Abstract: A hill start assist system for a tractor includes a pressure reduction valve receiving air from an air supply source, a solenoid valve having a supply port connected to a delivery port of the pressure reduction valve, a double check valve receiving air from a foot brake valve and from the solenoid valve, a tractor protection valve receiving air from the solenoid valve and from front and rear brake circuits of the tractor and an inversion valve having a control line connected to the solenoid, a supply port connected to the delivery line of the tractor protection valve, an exhaust port connected to the foot brake valve and a delivery line connected to a stop light switch.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling navigation of a vehicle carrying hazardous materials includes a control module carried on-board the vehicle storing an information matrix containing hazardous material classifications associated with the identity and location of restricted sites. Each site and material pair has associated with it a control zone around it from which the hazardous material is restricted. The control module includes a positioning device that produces a signal indicating the vehicle's current position, which is compared to the coordinates for the control zones. If the vehicle crosses into a control zone, the system generates a warning to the operator. Further penetration causes the system to order a shutdown of the vehicle engine to prevent further movement.

Abstract: An access door system includes a door, a bezel, and a hinge. The door is provided with an open position and a closed position. The hinge connects the door and the bezel and is provided with an end journaled to the bezel about an axis of rotation. The hinge rotating about the axis of rotation between a first position, whereat the door is open, and a second position, whereat the door is closed. One of the hinge or the bezel is provided with a detent receiving portion. The other of the door or the bezel is provided with a detent. The detent receiving portion releasably receives the detent to releasably hold the door in a position.

Abstract: A baffle arrangement for a vehicle fuel tank includes first and second wall portions, each having an inner end and an outer end and formed as a spiral of about 270 degrees. The first wall portion and second wall portion are positioned with the respective inner ends in opposed spaced relation to define a central reservoir, and with the respective outer ends spaced from the other wall portion to form inlets on opposite sides, the portions between the inner ends and outer ends defining passageways to the central reservoir.

Abstract: A support apparatus for an exhaust includes a first bracket mountable to a vehicle cab, a spherical bearing carried by the first bracket, a second bracket mountable to an exhaust pipe, and a rod fixedly mounted to the second bracket and extending through the spherical bearing, the rod being freely movable axially in the spherical bearing, and the spherical bearing allowing the rod to pivot relative to the first bracket.

Abstract: A control device for a truck dump body heating system includes a valve for controlling an exhaust gas flow to either an exhaust stack or an inlet to the dump body heating conduit. The valve may be manually controlled by the operator to select between the exhaust and heating functions. An override detects whether a diesel particulate filter regeneration is being performed, and responsive thereto, causes the valve to direct exhaust gas to the stack, preventing excessive heating of the dump body.

Abstract: An overhead storage unit including a single unit that spans across substantially the entire lateral width of the vehicle adjacent the top of the front windshield. In some preferred embodiments, the overhead storage unit includes a removable electronic device (such as, e.g., a CB radio support). In some preferred embodiments, the storage unit also includes a novel removable switch plate and a unique CB microphone mount.

Abstract: A restraint device includes a latch and a catch. The latch is rotatable between a first latch position and a second latch position about a latch axis of rotation, which is remote from the latch. The catch is provided with a first arm and a second arm. The catch is rotatable about a catch axis of rotation between a first catch position and a second catch position. The catch axis of rotation extends through the catch. When the catch is in the first catch position, the latch, as it is rotated from the first latch position toward the second latch position, contacts the first arm to rotate the catch about the catch axis of rotation, thereby allowing the latch to rotate about the latch axis of rotation past the catch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine of a truck or other vehicle includes a conduit connected to an air source, for example, a turbo driven compressor to deliver air to the exhaust stack or tail pipe. The conduit is controlled by a valve, which is opened and closed by a controller responsive to a measured exhaust gas temperature above a threshold and a vehicle speed below a threshold. The invention is particularly advantageous for engine exhausts having aftertreatment devices that require high temperature regeneration.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an internal combustion engine of a vehicle during an automatic shutdown process, in particular to cool the engine to a predetermined safe shutdown temperature, includes the steps of determining that vehicle-idle conditions exist and whether an engine-associated temperature exceeds a predetermined first threshold temperature value, for which a cooling fan is operated to cool the engine, or higher second threshold temperature, for which at least one of the cooling fan and a coolant pump is operated above idle levels and the engine speed may be increased above idle to cool the engine. Cooling fan and/or coolant pump operation is reduced when the engine temperature is determined to have decreased to below the first threshold temperature value. Finally, engine shutdown is completed when predetermined shutdown conditions are fulfilled.

Abstract: An overhead console (10) spanning the header above the windshield (150) includes support for a removable electronic device (120).

Abstract: A vehicle operator interface system and method for a diesel particulate filter regeneration system, includes a control unit for receiving information on regeneration status of a vehicle diesel particulate filter and receiving information on operational status of selected vehicle systems and components, a visual display for displaying messages to an operator indicative of said regeneration status and said operational status, an input device for highlighting a portion of the displayed messages and for providing an input selection of a highlighted portion, an input selection being communicated to a control device to carry out the input selection.

Abstract: An engine exhaust dispersing device includes a tubular member having a first portion formed as a generally cylindrical wall and adapted to be mounted in fluid communication with an exhaust outlet and a second portion formed as a longitudinally-sectioned cylindrical wall defining a longitudinally extending opening, and, a wedge surface formed on said second portion and protruding into the longitudinally extending opening, the wedge surface having an apex adjacent or in the first portion and a base at an end of the second portion, the base having a width substantially equal to a width of the second portion.