Abstract: A filler neck for a fuel tank used on busses achieves higher filling rates by varying the geometry and cross sectional size of the filler neck depending on local slope of the neck and available space to fit the neck, particularly between a bus chassis frame rail and the bus body floor.

Abstract: A filler neck for a fuel tank used on busses achieves higher filling rates by varying the geometry and cross sectional size of the filler neck depending on local slope of the neck and available space to fit the neck, particularly between a bus chassis frame rail and the bus body floor.

Abstract: A programmable bus stopping system of a mobile vehicle in electrical communication with controllers or actuators for all of the safety and warning devices requiring actuation upon a vehicle stop for passenger egress. The electrical communication may be through an area wide network that may allow multiplexing. In addition the controllers or actuators, the communication network may be electrically engaged to an electronic system controller for coordinating operation of controllers and actuators. There may be a manual switch, push-button, or actuator accessible to the driver of the vehicle that allows communication to activate a series of activities that must occur upon a bus stopping to let on or let off passengers. The system activation points may be tied to vehicle speed or to vehicle position relative to a stop requiring a component or components to activate.

Abstract: A parking brake lock-in key switch system for a truck or bus brake system. The system has two parking brake lock-in valves. One parking brake lock-in valve is installed in the air line piping between the primary air tank and the push pull double check valve and the second parking brake lock-in valve is in the air line piping between the secondary air tank and the push pull double check valve. The parking brake lock-in valves are air operated valves which when closed will look in actuated parking brakes. The parking brake lock-in valves are operated by a solenoid operated pilot valve which provides air from an air supply to close the lock-in valves when the ignition key is moved to the ‘off’ position. An actuated parking brake will be locked in because new air from the respective tanks will be prevented from flowing to the push pull double check valve and hence the brake chambers. The parking brake lock-in valve does not vent off downstream piping when it closes.

Abstract: A school bus crossing or a mounting system that more fully integrates the crossing arm and the bumper. To achieve this, the primary mounting brackets for the crossing arm drive system may be mounted to the bus chassis and an opening is formed in the bumper itself. The crossing arm is mounted to the drive system such that the arm projects through the opening in the bumper. Alternatively, the primary mounting brackets may be mounted to an inner surface of the bumper. A recess may be formed into an outer surface of the bumper such that the crossing arm is at least partially tucked into the recess when retracted. In one embodiment, there is no recess in the bumper. The crossing arm is contoured to follow the outer surface of the bumper.

Abstract: A parking brake lock-in key switch system for a truck or bus brake system is disclosed. The system has two parking brake lock-in valves. One parking brake lock-in valve is installed in the air line piping between the primary air tank and the push pull double check valve and the second parking brake lock-in valve is in the air line piping between the secondary air tank and the push pull double check valve. The parking brake lock-in valves are air operated valves which when closed will lock in actuated parking brakes. The parking brake lock-in valves are operated by a solenoid operated pilot valve which provides air from an air supply to close the lock-in valves when the ignition key is moved to the `off` position. An actuated parking brake will be locked in because new air from the respective tanks will be prevented from flowing to the push pull double check valve and hence the brake chambers. The parking brake lock-in valve does not vent off downstream piping when it closes.

Abstract: A fuel tank protective cage and mounting device for a vehicle such as school bus including a shelf section that is welded to front and rear sections and to right and left longitudinally extending members to provide a protective cage that is a totally welded structure. The right and left longitudinally extending members protect the fuel tank from puncture by the edges of the lower flange of the frame rails and also adds considerable strength and rigidity to the protective cage and mounting device. The protective cage is secured to the outer vertical surfaces of the frame rails and the fuel tank is located between the frame rails and secured to the cage.

Abstract: A fuel tank mounting and protective cage for vehicles such as school buses including side structures and a bottom shelf structure, each of these structures being weldments constructed of low carbon, high strength steel tubing having rectangular cross-sections. The bottom structure is connected to the side structures by bolt assemblies, preferably disposed in laterally offset parallel rows, to produce stiff joints between the sections with the result that there is less rotation and localized deformation of the protection cage in the event of an accident. Hold down devices are carried by the bottom shelf structure for securing the fuel tank directly to the bottom shelf structure so that the bottom shelf and fuel tank may be removed as a unit for service.

Abstract: A protective cage and mounting device for a fuel tank of a vehicle such as school bus wherein the fuel tank is secured directly to the protection cage, the cage being secured to a vehicle frame rail. The protective cage includes a front section, rear section, side section, and a truss-like bottom shelf section, each of these sections being weldments constructed of low carbon, high strength steel tubing having rectangular cross-sections. The sections are welded to each other to produce stiff joints between said sections with the result that there is less parallelogramming and localized deformation of the protection cage in the event of an accident. Hold down devices are carried by the bottom shelf section for securing the fuel tank thereto.