Freightliner Corporation

Paul M Menig

Michael Von Mayenburg

Nasser Zamani

Michael K Smith

Luis A Novoa

Charles H Blakewood, Jr

William G Massey, Iii

David J Johnston

Paul J Delurey

Richard Anthony Bishel

Goetz Renner

Nicolae Ghitea, Jr

Jared A Powell

Peter Charles Brandt

Joseph Loczi

Chris Kirn

Jason Stanford

An integrated message system for a vehicle provides an extendable, prioritized message scheme. Using this scheme, the message system acts as a centralized message provider for variety of alerts and operating data originating throughout the vehicle. The message system defines a hierarchy of message levels, each having a unique output protocol. The protocol defines attributes associated with messages at a particular level such as textual or graphical message, an auditory alert, as well as the scheme for playing these messages and alerts. The system integrates a variety of subsystems that conventionally have separate driver interfaces such as a collision warning system and an adaptive cruise control system.

Integrated message display system for a vehicle

A stairway assembly is pivoted between deployed and stowed positions. The stairway in one form includes a sliding support from which the stairway is suspended at a location spaced from a stairway pivot. A link, which may be adjustable in length, couples the coupler to the stairway. A snubber is provided to limit vibration of the stairway when stowed. An actuator, which may comprise an electric motor, is positioned above and overlies a portion of a platform of the stairway. Extension and retraction of the actuator pivots the stairway between stowed and deployed positions.

Retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle

A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly

An electronic shift control lever assembly that transmits signal indicating a driver's desired gear selection to a variety of types of vehicle's transmissions in one form includes a steering column mounted shift lever. The shift lever is actuatable by the driver to signal a gear selection.

Lever assembly for an electronically controllable vehicle transmission

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Tigard, OR, United States of America

Paul M Menig