Patent Abstract:
A system and attendant structural components for incorporating an alternate fuel supply, such as of the type used in combination with a conventional distillate fuel, to power a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The system and attendant structure includes a mounting assembly structured for containment and support of the alternate fuel and a containment area disposed on the vehicle and structured and dimensioned to retain the mounting assembly therein. The containment area and the mounting assembly are disposed in laterally adjacent, exposed relation to an operator area of the mine haul truck, wherein the mounting assembly and the containment area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and operative communication and distribution thereof with the powering engine of the mine haul vehicle.

Full Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, pending application having Ser. No. 14/538,263 filed on Nov. 11, 2014 which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 9,421,861 on Aug. 23, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part application having Ser. No. 13/478,885 filed on May 23, 2012, which mature into U.S. Pat. No. 8,882,071 on Nov. 11, 2014, which is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, application Ser. No. 13/234,995, filed on Sep. 16, 2011, which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 9,248,736 on Feb. 2, 2016, all incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a system, including cooperative structure, which facilitates the efficient disposition of a mounting assembly, structured for containment and support of an alternate or auxiliary fuel supply, on a heavy duty industrial vehicle, such as a mine haul dump truck. The mounting assembly is mounted on and/or within a containment area disposed on the vehicle and dimensioned and configured to retain the mounting assembly in laterally adjacent, exposed relation to an operator area of the vehicle. As such, the mounting assembly and the containment area are cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of and operative communication of the alternate fuel with the powering engine of the vehicle. 
         [0004]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Mine haul trucks are off-highway, two axle, rigid dump trucks, specifically engineered for use in high production mining and heavy duty construction environments. As such, haul truck capacities typically range from 50 short tons (45 tons) to 400 short tons (363 tons). In addition, the largest and highest payload capacity of such mine haul trucks is referred to as “ultra class” trucks. This ultra class includes haul trucks having a payload capacity of at least 300 short tons or greater. Numerous manufacturers throughout the world produce such mammoth vehicles which are engineered for both performance and long operable life. Trucks of this type are developed specifically for high production duty wherein material is transported in large quantities in order to lower transportation costs on a cost-per-ton basis. 
         [0006]    Typically mine haul trucks are powered by either direct drive diesel or diesel electric power trains frequently including a multiple horse power turbo charged diesel engine. Due to the exceptional size and weight of such vehicles, they cannot be driven on public access roads, but are ideal for high production environments wherein massive quantities of material must be moved, handled, relocated, etc. on a continuous or regular basis. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, it is well recognized that distillate fuels, specifically diesel, are used as the primary fuel source for such vehicles. Attempts to maximize the operational efficiency, while maintaining reasonable safety standards, have previously involved modified throttle control facilities. These attempts serve to diminish adverse effects of control mechanisms which may be potentially harmful to the vehicle engine operation as well as being uneconomical. Typical adverse effects include increased fuel consumption and wear on operative components. Therefore, many diesel engines and the vehicles powered thereby are expected to accommodate various types of high capacity payloads and provide maximum power for relatively significant periods of operation. As a result, many diesel engines associated with heavy duty and off-road vehicles are commonly operated at maximum or near maximum capacity resulting in an attempted maximum power delivery from the vehicle engine and consequent high rates of diesel consumption. It is generally recognized that the provision of a substantially rich fuel mixture in the cylinders of a diesel engine is necessary for providing maximum power when required. Such continued high capacity operation of the vehicle engine results not only in wear on the engine components but also in high fuel consumption rates, lower operating efficiencies, more frequent oil changes and higher costs of operation. 
         [0008]    Accordingly, there is a long recognized need for a fuel control system specifically intended for use with high capacity, off-road vehicles including mine haul vehicles of the type generally described above that would allow the use of more efficient fueling methods using other commonly available fuel sources. Therefore, an improved fuel control system is proposed which is determinative of an effective and efficient operative fuel mixture comprised of a combination of gaseous and distillate fuels. More specifically, gaseous fuel can comprise natural gas or other appropriate gaseous type fuels, wherein distillate fuel would typically include diesel fuel. 
         [0009]    Such a preferred and proposed fuel control system should be capable of regulating the composition of the operative fuel mixture on which the vehicle engine currently operates to include 100% distillate fuel, when the vehicle&#39;s operating mode(s) clearly indicate that the combination of gaseous and distillate fuels is not advantageous. Further, such a proposed fuel control system could have an included secondary function to act as a general safety system serving to monitor critical engine fuel system and chassis parameters. As a result, control facilities associated with such a preferred fuel control system should allow for discrete, user defined control and safety set points for various engine, fuel system and chassis parameters with pre-alarm, alarm and fault modes. 
         [0010]    In addition, the operation of such a fuel control system would be facilitated by the inclusion of a preferred mounting assembly for the alternate fuel supply. As such, the included and preferred mounting assembly would be readily adaptive for use on different vehicles while facilitating the secure, safe and efficient distribution of the alternate fuel in the intended manner. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    This invention is directed to a system and attendant structure operative to support an alternate fuel supply on a vehicle, wherein the fuel supply may be used with an improved fuel control system. The fuel control system comprises technology that allows for the safe and efficient use of a gaseous fuel such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), in combination with a predetermined quantity of conventional distillate fuel, such as diesel fuel. As a result, the composition of an “operative fuel mixture” used to power a vehicle engine will, dependent on the operating modes of the vehicle engine and operating characteristics of the engine during the operating modes, be either a predetermined combination of gaseous fuel and distillate fuel or substantially entirely distillate fuel, absent any contribution of gaseous fuel. 
         [0012]    At least one preferred embodiment of the system of the present invention is directed to a mounting assembly for supporting the alternate fuel supply on the vehicle. While the mounting assembly is specifically adapted for the operable support and positioning of an auxiliary or alternate fuel supply, it is also structurally and operationally capable of mounting and/or supporting a primary fuel supply. In addition, the vehicle with which the mounting assembly of the present invention is utilized may vary significantly, but the system and structure of the present invention is primarily directed to the operation of mine haul vehicles, of the type set forth below, as well as bulldozers, and other heavy duty commercial vehicles. As such, the operation of these types of heavy duty industrial vehicles is significantly benefited or enhanced by the provision of an auxiliary, or alternate fuel supply such as, but not limited to, liquid natural gas (LNG), used in combination with an improved fuel control system and an electronic control unit incorporated therein: 
         [0013]    CATERPILLAR Heavy Duty Industrial Vehicles, Models: 797, 793, 789, 785, 777, 775, 773 
         [0014]    KOMTASU Heavy Duty Industrial Vehicles, Models: HD1500-7, HD785-7, HD605-7, HD465-7, HD405-7, HD325-7 
         [0015]    TEREX Heavy Duty Industrial Vehicles, Models: TR100, TR70, TR60, TR45, TR35 
         [0016]    HITACHI Heavy Duty Industrial Vehicles, Models: EH1700-3, EH1100-3 
         [0017]    EUCLID Heavy Duty Industrial Vehicles, Models: R260, R220, R190, R170, R150, R130B, R130M, R130, R120E, R100, R90C, R90, R85B, R85, R65C, R65 
         [0018]    Accordingly, the mounting assembly of the present invention comprises a containment structure for the fuel supply (LNG) in the form of at least one or a plurality of at least two fuel tanks. Each of the one or more fuel tanks stores the LNG or other fuel on the interior thereof during periods of non-use or operation of the vehicle. The mounting assembly further includes a housing structured to at least partially enclose the one or more fuel tanks on the interior thereof. A base is mounted on the vehicle in supporting relation to both the housing and the containment structure or fuel tanks. Therefore, the containment structure is at least partially enclosed and accordingly protected against unintended impact or contact by other objects, vehicles, etc. in the working environment of the vehicle on which the fuel supply and containment structure are disposed. 
         [0019]    Therefore, one feature of the system and accompanying structural features of the present invention includes the aforementioned mounting assembly structured for containment and support of the alternate fuel supply. In addition and at least partially for the reasons set forth above, another feature of the present invention comprises the establishment of a predetermined containment area defined on and considered a part of the vehicle. Moreover, the containment area is defined and structured in a location which facilitates the operative communication of the alternate fuel supply, disposed within the mounting assembly, with the remainder of the fuel control system serving to regulate the distribution of fuel to the powering engine of the vehicle. Moreover, the containment area and the operatively disposed mounting assembly are collectively positioned in laterally adjacent and exposed relation to an operator area of the mine haul vehicle. In addition, the mine haul vehicle typically includes the operator area defined by an enclosed operator cab. 
         [0020]    The mounting assembly and the containment area are thereby cooperatively disposed and structured to facilitate storage of the alternate fuel and its operative delivery to the powering engine of the mine haul vehicle. The containment area is more specifically described as being directly adjacent to an exterior side or corresponding side wall of the enclosed operator cab. When the mounting assembly is operatively disposed in the containment area in its intended position, it is directly exposed to the operator cab. More specifically, such an “exposed” relation or position of the mounting assembly, relative to the operator cab, may be more specifically defined by the placement of the mounting assembly in a position which at least partially obstructs the normal field of vision of an operator occupying the operator cab. As a result, auxiliary viewing capabilities are also preferably mounted on the mine haul truck so as to overcome any visual restrictions of the operator due to the exposed positioning of the mounting assembly when mounted in the adjacently disposed containment area. 
         [0021]    More specifically, additional viewing components may be utilized, such as one or more cameras or other viewing facilities. The cameras, etc. are operative to observe and transmit a display of the obstructed field of vision to a real time display located in a position to be easily viewed by the operator. The camera(s) or other appropriate viewing facilities may be considered a part of or associated with the mounting assembly or may be located independently thereof, in a location which best facilitates the observance of the area obstructed from normal viewing by the operator. An appropriate monitor or other display screen may thereby be disposed within the interior of the enclosed operator cab, or in other appropriate positions, in order to enhance the portion of the operator&#39;s field of vision which is obstructed by the exposed positioning of the mounting assembly within the containment. 
         [0022]    Additional features of the predetermined containment area comprise a platform, cover or like support facility located immediately adjacent to and exteriorly of the operator cab. When the platform is operatively position, it may be disposed in covering, overlying relation to operative components of the mine haul vehicle yet have sufficient structural integrity and overall dimension as to adequately support a preferred mounting assembly. It is emphasized that different mounting assemblies may be utilized for support and storage of the alternate fuel supply. 
         [0023]    Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system for incorporating an alternate fuel supply on a mine haul vehicle and is operatively and structurally similar, yet distinguishable from, the embodiments of the present invention as described above. More specifically, this additional preferred embodiment comprises a containment area located on the mine haul vehicle in laterally adjacent relation to an operator cab. The containment area is structured and dimensioned to maintain a mounting assembly therein. As with the previously described embodiments, the mounting assembly is structured for containment and support of an alternate fuel supply which may be used to power the driving engine of the mine haul vehicle. It is also noted in greater detail hereinafter, this embodiment of the system of the present invention is specifically, but not necessarily exclusive, intended for use in a CATERPILLAR 793 model mine haul truck. Accordingly, the containment area and the mounting assembly as well as the various components thereof are collectively and cooperatively configured to facilitate conformance and disposition thereof within the vehicle such as, but not limited to, a CATERPILLAR Model 793 mine haul truck as indicated above. 
         [0024]    The mounting assembly comprises a housing disposed in retaining relation to at least one fuel tank for containment of the alternative fuel supply. In addition the mounting assembly further comprises a base disposed in interconnecting relation between the housing and supporting portions of the mine haul vehicle. Further, the containment area includes an access structure disposed in covering and/or overlying relation to an engine compartment of the vehicle. Moreover, the housing is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to facilitate selective positioning of the access structure and an entrance to the operator cab in an operatively open orientation, when such is desired. 
         [0025]    Further, at least a portion of the base may be disconnected from the housing in order to movably dispose the housing, while remaining within the containment area, between at least a first orientation and a second orientation. The first orientation may be accurately described as a normally operative placement thereof while the vehicle is being operated. However, in order to provide a more complete access to the engine compartment area or portions of the mounting assembly itself, the housing may be disposed in the aforementioned second orientation. As also noted with the previously described embodiments, at least a portion of the base is removably connected to the vehicle to facilitate a detachment of the housing from the vehicle for purposes of repair and/or maintenance. 
         [0026]    The movement of the housing between the first and second orientations is facilitated through the use of a positioning assembly. The preferred positioning assembly may be used as a separate, removably connected tool type assembly which may be selectively disposed in interconnecting relation between the base and the housing. Further, the positioning assembly tool may include a fluid activated piston and cylinder assembly powered from an outside or independent source of fluid, such as, but not limited to, hydraulic fluid. When activated the positioning assembly tool will serve to force and concurrently support the housing as it is moved from the first orientation to the second orientation. Cooperatively structuring of the base and in particular a plurality of support members of which the base is comprised, will serve to support the housing when in either the first or second orientation. 
         [0027]    More specifically, the base comprises a plurality of support members including a first predetermined number or set which are detachably connected to the housing but serve to support it when in the first orientation. However, when the positioning assembly tool is operatively connected to the base and housing, the housing may be detached from the first set of support members. Concurrent to such detachment, the second set of support members are movably connected to the housing during the movement or positioning of the housing from the first orientation to the second orientation. Once in the second orientation, the second set of support members of the base will support the housing, independent of the positioning assembly tool or in cooperation therewith, as desired. 
         [0028]    Additional structural and operative features of this preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a substantially angled orientation of the housing as it extends along its length between a lower end and an upper end portion. The terms “upper” and “lower” are used herein to accurately describe locations of portions of the housing within the containment area as represented in the accompanying Figures, described in detail hereinafter. More specifically, the upper end portion is angled outwardly in substantially transverse relation to a remainder of the housing. As such, the upper end portion is disposed in laterally adjacent relation to an entrance of an operator cab of the mine haul vehicle. However, the upper end portion, as well as a remainder of the housing is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to facilitate an opening of the operator cab entrance, even when the housing is in the first orientation. Such operative opening of the operator cab entrance may extend through at least a forty-five degree opening “door swing” into the containment area. 
         [0029]    Somewhat similarly, the housing is disposed in overlying and at least partially adjacent relation to the engine compartment of the vehicle and in overlying but spaced relation from an access structure to the engine compartment. The configuration and dimension of the housing facilitates an operative opening of the access structure which at least partially covers or overlies the engine compartment. The above noted cooperative dimensioning and configuring of the housing will serve to provide functional access to the engine compartment and/or facilitate the movement of an operator into and out of the operator cab, even when the housing of the mounting assembly is in the first orientation. 
         [0030]    Structural and operative features distinguishing this preferred embodiment from those previously described include the base and more specifically at least some or all of the plurality of support members being disposed at least partially within the interior of the engine compartment. As a result, at least some of the support members are dimensioned so as to extend outwardly from the interior of the engine compartment into a location where the support members are connected in supporting relation to the housing. As a result, the supporting function of the base does not require an inordinate amount of room directly associated with the containment area or considered a part thereof. 
         [0031]    Yet additional structural and operative features of the present invention include the mounting assembly comprising a shock absorber assembly disposed in interconnecting relation between the housing and the base. As such the shock absorber assembly may preferably include a plurality of isolation mounts disposed between the base and the housing and structured to restrict the transmission of vibration to the housing during operation of the vehicle. 
         [0032]    Safety restrictions associated with the operation and maintenance of mine haul vehicles of the type referred to herein frequently require that the re-fueling thereof takes place from the ground surface on which the vehicle is positioned. Accordingly, the alternate fuel supply, or the one or more plurality of tanks associated therewith are also disposed and structured to facilitate the filling from the ground surface level of the vehicle. 
         [0033]    Disposition of the containment area in immediate, laterally adjacent relation to the operator area or enclosed operator cab defines its placement beneath and at least partially underlying relation to a frontal portion of the dump truck body of the mine haul vehicle. Therefore, the containment area and mounting assembly are at least partially enclosed. However, while the mounting assembly is in the containment area and in the aforementioned exposed position relative to the operator cab, it is also at least partially open, as described in greater detail hereinafter. Also, this disposition of the mounting assembly within the containment area provides an effective and efficient placement on the mine haul vehicle to facilitate the operative communication of the alternate fuel with the powering engine of the vehicle, through interaction with the fuel control system, as set forth above. 
         [0034]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a containment area defining a portion of the present invention, mounted and considered a part of an industrial vehicle, specifically including a mine haul dump truck vehicle and an operator area of the vehicle. 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view in partial cutaway of one preferred embodiment of a mounting assembly of the present invention disposed on or within the containment area of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  in a first orientation. 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an industrial vehicle, specifically including a mine haul dump truck vehicle which includes the containment area of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view in at least partially schematic form of one embodiment of a mounting assembly of the present invention, wherein the housing thereof is in a second orientation. 
           [0040]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view in at least partially schematic form of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  of the mounting assembly, wherein the housing thereof is in the first orientation. 
           [0042]      FIG. 7  is another preferred embodiment of the mounting assembly, disposed within the predetermined containment area of the mine haul vehicle. 
           [0043]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of yet another preferred embodiment of a containment area and mounting assembly cooperatively dimensioned and configured to be disposed within at least one additional type of mine haul vehicle. 
           [0044]      FIG. 9  is a side view in partial phantom of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 10  is a front view in partial phantom of the preferred embodiment of the  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 11  is a perspective detailed view one component of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 12  is a side view in partial phantom of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 8-11 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 13  is a top, schematic view and partial phantom of the embodiment of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 8-11  in a first orientation with a positioning assembly operatively secured thereto. 
           [0050]      FIG. 15  is a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  in a second orientation with the positioning assembly operatively disposed in a different position from that of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0051]      FIG. 16  is a front plan view in partial cutaway of interconnecting portions of a base and housing of the mounting assembly and a shock absorbing assembly associated therewith. 
           [0052]      FIG. 16A  is a detail view of an isolation mount associated with the embodiment of  FIG. 16 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 17  is a side view of a mine haul vehicle of the type CATERPILLAR Model 793 with which the embodiment of  FIGS. 8 through 16  may be used. 
       
    
    
       [0054]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0055]    As represented in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , the present invention is directed to a system, cooperative structuring and attendant facilities for operatively disposing a mounting assembly  110  within a containment area generally indicated as  10 . The containment area  10  is disposed on and is considered and integrated part of an industrial or commercial vehicle specifically including a mine haul dump truck vehicle generally indicated as  20  in  FIG. 3 . As such, the containment area  10  includes a platform  12  and a sufficiently dimensioned and configured area to operatively dispose at least one preferred embodiment of the mounting assembly  110  therein generally indicated in  FIG. 2  and described in greater detail in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . 
         [0056]    As set forth above, the industrial or commercial vehicle  20  may be in the form of a mine haul dump truck vehicle such as, but not limited to a CATERPILLAR model 777. However, as set forth above the versatility of the mounting assembly  110  and the dimension, configuration and overall structure of the cooperative containment area  10  allows the mounting assembly to be used on a variety of similar industrial or commercial vehicles including different makers and models of such vehicles, as indicated above. Further by way of reference and clarity, the containment area  10  is generally located on the vehicle, as at  10 ′ and with reference to both  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the containment area  10 ,  10 ′ is located immediately and laterally adjacent to an operator area generally indicated as  14 . Moreover, typical of mine land haul vehicles  20 , the containment area  14  comprises and enclosed operator cab  16  having an exterior wall or like partition member  18  disposed in at least partially confronting or immediately adjacent relation to the containment area  10  including the platform  12 . As such, operative disposition of the mounting assembly  110  in the containment area  10  and on or at least directly associated with a platform  12  serves to disposed the mounting assembly  110  in immediate laterally adjacent relation to the operator area  14  and/or enclosed operator cab  16 . The disposition of the containment area  10  laterally adjacent to the operator area  14  further serves to dispose the mounting assembly  110  in a visually obstructing or “exposed” relation relative to the interior of the operator cab  16 . As a result the field of vision normally available to an operator in the operator cab  16  will be somewhat blocked of hindered due to the “exposed” laterally adjacent relation of the mounting assembly  110  through the operator area  14  and more specifically the operator cab. 
         [0057]    Therefore, in order to enhance the obstructed field of vision of an operator within the operator cab  16 , the vehicle  20  may be additionally equipped with an auxiliary viewing facility comprising at least one camera and a viewing monitor or display. The at least one camera, not shown for purposes of clarity can be located in any of a plurality of appropriate positions and orientations on the vehicle  20  so as to enhance the obstructed view of the operator created by the exposed disposition of the mounting assembly  110 . Similarly, the display or monitor is located preferably on the interior of the operator cab or in another appropriate location which is clearly viewable by an operator so as to overcome the at least laterally obstructed view of the operator from the operator area  14  or enclosed cab  16 . 
         [0058]    As further represented in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , additional structural features define by or associated with the containment area  10  and the operatively disposed mounting assembly  110 , as represented in  FIG. 2 , includes the mounting assembly  110  disposed in at least partially enclosed or at least minimally covered relation relative to a frontal portion  22  of the dump truck body  24 . More specifically, the mounting assembly  110  is disposed at least partially beneath and in underlying relation to the overlying position of the frontal portion  22  of the dump truck body  24 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , a frontal portion of the containment area  10  still remains at least partially open. Therefore, the placement or installation of the mounting assembly  110  within the containment area  12  may be accomplished, at least in part, by a raising or opening of the truck body  24  such that the frontal portion  22  thereof is outwardly spaced away from the containment area  12 . Appropriate hooks or like connectors  111  are mounted on the housing  112  of the mounting assembly  110  to facilitate its positioning, such as by crane or other appropriate lifting device. However, as clearly represented in  FIG. 2  the operative disposition of the mounting assembly  110  is located immediately and laterally adjacent to the operator area  14  including the enclosed cab  16  so as to abut or be minimally spaced away from a the lateral sidewall portion  18  as generally set forth above. Moreover, when the installation of the mounting assembly  110  is complete, the dump truck body  24  may be conventionally raised and lowered so as to assume and facilitate the normal operation of the vehicle  20 . 
         [0059]    With primary reference to  FIGS. 4-6 , the present invention is directed to a mounting assembly generally indicated as  110  including a movably interconnected housing generally indicated as  112 . The mounting assembly  110  is specifically, but not exclusively, intended for use on heavy duty “mine haul” vehicles, bulldozers or other vehicles of the type generally set forth above. As emphasized herein the mounting assembly is specifically dimensioned and configured to facilitate its operative placement within the containment area  10  defined on or considered a part of the mine haul dump truck vehicle. 
         [0060]    More specific structural details of the mounting assembly  110  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 4-6  include the housing  112  being structured to include the alternate fuel supply disposed within a containment area  10 . The housing  112  comprises at least one but in certain practical applications, a plurality of fuel tanks  114 . As also represented, the housing  112  is supported and interconnected to the vehicle  20  by means of a base assembly, generally indicated as  116 . The base  116  includes a plurality of support legs  118  each of which include leg segments  120  and  120 ′ having the lower end thereof fixedly secured, such as by welding the accompanying mounting pads  122  to the platform  12  or other appropriate portion of the containment area  10  of the vehicle  20 , on which the mounting assembly  110  is disposed. 
         [0061]    The base  116  may also include a connecting assembly comprising at least one but in certain practical applications a plurality of at least two hinge structures generally indicated as  124 . Each of the hinge structures  124  are connected to an appropriate link  126  or like structure secured to an under portion of the housing  114  as clearly represented. The structural and operative features of each of the one or more hinge structures  124  is such as to facilitate the selective positioning or movement of the housing  112  as well as the containment structure or fuel tanks  114  between a first orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , and a second substantially upright orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Accordingly, the connecting hinge structures  124  serve to movably interconnect the housing  112  to the containment area  10  and further serve to support the housing  112  at least when the housing is in the second orientation of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The disposition of the hinge structures  124  also add to the support of the housing  112  when it is in the first orientation, as clearly represented in  FIG. 6 . The one or more hinge structures  124  may be considered a part of the base  16  due to their support of the housing  112  when at least in the second orientation and most probably when in both the first and second orientations. However, dependent upon the structure, configuration and dimension of the mine haul vehicle  20  and containment area  10  in which the mounting assembly  110  is disposed, the one or more hinge structures  124  may be considered independent of the base  116  by virtue of their location being not directly adjacent to or operatively associated with the base  116 . 
         [0062]    Further with regard to the selective positioning of the housing  112  in either the first or second orientations, the mounting assembly  110  further includes a retaining assembly comprising at least one, but preferably a plurality of at least two retaining arms or bars  128 . The one or more retaining arms  128  serve to maintain and at least partially support the housing  112 , at least when it is in the second orientation as clearly demonstrated in  FIGS. 2, 4 and 5  when in their operative position. Each of the retaining arms  128  include opposite ends removably connected, as at  130 , to the correspondingly disposed support arm  118 . The opposite end of each of the retaining arms  128  is removably connected, as at  131 , to the housing  112  and more specifically to a brace or cross brace structure  132 . 
         [0063]    Moreover, each of the retaining arms  128  is removed from the stored orientation and disposed in the supporting orientation of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . When in such a supporting orientation, the opposite end  130  is removably connected to the upstanding connecting flange  139 , by a threaded knob or like connector. The removable but stable interconnection of the opposite ends  130  and  131 , as at  130 ′ and  131 ′, to the mounting flange  139  and the base  116 , respectively, will serve to assure that the retaining arms  128  are maintained in their operative, supporting, retaining position between the base  116  and the housing  112  and/or brace  132 . However, the removable interconnection of each of the retaining arms  128  in their supporting, retaining position facilitates the easy disconnection of the retaining arms  128  for selective disposition in their stored orientation in order to dispose the housing  112  in the first orientation. 
         [0064]    The stability of the containment structure, comprising the one or more fuel tanks  114  within the interior of the housing  112 , is further enhanced by a stabilizing assembly  144  also at least partially disposed on the interior of the housing  112 . The stabilizing assembly  144  includes at least one but preferably a plurality of stabilizing members  146  disposed in spaced relation to one another and collectively extending along the length of the one or more fuel tanks  114  defining the containment structure for the fuel supply. In addition, the stabilizing members  46  may be disposed on opposite sides of fuel tanks  114 . In addition, each or at least some of the stabilizing members  146  include a recessed segment or portion  148  at least partially dimensioned and configured to the corresponding exterior configuration of each of the fuel tanks  114 . As such, the plurality of stabilizing members  146  can be defined as collectively and at least partially surrounding and/or “sandwiching” the plurality of fuel tanks  114  there between. By virtue of this cooperative disposition and structure, movement or inadvertent, unintended displacement of the one or more fuel tanks  14  within the interior of the housing  112  is eliminated or significantly restricted. In addition, the stabilizing assembly  146  can be defined by a plurality of the stabilizing members  148  which may vary in number, size, configuration, etc. so as to accommodate a confronting engagement or relation with the one or more fuel tanks  114  in a manner which facilitates the ability to restrict the displacement or movement of the fuel tanks  114  within the interior of the housing  112 , whether the housing  112  is in either the aforementioned first or second orientations. 
         [0065]    The versatility of the containment area  10  is further represented in at least partially schematic form in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 . In one preferred embodiment the mounting assembly  110  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 4 through 6 , may be operatively disposed in the containment area  10 . However, other mounting assemblies having a variety of different but appropriate structural features may be utilized with a variety of different vehicles, specifically including mine haul vehicles, as set forth in detail herein. More specifically, in the additional preferred embodiment of  FIG. 7  the mounting assembly is generally indicated as  210  and includes a base  212  having a support frame or like structure comprising a plurality of legs  214 . In addition, a containment structure generally indicated as  216  is in the form of at least one fuel tank for storage and support for the alternate and/or auxiliary fuel supply such as (LNG). As with the mounting assembly  110  the additional preferred embodiment of the mounting assembly  210  is located in the containment area  10  and in immediate, laterally adjacent relation to the operator area  14  which may be in the form of the enclosed operator cab  16 . As such at least a portion of the mounting assembly  210  including, but not limited to, the containment structure or one or more fuel tanks  216  are positioned in an “exposed” or visually obstructing relation as relates to the field of vision of an operator within the compartment area  14 . Accordingly, the aforementioned auxiliary viewing assembly, including at least one camera and a display or monitor, is also provided for use by an operator when the mounting assembly  210  is operatively disposed within the containment area  10 . 
         [0066]    As also set forth above, the containment area  10  and the mounting assembly  210  are disposed in underlying relation to at least a frontal portion  22  of the dump truck bed  24  so as to be partially enclosed and/or protected thereby when the dump truck bed  24  is in its closed or lowered position. However, the containment area  10  is still preferably in the frontal, at least partially open location  10 ′ of the vehicle  20  as represented in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0067]    As represented in  FIGS. 8 through 17 , the present invention comprises an additional preferred embodiment directed to a system for mounting and alternate fuel supply on a mine haul vehicle. In more specific terms, the various operational and structural components of this additional system are specifically, but not exclusively, adapted for use on a CATERPILLAR Model 793 mine haul vehicle. 
         [0068]    Therefore, the system of this preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a mounting assembly generally indicated as  300  including a containment area  302  located on the vehicle in laterally adjacent relation to an operator cab  304  and above and in adjacent, at least partially overlying relation to an engine compartment  306  of the mine haul vehicle. Further, the mounting assembly  300  comprises a housing  308  including a frame portion  310  and an overlying, at least partially enclosing canopy  312 . Further, the housing  308  is disposed, dimensioned and configured to support at least one, but in certain practical applications, a plurality of fuel tanks  314 , each structured for containment of the alternate fuel such as liquid natural gas (LNG). The mounting assembly  300  also includes a base  316  disposed to support and interconnect the housing  308  as well as the one or more fuel tanks  314  of the alternate fuel supply to the vehicle  400 . Accordingly, the housing  308  is dimensioned, disposed and configured in at least partial conformance with the containment area  302  such that mounting assembly  300  as well as the containment area  302  are specifically adapted to conform to the dimensions and configurations of the aforementioned mine haul vehicle  400 . 
         [0069]    As will be explained in greater detail herein after, the dimension, configuration and disposition of the housing  308  is disposed immediately adjacent and possibly in at least partial interruptive relation to an entrance  304 ′ of the operator cab  304 . The housing  308  is also disposed in overlying at least partially covering relation to an access structure  320  overlying and at least partially enclosing a portion of the engine compartment  306 . However, cooperative structuring of the mounting assembly  300 , specifically including the housing  308 , is such as to allow at least a minimal operative opening of the operator cab access  304 ′ as well as operative opening of an access structure  320  as clearly represented in  FIGS. 12 and 13  respectively. As will be explained in greater detail hereinafter, with specific but not exclusive reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the housing  308  is selectively disposable between the first orientation as represented in  FIGS. 8 through 15  and a second orientation as represented in  FIG. 16 . Moreover, the aforementioned conformance of the mounting assembly  300  as well as the containment area  302  to the particular mine haul vehicle  400  with which it is intended for use, allows the operative opening for both the operator cab entrance  304 ′ and the access structure  320  while the housing  308  is in the first orientation. As schematically represented in  FIG. 12 , the operative opening of the operator cab entrance  304 ′ may be defined by an opening thereof an at least 45 degree “door swing” from its closed position as represented in  FIG. 8  to its operative opened position as represented in  FIG. 13 . Similarly, with reference to  FIG. 13 , the access structure  320  is disposed in overlying, at least partially covering relation to the engine compartment  306 . Accordingly when access is required to the engine compartment  306 , the access structure  320  is operatively opened as demonstrated by the opening path  320 ′. 
         [0070]    Another feature of the present invention is the base  316  disposed in supporting relation to the housing  308 , as well as defining an interconnection between the housing  308  and correspondingly disposed stable portions of the vehicle  400 . More specifically, the base  316  includes a plurality of support members  324  and  325 . The disposition, dimension and configuration of the plurality of support members  324  and  325  are such as to connect and support the housing  308  in the containment area  302  in a stable manner, while leaving a majority or at least a sufficient portion of the containment area  302  in an uncluttered state. The base  316  includes at least some or a first set  324  of the plurality of support members having an elongated configuration. Also, the support members  324  are removably connected or anchored at least partially within the engine compartment  306 . 
         [0071]    Similarly, the plurality of support members  325  are disposed and configured to maintain and support an interconnection of the housing  308 , while further facilitating the positioning of the housing  308  between the aforementioned first orientation, as represented in  FIGS. 8-14 , and a second orientation as represented in  FIG. 15 . The plurality of support members  325  may include a shorter structure than support members  324  and also include a hinge assembly or structure, generally indicated as  325 ′. Further, a first set of the plurality of support members  324  as well as the second set or plurality of support members  325  are both securely anchored at least partially within the interior of the engine compartment  306  utilizing a plurality of mounts  330  represented in  FIG. 11 . Each of the plurality of mounts  330  have an anchor portion  332  welded or otherwise fixedly secured to an appropriately stable frame or brace portion on the interior of the engine compartment  306 . A connecting platform or like structure  334  is bolted or otherwise fixedly secured to the anchor portion  332  and includes a one or more brackets  336  affixed thereto. Further, the brackets  336  are cooperatively disposed and structured to receive and support a pin member  338  which provides a stable interconnection but possibly at least some movement of the distal ends  324 ′ to their corresponding mounts  330 . The second set or plurality of support members  325  may have a somewhat different construction, such that one or more upstanding brackets or bracket pairs as at  336 ′ include a different arrangement of a pin as at  338 ′ which serves as a pivot point for the remainder of the hinge section or portion  325 ′. Also the hinge portion  325 ′ includes a locking aperture or like structure  327  designed to be aligned with a through aperture or channel  329  for purposes of locking the hinge structure  325 ′ in a position facilitating the support and interconnection of the housing  308  relative to the vehicle  400 , when in the second orientation as demonstrated in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0072]    As set forth above and with primary reference to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the housing  308  of the mounting assembly  300  is selectively disposed between the first orientation as represented in  FIG. 14  and a second orientation as represented in  FIG. 15 . Accomplishing movement or repositioning of the housing  308  includes the use of a positioning assembly tool generally indicated in as  340 . The positioning assembly tool  340  preferably comprises a fluid activated piston and cylinder assembly including a telescopic connection of the various components selectively disposable between a retracted position of  FIG. 14  and an outwardly extended position of  FIG. 15 . Such activation of the positioning assembly or tool  340  is accomplished by connecting it to an appropriate fluid source such as, but not limited to, a fluid source of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid. When so connected and when appropriately activated, the positioning assembly tool  340  will be disposed between and into the retracted position of  FIG. 14  or the extended position of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0073]    Moreover, cooperative structuring of at least a portion of the frame  310  with the base and or a plurality of support members  324  further facilitates the disposition of the housing  308  between the first and second orientations. More specifically, the frame  310 ′ is detachable from all or at least some of the plurality of support members  324 , while remaining movably attached to the plurality of support members  325 . In operation, the positioning assembly tool  340  is connected to a brace segment  342  fixedly or integrally secured to at least some of the plurality of support members  324 . The outer or distal end  324 , of the first set of support members  324  is connected to a corresponding portion of the frame  310 ″. Accordingly, upon detachment of the frame portion  310 ″ from corresponding ones of the support members  324  and a concurrent or subsequent activation of the positioning assembly tool  340 , the housing  308  will be raised or otherwise disposed between the first orientation of  FIG. 14  and the second orientation of  FIG. 15 . Once in the second orientation, the hinge structure  325  will remain connected to the frame  310  and effectively locked or fixed into the supporting orientation represented in  FIG. 15  by an appropriate locking pin passing through apertures  327  and  327 ′ as set forth above. Due to the fixed or locking position of the hinge member  325 , the positioning assembly tool  340  may be removed from its interconnecting relation between the frame portions  310 ″ and the brace segment  342  so as to provide clear access to the containment area  302 , engine compartment  306 , operator cab  304  and entrance  304 ′ adjacent or other areas, as required. 
         [0074]    As should be apparent, during normal operation of the vehicle  400  whether idling or in an operative, traveling state, a certain amount of vibration will exist throughout the vehicle as well as the frame thereof. Accordingly, another structural and operative feature of the present invention is represented in  FIGS. 16 and 16A  and includes a shock absorber assembly generally indicated as  350 . The shock absorber assembly  350  is preferably in the form of isolation mounts  351  including a connecting stem  352  and shock absorbing or vibration attenuating segments  354 . Accordingly, the plurality of mounts  351  are appropriately interconnected between the frame  310  or the housing  308  and a connecting structure  356  associated with the frame or other corresponding portion of the base  316  to which at least some of the plurality of support members  324  are connected. 
         [0075]    Further with regards to the mine haul vehicle  400 , CATERPILLAR Model 793, one feature associated therewith is disposition and structuring of the mounting assembly  300  and its cooperative disposition and structure with the mine haul vehicle  400  to facilitate re-fueling of the alternate fuel supply, including the one or more tanks  314  from a ground level of the mine haul vehicle  400 . Accordingly, a fuel supply  360  may be appropriately positioned on or adjacent the ground level of the mine haul vehicle  400  and include appropriate conduits or connecting hoses, etc. facilitating the transfer of the alternate fuel (LNG) from the fuel supply  360  to the one or more tanks  314 . 
         [0076]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0077]    Now that the invention has been described,

Technology Classification (CPC): 5