Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body supported above ground level by wheels. A first door on the vehicle body curb side has a doorsill at one level. A door on the vehicle body street side has a doorsill at a different level, spaced by a greater distance above the ground level. A driver station in the vehicle body has a door control for controlling the opening and closing of the doors from the driver station. The vehicle can be employed in a transportation system with stations having different platform levels at heights corresponding to the different levels of the two doorsills.

Abstract: A stairway for a motor coach is located in one side wall of the motor coach immediately adjacent the front wall and in front of the front wheel well. The stairway cooperates with a hinged door mounted at the front wall and openable to an angle less than 90.degree. from the coach side. The stairway is defined by a plurality of steps of equal riser height together with two vertical side walls each on a respective side of the stairway. The walls are smoothly curved around a center of curvature rearwardly of the stairway and to one side of the coach so that the stairway smoothly curves from a front edge at the doorway to a ramp section of the aisle commencing at a line at right angles to the side of the coach. The front edge of each step is at an angle to the front edge of the next step so that the steps provide gradual turning from the side of the coach to the front of the aisle.

Abstract: A multipurpose vehicle includes a cab portion disposed over a front set of wheels and a rearwardly facing engine drivingly interconnected with a rear set of wheels. A frame is connected at its forward end to the cab portion, and the rear set of wheels and the engine are mounted to the frame. The frame includes a floor portion located between the rear set of wheels and the cab portion. The floor portion of the frame is defined by a pair of parallel side frame members extending in a front-to-rear direction, and an intermediate frame member located between the pair of side frame members. This construction allows the floor portion to be relatively low to the load. A segmented door assembly includes an upper door panel and a lower door member. The lower door member includes a pan member pivotably mounted to the frame, and a plate member pivotably mounted to the outer end of the pan member.

Abstract: Seats for a bus attached to a structure that is directly supported from the understructure, and not attached to the side structures of a vehicle, thus avoiding the placing of the seated passenger load on the conventional side structure.

Abstract: A bus interior configuration has an entertainment station located just behind the driver's compartment. The entertainment station has a video display screen, a video cassette recorder/player, a compact disc player, an audio player and a stereo speaker system. Theater-type reclining seats are arranged in rows that are tiered upwardly from the front to the back of the bus to provide each passenger with an unobstructed view of the video display screen. The back of each seat is provided with a fold down tray table and a fold out reading light. A wet bar is provided in the rear of the bus adjacent the restroom area.

Abstract: A bus body and body-to-chassis frame mounting structure is provided wherein the body is vibration isolation supported from the chassis frame and includes a flooring assembly spaced no more than 3" above the chassis frame, and further wherein the flooring assembly has the lower ends of the legs of top bows of the body anchored relative thereto through the utilization of sill panel structure providing not only an inwardly opening channel for receiving the opposite side marginal edge portions of the flooring assembly, outer side seat mounts and body side reenforcement against lateral impact, but which also facilitates multi-area rigid interconnection between the flooring assembly, the top bows and the outer side panels of the bus body. Further, the mounting structure utilized to mount the bus body from the associated chassis frame accomplishes the mounting function through the utilization of simple conventional body-to-frame mounting structure.

Abstract: A visor control includes a pair of parallel spaced arms, each pivotally coupled at one end to a mounting structure secured to a vehicle headliner and having opposite ends pivotally secured to a sun shield such that the shield can be translated by rotation of the parallel arms between a raised stored position and a lowered use position. A spring extends between the mounting structure and one of the movable elements to impart a force to the shield, tending to return the shield to a stored position. Releasable latching means hold the shield in a lowered position and can be operator actuated or automatically actuated with vehicle door opening to allow the spring to return the shield to the stored position permitting ease of exit from the vehicle.

Abstract: The assembly comprises a frame, a pair of body sides, a front panel, a rear panel and a roof, and is characterized in that said parts are connected together by threaded connection means.

Abstract: A vehicle body able to withstand fluctuating external pressure while providing ample space for the passengers, by having a multiplicity of substantially square, first frames each having reinforced portions on two upper corners thereof, provided by rounding inner surfaces of the two upper corners, and a multiplicity of substantially square, second frames having reinforced portions on two lower corners thereof provided by rounding inner surfaces of the two lower corners. They are arranged alternately over the length of the vehicle body, and are connected together by longitudinal structural members. A shell plate is attached to the substantially square frames at their outer surfaces, to provide a substantially square vehicle body.

Abstract: A bus construction and loading station for selective seated and reclined posture of passenger transport in a multiplicity of isolated compartments one above the other between bays formed by reinforcement bulkheads, with individually controlled air conditioning into each compartment, and each compartment being divisible to separate passengers.

Abstract: A compact and light front body construction for a motor vehicle, in which a pair of suspension towers are increased in strength. In the construction, each of a pair of wheel aprons is divided into upper and lower wheel-aprons and the lower wheel-apron has a projecting portion such that the suspension tower is formed by the projecting portion and an upper panel attached to an upper face of the projecting portion. Furthermore, the upper wheel-apron has a closed cross section such that the upper panel is secured to an underside of the upper wheel-apron.

Abstract: In a limousine hearse having a body, front and rear ends, a roof and a pair of longitudinally spaced doors, the improvement which comprises a unit floor extending substantially the length of the body to its rear end. A first partition upon the floor extends transversely thereof intermediate its ends defining a forward passenger compartment upon one side and an axially extending storage compartment upon its other side. An upright second partition upon the floor within the storage compartment intermediate the sides of the body defines upon one side an axially elongated storage chamber for a casket and upon its other side a second axially elongated storage chamber adapted to receive flowers. An upright closure lid is hinged upon the rear end of the body normally closing off the storage chambers.

Abstract: A vertically inclined engine low floor bus in which the prime mover for the bus is a rear engine oriented above the rear axle of the bus in a vertically inclined position with the transmission assembly being connected to the rear axle through a gear transfer case closely adjacent the front of the axle to enable the floor of the bus to be constructed at a lower position than arrangements in which the floor must be oriented vertically above the upper limits of movement of the rear axle assembly. Orienting the engine in this position also enables the overall height of the bus to be less than conventional while maintaining desired passenger compartment height and further enables the wheel base of the bus to be increased without increasing the overall length of the bus.

Abstract: A vertically installed engine low floor bus in which the prime mover for the bus is a rear engine oriented vertically above the rear axle of the bus to enable the floor of the bus to be constructed at a lower position then arrangements in which the floor must be oriented vertically above the upper limits of movement of the rear axle assembly. Orienting the engine vertically enables the wheel base of the bus to be increased without increasing the overall length of the bus. The vertically mounted engine enables the engine and transmission assembly to be mounted on a sub-frame that is pivotally supported for downward swinging movement of the engine and transmission assembly to a generally horizontal position projecting rearwardly from the bus to enable increased accessability to the engine and transmission assembly as well as the accessory components.

Abstract: An air transfer system joins the plenum of a first vehicle section to the plenum of a second vehicle section in an articulated coach vehicle with minimal deflection or intrusion into the passenger space. A generally V-shaped collection manifold in the rear vehicle section carries air from a plenum to an outlet near the end and top center of the rear section. A similar manifold in the front section carries air from an inlet near the end and top center of the front section to the other plenum. A bellows of a relatively stiff rectangular cross-section joins the outlet and inlet to complete the connection, and deflects as the vehicle sections rotate without passenger space intrusion.

Abstract: A module element (1) comprises a transverse window section (2) of the body, open at the ends thereof, a chassis unit (4) including a pair of wheels (20) disposed under a window (12) and connected to the window section (2) by means of a suspension (21), and a transverse door section (3) of the body, open at the ends thereof, and butt-jointed with the window section (2).A bus assembled on the basis of the module elements (1) comprises an intermediate body section (31) disposed between the module elements (1) and corresponding in the dimensions thereof to one of the sections (2 or 3) incorporated into the module element (1). The module elements (1) and the intermediate section (31) disposed therebetween are located between front and rear elements (29 and 30) of the body.The buses of the same standard size series differ in terms of the number of included module elements (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled suspension monorail vehicle carried on top of a nonstop train. At depots the monorail vehicle attaches itself to a suspended monorail by way of an attachable drive mechanism.Passengers leaving the nonstop train have access to the monorail vehicle by way of a stairway that extends through a magnetic collar that connects the bottom of the monorail vehicle to the top of the nonstop train. Horizontal sliding doors seal the bottom of the monorail vehicle and the top of the nonstop train during a separation or retrieving maneuver.

Abstract: A carriage body structure for public transportation vehicles, having two sides comprising a latticework of uprights and stringers supporting each a sidewall longeron member whereto a respective roof longeron member is rigidly connected. The roof longeron members form the base members for the roof of the carriage body structure. The roof structure further comprises arcuated crossbeams connected with and extending between the roof longeron members, and wide elongated covering sectional members resting on the crossbeams and extending in the direction of the roof longeron members.

Abstract: An improved, low height, electrically powered mine car is provided for transporting an entire crew (up to eleven persons) in a low vein mine shaft which includes strategically located and sized personnel and driver compartments for maximum load capacity. The main crew compartment is oriented to hold up to eight individuals who lie in a substantially supine position with their limbs intertwined; the forward end of the car has a central driver compartment allowing the operator to steer and control the car in a generally supine position, as well as two additional personnel compartments respectively ahead of the front wheels where the passengers may ride in a reclined position. The motor, main differential and drive shafts are substantially encased within a housing structure in order to prevent fouling of these components by dirt or the like encountered in a mine shaft. Spring structure for the car combines low profile, rugged characteristics and minimum space requirements.

Abstract: A passenger and luggage handling system for an air terminal utilizes a unique bus-type vehicle according to the invention which has a passenger compartment in the elongated body which is separated from the luggage compartment extending longitudinally therealong, preferably beneath the passenger compartment. At one end of the vehicle the passenger compartment has an elevatable stairway having a member which can be lifted strictly vertically to the height of the aircraft door, thereby entraining a corresponding number of steps of the stairway also strictly vertically. The luggage compartment is provided with means, e.g. a conveyor, for moving the luggage through this compartment or into and out of the compartment.

Abstract: A bus frame including a floor frame and a roof frame, the roof frame including a three-dimensional longitudinally continuous framework occupying at least a portion of the total roof frame width. The three-dimensional framework fits along the corners of the bus formed where the roof and side walls of the bus meet. The outer contour of the framework has the form of a triangular prism, one face of the prism coinciding with the bus roof, and another face coinciding with a bus side wall. The prism-shaped framework is defined in part by a series of triangular transverse members, each member being in a plane normal to the longitudinal centerline of the bus. The diagonally-oriented frame members, which face the interior of the bus, carry retaining elements for holding trim panels.

Abstract: A railway carriage body comprises a shell structure formed from a base sub-assembly, a pair of side-and-roof sub-assemblies each of which constitute one side and part of the roof of the body, and a pair of end-wall units. The base and side-and-roof sub-assemblies when assembled together make up a series of transverse rectangular frames interconnected by longitudinal girders to which a sheet metal covering is fixed. Each frame includes a two-part lower transverse element forming part of the base sub-assembly, and a two-part upper transverse frame element the two component parts of which are included in respective ones of the side-and-roof sub-assemblies. The two frame parts making up each upper and lower transverse frame element are so fashioned as to permit them to be adjusted longitudinally of each other during assembly and prior to being rigidly connected together; as a result, the width of the carriage body can be set as required.

Abstract: An articulated omnibus having a two-axle leading member, a single-axle trailing member, and an engine aft of the trailing member axle. The forward wheelbase between the front and center axles is approximately equal to the rear wheelbase between the center and rear axles. The front overhang is about 1/6 to 1/7 of the forward wheelbase, and the rear overhang is about 1/2 to 1/3 of the forward wheelbase. Passenger entrances near the front and center axles have thresholds lower than the central portion of the forward member. A driver's seat and compartment are located above the front axle.

Abstract: A method for widening an automotive vehicle by cutting through the vehicle components along a cut line having a predetermined orientation which facilitates salvaging and remounting of certain components, and reattaching of the cut portions after the cut portions have been moved apart a predetermined stretch distance. Spacer components are attached between the cut portions of certain ones of the vehicle components to bridge the stretch distance therebetween. The cut line is located to the right of the vehicle engine and heater/air conditioner assembly to eliminate disruption of interconnections therebetween. The original dash mount is refabricated and an adapter is mounted to it to provide a substitute pair of hood mounts for remounting the original hood, new panels being provided to bridge the stretch spaces around the remounted hood.

Abstract: A system for controlling the kneeling operation of air suspension equipped transit vehicles includes air suspension members (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) mounted at the wheels of the transit vehicle (10) and a fluid reservoir (32). A fluid circuit is included that communicates the reservoir with each of the air suspension members. An exhaust control valve (36) and a fluid flow control valve (150) are included in the circuit at each air suspension member. The system also includes a control valve for the front wheels of the vehicle and a by-pass valve (162) for by-passing the control valve (40) for the front wheels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a body for vehicles, as well as to vehicles carrying such a body, wherein the side surfaces of said body consist of modular elements assembled to one another, each of said modular element having an angle extension forming at least a portion of the roof of said body.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby the exterior of an older bus can be refurbished and modernized to incorporate both the design features and certain advantageous mechanical functions inherent in modern bus exteriors. The method involves the stripping away of the old monocoque exterior sheathing of the bus, together with the windows, the emergency door, and the front and rear sheathing beneath the windshield housings, then building up a framework of skin support structure between the sheathing support beams, stretching a skin across the sheathing support beams and tack welding it into place against the new framework. New style windows are inserted into place and a new, modernized emergency door is installed.

Abstract: A support structure of a motor bus comprises a plurality of modular cells each comprising two rectangular end frames made up of two channel section uprights and upper and lower channel section crosspieces, the channels facing axially away from the other frame and having flanges for welding to corresponding members of a contiguous frame of an adjacent modular cell in the structure. Longitudinal reinforcement is provided by longitudinal members at the upper corners which together form a box-section stringer and by channel section stiffeners joining the lower crosspieces. A corrugated panel overlies the lower crosspieces and is joined to them.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air suspension system uniquely disposed and mounted between the vehicle underbody and the wheel-supporting sub-frame to facilitate minimum clearance between the vehicle floor and the ground, to enhance vehicle roll stability, and to enable the front end of the vehicle to be more efficiently lowered or tilted to facilitate passenger ingress and egress.

Abstract: A method for converting a standard, production van-type vehicle to a multi-passenger commercial transportation vehicle whereby the chassis body, front passenger door and roof of a production van-type vehicle are transformed to a new commercial multi-passenger vehicle which is convenient to board and unboard under driver control, which permits upright passenger mobility, and which at the same time is structurally secure.

Abstract: The invention includes vehicle body panels, and vehicles containing such panels. The panels contain reinforcement that enables them when assembled to contribute to the structural strength of the vehicle. The basic volume of each panel is formed from plastics by reaction-injection moulding so that the panels are light in weight and would be inadequate, in the absence of the reinforcement, to withstand the structural loads. In a typical vehicle construction panels are arranged to form arches spanning from one side of the vehicle to the other, a succession of such arches being assembled together down the length of the vehicle.1.

Abstract: A bus construction in which a structure fastened to the chassis encloses the passenger area, and has sidewalls above the bottom of the vehicle, which are provided with a longitudinal carrier section. This section is interrupted only by door cutouts, and it connects to columns. The longitudinal carrier section is, furthermore, divided into a fixed supporting inside shell and a non-supporting easily replaceable outside shell used for covering. The supporting inside shell has a bottom arch section, and a hanger bar for the vehicle floor and for the wall-side seat fastening. The bottom arch section is staggered towards the inside, and a plate-like shell section with the two fixed supporting inside shell overlap in the vertical direction. The bottom arch section in the region overlapping the shell section is offset so that after connecting to the shell section, at least one tubular lengthwise cross-section appears.

Abstract: A sidewall construction for a bus having several fitted sections and seats mounted on the wall. A seat fastening strap is attached to a support tube of the seats and extends downward. One of the sections of the sidewall structure, particularly the bottom arch section at the level of the lower end region of the seat fastening strap, has an angle-shaped recess open at the rim and facing the seat fastening strap. The recess has a hanger bar for hanging the seat fastening strap, and a screw lock for disconnectably fixing the seats in place. The recess has an L-shaped cross-section at the open rim, and two arms connect at right angles to this cross-section. The arms correspond, on one hand, with the seat fastening strap, and, on the other hand, they correspond to a screw bolt passing at right angles through the seat fastening strap.

Abstract: A multi-passenger vehicle such as a bus has a lateral entry and exit door which opens a stairwell. One or more passenger seats are arranged immediately adjacent to the stairwell. The passenger seat is oriented in such a manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the bus that the passenger either faces in the travel direction or in the opposite direction. A foot rest plate covers the stairwell when the door is closed. The foot rest plate is hinged about a horizontal axis extending across the longitudinal axis of the bus. In the upwardly tilted position the foot rest plate does not interfere with the free use of the stairwell for its purpose and in the closed position the foot rest plate makes the particular seat adjacent to the stairwell as comfortable as any other seat in the bus.

Abstract: A motor-driven vehicle for selective use for transporting material and for transporting personnel, especially for use in underground mining operations, with a loading platform for the material to be transported. Below the loading platform parallel to the two longitudinal boundaries of the vehicle one bench or seat row each for transporting persons is provided. The area of the loading platform covering the respective bench or seat row is constructed as a loading platform part pivotable upwardly about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and adapted to be locked in the upwardly pivoted position.

Abstract: A box-shaped body for busses in which the sidewalls have windows and some of the sidewalls have doors. A roof is connected to the sidewalls, and at least the lengthwise sidewalls of the box-shaped body are connected to the roof by a two-part roof rim profile. A section of this roof rim profile is associated with the sidewalls and forms a continuous upper arch section directly connected to an upper edge of the windows. The roof rim profile has also a section associated with the roof, which is box-shaped and supplements the upper arch section. A self-centering detent connection with undercuts is provided at a point connecting the upper arch section with the box-shaped section of the roof rim profile. The inside of the upper arch section and the box-shaped section each have a lug for hanging a covering creating a space of triangular cross-section for holding lamps, cables, ventilation channels and similar elements.