Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled coherent light. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

Vehicle data recorder system including method and apparatus which, without constant attention of the operator, makes a printed recording of the velocity, direction of travel of each vehicle actuating the recorder and the time of day each vehicle actuates the recorder. One preferred embodiment has concentric printing platens which move relative to one another and relative to a printing zone so that the current time of day and the velocity of the actuating vehicle are simultaneously disposed within the printing zone. A clock mechanism determines the position of the time of day platen so that the correct time of day is in the printing zone. Spaced vehicle sensors serially sense a moving vehicle and generate an electrical signal which causes the velocity printing platen to move until the vehicle velocity is within the printing zone. A predetermined sequence of activation of the sensors causes the direction of travel of be printed. A total vehicle count is accumulated on a tabular readout. Another presently preferred embodiment converts the vehicle speed and time of day into encoded pulses which actuate a punch or printer to encode punch tape or print out with the data described above.

Hydrogen energy systems for obtaining hydrogen gas from a solid storage medium using controlled laser beams. Also disclosed are systems for charging/recharging magnesium with hydrogen to obtain magnesium hydride. Other relatively safe systems assisting storage, transport and use (as in vehicles) of such solid storage mediums are disclosed.

A tailgate barrier system designed to maintain cargo within the cargo bed of a transport vehicle when the tailgate of the vehicle's cargo bed is lowered. The barrier stores within a storage compartment in or on the tailgate of a vehicle, and extends linearly upward from the storage compartment for use. An arrangement of extendable supports, pivotally coupled to the tailgate and top rail of the barrier system, enable the preferred upward movement. The system further comprises electrical connections. Groups of accessories mountable to the tailgate barrier system are also disclosed.

A system for covering the cargo bed of a truck is provided having a motorized drive system which stores entirely within the primary cover of the system. Screw shaft connectors provide for automated opening of the cover vertically from the cargo bed of the truck. Demountable enclosure parts, stored within the cover when the cover is closed, are also provided for enclosing the truck bed when the cover is open. The primary cover comprises a removable cover portion that is stored over the cab of the truck.

A system for covering the cargo bed of a truck is provided having a motorized drive system which stores entirely within the primary cover of the system. Screw shaft connectors provide for automated opening of the cover vertically from the cargo bed of the truck. Demountable enclosure parts, stored within the cover when the cover is closed, are also provided for enclosing the truck bed when the cover is open. The primary cover comprises a removable cover portion that is stored over the cab of the truck.

A tailgate barrier system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular from the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within the storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Groups of accessories mountable to the tailgate barrier system are also disclosed.

A tailgate barrier system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular from the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within die storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Groups of accessories mountable to the tailgate barrier system are also disclosed.

A system that allows a user to install a remote control transmitter to transmit a control signal in response to the driver flashing the high-beam headlights in a vehicle without cutting and splicing wires in the vehicle electrical system. Pluggable light system components such as the light bulb housing, the light bulb socket, and/or the headlight fuse are structured and arranged to contain a radio frequency transmitter that draws power from the existing electrical circuits. A method of use is also disclosed.

A system for improved monitoring of changes in the location and conditions surrounding vehicles and shippable property, utilizing fixed and moveable logic processors, which communicate with each other as well as receivers. Non-continuous signaling may be used to provide for reduced power consumption, and network coupling may be used to provided for exporting information to anywhere in the world by means of, for example GSM/GPS infrastructures.

A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a first compression device and a second compression device disposed in a refrigerant circuit in series relationship with respect to refrigerant flow and an intercooler adapted to cool the refrigerant passing from the first compression device to the second compression. An evaporator is provided in the refrigerant circuit wherein the refrigerant accepts heat from a moisture bearing gas such as air. Condensate formed of moisture condensing out of the gas is collected and supplied to the intercooler for cooling the refrigerant flowing from the first compression device to the second compression device.

A tailgate extender system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular to the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within the storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Further, a cargo netting system that retracts into the tailgate extender top rail is provided.

A hydrogen energy system comprising galvanic hydrogen generators and hydrogen input manifolds for vehicle engines. The galvanic hydrogen generators generate hydrogen gas, magnesium hydroxide, and heat by the galvanic reaction of magnesium anodes with steel cathodes in salt water. Heat exchangers channel excess heat to a heat sink such as a thermocouple, Stirling engine, hot water system, etc. The hydrogen input manifold is bolted between the engine block and the air intake manifold of a gasoline or diesel engine. Hydrogen gas is injected into the hydrogen input manifold to provide supplementary fuel to the engine, lowering the amount of petroleum that is used.

A vehicle projection system relating to use of a light projecting system comprising at least one light projector adapted to project at least one decorative light design onto at least one exterior portion of a vehicle. The system preferably uses a laser projector and user-selectable controller to select and control decorative designs projected onto the vehicle exterior. The controller may be manually operated, computer programmed, remote controlled or utilize pre-selected programming.

A system for improved collection and containment of fluids such as oils that commonly drip from an aircraft during service maintenance operations and during normal periods of storage. The system comprises a ground-supported drip pan incorporating a peripheral cutout adapted to accommodate a landing wheel of the aircraft to permit effective positioning under the engine. An embodiment for exterior use utilizing the weight of the aircraft to prevent movement of the system is also disclosed.

A system that allows a user to install a remote control transmitter to transmit a control signal in response to the driver flashing the high-beam headlights in a vehicle without cutting and splicing wires in the vehicle electrical system. Pluggable light system components such as the light bulb housing, the light bulb socket, and/or the headlight fuse are structured and arranged to contain a radio frequency transmitter that draws power from the existing electrical circuits. A method of use is also disclosed.

A tailgate extender system is provided having telescoping supports, which stores entirely within a storage compartment in the tailgate, and which extends directly perpendicular to the tailgate surface for use. The telescoping supports are hingedly connected to the tailgate within the storage compartment and are slidingly connected to the top rail of the tailgate extender. Further, a cargo netting system that retracts into the tailgate extender top rail is provided.

An electronic system for the continuous monitoring of voltage charge within the electrical system of a motor vehicle having an electrical generation source and a secondary electrochemical cell or battery. The system comprises a programmable in-vehicle monitor having a flashing LED indicator that alerts the vehicle operator of the condition of the electrical system. An example of the invention comprises a plug-in housing for use in a vehicle accessory-power-socket. Additionally, a method of market distribution is disclosed.

A mounting bar system permitting infinite adjustability in mounting avionics-components trays and Dzus-mounted avionics in at least one aircraft cockpit instrument panel assembly. Each mounting bar is slotted along its longitudinal axis. The slot is made to include the shape of a T such that a wider channel exists below the opening of the slot. Spring-loaded nut assemblies set to receive mounting screws from the avionics-components trays are fit within the T slot. Friction provided by the spring holds the nut assembly at any desired location within the T slot. As the nut assembly can be positioned at any location within the T slot, the mounting bar can readily be adjusted to support any avionics-components tray intended for at least one aircraft cockpit instrument panel assembly.

An air management system for improved airflow within a vehicle carburetor or fuel injection throttle-body. The air management system comprises a divider plate (112, 160, 162, 224, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 818, 902, 1026, 1032) positioned within the airflow passage of the carburetor or fuel injection throttle body. Several embodiments utilize air pressure equalizing aperture for equalizing fluid pressures above and below the divider plate (112, 160, 162, 224, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712, 818, 902, 1026, 1032).

A vehicle exhaust assembly (100) for improved evacuation of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a modular replacement exhaust system having a novel header pipe (102) and muffler (104). The present invention readily adapts to a range of vehicle applications including automobiles, motorcycles, and all terrain vehicles.

An air management system for improved airflow within a vehicle carburetor or fuel injection throttle-body. The air management system comprises a divider plate positioned within the airflow passage of the carburetor or fuel injection throttle body. Several embodiments utilize air pressure equalizing apertures for equalizing fluid pressures above and below the divider plate.

A vehicle exhaust assembly for improved evacuation of exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. The system comprises a modular replacement exhaust system having a novel header pipe and muffler. The present invention readily adapts to a range of vehicle applications including automobiles, motorcycles, and all terrain vehicles.

An improved lashing system for use with open-bed transport cargo. More specifically, an efficient system for the manual tie-down of tarpaulins or netting used to protect flatbed trailer cargo. The system comprises a plurality of hook-shaped cord positioning components, adjustably supported on the perimeter side rail of a flatbed trailer. The hook-shaped components allow a lasher to secure the tie-down cord of the tarp or net by simple looping action over a rod or similar open member.

A system for the cleaning of male and female terminals comprised within electrical connectors. The system is a small, compact, portable system that comprises at least one cleaning element wherein the cleaning element may be a brush cleaning element, or alternatively may be a helical cleaning element, and wherein the cleaning element may be used for the cleaning of female electrical terminals. Further, the system may comprise an additional helical cleaning element that may be used for the cleaning of male electrical terminals. The system further comprises enclosing structure that isolates the cleaning element, or elements, from the environment to prevent the dropping of debris from the cleaning elements into the pocket of a user carrying the cleaning system. The system further comprises a pocket clip for the carrying of the system.

A utility box, of the type found on utility trucks, having a vertically-openable door which stores by resting on the top of the utility box. The door has as upper segment and a lower segment connected by a first hinge; and the upper segment is connected to the utility box top by a second hinge. The lower segment is about twice the height of the upper segment. Because of this construction, the door may be opened and closed nearby another vehicle or structure, since the maximum horizontal extension needed (from the box) to operate the door is about the same as the height of the smaller upper door segment.

A fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system for improving the fuel mileage of a tractor-trailer combination by improving the air resistance that occurs in the area between the rear of the tractor and the front of the semi-trailer. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system provides an improved roof extension, which automatically raises when the tractor is put into reverse gear and an improved wheel mechanism for assisting the side extensions to slide around the semi-trailer ends when the tractor-trailer is turning. The fuel-efficient tractor-trailer system requires only modification to the tractor and not the trailer.

A tire pressure-monitoring system for use with a trailer. The monitoring system includes an inductive proximity sensor mounted adjacent each wheel. To activate the sensors, a target is mounted on each brake drum. Rotational speed data for each wheel is relayed from each sensor to a programmable logic controller which compares the rotational speed of a wheel with another wheel. Sensitivity parameters written into the program contained in the programmable logic controller compares the input data and, if the data falls outside the safe parameters, alerts the driver by activating and audio or visual alarm mounted within the tow vehicle. The sensitivity of the programmed logic may be optimized to differentiate changes in a tire diameter due to turning versus an actual loss in tire pressure.

A semitrailer cargo door locking system is described for use with a semitrailer cargo door having as part of its opening mechanism a rotatable handle which secured within a hasp mechanism comprising a rigid lower hasp and a swivelable upper hasp. The locking system includes a shackleless keyed lock having an internal bolt for engaging aligned holes provided in the upper and lower hasps, thereby preventing unauthorized opening of the cargo doors when in a locked state. The lock housing is provided both with a protective extension to minimize attempts to pry the lock, and with a tapered side wall to prevent removal by the application of a destructive torque applied by a wrench or other like device. The lock is further provided with a anchor line for either permanently or removably securing the lock to the cargo door. To provide the lock with the ability to be used with regulated loads, a means may also be provided to attach a sealing structure to the lock.