Abstract: There is disclosed a system for use in transport vehicles, comprising in combination an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle powered by a diesel engine and having a fuel system, an engine exhaust system and a battery powered electrical system; and a locator unit for use in a tracking and monitoring system for communicating over a communication network with the locator unit and with a remote location the APU, wherein the locator unit is attached to or installed within the APU.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a compact, AC operated auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit operable in the cabin of a transport vehicle and powered by the an auxiliary power unit (“APU”). The system includes control means coupled to the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit and the APU, and harness means for coupling the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit, the APU, and the control means together.

Abstract: There is disclosed an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. An enclosure houses and supports the APU on the transport vehicle. An air-cooled engine within the enclosure directly drives an air-cooled, brushless generator. The generator provides direct, simultaneous AC and DC voltage outputs without requiring an inverter circuit or a converter circuit. Air duct systems within the enclosure separately convey cooling air into, through and out of the air-cooled engine and generator. The cooling air, drawn into the air duct systems by respective direct drive fan means integrated in the air-cooled engine and generator, exits through respective air outlet ducts from the enclosure. In another embodiment, a system is disclosed comprising a compact, AC operated auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit operable in the cabin of a transport vehicle and powered by the APU described above.

Abstract: An exchanger switch for use with a plurality of batteries that extends the useful life of the batteries. In a generator, a first battery can provide power to an external load while also providing power to recharge a second battery. When the first battery is depleted to a certain voltage level, the exchanger switch is activated and the second battery can begin providing power to the external load. The exchanger switch also directs a portion of the power from the second battery to recharging the first battery. The exchanger switch allows the generator to continue providing power to the external load without interruption. Using the batteries as alternating power sources allows the exchanger switch to increase the useful life of the batteries.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for use in transport vehicles, comprising in combination an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle powered by a diesel engine and having a fuel system, an engine exhaust system and a battery powered electrical system; and a locator unit for use in a tracking and monitoring system for communicating over a communication network with the locator unit and with a remote location the APU, wherein the locator unit is attached to or installed within the APU.

Abstract: There is disclosed an auxiliary power unit (APU) for a transport vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. An enclosure houses and supports the APU on the transport vehicle. An air-cooled engine within the enclosure directly drives an air-cooled, brushless generator. The generator provides direct, simultaneous AC and DC voltage outputs without requiring an inverter circuit or a converter circuit. Air duct systems within the enclosure separately convey cooling air into, through and out of the air-cooled engine and generator. The cooling air, drawn into the air duct systems by respective direct drive fan means integrated in the air-cooled engine and generator, exits through respective air outlet ducts from the enclosure.