Abstract: A vehicle such as a terminal or yard tractor used for freight spotting is provided with one or more individual, portable LPG cylinders of the type used by forklifts facilitating tank swapping on an as-needed basis for reduced downtime. Each auxiliary cylinder is a portable, removable and replaceable cylinder having a fuel capacity less than that of the vehicle's primary tank. A controller interfaced to a sensor and a pump is operative to pump fuel from the auxiliary LPG cylinder and into the fuel line to refill the primary LPG tank when the fuel level of the primary tank falls below a predetermined level. The invention may be factory-installed onto the vehicle, or may be provided as a kit enabling an existing vehicle to be retrofitted with the auxiliary LPG cylinder(s).

Abstract: A vehicle such as a terminal or yard tractor used for freight spotting is provided with one or more individual, portable LPG cylinders of the type used by forklifts facilitating tank swapping on an as-needed basis for reduced downtime. Each auxiliary cylinder is a portable, removable and replaceable cylinder having a fuel capacity less than that of the vehicle's primary tank. A controller interfaced to a sensor and a pump is operative to pump fuel from the auxiliary LPG cylinder and into the fuel line to refill the primary LPG tank when the fuel level of the primary tank falls below a predetermined level. The invention may be factory-installed onto the vehicle, or may be provided as a kit enabling an existing vehicle to be retrofitted with the auxiliary LPG cylinder(s).

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: An access system for a terminal or a yard type motor truck tractor includes three vertically and laterally spaced steps which are mountable on the tractor frame just aft of the tractor cab to provide access between ground level and a deck or platform of the tractor aft of the cab. First and second vertical and laterally spaced steps are mounted on a member supported by one of the tractor frame rails. A third step is separately mounted on the frame rail interposed the second step and the platform and includes handrails disposed adjacent thereto. The access system provides improved access between the tractor rear deck or platform and ground level and reduces user fatigue. A member supporting the first and second steps may form a storage compartment.

Abstract: An access system, particularly adapted for a terminal or a yard type motor truck tractor, includes three vertically and laterally spaced steps which are mountable on the tractor frame just aft of the tractor cab to provide access between ground level and a deck or platform of the tractor aft of the cab. First and second vertical and laterally spaced steps are mounted on a member supported by one of the tractor frame rails. A third step is separately mounted on the frame rail interposed the second step and the platform and includes handrails disposed adjacent thereto. The access system provides improved access between the tractor rear deck or platform and ground level and reduces user fatigue. A member supporting the first and second steps may form a storage compartment.