Abstract: A self-illuminating handle assembly for a release mechanism of an emergency egress system for a vehicle. The handle assembly includes a sensor for sensing a predetermined condition and providing a sensor signal in response thereto, and a sensor-activated switch assembly for causing the handle assembly to self-illuminate in response to the sensor signal. The sensor could be a so-called tilt sensor for sensing when the vehicle orientation is tilted beyond a threshold tilt orientation, or an acceleration sensor (accelerometer) for sensing when the vehicle has undergone an acceleration or deceleration beyond a threshold, indicative of a crash or the vehicle having been exposed to an explosion.

Abstract: A lever mechanism for holding an escape hatch onto a vehicle surface covering an opening in the vehicle surface, for enabling emergency escape through the escape hatch. The lever mechanism includes a base portion, a handle portion and a clamp portion, with the handle portion and clamp portion linked so that by pushing on the handle portion, and so placing the lever mechanism in its engaged state, the clamp portion is pushed against the vehicle surface, drawing the escape hatch against the vehicle surface. By pulling on the handle portion of the lever mechanism, and so placing the lever mechanism in its disengaged state, the clamp is pulled up and away from the vehicle surface and clear of the opening in the vehicle surface, thus allowing the escape hatch to be pushed out away from the vehicle surface, thereby enabling emergency egress.

Abstract: A vehicle emergency egress assembly, including a vehicle door with an opening cut out or otherwise provided, to serve as an egress portal in case of emergency when the vehicle door is difficult to open using the ordinary latching and unlatching mechanism provided for routine entrance and exit from the vehicle. The opening is cut (or otherwise provided) where a transparent armor window would ordinarily be provided, but additional portions of the door are cut out as needed to allow for egress through the opening by a vehicle occupant. A windowed plug is then provided, for releasably plugging the opening. Finally, an interiorly accessible release mechanism is provided, including one or more handles for releasing the plug from the opening. The plug includes a body portion in addition to a window portion.

Abstract: A vehicle headlamp using a high-power LED light source, receiving power regulated by a driver circuit, is mounted in a housing and covered at least in part by a light transmissive cover using a construction by which heat developed by the driver circuit (current regulator) is conducted to the light transmissive cover, thereby heating the transparent cover and so retarding the formation or accumulation of ice and snow on the light transmissive cover.

Abstract: A latch for latching closed a door of a vehicle, especially designed to minimize the force required to latch closed the door by pushing the door to its closed position. A tongue, having a strike face and a catch face, is resiliently mounted in the latch so as to be urged to a latch-engaged position by a torsion spring pushing against a surface of the tongue and against a cover plate of the latch. A slider block is coupled to a door handle and to the tongue so that the tongue can be swiveled to a disengaged state by use of the door handle, in order to open the vehicle door.

Abstract: A tilt switch activated light apparatus suitable for use in connection with an egress of a vehicle, the apparatus including a magnet disposed within a cavity of a housing, where the cavity is shaped so that in the event of excessive roll or pitch of the vehicle, the magnet moves to a location adjacent a switch connecting a power source to a light source, causing the switch to close and so activating the light source. An external body, either ferromagnetic or magnetic, and external to the housing and removable therefrom, may be used to hold the magnet inside the cavity in a neutral position, away from the switch, during shipping.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp system and corresponding kit, including (left and right) headlamps and a mode switch (control mechanism) responsive to inputs from a mode switch console or other user interface arrangements, the combination of headlamps and mode switch providing high and low beam on-road illumination and a higher level of illumination for off-road illumination using the same light source in each headlamp as is used for the on-road illumination. Cooperation between a light source driver circuit in each headlamp and the mode switch results in the light source in each headlamp being driven by more or less current, as required by the selected mode. A (daytime) running lights mode of operation may also be provided using the same light source.

Abstract: A one-person remote control system for overriding pre-established control sequences of a traffic light, which control system is compatible with plug-in communications connectors conventionally provided with traffic light controllers. The remote control system comprises a stationary signal transfer unit which has a signal receiver and a plug-in connector for communicating with the traffic light controller, and a mobile control unit disposed to receive manual commands from the person providing overriding control, and a transmitter for transmitting manual overriding command signals to the stationary signal transfer unit.

Abstract: A motorized door opener for a vehicle (such as a military or security vehicle), featuring a sensor system that determines door position to prevent door damage while the opener is in operation. The opener features an offset gear system that effectively changes the door's rotation point. Mechanical advantage is gained by using a lengthened lever arm with the gear system, providing increased leverage and allowing the motor to provide enough force to open and close a heavily armored door. The opener can use existing door hinges, and can be provided so as not to protrude into the door space, in order to facilitate passenger and equipment entry/exit through the doors. A safety release mechanism is included in some embodiments, allowing the door to be manually opened or closed.

Abstract: A street sign, made typically at least in part using an extrusion process, having a flat elongated section where the name of a street can be inscribed or otherwise indicated, and a length of thickened section along the top edge or the bottom edge of the flat elongated section, and including a channel or slot along at least a portion of the length of the thickened section.

Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle (air, land or sea) providing a planar array of infrared (IR) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and visible light LEDs, and arranged and mounted within a housing so as to provide for cooling of the LEDs without forced convection, by conducting heat from the LEDs to protruding cooling fins. A switch system is also provided, for enabling either the visible light or the infrared light, and for selecting a high-beam or low-beam pattern. The beam pattern is provided in some embodiments so as to meet US Federal Motor Vehicle standards.

Abstract: A headlamp for a vehicle or other application, including a circular arrangement of groupings of IR LEDs in a retaining ring, each grouping of IR LED providing a different beam pattern of infrared illumination, and a HID lamp surrounded by the retaining ring, for providing visible light. A switch system is also provided, for enabling either the visible light or the infrared light, and for selecting a beam pattern.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier featuring an integrated automotive jack, the jack used for manipulating the carrier into and out of a configuration suitable for transit. The jack may also be removed from the carrier, and used to elevate the vehicle. A strap and ratchet mechanism is also provided, helpful for securing the tire upon the carrier and also for leveraging the tire into place upon the carrier.

Abstract: An accessory bumper for use on a host vehicle, such as a security vehicle, for providing collision protection when the host vehicle performs PIT maneuvers. The accessory bumper includes protective elements on front side of the vehicle, for protecting both the accessory bumper and also minimizing damage to the host vehicle's engine and other critical components necessary for the operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rescue device and a method of using same, for opening a jammed or stuck door of a vehicle, including a door having battle latches.

Abstract: A kit for a front and/or rear light bar, for providing auxiliary illumination for a vehicle in the forward and/or rearward direction. The light bar typically includes several high intensity flood lights and two infrared illuminator modules, i.e. infrared lights. A switch box is provided for placing in the cabin of the vehicle for turning on and off the lights. A light bar, typically a front light bar, can be provided with strobe lights in place of some of the flood lights. A shield is provided as part of a front light bar to protect the lights when not in use, and to keep the lights from striking the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A towbar for flat-towing a vehicle, including two telescoping arms each pivotally attached at a pivot end having a heavy-gauge eyelet for attaching to a pintle hitch on the rear of a towing vehicle, with each arm having a gear element at the pivot end, in gear engagement with the gear element of the other arm. The telescoping arms automatically lock at a predetermined length.

Abstract: A kit for a front and/or rear light bar, for providing auxiliary illumination for a vehicle in the forward and/or rearward direction. The light bar typically includes several high intensity flood lights and two infrared illuminator modules, i.e. infrared lights. A switch box is provided for placing in the cabin of the vehicle for turning on and off the lights. A light bar, typically a front light bar, can be provided with strobe lights in place of some of the flood lights. A shield is provided as part of a front light bar to protect the lights when not in use, and to keep the lights from striking the front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A lightweight high-strength front bumper for a vehicle, having an elongated substantially hollow structure, with a protruding tubular strengthening member attached near the front face and also near the back face, so as to strengthen the spaced apart relation of the front face and back face. The bumper is typically substantially made of 6061 T6 aluminum or another high-strength, lightweight metal or allow with good workability. The bumper advantageously includes one or more storage compartments in the elongated structure.

Abstract: A stealth weapon module (10) including a weapon support cage (11) and a weapon (12), with the weapon module (10) able to be stowed beneath a retractable hard roof (15). The roof (15) is raised and lowered by a hydraulic motor (16), and includes a stabilizing cloth (15b) that keeps the roof (15), made of interconnected slats (15a), from pulling apart or otherwise changing shape as it is raised and lowered, even at rates of travel of several inches per second. The weapon module (10), with any of various different roof designs including the retractable hard roof (15), can be incorporated into either a transportable shell (20), able to be moved from one application to another, or can be built into (and so specially adapted to) a structure, such as the back/cab of a sports utility vehicle.