICE TRANSFER METHOD EMPLOYED IN THE MOUNTING APPARATUS - A mounting apparatus mounts a component (A) on a board (W). The mounting apparatus is provided with a head unit (04-29-2010
20100100288AUTOMATIC SHIFT CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE - In a clutch engaging and disengaging operation at the time of a shift change, a state in which the clutch position of the clutch is at a specific value between a first clutch position at which a half clutch state finishes and a second clutch position at which the clutch is in a mechanical maximum disengaged state is maintained until completion of a gear change is detected by a gear position sensor. Therefore, even if a dog abutment state occurs between first gears with engaging projections and second gears with engaging recesses, the dog abutment can be resolved properly.04-22-2010
20100099524BELT-TYPE CONTINUOUS STEPLESS SPEED CHANGER - A belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a primary sheave including a pair of first clamp surfaces, a secondary sheave including a pair of second clamp surfaces, and a belt endlessly wound between both of the primary and secondary sheaves. The belt includes contact surfaces clamped between the first clamp surfaces and between the second clamp surfaces. Powder having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces of the primary sheave, the second clamp surfaces of the secondary sheave, and the contact surfaces of the belt.04-22-2010
20100099523BELT-TYPE CONTINUOUS STEPLESS SPEED CHANGER - A belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a primary sheave including a pair of first clamp surfaces, a secondary sheave including a pair of second clamp surfaces, and a belt endlessly wound between both of the primary and secondary sheaves. The belt includes contact surfaces clamped between the first clamp surfaces and between the second clamp surfaces. Powder having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces of the primary sheave, the second clamp surfaces of the secondary sheave, and the contact surfaces of the belt.04-22-2010
20100099522BELT-TYPE CONTINUOUS STEPLESS SPEED CHANGER - A belt-type continuously variable transmission includes a primary sheave including a pair of first clamp surfaces, a secondary sheave including a pair of second clamp surfaces, and a belt endlessly wound between both of the primary and secondary sheaves. The belt includes contact surfaces clamped between the first clamp surfaces and between the second clamp surfaces. Powder having infusibility as a friction enhancing material is held on at least one of the first clamp surfaces of the primary sheave, the second clamp surfaces of the secondary sheave, and the contact surfaces of the belt.04-22-2010
20100097461COMPONENT-RECOGNIZING APPARATUS, SURFACE-MOUNTING APPARATUS, AND COMPONENT-INSPECTING APPARATUS - In an apparatus adapted to scan a lower side of an electronic component being suction-held by a suction-holding nozzle, to perform image recognition of suction-held conditions of the electronic component, this invention is intended to perform a transfer operation under a condition that the suction-holding nozzle is arranged closer to an upper surface of a base, wherein the optical path directed downwardly from the suction-holding nozzle is bended in a lateral direction by a first optical path changing member and then further bended in another direction by a second optical path changing member to allow image-sensing means to capture an image of a lower surface of the suction-holding nozzle, and the electronic component being suction-held by the suction-holding nozzle is illuminated along the lateral optical path changed by the first optical path changing member.04-22-2010
20100092820FUEL CELL SYSTEM - A fuel cell system capable of accurately controlling aqueous methanol solution and moisture discharged from the fuel cell, and which can be built small in size. The fuel cell system includes a radiator unit including a radiator pipe for a flow of aqueous methanol solution discharged from an anode outlet of a cell stack which includes fuel cells, and a radiator pipe for a flow of moisture discharged from a cathode outlet of the cell stack. Further, the radiator unit has an inflow passage for air to flow in, a first cooling passage branching from the inflow passage to supply the air to an outer circumference of the radiator pipe, and a second cooling passage arranged to supply the air to an outer circumference of the radiator pipe. A plate member is provided in the radiator unit to adjust a passage resistance of the first cooling passage and that of the second cooling passage.04-15-2010
20100089681FRICTION CLUTCH AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - A cam face 04-15-2010
20100089680CENTRIFUGAL MULTI-PLATE FRICTION CLUTCH AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - According to some preferred embodiments, a clutch housing (04-15-2010
20100089679FRICTION CLUTCH AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - A friction plate (04-15-2010
20100087995TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - A transmission control system includes an up-shifting operation device, a clutch actuator, a shift actuator and a CPU. The CPU controls the clutch actuator to start a disconnection operation of a clutch at a time point when movement of an operation lever of the up-shifting operation device is started. Moreover, the CPU controls the clutch actuator to complete the disconnection operation of the clutch at a time point when the movement of the operation lever is finished. Then, the CPU shifts a gear position of a transmission by controlling the shift actuator.04-08-2010
20100083488ELECTRONIC COMPONENT TAKING OUT APPARATUS, SURFACE MOUNTING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TAKING OUT ELECTRONIC COMPONENT - A plurality of reference electronic components (M04-08-2010
20100081347WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes, a main engine body, a rotor chamber provided at a rear portion of the main engine body, a crankshaft arranged such that a rear end portion of the crankshaft is disposed in the rotor chamber, the rear end portion having a first connection portion, an output shaft having a second connection portion at a front end of the output shaft, the second connection portion arranged to be connected to the first connection portion of the crankshaft such that the output shaft rotates together with the crankshaft about a rotational center axis of the crankshaft, a rotor unit housed in the rotor chamber and fixed to the output shaft, a fastening member arranged to fasten the first connection portion and the second connection portion, a drive shaft connected to a rear end portion of the output shaft and arranged to be rotated together with the output shaft, and a jet propulsion unit, having an impeller that is coupled to the drive shaft and arranged to suck in and jet out water. A fastening axis of the fastening member differs from the rotational center axis.04-01-2010
20100078214WATER STOPPING STRUCTURE OF ELECTRIC WIRE AND MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE - A water stopping structure of an electric wire includes a first coated electric wire, a second coated electric wire, a wiring member, and insulation. The first coated electric wire has a first core wire and a first insulating coating arranged to coat the first core wire. The second coated electric wire has a second core wire and a second insulating coating arranged to coat the second core wire. The wiring member has a first terminal to which one end of the first core wire is electrically connected, a second terminal to which one end of the second core wire is electrically connected, and a connection wiring unit arranged to electrically connect the first terminal and the second terminal. The insulation is arranged to seamlessly cover the one end of the first core wire, the end of the first insulating coating positioned near the one end of the first core wire, the one end of the second core wire, the end of the second insulating coating positioned near the one end of the second core wire, and the wiring member.04-01-2010
20100075551WATER JET PROPULSION WATERCRAFT - A water jet propulsion watercraft includes a main engine body, a rotor chamber disposed at a rear portion of the main engine body, a crankshaft disposed so as to extend penetratingly through the rotor chamber such that a rear end portion thereof protrudes to an outer side of the rotor chamber, a rotor unit coupled to the crankshaft inside the rotor chamber, a drive shaft connected to the rear end portion of the crankshaft and rotated together with the crankshaft, and a jet propulsion unit, having an impeller that is coupled to the drive shaft, and arranged to suck in and jet out water. The crankshaft includes a flange portion that is integral with the crankshaft inside the rotor chamber. The rotor unit is fixed to the flange portion.03-25-2010
20100072009HYDRAULIC DAMPER - A hydraulic damper includes a cylindrical tube, a first rod guide fitted close to one end of the cylindrical tube, a second rod guide fitted closer to the other end of the cylindrical tube, and a piston arranged to be axially slidable between the two rod guides. The piston partitions a space between the two rod guides into a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber. A main piston rod extends from the piston and penetrates the first rod guide. An auxiliary piston rod extends from the piston and penetrates the second rod guide. A pressurizer is arranged to pressurize hydraulic fluid filled in the first oil chamber and the second oil chamber. Damping force generators are arranged to generate a damping force by allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow between the two oil chambers. The main piston rod and the auxiliary piston rod have different diameters from each other. The hydraulic damper has a simple constitution and is capable of increased responsiveness.03-25-2010
20100071204COMPONENT SUPPLYING APPARATUS AND SURFACE MOUNTING MACHINE - A component supplying apparatus and a reel can be easily and integrally managed when not supplying components, and the component supplying apparatus can be made to be compact when the component supplying apparatus and the reel are not integrally managed. The component supplying apparatus (03-25-2010
20100071200COMPONENT SUPPLY APPARATUS AND SURFACE MOUNTER - It is intended to allow for efficiently performing a feeder replacement operation. A feeder 03-25-2010
20100068954FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR OUTBOARD MOTOR AND OUTBOARD MOTOR - A fuel supply system includes a fuel supply channel and a joint unit. The joint unit includes first and second joint members and a sealing member. The first and second joint members are arranged to be connectable to and separable from each other. The sealing member is arranged to seal a gap between the first and second joint members in a state in which the first and second joint members are connected. The first joint member includes a first flow channel, a first valve, and a first fitting portion. The second joint member includes a second flow channel, a second valve, and a second fitting portion. The first valve has a first pressing end and a first valve body. The second valve has a second pressing end and a second valve body. The first and second fitting portions are arranged to fit each other before the first and second pressing ends come into contact with the second and first joint members, respectively, when the first and second joint members are connected. The sealing member is held on the first or second joint member so as to seal a gap between the first and second fitting portions before the first and second pressing ends come into contact with the second and first joint members, respectively, when the first and second joint members are connected.03-18-2010
20100068953MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine arranged to generate a driving force by combustion of a fuel by an ignition unit, a thrust generating unit arranged to be driven by the driving force of the engine to generate thrust underwater, a shift mechanism unit arranged to switch between a transmitting state of transmitting the driving force of the engine to the thrust generating unit and a cut-off state of cutting off the driving force of the engine from the thrust generating unit, a shift drive unit arranged to drive the shift mechanism unit, and a control unit arranged to electrically control the shift drive unit based on a position of a shift operational unit that is arranged to be operated by a user to perform a shifting operation to a first shift position corresponding to the transmitting state, and a second shift position corresponding to the cut-off state. When changing from the first shift position to the second shift position, the control unit temporarily lowers an engine speed by starting misfire control of the ignition unit. After the start of the misfire control, the control unit controls the shift drive unit such that the shift mechanism unit starts the switching from the transmitting state to the cut-off state after a delay time period corresponding to a time from the start of misfire control to a point in time when the ignition unit actually starts to misfire.03-18-2010
20100068952OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor that is capable of reducing a trolling noise includes an engine which has a crank shaft extending in an up-down direction; a drive shaft extending downward from the crank shaft and including a torsion bar spring; a propeller shaft; a propeller provided in the propeller shaft; a forward/backward switching mechanism arranged to connect the drive shaft and the propeller shaft with each other; and a vibration damper which includes a first cylindrical body and a second cylindrical body which are penetrated by the torsion bar spring. The first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body are coaxial with each other. The first cylindrical body has its upper end portion connected with an upper end portion of the torsion bar spring whereas the second cylindrical body has its lower end portion connected with a lower end portion of the torsion bar spring. A viscous fluid is filled between the first cylindrical body and the second cylindrical body.03-18-2010
20100068951WATERCRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD - A watercraft propulsion system has a control lever for giving instructions regarding the operating mode as well as the amount of output power from a source of driving force, and a controller for setting a propeller driving mode according to the instruction given by the control lever. When a reverse mode is instructed by the control lever, the controller sets the propeller driving mode depending on certain considerations such as user settings and battery charge. For instance, the controller may set the propeller driving mode to a mode in which the propeller is rotated in reverse by an electric motor or by the engine. Also, the controller may regulate electric power supply to the motor in light of battery charge. Other combinations are also contemplated.03-18-2010
20100063695TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - In a transmission control system for a vehicle, in a torque return period at the time of up-shifting of a transmission, an engine torque and a clutch torque are increased in parallel. A target engine torque value and a target clutch torque value are set such that the clutch torque changes at a value higher than the engine torque. The target clutch torque value is set such that a difference between an amount of energy generated in a clutch and an amount of energy generated in an engine substantially coincides with an amount of energy required to reduce the rotation speed of the engine to a target rotation speed.03-11-2010
20100059979SADDLE-RIDE TYPE FOUR-WHEELED VEHICLE - Provided is a saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle capable of ensuring a sufficient clearance between a shock absorber and a front rod of an upper arm supporting front wheels, and also achieving satisfactory frame strength. The body frame of the saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a lower frame extending below an engine to the rear of the vehicle. The body frame includes a front frame which is made of aluminum or aluminum alloy and located above the lower frame. In the front frame, pairs of arm-supporting portions which are spaced away from each other in a front-rear direction and support the front rods and a rear rods of the upper arms, and shock-absorber-supporting portions which are situated above the arm-supporting portions and support upper ends of the shock absorbers, are formed. The front frame has, at a forefront of the front frame, an extending portion extending obliquely upward and rearward from a lower end of the extending portion connected to the lower frame. In the extending portion, front arm-supporting portions and the shock-absorber-supporting portions are formed.03-11-2010
20100059978SADDLE-RIDE TYPE FOUR-WHEELED VEHICLE - Provided is a saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle capable of increasing a tank capacity of a fuel tank and reducing moment acting on a fixing position of a fuel pump formed in the fuel tank. The saddle-ride type four-wheeled vehicle includes a fuel tank located above the head cover of the engine, and a fuel pump disposed in the fuel tank. The lower surface portion of the fuel tank includes, at a more forward position than the head cover, a deep bottom portion situated at a lowest position in the lower surface portion. The upper surface portion of the fuel tank includes, at a more rearward position than the deep bottom portion, an inclined portion formed to extend rearward and obliquely downward. An upper end of the fuel pump is fixed to the inclined portion, and the fuel pump is arranged to extend forward and obliquely downward from the inclined portion toward the deep bottom portion.03-11-2010
20100059018THROTTLE CONTROL DEVICE AND VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH THE SAME - In some embodiments, a throttle control device includes an axel 03-11-2010
20100059008OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, an engine cover, a partitioning member, an intake device, and a fan. The engine is arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The partitioning member is arranged to partition the inside of the engine cover into a lower chamber accommodating the engine and an upper chamber. In the partitioning member, a communication hole which is arranged to cause the upper chamber to communicate with the lower chamber is provided. Also, the engine cover has an air inlet arranged to cause the upper chamber to communicate with the atmosphere, and an air outlet arranged to cause the lower chamber to communicate with the atmosphere. The air inlet is arranged in an upper portion of the engine cover. The air outlet is arranged at a lower end portion of the engine cover. The intake device is connected to the engine. The intake device has an air suction port arranged to communicate with the upper chamber. The fan is arranged inside the engine cover. The fan is arranged to send air inside the upper chamber into the lower chamber through the communication hole.03-11-2010
20100057313CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - A control system for a vehicle includes a CPU, a throttle sensor, a brake sensor, and fuel injectors. When the CPU detects a control failure of the throttle valve with a value detected by the throttle sensor, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine by controlling the fuel injectors such that the motorcycle runs with a previously set negative target acceleration. Also, when the CPU detects a brake operation by the driver with the brake sensor after the occurrence of the control failure, the CPU corrects the target acceleration such that the deceleration of the motorcycle becomes larger. Then, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine such that the motorcycle runs with the corrected target acceleration.03-04-2010
20100057312CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - A control system for a vehicle includes a CPU, a throttle sensor, a shift actuator, and fuel injectors. When the CPU detects a control failure of the throttle valve with a value detected by the throttle sensor, the CPU adjusts the output of the engine by controlling the fuel injectors such that the motorcycle runs with a previously set negative target acceleration. Also, the CPU controls the shift actuator such that the transmission is shifted down in steps as the speed of the motorcycle decreases.03-04-2010
20100056002OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine, a first exhaust passage, a partition, a communication portion, an exhaust gas concentration sensor, and a catalyst. The engine is arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The first exhaust passage is connected to the engine and is arranged to exhaust exhaust gas of the engine into water. The partition is arranged to partition an inside of the first exhaust passage into an upstream side and a downstream side. The communication portion is arranged to make the upstream side communicate with the downstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The exhaust gas concentration sensor is arranged on the upstream side of the partition in the first exhaust passage. The catalyst is arranged on an upstream side of the exhaust gas concentration sensor in the first exhaust passage.03-04-2010
20100056001EXHAUST DEVICE FOR OUTBOARD MOTOR ENGINE AND OUTBOARD MOTOR - An exhaust device for an outboard motor engine includes an exhaust passage, a catalyst an air inlet, and an air pump. The exhaust passage is connected to the engine arranged to support a crankshaft extending along an up-down direction. The catalyst is arranged in the exhaust passage. The air inlet is arranged at a position higher than the engine inside an engine cover covering the engine. The air pump is supported by the engine. Further, the air pump is arranged to supply air taken through the air inlet to an upstream side of the catalyst in the exhaust passage.03-04-2010
20100049386MARINE VESSEL THEFT DETERRENT APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A theft deterrent apparatus is used in a marine vessel which includes a propulsion device. The theft deterrent apparatus includes an authentication unit, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and an operation control unit arranged to control operation of the propulsion device. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device in accordance with an authentication result of the authentication unit. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit controls the operation of the propulsion device without referring to the authentication result of the authentication unit. When the authentication unit is normal, the operation control unit sets an operation mode of the propulsion device to an ordinary operation mode under a condition of success of authentication by the authentication unit and prohibits the operation of the propulsion device if the authentication by the authentication unit does not succeed. When a fault has occurred in the authentication unit, the operation control unit sets the operation mode of the propulsion device to an emergency operation mode in which a predetermined restriction is applied with respect to the ordinary operation mode.02-25-2010
20100049385MARINE VESSEL THEFT DETERRENT APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A theft deterrent apparatus in a marine vessel including a propulsion device having an engine coupled to a starter and a power generator, includes an authentication unit arranged to operate by receiving power from a battery that is arranged to supply power to the starter and accumulate power generated by the power generator, an operation control unit arranged to allow operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the authentication unit does succeed and prohibit operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the authentication unit does not succeed, a fault detection unit arranged to detect a fault of the authentication unit, and a fault detection control unit arranged to make a provisional fault judgment when the fault detection unit detects the fault of the authentication unit before completion of engine starting by the starter, and then make the fault detection unit perform the fault detection again after the completion of engine starting by the starter.02-25-2010
20100048068MARINE VESSEL POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM, MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION SYSTEM, AND MARINE VESSEL - A marine vessel power supply system supplies power to a plurality of propulsion devices each provided with an engine. The system includes a plurality of switching units arranged to turn on and off power supplies to the propulsion devices individually, an operation judgment unit arranged to judge whether the engine of each propulsion device is in an operating state or in a stopped state, and a power supply control unit arranged to turn off a switching unit of the plurality of switching units, when a switching unit is in the ON state and if the engine of the propulsion device corresponding to the switching unit is in a stopped state for not less than a predetermined time.02-25-2010
20100045487MARINE VESSEL THEFT DETERRENT APPARATUS AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A theft deterrent apparatus in a marine vessel having a propulsion device includes a key unit arranged to transmit a user authentication code, a first authentication unit disposed apart from the propulsion device, a second authentication unit, and an operation control unit disposed in the propulsion device. The first authentication unit is arranged to receive the user authentication code transmitted by the key unit, execute an authentication process on the user authentication code, and generate a unit authentication code. The second authentication unit is arranged to receive the unit authentication code generated by the first authentication unit and execute an authentication process on the unit authentication code. The operation control unit is arranged to allow operation of the propulsion device if authentication by the second authentication unit does succeed, and prohibit operation of the propulsion device if the authentication by the second authentication unit does not succeed.02-25-2010
20100045014STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE - A secondary air supply device that increases a supply amount of secondary air is provided in a straddle-type vehicle and includes a plurality of secondary air supply pipes respectively communicated with an exhaust passage of an engine and reed valves. The plurality of reed valves are arranged to be spaced apart in the vehicle width direction so as to increase the supply amount of secondary air.02-25-2010
20100044136STRADDLE TYPE VEHICLE HAVING BREATHER DEVICE - A motorcycle (02-25-2010
20100033130BATTERY CHARGE CONTROL DEVICE AND MARINE VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME - A battery charge control device for a marine vessel is arranged to control charging of a plurality of batteries, which include a main battery arranged to supply power for operating an engine of a propulsion device, and an accessory battery which is arranged to supply power for devices other than the engine. The main battery and the accessory battery are connected in parallel to a power generator attached to the engine. The charge control device includes a switching element arranged to short-circuit the power generator, a first control unit arranged to execute first control to short-circuit the power generator by driving the switching element when a voltage of the main battery exceeds a first upper limit, in a first control period, and a second control unit arranged to execute second control to short-circuit the power generator by driving the switching element when a voltage of the accessory battery exceeds a second upper limit, in a second control period which is longer than the first control period.02-11-2010
20100032914BODY LEANING CONTROL SYSTEM, AND A SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support at least a pair of traveling members that contact a traveling surface and are provided at opposite sides of the vehicle body to be movable up and down relative to the vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean information detecting device arranged to detect information on a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged to perform control, based on detection results received from the lean information detecting device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is increasing, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is decreasing.02-11-2010
20100032227Vehicle and vehicle exhaust pipe - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an exhaust pipe connected to a back or rear side of an engine of the vehicle. A rear cushioning member can be provided between the engine and a rear wheel of the vehicle. The exhaust pipe can include a front portion that extends from the engine backward on one side of the rear cushioning member, with respect to a widthwise direction of the vehicle, and a transverse portion that extends, in a direction substantially transverse to a lengthwise direction of the vehicle, from the one side to another side, between the rear cushioning member and the rear wheel.02-11-2010
20100032226Vehicle and vehicle exhaust pipe - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an exhaust pipe connected to a back or rear side of an engine of the vehicle. An intermediate portion of the exhaust pipe can extend along a side of the engine from a rear portion connected to the rear side of the engine. A front portion of the exhaust pipe can extend from the intermediate portion along a front of the engine, and an exhaust portion can extend from the intermediate portion along a side of the engine opposite to the intermediate portion side.02-11-2010
20100032225Vehicle with electric equipment - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can include an engine and a head pipe provided ahead of the engine. Electrical equipment provided behind the head pipe and ahead of the engine can be partly exposed by a gap between a down frame and a radiator of the vehicle, enabling the electrical equipment to be cooled by airflow.02-11-2010
20100031931MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE - A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, a fuel injection device, an intake system, a vapor separator tank arranged to separate fuel vapor from liquid fuel to be supplied to the engine, a pump unit arranged to transport the fuel from the vapor separator tank to the fuel injection device, a fuel pipe arranged to connect the fuel injection device and the pump unit, a vapor pathway arranged to connect the vapor separator tank and the intake system, a valve disposed in the vapor pathway, and an engine control unit. The engine control unit is arranged to control the opening degree of the valve in accordance with a valve opening speed set based on at least the pressure of the fuel in the fuel pipe when starting the engine.02-11-2010
20100030436TRANSMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM AND VEHICLE - A transmission control system includes an ECU, a throttle actuator, a clutch actuator, and a shift actuator. The throttle actuator adjusts a throttle opening under control of the ECU, the clutch actuator adjusts a state of a clutch under control of the ECU, and the shift actuator changes a gear position of a transmission under control of the ECU. When the transmission is shifted down, a throttle opening is adjusted to a first value and the clutch is disconnected such that a rotational speed of an engine increases. Then, the gear position of the transmission is moved to a lower position by one stage with the clutch being disconnected. After that, the throttle opening is decreased to a second value, and connection of the clutch is started. The second value is set to a value larger than a minimum value.02-04-2010
20100025944BODY LEANING CONTROL SYSTEM, AND A SADDLE RIDING TYPE VEHICLE HAVING THE SAME - A body leaning control system includes a support mechanism arranged to support a pair of wheels to be movable up and down relative to a vehicle body, a resistance applying mechanism arranged to apply to the support mechanism a resistance to up-and-down motions of the pair of wheels, a lean amount acquiring device arranged to detect a lean amount of the vehicle body, and a controller arranged, based on detection results received from the lean amount acquiring device, to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body exceeds a first angle, and to set the resistance of the resistance applying mechanism to a second resistance smaller than the first resistance when the lean amount of the vehicle body is at the first angle or less. This system can conveniently inhibit the vehicle body from leaning in excess of the first angle.02-04-2010
20100022148EXHAUST DEVICE FOR OUTBOARD MOTOR MULTI-CYLINDER ENGINE - An exhaust device for an outboard motor multi-cylinder engine includes an exhaust passage having a first end connected to the multi-cylinder engine, a catalyst provided in the exhaust passage, and an exhaust chamber connected to a second end of the exhaust passage as well as to a main exhaust passage positioned below the engine. The exhaust passage includes upstream portions for cylinders which have inlet ends respectively connected to exhaust gas outlets of a plurality of cylinders whose exhaust valve opening periods are different, a collecting portion arranged to connect the outlet ends of these upstream portions to each other, and a plurality of downstream portions which are branched from the collecting portion and connected commonly to the exhaust chamber. The catalyst is provided in each of the plurality of downstream portions.01-28-2010
20100018498MARINE VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE - A marine vessel propulsion device includes an engine, an intake pathway which has a gas flow hole in the inner surface thereof and is arranged to supply air to the engine, and an air restrictor disposed on the upstream side with respect to the gas flow hole of the intake pathway. The air restrictor has a vent hole, and is arranged to restrict the amount of air to flow into the engine via the intake pathway. The vent hole of the air restrictor is arranged at a position which is near the inner surface of the intake pathway and corresponds to the gas flow hole.01-28-2010
20100003873OUTBOARD MOTOR - An outboard motor includes an engine and an exhaust pipe. The engine has a crank case, a cylinder body, and a cylinder head aligned along the front-rear direction of the outboard motor, and arranged to support a crankshaft so as to extend along an up-down direction. The exhaust pipe is arranged to lead an exhaust gas of the engine to a main exhaust passage positioned below the engine. The cylinder head has an exhaust gas outlet opened in the side portion on one side of the cylinder head in the left-right direction of the outboard motor. The exhaust pipe has a bypass exhaust pipe which, in a plan view, extends from the exhaust gas outlet, bypasses the engine along the crank case, and reaches the other side in the left-right direction of the engine.01-07-2010
20100000458STEERING HANDLE UNIT OF WATERCRAFT - A steering shaft is rotatably supported on a body by a housing, and a slide portion having a handlebar attachment portion at the top is attached to the steering shaft. The rotational movement of a handlebar around the central axis of the steering shaft is regulated by a rotation regulating mechanism, while the axial translation of the handlebar is allowed. The steering shaft is provided with a plurality of grooves. A lock mechanism provided in the slide portion inserts a locking bar into any one of the grooves to regulate the axial translation of the slide portion. Owing to the shape of a link portion and a cam groove constituting the lock mechanism, the locking bar is not pulled, out of the groove by operations other than a release operation using a release lever.01-07-2010
20090325700ENGINE SOUND SYNTHESIZER, MOTOR VEHICLE AND GAME MACHINE EMPLOYING THE ENGINE SOUND SYNTHESIZER, ENGINE SOUND SYNTHESIZING METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR ENGINE SOUND SYNTHESIS - An engine sound synthesizer includes an engine sound storing section, and a synthetic engine sound data generating section which generates synthetic engine sound data on the basis of engine sound data stored in the engine sound storing section. The engine sound storing section stores therein plural groups of plural entities of engine sound data recorded in different driving states, the plural groups of plural engine sound data entities being stored therein in correspondence with predetermined plural driving state ranges. The synthetic engine sound data generating section generates the synthetic engine sound data by selectively reading out of the engine sound storing section plural engine sound data entities in a group corresponding to one of the driving state ranges specified by externally input driving state specification information and selectively combining the read engine sound data entities. The driving states are each defined, for example, by a throttle opening degree and an engine rotation speed.12-31-2009
20090325432FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR BOAT AND OUTBOARD MOTOR - A fuel supply system for a boat, which prevents fuel piping from becoming complicated, includes a vapor separator unit connected to a fuel tank that is mounted on a hull and holds fuel supplied to an engine section, a low-pressure pump arranged to discharge the fuel reserved in the fuel tank into the vapor separator unit, and a mounting hole for a valve, a fuel passage section, and a pipe section (relief path) that return the fuel discharged by the low-pressure pump to the suction opening section side of the low-pressure pump when a tank section is filled with a predetermined amount of fuel. The mounting hole for the valve, the fuel passage section, and the pipe section (relief path) are integral with the vapor separator unit.12-31-2009
20090322069Vehicle with rotatable fuel tank - A vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can facilitate maintenance of an air cleaner without complicating a peripheral structure of a fuel tank. The vehicle can include a body frame, a rear arm attached to the body frame to support a rear wheel, a rear cushioning member provided between the body frame and the rear arm, and an engine fixed to the body frame. The vehicle can further include a fuel tank supported rotatably at a supporter arranged closer to a rear side of the vehicle than a substantially central position of an axis of the rear cushioning member.12-31-2009
20090320785SINGLE-CYLINDER OR IN-LINE MULTI-CYLINDER ENGINE AND STRADDLE-TYPE VEHICLE PROVIDED WITH THE SAME - A single-cylinder or in-line multi-cylinder engine is provided. The engine includes a crankshaft, a piston, a cylinder body, a cylinder head, and a gear change mechanism. The piston is connected to the crankshaft. A cylinder is formed in the cylinder body. The piston is housed in the cylinder. The cylinder head is attached to an end of the cylinder body. The gear change mechanism is disposed to the rear of the crankshaft. An axis of the cylinder extends upward obliquely to the rear from the crankshaft side. The axis of the cylinder passes in front of an axis of the crankshaft when viewed from a direction in which the crankshaft extends.12-31-2009
20090319106CONTROL APPARATUS FOR MARINE PROPULSION UNIT - A control apparatus for a marine propulsion unit, which can activate an engine even when a computer system in an engine control unit is reset, includes a computer system arranged to actuate a starter motor using power from a battery on a hull in order to activate an engine, a reset state detection device arranged to detect a reset state of the computer system when the computer system is reset, and an analog circuit arranged to actuate the starter motor for a predetermined time period to activate the engine once the reset state is detected by the reset state detection device.12-24-2009
20090318038COWLING STRUCTURE FOR OUTBOARD MOTOR - In cowling structure for an outboard motor, a through hole is formed below an upper-cowling joining surface of a lower cowling; control cables are supported with a cable supporting groove of a back side plate, and the back side plate is fixed to the through hole; a sealing member that is covered on the outside of the control cables, is fitted into the through hole; a groove of a front side plate is placed around the control cables, and the front side plate is set onto the sealing member; and the sealing member is fixed to the lower cowling by a bolt together with the front side plate. The cowling structure for an outboard motor can prevent water intrusion by removing a notch on an upper-cowling joining surface of a lower cowling.12-24-2009
20090314518CABLE INSERTION STRUCTURE FOR OUTBOARD MOTOR - In a cable insertion structure for an outboard motor, a pawl section and a supporting section of a resinous cap are inserted from the inside of a cowling into a communicating hole of a rubber grommet, and the pawl section is fitted into a recess. Then, the communicating section of the rubber grommet is sandwiched between the pawl section and the pressing section, and thus the resinous cap is fixed to the rubber grommet. In the above-described state, a cable is inserted from an insertion hole of the resinous cap into a cable housing section of the rubber grommet. A clip band is fastened to a groove of the cable housing section to fix the cable housing section to the cable. The cable insertion structure for an outboard motor prevents a rubber grommet from coming off even when an external force that pulls the cable is applied.12-24-2009
20090312665MENTAL WORK LOAD DETECTOR AND MOTORCYCLE INCLUDING THE SAME - A mental work load detector arranged to sense the electroencephalogram of a person and estimate a mental work load on the perceptual-motor system and a mental work load on the perceptual-central processing system separately from each other includes a electroencephalogram sensor arranged to sense the electroencephalogram of a rider, an eye fixation-related potential detector arranged to detect an eye fixation-related potential by analyzing the electroencephalogram and to detect a lambda response, an event-related potential measuring device arranged to measure an event-related potential in response to a sound from a speaker and to detect auditory p300, a lambda response comparator arranged to determine whether the lambda response has decreased, an auditory p300 comparator arranged to determine whether the auditory p300 has decreased, and a mental work load determiner arranged to determine that the mental work load on the perceptual-central processing system has increased if the lambda reaction and the auditory p300 has decreased and that the mental work load on the perceptual-central processing system has increased if the auditory p300 has decreased but the lambda response has not decreased.12-17-2009

Patent applications by YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA