Abstract: A selectively expandable vehicle battery container. The selectively expandable vehicle battery container includes a first modular body section at least partially defining a cavity for storing at least a portion of a battery, the cavity having a first open end and a second open end. At least the first open end includes an attachment structure adapted to couple to a second modular body section shaped substantially identical to the first modular body section such that the cavity can be selectively expanded in volume by coupling the second modular body section to the first modular body section.

Abstract: A battery cable terminal fitting is provided for a battery having a terminal post. The battery cable terminal fitting comprises an attachment flange and a conductor attachment portion extending from the attachment flange. The attachment flange has an interface area extending between the attachment flange and the terminal post when the battery cable terminal fitting is coupled to the battery. The interface area has a battery contact area that increases as a nut used to fasten the attachment flange to the terminal post is tighten.

Abstract: A fuse holder assembly for a vehicle generally includes an insulator configured for supporting a circuit lead terminal and insulating the circuit lead terminal from a bus bar. The insulator includes a fuse receiver, wherein the fuse receiver is configured to releasably receive a fuse.

Abstract: A battery cable terminal fitting is provided for a battery having a terminal post. The battery cable terminal fitting comprises an attachment flange and a conductor attachment portion extending from the attachment flange. The attachment flange has an interface area extending between the attachment flange and the terminal post when the battery cable terminal fitting is coupled to the battery. The interface area has a battery contact area that increases as a nut used to fasten the attachment flange to the terminal post is tighten.

Abstract: A fuse holder assembly for a vehicle generally includes an insulator configured for supporting a circuit lead terminal and insulating the circuit lead terminal from a bus bar. The insulator includes a fuse receiver, wherein the fuse receiver is configured to releasably receive a fuse.

Abstract: A signaling device for use with a vehicle having a vehicle electrical system is provided. The signaling device includes a light source adapted to be coupled to the vehicle and a power source. The power source is adapted to be disposed in-line the vehicle electrical system and in communication with the light source. The power source includes a housing, a plurality of batteries disposed within the housing, and a printed circuit board in communication with the plurality of batteries. The printed circuit board is adapted to at least charge the plurality of batteries when the vehicle electrical system is in an on state.

Abstract: A signaling device for temporary use with a vehicle is provided. The signaling device includes a housing and an energy source disposed within the housing. The signaling device also includes a light emitting source in electrical communication with the energy source and a coupler attached to the housing. The coupler is adapted to releasably attach the signaling device to the exterior of the vehicle.

Abstract: A signaling device for use with a vehicle is provided. The signaling device includes a housing mateable to the exterior of the vehicle and an energy source disposed within the housing. The signaling device also includes a light emitting source in electrical communication with the energy source and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is adapted for placing the energy source into electrical communication with the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: A vehicle interior cooling system (200) for a vehicle having a cabin (208) and an engine (207) for providing propulsion power generally includes a first cabin cooling system (202) driven by the engine of the vehicle having a first condenser (214). The vehicle interior cooling system also generally includes a second cabin cooling system (203) driven by electrical power having a cold storage device (210) and a second condenser (232), with the first condenser and the second condenser being in an airflow line (260). The second cabin cooling system selectively thermally charges the cold storage device when the engine is in an on position. The second cabin cooling system is also selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in an off position and selectable to thermally cool the cabin when the engine is in the on position.

Abstract: A vehicle interior cooling system (100) for a vehicle having a cabin (108) and an engine (107) for providing propulsion power is disclosed. The vehicle interior cooling system includes a cabin cooling system (102) driven by the engine of the vehicle and an electrically driven cooling system (103) having a cold storage device (110) coupled to the vehicle. The electrically driven cooling system selectively thermally charges the cold storage device when the engine is in an on and/or off position.

Abstract: A vehicle interior cooling system (100) for a vehicle having a cabin (108) and an engine (107) for providing propulsion power is disclosed. The vehicle interior cooling system includes a cabin cooling system (102) driven by the engine of the vehicle and an electrically driven cooling system (103) having a cold storage device (110) coupled to the vehicle. The electrically driven cooling system selectively thermally charges the cold storage device when the engine is in an on and/or off position.

Abstract: A system for supplying electrical power for use when the vehicle engine is shut down and configurations of long-haul trucks employing the system are disclosed. The power system is a battery bank contained within an insulated enclosure. The batteries are heated when the truck is in operation with the insulated enclosure maintaining battery temperature sufficient to provide high battery power capacity for an extended period after the vehicle is shut down. A large capacitor, rather than the batteries, provides current for starting the vehicle engine. A dc-to-dc converter controls the fully charged capacitor voltage and provides capacitor charging current even when the batteries have been discharged to a low-voltage condition. The disclosed long-haul truck configurations include a storage cooler that employs a phase-change medium that is thermally charged to a low temperature while the truck is in operation and is used to provide sleeper unit cooling air.

Abstract: A power unit 20 comprises a power source 22 and a load distribution center 24 mounted to the power source 22. In one embodiment, the load distribution center includes a base 32 that is removably mounted to the power source, a primary positive terminal bus member 34 connected to the positive terminal of the power source, a secondary positive terminal bus member 36 connected to the primary positive terminal bus member through a switching device, and a negative terminal bus member 38 that is connected to the negative terminal of the power source. The primary bus member and/or the secondary bus member includes connectors for connecting leads of electrical devices to the primary and/or secondary bus members, respectively.

Abstract: A selectively expandable vehicle battery container (100 or 200). The selectively expandable vehicle battery container includes a first modular body section (120, 220, and/or 221) at least partially defining a cavity (118) for storing at least a portion of a battery (102 or 202), the cavity having a first open end and a second open end. At least the first open end includes an attachment structure (148, 150, 248, or 250) adapted to couple to a second modular body section (120, 220, and/or 221) shaped substantially identical to the first modular body section such that the cavity can be selectively expanded in volume by coupling the second modular body section to the first modular body section.