Abstract: A dog-tooth-face interface for a vehicle includes a first clutch element that has a plurality of recesses distributed on a side of the first clutch element and around an axis through the first clutch element and a second clutch element that has a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the recesses and distributed on a side of the second clutch element adjacent the recesses. At least one of the first clutch element and the second clutch element is configured so as to rotate about the axis, and at least one of the first clutch element and second clutch element is configured so as to move along the axis to engage or disengage the first and second clutch elements. Moreover, the first clutch element has a substantially continuous wall surrounding the recesses, and the recesses have at least one corner relief portion configured to avoid contact with corners of the teeth.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle launches from rest or near rest with its internal combustion engine and with its electric motor/generator in generator mode, accelerates to a maximum speed, and decelerates to rest with its internal combustion engine disengaged and its motor/generator in generator mode. Electrical energy generated is stored in an energy storage device and is only as much energy as needed for operation of the vehicle's electrically powered auxiliary equipment while the vehicle is at rest.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a front bumper extension to a truck includes a bracket having a mounting flange for mounting to a frame rail of a truck, and an upper flange and lower flange forming a pocket at a front end of the bracket for mounting a bumper center section. The bumper center section may be configured for a single tow pin with an aperture formed at a center of the bumper center section, or for dual tow pins with apertures formed to align with the pockets of respective right and left brackets.

Abstract: An exhaust diluting and diffusing apparatus includes a pipe mountable on a exhaust stack pipe, and having a flared skirt inlet to define an annular inlet, a mixing section adjacent the inlet, and an exhaust section formed as a pipe section with a multiplicity of holes. The apparatus pipe has a diameter greater than the diameter of the exhaust stack on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A tow assembly for a truck for high capacity loads provides independent load paths interconnected to a tow eye for bearing a towing load. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a mounting interface having a front face and oppositely located side faces and defining an interior space, a first outer member extending from one side face of the mounting box, a second outer member extending from an opposite side face of the mounting box, an inner member disposed and extending through the first outer member, the interface, and the second outer member, and, a tow eye mounted to the front face of the interface and structurally interconnected to the inner bar. Towing loads are transmitted to the mounting interface and distributed and shared by the inner member and first and second tube structure.

Abstract: A truck tractor and removable body unit system selectively configurable as a tractor and freight box or an articulated truck-trailer combination includes a truck tractor having a frame supporting a drive axle and a steer axle with a fifth wheel mounted on the frame, and a body unit having a body mounted on a frame, the frame supported by a wheeled axle and having a king pin for releasably engaging the fifth wheel on the truck tractor. The body unit includes a coupling mechanism for releasably coupling the truck tractor frame to constrain lateral movement between the truck tractor and the body unit while allowing relative vertical pivoting movement between the truck tractor and body unit about the king pin and fifth wheel. An adjustable spring mounted to one of the truck tractor and body unit to act between the truck tractor frame and the body unit frame to adjust a loading between the truck tractor frame and body unit.

Abstract: A vehicle operator interface system and method for a diesel particulate filter regeneration system, includes a control unit for receiving information on regeneration status of a vehicle diesel particulate filter and receiving information on operational status of selected vehicle systems and components, a visual display for displaying messages to an operator indicative of said regeneration status and said operational status, an input device for highlighting a portion of the displayed messages and for providing an input selection of a highlighted portion, an input selection being communicated to a control device to carry out the input selection.

Abstract: A system for automatically detaching a windshield from a vehicle cab comprises a pressure applying device mounted between a windshield and a frame element, a roll-over condition sensor, and a controller connected to receive a signal indicating a roll-over condition from the roller-over condition sensor and connected to activate the pressure applying device responsive to receiving said signal. The pressure applying device may be one or more pyrotechnic devices. The system includes a delay function to delay activating the pressure applying device to allow the vehicle to come to a rest.

Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle launches from rest or near rest with its electric motor and blends in its internal combustion engine at a vehicle speed such that the electrical energy provided to the motor from an energy storage device is only as much energy as can be recovered during deceleration of the vehicle to rest or near rest.

Abstract: A method of turbo-charger surge detection may include the steps of measuring a rate of air flow through a turbo-charger compressor, measuring a temperature of the air flow, calculating a standard mass flow rate of the air flow at the rate and the temperature, measuring a pressure ratio across the turbo-charger compressor, calculating a surge mass flow rate at a surge line of the compressor at the pressure ratio, comparing the standard mass flow rate to the surge mass flow rate, and reducing an EGR flow or reducing the pressure ratio by opening a vane of the compressor if the standard mass flow rate is lower than the surge mass flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating engine exhaust gas includes comprising an exhaust conduit for leading exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet, a particulate filter connected in the exhaust conduit to receive exhaust gas, a heat source connected in the exhaust conduit upstream of the particulate filter, and, a heat exchanger connected to receive exhaust gas exiting the particulate filter and arranged to heat a portion of the exhaust conduit upstream of the heat source and particulate filter. Heating the exhaust gases prior to entry into the particulate filter helps ensure oxidation of the trapped particulate matter.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle during an automatic shutdown process, in particular to cool the engine to a predetermined safe shutdown temperature, includes the steps of determining that vehicle-idle conditions exist and whether an engine-associated temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature value, for which a cooling fan is operated to cool the engine, or higher second threshold temperature, for which at least one of the cooling fan and a coolant pump is operated above idle levels and the engine speed may be increased above idle to cool the engine. Cooling fan and/or coolant pump operation is reduced when the engine temperature is determined to have decreased to below the first threshold temperature value. Finally, engine shutdown is completed when predetermined shutdown conditions are fulfilled.

Abstract: In the preferred embodiments, a novel system and method is for mounting a battery box within a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method includes, among other things, a novel battery box that is mounted between two chassis frame members that extend lengthwise along the vehicle. The battery box is supported on the frame members via a plurality of uniquely designed and arranged bracket members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine of a truck or other vehicle includes a conduit connected to an air source, for example, a turbo driven compressor to deliver air to the exhaust stack or tail pipe. The conduit is controlled by a valve, which is opened and closed by a controller responsive to a measured exhaust gas temperature above a threshold and a vehicle speed below a threshold. The invention is particularly advantageous for engine exhausts having aftertreatment devices that require high temperature regeneration.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.

Abstract: A multi-function turn signal arrangement for an incorporating vehicle includes a user interface having a plurality of operator specifiable signaling modes including a right-direction-signal momentary blinking mode and a left-direction-signal momentary blinking mode. A controller is configured to receive input from the user interface indicative of an operator specified direction and mode and to initiate an automated signaling routine when one of the respective momentary blinking modes is specified and the controller determines that the incorporating vehicle is traveling at a speed within a predetermined speed range. The turn signal is maintained until a steering wheel of the incorporating vehicle is turned a predetermined amount in the signified direction and returned to the neutral, straight-ahead-driving position for a predetermined period of time and the vehicle remains in the predetermined speed range.