Abstract: A traction valve is provided for use in combination with a relay valve. The traction valve includes a body configured for connection to a housing of the relay valve and defining inlet, outlet and traction supply ports. A first fluid control valve used for traction control is supported on the body and includes a valve member that alternately permits and prevents fluid communication between the traction supply and outlet ports in the body. The body and the first fluid control valve are configured to receive any of a plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves between the inlet port in the body and the first fluid control valve. Each of the plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves is configured to perform a different function such that the traction valve assumes different configurations upon assembly of the various second fluid control valves with the body and the first fluid control valve.

Abstract: When detecting unacceptably large airgaps between wheel speed sensors and their exciter rings on wheel ends of a vehicle, wheel speed sensor output is filtered and monitored to detect signal amplitudes that correspond to the airgaps. When signal peak amplitude below a predetermined threshold is detected, the airgap is too large. Wheel ends having unacceptably large air gaps are indicated to the driver or technician via blink sequences (e.g., on an electronic stability program (ESP) indicator light or other suitable indicator), wherein each wheel end is associated with a unique blink sequence.

Abstract: A component to be mounted on a vehicle includes a housing, a pair of component mounting passages, defined in the housing, aligning with a pair of respective vehicle mounting passages when the component is any of a plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle, and a component orientation element, on the housing. The component orientation element cooperates with a vehicle orientation element only when the component is in one of the plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle. A hub on the component orientation element acts to tune the component orientation element for attenuating vibration received by the component orientation element from the vehicle.

Abstract: A traction valve is provided for use in combination with a relay valve. The traction valve includes a body configured for connection to a housing of the relay valve and defining inlet, outlet and traction supply ports. A first fluid control valve used for traction control is supported on the body and includes a valve member that alternately permits and prevents fluid communication between the traction supply and outlet ports in the body. The body and the first fluid control valve are configured to receive any of a plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves between the inlet port in the body and the first fluid control valve. Each of the plurality of interchangeable second fluid control valves is configured to perform a different function such that the traction valve assumes different configurations upon assembly of the various second fluid control valves with the body and the first fluid control valve.

Abstract: A component to be mounted on a vehicle includes a housing, a pair of component mounting passages, defined in the housing, aligning with a pair of respective vehicle mounting passages when the component is any of a plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle, and a component orientation element, on the housing. The component orientation element cooperates with a vehicle orientation element only when the component is in one of the plurality of orientations with respect to the vehicle. A hub on the component orientation element acts to tune the component orientation element for attenuating vibration received by the component orientation element from the vehicle.

Abstract: A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.

Abstract: An improved configuration for a vehicle system having a brake system component mounted to an air reservoir and an apparatus for positioning or leveling the brake system component relative to a reference point. The apparatus may include a first end portion having one or more contact points for engaging the reservoir along a curved surface and a second end portion positioned proximate to the component. The apparatus being adapted resist relative movement between the component and the reservoir.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other component.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed, having a removable printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is capable of electrical connection with pins extending through a connector body and a spacer and is capable of electrical connection with lead wires. The printed circuit board has keying elements to ensure proper alignment with the pins. A lens piece cooperates with the printed circuit board to enable visibility of at least one light emitting diode on the printed circuit board. The lens piece, printed circuit board, and spacer are held in place by a collar engaged with the connector body.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying an image of an area outside a vehicle includes a camera for mounting on the vehicle at a location adapted for taking an image of an area outside the vehicle. The apparatus also includes a mirror for mounting on the vehicle at a location between the camera and the area being imaged whereby the image of the area is reversed in a left to right direction when received at the camera. The apparatus further includes an electronic display device having a display area for displaying the reversed image.

Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed, having a removable printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is capable of electrical connection with pins extending through a connector body and a spacer and is capable of electrical connection with lead wires. The printed circuit board has keying elements to ensure proper alignment with the pins. A lens piece cooperates with the printed circuit board to enable visibility of at least one light emitting diode on the printed circuit board. The lens piece, printed circuit board, and spacer are held in place by a collar engaged with the connector body.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a flat panel display screen in a vehicle includes a mounting plate. At least one friction hinge enables the mounting plate with mounted display screen to be rotated, pivoted, or the like to any one of many configurations having a variety of angular relationships with the dashboard or other supporting surface about a first pivot axis substantially parallel to the supporting surface. The mounting plate has a plurality of fastener openings and is thereby adapted to support a display panel at a plurality of locations.

Abstract: A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other component.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other component.

Abstract: A viewing system for use in connection with vehicles includes a camera (70), which may include night vision functionality, mounted in a side view mirror assembly (20). A forward facing aperture (24) is formed in a mirror housing (22) to provide an unobstructed opening for the camera. The camera is suitably positioned so as not to interfere with power adjustment features associated with the mirrors and to provide a perspective view substantially similar to that of the driver looking directly through the windshield. In addition, the camera is easily accessible for cleaning and aesthetically blends in with the vehicle.

Abstract: A testing system and method are provided for an electronically controlled braking system to determine whether the solenoids of each of the modulators are properly wired. According to the test, each modulator is tested in sequence. The exhaust solenoid of a modulator is actuated multiple times and the hold solenoid of a modulator is actuated once. Discrete signals will evidence whether the modulator solenoids have been properly wired.

Abstract: A remote fault indicating unit (12) for an electronic system, such as a vehicle adaptive braking system, includes a series of visual indicators, such as light emitting diodes (50-59), on one surface of the housing and a computer serial port connector (13) for use when troubleshooting is done with a PC (18) equipped with the appropriate software. Each of the indicators (50-59) is activated in response to a predetermined malfunction sensed in the system, such as a defective speed sensor, defective modulator, or a defect in the electronic circuitry. The indicators (50-59) are reset with a switch (15) when the system is repaired. When the reset switch (15) is activated, all of the indicators (50-59) flash on and are then turned off. The reset switch (15) can also be activated for a longer period of time changing the ECU (14) configuration.