Abstract: A lifting aid for an attic ladder includes a track system having a plurality of attachment means configured to secure about a corresponding number of attic ladder rungs. A hand winch is secured to the base of the device and is in mechanical operation with a tray which runs up and down the attic ladder to which the track system is secured.

Abstract: A method for fragmenting a bubble of compressed gas released from a compressed gas reservoir situated at a depth under a water surface. The method comprises maintaining a grid disposed between the reservoir and the water surface to fragment the bubble into a plurality of fragmented bubble portions, the grid allowing passage therethrough of the fragmented bubble portions of the body of compressed gas generally along a travel path.

Abstract: A modular energy accumulator system using compressed air. The system comprises a plurality of bladder modules disposed underwater for subjection to a hydrostatic ambient pressure. The plurality of bladder modules include a first bladder module and at least a second bladder module, each of the bladder modules being oriented substantially longitudinally about a vertical axis when made buoyant by ingress of compressed air. An interconnection pipe assembly is configured to facilitate ingress of compressed air into the bladder modules to a pressure level substantially equal to the hydrostatic ambient pressure, and also to facilitate egress of air from the bladder modules at the hydrostatic ambient pressure. The bladder modules are tethered for being maintained in the underwater disposition.

Abstract: A modular energy accumulator system using compressed air. The system comprises a plurality of bladder modules disposed underwater for subjection to a hydrostatic ambient pressure. The plurality of bladder modules include a first bladder module and at least a second bladder module, each of the bladder modules being oriented substantially longitudinally about a vertical axis when made buoyant by ingress of compressed air. An interconnection pipe assembly is configured to facilitate ingress of compressed air into the bladder modules to a pressure level substantially equal to the hydrostatic ambient pressure, and also to facilitate egress of air from the bladder modules at the hydrostatic ambient pressure. The bladder modules are tethered for being maintained in the underwater disposition.

Abstract: A method for redistributing driving torque between front and rear driving wheels of a vehicle traveling at essentially the same speed. The method includes determining a vehicle condition corresponding to load, based upon at least one vehicle parameter, comparing the determined vehicle condition to a predetermined value, wherein if the determining vehicle condition exceeds the predetermined value, a high load condition exists, and redistributing the driving torque between the front and rear wheels, when the determining step determines that a high load condition exists. By controlling torque redistribution in accordance with one or more high load conditions on the driveline components, subsequent damage of the driveline system can be reduced or prevented.