Abstract: A vehicle passenger seat active occupant restraint provides for absorbing energy from a passenger during sudden deceleration of a vehicle. The torso belt portion of a three-point restraint system is anchored using a spring and a displacement limiting linkage at the opposite end from its point of connection to the lap portion of the belt. During deceleration energy is transferred from the restrained occupant to the spring up to the displacement limit.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A cab extender assembly for selectively changing the aerodynamic drag on a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a fixed cab extender and at least one track extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An adjustable cab extender has at least one moveable member that is engaged in the track. An actuator assembly is configured for selectively reciprocating the adjustable cab extender along the track and with respect to the fixed cab extender.

Abstract: A valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) includes at least one conduit (101, 901, 1101). The conduit (101, 901, 1101) has a first inwardly-curved surface (103) opposed to a second inwardly-curved surface (105) such that the conduit is capable of holding a valve lifter (200) between the first inwardly-curved surface (103) and the second inwardly-curved surface (105). The valve lifter guide (100, 900, 1100) may optionally include inwardly-curved alignment surfaces 1103.

Abstract: A turbocharger (107) for an internal combustion engine (100) includes a turbine having a divided turbine housing (109). A first inlet port (113) may be connected to a first volute that is formed in the turbine housing (109), and a second inlet port (114) connected to a second volute that is formed in the turbine housing (109). A center housing may be connected to the turbine housing (109), and a compressor (111) may be connected to the center housing. An exhaust gas valve (137) is in fluid communication with the first inlet port (113) and arranged to at least partially constrict a flow of exhaust gas from entering the first inlet port (113) of the turbine (109), but not constrict the flow of exhaust gas from entering the second inlet port (114).

Abstract: Vehicles equipped with air brake systems and compressed air systems for supporting operation of the brakes provide for automated inspection of the air compressor system using an onboard vehicle or engine management computers. During vehicle operation, the system continuously monitors tank leakage, charge time, cut-in and cut-out pressures. Based on the results of this monitoring, the system can indicate whether or not a manual inspection is necessary. If not necessary provides driver with evidence of lack of need.

Abstract: Multiple storage tanks and multiple valves that open simultaneously allow gas charges stored at superatmospheric pressure in the tanks to simultaneously discharge and form a single substantial percussion pulse that dislodges particulate matter from a diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.

Abstract: The invention provides a seat for a bus that has a movable front frame or seat back that a seat occupant rests his or her back against normally. The front frame is the mounting point for the upper portion of a three-point seat belt. The seat frame contains a rear passenger support wall or rear frame to protect a passenger of rearward seat from moving out his safety zone in a forward direction in the event of a rapid deceleration. The rear frame is part of the seat frame and only moves upon initial contact by a rearward-unbelted passenger impact. A rotation guide slot defines the amount of rear frame movement. The front frame is limited in the amount of its forward pivoting movement by a tether, spring or fluid dampener that is engaged to an immovable portion of the frame and thereby limits forward travel of the front frame.

Abstract: An engine (10) uses a method for counteracting the effect of soot accumulation in a diesel particulate filter (DPF 38) in a diesel engine exhaust system (16) on the control of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) through an EGR system (40). Engine speed (N) and indicated engine torque (TQI) data are processed to select from a map (62) a data value for present EGR volumetric efficiency. The selected data value and certain other data, including data that accounts for present soot accumulation in the DPF, are processed to develop a data value indicative of present total mass flow. The data value indicative of present total mass flow and still other data are processed to develop flow control data for controlling flow of exhaust gas through the EGR system.

Abstract: A hold-down plate (500) for securing a first component (104) to a second component (400) having a seal (416) disposed between the first component (104) and the second component (400), includes a support member (502) having a central opening (504). The support member (502) has an outer face (510), and an inner face (512), that are substantially flat. The central opening (504) is surrounded by an inner periphery (508) of the support member (504), and an outer periphery (506). A plurality of guide elements (520) is disposed into each of a plurality of openings (518) formed in the support member (502), each of the plurality of guide elements (520) having an outer wall (522) surrounding a central cavity (524). The support member (502) has at least two distal end points (514), each distal end point (514) disposed between two consecutive openings (518), and at least two non-flat portions (516) formed in the support member (502), each non-flat portion (516) disposed between two consecutive openings (518).

Abstract: A fan (16) draws air through a core (14) of a radiator (10) to which coolant from coolant passages in an engine (12) rejects heat. A shroud (28) having first and second parts (30, 32) in axial succession channels air that has been drawn through the core toward the fan. The first part (30) is a non-elastomeric ring, and the second part (32) has an elastomeric ring (34) having opposite axial ends, one of which telescopically fits to the non-elastomeric ring of the first part (30) and the other of which joins with a second non-elastomeric ring (36).

Abstract: It is described an internal combustion engine, preferably an engine that operates according to the Diesel cycle, comprising at least one engine head (1) with a valve cover (2) and at least one fuel distribution line (4), associated with the engine head (1) through at least one through aperture (8) located in the valve cover (2). The present invention further relates to an engine head (1), particularly for use in an internal combustion engine, and to a fuel distribution line (4).

Abstract: A set of remote switches (14, 16) located outside the cab of a truck enables service personnel to crank, accelerate, decelerate, and shut off the truck's engine without having to enter the cab. The set of switches are interlocked with controls (12, 13) inside the occupant compartment, including the ignition switch (12) that is used to crank the engine from inside the cab, via an engine control system (11) that uses the state of a switch that senses locking/unlocking of the cab on the chassis engine control system (11) to select either the remote switches or the occupant compartment controls to the exclusion of the other for controlling engine running once the engine has been cranked and started.

Abstract: The following describes an apparatus for and method of clamping a device, such as a fuel injector, to a platform, such as a cylinder head, and thereafter removing the device from the platform together with the clamp. A retaining sleeve is deformed such that the retaining sleeve is held in place between the clamp and a ledge on a fastener disposed within the clamp. The retaining sleeve secures the fastener to the clamp during removal of the fastener, thereby providing that the clamp assembly and the device, such as a fuel injector, are removed together.

Abstract: A truck has an occupant compartment (24), an engine compartment (20) forward of the occupant compartment, and a wiring harness (34) extending through a dash panel (26) separating the two compartments from each other. A grommet (46) is secured at a fixed location on a wire bundle (42) that passes through the grommet. The dash has a through-opening in which the grommet seats, and the engine compartment side of the grommet includes a bend (48) that curves generally downward and away from the dash to direct the bundle generally downward on the engine compartment side.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve actuation system has a hydraulic actuator connected with a valve in an engine. The hydraulic actuator has a boost pin enclosing a drive pin in a casing. The drive pin connects with and defines a valve lash with a valve stem of the valve. The hydraulic actuator applies and releases an actuating force through the drive pin to the valve stem that selectively opens and closes the valve during engine operation. The hydraulic actuator adjusts the valve lash during one or more rest periods. By adjusting the valve lash during the rest periods, the hydraulic actuator essentially adjusts the valve lash in response to one or more of the actual physical parameters of the valve during engine operation.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system for a tractor/trailer system uses exterior sidewall mounted tire RFID tags, valve mounted tire pressure sensors and transmitters, radio repeaters, a tire pressure management system receiver with controller area network interface, a body computer for execution of software modules of the system and a controller area network for carrying data between the body computer and tire pressure management system receiver. The system provides varying functionality depending upon which elements are present. To deal with absence of a tractor, variation in the complimentary TPMS components installed on the tractor, or lack of any complimentary TPMS components installed on the tractor a trailer mounted repeater includes sufficient local processing power and display capability to alert users of any tire pressure problem on the trailer.

Abstract: A gasket (200) includes a metal substrate (202) that has a first opening (204) and a second opening (216) formed therein. A first sealing bead (208) substantially surrounds the first opening (204). A second sealing bead (220) substantially surrounds the second opening (216). A leak conduit (230) is formed in the metal substrate (202) in an area (228) between the first sealing bead (208) and the second sealing bead (220), such that a leak-flow (316) of a first fluid from the second opening (216) past the second sealing bead (220) is routed away from the first sealing bead (208).

Abstract: Radio remote control over a motor vehicle and particularly of auxiliary systems installed on the vehicle is effected through an onboard controller which is integrated with the vehicle's controller area network. This arrangement increases flexibility of the system for handling different systems, and potentially more than one unrelated system.