AUTOS, BOATING AND AVIATION


DETROIT - Cars that drive themselves - even parking at their destination - could be ready for sale within a decade, General Motors Corp. executives say. GM, parts suppliers, university engineers and other automakers all are working on vehicles that could revolutionize short- and long-distance travel. And Tuesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner will devote part of his speech to the driverless vehicles. "This is not science fiction," Larry Burns, GM's vice president for research and development, said in a recent interview.

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Automotive Jacking Device FOR SALE  
This unique jacking device will not allow "rocking" motion when employed properly, allowing for a safer and quicker tire change. Soft ground or uneven terrain is not a problem, struggling with jack handles is a thing of the past as all controls are done with one remote up/down switch.   For further information contact LICORICE26@hotmail.com

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Automotive Adjustable Trunk Lock Device   This unique device provides the user with a locking mechanism for an adjustable trunk lid, which will maintain the trunk lid in multiple open positions. Additionally, it will remain locked while preventing the lid from completely closing if a large article is placed in the trunk. The automotive Trunk lock Device consists of two 3-position hinges with two integral locking members. It is fabricated from a steel alloy that is ideally suited for incorporation into the overall trunk lid design and can withstand its intended environment. The locks are integrated into the hinge design, appearing as indentations in the metal at 3 locations. The indentations conform to the outside locking diameter of the C-shaped clamps of the two locking members, which are permanently stored between the hinges under the rear deck. Each locking member is attached to a pivot on a mounting plate, which enables its easy deployment. Patent pending. For further information contact the office of Michael Kroll, New York, email: patent@genie.com, fax: 800-367-7704. Inventor : Patricia Tomaszewski-Link

603/97
SHIFTCUSH   As a motorcycle commuter over the past ten years, I noticed two reoccurring problems : (1) my left shoe would eventually be ruined by ugly black shifter shoe marks due to multiple gear 'up-shifting' actions (2) a soreness of the upper foot area would develop due to the same reason.   - I found, that other regulars too suffered from similar problems.
This finally led me to invent and develop SHIFTCUSH, a cushioned padding for motor cycle gear levers. It is easily attached to a gear shift lever in a matter of seconds without the aid of tools.
The product is already selling well in Singapore. Currently seeking USA and INTERNATIONAL distributors. Contact the inventor Tony Wells by e-mail :   info@shiftcush.com or visit his website at http://www.shiftcush.com

604/97
The Auto Wheel Snow Scraper.   This invention provides an accessory for scraping snow away from in front of each drive wheel in order for the wheel to retain traction and thus be able to travel. It is mountable in the appropriate positions of the automobile and conveniently controlled from the dashboard requiring no effort by the motorist.   The invention has been patented in the USA and Canada and is offered for sale, or manufacture. For negotiation on financial arrangements contact the inventor: John Borras, Tel.: 787-863-9447, Postal address: P.O. Box 488 Fajardo, P.R. 00738 (Puerto Rico, USA)

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Flying Car Gets Final Approval To Ship by 2012    Terrafugia's flying car, which has been in development for some time, has been given the 'thumbs up' by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) -- meaning it should start appearing on U.S. highways soon. The NHTSA has granted Terrafugia's drive-able plane -- called the Transition -- a special exemption that will allow the company to begin shipping units from its Massachusetts plant (after final testing, that is). Terrafugia says the Transition will be ready for manufacturing this year, with the first completed units being shipped out early in 2012.
Terrafugia says it's already received 100 pre-orders for the vehicle.
(Source: foxnews.com)


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Google wins patent for driverless car technology December 19, 2011 by Nancy Owano Enlarge (PhysOrg.com) -- News surfaced this week that Google has won a patent for driverless car technology. Google filed the patent in May this year. The application is titled “Transitioning a Mixed-mode Vehicle to Autonomous Mode.” The patent presents a method listing numerous “embodiments” suggested, for a vehicle that switches from being driven by a human to moving, stopping, and parking autonomously.

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India's largest automaker, MDI is going to start producing the world's first commercial air-powered car by next summer. The car uses compressed air to power its engine and produces zero emissions. 6000 of these Air Cars will be on the streets of India by August 2008. The CityCAT, which is one of the planned Air Car models will start at $12,700 and be able to hit 68 mph and a range of 125 miles. The air tanks only take a few minutes to refill at stations that have compressed air. MDI estimates that it will only cost about $2 to refill the tanks. There is also a compressor on board that once it is plugged in takes about 4 hours to refill the air tanks. Too bad this car will probably never make it to the US, since it is glued together. But the technology could one day make it here. They have signed deals to bring its design to 12 more countries including Germany, Israel and South Africa. Full Story: Popular Mechanics