Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle engine equipped with a cruise control includes the step of operating the engine in accordance with fuel delivery limits within a first range of delivery limits when the speed of the vehicle is less than a first speed limit and the cruise control is engaged such that the engine is controlled to permit acceleration of the vehicle under substantially all operating conditions. The engine is operated in accordance with fuel delivery limits within a second range of delivery limits less than the first range of delivery limits when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the first speed limit but less than a second speed limit. The engine is operated in accordance with fuel delivery limits within a third range of delivery limits less than the second range of delivery limits when the speed of the vehicle is greater than the second speed limit whereby the engine is controlled to permit acceleration of the vehicle under less than substantially all operating conditions thereof.

Abstract: A control for and method of operating a vehicle engine (12) equipped with a cruise control (44) includes apparatus for and the steps of providing a memory (86) having stored therein first and second sets of data which control the position of a fuel rack (20) as a function of engine speed, determining when the cruise control (44) is engaged, retrieving the first set of data from the memory (86) when the cruise control (44) is engaged, retrieving the second set of data from the memory (86) when the cruise control (44) is not engaged and using the retrieved set of data to control the rate of fuel delivery to the engine (12) whereby extra power is available when the cruise control (44) is engaged to minimize downshifting. Also, fuel economy is improved and the set cruise control speed is better maintained.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system is provided with dual offset cantilevered leaf springs. A forward and a rearward extending leaf spring are both mounted to a vehicle axle in a longitudinally overlapping transversely offset manner. The forward and rearward springs are also connected at their extended ends to a structural frame member of the vehicle. The longitudinally overlapped mounting of forward and rearward extending springs allows the deflection per given load of the suspension system to be increased while at the same time minimizing the overall length of the spring suspension system. The transverse offset of the spring may provide for a decreased turning radius by allowing greater clearance between the wheel and suspension system.

Abstract: An electrically heated fuel pick-up assembly insertable into a motor vehicle fuel tank for defrosting and dewaxing the fuel therein at the fuel pick-up point includes an inner tube substantially coextensive with and disposed within an outer tube in spaced relationship thereto to define therewith a fuel flow passage therebetween. The inner and outer tubes are immersed within the fuel tank and are supported by a base member attached to one end of the outer tube. A flexible PTC resistance strip heater of the type which automatically adjusts its heat output in response to fuel temperature is spirally disposed along the entire length of the passage on ribs secured to the inner tube for heating the fuel flowing through the passage from a fuel inlet in the end of the inner tube opposite the base member to a fuel outelt in the cap member communicating with an engine fuel supply line.

Abstract: A twist clip is provided for supporting tubular objects on structural members. The inventive twist clip has opposing fingers which surround and retain the tubular object. The clip fingers are axially separated along the installed tube to allow the tubular object to be angularly inserted.

Abstract: The present invention is a truck with an air powered and air cushioned multipositional reclining sleeper bed. The present invention provides increased comfort for the occupant of the sleeper compartment by utilizing the compressed air system of the truck to adjust the sleeper bed to the position desired and to cushion the ride of the sleeper occupant.

Abstract: A novel parking brake for motorized vehicles is disclosed. The parking brake is designed to be an integral feature of an essentially conventional drive axle housing. The novel parking brake comprises a sliding clutch shaft attached to a clutch element that, when actuated, engages a complimentary clutch element attached to the drive axle ring gear. Additional gear means prevent the engaged clutch shaft from rotating, and so, prevent the drive axle ring gear from rotating, in effect, securing the vehicle.

Abstract: A retainer is installed on the pedestals of adjacent rocker arm assemblies to tie the pedestals, rocker arms, and retainer into a permanent subassembly. The retainer includes rectangular apertures for receiving the pedestal shanks which in one direction comprise spring steel tabs which grip the sides of the pedestal shank with high unit loading and in the other direction provide generous clearance to permit axial sliding adjustments of the pedestals relative to each other to align the bolt holes and thus facilitate installation of the subassembly on the engine head. The spring steel tabs further align the pedestals with each other and with the engine and prevent the pedestals from turning when the tie down bolts therethrough is torqued.

Abstract: A choke-type thermostat is provided with a bypass valve. The inventive thermostat has a pliable valve member which prevents flow to an engine coolant bypass when the thermostat is in the completely open position in regards to an engine radiator outlet. Valving of the engine coolant bypass provides maximum flow to the radiator outlet when the thermostat is in the open position. Since the engine bypass is valved off by the thermostat when the thermostat is in the open position the diameter of the engine coolant bypass may be increased therefore allowing increased flow therethrough when the thermostat is in a closed position.

Abstract: A field-going machine is disclosed for separating the green liquid fraction of a green vegetation crop into leaf protein concentrate fraction and a brown liquid fraction, where a portion of the brown liquid fraction is heated and then recirculated to mix with the incoming green liquid fraction to cause its coagulation.

Abstract: An inflatable and extendable skirt for reducing the air drag caused by a moving motor vehicle such as a truck. The skirt is normally rolled up on itself and can be extended, as between parts of the vehicle, upon introduction of the compressed air into the pocket chambers secured to the skirt. The skirt can be inflated or deflated automatically when the motor vehicle passes a predetermined speed or whenever an operator feels it is beneficial to inflate or deflate one or a plurality of skirts.

Abstract: The glow plug control circuit (28) is coupled to one or more glow plugs (31,38) and includes a resistance bridge, the resistance (30) of the parallel connection of the glow plugs plus the resistance (76) of lead wire conductors being coupled to the bridge which has a first resistance leg, a second resistance leg, a third resistance leg (53), and a fourth resistance leg (54). A junction (128,130) between two resistance legs (56,53) is coupled to a source of voltage potential and a junction (67) between the other two resistance legs (53,54) is coupled to ground (67). A comparator (72) has plus and minus inputs (70,74) and an output (82). One junction (58) between two of the resistance legs (53,54) is coupled to the minus output (74). One of the other resistance legs coupled between the voltage source and ground includes two series connected resistors (51,52) which define a voltage divider (41) and which are coupled to the glow plugs.