A self-adjusting, self-damping air spring having a first air spring disposed between a cab and a frame of a vehicle and a second air spring in fluid communication with the first air spring. The second air spring positioned relative to the first to provide an opposition force in response to a change in height of the first air spring. This change in height corresponds to a change in displacement between the cab and the frame. The opposition force provided by the second air spring acting to dampen the changes in displacement.
F16F 9/04 - Ressorts, amortisseurs de vibrations, amortisseurs de chocs ou amortisseurs de mouvement de structure similaire, utilisant un fluide ou moyen équivalent comme agent d'amortissement utilisant un gaz uniquement dans une chambre à paroi flexible
The present invention relates to a roll over restraint system for a vehicle. The roll over restraint system includes a mattress, restraint belt section, and one or more activation sensors. The restraint belt section extends laterally across the mattress. The one or more activation sensors detect the occurrence of at least one of a vehicle declaration threshold, a vehicle attitude change threshold, or a vehicle crash and in response thereto generate a signal. The signal results in at least one pre-tensioning devices increasing the tension applied to the restraint belt section and/or inflation of the restraint belt section.
A method for distributing load forces among axles of a truck having a front steer axle and two rear axles, the rear axles including an air suspension, includes the steps of monitoring a load on each of the axles and generating a load signal therefrom, increasing a pressure in a forward rear axle air suspension relative to a pressure in a rearward rear axle suspension to decrease a load on the steer axle, and decreasing a pressure in a forward rear axle air suspension relative to a rearward rear axle suspension to increase a load on the steer axle.
The present invention relates to a vehicle provided with a sprung mass, including a vehicle frame, at least one axle provided with first and second ends, and a suspension system provided with a mechanical springs and leveling springs. The mechanical springs connect the axle ends to the frame and are provided with a spring rate in a rebound direction that is greater than or substantially equal to a spring rate in a jounce direction. The leveling springs are configured to support the sprung mass at one or more sprung mass load points, whereby the first and second mechanical springs may become substantially unloaded by the sprung mass of the vehicle at the one or more sprung mass load points.
B60G 11/34 - Suspensions élastiques caractérisées par la disposition, l'emplacement ou le type des ressorts ayant des ressorts de différents types comprenant des ressorts à lames
The present invention relates to a modular reservoir and method. The modular reservoir includes a body. A reservoir cavity extends longitudinally within the body and is provided with first and second ends. An external surface of the body is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending tabs and a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves. The tabs are provided with a substantially nesting cross-sectional shape, with respect to a cross-sectional shape of the grooves. First and second end caps are located at the first and second ends of the reservoir cavity. The first and second end caps enclose the reservoir cavity.
B65D 6/40 - Réceptacles dont le corps est formé par jonction ou liaison de plusieurs composants rigides ou sensiblement rigides, constitués en totalité ou principalement en métal, en matière plastique, en bois ou en un matériau de remplacement dont les parois comportent des orifices de remplissage ou de vidage
B65D 21/02 - Réceptacles de forme spéciale ou pourvus de garnitures ou de pièces de fixation, pour faciliter l'emboîtement, le gerbage ou l'assemblage
B65D 21/028 - Réceptacles de forme spéciale ou pourvus de garnitures ou de pièces de fixation, pour faciliter l'emboîtement, le gerbage ou l'assemblage pour empiler des réceptacles placés sur le côté, ou pour réunir des réceptacles côte à côte, par des moyens situés latéralement quand les réceptacles sont orientés normalement avec des moyens de liaison faisant partie intégrante des réceptacles, p. ex. queues-d'aronde, encliquetages ou crochets
The present invention discloses a dual steering system including a first front wheel and a second front wheel, a lateral steering linkage connecting the first and second front wheels, a first steering system with a first steering wheel and a power steering module that assists steering inputs applied to the first steering wheel, and a second steering system with a second steering wheel and a torque sensor in communication with the power steering module of the first steering system and monitoring steering inputs applied to the second steering wheel, whereby the power steering module may provide power assist to the steering inputs applied to the second steering wheel.
A multiple axis hinge arrangement for a truck hood includes a first hinge arrangement and a second hinge arrangement laterally spaced and mounted at first and second sides, respectively, of a front end of a truck. The first and second hinge arrangements include horizontal hinge elements that support a truck hood for pivotal movement on a horizontal axis relative to a truck frame and include vertical hinge elements that provide vertical pivot axes. A coupling member is provided at each of the first and second hinge arrangements allowing the selected hinge arrangement to be uncoupled from the front end of the truck so the hood is free to pivot on the vertical axis of the coupled arrangement.
The present invention relates to a control system for a refuse vehicle and a method for controlling a refuse vehicle provided with at least one refuse container location sensor, at least one vehicle speed control, and one or more electronics. The one or more electronics receive and process signals from the at least one refuse container location sensor and outputs a control signal to the at least one vehicle speed control to stop the refuse vehicle at a predetermined location with respect to a refuse container.
A tractor-trailer truck engine coolant manifold comprises a first supply port for receiving coolant from an engine or radiator, and a first return port for returning coolant to the engine or radiator. The manifold also has a second supply port in fluid communication with the first supply port, and a second return port in fluid communication with the first return port. Further, the manifold can have a third supply port in fluid communication with the first supply port, and a third return port in fluid communication with the first return port. The coolant manifold can further have one or more internal flow paths that are configured so that coolant flow rate or pressure exiting one supply port is different from the coolant flow rate or pressure exiting from another supply port, pre-selected based upon the thermal requirements of the heat source or heat sink components.
A truck for pulling a semi-trailer includes an operator cab positioned on a frame and a fifth wheel mounted on the frame for receiving an underside of the semi-trailer. The trailer when attached to the truck defines a gap between a forward most portion of the semi-trailer and rearward most portion of the operator cab. A fairing can be located on the frame, aft of the operator cab and forward of at least a portion of the fifth wheel. The fairing can block at least a portion of the air flow attempting to enter the gap from below the frame.
A truck includes a frame, an operator cab on the frame and a drive axle having a differential. The differential can be connected to a drive shaft. A fairing for directing air flow around the differential is attached to the frame forward of the drive axle and forward of the differential. The fairing can have a non-deflected position and a deflected position.
The present invention relates to a vehicle bunk restraint system that includes a padded ladder restraint member and at least one other restraint member. The padded ladder restraint member provides access to an upper bunk. The padded ladder restraint member and at least one other restraint member may cooperate to obstruct the entrance to the lower bunk, whereby ejection from the lower bunk via the entrance is obstructed via the padded ladder restraint member and the at least one other restraint member.
The present invention relates to a drive axle carrier assembly and a method for measuring the angular orientation of a powertrain input shaft of a drive axle carrier assembly. A first axle end and a second axle end extend from opposite sides from a housing of the drive axle carrier assembly. An input shaft extends into the housing and is provided with an axis of rotation. The housing includes a measuring surface oriented at a predetermined angular relationship with respect to an axis of rotation of the input shaft. The angular orientation of the measuring surface with respect to a reference plane is measurable. The angular orientation of the axis of rotation with respect to the horizontal plane is determinable using the measured angular orientation of the measuring surface with respect to the reference plane and the predetermined angular relationship between the measuring surface and the axis of rotation.
G01B 5/24 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques mécaniques pour mesurer des angles ou des cônesDispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques mécaniques pour tester l'alignement des axes
The present invention relates to a roof fairing body and a method of installing a roof fairing on a vehicle. The roof fairing includes a lower fairing body section, an upper fairing body section, a shipping configuration, and an operable configuration. The lower fairing body section includes a front wall and side walls extending rearward from opposite ends of the front wall. The front wall and side walls cooperate to define an upper roof fairing section receiving space. The upper fairing body section is configured to mate with the lower fairing body section to form at least one hinge. When in the shipping configuration, the upper roof fairing section is positioned at least partially within the upper roof fairing section receiving space of the lower fairing body section, whereby the roof fairing body is provided with a shipping height and the upper roof fairing section and the lower fairing body section mate to form at least one hinge. When in an operable configuration the upper roof fairing section pivots about the at least one hinge whereby the upper roof fairing section is situated at least partially above the lower fairing body section and the roof fairing body is provided with an operable height that is greater than the shipping height.
An air deflector for a vehicle A -pillar and side view mirror is formed as a unitary structure including an A-pillar vane and tipper and lower support arms. The vane is formed as a longitudinally elongated panel curved in a lateral direction. The vane is mountable adjacent to and spaced from a vehicle A-pillar with a concave surface facing the A-pillar. An upper arm extends laterally from a top end of the vane and encases a vehicle mirror upper support and a lower arm extends laterally from a bottom end of the vane and encases a vehicle mirror lower support. The vane is configured to control a flow air past the A-pillar and the upper arm and lower arms are shaped to guide an air flow around the mirror supports.
G02B 7/18 - Montures, moyens de réglage ou raccords étanches à la lumière pour éléments optiques pour prismesMontures, moyens de réglage ou raccords étanches à la lumière pour éléments optiques pour miroirs
The present invention relates to an adjustable towing system and a method for adjusting a length of a longitudinally extending gap between a cab of a truck tractor and a trailer. The truck tractor is provided with at least one front axle, at least one rear axle, and a fifth wheel. The trailer provided with at least one axle and a kingpin. At least two of the fifth wheel, the kingpin, and the at least one axle are repositionable along the truck tractor or the trailer as the truck tractor tows the trailer, whereby the length of the gap is determined according to the position of the fifth wheel and the kingpin.
A system and method for validating data stored in one or more vehicle electronic units includes confirming that a data validation package is present in a first electronic control unit on-board the vehicle, comparing data in the validation package to data stored by at least one target electronic control unit on-board the vehicle, logging any discrepancies between the data in the validation package and the data stored by the at least one target electronic control unit, and wirelessly transmitting a message from the first electronic control unit identifying any discrepancies in the data stored by the at least one electronic control unit to a remote location.
G05D 1/00 - Commande de la position, du cap, de l'altitude ou de l'attitude des véhicules terrestres, aquatiques, aériens ou spatiaux, p. ex. utilisant des pilotes automatiques
A wheel cover includes a quick fasten and release device for securing the wheel cover to a vehicle wheel. The device includes a clamp mechanism extending from a central location on the wheel cover. The clamp includes grappling fingers that engage the wheel hub flange when drawn into engagement by a mechanism operated by a handle accessible from the outward facing surface of the wheel cover.
The present invention relates to a vehicle that includes a hood and a bumper. The hood is provided with open position and a closed position. The bumper is provided with an intermediate bumper portion, a first end cap, and a second end cap. The first and second bumper end caps are supported by the hood and are moveable with the hood as the hood transitions between the open and closed positions.
B60R 19/04 - Pare-chocs, c.-à-d. éléments pour recevoir ou absorber les chocs pour protéger les véhicules ou dévier les chocs provenant d'autres véhicules ou objets formés de plusieurs sections
22.
IMPROVED REARWARD AND FORWARD VIEWING VEHICULAR MIRROR ASSEMBLY
The present invention relates to mirror assembly for a vehicle that includes a cab provided with an operators seat. The mirror assembly is positioned in relation to the cab, whereby the mirror assembly is visible from the operators seat. The mirror assembly includes a housing, a rearward viewing mirror portion, and a forward viewing mirror portion. The housing is provided with an exterior shell surface and an inner shell surface, which defines a cavity. The rearward viewing mirror portion is at least partially received within the cavity of the housing. The forward viewing mirror portion is located on the exterior shell surface of the housing.
The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for improving the roll characteristics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an axle, a sprung mass, a first control arm, a second control arm, a third control arm, a first pivotable joint, a second pivotable joint, a third pivotable joint, and a fourth pivotable joint. The torsional stiffness of the first control arm, the second control arm, the first pivotable joint, the second pivotable joint, the third pivotable joint, and the fourth pivotable joint are substantially equal to or greater than the torsional stiffness of the axle, whereby the axle bends and twists during a sprung mass roll event in order to limit an amount of roll.
B60G 7/00 - Bras de suspension articulésLeurs accessoires
B60G 21/02 - Systèmes d'interconnexion à plusieurs roues conjuguées suspendues élastiquement, p. ex. pour stabiliser la caisse du véhicule eu égard aux forces d'accélération, de décélération ou aux forces centrifuges conjuguées en permanence
24.
A VEHICLE WITH A FOUR BAR LINK SUSPENSION SYSTEM PROVIDED WITH IMPROVED ROLL CHARACTERISTICS
The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for improving the roll characteristics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes an axle, a sprung mass, a first control arm, a second control arm, a third control arm, a first pivotable joint, a second pivotable joint, a third pivotable joint, and a fourth pivotable joint. The torsional stiffness of the first control arm, the second control arm, the first pivotable joint, the second pivotable joint, the third pivotable joint, and the fourth pivotable joint are substantially equal to or greater than the torsional stiffness of the axle, whereby the axle bends and twists during a sprung mass roll event in order to limit an amount of roll.
B60P 1/00 - Véhicules destinés principalement au transport des charges et modifiés pour faciliter le chargement, la fixation de la charge ou son déchargement
A method for determining ambient air temperature outside of a vehicle with a sensor mounted on the vehicle, includes the steps of determining a road speed of the vehicle, comparing the determined road speed to a reference road speed value, if the determined road speed is below the reference road speed value, activating a device to move ambient air across the sensor, the ambient air being drawn from a location outside the vehicle, taking a temperature reading with the sensor, and, if the temperature reading is lower than a stored temperature value, storing the lower temperature reading as the ambient air temperature.
The present invention relates to a hemmed panel and a method for fabricating a hemmed panel. The hemmed panel includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and an adhesive. The inner panel is provided with a first face, a second face, and an edge that defines a plurality of cutouts. The outer panel is provided with a first face, a second face, and a border flange. The border flange of the outer panel is hemmed over the edge and the first face of the inner panel to form a hemmed portion on the outer panel. The adhesive bonds the first face of the inner panel to the second face of the outer panel, bonds the hemmed portion of the outer panel to the first face of the inner panel, and is located in the plurality of cutouts.
A suspension arrangement for interconnecting a frame and an axle in a vehicle includes a control arm having a first beam and a second beam in parallel, spaced relation, each beam having a first end with a single arm and a second end with an upper arm and a lower arm to define a Y-shape, the first end being pivotally connectable to a vehicle frame, and the second end being connectable to a vehicle axle disposed between the upper and lower arms, and a bushing arrangement mountable to the vehicle axle, the bushing arrangement having an upper portion connecting between the upper arms of the first beam and second beam and a lower portion connecting between the lower arms of the first beam and second beam.
A mounting arrangement for a vertically oriented exhaust system component includes a base member mountable to a vehicle frame with a plurality of upstanding rods fixed to the bas member. At least one clamping band is interconnected with the plurality of rods and can be clamped onto an exhaust component. The arrangement is advantageous for heavy components such as SCR catalyst bodies and diesel particulate filters.
A structural joint in a truck tractor frame includes a first frame member having an interface plate permanently mounted thereon, the interface plate having an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions, which may be grooves and ridges. A second frame member has an interface surface contoured with a plurality of protrusions and depressions complementary to the plurality of protrusions and depressions of the interface surface of the interface plate. The second frame member is mounted to the first frame member with the interface surfaces in contact, with a plurality of releasable fasteners fastening the second frame member to the interface plate, wherein, the contoured interface surfaces interengage to resist linear and torsional shear forces.
A removable deck plate or platform for a vehicle includes a platform for placement on a vehicle frame, a clamping plate for clamping the platform against the frame, a clamping arm engageable with the clamping plate via a hole in the platform, wherein the clamping arm and the clamping plate are configured so as to clamp the platform to the frame upon moving the clamping arm into a position adjacent the platform.
A method for determining location such as vehicle location receives data at a predetermined frequency, validates the received data, stores the received data based on the validation and computes a location based on the stored data. The validation includes verifying a presence of particular data substrings within the received data, verifying a presence of a plurality of data fields within each data substring, computing a parameter based on information contained in two of the plurality of data fields and comparing the computer parameter with a pre-defined threshold.
G01S 1/00 - Radiophares ou systèmes de balisage émettant des signaux ayant une ou des caractéristiques pouvant être détectées par des récepteurs non directionnels et définissant des directions, situations ou lignes de position déterminées par rapport aux émetteurs de radiophareRécepteurs travaillant avec ces systèmes
34.
Power assisted steering system with an auxiliary electric pump
A power assist steering system for a vehicle, especially for a truck or commercial vehicle, is disclosed that includes a mechanical engine-driven power steering pump that pumps hydraulic fluid to a power steering unit, and an electrical pump adapted to pump hydraulic fluid so as to optimize a power steering flow to the power steering unit and to minimize internal pump flow.
B62D 5/00 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance
B62D 5/06 - Direction assistée ou à relais de puissance à fluide, c.-à-d. au moyen d'un fluide sous pression produisant toute la force nécessaire, ou la plus grande partie de celle-ci, pour commander la direction du véhicule
A cross-member for supporting a vehicle chassis loads includes a generally shaped member including: i) a generally flat top sheet; ii) a first side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a first side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the first side sheet; iii) a second side sheet extending at an angle from the top sheet, along a length of the top sheet at a location inset from a second side edge of the top sheet such that the top sheet overhangs the second side sheet.
A system for supporting individuals or objects is disclosed that can be used, e.g., as a bunk for sleeping upon within a vehicle, such as, e.g., a truck or commercial vehicle. The system preferably includes a support platform, a pivot mechanism, and at least one flowable-medium spring. The support platform is provided with an upper surface to support at least one individual or object within a vehicle. The pivot mechanism is connected to the support platform so as to pivot the support platform around a pivot axis to move between a stored position and a deployed position in which the support platform supports the at least one individual or object. The at least one flowable-medium spring is provided with a first end fixed relative to the vehicle and a second end fixed relative to the support platform at a location displaced from the pivot axis. Each of the at least one flowable-medium springs is arranged so as to impart an extension force that biases the support platform toward the deployed position and so as to impart an extension force that biases the support platform toward the stored position during at least portions of the movement of the support platform between the stored position and the deployed position.
B60N 2/34 - Sièges spécialement adaptés aux véhiculesAgencement ou montage des sièges dans les véhicules à des fins particulières ou pour des véhicules particuliers convertibles pour d'autres usages en lit
B61D 1/08 - Voitures pour le transport ferroviaire ordinaire des voyageurs en étages multiples pour les wagons-couchettes
B63B 29/10 - CouchettesÉchelles d'accès à celles-ci
A tractor truck configured for towing trailers of different air connection configuration. The truck has a first and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on the tractor at a location remote from the other. Each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor. The truck also has a selector which is operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which the first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to an interconnected trailer and a second configuration in which the second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to a different interconnected trailer.
B60T 13/00 - Transmission de l'action de freinage entre l'organe d'attaque et les organes terminaux d'action, avec puissance de freinage assistée ou relais de puissanceSystèmes de freins incorporant ces moyens de transmission, p. ex. systèmes de freinage à pression d'air
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
Vehicle fuel saving systems comprising computer hardware, sensors used to determine highway grade for purposes of gasoline conservation, and computer control software used to program engine speed, clutch and transmission functions
