Abstract: A proactive cooling system and method improve the cooling of a motor vehicle apparatus, such as an engine or transmission, in a motor vehicle. The proactive cooling system boosts the primary cooling system connected to the motor vehicle apparatus by using an electronic controller, an information collecting module for collecting information related to the operation of the motor vehicle and an auxiliary cooling system. The auxiliary cooling system uses a power supply and a secondary cooling system in fluid communication with the primary cooling system. The power supply turns on the secondary cooling system by activating an activator and a secondary pump. The activator opens a bypass circuit to divert coolant from the primary cooling system into the secondary cooling system where the diverted coolant is cooled in a secondary heat exchanger. A secondary pump circulates the coolant through the bypass circuit and back to the primary cooling system.

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 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 system and method for avoiding loss of prime in a primed fuel system of a diesel engine (10) that propels a motor vehicle. With the engine running, a control system (14) shuts down the engine when a fuel level sender (20) indicates an incipient risk of the fuel system losing its prime due to insufficient fuel in the tank (16). In one embodiment, the engine cannot be re-started until more fuel is added to the tank. Another feature allows engine re-starting and limited running after a shut-down by first turning the ignition switch (48) to OFF.

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: Electrical circuits are interrupted in response to temperature transients of the electrical conductors of the circuit. Temperature excursions are sensed using a thermo optical device. The circuit interruption device may be the same element as the circuit switching element.

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.