Abstract: A combination for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method of assembling the combination. The combination includes the battery and a filling pod. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a remote diagnostic system for motorized vehicles. Apparatus according to this aspect of the invention includes a base station having a processor associated with a transceiver and a remote unit installed in a vehicle. The remote unit includes a controller associated with a transceiver, where the controller gathers diagnostic data. The remote unit controller transmits a vehicle identification signal in conjunction with diagnostic data to the base station transceiver such that the base station processor monitors the diagnostic data for the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for eliminating inadvertent power drain from an electrical power source coupled to a starter-generator. In one embodiment, a multiple-position key switch and bypass rectifier configuration is implemented. The multiple-position key switch is coupled to the power source. The key switch's start terminal is coupled to a solenoid for starting, while a bypass rectifier is coupled in parallel to the solenoid to provide a circuit path for recharging the electrical power source. When either a closed-in-neutral gear shift switch is open or the key switch is in a run/accessory power position, the solenoid is de-energized. This leaves the bypass rectifier as the remaining circuit path through which the power source is recharged. The bypass rectifier allows current flow in a single direction, thereby preventing discharge of the power source.

Abstract: A filling pod, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating inadvertent power drain from an electrical power source coupled to a starter-generator. A multiple-position key switch and bypass rectifier configuration is implemented. The multiple-position key switch is coupled to the power source. The key switch's start terminal is coupled to a solenoid for starting, while a bypass rectifier is coupled in parallel to the solenoid to provide a circuit path for recharging the electrical power source. When either a closed-in-neutral gear shift switch is open or the key switch is in a run/accessory power position, the solenoid is de-energized. This leaves the bypass rectifier as the remaining circuit path through which the power source is recharged. The bypass rectifier allows current flow in a single direction, thereby preventing discharge of the power source.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for eliminating inadvertent power drain from an electrical power source coupled to a starter-generator. A multiple-position key switch and bypass rectifier configuration is implemented. The multiple-position key switch is coupled to the power source. The key switch's start terminal is coupled to a solenoid for starting, while a bypass rectifier is coupled in parallel to the solenoid to provide a circuit path for recharging the electrical power source. When either a closed-in-neutral gear shift switch is open or the key switch is in a run/accessory power position, the solenoid is de-energized. This leaves the bypass rectifier as the remaining circuit path through which the power source is recharged. The bypass rectifier allows current flow in a single direction, thereby preventing discharge of the power source.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly for a cargo box having a support deck and a wall structure extending therefrom. The tailgate assembly comprises a pair of brackets positioned along the wall structure at spaced apart locations and a tailgate pivotally mounted between the brackets and releasably securable to the wall structure via a latch mechanism. The tailgate assembly has a hinge assembly which allows the tailgate to be installed and removed without tools.

Abstract: A canopy top for a utility or recreational vehicle having improved drainage. The canopy has a gutter extending along a portion of its top surface and a drain hole extending through the canopy. The drain hole has a given configuration with a receiving edge extending along the gutter's collection surface. The receiving edge has a length equal to or greater than a maximum height, taken substantially perpendicular to the receiving edge, of the hole. The hole also has an exit edge extending along the bottom surface and the receiving and exit ledges are tapered toward one another and joined by an arcuate transition portion.

Abstract: A combination for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method of assembling the combination. The combination includes the battery and a filling pod. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.

Abstract: A support device is provided for a seat assembly of a golf car. The support device has a base including an elongated shell bounding an interior space. The shell preferably has a first, enclosed end, a second, opposing end defining an elongated opening into the interior space and a sidewall extending between the ends. A support tube bounds an interior space and has a generally bended shape and two opposing ends, each tube end being integrally formed with the enclosed end of the base shell. Further, two mounting brackets are each integrally formed with the sidewall of the base shell and each includes a mounting plate. The mounting plate has a first, generally flat surface disposeable against the golf car seat and configured for attachment to the seat assembly to attach the support device to the golf car. Preferably, a plurality of reinforcing ribs extends between opposing interior surfaces of the base shell.

Abstract: A steering wheel puller which is both easy to assemble and safe to use is disclosed. The puller is effective for removing the steering wheels from vehicles such as golf carts and utility vehicles. An actuator portion of the puller is placed through the top of the wheel to positively engage a base plate at the bottom of the wheel. The actuator portion has a screw which engages the steering column shaft of the vehicle at the center of the steering wheel. As this screw is tightened, the downward force on the steering column and the upward force of the base plate on the steering wheel causes the steering wheel to dislodge.

Abstract: A control circuit for a motor including a contactor circuit having a contactor, a first end and a second end, and a snubber circuit connected across the contactor circuit. The snubber circuit includes a first port electrically connected to the first end of the contactor circuit, a second port electrically connected to the second end of the contactor circuit, a first sub-circuit electrically connected to one of the first and second ports, and a second a second sub-circuit electrically connected in series with the first sub-circuit and to the other of the first and second ports. The first sub-circuit includes a resistor and a first non-linear device electrically connected in parallel branches, and the second sub circuit includes an energy storage device and a second non-linear device electrically connected in parallel branches.

Abstract: A golf cart, powered by a plurality of electrolytic, lead-acid batteries has an on-board battery water replenishing system. Each battery includes a manifold that feeds water to each battery cell and is capable of transmitting out of the manifold gas generated during recharging. The watering system includes a water storage tank positioned above the batteries, with inlet and outlet tubing connecting each battery manifold to the tank in a separate, parallel circuit. The outlet tubing has a critical size of internal diameter (ID) to assure the formation of gas generated during recharging as bubbles in the outlet tubing so as to trap liquid between bubbles and to cause flow of liquid back to the tank. A one-way flow control valve is positioned in the inlet tubing to assure unidirectional flow. The outlet tubing ID must be less than ⅜ inch, with a preferred size being ¼ inch.

Abstract: A vehicle heating system includes a heater plenum assembly externally attached to an engine exhaust pipe, to use exhaust heat to heat outside air flowing through the plenum into passenger cabin. The plenum includes a plurlality of aluminum plenum air tubes fastened to an air inlet manifold and air outlet manifold, with the assembly fastened against a portion of the exhaust pipe. A blower circulates unheated outside air through the plenum and, thereafter, the heated air into the cabin. Insulation around the plenum and adjacent exhaust pipe conserves heat.

Abstract: A motorized golf car includes a sing-sheet thermoplastic sunroof having a plurality of hollow stiffener channels formed therein to stiffen the canopy. A first, hollow stiffener channel is formed at the perimeter of the canopy edges, along the front and side perimeters. A plurality of second stiffener channels are formed in the sheet in-board of the first stiffener channel. A first drain gutter, sloped back-to-front, is provided in the canopy, and a second drain gutter, sloped front-to-back, is provided in the canopy to drain water from the top surface of the canopy.