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: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and structures that can be used to quickly disconnect a trailer from a tractor. One embodiment provides a quick disconnect hitch that links a tractor and a trailer. The quick disconnect hitch comprises a tongue attached to the tractor and a body insertable into the tongue. An extension is attached to and projects away from the body. The extension is connectable with the trailer. A pair of lugs is disposed on the body. The lugs are movable between a connected position where the trailer moves responsive to movement of the tractor and a disconnected position where the trailer moves independently of the tractor. A detent is disposed on each of the pair of lugs. A pair of slots is disposed on the tongue. Each of the pair of slots is configured to accept the detent. Each detent is disposed in each of the pair of slots when the lugs are in the connected position, and each detent is dislocated from each of the pair of slots when the lugs are in the disconnected position.

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 motor vehicle frame having parallel frame rails and at least one cross member constructed from a tube. The tube is sealed at its opposite ends by first and second mounting plates to provide a sealed, closed space for the storage of fluids. The mounting plates directly abut the frame rails for attachment of the cross member to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A chassis frame (10) has a cross member (22) that bridges right and left side rails (18, 20). Right and left wheel units (14, 16) comprising respective right and left steered road wheels (24, 26) are suspended from the frame by respective multi-link suspensions (33). A steering system (28) steers the wheels. An electric motor (34) and gear box (36) mounted on the cross member is coupled to the right and left wheels by respective drive shafts (38, 40). The weight of a brake system (42, 44) for the wheels is supported by the frame.

Abstract: A battery assembly (100) is disclosed having an enclosure (102) with a top (104) and sides (102), one of the sides (108) having an opening (110) for receiving the batteries (112) therein. A plurality of batteries (112) in electrical communication with one another are disposed within the enclosure (102). Each of the batteries (112) has a pair of parallel tubular openings (116, 118) extending through the batteries, with one of the tubular openings (116) being in electrical communication with the positive pole (120) of the battery (112) and the other of the tubular openings (118) being in electrical communication with the negative pole (122) of the battery (112). When the batteries (112) are aligned with one another within the enclosure (102), each of the positive tubular openings (116) are axially aligned with each other and each of the negative tubular openings (118) are axially aligned with each other.

Abstract: A loudspeaker input switch system for a truck cabin includes set of loudspeakers arranged in a perimeter arrangement, and an amplifier for amplifying signals from both a stereo player with a forward front-of-stage simulation, and a surround sound player with a front-of-stage simulation rotated 90° from the forward direction. A switching mechanism is used to selectively control the amplifier to change orientation of the front-of-stage simulation. A stereo music program can be played oriented correctly for a user driving the truck and a surround sound program can be played correctly oriented for a user turned 90° from the driving position.

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: The invention is a method to make compression molded motor vehicle parts from a charge of composite material with resin and fibers, such as sheet molded compound. The parts have voids, such as holes and gaps, that form in the compression mold under heat and pressure and not in secondary processing steps. The resin in the charge is melts in a reservoir in the mold to form resinous material from the charge. A flow front of resinous material is allowed to flow into a flow path around a restriction corresponding to the shape of the void from the reservoir. The flow front carries sufficient reinforcing fibers into the flow path. At least part of a border for the void forms in the flow path. The configuration is allowed to at least partially set.

Abstract: A vehicle door latching assembly has a rotating disk assembly to open and latch a door with handles located remote to the latches. The door latching assembly has at least one handle assembly and a hub assembly. The hub assembly includes a rotatable disk mounted to a disk bracket assembly. At least one handle connector connects the hub disk assembly to the handle assembly. A latch connector connects to the hub disk assembly to upper and lower latch assemblies.

Abstract: A modular seat frame for a school bus seat includes riser assemblies for supporting the seat fabricated from a moldable material reinforced locally by attachment and reinforcement members.

Abstract: A vehicle cabinet having cabinet cleats used in conjunction with a vehicle cabin having cabinet cleat receivers is provided for use with a vehicle for operation on the ground. The cabinet cleat receivers cooperate with the cabinet cleats in such a way that locating the receivers with the cleats is easy and requires minimal manipulation by an installer. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An electronic disconnect switch module (12) in a motor vehicle has one or more pairs of high-current, high-side solid state switch devices (30A, 30B, 32A, and 32B). The source terminal of one device of each pair is connected to vehicle load circuits (27), the source terminal of the other device of each pair is connected to the vehicle battery bank (16), and the drain terminals of the devices of each pair are connected in common. The module also has a microcontroller (34) that interfaces the switch devices with the vehicle electrical system. Four feature groups are provided: Vehicle Electrical System Protection, Battery Charge Control, Battery Disconnect, and Battery Monitoring.

Abstract: A module (10) connects to a CAN bus in a motor vehicle and converts a CAN message into an analog signal that can be monitored by test equipment. The module also has wireless communication with a PDA (300) via a radio transceiver (28) to allow the PDA to display a converted CAN message and to select different messages for display.

Abstract: A console (10) for a vehicle includes a body (12) having a back panel (14), the body defining at least one storage compartment (22). A support assembly (40) is secured to a back panel (14) of the body (12) and is configured for attaching the body to a seat back (38). A hinge assembly (58) is secured to the support assembly (40) and configured for enabling rotation of the body (12) from a first position against the seat back (38) to a second position aligned with a seat armrest (70).

Abstract: A shoe (10) created with the professional truck driver in mind has a lower assembly (12) and an upper assembly (14) that provide an interior for a person's foot and a foot opening through which a person's foot can be inserted into and removed from the shoe interior. The shoe features an air exhaust system (22), a toe cover (24) having an air vent (68, 70, 72) that can be opened and closed, a mesh band (84) in the portion of the upper around the ankle, and a hook-type clasp system (94, 96) for a strap (92).

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter of a motor vehicle is cleaned of diesel particulate material like ash and possibly soot, typically using equipment already available in a service shop following the method and diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus of the invention. The diesel particulate filter cleaning apparatus has an air chamber that is coupled to a vibrator and is attached to the diesel particulate filter. The vibrator vibrates the air chamber and the diesel particulate filter to dislodge the diesel particulate material. Air is introduced into the air chamber and into the diesel particulate filter to further remove the diesel particulate material from the diesel particulate filter.

Abstract: A lock (57) for a door assist system (12) for use on a vehicle door (10) and connected to a vehicle to lock the door into an open position includes a door handle (40) having a first operable position, a second operable position and a released position, a pneumatic actuator (28) having an actuator rod (32), where the actuator rod is extendable when the door handle is in the first operable position and the actuator rod is retractable when the door handle is in the second operable position. The door assist system also includes a slide block (34) displaceable by the actuator rod of the pneumatic actuator. A lock (57) also includes a door link (54) connecting the slide block (34) to the vehicle frame. As the slide block is displaced away from the pneumatic actuator (28), the door link opens the door (10) with respect to the vehicle. The lock also includes a hydraulic locking actuator (58) with a hydraulic rod (66) extendable and retractable with the slide block (34).

Abstract: A sliding bar assembly (100) for use in cargo storage applications includes end caps (209, 211) that are used to provide support for a support bar (201, 203) extending between the end caps (209, 211). A retaining member (205) is attached to one or more of the support bars (201, 203) for retaining cargo within a storage area located behind the retaining member. The end caps (209, 211) further include a channel track (307) that is used for guiding the support bar (201, 203) between a substantially raised position and substantially lowered position.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a vehicle with a protective panel. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a frame to which components of the vehicle are attached. At least one fender is attached to the frame. An opening is located on the at least one fender. At least one of a headlight and a light assembly is disposed at the opening. A suspension system is attached to the frame, and the suspension system comprises at least one wheel disposed adjacent the opening. A protective panel is attached to the at least one fender and is located adjacent the at least one wheel and the opening. The protective panel includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper panel is joined to the lower panel by a living hinge so that at least one of the upper panel and the lower panel is movable between and open position and a closed position.