Abstract: A brake-by-wire vehicle braking system is augmented with “squeeze” sensors placed in the steering wheel of the vehicle enabling a vehicle operator to stop the vehicle more quickly in an emergency situation by eliminating the significant times that it takes to move a driver's foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal and then depress the brake pedal. An important objective is to achieve a faster vehicle stop by allowing the driver to optionally eliminate foot movement from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal and also the depression of the brake pedal. This invention also potentially allows a driver to squeeze a steering wheel to slow a vehicle, perhaps to comply with a lower speed limit, or accomplish the fastest possible “hard-stop” in an emergency situation.

Abstract: An efficient system and method for mounting an image composed of a plurality of subimages comprises a back panel onto which the subimages are mounted, and a transparent or translucent cover plate. In the preferred embodiment, the images are printed on borderless labels having a low-tack or low-aggressive type adhesive. The back panel and transparent cover plate are preferably dimensionally the same, and both may include aligned through-holes. The back panel may includes visual indicia such as score lines or alpha/numeric placement indicia to aid in mounting the subimages. The back panel and cover plate are preferably held together with a plurality of clips. An assembly method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained solar-powered system and method prevent outdoor ice buildup. The apparatus includes a solar panel outputting electrical power, and a rechargeable battery in electrical communication with the solar panel for storing the power. An electrically operated air compressor is powered by the solar panel and/or battery, and a bubbler unit is in pneumatic communication with the air compressor, providing bubbler reaction to a water reservoir to be protected from freezing. An electronic controller is operative to activate electrical power switching apparatus on a per-demand basis. For example, at least one thermometer may be provided in electrical communication with the controller, with the controller being operative to activate the bubbler upon the detection that potential freezing may occur. The use of a controller and switching apparatus allows the battery to be charged at a higher capacity during times when freezing is unlikely.