Abstract: A one-piece mounting bracket (30) for mounting an automatic transmission shift control in the cab of a truck has a top wall (34) and laterally spaced apart side walls (36, 38) depending from the top wall and extending rearward into covering relation to laterally opposite sides of the shift control. A face plate (70) spans the side walls of the bracket in covering relation to the shift control, and a shift lever (62) for operating the shift control to shift the transmission extends from the shift control through an opening (72) at the face plate to provide a grip by which a driver of the vehicle can operate the shift control. The side walls are symmetric about an imaginary medial plane that perpendicularly bisects an imaginary plane occupied by the top wall. The side walls also have symmetric hole patterns (50, 52) providing shift cable attachment features that are symmetric about the imaginary medial plane. The bracket may be used in either a right- or left-hand drive vehicle.

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 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.