Abstract: A vehicle lighting control system for a school bus allows automatic activation of hazard mode operation of the vehicle's signaling lights in response to activation of other warning lights. Deactivation follows upon the vehicle exceeding a predetermined maximum speed.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: An interlock for a vehicle platform lift meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS 403) effective in late 2004 with minimum modification of vehicle electronic control arrangements. The interlock prevents forward and rearward mobility of vehicles unless the platform lift is stowed. The interlock operates to prevent accidental release but does not affect vehicle movement when the platform lift is stowed. Operation of the lift is allowed by placing the transmission in park or by placing the transmission in neutral and actuating the parking brake. A vehicle body computer controls operation when the vehicle is running. A bypass enable relay allows use when the vehicle's engine is not running.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: An automated system for cycling vehicle lamps on and off allows direct inspection by one person of operability of the lamp bulbs while doing a walk around of the vehicle. The system is switch operated. Interlocks to operation are based upon the status of the vehicle's service brake, its park brake and the on/off status of the lights themselves. Lights are organized by related groups and each group given a distinctive, repeating cycle to lighten the burden of memorization on the operator.

Abstract: This invention is an improved park position locking system for controlling the conditions for removing an automatic transmission gearshift 90 from a PARK position. An electronic system controller 30 and the transmission controller 16 are engaged to a common data bus 18. Vehicle control system 10 comprises the electronic system controller (ESC) 30, which is the primary component of a vehicle electronic control system. ESC 30 manages and communicates with a number of vocational controllers disposed on a vehicle 13 and executes a load management program which oversees the total load imposed on the vehicle electrical system and power train by various accessories installed on the vehicle 13. Such communication is by a standard communication protocol that may be the SAE J1939 protocol over the common data bus 18. The ESC 30 is programmed to ensure that an operator of the vehicle may not move the gearshift 90 out of a PARK position without first depressing a service brake pedal.

Abstract: This invention is an improved park position locking system for controlling the conditions for removing an automatic transmission gearshift 90 from a PARK position. An electronic system controller 30 and the transmission controller 16 are engaged to a common data bus 18. Vehicle control system 10 comprises the electronic system controller (ESC) 30, which is the primary component of a vehicle electronic control system. ESC 30 manages and communicates with a number of vocational controllers disposed on a vehicle 13 and executes a load management program which oversees the total load imposed on the vehicle electrical system and power train by various accessories installed on the vehicle 13. Such communication is by a standard communication protocol that may be the SAE J1939 protocol over the common data bus 18. The ESC 30 is programmed to ensure that an operator of the vehicle may not move the gearshift 90 out of a PARK position without first depressing a service brake pedal.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a transmission through which an engine can deliver torque to an axle to propel the vehicle and a transfer case associated with the transmission for operating auxiliary equipment. A system for engaging and disengaging the axle from the transmission and for engaging and disengaging the auxiliary equipment contains a first solenoid (20) that operates to a first state when the vehicle is to be propelled and to a second state when the auxiliary equipment is to be operated and a second solenoid (22) that is selectively operable to a first state that causes the auxiliary equipment to be disengaged from the transmission and to a second state that causes the auxiliary equipment to be engaged with the transmission through the transfer case.