Abstract: A vehicle having one or more small vehicle-mounted electricity generating wind turbines located within an area of wind recirculation. The electricity generated is used to recharge vehicle batteries, partially power an auxiliary electric propulsion motor, or supply vehicle parasitic loads.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising an exhaust system containing a particulate filter (10, 52) for trapping particulate matter in engine exhaust passing through the exhaust system. A particulate trapping medium (18) inside a casing is selectively operable to a relatively lesser porosity for trapping particulate matter in the exhaust and to a relatively greater porosity for facilitating removal of trapped particulate matter during cleaning.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more small vehicle-mounted electricity generating wind turbines located within an area of wind recirculation. The electricity generated is used to recharge vehicle batteries, partially power an auxiliary electric propulsion motor, or supply vehicle parasitic loads.

Abstract: A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for removing heat from an engine compartment in a motor vehicle where heat generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle tends to collect. Engine heat is collected in a thermofluid in a reservoir forming an evaporator (14) where the thermofluid absorbs heat sufficient to evaporate it. The vapor naturally migrates to a condenser (22) that is cooled sufficiently to condense the vapor back to liquid phase. The liquid falls by gravity back to the condenser.

Abstract: A passive louver system providing supplemental and localized cooling for an engine compartment is implemented using magnetic catches for opening and closing of the louvers.

Abstract: A crossing arm for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a body pivotably mounted onto the vehicle and configured for extension from a surface of the vehicle. The body has a free-standing, upwardly vertical position generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a horizontal position generally cantilevered from the vehicle and parallel to the longitudinal axis. An actuator is configured for pivoting the body from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A crossing arm for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a plurality of hollow telescoping members. The telescoping members are mounted onto the vehicle and configured for extension parallel to the longitudinal axis. The members define a variable volume chamber, where the chamber has a minimum volume when the members are nested, and the chamber has a maximum volume when the members are extended. An actuator is in fluid communication with the plurality of telescoping members and is configured for delivering fluid to the chamber to move at least one telescoping member with respect to a second telescoping member to extend the crossing arm.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising an exhaust system containing a particulate filter (10, 52) for trapping particulate matter in engine exhaust passing through the exhaust system. A particulate trapping medium (18) inside a casing is selectively operable to a relatively lesser porosity for trapping particulate matter in the exhaust and to a relatively greater porosity for facilitating removal of trapped particulate matter during cleaning.

Abstract: A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.

Abstract: A combination fuel tank and cab floor for a truck tractor utilizes a deck plate over a multi-reservoir base pan. The pan is configured both to divide the fuel storage area and to provide a frame for supporting seats and bunks to be installed on the floor.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A modular bunk assembly or module provides for easy in situ installation of the bunk in an extended cab truck by compacting to a slab like profile for shipment and handling and easily expanding in the cab for installation. The bunk is readily adapted to provide attachment points corresponding to common attachment points for vehicle seats. The bunk further provides a readily reached storage area under a bed platform. Restraints may already be installed on the module when it is shipped to an automotive assembly plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.