Abstract: The fuel nozzle support funnel comprises a top conical section and a bottom smaller opening neck section. The top conical section has a top rim configured to seat over the fuel inlet opening of a truck fuel tank with the top conical section extending into the fuel tank. The bottom smaller opening neck section depends into the tank from a bottom smaller opening edge of the top conical section and has an inner sleeve therein made of a frictional material non reactant with diesel fuel. The inner sleeve and surrounding smaller opening neck section are of a diameter sufficient to allow passage therethrough of a fuel nozzle of a fuel pump. The top conical section has a plurality of openings therein through which air can escape during fueling to maintain the pressure within the tank constant.

Abstract: A system for modeling a battery installed on a motor vehicle including a crank started engine, a voltage sensor connected to provide measurements of battery voltage and a temperature sensor providing temperature measurements provides for correcting capacity of the battery starting from the battery's rated capacity. A vehicle body computer implements the model through a stored program implementing an energy flow model of the target battery and stored data relating to model parameters including battery rated capacity and cranking current required for engine start over a temperature range. The stored program being responsive upon execution by the vehicle body computer for using the battery voltage measurements and temperature measurements during engine cranking to correct battery capacity.

Abstract: A frame extender (10) for attachment to a siderail (14) and to a front cross member (16A) of a vehicle frame (12) having a centerline (C) includes a first portion (52) generally parallel with and attached to the siderail. The frame extender (10) also includes a second portion (66) extending generally transversely from the first portion (52) and outwardly from the centerline (C), and a third portion (80) extending from the second portion and generally parallel to the siderail (14). The first portion (52), the second portion (66) and the third portion (80) are formed as a single component.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle has an interior occupant compartment, commonly called a cab when the vehicle is a truck, that has a floor (60) covered by respective floor coverings (12, 14) that have top surfaces opposite the floor. The coverings connect to each other along a joint (16) cooperatively defined by respective over- and under-lapping margins (42, 44) of the respective coverings. One of the margins (44) has two open receptacles (50, 52), and the other (42) has formations (46, 48) each fitted respectively in a respective open receptacle so as to locate the respective top surfaces of the coverings substantially flush with each other and in substantial mutual abutment along the joint. An expanse 42A, 44A that forms at least a portion of the respective top surface is disposed beyond and integrally formed with the respective margin. A foam pad (62, 64) underlies each expanse.

Abstract: A mirror assembly (30) has a housing (32) that houses a mirrored reflecting surface (40) for enabling a person in a driver's compartment of a vehicle cab (10) to look through a side door window opening (20) and see a field of view toward the rear of the vehicle. The mirror assembly mounting (32) includes a mounting bar (42) that is attached to the side door, that has a length running along the top margin of the door, and that along at least a portion of that length comprises an upwardly open channel (50) for collecting rainwater runoff from the roof and carrying it rearward before the runoff can wash across the window opening.

Abstract: A steering shaft (12) has an end toward a driver of the vehicle and is arranged to turn about an axis (27) to steer a vehicle. A hub (14) of a steering wheel assembly (13) is fastened to that end of the shaft. A spoke pattern of one or more spokes (15) extends away from the hub to a rim (17) that when grasped by the driver and turned, turns the shaft to steer the vehicle. With the rim turned to a position that steers the vehicle in a straight line of travel, the spoke pattern assumes a position of at least approximate symmetry with respect to a vertical plane through the axis. An escutcheon (24, 26) covers the one or more spokes to prevent the driver from having an unobstructed view of the one or more spokes and is positionable within a range of positions relative to the one or more spokes.

Abstract: A method of mounting a battery box (10) on a frame rail (12). Fasteners and elements (36, 38; or 54, 56) provide spaced apart, axially tapered outer surfaces (46; 62) proximate a vertical side of the rail with the tapers narrowing toward the side of the rail. The box has tabs (28) having downwardly open throats (30). The box is hung on the rail by positioning the box so as to place each tab over a respective element (38 or 56) on the fastener (36 or 54) with the tab throat aligned with the element, and then lowering the box to cause the elements to enter the tab throats and the throats to come to rest on the elements so that at least some of the weight of the box is borne by the rail through the throats resting on the elements. With the throats resting on the elements, the tapered outer surfaces present axial interference to the tabs beyond the tabs relative to the rail. After the box has been hung, the box is fastened to the rail by additional fasteners.

Abstract: A control system for a hybrid-vehicle equipped with power takeoff equipment provides control over primary and redundant, relatively low output systems so that the redundant system is not damaged by concurrent operation of the primary system.

Abstract: The drive away axle assembly comprises at least an axle shaft having a proximal end seated within an axle housing and a distal terminal flange and a hub having a distal end land and a sidewall. The distal terminal flange of the axle shaft has bores therein which align with threaded bores in the distal end land of the hub, and axle shaft/hub connectors engage through the bores to removably connect the hub to the axle shaft. Further, an axle shaft retaining bolt extends through the sidewall of the hub for engagement with the axle shaft structures to maintain the axle shaft within the axle housing when the axle shaft/hub connectors are removed. Upon removal of such connectors, the hub rotates freely without imparting rotation to the axle shaft. Still further, an accessory spring may be provided for assisting in disengagement of the axle shaft flange from the hub.

Abstract: A bimodal shifter assembly provides a radically simplified mechanical arrangement for movement of the shifter in each of two modes along distinct shift paths.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for removing heat from an engine compartment in a motor vehicle where heat generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle tends to collect. Engine heat is collected in a thermofluid in a reservoir forming an evaporator (14) where the thermofluid absorbs heat sufficient to evaporate it. The vapor naturally migrates to a condenser (22) that is cooled sufficiently to condense the vapor back to liquid phase. The liquid falls by gravity back to the condenser.

Abstract: An Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device is provided useful for lowering the temperature of exhaust gasses exiting the tailpipe of a vehicle having an aftertreatment device. The Exhaust Temperature Reduction Device for Aftertreatment Device may be manufactured from a single piece of formed sheet metal, two pieces of formed sheet metal that have been joined, or a net formed process such as investment cast stainless steel.

Abstract: A grille for a vehicle, especially for severe service vehicles, is provided. The grille couples to a front reinforcement assembly of the vehicle's hood using a male and female slip joint, such as a boss and track. The grille and hood also hinge together. A spring engages the grille and the cooling module of the vehicle.

Abstract: To avoid engine idling to support cabin heating, an auxiliary coolant heater can heat engine coolant and pump it through compartment heaters or the engine cooling system. The coolant flow control system provides great flexibility in selectively distributing heated coolant for heating and engine preheating.