Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems comprising vehicle fleet management systems are disclosed. One embodiment is a method that provides a plurality of predetermined powertrain trim templates, where each of the plurality of predetermined powertrain trim templates specifies a plurality of powertrain trim parameters implementable by an electronic powertrain control system to control one or more operational response characteristics of the powertrain. The method includes selecting one of the plurality of predetermined powertrain trim templates and one of a plurality of vehicles of a vehicle fleet to receive the selected one of the plurality of predetermined powertrain trim templates. In response to the act of selecting one of the plurality of predetermined powertrain trim templates, the method transmits via a telematics network one or more modified powertrain trim parameters.

Abstract: One embodiment is a system comprising an internal combustion engine including an output shaft, a pulley system structured to be driven by the output shaft, a first alternator and a second alternator structured to be driven by the pulley system, and an electromagnetic clutch integrated within one of the pulley system, the first alternator and the second alternator and structured to selectably couple and decouple at least one of the first alternator and the second alternator from the output shaft. The system includes a controller in operative communication with the internal combustion engine system and structured to evaluate power demand and power production capability parameters of the system and to control the electromagnetic clutch to engage or disengage in response to the evaluation.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight camshaft for an internal combustion engine, comprising a shaft body having an axially oriented hollow interior extending a predetermined length from between a pair of spaced points, respectively, adjacent the ends of the shaft body. Plural camshaft journal bearings are spaced apart on the shaft body and include a pair of end camshaft journal bearings positioned adjacent the ends of the shaft body, respectively, with at least one inner camshaft journal bearing positioned intermediate the pair of end camshaft journal bearings. Each end camshaft journal bearing has a lubricant transfer means formed therein for receiving lubricant from an external supply and for transferring lubricant into the hollow interior of the camshaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an improved static timing between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an internal combustion engine. The crankshaft and camshaft are locked into predetermined rotational positions to set the desired timing between the crankshaft and camshaft. The camshaft is locked into its predetermined rotational position using a camshaft timing member positioned between a flat portion formed on an outer peripheral surface of camshaft and an adjacent portion of said engine, such as the cylinder head. This positioning of the camshaft timing member prevents the camshaft from rotating and locks the camshaft into the desired predetermined rotational position for setting the static timing with respect to the crankshaft. The crankshaft in locked into its predetermined position using a crankshaft timing pin inserted through the engine block and positioned into a slot formed in a counterweight on the crankshaft.

Abstract: A high strength, lightweight camshaft for an internal combustion engine, comprising a shaft body having an axially oriented hollow interior extending a predetermined length from between a pair of spaced points, respectively, adjacent the ends of the shaft body. Plural camshaft journal bearings are spaced apart on the shaft body and include a pair of end camshaft journal bearings positioned adjacent the ends of the shaft body, respectively, with at least one inner camshaft journal bearing positioned intermediate the pair of end camshaft journal bearings. Each end camshaft journal bearing has a lubricant transfer means formed therein for receiving lubricant from an external supply and for transferring lubricant into the hollow interior of the camshaft.

Abstract: A dedicated compression braking system is provided having at least one engine piston reciprocally mounted within a cylinder for cyclical successive compression and expansion strokes and at least one exhaust valve operable to open in a variable timed relationship with an engine piston compression stroke when the engine is operated in a compression braking mode. The braking system includes an independent exhaust valve actuator assembly, including a braking mode rocker lever and a cam lobe for imparting reciprocable movement to the exhaust valve when the engine is operated in the braking mode. The second exhaust valve actuator assembly includes a braking fluid circuit formed in the braking mode rocker lever and a braking fluid valve and three-way solenoid valve mounted on the braking mode rocker lever for controlling the flow of braking fluid in the braking mode rocker lever during compression braking.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for use with a solenoid as park of an engine retarder braking system includes a valve body arranged with a plurality of apertures and which receives an upper check valve pin, a lower check valve pin, and a biasing spring which acts on both check valve pins. The solenoid includes a coil and moveable armature and the braking system includes a high pressure circuit with a master piston and cylinder and a slave piston and cylinder. The two cylinders are connected by a flow passageway. The housing has a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an access port. The fluid inlet receives low pressure oil which acts upon one side of the lower check valve pin. The opposite side of the lower check valve pin is acted upon by the fluid in the high pressure circuit and by the biasing spring. When the pressure difference allows the lower check valve pin to move out of its sealed position against the fluid inlet, oil is introduced into the high pressure circuit.

Abstract: A compression braking system for an internal combustion engine having at least one working piston including a master piston operated by an engine component such as a fuel injector actuating mechanism and a slave piston fluidically connected with the master piston to open an engine exhaust valve wherein a pressure relief valve is provided to prevent excessively high pressure supply fluid from a low pressure supply circuit from reaching the high pressure circuit connecting the master and slave pistons thereby preventing inadvertent and excessive movement of the slave piston and possible damage to the engine. The pressure relief valve is fluidically connected to the low pressure supply circuit upstream of a control valve which separates the low and high fluid circuits and opens to vent fluid from the low pressure circuit while allowing continuous, uninterrupted operation of the engine in the braking mode.

Abstract: An improved master cylinder for use with an engine compression braking system includes a two-piece telescoping piston which traps a column of fluid therewithin to establish a solid column or piston for a limited length of travel of the piston. Upon achieving a particular predetermined displacement, the fluid column trapped within the two-piece piston is released, thus rapid piston movement is achieved without overtravel which may open exhaust valves of the engine to a distance wherein interference with the piston occurs. The two-piece telescoping piston is actuated in accordance with an injector pushtube or other combinations such as exhaust or intake valve cam/pushtubes.