Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC

Mark A Matko

Duane R Johnson

Stephen Howe

William Plow

David J Pfefferl

Craig S Haehn

Majed M Hamdan

Marv Hamdan

Darwin A Garrison

Christine G Swansegar

Craig S Haen

An apparatus for cooling a high heat-generating vehicle component includes an air compressor assembly operable in a heat-generating mode, in which the air compressor assembly has a relatively low capability to absorb heat energy from a coolant that has passed through a high heat-generating vehicle component. The coolant may be passed through a heat exchanger submerged in an oil reservoir of the air compressor assembly to facilitate the heat exchange. The air compressor assembly can also be operated in a non-heat-generating mode, in which the air compressor assembly has a relatively higher capability to absorb heat energy from the coolant that has passed through the high heat-generating vehicle component.

Apparatus and method for cooling a high heat-generating component of a vehicle

An apparatus is provided for cooling a high heat-generating vehicle component having a coolant loop. The apparatus comprises an air compressor assembly including a heat-sinking portion that can be thermally coupled to the coolant loop to transfer heat energy away from the coolant loop to enhance cooling of the vehicle component.

The described systems and methods relate to employing an Electric Air Charging System (EACS) to maintain a hybrid commercial vehicle (or the like) battery within a desired range of charge. The innovation facilitates reducing battery charge when the state of charge is too high, such as by adjusting air compressor cut-in and cut-out pressure thresholds to cause the air compressor to compress air for the brake system when there is excess charge in the battery, as well as triggering a brake regeneration protocol and/or other charge regeneration protocol(s) to restore charge to the battery when the state of charge of the battery is too low.

State of charge adjusted compressor control

A motor controller unit facilitates modifying pressure thresholds and motor operation mode for an air compressor in a hybrid commercial vehicle as a function of vehicle air demand and comprises a processor configured to execute computer-executable instructions comprising monitoring vehicle air system pressure, calculating air demand generated by the vehicle air system, and determining that the vehicle air system air demand is greater than a predetermined air demand threshold. A cut-out pressure threshold for the compressor motor is increased and the air compressor motor is switched from an on/off mode to a continuous run mode wherein pressure is maintained in the air system to be between a cut-in pressure threshold and the increased cut-out pressure threshold. The compressor motor operates in the continuous run mode until air demand falls below the predetermined air demand threshold.

Air demand adjusted compressor control

A night vision system that allows a video camera to continue to be operational after a power control signal, such as a headlamp switch, to the camera has been temporarily interrupted. The system is designed to avoid a camera calibration or equalization process every time the power control signal from the camera or a display unit is disrupted.

Method and apparatus of maintaining a video signal through brief interruptions of a related control signal

A mounting assembly for a night vision display unit uses friction hinges to effectively position the display unit at a desired position relative to the vehicle operator. In a dashboard mounting arrangement, the friction hinge dampens movement of the display unit. In the visor mounted arrangement, the friction hinge assembly and catch assembly ensure convenient, effective storage and deployment of the visor or display unit without one component adversely impacting on the operation and use of the other component.

Mounting assembly for night vision display unit

A universal bracket is disclosed that allows 180 degree of pitch adjustment for a camera. The camera has two brackets that can adapt to various mounting angles on any vehicle surface configuration. In addition, the universal bracket is designed to be rigid and prevent the camera from vibrating in order to prevent a blurred picture on a display unit The system is designed to be installed by a single person.

Universal camera bracket that allows 180 degree of pitch adjustment

A night vision clearance light assembly includes a shell, an array of visible light emitting elements, and a night vision device. The visible light emitting elements are preferably LEDs mounted on a ring received in the shell. The night vision device is operatively connected to an associated night vision camera and sees through an opening in the ring and the lens. The assembly is easily mounted in a standard factory-cut clearance light housing in the exterior of a truck cab.

Growing community of inventors

North Olmsted, OH, United States of America

Mark A Matko