Abstract: A motor vehicle power take off system for a motor vehicle engine includes a viscous coupling. The input rotor of the viscous coupling is provided with a variable geometry impeller section which allows direct control over the proportion of input torque on the input shaft transferred to the viscous fluid and thereby to an output shaft. Both passive and active control schemes are proposed.

Abstract: Cooperative operation of an auxiliary power unit having a mechanical power output shaft with a transmission coupled power takeoff operation system of a vehicle is provided by allowing the vehicle's main engine to be cranked by the auxiliary power unit through the power takeoff operation system.

Abstract: A vehicle reporting its position, typically derived from a global positioning or other navigation system, implements idle time limitation protocols based on its position. The particular protocol can be derived from a central, updated location using a telematics link.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power take off system for a motor vehicle engine includes a viscous coupling. The input rotor of the viscous coupling is provided with a variable geometry impeller section which allows direct control over the proportion of input torque on the input shaft transferred to the viscous fluid and thereby to an output shaft. Both passive and active control schemes are proposed.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more small vehicle-mounted electricity generating wind turbines located within an area of wind recirculation. The electricity generated is used to recharge vehicle batteries, partially power an auxiliary electric propulsion motor, or supply vehicle parasitic loads.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising an exhaust system containing a particulate filter (10, 52) for trapping particulate matter in engine exhaust passing through the exhaust system. A particulate trapping medium (18) inside a casing is selectively operable to a relatively lesser porosity for trapping particulate matter in the exhaust and to a relatively greater porosity for facilitating removal of trapped particulate matter during cleaning.

Abstract: A vehicle having one or more small vehicle-mounted electricity generating wind turbines located within an area of wind recirculation. The electricity generated is used to recharge vehicle batteries, partially power an auxiliary electric propulsion motor, or supply vehicle parasitic loads.

Abstract: A vehicle reporting its position, typically derived from a global positioning or other navigation system, implements idle time limitation protocols based on its position. The particular protocol can be derived from a central, updated location using a telematics link.

Abstract: Cooperative operation of an auxiliary power unit having a mechanical power output shaft with a transmission coupled power takeoff operation system of a vehicle is provided by allowing the vehicle's main engine to be cranked by the auxiliary power unit through the power takeoff operation system.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for removing heat from an engine compartment in a motor vehicle where heat generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle tends to collect. Engine heat is collected in a thermofluid in a reservoir forming an evaporator (14) where the thermofluid absorbs heat sufficient to evaporate it. The vapor naturally migrates to a condenser (22) that is cooled sufficiently to condense the vapor back to liquid phase. The liquid falls by gravity back to the condenser.

Abstract: A passive louver system providing supplemental and localized cooling for an engine compartment is implemented using magnetic catches for opening and closing of the louvers.

Abstract: A crossing arm for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a body pivotably mounted onto the vehicle and configured for extension from a surface of the vehicle. The body has a free-standing, upwardly vertical position generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a horizontal position generally cantilevered from the vehicle and parallel to the longitudinal axis. An actuator is configured for pivoting the body from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

Abstract: A proactive cooling system and method improve the cooling of a motor vehicle apparatus, such as an engine or transmission, in a motor vehicle. The proactive cooling system boosts the primary cooling system connected to the motor vehicle apparatus by using an electronic controller, an information collecting module for collecting information related to the operation of the motor vehicle and an auxiliary cooling system. The auxiliary cooling system uses a power supply and a secondary cooling system in fluid communication with the primary cooling system. The power supply turns on the secondary cooling system by activating an activator and a secondary pump. The activator opens a bypass circuit to divert coolant from the primary cooling system into the secondary cooling system where the diverted coolant is cooled in a secondary heat exchanger. A secondary pump circulates the coolant through the bypass circuit and back to the primary cooling system.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for removing heat from a confined space such as from engine compartment or service brake of a motor vehicle where heat is generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle or application of a friction brake. The system and method do not use engine or electrical power because natural aspiration is used to remove heated air and Curie Temperature of a ferromagnetic material is used to selectively allow and disallow natural aspiration.

Abstract: A crossing arm for a vehicle having a longitudinal axis includes a plurality of hollow telescoping members. The telescoping members are mounted onto the vehicle and configured for extension parallel to the longitudinal axis. The members define a variable volume chamber, where the chamber has a minimum volume when the members are nested, and the chamber has a maximum volume when the members are extended. An actuator is in fluid communication with the plurality of telescoping members and is configured for delivering fluid to the chamber to move at least one telescoping member with respect to a second telescoping member to extend the crossing arm.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising an exhaust system containing a particulate filter (10, 52) for trapping particulate matter in engine exhaust passing through the exhaust system. A particulate trapping medium (18) inside a casing is selectively operable to a relatively lesser porosity for trapping particulate matter in the exhaust and to a relatively greater porosity for facilitating removal of trapped particulate matter during cleaning.

Abstract: A system (30) and method for removing heat from a confined space such as from engine compartment or service brake of a motor vehicle where heat is generated by operation of a heat engine (12) that propels the vehicle or application of a friction brake. The system and method do not use engine or electrical power because natural aspiration is used to remove heated air and Curie Temperature of a ferromagnetic material is used to selectively allow and disallow natural aspiration.

Abstract: A heating system for use on an exhaust system of a vehicle having an exhaust gas passageway to emit exhaust gases from an engine to an outlet includes a quasi black body heat collector. The heat collector is located on the exhaust gas passageway for capturing heat from the exhaust gases. The heating system includes an inlet conduit for circulating air from the HVAC system of the vehicle to the heat collector. The air is heated at the heat collector, and an outlet conduit circulates the heated air back to the HVAC system.

Abstract: A combination fuel tank and cab floor for a truck tractor utilizes a deck plate over a multi-reservoir base pan. The pan is configured both to divide the fuel storage area and to provide a frame for supporting seats and bunks to be installed on the floor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating operation of a fuel-level indicator of a vehicle are disclosed. The systems and methods include means of determining and/or receiving configuration information about the vehicle and integrating appropriate logic for converting raw fuel-level signals produced by a fuel-level sensor into appropriate processed fuel-level signals to be received by the fuel-level indicator.