Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A method of mass production of algae is provided, including an algae growth trough having an algae introduction end having a first width and an algae extraction end having a second width wider than the first width. Water is supplied to the trough from a water treatment facility and carbon dioxide is introduced to the water from a combustion source. The algae is allowed to grow within the algae growth trough while light is provided to the trough. The algae is extracted from the extraction end of the trough, and as the algae continues to grow under optimal conditions, the algae is continuously harvested for commercial use. The mass production of algae allows for the consumption of enormous amounts of carbon dioxide which can be generated from a coal electrical generation facility or other industrial facility.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A game is provided that generally includes a structure having a first playing surface. The playing surface includes a plurality of marked spaces. A first group of marked spaces form a perimeter, a second group of marked spaces extend from the first group of marked spaces and form a series of starting regions, and a third group of marked spaces extend from the first group of marked spaces and form a series of home regions. Each of the adjacent starting regions has an equal number of marked spaces from the first group disposed therebetween. Each of the adjacent home regions has an equal number of marked spaces from the first group disposed therebetween. Movable pieces are provided that are configured for movement between the marked spaces. A move-determining structure configured for determining a number of marked spaces that a player may move one of his movable pieces is also provided.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine coupled to a combined starter/motor/generator which is, in turn, coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The starter/motor/generator is coupled to a high voltage battery pack via an inverter and to a deployable power output panel for serving loads external to the vehicle. Whenever external loads are to be powered, a control unit automatically places the vehicle in PARK, or alternatively activates an electrical parking brake system to hold the vehicle stationary.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, resilient composite spring pivotally connected to the vehicle wheel assembly by standard means such as a ball joint and knuckle. The composite spring is formed having a sinusoidal profile with rectangular cross-section preferably spanning transversely between parallel vehicle wheel assemblies. The composite spring is pivotally connected to the parallel vehicle frames by opposing perpendicular brackets welded to an upper and lower portion of the vehicle frame. A rubber bushing is preferably provided within each bracket and is in contact with opposing sides of the composite spring, allowing the spring to pivot between the vehicle frame. The composite spring is preferably formed with carbon and glass fibers. The sinusoidal composite spring blank is preferably molded with a neutral axis extending along the length of the spring at a midpoint of the sinusoidal profile.

Abstract: A reinforced polymer matrix composite material with an anti-anisotropy reinforcement array is disclosed having three dimensional fiber reinforcement structures. The fiber reinforcement structures are formed of a plurality of bound or bonded fibers, which form multi-dimensional structures capable of maintaining cross structure during molding. The structures are sized to allow their use in various molding processes.

Abstract: A two piece fiber reinforced composite wheel includes a molded inner rim portion defining an outboard engagement surface and a molded outer rim portion defining an inboard engagement surface. The inner and outer rim portions are conformed so as to interlock together and are adhesively bonded. The inner and outer rim portions engage forming a plurality of spoke sections having substantially box shaped cross sections. The spoke sections are further connected with fasteners.

Abstract: A method and arrangement of bonding a film applique to a molded item produces a bright, textured and/or colored surface on a resin transfer molded item. The film is vacuum formed and placed into a female cavity of a mold. The film bonds to the molded item during the resin injection and solidification steps.

Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.

Abstract: A removable, bag-like protective liner is provided for the interior of a motor vehicle with a rear opening. The liner defines an internal compartment for storage of cargo in the rear of the vehicle while protecting the interior of the vehicle from damage by the cargo. The liner is supported by a plurality of attachments which secure the liner to the interior of the motor vehicle. In addition, a sidewall portion and the forward end portion are configured such that the height of the liner can be selectively adjusted based upon the interior height of the vehicle.

Abstract: A flexible pick-up box enclosable liner for use in a motor vehicle having a pick-up box rear compartment. The flexible pick-up box liner includes an enclosable liner arranged to form a base portion, several sidewalls, and an upper portion, which collectively define an internal compartment, as well as an adjustable fastener system for selectively reducing and expanding the volume of the internal compartment. The liner preferably includes several fasteners for attaching the liner to a pick-up box, and a structural support system for retaining the upper portion of the liner.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible, resilient composite spring pivotally connected to the vehicle wheel assembly by standard means such as a ball joint and knuckle. The composite spring is formed having a sinusoidal profile with rectangular cross-section preferably spanning transversely between parallel vehicle wheel assemblies. The composite spring is pivotally connected to the parallel vehicle frames by opposing perpendicular brackets welded to an upper and lower portion of the vehicle frame. A rubber bushing is preferably provided within each bracket and is in contact with opposing sides of the composite spring, allowing the spring to pivot between the vehicle frame. The composite spring is preferably formed with carbon and graphite fibers. The sinusoidal composite spring blank is preferably molded with a neutral axis extending along the length of the spring at a midpoint of the sinusoidal profile.

Abstract: A vehicle plastic body panel such as a vehicle hardtop is formed with an integral reinforcing component including a structural fiber material molded into the body panel. The reinforcing component provides internal structural support for the use of horizontal plastic body panels such as a roof or a hood panel without the panel sagging.

Abstract: A flexible pick-up box enclosable liner for use in a motor vehicle having a pick-up box rear compartment. The flexible pick-up box liner includes an enclosable liner arranged to form a base portion, several sidewalls, and an upper portion, which collectively define an internal compartment, as well as an adjustable fastener system for selectively reducing and expanding the volume of the internal compartment. The liner preferably includes several fasteners for attaching the liner to a pick-up box, and a structural support system for retaining the upper portion of the liner.

Abstract: An automobile bumper retention system is provided including a plastic foam energy absorbent bumper which is held firmly in place by a metal bumper beam. The beam is provided with integral ribs or beads that fit into a matching groove in the energy absorbing bumper in order to support the energy absorbing bumper in a snap-fit engagement or a slide-in engagement.