Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of coating metal articles with a flexible, chemical-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and abrasion-resistant coating that can be optionally formed and optionally electroplated. In some examples, the articles are metal motor vehicle bumpers.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a heavy-duty vehicle, having at least one axle formed with an inner diameter. The axle includes a pair of spindle ends, and a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on each spindle end. A thermal switch is disposed in the inner diameter of at least one of the axle spindle ends. The switch is electrically connected to a control module to form a closed electrical circuit, and the control module is electrically connected to an indicator device. When the temperature of the switch reaches a predetermined minimum temperature, such as from undesirable increased temperature in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly, the switch opens, breaking the closed electrical circuit, and causing the control module to activate the indicator device. The indicator device is viewable by the vehicle operator during its operation, thus warning the operator of the undesirable high temperature condition.

Abstract: A temperature warning system for a heavy-duty vehicle, having at least one axle formed with an inner diameter. The axle includes a pair of spindle ends, and a wheel end assembly rotatably mounted on each spindle end. A thermal switch is disposed in the inner diameter of at least one of the axle spindle ends. The switch is electrically connected to a control module to form a closed electrical circuit, and the control module is electrically connected to an indicator device. When the temperature of the switch reaches a predetermined minimum temperature, such as from undesirable increased temperature in the axle spindle end and/or the wheel end assembly, the switch opens, breaking the closed electrical circuit, and causing the control module to activate the indicator device. The indicator device is viewable by the vehicle operator during its operation, thus warning the operator of the undesirable high temperature condition.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A method of inflating the system includes providing a tire pressure retention valve in the pneumatic conduit adjacent to the tire. An inflation pressure of the tire is determined with a step-up procedure, in which air bursts are communicated from the air supply source to a portion of the pneumatic conduit between the air supply source and the tire pressure retention valve. The volume of at least one selected communicated air burst is related to a volume of a section of the conduit. The tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure, in which extended bursts of air are communicated from the air supply source to the tire. A shut-down sequence is performed once a predetermined target inflation pressure in the tire is reached.

Abstract: A system for automatically and simultaneously controlling one or more vehicle functions by detecting the direction of movement of and the distance traveled by the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic sensor mounted on a selected one of the vehicle axles adjacent to and facing an anti-lock braking system tone ring of a selected one of the wheel hubs mounted on the axle. The sensor is electrically connected to an electronic control unit, which in turn is electrically connected to a vehicle function actuation device such as a lift axle solenoid or back-up alarm actuation device. The sensor transmits direction and distance information to the electronic control unit based on the movements of a plurality of teeth formed on the tone ring. The control system is a stand-alone system that is free of interfacing with other vehicle systems, such as the anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: A tire inflation system includes an air supply source in selective fluid communication with a tire via a pneumatic conduit. A first valve is in fluid communication with the pneumatic conduit in between a first portion and a second portion of the conduit. A second valve that includes a vent channel is in fluid communication with the pneumatic conduit between the second portion and a third portion of the conduit. A rotary union is in fluid communication with the third portion of the conduit adjacent the tire. A first pressure indicator is in fluid communication with the first portion of the pneumatic conduit and a second pressure indicator is in fluid communication with the third portion of the pneumatic conduit. An inflation pressure of the tire is measured with a step-up procedure and the tire is inflated with an extended-pulse procedure.

Abstract: A control system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a dump-type straight truck includes a portable radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle device or assembly which performs a function such as operation of the vehicle dump bed or raising and lowering of the vehicle axle/suspension system, so that the function can be controlled from the cab of the vehicle by the radio frequency transmitter, and whereby the function occurs substantially instantaneously due to the use of radio frequency and eliminates the need for a custom hard-wired control system.

Abstract: A system for automatically and simultaneously controlling one or more vehicle functions by detecting the direction of movement of and the distance traveled by the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic sensor mounted on a selected one of the vehicle axles adjacent to and facing an anti-lock braking system tone ring of a selected one of the wheel hubs mounted on the axle. The sensor is electrically connected to an electronic control unit, which in turn is electrically connected to a vehicle function actuation device such as a lift axle solenoid or back-up alarm actuation device. The sensor transmits direction and distance information to the electronic control unit based on the movements of a plurality of teeth formed on the tone ring. The control system is a stand-alone system that is free of interfacing with other vehicle systems, such as the anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: A control system for a heavy-duty vehicle such as a dump-type straight truck includes a portable radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver. The radio frequency receiver is operatively connected to a vehicle device or assembly which performs a function such as operation of the vehicle dump bed or raising and lowering of the vehicle axle/suspension system, so that the function can be controlled from the cab of the vehicle by the radio frequency transmitter, and whereby the function occurs substantially instantaneously due to the use of radio frequency and eliminates the need for a custom hard-wired control system.