Abstract: A system and method for testing operation of that portion of a transportation vehicle's electrical system that has switches accessible for selective actuation by an occupant of an interior of the vehicle to control exterior lamps through an ESC (12). During a learn mode (56) of a test, processor apparatus executes a learn algorithm stored in the ESC and as the learn algorithm executes, a person inside the vehicle operates the switches in a desired sequence to cause the ESC to store data related to the sequence. During a playback mode (58) of the test, the processor apparatus executes a playback algorithm stored in the ESC to cause the ESC to actuate the lamps in accordance with the stored data. A defect in any portion of a lamp circuit is observed by failure of a lamp to illuminate in the stored sequence.

Abstract: Vehicle theft deterrence is affected by requiring the entry of an enabling code to prevent disablement of vehicle operation. System operational variables may be programmed by operators. The system is substantially integrated with existing vehicle control systems.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.

Abstract: A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.

Abstract: Control of an accessory lighting array for temporary installation on a towed vehicle through the controller area network of a towing vehicle is effected through access to the controller area network over a bus extension, and connection of an accessory controller to the bus extension for decoding network status messages for operation.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated sequencing of certain operations when a vehicle, such as a school bus, (10) approaches a railroad crossing where it is required to stop before proceeding across the crossing. A devoted switch (28) is actuated by the driver to initiate the sequence. After stopping, vehicle speed or distance traveled is used to restore conditions of various devices whose operation was affected by the initial switch actuation.

Abstract: An automated axle control system provides both indication to the driver when a lift axle should be raised or lowered, and takes action to effect axle positioning when the driver fails to respond. Operations are based on estimates of vehicle weight and vehicle speed and are implemented primarily through preexisting vehicle controllers and a controller area network over which the controllers communicate.

Abstract: Vehicle theft deterrence is affected by requiring the entry of an enabling code to prevent disablement of vehicle operation. System operational variables may be programmed by operators. The system is substantially integrated with existing vehicle control systems.

Abstract: A system and method for the automated sequencing of certain operations when a vehicle, such as a school bus, (10) approaches a railroad crossing where it is required to stop before proceeding across the crossing. A devoted switch (28) is actuated by the driver to initiate the sequence. After stopping, vehicle speed or distance traveled is used to restore conditions of various devices whose operation was affected by the initial switch actuation.

Abstract: A system and method for testing operation of that portion of a transportation vehicle's electrical system that has switches accessible for selective actuation by an occupant of an interior of the vehicle to control exterior lamps through an ESC (12). During a learn mode (56) of a test, processor apparatus executes a learn algorithm stored in the ESC and as the learn algorithm executes, a person inside the vehicle operates the switches in a desired sequence to cause the ESC to store data related to the sequence. During a playback mode (58) of the test, the processor apparatus executes a playback algorithm stored in the ESC to cause the ESC to actuate the lamps in accordance with the stored data. A defect in any portion of a lamp circuit is observed by failure of a lamp to illuminate in the stored sequence.

Abstract: Control of an accessory lighting array for temporary installation on a towed vehicle through the controller area network of a towing vehicle is effected through access to the controller area network over a bus extension, and connection of an accessory controller to the bus extension for decoding network status messages for operation.

Abstract: An automated axle control system provides both indication to the driver when a lift axle should be raised or lowered, and takes action to effect axle positioning when the driver fails to respond. Operations are based on estimates of vehicle weight and vehicle speed and are implemented primarily through preexisting vehicle controllers and a controller area network over which the controllers communicate.

Abstract: A circuit breaker including a housing, separable contacts, a cradle rotatably mounted within the housing, an alarm switch mounted within the housing, and an interface lever disposed between the cradle and the alarm switch. The cradle is adapted to rotate about a first axis in a first direction when the circuit breaker moves to a tripped position in which the separable contacts are separated from one another. The alarm switch includes an actuation lever movable in an actuation direction, wherein movement of the actuation lever in the actuation direction causes the alarm switch to activate an alarm device electrically connected thereto. When the cradle rotates in the first direction, the cradle exerts a first force against the interface lever that causes the interface lever to exert a second force against the actuation lever that causes the actuation lever to move in the actuation direction.

Abstract: A portable emulator of a bus body electrical system provides for chassis electrical testing. The portable emulator/tester provides indicator/load circuits and switches which operate as outputs from and inputs to the bus electrical system. The emulator may be connected to a vehicle chassis prior to mating of the chassis with the body by the test connectors that are keyed to those used for the body.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing an annular space between an inner and an outer pipe in a double-walled subsea pipeline which seal assembly comprises an annular member (1) and moveable blocking means (2, 3) and: (a) under normal operating conditions is in a non-sealing position which allows the passage of a gas through said seal assembly; and (b) is actuatable from a non-sealing position to a sealing position in response to the entry of liquid into said annular space.

Abstract: Disclosed is a seal assembly for dividing an annular space defined between an inner and an outer pipe in a double-walled pipeline. The seal assembly comprises an annular member (1) adapted to fit within the annular space and at least one longitudinal conveying means (6) passing through the annular member (1), wherein said longitudinal conveying means (6) communicates with the annular space on either side of the seal assembly. The longitudinal conveying means may comprise for example electrical conducting means or an optical fibre.

Abstract: A method provides a dry granular sugar ingredient, which improves the production of compressed, tableted confection products by enabling them to be formed with a higher initial strength to permit improved handling and packaging with fewer broken and chipped tablets. In the first part of the process, sucrose is ground to a suitable size for processing in the screw-fed mixer. Simultaneously, a corn syrup solution is prepared for mixing with the sucrose in the mixer. Both the ground sucrose and the corn syrup solution are then fed to the screw-fed mixer. After achieving uniform blending of the ingredients, the moist mixture is dropped at to conveyor which brings it to a sieve, which breaks up lumps prior to feeding to a vibratory bed drier in the preferred form. From the drier, the material is passed to a screen separator where the particle size range for the product is finalized. Correctly sized product is recovered and mixed with flavor to be pressed into a candy.

Abstract: A power take off unit for a motor vehicle equipped with a standard transmission is clutched using compressed air available on the vehicle. Available air pressure is monitored and a clutch interlock implemented through the vehicle electrical control system is made responsive thereto to prevent engagement of the clutch if the load is too heavy for the available air pressure.

Abstract: A circuit (26) for configuring a seven-terminal receptacle socket (10) in a towing vehicle to properly accommodate the particular one of several possible electric circuit configurations in a particular trailer that is being towed by the towing vehicle. The particular electric circuit configuration in the trailer—FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6 are four possible configurations—depends on the particular lamps (52, 54, 56, 58, 72, 74) and brakes (50, 80) in the trailer.

Abstract: Hydraulically actuated aerial lift trucks typically have a primary hydraulic pump system driven by the vehicle's engine and a backup pump system driven by a direct current motor. Due to infrequent use of such motors, they are vulnerable to failure due to corrosion of the brush/commutator interface or seizing of the motor bearings. A remote power unit is provided to periodically run the back up motor for brief periods to maintain the motor in running condition. Voltage levels across the motor terminals are monitored for correspondence to failure indicating levels.