Abstract: A load transfer system and device for use in connection with structures forming a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The load transfer system includes a first surface, a second surface joined in an overlapping configuration with the first surface at a plurality of connection points, and, a load transfer device, wherein a force impacted on the first surface transfers via the load transfer device away from the connection points to prevent shearing of the connection points from the surfaces. The system and device are particularly useful on military vehicles, which are frequently subjected to high impact activities, including shock waves from a mine blast or impact between two objects, such as a vehicle crash. These events can subject the structures forming the vehicles and cabins to large shear stresses, particularly on the connection points holding the structures together, which could cause the connections to fail.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the engine braking capacity for a vehicle is disclosed. The system and method include providing a compression release braking system, providing an energy drawing component for increasing power draw on the vehicle engine, and, increasing the engine braking capability by synchronizing operation of the energy drawing component with operation of the compression release braking system. The energy drawing component includes a hydraulic fan, which is part of the cooling system of the vehicle. Increasing the speed of the fan draws energy from the engine, which in turn, increases the braking capability of the engine.

Abstract: An auxiliary electrical power system for a motor vehicle is described. Generally speaking, the system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor and an auxiliary alternator. The pump is coupled to and driven by the vehicle engine mounted within the engine compartment of the vehicle, and the pump operates to pump fluid at a pressure. The hydraulic motor is operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and turns a gear coupled to the motor. The alternator has a gear coupled by a belt to the gear of the hydraulic motor. the auxiliary alternator is positioned outside the vehicle engine compartment to conserve space for other critical engine components. Further, the hydraulic pump may be coupled to the engine power-take-off shaft. The motor gear to alternator gear ratio is about 1:4 to allow charging even at low engine idle.

Abstract: A blast absorption structure and system for use in absorbing blast forces exerted upon an armored vehicle is disclosed. The blast absorption structure includes a first absorption component and a second absorption component, wherein the first and second absorption components deform to absorb and slow the forces prior to reaching an occupant of the cabin. Deformation of the first and second components reduces the blast force load transmitted through the vehicle structure to the occupants' lower extremities, thereby avoiding catastrophic injury to the lower extremities.

Abstract: A detachable blast structure for use as an underbelly device of a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The blast structure comprises at least one modular section attachable to the underbody, and means for attaching and detaching the modular sections to the underbody. The modular sections are separately attachable and detachable from portions of the vehicle as needed, depending on the situations and environment the vehicle will be exposed to and the level of protection required.

Abstract: A load transfer system and device for use in connection with structures forming a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The load transfer system includes a first surface, a second surface joined in an overlapping configuration with the first surface at a plurality of connection points, and, a load transfer device, wherein a force impacted on the first surface transfers via the load transfer device away from the connection points to prevent shearing of the connection points from the surfaces. The system and device are particularly useful on military vehicles, which are frequently subjected to high impact activities, including shock waves from a mine blast or impact between two objects, such as a vehicle crash. These events can subject the structures forming the vehicles and cabins to large shear stresses, particularly on the connection points holding the structures together, which could cause the connections to fail.

Abstract: A system and method for locking and unlocking separate access doors of a vehicle using a single movement, is disclosed. The locking system includes a sliding member, a primary rotating lever coupled to the sliding member, a secondary rotating lever operably connected to the primary rotating lever through a plurality of linkages, and at least two pivotal latches positioned at separate access areas of the vehicle and operably connected to the linkages, wherein a single movement of the sliding member rotates primary and secondary rotating levers to pivot the latches simultaneously between an engaged position and a disengaged position at the separate access areas.

Abstract: A modular vehicle frame structure assembly, which combines a monocoque cabin structure with separately attachable space frame structures, is disclosed. The modular vehicle body assembly includes a monocoque cabin structure, a front frame section and a rear frame section, wherein the front and rear frame sections secure separately to the respective front and rear sections of the cabin structure and extend longitudinally therefrom forming a modular vehicle body with the cabin structure. The modular vehicle frame assembly is useful in the construction of light weight, low-profile military vehicles.