Search Results

The need to reduce the injury to pedestrians that are run over or pinned beneath a bus is an ongoing concern for transit authorities and other operators. Occasionally, a pedestrian will be run over by the right rear wheel while exiting the rear door. This accident occurs in various scenarios such as when people exit the bus and become entangled in the door grab bars, or when they fall between the curb and the bus while it approaches or departs. With all scenarios, the S-1 Gard acts similar to a cow catcher, pushing the fallen pedestrian out and away from the rear tire. This paper will: outline various incident scenarios, evaluate the S-1 Gard's performance in a city environment, review installation of the guard as well as its maintenance requirements. The purpose of this paper is to bring to the attention of transit authorities and shuttle operators the overall value of this device.

For over a decade engine manufacturers have been pursuing alternative fuel strategies for vehicle powertrains. First came the discussion of fuel selection. Next, whether or not these alternative fuels can provide the utility offered by traditional diesel. Finally, the footrace of technology and hardware to provide utility, reliability and maintainability with the use of alternative fuels. Now the day has come where many alternative fuels are a practical reality. The body of this paper will discuss the utilization of natural gas as an alternative fuel. This paper targets the fleet operator in an effort to provide a single source of information in a concise format. A discussion of emission standards, engine operational strategies, component technology, fuel characteristics and the utility of using natural gas as a fuel will be addressed. The understanding of present and future engine development is of great importance to a successful fleet operation.

Emission standards derived to protect the environment have driven engine manufacturers to accelerate their efforts in engine emission development in order to meet the mandated standards. This paper will outline the current and upcoming emission standards, the technology involved in accomplishing the requirements and the solutions to in-service engines meeting their emission standards. The paper targets the fleet operator to provide a single source of information in an effort to alert them to upcoming requirements and what can be expected when specifying equipment for procurement. The technology discussed in this paper varies in its application for several engine makes and models. Since technology transfers from application to application it is vital that these ideas and concepts be explained.

When faced with an engine failure, the initial problem to solve is how to repair it. This translates into the choices of; in-house or external repair. With current labor rates as they are, most operators cannot afford to rebuild an engine themselves. Parts acquisition, shop space, technical knowledge, tooling and the fact that in-house rebuilds do not carry a warranty all act to sway the operator to external sources for assistance. An additional, but equal, concern is how much will the engine cost to repair. The body of this paper will discuss the technology involved in producing remanufactured engines. Topics covered are cost analysis, remanufacture specifications and process and fleet operational logistics using remanufactured engines.

With the use of digital audio tape recorders and piezo accelerometers, a practical field-ready method of determining occupant loading has been developed for heavy truck and equipment ride evaluation. The primary objective in determining ride quality is to verify the accelerations transferred to the occupant through the seat. These accelerations can then be compared to occupant threshold limits to assist the engineer in determining ride quality. The acquisition of acceleration data can be done incrementally for each component of the vehicle, from the ground up to the seat cushion. This allows for an in-depth analysis of suspension and frame components which can then be used to fine tune the design. A secondary use of this method is to evaluate the interaction of contributing components to overall ride quality. Specifically, tires, shock absorbers, air bellows, spring rates, fifth wheel position and front axle position can be evaluated with this field ready method.

This paper will discuss the conceptual integration of satellite tracking used for engine diagnostics for remote power generation sets. The significant application of this integration of technology is the capability to diagnose, monitor, make on-line adjustments and maintain complete control of the generation sets miles from their remote locations. The intended purpose for this technology is to assist the operator in the duty of performing diagnostics and monitoring when not physically located near the power unit. Applications for diagnostics through satellite tracking are widespread. However, certain land-based power generation applications are more likely than others to lend themselves to this method of monitoring. Oil field pumping units, continuous and standby remote generations sets and large scale traffic control/hazard lights used in highway construction zones can all benefit from this technology.

The ability to globally track vehicle position via satellite is a reality. So is the ability to diagnose heavy-duty diesel powertrains and their peripheral support components. However, the integration of these two accepted methods for vehicular operation and maintenance have yet to be merged together; specifically the use of computerized vehicle diagnostics and failure analysis through artificial intelligence as a performance analyzer. As a result of these two emerging technologies, vehicle powertrain diagnostics may soon be conducted through satellite communications between the disabled vehicle and the office of origin for the disabled vehicle. At the time of this publication a system of this nature has not been developed. This paper will discuss the nature of such a concept as well as a description of each of the major software components, their history, operation and how they may be integrated.

The subject of alternate fuels has been addressed for the past 20 years in an effort to solve emissions and world fuel supply concerns. A recent study of the available literature and technology to date pointed out a need for a single source of information for the fleet operator. This paper will be divided into discussions of emissions requirements, world fuel supplies, alternate fuel options and the technical concerns to the fleet operator.

The importance of good public appearance cannot be overstated. Specialized paint schemes, a clean vehicle and good overall appearance are what operators try to achieve. However, safety must be the first concern when carrying passengers. Along this line is the ability to be seen when conditions are less favorable than the normal day to day circumstances provide. Is the vehicle visible at night without its lights on? Specifically, when stopped on the roadway or shoulder, is the vehicle visible from several hundred feet away? This paper will discuss the need to be seen under normal as well as emergency situations, and the methods of improving vehicle conspicuity through the use of reflective tape. The paper will also communicate the principles and criteria for the use of reflective tape. Additionally, a brief history of the concept, application techniques and concerns, product maintenance, test results and a dimensional application chart are provided.