Abstract: An energy storage module (30, 32) for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (12). Multiple low-voltage storage batteries (36) disposed on a tray (60) and connected in parallel circuit relationship form a low-voltage battery bank. A DC-to-DC converter (42) has an input connected to the low-voltage battery bank and an output connected to a high-voltage energy storage bank (34). An AC-to-DC converter (40) is connected to the low-voltage battery bank for charging the low-voltage battery bank from a source of AC electricity (45).

Abstract: An automatically adjusting side mirror assembly for a vehicle having an eye gaze detection system has a mirror subassembly, a support bracket, an actuator mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The mirror subassembly has a first and second position. The second position aligns the mirror subassembly generally parallel to the vehicle in order to provide better aerodynamics. The support bracket connects to the vehicle. The mirror subassembly is connected to the support bracket. The actuator mechanism and the biasing mechanism each connects to the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism has a first and second position corresponding to the first and second position of the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism is in electrical communication with the eye gaze detection system to position the mirror subassembly to the first position in response to an output of the eye gaze detection system. The biasing mechanism biases the mirror subassembly to the first position.

Abstract: A platform assembly can be used in a motor vehicle, such as a truck, to support a person or objects. The platform assembly can have a frame with pivotal attachments to allow the frame to be at least partially collapsible. The platform can pivotally and removably attach to the frame.

Abstract: A power take off system for a hybrid-electric vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a hybrid-electric motor and generator, a power take off mechanism, a hybrid control module, and an engaging mechanism. The hybrid-electric motor and generator couples to the internal combustion engine. The power take off mechanism couples to the internal combustion engine and the hybrid-electric motor and generator. The power take off mechanism receives torque from at least one of the internal combustion engine and the hybrid-electric motor and generator. The hybrid control module is disposed in electrical communication with an electronic system controller. The hybrid control module generates output signals for controlling the internal combustion engine. The engaging mechanism is disposed in electrical communication with the electronic system controller. The engaging mechanism has a first mode and a second mode.

Abstract: A torque limiting engine rotation tool for rotating a crankshaft of an engine, where the engine rotation tool is configured to be operated with a socket wrench or non-impacting tool and is configured to engage an accessory drive pulley bolt or any other bolt that causes the crankshaft to rotate, includes a socket body. The socket body has a driving portion coupled to a bolt-torquing portion with a shear pin. A receiving recess is defined by the driving portion and is configured to receive the socket wrench or non-impacting tool. A female socket recess is defined by the bolt-torquing portion and is configured to engage the bolt. The amount of torque applied by the socket wrench or non-impacting tool to the bolt is limited by the shear strength of the shear pin.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting side mirror assembly for a vehicle having an eye gaze detection system has a mirror subassembly, a support bracket, an actuator mechanism and a biasing mechanism. The mirror subassembly has a first and second position. The second position aligns the mirror subassembly generally parallel to the vehicle in order to provide better aerodynamics. The support bracket connects to the vehicle. The mirror subassembly is connected to the support bracket. The actuator mechanism and the biasing mechanism each connects to the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism has a first and second position corresponding to the first and second position of the mirror subassembly. The actuator mechanism is in electrical communication with the eye gaze detection system to position the mirror subassembly to the first position in response to an output of the eye gaze detection system. The biasing mechanism biases the mirror subassembly to the first position.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for an auxiliary power unit comprising an alternating current generator having an exciter winding and an output winding and an automatic voltage regulator for providing control over the excitation winding of the generator includes a harness with plug connectors allowing the diagnostic tool to be directly introduced between the generator and automatic voltage regulator replacing the conventional connections without affecting operation of the auxiliary power unit. The diagnostic tool has a plurality of multimeters between the automatic voltage regulator and the alternating current generator providing voltage readings across and resistance readings for the generator's stator exciter winding and main and auxiliary output windings. A protocol relates voltage and resistance readings taken with the multimeters when the auxiliary power unit is on and off to possible faults in the generator or with the automatic voltage regulator.

Abstract: A vehicle having a particulate resistant windshield comprises a windshield, an ionizer, and a controller. The windshield is disposed in a cab portion of a vehicle. The windshield has a periphery. The ionizer has at least one electrode disposed adjacent the periphery of the windshield. The controller is in electrical communication with the ionizer. The controller generates a signal transmitted to the ionizer to control generation of ions by the ionizer. The ions generated by the ionizer are directed towards at least a portion of the windshield.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.

Abstract: Dissolving paper (22) covers pressure sensitive adhesive (20) on a mounting face (18) of an object (16) to be mounted on an exterior surface of a body panel (10) of a motor vehicle by a mechanical fastening system (24). The mounting is exposed to a water wash. Water begins to be absorbed by the dissolving paper through the edge of the paper's outer perimeter. As the paper increasingly absorbs water, it dissolves in the water exposing the adhesive which then adheres to the panel.

Abstract: A highway tractor (12) has a fifth wheel (28) to which a trailer (14) that is to be towed by the tractor can be coupled. A positioning system sets fore-aft position of the fifth wheel on the tractor. The positioning system (FIG. 2; FIG. 3) has a positioning mechanism for moving the fifth wheel fore and aft on the tractor and a controller for processing certain data that is used to cause the positioning mechanism to move the fifth wheel to a fore-aft target position on the tractor.

Abstract: A vehicle equipped for power take off operation using direct application of power from a hybrid electric powertrain. A body computer connects to the controller area network to receive chassis input signals. A controller area network has an electronic control module, a transmission control module, and a hybrid control module. The electronic control module electrically connects to the transmission control module and the hybrid control module. A data link based remote power module is installed on the vehicle for generating body demand signals for initiating operation of the vehicle hybrid electric powertrain for a power take off operation. A plurality of PTO request switches are electrically connected to the controller area network. The body computer is programmable to accept a signal from at least one of the PTO request switches to change an operating state of the power take off operation.

Abstract: A motor vehicle operator interface and control algorithm convey diesel particulate filter regeneration status to the operator. The algorithm also allows new control over heretofore automatic regeneration, through limiting the inhibit function. The DPF after-treatment operator interface provides multiple status indications to the operator. In a preferred embodiment this is effected using a switched indicator lamp.

Abstract: An engine exhaust gas particulate filter comprises a plurality of paired longitudinal flow cells having a first flow cell channel and a second flow cell channel. The first flow cell channel is disposed in fluid communication with the second flow cell channel through a common permeable filtration wall. Each of the plurality of paired longitudinal flow cells forms a non-linear flow path about a longitudinal axis of the engine exhaust gas particulate filter.

Abstract: Redundant power supplies and redundant channels of communication maximize the probability that a controller will trigger a battery disconnect switch to open when commanded to do so.

Abstract: In a pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle, a variable speed electric motor is connected to a high voltage direct current power supply for variable energization, thus varying the operating rate of a compressor and the rate of pressurization of the brake system storage tanks. The operating rate of the compressor is varied responsive to pressure readings taken from the storage tanks during pressurization to minimize energy consumption.

Abstract: A frame member for a frame assembly of a vehicle includes a first outer steel layer, a second outer steel layer and an aluminum core layer between the first outer steel layer and the second outer steel layer. The first outer steel layer, the second outer steel layer and the aluminum core layer are metallurgically bonded together.