Dean Cerimeli - Gilbert AZ, US Robert A. Dolan - Mesa AZ, US Michael H. Dilgard - Tempe AZ, US Javier Nolasco - Phoenix AZ, US Jeremy Donohue - Gilbert AZ, US
International Classification:
F16C 1/04
US Classification:
298972
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for extending the length of a vehicle without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly. The method includes disconnecting the front drive shaft segment from the vehicle transmission, extending the length of the vehicle frame, and inserting a drive shaft extension segment which includes: a rigid tubular shaft rotatable about a longitudinal axis; a universal joint mounted at the tubular shaft front end and having a front flange configured for mounting to the transmission; and a bearing assembly mounted to the tubular shaft. The extension segment rear end includes a rearward facing flange configured for mounting to a forward facing flange of the front drive shaft segment that was disconnected from the vehicle transmission. The extension segment is installed in the vehicle between the vehicle transmission and the front drive shaft segment without the need to rebalance the original drive assembly.
James P. Shoen - Phoenix AZ, US Dean Cerimeli - Gilbert AZ, US Jeremy Donohue - Gilbert AZ, US
International Classification:
G01M 15/04 G01F 9/00
US Classification:
7311452
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are provided for displaying an accumulated fuel usage to a driver of a rental vehicle, such as a rental truck. The rental vehicle has a fuel usage meter that incudes a digital display for displaying fuel consumption of a rental vehicle to a rental customer. The customer is instructed to reset the accumulated fuel consumption display to zero when the customer takes possession of the vehicle and is instructed to read the accumulated fuel consumption display before returning the vehicle to determine an amount of fuel consumed during the rental of the vehicle. The meter retains the accumulated fuel consumption when the engine is turned off, when the meter is uncoupled from the data bus of the vehicle, and when vehicle power is disconnected from meter.