International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC

Joseph A Bell

Matthew J Gumbel

Jay E Bissontz

Robert D Dannenberg

John F Rotz

Daniel L Hilaire

David B Brooks

Harry R Wilson, Jr

Matthew J T Gumbel

Scott T Hepler

A vehicle flasher hazard function is implemented on an electrical controller having control over vehicle exterior lights. The flasher hazard function features an optimized duty cycle and operational frequency, consistent with legal requirements for the flasher rate. The point in time that individual bulbs are turned on is staggered in time to avoid all bulbs being simultaneously activated. This distributes the current surges associated with bulb activation being distributed in time. When a vehicle battery can no longer sustain the legally mandated flasher rate an optional path for flasher operation at a reduced rate is provided.

Vehicle hazard flasher control system

A system and method for testing operation of that portion of a transportation vehicle's electrical system that has switches accessible for selective actuation by an occupant of an interior of the vehicle to control exterior lamps through an ESC (). During a learn mode () of a test, processor apparatus executes a learn algorithm stored in the ESC and as the learn algorithm executes, a person inside the vehicle operates the switches in a desired sequence to cause the ESC to store data related to the sequence. During a playback mode () of the test, the processor apparatus executes a playback algorithm stored in the ESC to cause the ESC to actuate the lamps in accordance with the stored data. A defect in any portion of a lamp circuit is observed by failure of a lamp to illuminate in the stored sequence.

Dynamic vehicle electrical system test

Vehicle theft deterrence is affected by requiring the entry of an enabling code to prevent disablement of vehicle operation. System operational variables may be programmed by operators. The system is substantially integrated with existing vehicle control systems.

Vehicle control network integrated theft deterrent system

A vehicle lighting system has primary and auxiliary systems, which operate exclusively depending upon the selected operational mode. The problem addressed is availability of civilian vehicles for alternative operations including military operations, where the conventional lighting system cannot be used. The control arrangement mimics contemporary military systems, while meeting all military requirements.

Auxiliary lighting system for vehicles

Control of an accessory lighting array for temporary installation on a towed vehicle through the controller area network of a towing vehicle is effected through access to the controller area network over a bus extension, and connection of an accessory controller to the bus extension for decoding network status messages for operation.

Towed vehicle lighting module

A system and method for the automated sequencing of certain operations when a vehicle, such as a school bus, () approaches a railroad crossing where it is required to stop before proceeding across the crossing. A devoted switch () is actuated by the driver to initiate the sequence. After stopping, vehicle speed or distance traveled is used to restore conditions of various devices whose operation was affected by the initial switch actuation.

Automated sequencing of operations in a motor vehicle upon stopping at a railroad crossing

An automated axle control system provides both indication to the driver when a lift axle should be raised or lowered, and takes action to effect axle positioning when the driver fails to respond. Operations are based on estimates of vehicle weight and vehicle speed and are implemented primarily through preexisting vehicle controllers and a controller area network over which the controllers communicate.

Automated control system for a vehicle lift axle

A portable emulator of a bus body electrical system provides for chassis electrical testing. The portable emulator/tester provides indicator/load circuits and switches which operate as outputs from and inputs to the bus electrical system. The emulator may be connected to a vehicle chassis prior to mating of the chassis with the body by the test connectors that are keyed to those used for the body.

Chassis electrical system tester

A power take off unit for a motor vehicle equipped with a standard transmission is clutched using compressed air available on the vehicle. Available air pressure is monitored and a clutch interlock implemented through the vehicle electrical control system is made responsive thereto to prevent engagement of the clutch if the load is too heavy for the available air pressure.

Compressed air actuated clutch interlock for clutched power take off unit

A circuit () for configuring a seven-terminal receptacle socket () in a towing vehicle to properly accommodate the particular one of several possible electric circuit configurations in a particular trailer that is being towed by the towing vehicle. The particular electric circuit configuration in the trailer&#x2014;FIGS.are four possible configurations&#x2014;depends on the particular lamps () and brakes () in the trailer.

Circuit for adapting a receptacle socket in a towing vehicle for diverse trailer circuits

Hydraulically actuated aerial lift trucks typically have a primary hydraulic pump system driven by the vehicle's engine and a backup pump system driven by a direct current motor. Due to infrequent use of such motors, they are vulnerable to failure due to corrosion of the brush/commutator interface or seizing of the motor bearings. A remote power unit is provided to periodically run the back up motor for brief periods to maintain the motor in running condition. Voltage levels across the motor terminals are monitored for correspondence to failure indicating levels.

Direct current motor condition monitoring and exercising system

A vehicle intercom system allows conversation between individuals located, respectively, inside and outside of a vehicle. The voice units are linked by a vehicle controller area network eliminating the need for independent wiring of an intercom system.

Vehicle intercom system

Hydraulically actuated aerial lift units for trucks typically have a primary hydraulic pump system driven by the vehicle's engine or by an electric motor. An actuation system accessible to a worker suspended by the aerial lift unit allows the worker to cycle the vehicle's engine on and off and, on vehicles so equipped, activate the backup motor for lowering the aerial lift unit.

Remote engine stop/start system with backup motor control

A vehicle provides the automatic activation and deactivation of vehicle lights in a predetermined sequence upon user request to assist the user in making a sight inspection of operation of the lights without further human help.

Vehicle lamp inspection system

A keyless entry system for a motor vehicle is modified to be operable when the vehicle's engine is running and the vehicle's park brake is set. Keyless entry systems conventionally include an ignition switch position signal source and a door lock module having an enable input connected to the source of the ignition position signal. The disclosure teaches connecting the output of the ignition switch position sensor to the door lock modulo enable input through the part brake lamp. The enable input to the door lock module is then connected in common with the a park brake lamp switch. When the park brake lamp switch is closed by setting the park brake and activates the park brake lamp, the ignition position feed signal on the enable input is sunk by the switch and the potential level on the enable Is reduced, enabling the door lock module to operate as though the ignition switch had been moved to off.

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Markle, IN, United States of America

Joseph A Bell