Autoblog

Inventor creatively side-steps pickup problem

Scott Burgess — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Technology, Work, Design/Style

One Minnesota inventor may have just created a better bed step.

While Ford offers a pickup bed step that slides out of the top of the tailgate on its F-150, that particular step can't be used when towing. Now, one man has devised his own step that slides out of the side of the tailgate.

Myron Isaacson recently received the patent on his pickup bed ladder, affectionately named "My Dream Steps," according to a local news report.

It works in a similar manner as the Ford bed step, allowing a person to climb into a high pickup bed without grinding their knees against the truck's steel. Because this step works from the side of the tailgate, Isaacson's invention allows the truck owner to climb into the bed even if the truck has a trailer attached. The new assembly looks pretty compact and easy to use, and he's already won an award for its design. At this year's Minnesota Inventors Congress, Isaacson netted a gold medal.

Check out the video below to see it in action on Isaacson's Ford.

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Inventor creatively side-steps pickup problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit?

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Russia

Russian strap-on tank treads - Click above to watch video

If you're Ken Block, you replace the four wheels on your Subaru with a set of Mattracks. If you're an enterprising inventor in Chelyabinsk, Russia with leftover tread assemblies from what looks like construction machinery, you make this... doohickey. Whatever rested on the treads before was removed, and in its place a car has been fitted. The video first shows a car driving onto the treads with its wheels still on, and while our Russian isn't what it used to be we can't imagine how that could work. Follow the jump to see the thing in action. And for those of you enduring the East Coast winter, shipping is available...

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit?

Video: Russian strap-on tank conversion kit? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light?

Michael Harley — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Ford

In a breakthrough that may make vehicle starting issues due to fouled plugs or inclement weather a thing of the past, engineers at Ford have reportedly teamed with scientists at Liverpool University to develop a laser beam ignition system to replace ye olde spark plug. The researchers claim their technology is more efficient, more reliable, and it will enable vehicles to start easier in extreme temperatures and damp climates.

Unlike traditional spark plugs (invented way back in 1839 by Edmond Berger), laser light may be split into multiple beams distributing ignition points within the cylinders - not just at the tip of the plug. This not only aids combustion, it also lowers emissions during cold starts. Researchers also point out that the lasers use less energy than their spark plug counterparts, eliminate wear items and wires (fiber optics will carry the laser beam to the cylinders), and improve fuel burn by "watching" ignition from within the combustion chamber and sending messages back to the ECU to adjust fuel mixtures, timing, and ignition.

Ford is expected to introduce the technology in its top models within the next few years, and then make it more widely available. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: Telegraph UK | Image: New Line Cinema]

Gentlemen, Start Your Lasers: Ford dumping spark plugs in favor of focused light? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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