Abstract: A method for controlling the ride height in a suspension of an over the highway truck or tractor based on rear axle load. A load on the rear axle is measured. An optimum ride height is calculated at core response to correct drive lighted angles based on the rear axle load. The actual ride height is measured. The difference between the optimum ride height and the actual ride height is calculated. A component of the suspension, such as an air spring, is adjusted to adjust the actual ride height to a height closer to the optimum ride height.

Abstract: A platform, such as a deck plate or step, for attachment to a support on an over the highway truck or tractor. The platform includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of elongated members extend from the lower surface. A plurality of hooks are defined on end portions of the elongated members. The hooks secure the platform to the support.

Abstract: A dual scale gauge, such as a speedometer, for a motor vehicle. The gauge includes a mechanical indicator, an overlay, a first light source, and a second light source. The mechanical indicator moves in response to a sensed condition of the motor vehicle. The overlay is positioned behind the indicator. The overlay includes first and second scales that are only visible when illuminated. The first light source illuminates the first scale when the gauge is operated in a first mode. The second light source illuminates the second scale when the gauge is operated in a second mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting conditions that indicate unauthorized usage of a vehicle and for responding to the conditions that indicate the vehicle is being used in an unauthorized or unintended way. A vehicle computer is used to monitor conditions of a driver and unintended usage. The computer is also used to respond to conditions that indicate an unauthorized or unintended vehicle usage has occurred. The vehicle is shut down and/or disabled when an unauthorized usage is detected.

Abstract: A tubular crossmember for a vehicle frame having spaced apart rails. The crossmember includes an “X” shaped member and two elongated members. Ends of legs of the “X” shaped member are constrained to ends of the elongated members. The two elongated members are parallel and are spaced apart by the “X” shaped member. The tubular crossmember is adapted to be connected to rails to construct a vehicle frame.

Abstract: In an over the highway vehicle, a frame including a pair of elongate frame rails and a plurality of cross members is disclosed. One of the rails includes an integrally formed bracket projecting laterally. The bracket is adjacent a rail aperture formed by cutting the one rail to define the bracket and after such cutting bending the bracket out of a plane of the one rail.

Abstract: A vehicle having an occupant space within a cab is disclosed. The cab has an access door providing access to the space. The door includes a novel hinge mounting construction including a hinge mounting plate. The plate is moveable over a limited adjustment range. A hinge plate locator sized to mate with complemental surfaces of a hinge leaf is provided. The locator is connected to the plate and moveable with the plate as the plate is moved within its adjustment range. A fastener is provided to fix the locator and plate in an adjusted position such that the door may be removed and remounted without repeating an initial locating adjustment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting conditions that indicate unauthorized usage of a vehicle and for responding to the conditions that indicate the vehicle is being used in an unauthorized or unintended way. A vehicle computer is used to monitor conditions of a driver and unintended usage. The computer is also used to respond to conditions that indicate an unauthorized or unintended vehicle usage has occurred.

Abstract: A bumper assembly of an over the highway vehicle. The bumper assembly includes first and second mounting flanges coupled to a chassis component of the over the highway vehicle. A first bumper section is connected to the first mounting flange. A second bumper section is connected to the second bracket. The second bumper section is also be connected to the first bumper section by a detachable connection. The first bumper section detaches from the second bumper section when the first bumper section is involved in a collision to reduce or eliminate damage to the second bumper section.

Abstract: A beverage container holder which is especially suited for use in vehicles is disclosed. The holder includes a container support including a support surface delineating a bottom of a container receiving space. The surface is for engagement with the bottom of a beverage container when the holder is in use. The support including upstanding portions delineates the perimeter of the container space and an inflatable bladder is operably connected to the upstanding portions for engaging at least three locations about a perimeter of a container when the holder is in use.

Abstract: A bracket formed from a single piece of sheet material for use in suspension of a vehicle for inhibiting relative lateral movement between and axle and a frame of the vehicle. The bracket includes a first portion bent to form a sleeve for insertion of a first fastener used to mount a first end of a torque rod. A second portion of the sheet material is bent to form a second sleeve for insertion of a second fastener used to mount the first end of the torque rod. A base portion is formed from the sheet material for mounting the bracket to the axle of the vehicle. The base portion maintains the first sleeve and the second sleeve in a spaced apart relationship for mounting an end of the torque rod.

Abstract: An over the highway vehicle having a body defining an occupant space and an access opening to the space is provided. A passenger access door is pivotally connected to the body. The door has pivotally connected upper and lower sections and is pivotal relative to the body between a closed position and partial and full open positions allowing unobstructed passage into and out of the space. The lower section is pivotal relative to the upper section between an aligned condition for closing the opening and a condition wherein the panels are generally juxtaposed. A tether is interposed between the cab and the lower section for limiting pivotal movement of the door when the door is in its aligned condition to the partially open position and permitting movement of the door to the full open position when the door is in the juxtaposed condition.

Abstract: A monitoring and information system for a vehicle's brakes and tires. The system includes one or more position sensors and/or temperature sensors that are used to measure parameters of the vehicles brakes and tires. The measured parameters are compared to known threshold parameters with one or more comparators. When one of the measured parameters is outside the limits of one of the threshold parameters, the system provides a signal indicating that an undesirable condition exists on one of the vehicles brakes or tires and provides information about the undesirable condition.

Abstract: An engine access cover assembly in a cab of an over the highway truck or tractor. The assembly includes a mounting bezel and an engine cover. The mounting bezel is fastened to a perimeter of an engine access opening. The mounting bezel defines a cover mounting surface that extends past an obstruction, such as a fixed floor mat in the cab. The engine cover has a mating surface that coacts with the mounting surface. A plurality of fastening members, such as screws or latches, secure the bezel and cover together.

Abstract: A suspension for a cab of an over the highway truck or tractor. The suspension includes a pair of spaced apart springs and a pair of spaced apart motion dampers interposed between and connected to the cab and a frame of the truck or tractor. A third spring is mounted to one of the frame or the cab. A panhard rod has a first end connected to the third spring. A second end of the panhard rod is connected to one of the frame or cab that does not mount the third spring. The third spring biases the cab to a centered position relative to the frame.

Abstract: A dual scale gauge, such as a speedometer, for a motor vehicle. The gauge includes a mechanical indicator, an overlay, a first light source, and a second light source. The mechanical indicator moves in response to a sensed condition of the motor vehicle. The overlay is positioned behind the indicator. The overlay includes first and second scales that are only visible when illuminated. The first light source illuminates the first scale when the gauge is operated in a first mode. The second light source illuminates the second scale when the gauge is operated in a second mode.

Abstract: A platform, such as a deck plate or step, for attachment to a support on an over the highway truck or tractor. The platform includes a plate having an upper surface and a lower surface. A plurality of elongated members extend from the lower surface. A plurality of hooks are defined on end portions of the elongated members. The hooks secure the platform to the support.

Abstract: A hood and fender assembly mounting and latch system for use with an over-the-highway tractor having a frame supporting an engine, a cab and a hood and fender assembly. A hinge pivotally connects the hood and fender assembly to the frame. A hex-shaped torsion bar and damper are used to assist in the opening and closing of the hood and fender assembly. The latch system includes a receiver assembly attached to the frame. A pin assembly is attached to the hood and fender assembly at a distal location relative to the hinge. The receiver assembly receives the pin assembly when the hood and fender assembly is in a position enclosing the engine and locates and maintains the hood and fender assembly in a predetermined position relative to the frame, independent of the cab. The receiver assembly has a lock lever which is movable between a latched position at which it engages the pin assembly and an unlatched position. A movable handle is located within the cab.