Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser for a truck includes a chamber mountable on a truck exhaust stack pipe. The chamber has a cross sectional area much greater than the cross sectional area of the exhaust pipe, and has a dispersing element disposed in the line of exhaust flow to divert exhaust gases laterally into the chamber volume. One or both of the top and front side walls are formed as a mesh or screen to allow the dispersed exhaust gases to flow outward away from the truck cab in a diffused area.

Abstract: An exhaust diluting and diffusing apparatus includes a pipe mountable on a exhaust stack pipe, and having a flared skirt inlet to define an annular inlet, a mixing section adjacent the inlet, and an exhaust section formed as a pipe section with a multiplicity of holes. The apparatus pipe has a diameter greater than the diameter of the exhaust stack on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A ventilated window arrangement includes a window and a window frame. The window frame includes an outer side and an inner side, an opening from the outer side to the inner side in which the window is mounted, and a ventilator passage extending from the outer side to the inner side. The ventilated window arrangement also includes a ventilator panel attached to the frame and movable from a closed position in which the ventilator panel seals the ventilator passage to an open position in which fluid communication between the outer side and the inner side is permitted.

Abstract: According to some preferred examples, a vehicle having a removable deck plate or platform is disclosed. The vehicle preferably includes: a) a frame; b) a platform for placement upon the frame; c) a clamping plate for clamping against the frame; d) a clamping arm engageable with the clamping plate via a hole in the platform; and e) the clamping arm and the clamping plate being configured so as to clamp the platform to the frame upon moving the clamping arm into a position adjacent the platform.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A tractor truck configured for towing trailers of different air connection configuration. The truck has a first and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on the tractor at a location remote from the other. Each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor. The truck also has a selector which is operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which the first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to an interconnected trailer and a second configuration in which the second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to a different interconnected trailer.

Abstract: A power assist steering system for a vehicle, especially for a truck or commercial vehicle, is disclosed that includes a mechanical engine-driven power steering pump that pumps hydraulic fluid to a power steering unit, and an electrical pump adapted to pump hydraulic fluid so as to optimize a power steering flow to the power steering unit and to minimize internal pump flow.

Abstract: A dual berth bunk (20) for a sleeper cab (10) or other confined space includes a bunk frame (22) mounted for pivoting or rotating inversion. Berths (25a, 25b), or sleeping surfaces, are provided on the opposite sides of the bunk frame and a berth may be selectively positioned for use by pivoting or rotation of the bunk frame. A latch (56) or other device may be used to secure the bunk frame in the selected position. Retaining devices (104, 106) retain bedding in the berths when the berth in a downward inverted orientation.

Abstract: System and methods provide information to an operator of an engine such that the engine operates with optimal performance, such as maximal fuel efficiency. Such a system may include a plurality of sensors adapted to measure operating parameters of the engine; an engine management system adapted to receive measured operating parameters from the sensors and to generate signals indicative of a current operating performance of the engine and signals indicative of performance-increasing adjustments to current operating parameters; and a display adapted to present symbols in response to signals from the engine management system. The symbols guide the operator to increase or maintain engine performance.

Abstract: A device for connecting pipes in a heavy truck exhaust system includes a flexible sleeve joined to both connecting pipes and a flow guide connected or formed to an upstream pipe and extending through the flexible sleeve into the downstream pipe. The flow guide may have a frustoconical shape converging toward an outlet end with an outlet rim that flares radially outward. An inlet rim of the downstream pipe converges radially inward to prevent backflow into the joint region.

Abstract: A cross-member for supporting a vehicle chassis loads includes a generally shaped member including: i) a generally flat top sheet; ii) a first side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a first side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the first side sheet; iii) a second side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a second side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the second side sheet.

Abstract: A system for supporting individuals or objects is disclosed that can be used, e.g., as a bunk for sleeping upon within a vehicle, such as, e.g., a truck or commercial vehicle.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a plate and an arm pivotable between a closed and an open position relative to the plate about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is substantially aligned with a line of entry of a connecting bar to a latched position in which, when the arm is in the closed position, the connecting bar is entirely surrounded by both the plate and the arm together and partially surrounded by the arm and the plate individually. The plate is fixed relative to the line of entry.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for a vehicle selectively illuminates one of a plurality of scales based on a location of the instrument or includes an indicator that is selectively positioned based on the location of the instrument. The location is determined by a device, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver (1) or similar receiver of location information, and a location indication is provided to a suitable controller that illuminates or otherwise activates the appropriate scale or that causes an actuator to position the indicator. Such a display has the advantages of eliminating the need for vehicle manufacturers to stock different instruments having different overlays, of lowering the cost of instrumentation by avoiding digital reconfigurable displays, and of overcoming the deficiencies inherent in digital reconfigurable displays. Such a display also improves vehicle safety by making instruments easier to read and reducing the operational burden on the vehicle driver.

Abstract: A shaping guide for tubing carried on a vehicle and in which the tubing has elastic deformation characteristics. The guide includes an elongate guide body configured to be supported exclusively on an elastically deformable tubing section that is to be bent from a natural shape into a bent shape while in use upon the vehicle. The guide body defines an interior trap space in which an installed tubing section is retained once positioned therein. The guide can be utilized for maintaining a tubing's shape that is carried on a vehicle that undergoes heat processing at temperatures sufficiently high to permit plastic deformation (sag or collapse) of the tubing's shape under the tubing's own weight.

Abstract: A control system and method for minimizing tire wear on vehicles such as highway trucks and tractors determines a drive wheel torque limit based on an assumed tire/road friction coefficient and at least an estimated vehicle weight. The drive wheel torque limit is used to control engine torque applied to the drive wheels.

Abstract: A rear axle suspension for a highway truck that includes a pair of trailing arms suspended below a frame by a pair of hanger brackets. The hanger brackets define a pivot axis for the trailing arms. A supplemental axle locating member is attached to the axle and includes an extension member that is engageable with a bracket held by the frame. The hanger brackets are laterally compliant and each comprise an inner and outer plate, one of which is bent outwardly to define a gap within which an associated trailing arm is mounted. A moment canceling member extends between the hanger brackets and resists outward bending of the brackets. A height control valve is operated by an operating rod having an axis that passes through, or in close proximity, to the roll center of the vehicle in order to reduce ride height errors.

Abstract: An adjustment arrangement in a suspension hanger assembly that can be used to square the orientation of an axle with the travel direction of the incorporating vehicle. The adjustment arrangement includes a hanger bracket that has a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart hanger legs projecting generally away from the vehicle and each of the hanger legs has an elongate aperture or slot that is mutually aligned, one with the other. A bushing pin is inserted through both elongate apertures with opposite end portions of the pin being similarly positioned in each of the apertures. A substantially squared orientation is established between the hanger bracket and the bushing pin. A pair of adjustment devices are provided, one each, in association with a respective end portion of the bushing pin.

Abstract: A dual berth bunk (20) for a sleeper cab (10) or other confined space includes a bunk frame (22) mounted for pivoting or rotating inversion. Berths (25a, 25b), or sleeping surfaces, are provided on the opposite sides of the bunk frame and a berth may be selectively positioned for use by pivoting or rotation of the bunk frame. A latch (56) or other device may be used to secure the bunk frame in the selected position. Retaining devices (104, 106) retain bedding in the berths when the berth in a downward inverted orientation.