Abstract: An inwardly bend bottom plate, having at least one bending line, is provided on the underside of an armored vehicle body as a protection against mine detonation and can be additionally armored by modular armor plates. Above the bottom plate is a floorboard so spaced therefrom that the dynamic inward buckling of the bottom plate can take place in a deformation space between the bottom plate and the floorboard without injury to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A seating system for a weapon operator of a military vehicle such as a tank has adjustable chest and back supports which can be locked to secure the weapon operator in position with respect to weapon controls in spite of highly dynamic changes in the position of the vehicle.

Abstract: An automatic tire-filling apparatus for a motor vehicle has an electronic controller which, in response to sensors for the operating state of the vehicle, controls pneumatic valves for the tires and a compressor to enable the tire pressure to be matched to such conditions as travel speed, vehicle load, roadway conditions and terrain. The compressor is in a normal operating state part of a closed system with the tire and the pressure reservoir and is directly connected to the pressure reservoir without the intermediary of a switching element.

Abstract: A tire-filling system has an electronic control unit response to the tire pressure and the vehicle operating conditions for automatically operating pneumatic tire-filling valves to increase or reduce the tire pressure to setpoint values determined by the electronic control unit and matching the driving conditions. The pressure is delivered from a variable volume source in which a control element increases or decreases the volume. The system can be operated as an open system or a closed system.

Abstract: A system for reducing the infrar d visibility of an amphibious vehicle that generates hot exhaust gas when it is in a body of water has a nozzle directed downward at and closely juxtaposed with a surface of the body of water. This nozzle expels the hot exhaust gas downward at the surface so as to form a water-droplet cloud that cools the gas and masks the vehicle. the nozzle is set at an angle of at most 60° to vertical.

Abstract: A tire-filling system has an electronic control unit response to the tire pressure and the vehicle operating conditions for automatically operating pneumatic tire-filling valves to increase or reduce the tire pressure to setpoint values determined by the electronic control unit and matching the driving conditions. The pressure is delivered from a variable volume source in which a control element increases or decreases the volume. The system can be operated as an open system or a closed system.

Abstract: A fastening system has a mounting plate of substantially greater area than a flange of a part being attached to a hardened plate. This mounting plate is sandwiched between the flange and an outer face of the hardened plate and has an outer periphery spaced well outward of the flange. A plurality of nuts bear on an inner face of the hardened plate in line with the flange. Respective bolts extend through the flange, mounting plate, and hardened plate into the nuts and press the flange and mounting plate against the outer face of the hardened plate. A weld at the outer periphery secures the mounting plate to the hardened plate.

Abstract: An automatic tire-filling apparatus for a motor vehicle has an electronic controller which, in response to sensors for the operating state of the vehicle, controls pneumatic valves for the tires and a compressor to enable the tire pressure to be matched to such conditions as travel speed, vehicle load, roadway conditions and terrain. The compressor is in a normal operating state part of a closed system with the tire and the pressure reservoir and is directly connected to the pressure reservoir without the intermediary of a switching element.

Abstract: An front wall of an armored vehicle is formed with a large-diameter hole and has a tow hitch in turn having a generally cup-shaped reinforcement plate having an outer periphery engaging an inner face of the front wall around the hole. This plate is forwardly concave toward the hole and the outer periphery is welded to the inner face of the wall by a weld. A tow-eye bar fixed to the center of the reinforcement plate extends forward through the hole. The hole and plate are circular and the plate is of greater diameter than the hole.

Abstract: A tire inflating device for a motor vehicle has a lubricant reservoir connected with a sealed area of the tire bearing. The device has a rotational insert disposed in an external component which has the seal acting upon an inner component. There is a connection member on the wheel support for inflating and deflating a tire mounted on the wheel, a control valve on the hub and bores formed in the wheel support for connecting the connection member with a control valve for the inflation and deflation.

Abstract: A tire inflating system has the tire inflating source connected through the hub to the wheel by a pair of aligned axial holes in the hub and wheel. A movable tube piece in the axial hole in the wheel is formed with side openings and is engaged by a sealing ring in the axial hole in the wheel which also receives a seal pressed by a spring toward a mouth of that hole. The tube piece can hold the seal in an open position until the wheel is separated from the hub.

Abstract: An front wall of an armored vehicle is formed with a large-diameter hole and has a tow hitch in turn having a generally cup-shaped reinforcement plate having an outer periphery engaging an inner face of the front wall around the hole. This plate is forwardly concave toward the hole and the outer periphery is welded to the inner face of the wall by a weld. A tow-eye bar fixed to the center of the reinforcement plate extends forward through the hole. The hole and plate are circular and the plate is of greater diameter than the hole.