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 seal within the filler neck of a fluid reservoir is configured to provide fluid channels into the reservior while in the at-rest position, but seals the filler neck when deformed by an externally directed insert in the filler neck. The seal is a hollow bulb with a frusto-conical surface spaced from a parallel frusto-conical surface of the filler neck by a plurality of ribs therebetween. The gap between the ribs, and between the surfaces of the seal and the filler neck, from fluid channels for replenishing the reservoir. A plunger inserted into the filler neck deflects the seal outwardly into contact with the filler neck, closing the fluid channels and preventing matter from entering the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A lightweight automobile body structure is provided and includes a base assembly including an upper sheet and a lower sheet. The upper sheet has first and second series of upper reliefs formed therein and the lower sheet has first and second series of lower reliefs formed therein. The upper and lower sheets stacked adjacent one another, whereby the first series of upper reliefs are in flush contact with the first series of lower reliefs and the second series of upper reliefs are offset from the second series of lower reliefs for defining a space therebetween. First and second side panels are fixedly attached to the base assembly and extend therefrom for defining respective sides. A roof panel is fixedly attached between the first and second side panels for defining a roof.

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: 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: A protective liner is provided for vehicles having a rear hatch or opening doors. The protective liner attaches to the opening of the rear hatch or opening and extends into the rear vehicle cavity protecting the vehicle interior form damage and debris when the vehicle is used for hauling lumber, logs, sand, gravel or debris.

Abstract: A starting assembly for an automotive vehicle is connected to the clutch pedal thereof. The pivoting of the clutch pedal (in a clockwise direction in FIG. 1) pulls a clutch connector. The clutch connector pivots a clutch lever (in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 1) which, in turn, actuates a translator. The translator transforms and translates the pivoting movement of the clutch lever into a linear movement of a starter pinion gear to engage the starter ring gear. The hyper-pivoting of the clutch pedal forces the closure of a contact switch which provides power for an electric motor (not shown) to rotate the starter pinion gear and, therefore, start the internal combustion engine of the automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the reducing the lift and drag of a soft top passenger vehicle having a soft top having first and second edges in which the point at which flow over the vehicle separates is determined by conventional techniques and an aerodynamic deflector is provided and attached to the roof of the vehicle forward of the separation point at a position that maximizes aerodynamic efficiency.

Abstract: Automotive vehicles equipped with automatic or standard transmissions and having automatically extending and retracting radio antennas are equipped with an arrangement for automatically retracting the antennas upon shifting from drive to neutral. Many car washes are equipped with endless belts or chains which engage and tow automotive vehicles through car washes. Before being towed, the drivers must shift to neutral. Drivers are also advised to lower radio antennas. By causing automatic lowering of radio antennas upon shifting from drive to neutral, drivers need no longer remember to retract their antennas. In order to have the arrangement operate effectively, there is about a 10 second delay in retracting the antennas upon shifting to neutral and extension immediately upon shifting out of neutral. An over-ride is provided should the driver for one reason or another desire to leave the transmission in neutral for a period of time greater than 10 seconds.