Abstract: A filter for an oil catch apparatus is provided. The oil catch apparatus is capable of efficiently extracting oil from air flowing through the oil catch apparatus while being of compact size. The filter includes a cylindrically wound main filter unit, a first keep member for keeping one end of the main filter unit, and a second keep member for keeping the other end of the main filter unit. Air flowing into the main filter unit from an opening formed in the first keep member is cleared of impurities upon passing through the main filter unit, and exits out of the main filter unit.

Abstract: A ratchet device for providing anti-reverse locking for a grounded slack comprises a pinwheel having flexible angled spokes circumferentially protruding therefrom and a pinion ring into which the pinwheel fits includes a plurality of angled teeth with which the angled spokes mate. The spokes flex and slide over the pinion ring teeth when the ratchet is advanced in a forward direction, and lock against the teeth when the ratchet is not being advanced.

Abstract: A tri-state electronic vehicle system control circuit comprises a plurality of 3-position switches, each of which is coupled to a dedicated pin on a wiring harness for coupling multiple portions of a combination vehicle such as a tractor-trailer combination. Each switch controls a device (e.g., brake lights, turn signal, etc.) and a data link that can be selectively toggled in a manner that permits data transmission without perceptibly affecting device function. Alternatively, two devices controlled by a given switch can be enabled by a single pin on the wiring harness. The tri-state switching circuitry thus doubles the capacity of the wiring harness to which it is applied.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for hybrid electric internal combustion engine applications in which a motor-generator, a narrow switchable coupling and a torque transfer unit therebetween are arranged and positioned in the constrained environment at the front of an engine in applications such as commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles and stationary engine installations. The motor-generator is preferably positioned laterally offset from the switchable coupling, which is co-axially-arranged with the front end of the engine crankshaft. The switchable coupling is an integrated unit in which a crankshaft vibration damper, an engine accessory drive pulley and a disengageable clutch overlap such that the axial depth of the clutch-pulley-damper unit is nearly the same as a conventional belt drive pulley and engine damper. The front end motor-generator system includes an electrical energy store that receives electrical energy generated by the motor-generator when the coupling is engaged.

Abstract: A vision system comprises at least one camera fixedly mounted to a structure and providing a view of an area surrounding a loading dock. The at least one camera communicates with at least one transmitter capable of transmitting a video signal from the at least one camera. A receiver is located in a vehicle such that the receiver receives the transmission of the video signal from the at least one camera in response to a docking event.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system are disclosed. One method comprises rotating a first tire of a plurality of tires on a vehicle and receiving a signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first tire from a wheel speed sensor associated with the first tire. A controller associates the first tire with a wheel location in response to receiving the signal from the wheel speed sensor. A tire pressure sensor in the first tire generates a tire characteristic signal in response to the rotation of the first tire. The controller receives the tire characteristic signal and associates the tire characteristic signal with the wheel location in response to receiving the tire characteristic signal within a predetermined time period from receiving the signal indicative of the speed of rotation of the first wheel.

Abstract: A braking system is provided that enables application and release of a parking brake with fluid control and that also maintains application of the brake during a loss of fluid pressure—all without using springs and using only a single fluid control conduit. The brake actuator for the system includes a housing defining service and parking chambers. A pushrod in the parking chamber is configured for movement with a diaphragm in the chamber. The parking brake is applied by introducing fluid on one side of the diaphragm. A clutch surrounds the pushrod and includes a tooth configured to engage corresponding teeth on the pushrod to hold the position of the pushrod even during a loss of fluid pressure. The clutch is rotated under fluid control to move the clutch tooth into and out of alignment with the teeth on the pushrod to hold and release the parking brake.

Abstract: A brake actuator is provided, in which a diaphragm, used in conjunction with a piston which compresses a parking brake-actuating spring, is arranged such that its outer peripheral region is captured between opposing housing flange portions such that a seal between the interior and exterior of the brake actuator housing is provided in a radially-oriented region of the diaphragm and the housing flange portions away from housing portion jointing components such as a clamp ring or individual fasteners. The diaphragm may also be provided with a wedge-shaped portion at its outer periphery which is axially oriented and configured to reside in a corresponding annular gap between the opposing housing flange portions.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake system that includes at least one pneumatic latching valve; a single device, such as a solenoid, for providing momentary pilot signals to pneumatic latching valve; a source of pressurized supply air in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; a spring brake or other pneumatic device in communication with the pneumatic latching valve; and, optionally, an indicator device for monitoring and displaying the state of the pneumatic latching valve. Upon receiving a first momentary pilot signal the pneumatic latching valve changes from closed to open and delivers pressurized air to the spring brake. Upon receiving a second momentary pilot signal, the pneumatic latching valve changes from open to closed and exhausts pressurized air from the spring brake to the external environment. The valve remains “latched” in its current state until the signaling device is energized and the next momentary pilot signal is received.

Abstract: A purge valve for use with an air drying system is provided. The valve includes a housing or body, a piston disposed within the body, and a valve in communication with the piston. The respective geometries of the piston body and the valve define a circumferential cavity between and around the piston body and the valve. A sealing means is disposed within the circumferential cavity for forming a seal between the valve and the body. A plurality of guide members attached to or formed integrally with the valve provide positional stability to the valve within the body and provide enhanced airflow in, through, and around the valve.

Abstract: An enabling unit for activating a feature in an electronic control unit on a vehicle includes a port for communicating with an electronic control unit included on the vehicle. A processor, which communicates with the port, includes a message for enabling a dormant feature included on the electronic control unit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicle speed control device includes an electronic control unit (ECU). A forward vehicle sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, generates a forward vehicle signal as a function of whether a forward vehicle is detected. The forward vehicle signal indicates a speed and a distance to the forward vehicle. A speed sensor, electrically communicating with the ECU, senses a driven vehicle speed. Control logic, electrically communicating with the ECU and the forward vehicle sensor, controls the driven vehicle speed as a function of a driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal. The control logic sets a fault status as a function of the driven vehicle acceleration and the forward vehicle signal.

Abstract: Methods and valve arrangements for controlling the flow of pressurized air from a tractor to a trailer reservoir and to a trailer spring brake chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, pressurized air from a tractor is supplied from a tractor to the trailer reservoir and to the trailer spring brake in different filling modes based on a user input. In another exemplary embodiment, pressurized service air is used to charge or partially charge the trailer reservoir.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle trailer antilock braking system module includes a module control port receiving a pressure signal, a module exhaust port fluidly communicating with atmosphere, a first switching valve, a second switching valve, a relay valve, and control logic. The first switching valve includes an input port and an output port. The first switching valve input port fluidly communicates with the module control port. The second switching valve includes an input port and an output port. The second switching valve output port fluidly communicates with the module exhaust port. A relay valve includes a supply port, a delivery port, an exhaust port, and a control port. The relay valve control port fluidly communicates with the first switching valve output port and the second switching valve input port. The delivery port fluidly communicates with the supply port and the exhaust port as a function of a pressure signal at the relay valve control port.

Abstract: A brake valve actuator (BVA) of a vehicle is controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) to provide automatic traction control (ATC), roll stability (RS) and yaw stability (YS) functions for the vehicle, by actuating the dual brake valve without driver intervention. The ATC function is provided by making braking pressure available at the driven wheels only of the vehicle. This may be done by selectively controlling the modulators for the driven wheels and the non-driven wheels of the vehicle. The ATC function in this manner can be provided for a straight truck or bus, or for a tractor and trailer, without the need for an ATC solenoid. In another embodiment, a yaw control function is provided, without the need for ATC solenoids or for pressure sensors in the delivery lines. In yet another embodiment, yaw control benefits are provided with an additional sensor.

Abstract: An improved system and method for mounting an air dryer is provided. The improved system and method employs a single centralized special fitting that secures the air dryer manifold to a reservoir. The bore in which the fitting is disposed is used to communicate air from the reservoir to the air dryer in order to purge the desiccant in the air dryer. The mounting assembly includes anti-rotational mechanisms which prevent the air dryer from rotating about its axis. The mounting assembly may also include a reservoir and a mounting bracket for the reservoir which uses less than 75 percent of a truck mounting rail height.

Abstract: A bus door/service brake interlock system having a warning system is provided. The interlock system includes a foot valve assembly to effect a service brake application when warning lights are activated, a vehicle door is open, and minimum speed conditions are met. An auxiliary line is positioned between a source of pressure and the foot valve assembly and includes a valve and a low pressure indicator. Should the operator leave the driver seat with the interlock system engaged, the parking brake is automatically applied.