Abstract: A swing down tank bracket for supporting a fuel tank mounted onto a vehicle includes a frame immovably mounted onto a vehicle, a cradle operatively connected to the frame and arranged to support a fuel tank, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the cradle to a first end of the frame, and a latch having a first portion disposed on a second end of the frame and a second portion disposed on a second end of the cradle. The first portion of the latch is releasably engaged with the second portion of the latch so that after the latch is disengaged, the cradle is rotationally maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position in a single stage. The cradle may be maneuvered between the retracted position and the extended position by simultaneously rotating outwardly and downwardly in relation to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a cradle of a tank bracket supporting a fuel tank from a retracted position to an extended position in a single stage includes disengaging a latch, rotating the cradle about a hinge that is attached to a first end of the cradle such that a second end of the cradle moves along a trajectory downward and outward from a frame of the tank bracket to the extended position, wherein the rotating the cradle laterally extends a gas spring operatively connecting the cradle and the frame, and wherein the gas spring generates a force that at least partially balances a force generated by a combined weight of the fuel tank and the cradle.

Abstract: A horn circuit for a vehicle includes a steering wheel, a prong extending from a base, and a carbon-based contact disposed on the prong and in electrical contact with the steering wheel. A method of manufacturing a vehicular horn system includes connecting a prong to a base, connecting a steering wheel to a steering column that extends through the base, and positioning a carbon-based contact at an end of the prong to be in electrical contact with the steering wheel.

Abstract: A method for maneuvering a cradle of a tank bracket supporting a fuel tank from a retracted position to an extended Position in a single stage includes disengaging a latch, rotating the cradle about a hinge that is attached to a first end of the cradle such that a second end of the cradle moves along a trajectory downward and outward from a frame of the tank bracket to the extended position, wherein the rotating the cradle laterally extends a gas spring operatively connecting the cradle and the frame, and wherein the gas spring generates a force that at least partially balances a force generated by a combined weight of the fuel tank and the cradle.

Abstract: A signal converter for use with a moveable mechanical device includes input means for receiving a multi-bit digital signal indicative of a position of the moveable mechanical device, a processor having means for converting the multi-bit digital signal into a pulse-width modulated signal, and a low-pass filter that creates an analog voltage corresponding to the position of the moveable mechanical device from the pulse-width modulated signal. A method of creating an analog voltage corresponding to a position of a moveable mechanical device includes the steps of receiving a multi-bit digital signal indicative of the position of the moveable mechanical device, converting the multi-bit digital signal into a pulse-width modulated signal, and creating an analog voltage corresponding to the position of the moveable mechanical device by filtering the pulse-width modulated signal.