Abstract: A heating control system for controlling heating of a fluid contained in a fluid vessel using a fluid level sensor as a heating control element. The system includes a control circuit coupled with an electrical power system of a heating unit. The control circuit includes switching elements that are selectively activated or deactivated responsive to a low fluid level in a corresponding fluid vessel such that heating of the fluid is terminated as the level of fluid becomes less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is described herein which includes a microprocessor based interface module which is used to control electric motors coupled to drive wheels. The interface module is configured to include a backup communications link to allow an operator to control the vehicle in situations where control information is unavailable over a primary communications network.

Abstract: A vehicle including a principal power unit that includes a generator coupled to a prime mover. The generator includes at least first and second sets of windings to generate power. The first set of windings is configured to generate power at a first voltage and the second set of windings is configured to generate power at a second voltage that is different from the first voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle including a prime mover, a generator mechanically coupled to the prime mover, a first multi-input drive unit having at least first and second rotational inputs and at least one rotational output wherein the first rotational input is coupled to the prime mover, a first electric motor mechanically coupled to the second rotational input and electrically coupled to the generator and a first pair of vehicle drive wheels coupled to the rotational output.

Abstract: A vehicle powered by a hybrid drive system configured to improve ergonomics within an operator compartment, minimize engine noise within the operator compartment, and/or reduce the transmission of heat associated with the drive system into the operator compartment is disclosed. The operator compartment is carried and/or supported on a chassis relative to the hybrid drive system. The hybrid drive system is coupled to the chassis and comprises an engine coupled to a generator portion. When coupled to the chassis, the generator is positioned in front of the engine. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a refuse vehicle.

Abstract: A refuse vehicle is disclosed that includes a control system which comprises a plurality of microprocessor based interface modules, a communication network, and at least one output device. The control system is configured to disable the output device based on certain conditions of the refuse vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicular firefighting system includes a vehicle, a boom pivotally coupled to the vehicle about a horizontal axis and a nozzle pivotally coupled to the boom. In one embodiment, the system includes a linkage having a first end coupled to the nozzle and a second end coupled to the vehicle such that the linkage maintains an orientation of the nozzle as the boom pivots about the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the boom forms at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle so as to deliver firefighting agent to the nozzle.

Abstract: An electronic control system may be used to control the steering angle of a vehicle wheel. The electronic control system may be used to determine that a measured speed that a steering angle of a wheel is changing exceeds a threshold speed. The electronic control system may be used to determine that a measured range of motion of the steering angle exceeds a threshold amount. The electronic control system may use an encoder to measure the position of a steering angle of a vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A system is provided for permitting movement of a vehicle having brakes while an auxiliary component of the vehicle is operated by the vehicle. The system includes a pressurized fluid source. A control device is coupled to the pressurized fluid source and the brakes of the vehicle to release the brakes in response to a first signal and to at least partially apply the brakes in response to a second signal. A controller applies the first signal to the control device when at least one of a first set of conditions exist and applies the second signal to the control device when a second set of conditions exist.

Abstract: An electric traction system for an electric vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a generator coupled to the engine, a power bus coupled to the generator, a power storage unit coupled to the power bus, a drive controller coupled to an electric motor and to the power bus, and a vehicle controller coupled to the drive controller. The generator is configured to receive electrical power regenerated onto the power bus by the electric motor in order to provide mechanical power to the engine, and the engine is configured to dissipate the mechanical power in order to provide a braking function.

Abstract: A self-contained axle module for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a support structure, a source for electric power, a source of cooling medium, and a vehicle control device. The self-contained axle includes a first side plate removably coupled to the support structure. A second side plate removably coupled to the support structure. A housing coupled to the first and second side plate. An electric motor coupled to the housing and the source for electric power. A motor drive controller unit coupled to the electric motor and to the vehicle control device to communicate signals to the vehicle control device such that one of the speed and torque of the electric motor is controlled based upon the signals. A gear train is mounted in the housing and coupled to the electric motor and an output shaft, wherein, the self-contained axle module can be selectively coupled and decoupled from the support structure.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is described herein which includes a microprocessor based interface module which is used to control electric motors coupled to drive wheels. The interface module is configured to include a backup communications link to allow an operator to control the vehicle in situations where control information is unavailable over a primary communications network.

Abstract: An electric traction vehicle is described herein which may be used to provide power to off-board electric power-consuming systems or devices. The electric traction vehicle may provide 250 kilowatts or more of three phase AC power to an off-board electric power consuming system. The electric traction vehicle may also include an electrical power storage device which can be selectively discharged to allow the vehicle to be serviced.

Abstract: A turret is configured to be rotationally coupled to a vehicle which includes a first apparatus that is immovably coupled to the vehicle. The turret comprises a second apparatus coupled to the turret. The second apparatus is configured to be rotationally coupled to the first apparatus. The turret further comprises a turret controller which uses feedback control to control rotation of the turret relative to the vehicle. The turret further comprises a position sensor coupled to the second apparatus. The position sensor being configured to provide information related to the position of the turret to the turret controller. The turret is configured to engage the first apparatus to rotate the turret relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly includes first and second generally parallel chassis rails. At least one of the first and second chassis rails has a first portion defining an internal cavity and at least a second portion defining an enclosed passageway extending along the first portion and within the internal cavity. The at least one of the first and second chassis rails is configured to be coupled to a first component and to provide a routing within the passageway between the first component and a second component.

Abstract: A vehicle steering system includes a steering input device, a front steering subsystem, a rear steering subsystem, a first force transmission route, a steering control mechanism, a second force transmission route, and a third force transmission route. The front steering subsystem is coupled to front motive members to steer the front motive members based upon movement of a front steering subsystem input shaft. The rear steering subsystem is coupled to rear motive members to steer the rear motive members based upon movement of a rear steering subsystem input shaft. The first force transmission route extends from the steering input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft, wherein force is transmitted from the input device to the front steering subsystem input shaft to steer the front motive members. The steering control mechanism has a movable input member and a movable output member.

Abstract: A vehicle is described herein which includes a first communication network, a second communications network and a router which is used to facilitate communication between the first and second networks.

Abstract: A system for shielding an engine component of an equipment service vehicle including an enclosure, wherein the enclosure includes a surface having a plurality of apertures formed in the surface of the enclosure, the plurality of apertures being dimensioned to minimize electromagnetic emissions from the engine component of the equipment service vehicle.

Abstract: A sub frame assembly for attaching a material container to different vehicles each having a first and second generally parallel chassis member wherein the chassis members of the different vehicles have different spacings. The sub frame assembly comprises at least one frame rail associated with each chassis rail, at least a first and second cross member attached to the frame rails to hold the frame rails in a generally fixed relationship, wherein the cross members space the frame rails at a distance which corresponds to the chassis frame spacing of a respective vehicle.