Abstract: An apparatus for operator controlled purging of the tanks of a pressurized air reservoir of a vehicle air system comprises an air actuated normally closed drain valve mounted to an underside of each tank, a source of pressurized air engaged to each drain valve, and a controller for each valve engaged downstream of the source, and within a driver area of the vehicle, the controller when activated, allowing for communication between the source and the drain valve for opening of the valve. The method for using the apparatus in testing air system integrity includes the steps of draining and refilling each tank individually in a pre-defined sequence while monitoring driver area mounted indicators of air pressure levels and testing functionality of an air system operated service brake system of the vehicle by carrying out the pre-defined sequence.

Abstract: A control system for vehicle accessories differentiated from one another in terms of required voltage, current drawn, load duration and variability of energization levels utilizes generic interface modules to effect control. One or more generic remote interface modules, in addition to controllers such as engine and chassis controllers, are mounted on the vehicle for controlling actuation and energization of the non-standard devices, such as motors driving pumps for hydraulic lits. An electronic system controller (ESC) manages the remote interface modules over a serial communication link to provide the specialized functionality. Each remote interface module (RIM) is constructed as a standard component capable of providing digital and analog outputs to devices attached to one or more output ports on the module. The remote interface assumes a number of controller states under the control of the electronic system controller for regulating actuation and energization of the differentiated loads.

Abstract: A dash reinforcement for a mobile vehicle with a passenger cab such as a sport utility vehicle, or medium or heavy-duty truck. The dash reinforcement may be a stamped sheet metal panel that strengthens the dash structure of the cab and provides for mounting of vehicle components. The dash reinforcement may be symmetrical about the centerline of the vehicle and this symmetry allows the panel to accommodate both left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicle configurations. The dash reinforcement also includes ‘Y’ shaped passages for a driver control module and for accessory equipment such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) modules. The unique shape of these passages or openings adds strength to the overall dash structure and hence the cab. The dash reinforcement may be engaged to a dash panel to form a dash assembly.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle provides for the control of electrically differentiated loads utilizing a local controller, the functionality of which depends upon a programmed central control unit. A first serial data link connects a plurality of autonomous local controllers of fixed functionality to the central control unit. A second serial data link links at least a first dependent controller to electrical system controller. The electrical system controller provides for controlling multiplexing of signals on the first and second serial data links. Memory provides both protected and nonprotected sections, with the protected sections providing storage for configuration data structures residing in memory and the data structures providing functional definitions for the first dependent controller.

Abstract: The present invention describes an engine having an oil pan (100) with a pick-up tube (140) for moving oil from an oil reservoir (105) to an oil pump (130). An engine crankcase (110) is connected to a front cover (120) having a front half (122) and a back half (124). The oil pan (100) is connected to the crankcase (110) and the front cover (120). A pick-up tube (140) is disposed along the oil pan (100) and connects the oil reservoir (105) to an inlet path (128) formed by the front half (122). A nipple (150) connects to the pick-up tube (140) to the front half by being inserted into an opening (129) of the inlet path (128). A gasket (160) is disposed adjacent to the nipple (150) and between the pick-up tube (140) and the front half (122). An alternate embodiment omits the nipple (150).

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated electronically-controlled fuel injector for use with a fuel injection system having an actuating fluid high pressure common rail for conveying an actuating fluid under pressure, the pressure of the actuating fluid in the common rail being selectively variable, the fuel injection system being installed on a diesel engine, the injector having a controller valve for selectively porting the actuating fluid to an injector intensifier assembly for magnifying the pressure of the fuel to be injected, includes a needle valve for controlling the opening and closing of a fuel injection orifice to effect a fuel injection event, the needle valve being shiftable between a closed disposition and an open disposition, a return spring exerting a bias on the needle valve tending to urge the needle valve into the closed disposition.

Abstract: A circuit for the electrical system of an automotive vehicle, such as a truck, interfaces a two-speed axle selector switch (20) and a two-speed axle solenoid (18) with the vehicle ignition, or key, switch (12), the vehicle brake actuation switch (16), and the vehicle transmission neutral switch (14) to allow the axle to be shifted between its two speed ranges under certain conditions and to disallow such shifting under other conditions. The circuit includes a high range relay (22), a high range enable relay (24), a high range disable relay (26), and a low range relay (28).

Abstract: A parking brake lock-in key switch system for a truck or bus brake system. The system has two parking brake lock-in valves. One parking brake lock-in valve is installed in the air line piping between the primary air tank and the push pull double check valve and the second parking brake lock-in valve is in the air line piping between the secondary air tank and the push pull double check valve. The parking brake lock-in valves are air operated valves which when closed will look in actuated parking brakes. The parking brake lock-in valves are operated by a solenoid operated pilot valve which provides air from an air supply to close the lock-in valves when the ignition key is moved to the ‘off’ position. An actuated parking brake will be locked in because new air from the respective tanks will be prevented from flowing to the push pull double check valve and hence the brake chambers. The parking brake lock-in valve does not vent off downstream piping when it closes.

Abstract: An engine speed governor controls a diesel engine in a motor vehicle. The engine control has a processor for processing data for Engine speed governing, including developing fuel request data comprising data components derived from proportional, integral, and derivative processing of difference between actual engine speed and requested engine speed. A data source, such as a gear selector switch in an automatic transmission vehicle or a clutch switch in a manual transmission vehicle, distinguishes between engagement and disengagerrent of the vehicle driveline with and from the engine. A respective first table, such as a map, is associated with each of the proportional, integral, and derivative processing and provides selectable calibration values used by the processor to develop the fuel request data when the driveline is engaged with the engine.

Abstract: A school bus crossing or a mounting system that more fully integrates the crossing arm and the bumper. To achieve this, the primary mounting brackets for the crossing arm drive system may be mounted to the bus chassis and an opening is formed in the bumper itself. The crossing arm is mounted to the drive system such that the arm projects through the opening in the bumper. Alternatively, the primary mounting brackets may be mounted to an inner surface of the bumper. A recess may be formed into an outer surface of the bumper such that the crossing arm is at least partially tucked into the recess when retracted. In one embodiment, there is no recess in the bumper. The crossing arm is contoured to follow the outer surface of the bumper.

Abstract: A dual draw and return fuel manifold with an integral mounting bracket for use on a mobile vehicle containing at least two fuel tanks such as a heavy duty truck. The invention overcomes problems associated with assembling several fittings to a bracket and reduces the opportunities for leaks to develop in a vehicle fuel system by incorporating the fittings and mounting apparatus into a one piece design. There is a manifold which contains two three way tees integrated onto a mounting bracket or body. The mounting bracket has two engagement legs for engagement to a chassis mounted component or to a vehicle drive train component. In a preferred embodiment these engagement legs will be engaged on either side of a transmission of the vehicle. The return and supply manifolds are located one on top of another on the manifold such that they may be easily connected to the high pressure tubing of the fuel system.

Abstract: The present invention describes a deflector clip (200) for a fuel injector (100) in an internal combustion engine. The deflector clip (200) has a clip portion (205) and a deflector portion (210). The clip portion (205) has a fixed arm (270) and an adjustable arm (265), which form a slot (275) for mounting the deflector clip (200) onto the fuel injector. The deflector portion (205) deflects the hydraulic fluid draining from the fuel injector. The deflector clip (200) is design to fit any fuel injector having a tolerance within the minimum and maximum tolerances for a fuel injector. In an alternate embodiment, several deflector clips (200) are arranged in a deflector clip assembly (400, 500) having a wiring harness (402, 502) for the fuel injection system.