| PACCAR Inc Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
|---|
| 20120011721 | METHOD OF LIFTING A CAB ONTO A CHASSIS - A method of mounting a vehicle cab onto a vehicle chassis is provided. The method includes providing at least one structural anchor point on an upright wall of the vehicle cab, connecting a lifting device to the structural anchor point, and using the lifting device to lift the vehicle cab and mount it on the vehicle chassis. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120006010 | INJECTOR CONTROL FOR A SELECTIVE CATALYTIC REDUCTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods are provided for controlling the amount and timing of nitrogen oxides reductant injected during a given injection cycle into an exhaust system of a vehicle as part of a selective catalytic reduction system. The amount of reductant injected is determined by at least one computational model that accounts for the growth of liquid and/or solid reductant film growth on the interior of the exhaust system. The model determines reductant injection characteristics (e.g., amount, timing, etc.) that reduce and/or eliminate reductant films on the interior of the exhaust system. Exemplary inputs into the model include exhaust temperature, exhaust flow, and the amount of reductant injected in a previous injection cycle. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20110308901 | REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE - A regenerative brake system for converting kinetic energy of a moving vehicle into usable mechanical or electrical power is disclosed. The regenerative brake system includes a generator operably coupled to at least one of the vehicle wheels. The system further includes a battery and a thermal storage system, each of which stores power generated by the generator until it can be efficiently used. The thermal storage system includes a heater that uses electrical power from the generator to vaporize a working fluid disposed within a storage tank. The thermal storage system further includes an expander to selectively expand the vaporized working fluid to convert heat from the working fluid into usable energy. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308253 | DUAL CYCLE RANKINE WASTE HEAT RECOVERY CYCLE - A dual cycle waste heat recovery system includes a high-temperature circuit that utilizes a first working fluid. The first working fluid is heated by a first waste heat source and then expanded through a first expander to produce power. The heat recovery system further includes a low-temperature circuit that utilizes a second working fluid. The low-temperature circuit also includes a first heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from the first working fluid and a second heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from a second waste heat source. A control valve selectively controls the flow of the second working fluid to each of the first and second heat exchangers according to a predetermined set of parameters. An expander receives the second working fluid from the first and second heat exchangers and expands the second working fluid to produce power. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110277875 | COOLANT VACUUM FILL APPARATUS AND METHOD - An apparatus, system, and method are provided for bypassing a coolant reservoir with a fill tool connecting a source of vacuum pressure and a source of coolant (e.g., a vacuum coolant filler) to a vehicular cooling system inlet port. The fill tool bypass allows the coolant reservoir to be manufactured from a relatively structurally weak polymer material, which is subject to failure under vacuum pressure, while still allowing vacuum coolant filling to be used to charge the vehicular cooling system. Without the use of the bypass fill tool, the coolant reservoir would rupture under the vacuum pressures applied during vacuum coolant filling. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110276215 | MANAGING THE CONFIGURATION OF A VEHICLE - Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to managing the configuration of a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a method of modifying the configuration of a vehicle based on the vehicle's location is provided. The method includes receiving, from a remote Satellite Positioning System (“SPS”) device, positioning data that identifies the location of the vehicle. Then, the positioning data is used to identify one or more regulations that are applicable, given the location of the vehicle. Based on collected vehicle readings, a determination is made regarding whether the configuration of the vehicle should be modified. In turn, the method may cause the configuration of the vehicle to be modified to comply with the one or more regulations. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272049 | COOLANT-RETURN MANIFOLD SHUT-OFF VALVE - A vehicular cooling system coolant-return manifold is provided that includes a plurality of ports reconfigurable by the user to open, such that coolant will flow into the manifold, or close, such that coolant will not flow into the manifold. The ports are opened and closed by rotating a valve spool in relation to the manifold body. The ports of the manifold are brought into alignment with holes in the valve spool to open a port such that coolant flows into the manifold. A plurality of positions of the valve spool in relation to the manifold body allow a user to select a position wherein the desired combination of ports are on and off. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110271928 | DETERMINATION OF AN OVERSPEED-SHUTDOWN EVENT IN A COMBUSTION ENGINE - Methods and systems are provided for detecting an overspeed shutdown condition of an internal combustion engine. The pressure within an air-intake manifold of the engine is measured, and that pressure is compared to a predetermined pressure, which represents the pressure within the air-intake manifold when an overspeed-shutdown mechanism has not been activated. Activation of the overspeed-shutdown mechanism is indicated when comparing the measured pressure value to the predetermined value results in the measured value being less than the predetermined value. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110214419 | EXHAUST DIFFUSER - A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a body including a plurality of inner diffusion ports extending through the body, wherein the body may be attached to an exhaust pipe at or near the exit plane of the exhaust pipe, wherein the body is sized to have a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the exit plane of the exhaust pipe to create a plurality of outer diffusion ports around at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the body when coupled to the exhaust pipe, and one or more extension flaps extending from at least a portion of the outer perimeter of the body. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110209092 | GRAPHICAL DISPLAY WITH SCROLLABLE GRAPHICAL ELEMENTS - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that efficiently conveys information to a vehicle operator. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that presents scrollable graphical elements on a shared screen area. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to scrollable graphical elements that convey vehicle readings on the graphical display. Then, the one or more scrollable graphical elements are rendered on the graphical display at locations that change locations periodically. When an abnormal vehicle reading is identified, the method dynamically assigns an enhanced priority level to the scrollable graphical element that is configured to convey the abnormal vehicle reading. If the scrollable graphical element is currently assigned an off-screen location, the method causes the scrollable graphical element to be rendered. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110209079 | GRAPHICAL DISPLAY WITH HIERARCHICAL GAUGE PLACEMENT - A graphical display is provided to allow a user to dynamically customize the location, appearance, priority, and arrangement of virtual gauges displayed on an instrument panel of a vehicle. A user can select a virtual gauge and move to a desired location in the instrument panel. The selected virtual gauge is assigned a highest priority level, which may result in a hierarchical structure including other virtual gauges. In one aspect, the selected virtual gauge may appear more prominently that other virtual gauges in the hierarchical structure and thus is readily accessed by a user without having to navigate through multiple layers of other virtual gauges. When an adverse vehicle condition is identified, a virtual gauge associated with the condition is assigned an urgent priority level that generally trumps any priority levels assigned to other virtual gauges on the display. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110208389 | CUSTOMIZABLE GRAPHICAL DISPLAY - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to customizing the colors of instruments that are used to convey vehicle readings. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that obtains input to perform a color change to one or more instruments presented on a graphical display. For each instrument affected by the color change, a determination is made regarding whether a threshold level of contrast exists between a symbol graphic of the instrument and one or more background colors. If a threshold level of contrast does not exist, the contrast ratio between the symbol graphic and one or more background colors is adjusted to at least the threshold level. Then the method causes the graphical display to render the one or more instruments in accordance with the received color selections. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110208384 | VISUAL ENHANCEMENT FOR INSTRUMENT PANEL - Aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to a graphical display that provides a visual enhancement in conveying a vehicle reading. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes the graphical display to render a border of an instrument with a distinguishing visual attribute. More specifically, the method includes assigning a priority level to an instrument used to convey a vehicle reading. When an abnormal condition is identified, the instrument is assigned an enhanced priority level that corresponds to the abnormal condition. Then, the method causes the graphical display to render the instrument, wherein that border of the instrument is depicted with an enhanced visual attribute indicative of the abnormal condition. In this regard, the enhanced visual attribute distinguishes the instrument from one or more other instruments depicted on the graphical display that are not assigned an enhanced priority level. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110208339 | CUSTOMIZED INSTRUMENT EVALUATION AND ORDERING TOOL - A tool is provided to allow a user to customize the components of a vehicle instrument panel from an Internet-enabled Web site. A user can navigate to a Web site and select a vehicle for configuration. From the Web site, input may be obtained regarding the components and appearance of an instrument panel such as selecting particular types of components (e.g., display panels, gauges, etc.) and arranging where the selected components are to be located. The input generated by a user is translated into a build specification for assembling the instrument panel at the manufacturer. Accordingly, the system and method serve as an interface between the Web site that obtains user configuration data and a manufacturer's system that manages assembly of the vehicle. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110207423 | ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS WITH ENHANCED FUNCTIONALITY - An entertainment systems having enhanced functionally and methods therefor are provided. Embodiments of the system allow an operator to assign multiple groups of radio stations to the radio station presets of the system according to different geographical regions located along a calculated route. As the system travels along the calculated route, the radio station presets of the system are updated to correspond to the present location of the system. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110196969 | IN-VEHICLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE WITH SOCIAL NETWORKING - Generally described, aspects of the disclosed subject matter are directed to managing communications from a mobile device. In accordance with one embodiment, a method for establishing a communication session with a contact is provided. The method includes causing information about at least one contact associated with the user to be displayed on the mobile device and receiving input to initiate a communication session with the contact. Then, if the identified contact is associated with a CB radio, a CB based communication session is established in which audio is transmitted and received from the mobile device using a CB radio communication unit. On the other hand, if the identified contact is associated with a remote device capable of performing data-based communications, a data-based communication session is established and which data is transmitted and received in accordance with IP-based protocols. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110115616 | VEHICLE COUNTDOWN TIMER AND USER INTERFACE - Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110089716 | FAIRING MOUNTING SYSTEM - A fairing assembly is suitable for use with a heavy duty vehicle having a cab mounted to a frame, wherein relative motion occurs between the cab and the frame during vehicle operation. The fairing assembly extending downwardly from a lower portion of the cab and includes a fairing panel and a hinge for hingedly connecting an upper portion of the fairing panel to a lower portion of the cab. The hinge defines a hinge line extending in a generally longitudinal direction. The fairing assembly further includes a link having a first end rotatably connected to a lower portion of the fairing panel and a second end rotatably connected to the frame. The link substantially limits rotation of the fairing panel about the hinge line and rotates relative to the fairing panel to allow for relative motion between the frame and the cab. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20100319333 | Thermal diffuser - In a land vehicle of the type having an engine and an exhaust system including an exhaust pipe, a flow diffuser for the exhaust pipe generally includes a substantially tubular body having an outer wall, an interior, and first and second ends, the first end being an exhaust inlet configured to be attachable to an exhaust pipe, the second end being an exhaust discharge portion having an exit plane, a plurality of radial struts extending inwardly from the inner surface of the outer wall to the center of the exit plane for dividing the exhaust discharge portion divided into a plurality of exit channels, and a plurality of air channels extending from the outer wall to the interior of the tubular body configured for delivering air to the interior of the tubular body. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100301084 | VEHICLE LOAD MOUNTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF SECURING LOADS - Load mounting systems for vehicles and methods of securing loads are provided. A load mounting system for a vehicle generally includes a support assembly configured for supporting a load, wherein the support assembly has a first end and a second end, the first end being mountable to a frame of a vehicle at one or more support assembly mounting locations along the frame. The system further includes at least one retaining device configured for securing the load on the support assembly, the at least one retaining device being coupleable to the first and second ends of the support assembly, wherein the at least one retaining device is coupleable to the first end of the support assembly at a different location than the support assembly mounting locations along the frame. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100299464 | VEHICLE HAVING USB NETWORK - A vehicle communication networks is provided having a plurality of communications ports provided in at least two different portions of the vehicle. These ports may be interconnected for providing communication between capable devices located in different portions of the vehicle, such as the cab and sleeper, via one or more communication protocols. Additionally, in several embodiments, the ports are “powered” for charging capable devices when plugged into one of the ports. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100285344 | MODULAR BATTERY CONTAINER - A selectively expandable vehicle battery container. The selectively expandable vehicle battery container includes a first modular body section at least partially defining a cavity for storing at least a portion of a battery, the cavity having a first open end and a second open end. At least the first open end includes an attachment structure adapted to couple to a second modular body section shaped substantially identical to the first modular body section such that the cavity can be selectively expanded in volume by coupling the second modular body section to the first modular body section. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100242462 | EXHAUST STACK FAIRING - A fairing is configured for use with the exhaust stack of a heavy-duty vehicle. The exhaust stack has an exhaust pipe with an intake end for receiving exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine and a discharge end for discharging the exhaust gases. The fairing includes a streamlined exterior surface and a cavity for receiving the discharge end of the exhaust pipe. An aperture extends through a rear portion of the exterior surface so that exhaust gases discharged from the discharge end of the exhaust pipe pass through the cavity and out of the aperture. The fairing further includes a coupler to couple the fairing to the exhaust pipe. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100223894 | AIR CLEANER BOATTAIL - An air cleaner suitable for use with a heavy-duty vehicle includes a cylindrical body that can be mounted to the vehicle so that the body is exposed to an air stream when the vehicle moves in a forward direction. The air cleaner has a boattail, which includes a fin attached to a rear portion of the body. The fin has a vertical orientation and extends in a substantially rearward direction from the body. When the vehicle moves in a forward direction, the boattail reduces the amount of low-pressure air located behind the air cleaner. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100201152 | DRAG REDUCING DEFLECTOR - A drag reducing deflector system is disclosed. The drag reducing deflector system provides aerodynamic drag reduction during crosswind flow (CF) conditions including zero crosswind flow conditions in which the crosswind flow angle, α, is 0.0. The crosswind flow angle α is measured from the vehicle longitudinal axis A that also defines the vehicle direction of motion. Embodiments of the drag reducing deflector system | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100199955 | CHARGE AIR COOLER - A charge air cooler suitable for use in vehicles, such as Class 8 trucks, is disclosed. The charge air cooler includes one or more enhanced flow features that provide improved efficiency to an associated internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the charge air cooler may include enhanced flow features that smooth the charge air flow as it transitions from an input plenum to the charge air tube conduits for reducing possible system pressure drop. In another embodiment, the input plenum and/or output plenum may be configured in order to maintain a constant charge air velocity across the inlet surface of the cooling core. To that end, the plenum may include a tapered lower section that decreases in width W, and thus, the cross sectional flow area into the cooling core, as the plenum extends from an upper region of the cooling core to the bottom of the cooling core. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100198491 | AUTONOMIC VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEM - A vehicle safety system is disclosed that monitors vehicle surroundings, operational conditions, etc., in order to identify potential safety concerns or hazardous operational conditions. In doing so, the vehicle safety system collects data from one or more sources, such as sources that generate data from the vehicle itself (e.g., internal sensors), sources that generate data from the surroundings of the vehicle (e.g., external sensors), and sources that receive data from local or remote locations with respect to the host vehicle (e.g., a satellite, telematics, cellular, short or long range RF, etc., data acquisition unit). In response to data collected by components of the system, the system may use a hierarchical system to address the potential hazardous conditions or safety concerns. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100194593 | NEURAL NETWORK FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS - A vehicle safety system is disclosed that monitors vehicle surroundings, operational conditions, etc., in order to identify potential safety concerns or hazardous operational conditions. In doing so, the vehicle safety system collects data from one or more sources, such as sources that generate data from the vehicle itself (e.g., internal sensors), sources that generate data from the surroundings of the vehicle (e.g., external sensors), and sources that receive data from local or remote locations with respect to the host vehicle (e.g., a satellite, telematics, cellular, short or long range RF, etc., data acquisition unit). In response to data collected by components of the system, the system may use a hierarchical system to address the potential hazardous conditions or safety concerns. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100096202 | HOOD TILT LOCKING SYSTEM - The present disclosure provides a hood assembly for a vehicle having a hood coupled to the vehicle and pivotal between open and closed positions. A contoured lever is movably disposed between the hood and the vehicle, and a slot having first and second ends is formed within the lever. A lock detent formed within the contoured lever is in communication with the second end of the slot, and a pin mounted to a portion of the vehicle is slidably received within the slot. When the hood is opened, the pin is received within the lock detent, thereby locking the hood in the open position. The hood assembly also includes a release handle pivotally secured to the lever that is sized and configured to engage the pin when the pin is positioned within the slot. | 04-22-2010 |
| 20100057281 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID VEHICLES - Information display systems present information that allows the driver to increase fuel efficiency of a vehicle, such as a hybrid vehicle. In one example, the systems present information in a manner that allows the driver to maximize the time that the hybrid vehicle is able to operate in electric launch mode. One manner is employing a graphical display that generates visual indicators and easily understood graphical representations that display the actual fuel efficiency currently being achieved in comparison to the driver's application of the throttle. As a result, the driver may be able to modify driving habits in order to keep the hybrid vehicle in electric launch mode for as long as possible. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057280 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID VEHICLES - An information display system is provided that presents the configuration of a vehicle's axles along with one or more other powertrain components in iconic format to the vehicle operator. The information display system may also present information that allows the driver to increase fuel efficiency. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056326 | STEERING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID VEHICLES - A steering system generally includes a steering gear for controlling a steer axle of the a hybrid vehicle in response to rotation of a steering wheel. The steering system also includes a power steering pump functionally connected to an internal combustion engine for supplying pressurized fluid to the steering gear. The steering system further includes an accumulator, a power steering controller, and a pressure sensor for monitoring the pressure of the accumulator. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100056325 | AUTOMATIC THROTTLE RESPONSE FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - The present disclosure provides a method for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric motor, an energy storage device having a state of charge, and a throttle. The method improves fuel economy of the hybrid vehicle by determining the state of charge of the energy storage device and setting a throttle depression level for engaging the engine based on the state of charge of the energy storage device. The present disclosure further provides a hybrid vehicle having an engine, an electric motor, an energy storage device having a state of charge, and a throttle. The hybrid vehicle includes a controlling component for determining the state of charge of the energy storage device and setting a throttle depression level for engaging the engine based on the state of charge of the energy storage device. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100052888 | INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID VEHICLES - Information display systems capable of iconically representing the components of a hybrid powertrain and method thereof. In operation, the information display systems indicate the specific powertrain components in the hybrid system that are active in various hybrid operational modes (e.g., electric launch, blended torque, etc.). In particular, active components are highlighted (i.e., increased intensity) by the display and non-active components are faded (i.e., decreased intensity). In one embodiment, the vehicle wheels are depicted with a static intensity in-between that of the active components and the non-active components. This allows the vehicle operator to clearly see which components are active during each hybrid system mode, and to gain a simplified picture of hybrid system behavior during normal operation at a glance. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100050865 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DELIVERING AIR TO VEHICLE ENGINES - A system for delivering air to vehicle engines generally includes at least one air cleaner configurable to receive either conditioned air or unconditioned air and a conduit assembly coupled to the air cleaner for delivering cleaned air from the air cleaner to the vehicle engine. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100050671 | CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE - Climate control systems are provided that are suitable for providing climate control functionality to a hybrid vehicle. The system is capable of operating in dual modes, depending on the present operational state of the vehicle. For example, the dual modes may be as follows: (1) when the vehicle is currently in transit, including intermittent stops, the climate control system is capable of operating at its maximum output, as requested, for cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle; and (2) when the vehicle is not in transit (e.g., when parked) the climate control system operates at a reduced capacity in order for the climate control system to be powered by the energy storage device for a set period of time. The climate control system may reduce the capacity based on energy reserve levels in the energy storage device. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20090167515 | AUTOMATED TELLTALE IDENTIFICATION - A vehicle display device includes a display panel having a light emitting device. The display device further includes a display panel cover coupled to the display panel. The display panel cover has a translucent indicium that corresponds to the light emitting device. A signal transmitting device is provided on the display panel cover for sending a signal corresponding to the indicium on the display panel cover. The display device also has a signal receiving device capable of receiving a signal transmitted by the signal transmitting device and sending the signal to a control module. The control module is adapted to selectively operate the light emitting device according to the signal transmitted by the signal transmitting device. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090167058 | HOOD MOUNT ASSEMBLY - The present disclosure provides a vehicle having a chassis, a cab mounted to the chassis, and a hood positioned adjacent the cab. A hood mount assembly is disposed between the cab and the hood. The hood mount assembly allows the cab to slide in first and second directions relative to the hood and rotate in first and second directions relative to the hood. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090166365 | PRESSURE VESSEL - The present disclosure provides a tank for containing fluids. The tank includes an elongated hollow body having an interior and an exterior, and an integrated internal support structure disposed on the interior of the elongated hollow body. The tank includes at least one feature formed along the exterior of the elongated hollow body that is adapted to receive an external component. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090162195 | FAN RING SHROUD ASSEMBLY - A shroud assembly for an engine cooling fan positioned between an engine and a radiator includes a ring shroud, a radiator shroud, and a flexible boot. The ring shroud is mounted adjacent to the fan and includes a locking feature. The radiator shroud, which is mounted to the rear of the radiator, has a first end with a first aperture for receiving air flowing rearwardly through the radiator, and a second end with a second aperture for discharging air received by the first aperture. A first end of the flexible boot engages the locking feature of the ring shroud to secure the flexible boot to the ring shroud. A second end of the flexible boot contacts the radiator shroud so that the boot provides fluid communication between the ring shroud and the radiator shroud. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090152274 | TANK ASSEMBLY - A storage device for retaining fluids is provided. The storage device includes a first container for retaining a first fluid, wherein the first container has a first end and a second end. The storage device further includes a first end container for retaining a second fluid, wherein the first end container is generally annular in shape and is at least partially received within a portion of the first end of the first container. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090120066 | COOLING DEVICE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE EXHAUST - A cooling system for cooling exhaust gases includes a section of pipe adapted to receive exhaust gases having a first temperature. The cooling system further includes an air amplifier with a passage extending therethrough. The air amplifier receives a flow of compressed air and directs the flow of the compressed air through the passageway. The compressed air entrains ambient air into one end of the passageway so that discharge air, which includes compressed air and ambient air, is discharged from the other end of the passageway. A conduit is connected to the air amplifier and extends through a wall of the section of pipe. Discharge air from the air amplifier passes through the conduit into the interior portion of the pipe and mixes with the exhaust gases. The mixture of discharge air and exhaust gases has a second temperature that is less than the first temperature. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090085361 | METHOD FOR ATTACHING A POLISHED METAL GRILLE SURROUND - A grille surround ( | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090051521 | ERROR HANDLING FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL DISPLAY - A vehicle display system includes a plurality of sensors mounted to a vehicle for sensing vehicle operating conditions and a vehicle display controller in communication with the sensors. The controller is capable of receiving signals transmitted from the sensors and prioritizing vehicle operating conditions indicated by received signals according to predetermined criteria. The system further includes a display screen adapted to display warning signals according to signals received from the vehicle display controller. The display screen arranges the displayed warning signals according to one of a plurality of display masks. The display mask is determined by the number of displayed warning signals. The display mask has a first warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities greater than a predetermined level and a second warning signal display area for displaying warning signals having priorities less than the predetermined level. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090045300 | CONDUIT FOR VEHICLE SYSTEM COMPONENTS - A conduit section for holding routing components constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The conduit section includes a double-walled structure having an attachment portion and a clip portion. A hinge is integrally formed within the double-walled structure for hingedly connecting the clip portion to the attachment portion. The clip portion is adapted to be reciprocated about the hinge between an open and closed position, and the hinge is adapted to bias the clip portion into one of the open and closed positions. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090044998 | HOOD SUPPORT - A hood support for a vehicle having a hood moveable between open and closed positions is provided. The hood support includes a spring assembly disposable between the vehicle hood and another portion of the vehicle. The spring assembly is moveable into an extended position to accommodate movement of the hood into the open position and moveable into a compressed position to accommodate movement of the hood into the closed position. The hood support further includes a lock tube surrounding a portion of the spring assembly and moveable relative to the spring assembly. The lock tube is selectively actuatable between a locked position, wherein the lock tube secures the spring assembly in the extended position, and an unlocked position, wherein the spring assembly is permitted to be displaced into the compressed position. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090033058 | HEATED CAB ENTRY STEPS - A heated step system for a vehicle having a heat source associated with a compartment. The system includes a step attached to an exterior portion of the vehicle and at least one aperture located near the step. The system further includes a duct having a first end in fluid communication with the compartment and a second end in fluid communication with the at least one aperture. The duct conveys warm air from the compartment to the at least one aperture so that the warm air passes through the at least one aperture to an area around the step, thereby warming the step. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090014235 | Flow diffuser for exhaust pipe - A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a substantially tubular body having an outer surface and a first end configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe. The flow diffuser further includes a diffusion portion on the outer surface having a plurality of elongated diffusion ports. Each elongated diffusion port has an average length and an average width and a shape factor of less than about 0.7. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20090013675 | Flow diffuser for exhaust pipe - A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a substantially tubular body having an outer surface and a first end configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe. The flow diffuser further includes a diffusion portion including at least one channel having a root end located near the outer surface, an exit port, and a channel axis extending between the root end and the exit port, the channel increasing in flow area along the channel axis to reduce exhaust gas velocity. | 01-15-2009 |
| 20080306636 | ENHANCED DISPLAY FOR PRESENTING TACHOMETER INFORMATION - Aspects of the present invention are directed at an enhanced display for presenting tachometer information. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that causes an electronic control unit associated with a dashboard display to present the current engine speed (e.g. RPM) relative to an optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. More specifically, the method includes obtaining a set of tachometer data at the electronic control unit that defines the lower and upper limits of the optimal range in which fuel efficiency is maximized. Periodically, the current engine speed may be obtained by the electronic control unit associated with the dashboard display. Then, the method causes the current engine speed to be presented on the graphical display relative to the lower and upper limits of the optimal range. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080294312 | SECURELY CALCULATING AND STORING VEHICLE ODOMETER DATA - Aspects of the present invention are directed at securely calculating and storing odometer data associated with a vehicle. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that checks the integrity of odometer data being received from a vehicle's engine. More specifically, the method includes receiving a first and second engine odometer values for an engine. Then, these odometer values are compared to determine whether data indicative of tampering was received. In this regard, if data indicative of tampering was received, aspects of the present invention adjust the official vehicle odometer value to account for the tampering. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080291001 | VEHICLE COUNTDOWN TIMER AND USER INTERFACE - Aspects of the present invention are directed at allowing a vehicle to idle for a predetermined amount of time before shutdown. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided that accepts input from the vehicle operator to initiate a countdown to vehicle shutdown. When the input is received, a countdown is initiated that is regularly updated to reflect the passage of time. During the countdown, a vehicle ignition bus is maintained in an active state and a countdown value that reflects the time remaining before shutdown is presented on a graphical display. Then, in response to expiration of the countdown, the method allows the vehicle ignition bus to transition into an inactive state. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080289145 | HOOD ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY - An adjustment assembly for adjustably coupling a first structural member to a second structural member is provided. The adjustment assembly includes a clamping member adapted to engage a portion of the first structural member and at least one fastener adapted to pass through the clamping member and the first and second structural members. The fastener is moved into a first position to fixedly couple the first structural member to the second structural member, and the fastener is moved into a second position to adjustably couple the first structural member to the second structural member. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080272899 | ROLLOVER PREDICTION AND WARNING METHOD - A system for determining a rollover property of a vehicle includes sensors capable of sensing lateral acceleration, a first left tire rotational speed, a first right tire rotational speed, and a mass property. The sensors output a lateral acceleration signal, a first left tire rotational speed signal, a first right tire rotational speed signal, and a mass property signal. A processing unit receives the signals and uses the received signals to determine a rollover property of the vehicle. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080242159 | BATTERY TERMINAL FOR A VEHICLE - A battery cable terminal fitting is provided for a battery having a terminal post. The battery cable terminal fitting comprises an attachment flange and a conductor attachment portion extending from the attachment flange. The attachment flange has an interface area extending between the attachment flange and the terminal post when the battery cable terminal fitting is coupled to the battery. The interface area has a battery contact area that increases as a nut used to fasten the attachment flange to the terminal post is tighten. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080239694 | FUSE HOLDER ASSEMBLY - A fuse holder assembly for a vehicle generally includes an insulator configured for supporting a circuit lead terminal and insulating the circuit lead terminal from a bus bar. The insulator includes a fuse receiver, wherein the fuse receiver is configured to releasably receive a fuse. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080230967 | TELESCOPING SPRING - A spring having telescoping capabilities is provided. The spring includes a spring body having an inner diameter and a first spring end that defines a first spring opening. The spring further includes a first elongated member having first and second ends. The first elongated member is slidably received within the spring body such that the first end of the first elongated member is retained within the spring body and the second end of the first elongated member protrudes from the first spring opening. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080225483 | FRAME MOUNTED MODULAR HYBRID COOLING SYSTEM - A modular cooling system ( | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080217276 | MODULAR AND CUSTOMIZABLE RETURNABLE RACK SYSTEM AND METHOD - A customizable returnable rack system for shipping products is provided. The system includes a plurality of racks ( | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080211242 | BUMPER MOUNTING SYSTEM - A bumper mounting system ( | 09-04-2008 |
