Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is described that includes a frame, a control arm assembly, a bell crank, and a shock. The control arm assembly includes upper and lower control arms. The bell crank is disposed above the upper control arm and is pivotally coupled to the upper control arm and the frame. The shock is coupled to the bell crank and the frame, and is disposed between the bell crank and a vehicle passenger compartment. In some embodiments, the bell crank is coupled to the upper control arm by a pushrod. Additionally, in some embodiments, the frame is a unitized frame and/or includes an engine cowling, and the bell crank is coupled to the engine cowling.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle roof is described herein. Various embodiments may include overhead covers, hinges, and a frame. The overhead covers may cover a vehicle passenger compartment. The hinges may connect the overhead covers to the frame. The frame may be detachable from a vehicle chassis. The frame may include a rear support bar, cross-bars, and a front support bar. The cross-bars may connect the front support bar to the rear support bar. The front support bar may form a contour of an edge of a vehicle windshield. The front support bar may form a contour of an edge of a vehicle chassis. The contour may have a bend corresponding to a position on the chassis where the windshield mounts to the chassis. A buffer zone may be provided between the front support bar and the windshield, and/or between the front support bar and the chassis.

Abstract: An electronic gear shifter is described herein that provides tactile feedback imitating the tactile feedback generated by a manual transmission shifter. The shifter includes a tactile feedback mechanism having a base, a pivot through the base, one or more springs coupled to the base, and first and second detents. The base rotates about the pivot, whereas the springs resist rotations of the base from, and return the base to, and equilibrium position. The first detent resists rotation of the base from the equilibrium position. The second detent resists further rotation of the base past the first detent and away from the equilibrium position. Rotation of the base past the first and second detents imitates manual transmission tactile feedback, and rotation of the base past the second detent also closes one or more of the electronic switches.

Abstract: An exchangeable electric vehicle battery receptacle, kiosk is disclosed herein. The kiosk includes a receptacle, a bell crank and solenoid that lock a battery in the receptacle, and circuitry that dispenses the battery. The bell crank includes a first arm extending into the receptacle and a second arm coupled to an extension spring that is coupled to a fixed point on the kiosk. The battery includes a form factor dimensioned to fit at least partially around the first arm. The solenoid has an armature and is positioned adjacent to the second arm. The armature fixes the bell crank and fixes the extension spring in an extended state, thereby locking the battery in the receptacle slot. The circuitry retracts the armature into the solenoid. A retraction force on the second arm by the extension spring rotates the bell crank, at least partially dispensing the exchangeable battery from the receptacle slot.

Abstract: An out-of-autoclave compression molding system is disclosed herein. The system includes a mold, a vacuum bag, a vacuum valve, a pressure plate, and a pressure valve. The mold includes a concave feature and a flange. The vacuum bag covers at least the concave feature. The pressure plate is positioned outside the vacuum bag clamped to the flange and on the mold to form a pressure cavity between the vacuum bag and the plate. An out-of-autoclave compression molding process is also described. The process includes pressing a composite material and thermoset resin into a mold having a flange; surrounding the mold, composite material, and resin with a vacuum bag; sealing and evacuating the vacuum bag; clamping a pressure plate to the flange; and pressurizing the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for pivotally fixing a non-driven wheel assembly to a vehicle frame is disclosed. The apparatus provides a trough through which non-driven wheel assembly components can be passed and protected. In one embodiment, the trough is circular in shape and is fully enclosed by the apparatus. In other embodiments, the trough has various shapes and comprises retaining members to secure and protect non-driven wheel assembly components. A suspension system interface is provided that allows the apparatus to suspend the non-driven wheel assembly. Openings used to pivotally and rigidly fix a mounting plate, suspension system, pivotal axes, and fender assemblies are also disclosed and claimed herein.

Abstract: An articulating prop to prop panels in an open position is disclosed. In one embodiment, the prop includes a protrusion that rests in a groove to lock members of the articulating prop in position. An external force causes the articulating prop members to rotate into a locked position. In another embodiment, an additional latch is disclosed which further locks the articulating prop in a locked position. An external force causes the articulating prop member to rotate out of a locked position. Shapes and interfaces of handles of the articulating prop are disclosed. Openings and pivotal axes of members of the articulating prop are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Several grill assemblies and methods for assembling the same are claimed and disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly includes slotted panels with a single deformable wall to fix the slotted panels together. In another embodiment, slotted panels are fixed together using two deformable walls, one deformed subsequently after the other. The general shape of panels and grill assemblies is disclosed. Features of grill assembly members used to mount the grill to separate structural frame members and mount separate assemblies to the grill assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frame may comprise a plurality of interlocking tab-and-slot frame members forming a three-dimensional structure. A removable stringer may be designed into one or more of the interlocking tab-and-slot frame members. The stringers may be removed after positioning and welding of tab-and slot frame members together. Notches may also be designed into and formed as additional features of a tab-and-slot frame member. Notches may serve as a guide for bending tab-and-slot frame members and in the creation of tabs and/or slots of the tab-and-slot frame members.

Abstract: A fuel tank and a motor vehicle equipped to recapture, store and recycle atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a vehicle includes a fuel tank which stores carbon dioxide in a same area with the combustible fuel of the vehicle. The fuel tank may include one or more pistons, baffles, bladders, or fixed dividers to separate carbon dioxide storage from fuel storage within a fuel tank area. The fuel tank may share volumetric space between carbon dioxide and fuel within the fuel tank. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a carbon fiber vehicle body. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: A frame may comprise a plurality of interlocking tab-and-slot frame members forming a three-dimensional structure. A removable stringer may be designed into one or more of the interlocking tab-and-slot frame members. The stringers may be removed after positioning and welding of tab-and slot frame members together. Notches may also be designed into and formed as additional features of a tab-and-slot frame member. Notches may serve as a guide for bending tab-and-slot frame members and in the creation of tabs and/or slots of the tab-and-slot frame members.

Abstract: A vehicle frame may comprise a plurality of interlocking tab and slot frame members forming a three-dimensional structure. A custom vehicle frame construction may be specified, designed and built based on a purchaser's selection. The three-dimensional structure may comprise a tab and slot panel to which additional tab and slot frame members are attached. The tab and slot frame members may have an attachment device disposed thereon for attachment of a vehicle component selected by the purchaser of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A fuel tank and a motor vehicle equipped to recapture, store and recycle atmospheric carbon dioxide is disclosed. In one embodiment, such a vehicle includes a fuel tank which stores carbon dioxide in a same area with the combustible fuel of the vehicle. The fuel tank may include one or more pistons, baffles, bladders, or fixed dividers to separate carbon dioxide storage from fuel storage within a fuel tank area. The fuel tank may share volumetric space between carbon dioxide and fuel within the fuel tank. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a carbon fiber vehicle body. The fuel tank may be integrally formed into a frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle energy storage system is disclosed herein that addresses at least some of the issues described above. The system includes an energy storage compartment with an access mechanism. Safety mechanisms are provided that ensure energy cartridges are properly installed in the compartment, that the access mechanism properly closes, and that notify a user when the cartridges are improperly installed and/or are faulty.

Abstract: A cutting machine having a circular cutting tool, such as a saw blade for cutting a workpiece in two, has the blade mounted on an arm to swing from an inactive or raised position above the workpiece down into engagement with the latter. A guard protects the operator of the machine from the blade and includes a cylindrical cover journaled to turn relative to the blade and enclosing both sides and the edge of the blade. A notch is formed in the cover and faces away from the operator when the blade is in the raised position and a link turns the cover automatically as the blade is lowered so that the notch faces downwardly and exposes the blade to the workpiece. When the blade is in the raised position, the notched portion of the cover projects into a shell so that the blade is completely enclosed at that time.