Abstract: Diagnostic systems and methods utilize existing sensors on an engine and/or within a vehicle to detect and/or diagnose malfunctions or failures with an air pressure limiting valve. By analyzing and comparing in-vehicle and on-engine sensors data, as well as engine control maps, malfunctions and/or failures to the air pressure limiting valve and/or leaks in the air flow within the air pressure system are detectable.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a diesel engine having a crankcase and a crankcase ventilation system connected to the crankcase and configured to ventilate crankcase exhaust gases. The vehicle also includes a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) reservoir including DEF therein, the DEF configured to reduce emissions of the diesel engine, and a DEF cooling system operably connected to the crankcase and the DEF reservoir. The DEF cooling system is configured to receive the DEF and use the DEF to cool the crankcase exhaust gases passing therethrough.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a diesel engine having a crankcase and a crankcase ventilation system connected to the crankcase and configured to ventilate crankcase exhaust gases. The vehicle also includes a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) reservoir including DEF therein, the DEF configured to reduce emissions of the diesel engine, and a DEF cooling system operably connected to the crankcase and the DEF reservoir. The DEF cooling system is configured to receive the DEF and use the DEF to cool the crankcase exhaust gases passing therethrough.

Abstract: Diagnostic systems and methods utilize existing sensors on an engine and/or within a vehicle to detect and/or diagnose malfunctions or failures with an air pressure limiting valve. By analyzing and comparing in-vehicle and on-engine sensors data, as well as engine control maps, malfunctions and/or failures to the air pressure limiting valve and/or leaks in the air flow within the air pressure system are detectable.

Abstract: A test fixture for accelerated testing of different loads includes a fixture shaft adapted to be detachably connected to a test shaft. A pulley is fixedly supported by the fixture shaft. A cable has a first end fixedly attached to the pulley and a second end detachably attached to a test mass.

Abstract: A grille surround for a vehicle including a body, a plurality of mounting brackets connected to the body via an adhesive, and a plurality of conductive members configured to electrically couple the plurality of mounting brackets to the body. Each conductive member extends in between the body and a respective mounting bracket and establishes an electrical connection therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin comprises a member disposed offset from the surface. The member includes a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface. The second side outer surface faces exterior of the vehicle. A space is disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface. Ports are pneumatically connected with the space, a source of compressed air and a vent.

Abstract: A method for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin, using an apparatus including a member disposed offset from the surface including a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface facing exterior of the vehicle, a space disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface, a first port and a second port pneumatically connected with the space, at least one of the first port and the second port pneumatically connected with a source of compressed air on the vehicle, and a vent pneumatically connected with at least one of the first port and the second port, the method comprises activating at least one of the first port and the second port allowing compressed air to flow from the source into the space.

Abstract: A support for an exhaust stack comprises a first bracket including a first base joining a first extension and a second extension, the first base being fixed to the vehicle, and a second bracket including a second base joining a third extension and a fourth extension, the second base being fixed to the exhaust stack. A member is disposed between the first base and the second base. The member has a first end and a second end. A first fastener is accepted by the first end and extends between the first extension and the second extension. A second fastener is accepted by the second end and extends between the third extension and the fourth extension.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin comprises a member disposed offset from the surface. The member includes a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface. The second side outer surface faces exterior of the vehicle. A space is disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface. Ports are pneumatically connected with the space, a source of compressed air and a vent.

Abstract: A method for reducing obstruction compromising operation of at least one sensor having a portion disposed through skin of a vehicle, the portion having a surface offset from the skin, using an apparatus including a member disposed offset from the surface including a first side having an inner surface and an outer surface that opposes the surface of the portion, and a second side having a second side inner surface and a second side outer surface facing exterior of the vehicle, a space disposed between the second side inner surface and the inner surface, a first port and a second port pneumatically connected with the space, at least one of the first port and the second port pneumatically connected with a source of compressed air on the vehicle, and a vent pneumatically connected with at least one of the first port and the second port, the method comprises activating at least one of the first port and the second port allowing compressed air to flow from the source into the space.

Abstract: A method of monitoring an exhaust system of an engine having an engine control unit including a diagnostic module operatively associated with the engine comprises providing an exhaust gas recirculation valve connected with the engine control unit within the exhaust system. Position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is automatically monitored during operation of the engine. Position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is determined. Determined position of the exhaust gas recirculation valve is transmitted to the diagnostic module.

Abstract: A support for an exhaust stack comprises a first bracket including a first base joining a first extension and a second extension, the first base being fixed to the vehicle, and a second bracket including a second base joining a third extension and a fourth extension, the second base being fixed to the exhaust stack. A member is disposed between the first base and the second base. The member has a first end and a second end. A first fastener is accepted by the first end and extends between the first extension and the second extension. A second fastener is accepted by the second end and extends between the third extension and the fourth extension.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for determining the service interval of a fluid filter includes a filter and a pump driven by an electric motor. A control module calculates pressure drop across the filter by way of voltage, current, and/or PWM provided to the electric motor. The control module monitors the rate of change of the pressure drop across the filter over the life of the filter. The volume flow rate of the fluid may or may not be held constant. If an abrupt or sudden characteristic change in the pressure drop across the filter occurs, or if the pressure drop across the filter exceeds a threshold amount, the arrangement and method provides a notification that either the filter needs to be replaced or serviced, or that it is probable that a mechanical condition has developed, depending upon the characteristics of the change in pressure drop across the filter.

Abstract: An air intake system for a vehicle comprises an exterior air inlet disposed on the vehicle that receives air from an exterior of the vehicle. An air outlet is disposed on the vehicle that supplies air to an engine of the vehicle. A conduit network connects the exterior air inlet and the air outlet. An interior air device disposed on the vehicle is connected to the conduit network allowing air from an interior of the vehicle into the engine. A base plate with an opening is attached to the conduit network. A hatch connected the base plate allows air from the interior of the vehicle through the opening.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing an EGR cooler including a barrier layer applied to EGR cooler components while allowing sufficient heat transfer between exhaust gases and the cooling medium. A barrier layer may be applied onto particular surfaces of the EGR cooler components to prevent deposition of hydrocarbons or soot on the EGR cooler components. In some arrangements, the barrier layer may comprise a refractory solid oxide. In other arrangements, an EGR cooler may comprise a catalytic barrier layer. The catalytic barrier layer may include a refractory solid oxide and a platinum group metal or mixed metal oxide to prevent accumulation of varnish material deposited onto EGR cooler components.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to providing an EGR cooler including a barrier layer applied to EGR cooler components while allowing sufficient heat transfer between exhaust gases and the cooling medium. A barrier layer may be applied onto particular surfaces of the EGR cooler components to prevent deposition of hydrocarbons or soot on the EGR cooler components. In some arrangements, the barrier layer may comprise a refractory solid oxide. In other arrangements, an EGR cooler may comprise a catalytic barrier layer. The catalytic barrier layer may include a refractory solid oxide and a platinum group metal or mixed metal oxide to prevent accumulation of varnish material deposited onto EGR cooler components.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of an engine of a vehicle has a VGT mechanism and a VGT actuator connected to the VGT actuator. A controller is connected to the VGT actuator, and is configured to monitor at least one entry condition such as vehicle battery voltage, voltage at the VGT actuator, temperature of the engine, its oil, and its coolant, and exhaust gas temperature. If the entry conditions are met, the controller performs a learn procedure in which the VGT actuator cycles the VGT mechanism through its range of motion following a key-off shutdown command. The learn procedure may take place immediately preceding, during, or immediately following shutdown of the engine. The VGT actuator then reports to the controller an available range of motion of the VGT actuator and of the VGT mechanism.

Abstract: A variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) of an engine of a vehicle has a VGT mechanism and a VGT actuator connected to the VGT actuator. A controller is connected to the VGT actuator, and is configured to monitor at least one entry condition such as vehicle battery voltage, voltage at the VGT actuator, temperature of the engine, its oil, and its coolant, and exhaust gas temperature. If the entry conditions are met, the controller performs a learn procedure in which the VGT actuator cycles the VGT mechanism through its range of motion following a key-off shutdown command. The learn procedure may take place immediately preceding, during, or immediately following shutdown of the engine. The VGT actuator then reports to the controller an available range of motion of the VGT actuator and of the VGT mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for dissipating vehicle under hood heat accumulated during stationary engine operation at high load or RPM and/or under high temperature ambient conditions is installed in a vehicle having an engine positioned within an engine compartment, and a cooling fan selectively driven by way of a fan clutch. The system includes a controller connected to the engine and to the fan clutch. The controller determines whether the period of stationary engine operation occurs at or above a threshold engine load or RPM, at or above a threshold engine operating temperature, at or above a threshold ambient temperature, and/or for or longer than a threshold stationary engine operation duration. If so, the at least one controller increases a low idle set point of the engine and commands the fan clutch to engage or remain engaged for a cool-down period following the period of stationary engine operation.