Abstract: A mirror head assembly for mounting adjacent to or at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The mirror head assembly includes one or more mirrors that enable a person to view areas surrounding the vehicle that the person could not easily view via a direct line of site. One or more lights are mounted to an outer shell of the mirror head assembly. The outer shell of the mirror head assembly may be constructed with a narrow portion disposed between adjacent mirrors so that the mirror head assembly presents less obstruction to the view of persons in the vehicle of areas surrounding the vehicle.

Abstract: A control system and method for an EGR valve, particularly in a diesel engine. A processor processes data in feedback control of the position of the valve element to develop from the data a position control signal for setting the extent to which the valve is open. The processing includes processing data corresponding to actual position of the valve and data representing a desired position of the valve to develop a position error signal, processing data that defines actual EGR rate and data representing a desired EGR rate to develop a rate error signal, and processing the position error signal and the rate error signal to develop the position control signal. Emission control system event monitors flag potential error sources in their incipiency to afford opportunity for correction before mandatory logging occurs.

Abstract: A diesel engine control system and method. A first data source provides data defining a current maximum limit for fueling the engine. A second data source provides data defining a torque request for the engine. A third data source providing data distinguishing between the occurrence and non-occurrence of a vehicle event, such as a traction- or transmission-related event, calling for change in value of maximum allowable engine torque from a preset value to a different value. When the third data source data indicates occurrence of a vehicle event calling for change in value of maximum allowable engine torque from the preset value to a different value, the data from the first data source and the data from the second data source are processes to develop data representing a value of maximum allowable engine torque different from the preset value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle frame. The frame is constructed from two parallel siderails running longitudinally down the length of the vehicle. An intermediate cross member support is positioned between the siderails to support a driver's cab. A datum support hole is positioned through each siderail to support mounting of one end of the cross member support for the driver's cab. The remaining support holes are arrayed in rows and columns positioned with reference to the datum support hole. A first row of supplemental support holes runs parallel to a bottom flange on each siderail and includes the datum support hole. A second row of supplemental support holes in each siderail runs parallel to and above the first row. A third row of supplemental support holes in each siderail runs parallel to the first and second rows and is positioned above the second row by the distance as the second row is above the first row.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for a single piece integrated front module housing for an internal combustion engine, which decreases engine complexity, manufacturing time and production costs. The front module housing comprises a thermostat housing, a water pump housing, at least one coolant passage, an oil pump housing, and at least one oil passage. The front module housing further comprises a power steering pump mounting, an oil pressure regulating valve housing, at least one support boss member, an at least one sensor housing. There is provided a method for an integrated one-piece front module housing, comprising the steps of forming a front module housing casting mold and cores, forming the front module housing via introduction of molten material into the mold, removing the front module housing from the mold and removing the casting core from the cast front module housing, and finishing the front module housing.

Abstract: A programmable bus stopping system of a mobile vehicle in electrical communication with controllers or actuators for all of the safety and warning devices requiring actuation upon a vehicle stop for passenger egress. The electrical communication may be through an area wide network that may allow multiplexing. In addition the controllers or actuators, the communication network may be electrically engaged to an electronic system controller for coordinating operation of controllers and actuators. There may be a manual switch, push-button, or actuator accessible to the driver of the vehicle that allows communication to activate a series of activities that must occur upon a bus stopping to let on or let off passengers. The system activation points may be tied to vehicle speed or to vehicle position relative to a stop requiring a component or components to activate.

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.

Abstract: The invention is an inlet device or snow valve adapted to fit an air cleaner housing for a motor vehicle. The inlet device has an annular door with an open window that rotates between first and second positions. In the first position, the window of the annular door aligns with an outside air opening in the housing to allow the flow of outside air into the air cleaner apparatus. In the second position, the annular door rotates so the sidewall of the annular door covers the outside air opening and blocks the flow of outside air into the air cleaner apparatus. The second position allows the flow of under hood air into the air cleaner apparatus. In either position, the device preferably totally closes the other opening to assure all under hood intake air flow comes from the desired location.

Abstract: A suspension system for the steering axle of a vehicle chassis includes a right side air spring and a left side air spring. In the preferred embodiment leading rigid arms link each end of the steering axle to a pivoting mount on the chassis and transmits brake reaction torque as a lifting force to the chassis. Spring half leaf trailing links connect each end of the steering axle to the chassis, rigid leading arms provide anti-roll capacity as well as help in locating and stabilizing axle position.

Abstract: A controller area network diagnosis instrument for diagnosis and evaluation of electronic components on a vehicle control system 10. The controlled area network diagnostic instrument (CANDI) includes a computer processor 119 with a graphics display 121. The processor 119 has a cable 132 to plug into the diagnostic connector 36 engaged to a common data bus 18 of the vehicle 101. The processor 119 is programmed to graphically show a mock gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel 120 on the display 121 in that has the same appearance as a real vehicle gauge cluster or vehicle instrument panel 102. When connected to the diagnostic connector, the processor 119 mines data off of the data bus 18 and converts it into human readable form on the display 121. This may take the form of mock conventional gauges 124, mock warning lights 105, mock switch status 123, or mock LCD displays 126 shown via computer graphics on the processor's display 121.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle steering column (10) and adjustment system has a telescope adjustment mechanism for adjusting the fore-aft position of the steering wheel (12) to the driver of the vehicle and a tilt adjustment mechanism for adjusting steering wheel inclination. Each adjustment mechanism includes a respective motorized linear actuator (24, 26). A force feedback system operates the actuators and includes telescope and tilt sensors (42, 44) for sensing telescope and tilt adjustment forces externally applied to the steering wheel by the driver during adjustment of steering wheel position. A controller (40) is responsive to the sensors for operating the actuators to position the steering wheel in directions of adjustment corresponding to the directions of telescope and tilt forces applied by the driver. Adjustment motion stops when the externally applied forces causing the motion cease.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method to monitor air filter restriction within an air cleaner system of a motor vehicle. The invention uses a quick connect couplig to allow fluid communication between a restriction gauge and the air cleaner housing and also provides a means of attaching the restriction gauge or a remote tubing connector to the air cleaner housing. The quick connect coupling is located within an axial bore, generally within a conduit in the housing. A portion of the filtered air is drawn from the air cleaner housing through the quick connect coupling and into the restriction gauge, where the pressure is measured and the amount of air filter restriction is gauged.

Abstract: A single air spring positioned under one side of a vehicle provides side to side leveling of the vehicle. Main springs support the vehicle above a pair of coaxial wheels or coaxial wheel sets. An auxiliary, inflatable air spring is positioned to provide additional support to the vehicle above one of the wheels. Deflection of the main springs from a norm or index is indicated by movement of tie rods mounted from the wheels, axle, or base of the main springs relative to the suspended portion of the vehicle. One tie rod is directly linked to a free end of an equalizer lever whereby the equalizer lever moves in the same direction as the tie rod. The second tie rod is coupled to the remaining free end of the equalizer lever by a rotatable rod, whereby the appropriate end of the equalizer lever moves in the direction opposite to the tie rod. The equalizer lever is suspended at its center from an actuation lever for a valve used to control inflation and deflation of the auxiliary air spring.

Abstract: A spring designed to be mounted adjacent and in conformance with a convex or concave surface that has varying radii of curvature. The stiffness against bending of the spring varies along its longitudinal axis. The stiffness against bending of various portions of the spring is proportional to the radii of curvature of portions of the surface adjacent which each portion of the spring is to be disposed. The mounting structure for the spring includes female mounting members that are to be engaged to male mounting members. The female mounting members and male mounting members can be engaged to one another by sliding the two components together. The spring and mounting system are particularly well adapted for holding objects adjacent an inner surface of body panels of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual release system for a slam lock to a luggage compartment door for a vehicle. The slam lock, as is conventional, includes a catch and a latch bar. The catch is installed on a surface of the luggage compartment adjacent the door. The latch bar is mounted through a lock cylinder, which is in turn mounted through opposite major sides of the door to bring the latch bar into engagement with the catch when the door is closed. The latch bar is spring biased to releasably engage the catch. The lock cylinder is accessible by key from the major side of the door on the exterior of the vehicle, and is actuable to move the latch bar to a released position relative to the catch. A release cable within the vehicle is attached to the latch bar to pull the latch bar to the released position relative to the catch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting fuel into a diesel engine combustion chamber is provided wherein a pre-pilot injection is injected sufficiently prior to critical mass conditions being achievable to permit vaporization and formation of a substantially homogenous mixture before a critical mass exists. Preferably, a pilot injection is injected after the pre-pilot injection but at or before a point wherein a critical mass based on the pre-pilot quantity. This will result in a reduced heat release rate will result in a slower, smoother and more controlled build up of pressure in a combustion chamber and thereby advantageously reduce combustion noise.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing an oil pan heater on an oil pan while the oil pan is mounted on an engine block. Oil is drained from the engine oil pan. Then the engine oil pan is pierced to provide a pilot hole having pierced ends extending into the engine oil pan. A circular chamfered groove is formed surrounding the pilot hole so as to provide an oil pan thickness at a base of the chamfered groove. A pull is inserted into the oil pan through the pilot hole to engage an internal portion of the oil pan surrounding the pilot hole. The pull extracts a circular slug from the oil pan and a substantially circular hole is formed in the oil pan. An expandable heater bushing is inserted in the substantially circular hole. The heater bushing has an expandable tubular section extending from an enlarged head. The tubular section is crimped and the enlarged head is sealed to the oil pan. Then the heater is attached to the enlarged head.