Abstract: In a large vehicle, such as a bus, a fuel-fired coolant heating system. The heating system uses a heating unit to add heat energy to the coolant, which is then circulated to heat exchangers throughout the vehicle. Safety features in the system include an impact switch which immediately stops the flow of fuel to the heating unit in the event of an accident. Another feature which contributes to safe operation of the system is the presence of a deaeration tank in the coolant flow path. The tank allows for the removal of air so that air locks can be prevented and is fitted with a pressure relief valve should overheating occur. Finally, service and inspection of the system is facilitated by attaching components of the system to a slide panel, which can be pulled out of the side of the bus. By making the components of the system easily accessible, problems are generally avoided and safety is, therefore, improved. The heating unit for use with the present invention is one which is available from Espar Products, Inc.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency exit window for vehicles such as school buses. Spring biased latches are carried by the upper part of a window pane. The spring biased latches have bolts which engage stops at various locations on opposite sides of the window frame surrounding the window. The latches may be normally operated individually by hand to riase and lower the window between a ventilating position (including half-open and other partially open positions), and a fully closed position. The window is equipped with an emergency handle which may be used to pull the latches towards each other, and thereby enable the window to assume a fully open position. In the fully open position, inversion stops prevent the window from inadvertently closing in the event that the vehicle is overturned. The latches are housed in a latch cover which has latch openings. The latch openings are sized so that they prevent manual use of the latches to cause the window to be fully opened.

Abstract: A fixture attached to the floor of a vehicle for restraining and securely holding a wheelchair and its occupant while the vehicle is in motion. The fixture comprises a framework to which is secured upper and lower clamping jaws which act to grip the propulsion wheels of the wheelchair and which are actuated by a manually controlled air cylinder or equivalent vacuum or hydraulic cylinder.