Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: A roll tarp system for a truck or trailer having a container with a rear door. The roll tarp system includes a roll tarp mounted to an axle assembly and a cable coupler assembly coupled to the axle assembly. A flexible cable connects the cable coupler assembly to a rear arm which is pivotally attached to the rear door. The cable coupler assembly includes first and second hinge members and is rotatably coupled to the axle assembly to permit unrolling and rolling up of the tarp and to permit opening of the rear door in a sideways or upward direction. The cable coupler assembly may include one or more apertures to permit access to a manual drive shaft which passes through the cable coupler assembly.

Abstract: A roller tarp system for covering a truck bed includes a first pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to one side of the truck bed and a second pivot arm assembly pivotally coupled to an opposite side of the truck bed. A generally hollow and cylindrical tarp spool extends along a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends. The tarp spool is rotatably coupled between the first and second pivot arm assemblies for rotatably supporting a flexible tarp cover. A drive assembly is housed within the tarp spool adjacent one of the first and second ends. The drive assembly is operatively coupled between one of the first and second pivot arm assemblies and the tarp spool for selectively rotating the tarp spool and actuating the tarp system between an open position uncovering the truck bed and a closed position covering the truck bed.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electrical power storage unit. The engine and power storage unit are configured to provide motive power for the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a heater core in fluid communication with the engine, power storage unit and vehicle's cabin.

Abstract: A fuel cell system may include a cathode loop having an operating pressure during fuel cell system operation. The cathode loop may include a normally open mechanical check valve disposed at a water pooling location within the loop and having a cracking pressure approximately equal to the operating pressure.

Abstract: An energy storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of energy storage units electrically connected in series and a plurality of bi-directional energy converters each having first and second sides. Each of the first sides is electrically connected with one of the plurality of energy storage units. The system also includes another energy storage unit. The second sides of the plurality of bi-directional energy converters are electrically connected in parallel with the another energy storage unit. Each of the bi-directional energy converters is capable of transferring energy between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A fuel cell system may include a cathode loop having an operating pressure during fuel cell system operation. The cathode loop may include a normally open mechanical check valve disposed at a water pooling location within the loop and having a cracking pressure approximately equal to the operating pressure.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic forming (EHF) tool and a method of forming a sheet metal blank in an EHF operation. The tool may include a pair of electrodes and may be filled with a liquid. A high voltage discharge may be produced between the electrodes in a manner that induces a shockwave within the fluid. The shockwave may produce sufficient force within the liquid to form the blank against a die.

Abstract: An energy storage system for an automotive vehicle includes a plurality of energy storage units electrically connected in series and a plurality of bi-directional energy converters each having first and second sides. Each of the first sides is electrically connected with one of the plurality of energy storage units. The system also includes another energy storage unit. The second sides of the plurality of bi-directional energy converters are electrically connected in parallel with the another energy storage unit. Each of the bi-directional energy converters is capable of transferring energy between the first and second sides.

Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and an electrical power storage unit. The engine and power storage unit are configured to provide motive power for the vehicle. The vehicle also includes a heater core in fluid communication with the engine, power storage unit and vehicle's cabin.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic forming (EHF) tool and a method of forming a sheet metal blank in an EHF operation. The tool may include a pair of electrodes and may be filled with a liquid. A high voltage discharge may be produced between the electrodes in a manner that induces a shockwave within the fluid. The shockwave may produce sufficient force within the liquid to form the blank against a die.