Abstract: A method of setting a bus route for a bus includes the step of providing a global positioning system (GPS) device (100) on the bus (12), and reading passenger data corresponding to a passenger. The passenger data is read from a passenger identification card and transmitted to the GPS device (16). The method further includes the step of matching the passenger data with a bus stop (28), and generating a bus route with the GPS device (100) based on the passenger data (34). Only bus stops that match passenger data are included in the bus route (34).

Abstract: An auto-reset belly for a military vehicle capable of controlled deformation upon receiving a explosive force and automatic reformation upon dissipation of the force is disclosed. The device includes a top panel, first and second side panels, and first and second lower panels, all sequentially connected to form a hexagonal barrier. Along the connected panel edges in some embodiments, the panels are crenellated, interlocking to form hinged joints which are held together by a plurality of hinge rods. The hexagonal configuration has an initial apex and defines an interior volume with a biasing support within the interior volume. In some embodiments, the initial apex is adjustable and the biasing support automatically returns the hexagonal configuration to the initial apex.

Abstract: A rear dual wheel direct drive axle assembly (30) for a vehicle having a longitudinal frame rail (28) includes a spindle shaft (1) attached to the frame rail and having an axis of rotation generally in the same vertical plane as the longitudinal frame rail. The assembly (30) also includes a dual wheel drive axle (13, 14) transversely and pivotally mounted on the spindle shaft (1). The axle (13, 14) is configured to pivot about the spindle shaft (1).

Abstract: A transaxle assembly (32) for mounting a drive axle assembly (38) to a vehicle backbone frame (36) includes a suspension body (18) having a receiving cavity (19) for receiving the backbone frame, and a plurality of frame members (4, 5, 9, 10) disposed generally transversely to the suspension body. The plurality of frame members (4, 5, 9, 10) are pivotally attached to the suspension body (18) at an upper end (44) of the frame members. The transaxle assembly (32) also includes a receiving structure (12) that receives the plurality of frame members at a lower end (45) of the frame members (4, 5, 9, 10). The receiving structure (12) has a receiving hole (13) that is generally parallel with the backbone frame for receiving the drive axle assembly (38). A cylinder (6, 7) extends between the suspension body (18) and the receiving structure (12).

Abstract: Turbocharger operational condition is monitored using vibration and temperature sensors to project probable bearing failure. Baseline or nominal vibration levels and heat generation are established under conditions when bearing condition can be taken with confidence to be close to nominal. Departure in operating temperature and vibration at a threshold level from baseline operational condition is taken as an indication of probable failure.

Abstract: A truck for towing a trailer includes a vehicle frame spine, a pair of suspension assemblies extending from either side of the vehicle frame spine and each supports a drive assembly at an end distal to the vehicle frame spine. Extensible struts are positioned between the vehicle frame spine and the drive assemblies allowing selection of vehicle drive height from a driving surface. A fifth wheel assembly is supported from the vehicle frame spine located above the drive assemblies. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel lift which varies spacing of the fifth wheel from the vehicle frame spine. Control system selects strut extension based on a selected vehicle drive height and operates the lift assembly to counteract changes in vehicle drive height and maintain a constant fifth wheel drive height relative to the driving surface.

Abstract: A truck for towing a trailer includes a vehicle frame spine, a pair of suspension assemblies extending from either side of the vehicle frame spine and each supports a drive assembly at an end distal to the vehicle frame spine. Extensible struts are positioned between the vehicle frame spine and the drive assemblies allowing selection of vehicle drive height from a driving surface. A fifth wheel assembly is supported from the vehicle frame spine located above the drive assemblies. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel lift which varies spacing of the fifth wheel from the vehicle frame spine. Control system selects strut extension based on a selected vehicle drive height and operates the lift assembly to counteract changes in vehicle drive height and maintain a constant fifth wheel drive height relative to the driving surface.

Abstract: An airbrake reservoir lock system for an airbrake system of a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has an electronic control module. The airbrake reservoir lock system comprises a primary air reservoir, and a first airbrake reservoir lock. The primary air reservoir has an input port and an output port. The primary air reservoir stores an amount of pressurized air. The first airbrake reservoir lock is disposed in fluid communication with the output port of the primary air reservoir. The first airbrake reservoir lock has a valve portion and an electrical actuator. The valve portion has an open position and a closed position. The electrical actuator positions the valve portion of the first airbrake reservoir lock between the open position and the closed position based upon an output of the electronic control module.

Abstract: A casing has an inner end, an outer end, and an internal drive mechanism. The internal drive mechanism has an outer wheel mounting hub at the outer end of the casing and an inner wheel mounting hub at the inner end of the casing, both supported for rotation about an axis. A motor operates the internal drive mechanism to impart rotation to the wheel mounting hubs with equal force whilst allowing the wheel mounting hubs to rotate at different speeds. The internal drive mechanism further has a carrier that is disposed between the inner wheel mounting hub and the outer wheel mounting hub and that is rotated about the axis by the motor. The carrier contains a differential gear mechanism having an outer output shaft for imparting rotation to the outer wheel mounting hub and an inner output shaft for imparting rotation to the inner wheel mounting hub.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbine generator system for a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine with an exhaust system is provided. The exhaust system comprises a turbine, an electrical generator, a waste gate, and an electronic control module. The turbine is disposed in fluid communication with an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine to allow fluid flow between the turbine and the exhaust gas system. The electrical generator connects to the turbine. The waste gate is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The waste gate is positionable between an open position and a closed position in response to an output signal from the electronic control module. The fluid flow in the exhaust gas system to the turbine is reduced when the waste gate is positioned to the open position.

Abstract: A motor bus body (8) has multiple wall extrusions (18, 48) that join respective sides to the roof (16). Each extrusion has an exterior wall (20) that when viewed lengthwise of the extrusion is concave toward an interior passenger space (10) and convex away from the interior passenger space to form a rounded exterior corner of the body. The extrusion also comprises an interior wall (22) that is concave toward the exterior wall (20) and that cooperates with the exterior wall to enclose a space that contains additional walls (36, 38) of the extrusion joining with the interior and exterior walls (20, 22).

Abstract: A vehicle is constructed of three modules including a front end module having a monocoque one piece body, a tail module having a monocoque one piece body and a power train module adapted for installation under at least one of the front end module and the tail module. The front end module has a trailing edge and the tail module has a leading edge along which the tail module and front end module may be temporarily connected for service use. A power train module is provided adapted for installation under at least one of the front end module and the tail module. An expansion band formed in a monocoque one piece section and having a leading edge and a trailing edge is provided allowing temporary installation between the front end module and the tail module to adjust the length of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to internal combustion engine exhaust after-treatment systems and to methods of treating exhaust of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A rear dual wheel direct drive axle assembly (30) for a vehicle having a longitudinal frame rail (28) includes a spindle shaft (1) attached to the frame rail and having an axis of rotation generally in the same vertical plane as the longitudinal frame rail. The assembly (30) also includes a dual wheel drive axle (13, 14) transversely and pivotally mounted on the spindle shaft (1). The axle (13, 14) is configured to pivot about the spindle shaft (1).

Abstract: A tandem axle (TA) has identical right and left halves, each having a walking beam (9) for suspending the respective half from a chassis frame. A front axle (FA) is at a front of the walking beam and a rear axle (RA) at the rear. Each axle has a carrier carrying a direct wheel drive mechanism having a direct drive motor (6) that drives inboard and outboard wheel hubs (3). A front steering motor (14) mounted on the walking beam has a shaft (14S) coupled to the front axle carrier for steering the front axle, and a rear steering motor (13) steers the rear axle. Each carrier carries its direct wheel drive mechanism in a manner that allows the inboard wheel hub to swing upward along an arc while the outboard wheel hub swings downward along an arc, and the outboard wheel hub to swing upward along an arc while the inboard wheel hub swings downward along an arc.