Abstract: An energy storage module (30, 32) for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (12). Multiple low-voltage storage batteries (36) disposed on a tray (60) and connected in parallel circuit relationship form a low-voltage battery bank. A DC-to-DC converter (42) has an input connected to the low-voltage battery bank and an output connected to a high-voltage energy storage bank (34). An AC-to-DC converter (40) is connected to the low-voltage battery bank for charging the low-voltage battery bank from a source of AC electricity (45).

Abstract: In a pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle, a variable speed electric motor is connected to a high voltage direct current power supply for variable energization, thus varying the operating rate of a compressor and the rate of pressurization of the brake system storage tanks. The operating rate of the compressor is varied responsive to pressure readings taken from the storage tanks during pressurization to minimize energy consumption.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbine generator system for a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine with an exhaust system is provided. The exhaust system comprises a turbine, an electrical generator, a waste gate, and an electronic control module. The turbine is disposed in fluid communication with an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine to allow fluid flow between the turbine and the exhaust gas system. The electrical generator connects to the turbine. The waste gate is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The waste gate is positionable between an open position and a closed position in response to an output signal from the electronic control module. The fluid flow in the exhaust gas system to the turbine is reduced when the waste gate is positioned to the open position.

Abstract: For a cement mixer installed on a vehicle, a vehicle controller area network is modified to develop from engine speed, hydraulic power take-off system pressure and programmed data on power take-off pump capacity estimates of rotational speed and barrel rotational count. The network can also maintain a constant barrel rotational speed during transportation.

Abstract: A method for enabling a truck having an electrical system that can accept shore power to be supplied with shore power is provided. While the truck is stationary, an electric cable is connected between the truck's electrical system and an APU of a second truck that not only can deliver AC electricity to electrical loads in the second truck and also can export AC electricity as shore power. A condition precedent to enabling the APU to export AC electricity to the truck that can accept shore power is confirmed via a communication link between the two trucks. Upon confirmation of the condition, the APU is enabled to export AC electricity to the truck that can accept shore power.

Abstract: An exhaust gas turbine generator system for a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine with an exhaust system is provided. The exhaust system comprises a turbine, an electrical generator, a waste gate, and an electronic control module. The turbine is disposed in fluid communication with an exhaust gas system of an internal combustion engine to allow fluid flow between the turbine and the exhaust gas system. The electrical generator connects to the turbine. The waste gate is disposed in fluid communication with the exhaust gas system of the internal combustion engine. The waste gate is positionable between an open position and a closed position in response to an output signal from the electronic control module. The fluid flow in the exhaust gas system to the turbine is reduced when the waste gate is positioned to the open position.

Abstract: An energy storage module (30, 32) for an electric vehicle or hybrid electric vehicle (12). Multiple low-voltage storage batteries (36) disposed on a tray (60) and connected in parallel circuit relationship form a low-voltage battery bank. A DC-to-DC converter (42) has an input connected to the low-voltage battery bank and an output connected to a high-voltage energy storage bank (34). An AC-to-DC converter (40) is connected to the low-voltage battery bank for charging the low-voltage battery bank from a source of AC electricity (45).

Abstract: When a truck engine (12) is not running, an auxiliary coolant heater (32) can heat engine coolant and pump it through an occupant compartment heater (16). A coolant flow control system (10), including a valve assembly (84), associates the auxiliary heater (32) with both the occupant compartment heater (16) and engine (12) for selectively distributing heated coolant. When engine (12) has been running and is shut off, auxiliary heater (32) can be turned on and valve assembly (84) operated for occupant compartment heating while keeping the engine (12) warm. When the engine is cold, the auxiliary heater can be turned on and the valve assembly can be operated for engine pre-heating prior to starting.

Abstract: In a pneumatic brake system for a motor vehicle, a variable speed electric motor is connected to a high voltage direct current power supply for variable energization, thus varying the operating rate of a compressor and the rate of pressurization of the brake system storage tanks. The operating rate of the compressor is varied responsive to pressure readings taken from the storage tanks during pressurization to minimize energy consumption.

Abstract: A plow blade assembly (24) and a position adjustment system includes a plow blade (26) mounted to a frame (14) of a vehicle (10), and an actuator (52) for adjusting the position of the plow blade relative to the frame of the vehicle. The actuator (52) includes a blade position sensor (34) for sensing an actual position of the plow blade (26) and inputting the actual blade position to a computer (44), and a user input receiver (50) for the user to input a desired position of the plow blade to the computer. The computer (44) compares the actual position to the desired position and causes the actuator (52) to move the plow blade (26) to the desired position without user intervention.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle power take off system is implemented using modular components and utilizing a vehicle controller area network for integration with vehicle systems. The modular components are preferably in turn adapted from standard industry components.

Abstract: Radio remote control over a motor vehicle and particularly of auxiliary systems installed on the vehicle is effected through an onboard controller which is integrated with the vehicle's controller area network. This arrangement increases flexibility of the system for handling different systems, and potentially more than one unrelated system.

Abstract: A hydraulic vehicle power take off system is implemented using modular components and utilizing a vehicle controller area network for integration with vehicle systems. The modular components are preferably in turn adapted from standard industry components.

Abstract: A vehicle power take off system provides power for a variety of systems including a source of alternating current power for conventional electrical equipment to be powered by the vehicle. In a preferred electrical implementation, the power take off system is energized from the vehicle direct current electrical power system and generates alternating current of the desired voltage using a derectifier and step up transformer. Management of the system is implemented through modularized units which may be connected to communicate with another over a vehicle's controller area network. Load management may be monitored by an existing on board computer.

Abstract: A CT apparatus produces a trigger position signal having a programmable angular spacing, for triggering the acquisition of projections, from an encoder index pulse having a different fixed angular spacing. An estimation circuit estimates the time of occurrence of a next pulse in the trigger position signal by evaluating the timing of the encoder index pulses. The estimation circuit may be a phase-locked-loop or a set of lookup tables keyed to gantry position and speed.