Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for the weight estimation of commercial vehicles and using these estimates to control different vehicle systems such as powertrain, brakes, and suspension. A vehicle comprises a weight estimator, which receives input from different vehicle systems and/or sensors (e.g., suspension, powertrain, speedometer, tire pressure monitoring system) and uses these inputs to determine weight values associated with the vehicle (e.g., total weight, weight distribution per axle, weight distribution per wheel, load distribution). These weight values are then used by the power train, brakes, and/or suspension as additional input for operating these systems besides drivers' input, e.g., provided as pedal positions. For example, different weight values can cause different powertrain outputs for the same accelerator pedal position, e.g., greater output for a heavier vehicle. As such, a driver experiences more uniform vehicle responses for different vehicle loads.

Abstract: An articulated truck for carrying a load through a plurality of work cycles is disclosed. An embodiment includes a frame assembly, an articulation. joint, a plurality of axles, a plurality of ground engaging devices, an operator compartment, a body, an engine, a transmission and an apparatus for receiving the torque and transferring the torque to a plurality of drive shafts. The apparatus includes a plurality of gears, an inter-axle differential, and a plurality of drive shafts. The inter-axle differential is located such that the front axle may be suspended to allow oscillation.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for diverting a flow of exhaust from an engine of a truck having a truck bed and a muffler system, with the truck bed having a duct system. The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving the flow of exhaust from the engine. The apparatus further includes a first outlet connected to the muffler system and a second outlet connected to the duct system. The apparatus additionally includes a diverter member positionable between a first position and a second position, wherein (1) fluid communication between the inlet and the first outlet is prevented when the diverter member is positioned in the first position, and (2) fluid communication between the inlet and the second outlet is prevented when the diverter member is positioned in the second position. Moreover, the apparatus includes an air cylinder for moving the diverter member between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: Exhaust directing mechanisms are useful for directing exhaust gas flow from an inlet to either a vehicle dump body or a muffler means. A valve mechanism for a vehicle includes a valve body having a valving element mounted within the valve body and being rotatable to a first position upon movement of a dump body to a raised position to direct exhaust from an engine to a muffler. With the dump body in the lowered position the valving element is in the second position to direct exhaust to the dump body. This arrangement of components provides for rotation of the valving element to direct exhaust flow to the dump body or to the muffler.

Abstract: Aqueous fabric softening compositions containing cationic softeners, amines, and certain 3-isothiazolones as antimicrobial agents are formulated at a pH below about 6 to improve the stability of the antimicrobial agent in the presence of the amine.