Abstract: A hood mounting system and a mobile vehicle with this system installed provides improved sound dampening for the hood of the vehicle. The hood mounting system includes two lower hood brackets and one upper cowl guide mounted to the cowl or forward portion of the cab of the vehicle. The hood of the mounting system includes a rear support frame that has a center hood guide bracket for engagement to the upper cowl guide. The hood rear support frame also has two hood rear support guides, one each vertical side of the support frame. Each hood rear support guide mates with a lower hood bracket. The lower hood brackets each contain a liner insert that may be made from a rubber or urethane sheet or molded from this material. This liner insert acts as the component interface. The center guide bracket of the hood also has a urethane or rubber liner insert located within its fold receptacle.

Abstract: A vehicle has a novel frame structure that comprises two novel frame rails that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and cross-members that are fixedly engaged between the two novel frame rails. Each of the novel frame rails comprises a web that extends vertically along the length of the frame rail, an upper flange that extends horizontally from an upper end of the web, and a lower flange that extends horizontally from a lower end of the web. Each of the novel frame rails further comprises one or more reinforcing lips, each of which extends vertically from an outer end of either the upper flange or the lower flange.

Abstract: A connector component for fluidly or electrically connecting two or more devices to one another is constructed in such a manner that it can be repeatedly quickly and easily mounted to and subsequently separated from a connector mounting component. The connector component includes a mounting portion that is disposed within a connector opening in the connector mounting component when the connector component is mounted to the connector mounting component. The connector component includes at least one quick connect clip such as an E-clip or snap ring clip that can be engaged to the connector component to maintain its attachment to the connector mounting component.

Abstract: A method of boot strap starting a diesel having a plurality of cylinders comprises the steps of initiating cranking the diesel and responsive to cranking forcing exhaust valves for all cylinders open during compression strokes. Thereafter, responsive to the engine rotational speed signal exceeding a first threshold, an exhaust valve for one cylinder is allowed to open and close in synchronous with movement of a piston in the cylinder. Further responsive to engine rotational speed exceeding a second threshold higher than the first threshold, cranking is discontinued and the remaining exhaust valves are allowed to open and close in synchronous with movements of pistons in their respective cylinders.

Abstract: An radiator and charge-air-cooling package made up of two air cooled heat exchangers: a radiator and a charge-air-cooler, the heat exchangers being attached to one another directly or indirectly and then attachable to a chassis or body of the vehicle. The two heat exchangers are both longer than wide with each having center cooling areas. Each heat exchanger has cooling cores in which their coolant flows. Air passes across these cooling cores when the vehicle moves to cool the coolant. The long sides of each of the heat exchangers are geometrically out of synch with the other. With the center cooling areas of each of the heat exchangers overlapping each other, at least one end of each heat exchanger may be unfettered by air flow the other heat exchanger.

Abstract: An access hatch reinforcement module and a method of assembling an access hatch to an existing engine compartment hood of a vehicle. The access hatch reinforcement module includes a wall engagement component for engagement to the hood outer wall of the engine compartment hood. The access hatch reinforcement module further includes a door engagement component for engagement to a hatch door of the access hatch. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component of the access hatch reinforcement module are directly fixedly engaged to one another by temporary fixed engagements. The wall engagement component and the door engagement component are also indirectly engaged to one another through operational door connecting components such as a hinge component.

Abstract: A chassis inverter consisting of a set of clamps that hold a mobile vehicle chassis and a hydraulic driven rotary actuator. The apparatus and an overhead crane system provide a method of inverting and transferring chassis in a short time period needed to meet high volume vehicle manufacturing needs. The apparatus consists of two c-shaped clamps that cradle the chassis. The clamps are assembled to a shaft that is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through a sprocket and chain arrangement that provides a full inversion of the chassis. One clamp has a motorized trolley that provides adjustment needed for handling chassis of widely varying wheelbase. The process involves an overhead crane system with a bridge crane section that provides the necessary broadside loading motion, and an interlocking monorail section that allows the hoist carriers to exit the bridge and travel perpendicularly to the inverting apparatus' loading direction.

Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.

Abstract: A driver control module for a vehicle and a method of assembling and installing the driver control module in the vehicle. The driver control module includes the operator control pedals, the steering column and a large portion of the brake actuation system of the vehicle. The driver control module is designed to be assembled as a unit and then mounted to the dash of the vehicle.

Abstract: An accessory-mounting assembly for mounting accessories at a distance from exterior surfaces of a vehicle. The accessory-mounting assembly is constructed such that it has a “break away” feature whereby an accessory-mounting component may pivot about a pivot axis when it is subjected to a substantial impact. Thus, the risk of damage to the vehicle, the accessory-mounting assembly, and the accessories mounted to the accessory-mounting assembly when the accessory-mounting assembly is subjected to a substantial impact is reduced. The accessory-mounting assembly includes four brackets that are fixedly engaged to exterior surfaces of the vehicle and from which the other components of the accessory mounting assembly are suspended. Three of the four brackets that are fixedly engaged to the vehicle are integrally engaged to one another.

Abstract: A shift control is provided that pulls a cable when the handle is moved rearward. The shift control can be used as an integrated shift control for shifting the gears of an automatic transmission and actuating a park locking system. In the preferred embodiment the shift control pulls the cable in tension when a park pawl locking system is disengaged.

Abstract: A fluid pump is provided that produces an outflow of fluid that is not proportional to the speed of the input drive. Thus, the fluid pump can be tuned to provide a substantially constant outflow of fluid irrespective of the speed of the input drive. The fluid pump also provides fluid outflow when the rotational direction of the input drive is reversed.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer system uses aerodynamic principles to use crosswind to its advantage. The system has a curvilinear duct by having a attaching a convex body on the trailer front and a concave body on the back of the cab. When a cross wind enters the gap, it creates a negative pressure (compare to ambient) on the convex surface (trailer front) and a positive pressure on concave surface (back of the cab). Both of these pressures will help reduce the drag. Further having the crosswind flow smoothly can lead to less turbulence intensity in the gap, which can help in improving handling qualities of the system. There is a similar situation both for drag as well as handling qualities can be given for the air traveling in vertical direction (even at zero cross wind).

Abstract: An engine compartment splash panel for a vehicle is disposed generally between the engine of the vehicle and a nearby wheel to prevent water and debris from being flung from the nearby wheel onto the engine. The engine compartment splash panel and the panel-support components that mount it to the vehicle are constructed in such a manner that the engine compartment splash panel can be quickly and easily mounted to and removed from the vehicle to provide for expedient execution of service procedures. The engine compartment splash panel has a substantially rigid portion that defines and/or has mounted to it a number of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another. The panel-support components define and/or have mounted to them a plurality of locating features that have fixed positions relative to one another and that are complimentary to the locating features of the engine compartment splash panel.

Abstract: A molded product has a main body formed of a monolithic sheet of thermoplastic. The thermoplastic sheet has side and back sections extending horizontally at substantially right angles to one another and define an upright orientation of the molded product. The side and back sections are connected to a central vertical spine between the side and back sections. An intermediate angled section interrupts the vertical spine and located between the side and back sections. Front and rear major surfaces cover the main body. A plurality of apertures through the intermediate angled section connecting the front and rear major surfaces and serve as an integral speaker grill.

Abstract: A chassis inverter consisting of a set of clamps that hold a mobile vehicle chassis and a hydraulic driven rotary actuator. The apparatus and an overhead crane system provide a method of inverting and transferring chassis in a short time period needed to meet high volume vehicle manufacturing needs. The apparatus consists of two c-shaped clamps that cradle the chassis. The clamps are assembled to a shaft that is driven by a hydraulic cylinder through a sprocket and chain arrangement that provides a full inversion of the chassis. One clamp has a motorized trolley that provides adjustment needed for handling chassis of widely varying wheelbase. The process involves an overhead crane system with a bridge crane section that provides the necessary broadside loading motion, and an interlocking monorail section that allows the hoist carriers to exit the bridge and travel perpendicularly to the inverting apparatus' loading direction.

Abstract: The invention provides a stowable ladder mechanism for an overhead bed or upper berth in a bunk bed. A horizontal linear guide is vertically spaced above a horizontal support surface and associated with a bed or berth. The rungs of the ladder are supported between two vertical uprights, one of which is fixed at one end of the berth and the second of which is coupled to the horizontal linear guide and translates across the horizontal support surface along one side of the bed. The plurality of rungs include swing sections mounted on hinges which hang vertically when the translatable vertical upright is positioned adjacent to the fixed vertical upright. When the translatable upright is positioned away from the fixed upright, the swing sections are supported in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A platform and platform support system for an occupant cabin of a vehicle. The platform support system has a primary supporting structure and a prop, the combination of which provide full support for the platform. The prop of the platform support system can be engaged to one of a plurality of prop support points. The platform is supported in a different unique position by the platform support system when the prop is engaged to each different one of the plurality of prop support points. The platform includes accommodations for storing the prop in the platform when the prop is not in use as a support for the platform. The platform and platform support system can be included as part of a bed for the occupant cabin of a vehicle. Because the platform can be selectively supported in one of a plurality of unique positions, a user of the bed can configure the platform support system to provide a bed that is positioned to allow for a more comfortable sleeping environment for various circumstances.

Abstract: A rotational element for a wheel comprises a cast iron segment and an anti-lock brake system exciter ring adhering to the cast iron segment as a cast-in insert. The anti-lock brake system exciter ring is made of a material having greater corrosion resistance and a higher melting point than the cast iron. The exciter ring includes at least a first tang penetrating the cast iron segment. The exciter ring is preferably made from ferritic stainless steel. For disk brake systems the rotational element serves as a disk brake rotor. In vehicles using drum brakes the rotational element serves as a wheel hub.

Abstract: An engine or radiator mounting sub-system comprised generally of an engine or radiator frame cross piece that is assembled to the engine or radiator off of the assembly line of a mobile vehicle. The off-line assembly allows the engine mounts to be preloaded prior to assembly. The engine or radiator and frame cross piece module may be lowered into the chassis on an assembly line for final fastener engagement that comes through the side or top of the frame rails. In one embodiment, the frame cross piece has an end bracket on each end that allows the lowering in of the engine or radiator into exact forward and aft placement on the respective frame rails. There may be frame rail brackets that have ‘L’ shaped ends. Where these ‘L’ brackets are used, the length of the frame cross piece including the ‘L’ brackets out to the outer vertical face will closely approximate the width between the rails.