Abstract: A power transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft, an output shaft, a first planetary gear set including a first rotation element directly connected to a first motor/generator, a second rotation element connected to the output shaft through an externally-meshed gear and a third rotation element directly connected to the input shaft, a second planetary gear set including a fourth rotation element directly connected to a second motor/generator, a fifth rotation element connected to the output shaft through an externally-meshed gear and a sixth rotation element selectively connected to a transmission housing and selectively connected to the first rotation element, transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements selectively connecting two rotation elements of the second planetary gear set, selectively connecting the first rotation element to the sixth rotation element, or selectively connecting the sixth rotation element to the transmission housing.

Abstract: An engine starting system and technique for transitioning from an electric drive mode to a hybrid drive made in a hybrid electric vehicle is disclosed. In an electric drive mode the torque demand of the hybrid electric vehicle is met by an electromechanical device. The starting technique includes slipping a clutch between the engine and electromechanical device with the vehicle in the electric drive mode to rotate the engine, disengaging the clutch so that the engine is fueled to obtain a speed that approximates a speed of the electromechanical device, and engaging the clutch to couple the engine and the electromechanical device to the drive shaft to meet driver torque demand.

Abstract: If the temperature (Tig) of a switching element (25) in a source power supply circuit (24) of an electric motor (2) increases to be equal to or greater than a first predetermined value (?) while an electric vehicle (1) is in a stall state, a torque command for the electric motor (2) is reduced while a braking force command for a brake unit (10) is increased, and if the temperature (Tig) of the switching element (25) subsequently decreases to be equal to or less than a second predetermined value (?(<?)), the braking force command for the brake unit (10) is decreased while the torque command for the electric motor (2) is increased. The increment rate of the torque command for the electric motor (2) is varied in accordance with the degree of road gradient.

Abstract: A method for verifying a drive torque applied by an electric machine in a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle, the motor vehicle being propelled by the electric machine and/or an internal combustion engine, and it being checked if the drive torque applied by the electric machine is determined accurately. In order to ensure that the operating strategy is correctly implemented and a shift in load level in the power train functions reliably during operation of the motor vehicle, the drive torque applied by the electric machine is evaluated with regard to its accuracy, using a drag torque generated by the combustion engine during an overrun fuel cut off.

Abstract: A device for addition of motive force to a vehicle, with rotor-plate, rotor-arms, rotor permanent magnets, stator-plate, stator columns, stator electromagnets, and battery, cell, or other energy storage device. The device is retro-fittable on existing wheel assemblies, and installation coverts an internal combustion vehicle to a hybrid with electric propulsion.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrostatic transmission including a hub having a plurality of radially outwardly protruding teeth circumferentially spaced around the hub and at least one jaw having at least one tooth for engaging teeth on the hub to prevent rotation of the hub, thereby preventing rotation of an output shaft of a motor. When the at least one tooth on the jaw engages teeth on the hub, rotation of the output shaft is prevented by interference rather than friction.

Abstract: A cooling system to be mounted in a hybrid vehicle including a motor driven and a generator includes a cooling path and a pressurizing unit. In the cooling path, coolant for cooling the motor and the generator is recirculated. The pressurizing unit pumps the coolant. The motor is disposed downstream of the pressurizing unit in a recirculating direction of the coolant. The generator is disposed downstream of the motor and upstream of the pressurizing unit in the recirculating direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device (2) for closing a refill opening of a tank such as, a fuel tank or a lubricant tank. The closure device includes a body portion (20) for engagement with the refill opening. The closure device (2) further includes a pivotal member (6) provided with a grip portion (3). The grip portion (3) may be switched between a retracted position and a protruding position. In protruding position, the grip portion (3) extends outwardly of the body portion (20) to form a convenient grip to an operator. A holding member (13, 14, 17) may be provided to hold the pivotal member (6) in the protruding position. The holding member (13, 14, 17) may be secured to the pivotal member (6) and to the body portion (20). The closure device (2) may further comprise a biasing member (11) arranged for urging the pivotal member (6) towards the retracted position.

Abstract: A hydrogen tank is mounted on a roof so that a valve unit mounted to one end in a longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is separated as far apart as possible from a front platform and a middle platform of a fuel cell equipped bus and so that the longitudinal direction of the hydrogen tank is in a lateral direction of a vehicle. Thus, even if hydrogen leaks from the valve unit or a fusible plug valve of the valve unit is fused to discharge hydrogen from the tank, the influence of the leaking or discharged hydrogen on the front platform and the middle platform can be reduced.

Abstract: A power take-off system for a vehicle is disclosed, including an input shaft, an output shaft, and a countershaft. The output shaft includes an engagement interface for rotationally fixed engagement with one of various implement shafts. The implement shafts extend outside the vehicle when engaged with the output shaft. A clutch device is configured to engage with one or more of the input shaft, the output shaft and the countershaft. In a first engagement position, the clutch device may cause transmission of rotational power from the input shaft to the output shaft via the clutch device. In a second engagement position, the clutch device may cause transmission of rotational power from the input shaft to the output shaft via the clutch device and the countershaft. In this way, both speeds appropriate for mechanical power transmission and speeds appropriate for electrical power generation may be obtained.

Abstract: A regenerative shock absorber that include a housing and a piston that moves at least partially through the housing when the shock is compressed or extended from a rest position. When the piston moves, hydraulic fluid is pressurized and drives a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor, in turn, drives an electric generator that produced electric energy. The electric energy may be provided to a vehicle, among other things. The regenerative shock absorber may also provide ride performance that comparable to or exceeds that of conventional shock absorbers.

Abstract: A breath alcohol ignition interlock device includes a mock beverage housing including at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer therein, a mouthpiece in fluid communication with an alcohol sensor associated with the at least one of breath alcohol electronics and a hand held breath alcohol analyzer and a vent exhausting breath from the mock beverage housing. The mock beverage container housing can be disguised as a coffee cup, a fountain drink cup, a soda can, and a soft drink bottle. The mouthpiece can be disguised as a coffee cup lid, a fountain drink cup straw, a soda can opening, and a soft drink bottle top. A wireless communication module can support data synchronization and communications between the device and a base station installed within a motor vehicle.

Abstract: An awareness level improvement device has an input portion, a determination portion, and a controller. Data related to the awareness level of the driver is input into the input portion. The determination portion determines whether the driver is in a absentminded state based on the data input into the input portion. The controller controls an execution portion to execute an application improving the awareness level of the driver when the determination portion determines that the driver is driving in the absentminded state. The application includes a body motion application that prompts the driver to perform a body motion.

Abstract: A circuit breaker controller is mounted on each vehicle of an electric train together with a receiver that detects a track antenna beacon installed at a predetermined position before and after the dead section, to control a circuit breaker by detecting the track antenna beacon by the receiver. The circuit breaker controller includes a running-position calculation unit that calculates a running position of the vehicle based on a speed of the electric train, a circuit-breaker control-position calculation unit that calculates a circuit-breaker off-control position, and a circuit breaker control unit that executes off-control of the circuit breaker at a point in time at which the running position and the circuit-breaker off-control position match each other.

Abstract: An example contactor weld detection method for an electric vehicle includes detecting that a contactor is welded closed when the contactor is commanded closed.

Abstract: A control device 200 which is formed of a vehicle control device 50, a controller 100, an inverter control device 30 and a steering control device 32 executes control to give a yaw moment to a vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 travels while tracing a first trolley wire 3R1/3L1 in a first traveling section before the vehicle 1 reaches a trolley wire linkage section C and the vehicle 1 travels while tracing a second trolley wire 3R2/3L2 in a second traveling section after the vehicle 1 passed through the trolley wire linkage section. In the trolley wire linkage section, a prescribed path is set from a representative point to a second target point and the control device 200 executes control to give a yaw moment to the vehicle 1 so that the vehicle 1 travels along the prescribed path and eventually tracing the second trolley wire 3R2/3L2.

Abstract: A power control unit is mounted on a vehicle, and controls the electric power for vehicle-running. The power control unit includes: a PCU case having a lid where an opening is formed; a terminal block having a connector retain hole for retaining an interlock connector formed, and arranged at the PCU case, facing the opening; and a substrate stored in the PCU case, and on which an electronic component is mounted. The substrate is arranged at the side opposite to the lid relative to the terminal block, and deviated from the position facing an aperture of the connector retain hole. The power control unit includes a wall provided integrally with the terminal block, and arranged between the substrate and the connector retain hole. By such a configuration, there is provided a power control unit having an intrusion of a foreign object suppressed while aiming to reduce the size and cost.

Abstract: Systems and methods of semi-centralized energy storage and mobile power outflow for vehicle propulsion comprise at least one energy storage facility receiving energy via an electric grid and at least one mobile vehicle. The energy is generated at a first location, and the energy storage facility is at a second location different from the first location. The second location is closer to end users of the energy than the first location. The energy storage facility produces an energy storage medium at the second location and stores the energy from the first location at the second location in the energy storage medium. The energy storage medium comprises liquid air, liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, or a combination thereof. The mobile vehicle includes a prime mover and a cryogenic storage vessel and is configured to carry at least a portion of the energy storage medium in the cryogenic storage vessel and use power from the energy storage medium for mobile vehicle propulsion.

Abstract: A drive system includes a first switching unit, a first capacitor, a step-down circuit, a second capacitor, and a discharging unit. The first switching unit is configured to convert energy, stored in an electrical storage device, to electric power that is supplied to a motor. The first capacitor is connected to the first switching unit and configured to smooth voltage that is supplied from the electrical storage device to the first switching unit. The step-down circuit is connected to the first capacitor and configured to step down voltage of the first capacitor. The second capacitor is connected to the step-down circuit and configured to draw electric charge stored in the first capacitor. The discharging unit is configured to discharge electric charge stored in the second capacitor.

Abstract: A power converter configured to be mounted on an electrically driven vehicle comprises a control board that controls a power module including a semiconductor device, a connector provided on the control board so as to be connected to an external controller, a strong electric component arranged so as to overlap the control board, and a housing that houses the control board and the strong electric component. A bottom portion of the housing is formed to swell in a convex-shaped manner, a part of the strong electric component is housed in an area of the housing that swells in the convex-shaped manner, and the strong electric component is formed so that a projection area thereof to the overlappingly arranged control board is smaller than a surface area of the control board. The connector is arranged in an area of the control board broader than a projection plane of the overlappingly arranged strong electric component to the control board.

Abstract: A signal generation circuit (5) generates a pilot signal for communication between a vehicle equipped with a battery device, and a charging cable. The circuit (5) includes a circuit (5A) includes an operational amplifier (OP1) for outputting the pilot signal, a first input unit (501) for supplying a non-inverted input terminal of the amplifier (OP1) with a first or second signal, a second input unit (51) for supplying an inverted input terminal of the amplifier (OP1) with a first or second voltage, and a control unit (500) for controlling each output of the first and second input units (501, 51). Each of the first signal and the first voltage is a zero voltage. The circuit (5A) is configured so that the amplifier (OP1) outputs a zero voltage if the first signal is supplied to the non-inverted input terminal and the first voltage is supplied to the inverted input terminal.

Abstract: An electric vehicle and a power system and a motor controller for an electric vehicle are provided. The power system includes a power battery; a charging-discharging socket; a bidirectional DC/DC module connected with the power battery; a driving control switch connected with the power battery and the bidirectional DC/DC module; a bidirectional DC/AC module connected with the driving control switch and the power battery; a motor control switch connected with the bidirectional DC/AC module and a motor; a charging-discharging control module connected with the bidirectional DC/AC module and the charging-discharging socket; and a controller module connected with and configured to control the driving control switch, the motor control switch and the charging-discharging control module according to a current operation mode of the power system.

Abstract: A cable winding device is provided, around which a cable unit is wound that includes a first connector, a first cable connected to the first connector, and a control unit connected to the first cable and controlling an amount of a current flowing through the first cable. The cable winding device includes a fixing portion, a rotating portion provided rotatably with respect to the fixing portion. The rotating portion includes a tube portion having an outer circumferential surface around which the first cable is wound, and a first holding portion provided within the tube portion and holding the control unit.

Abstract: An electric vehicle receives an amount of power sufficient to travel a particular distance. The distance is received. The amount of power required by the electric vehicle to travel the distance is calculated. Power is allowed to be transferred to the electric vehicle. When an amount of power transferred is sufficient for the distance, the transfer of power is terminated.

Abstract: A method of operating an electric vehicle charging station. The charging station may include a console housing components configured to receive current from an electric grid and convert the current to a form adapted to be received by the electric vehicle. The method may include transferring heat from the components in the console to air flowing through the console to form heated air, and directing the heated air from the console into a duct fluidly coupled to the console. The method may further include exhausting the heated air from the duct to a location remote from the console.

Abstract: A non-contacting position sensing apparatus includes at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil that is configured to detect a net flux null when the vehicle is optimally aligned relative to the primary coil in the charging device. Each of the at least one vehicle-mounted receiver coil includes a clockwise winding loop and a counterclockwise winding loop that are substantially symmetrically configured and serially connected to each other. When the non-contacting position sensing apparatus is located directly above the primary coil of the charging device, the electromotive forces from the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise region cancel out to provide a zero electromotive force, i.e., a zero voltage reading across the coil that includes the clockwise winding loop and the counterclockwise winding loop.

Abstract: A device is provided that attaches and dettaches a connector for an electric vehicle of a battery replacement type. The device automatically connects and separates a connector at a battery and a connector at a vehicle when replacing a battery in an electric vehicle. The device may include a connector housing that is disposed on a battery mounting module for mounting and separating the battery and a connecting member that is connected to a cable at the vehicle, movably disposed within the connector housing, and selectively connected with the connector at the battery. A movable member is movably disposed within the connector housing in correspondence to the connecting member by a guide pin of the connector at the battery and a power transmitting member is connected to the connecting member and the movable member and moves the connecting member opposite to the movement direction of the movable member.

Abstract: An automated mobile vehicle configured to autonomously provide coverage for inoperable infrastructure components at various locations. A plurality of automated mobile vehicles may be deployed to provide emergency lighting, a wireless network, audio, video, etc., at an event area. The event area may be indoors and/or outdoors.

Abstract: The present invention is vehicle electric power supply system (A) that supplies electric power wirelessly to a vehicle (M) that is positioned within an electric power supply area (X). The vehicle electric power supply system (A) has: a power-receiving device (m1) that is provided in the vehicle; a plurality of power-transmitting devices (1a1, 1a2, 1a3, 1b1, 1b2, 1b3, 1c1, 1c2, 1c3) that are provided at mutually different positions within the electric power supply area; a position detecting device (4) that detects the position of the power-receiving device within the electric power supply area; and a control device (4) that, based on detection results from the position detecting device, selects from among the plurality of power-transmitting devices the power-transmitting device that is located in a position that corresponds to the power-receiving device, and then causes power to be supplied wirelessly from the selected power-transmitting device.

Abstract: A device for storing electrical energy in a vehicle includes at least one vehicle battery, which can be connected to an electrical power network by a vehicle charging interface of the vehicle. The vehicle battery has a storage capacity for storing electrical energy. The storage capacity of the vehicle battery is partitioned for different users.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of distributed charging of electrical assets. In various examples, distributed charging of electrical assets may be implemented in the form of systems, methods and/or algorithms.

Abstract: A battery charge/discharge control device which performs battery charge/discharge control in a working machine with a battery capable of storing electric energy generated by a generator motor coupled to an engine and driving the generator motor or at least one of other electric actuators by the stored electric energy and a controller which controls a distribution of the electric energy among the battery, the generator motor, and the electric actuator, wherein the controller performs the charge/discharge control in which the electric energy of the battery is discharged when the engine is driven and recharging to the battery is permitted on a condition that a state in which an engine speed is equal to or lower than a predetermined engine speed is maintained for a predetermined time after the battery is completely discharged.

Abstract: A power supply device according to the present invention includes a detector, a memory, and a determinator. The detector detects internal resistance, temperature, and SOC of a battery. The memory stores record data and a predetermined SOC range as storage data. The record data is used for estimating standardized available power at standard SOC temperature corresponding to the detected internal resistance and temperature. If the detected SOC of the battery falls within the range, the determinator estimates standardized available power at the standard SOC and temperature based on the detected internal resistance and temperature, and the record data. When the internal resistance, temperature, and SOC are detected by the detector, if the detected SOC falls within the range, the determinator estimates standardized available power at standard SOC temperature based on the detected internal resistance and temperature, and the record data.

Abstract: A fuel cell power plant provided in a vehicle includes a power plant unit, a frame including a front part of the vehicle, and an impact cushioning member having a protective space therein and surrounding the power plant unit. The power plant unit includes a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen supply device to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell stack to generate electric power, and a high-voltage device to receive and manage the electric power generated. A gap is provided between the power plant unit and the impact cushioning member so that the power plant unit moves in a case where a collision load is applied from an outside of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electric bicycle and a control method thereof. The control method of the electric bicycle in which a motor is rotated using electric energy stored in a battery to drive the electric bicycle, includes receiving an acceleration instruction value to accelerate the electric bicycle, input by a driver, during traveling, calculating a reference value according to a traveling velocity of the electric bicycle, and increasing time taken for a rotating velocity of the motor to reach a target velocity, if the received acceleration instruction value is more than the calculated reference value.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a rotating E-machine and for correcting a rotational position signal output by an angular position sensor operatively connected to the E-machine in conjunction with a sensor digital converter is disclosed. For each angular operating speed of interest, a set of signals as a function of position is taken such that the harmonics (or sub-harmonics) related to the position sensor may be determined and isolated from errors due to an associated digital converter. From this information, the magnitude and phase of the position sensor harmonics is determined. The effects of the sensor digital converter (or other signal processing equipment) are then determined and accounted for, allowing the control system to apply the total position error signal to the position sensor output signal to determine a corrected position sensor signal for use in controlling the E-machine.

Abstract: A cantilever assembly includes a cantilever arm having a pair of longitudinal fastening channels with a corresponding pair of slots in communication with the fastening channels. An attachment bracket features a connector portion and a pair of spaced leg portions defining a seat there between with each leg portion having at least one aperture. The leg portions also each have an inner surface featuring an elongated groove with each being in communication with a corresponding one of the apertures. The elongated grooves are positioned in alignment with the slots of the cantilever arm when the cantilever arm is positioned in the seat of the attachment bracket.

Abstract: A floor lock for a motor vehicle seat for detachably connecting the motor vehicle seat to the vehicle floor, has a locking pawl adjustable between a locked position and an unlocked position and a control pawl, which fixes the position of the locking pawl, is in operative connection with the locking pawl and is adjustable relative to the latter between a closed position and an open position. The locked position of the locking pawl is secured by a securing pawl arranged in a secured position, the securing pawl being in operative connection with the locking pawl and being adjustable by the latter between the secured position and a release position.

Abstract: A car seat assembly includes a first base coupled to a vehicle seat. The first base is structured to have a pair of wheel wells. A seat is provided to support a child. A second base is provided. The seat is coupled to the second base. A pair of legs is coupled to the base. Each of the legs is structured to form a scissor such that each of the legs is positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. A plurality of wheels is each rotatably coupled to an associated one of the legs. Each of the wheels engages a respective one of the wheel wells such that the second base is removably coupled to the first base. Each of the wheels abuts a support surface such that the seat may be rolled along the support surface after the second base is removed from the first base.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a rotationally moving hook mechanism provided on a seat back, and a striker disposed in a rear of the seat back and fixed onto a vehicle body. The vehicle seat includes a left lock mechanism and a right lock mechanism which fix the seat back at an erection position, and a supporting bracket that is provided on the vehicle body to tiltably support the seat back. The striker and the supporting bracket are disposed on a rear side of each of a left side bolster and a right side bolster. An insertion hole, a fixing wire and a protruding portion are provided on the left side bolster and the right side bolster, and on the striker and the supporting bracket to determine positions of the left side bolster and the right side bolster and positions of the striker and the supporting bracket.

Abstract: A locking assembly for a vehicle includes a striker mounted to a first vehicle part movable between a first position and a second position, a ratchet rotatably mounted to a second vehicle part for selectively receiving the striker and locking the first vehicle part in the first position, a pawl rotatably mounted to the second vehicle part for selectively engaging the ratchet to prevent rotation of the ratchet and thereby lock the ratchet and striker together, an anti-rattle lever rotatably mounted to the second vehicle part for engaging the striker to prevent rattling of the ratchet on the striker and a spring mounted to the second vehicle part to urge the anti-rattle lever into engagement with the striker when the ratchet is locked to the striker. The spring is arranged to maintain locking of the ratchet onto the striker in the event that the anti-rattle lever fails.

Abstract: Described are pivotable armrests having a first pivot assembly with a housing and a pivot plate pivotally coupled to the housing, a second pivot assembly with a coupling projection extending from a circumferential surface of the pivot plate, an armpad pivotally coupled to the coupling projection, and the housing includes a receptacle having a receptacle surface. The armpad has a longitudinal axis arranged in an elongated direction of the armpad and a lateral axis arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extending in a plane parallel to at least one of an upper surface and a lower surface of the armpad. When the pivotable armrest is in a stowed position, the coupling projection and the longitudinal axis of the armpad are substantially vertically oriented and the lateral axis of the armpad is substantially parallel with a receptacle surface of the housing.

Abstract: A mounting system for a headrest comprising at least one shaft, the system comprising a housing adapted to enclose the shaft with a radial clearance, a moving carriage capable of being moved between a blocking position and an unblocking position, and a jaw movable between an immobilization position and a release position. The jaw is adapted to apply, when it is in the immobilization position, a clamping force to the shaft in a clamping direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, so that the shaft is supported on the housing. The moving carriage comprises at least one drive slot in which a slug from the jaw is able to move.

Abstract: The invention is a material unloader having an automatic hydraulic mechanism and frame for removably securing underneath a body of a dump truck. The mechanism has a support platform having two channels and two coupling means. The frame has a platform, a pair of longitudinal flanges coupled together by a stabilizing bracket, a plurality of cross-braces extending therebetween, and an outside surface having a plurality of rollers which are accepted into the channels of the mechanism for automatic actuation. The platform of the frame supports a chain driven conveyor assembly including an endless drive mechanism having a pair of parallel drive chains.

Abstract: A camera crane carrier includes a vehicle having a front end and a back end. A front elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a forward position on a deck vehicle. A back elevator is movable vertically between up and down positions, at a rearward position, below the deck. A ramp may be provided on the vehicle, with the ramp extendible from the deck at the back end of the vehicle to the ground. The elevators allow a camera crane to be more easily loaded onto the vehicle, and also allow lowering the center of gravity of the loaded vehicle. The vehicle may optionally be used as a camera car when not carrying a camera crane.

Abstract: A shelving unit including three wall clip/brackets and a shelf pivotally attached to the clip/brackets. Each clip/bracket includes a mounting engagement portion and a pair of parallel, extending arms. Each arm has a curved slot, and a pivot hole positioned above one end of the slot. The arc of the slot sets the other end of the slot higher. The shelf is pivotally bolted to the clip/bracket. A pin pivotally passes through the curved slots of the pair of arms and engages the shelf. One of the three clip/brackets has an additional vertical retention slot at the lower end of the curved slot. The shelf is pivotable to a first, substantially horizontal position with the pins at the other end of the slots, and to a second, substantially vertical position with the pin of the one of the three brackets being in the vertical retention slot of the one bracket.

Abstract: A conversion kit for an enclosed trailer forms at least one animal stall in a storage compartment of the trailer. The conversion kit includes separable vertical stanchions and stall dividers which are removably mountable in the trailer storage compartment to form one or more stalls. A breastplate, a front wall and a feed tray may be mounted at a front end of the stall dividers. A manger door opens to a storage compartment below the feed tray. A saddle hanger may be mounted at a forward end of the front wall. Openable rear doors close one end of the stalls.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.