Here are details on some of the new offerings from industry suppliers that were on view and announced during the two-day show in Memphis, Tenn. They include wheelchair lifts, a bus air-conditioning line and an integrated vehicle tracking and routing system.
Conversion kit enables bus seats to have belts C.E. White Co.’s convertible seat kit can convert a standard C.E. White seat into a seat with integrated child inserts (two or three lap-shoulder belt options available), a seat with three-point lap-shoulder belts, or a seat with a special security harness.
Officials said the single-frame construction of the seat will not be compromised, it retains the 15-inch aisle, and no re-testing is required. In addition, the kit meets all FMVSS regulations for school bus seating, no cutting or re-upholstery is needed, and the original seat back assembly can be reused to convert the seat to its starting form. C.E. White Co.
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Integrated vehicle tracking, routing solution Seon Design Inc. has agreed to integrate its vMax Live Plus real-time tracking system with U.S. Computing Inc.’s Compass routing software.
Officials said the integration will enable the two web-based applications to share vehicle positioning and routing data, which will provide school bus operators with greater insight to help streamline operations and improve efficiencies.
The planned integration will involve the sharing of vMax Live Plus AVL data, such as vehicle speed and GPS coordinates, with the Compass web-based routing application. Fleet operators will then have the ability to conduct comparative analysis of planned versus actual routes, leveraging both live vehicle data and routing information. Seon Design U.S. Computing Inc.
Device keeps oxygen cylinders secure The GO2 by Sure-Lok is an adaptable oxygen holder designed to safely and quickly transport medical oxygen for personal use in school buses.
Officials said the GO2 prevents cylinders from tipping, falling or becoming a projectile during a sudden stop or maneuver, as it includes two anti-slip straps to hold the oxygen cylinder in place.
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The GO2’s other features include a quick release that adjusts to easily secure oxygen cylinders from size M2 to E, and it is made of high-grade aluminum for durability and corrosion resistance. A visual locking indicator helps to ensure that the cylinder is locked in place, and it mounts easily to the existing L Track on the vehicle’s floor, according to the company. It can also be moved from one vehicle to another without the use of tools. Sure-Lok
Ricon launches new wheelchair lifts for school buses Ricon Corp. unveiled a new line of wheelchair lifts for school buses.
Company officials said that the TITANIUM line of wheelchair lifts is engineered with high-strength steel alloy construction that enables true 1,000-pound capacity.
A new Dura-Touch control pendant features a shock- and water-resistant case.
The Ricon Safety Zone surrounds the passenger with safety features for optimal security during lift operation, according to Ricon officials.
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“The TITANIUM combines service-proven, heavy-duty design and new features to deliver superior performance and value,” the company said in an announcement. Ricon Corp. [PAGEBREAK]
Bus a/c line offers numerous options Spheros presented its complete bus air-conditioning product line. The Arcticsphere portfolio offers split component systems with either in-wall or ceiling-mounted evaporators and skirt-mounted condensers in various sizes. Company officials said that all split components in the Arcticsphere line use very long-life motors and are built with durable-yet-lightweight materials.
The company also unveiled two rooftop systems. The compact CC 145, with cooling capacity of 42,000 BTU/hour, is ideal for Type A school buses or buses in temperate climate zones. The larger CC 335/355 rooftop unit, with cooling capacity of 120,000/136,500 BTU/hour, is designed for humid, subtropical and desert climates. Spheros North America Inc.
Cummins 2013 lineup features diesel and natural gas engines Cummins Inc. announced its complete product lineup for the school bus market at the trade show, and officials said these engines meet the 2014 U.S. EPA greenhouse gas and fuel-efficiency standards. For 2013, Cummins will offer the school bus market two diesel-powered engines — the ISB6.7 and ISL9.
The ISB6.7 is driven by the High Pressure Common Rail fuel system, VGT turbocharger and fully integrated electronic controls. The 2013 ISL9 features the XPI fuel system to maximize fuel economy and performance while decreasing exhaust emissions to near-zero levels. The ISB6.7 has ratings of 200 hp to 300 hp (149-224 kW), and the ISL9 has ratings of 260 hp to 370 hp (194-276 kW).
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The 2013 Cummins Westport ISL G natural gas engine will remain in the Cummins product portfolio for the school bus market. The spark-ignited ISL G, which shares 80% of common components with its diesel counterpart, the ISL9, delivers low-end torque, transient response and quiet operation, according to the company. Cummins Inc.
Tablet targets fleet inspection, efficiency Zonar unveiled its 2020 telematics tablet, saying that it is the first portable device to provide electronic inspection, hours-of-service, instant driver feedback, fuel efficiency, two-way messaging and advanced navigation in an open platform that allows fleets to integrate other systems and customize its use.
Unique to the 2020 is the ability to ensure inspection compliance and streamline repairs with the EVIR system. Drivers use the 2020’s built-in RFID reader to scan tags placed at each inspection point.
Drivers identify component conditions using the onscreen QWERTY keyboard and can send pictures of defects with the completed report. All inspection information is available to fleet and maintenance managers through Zonar’s web-based Ground Traffic Control application.
Available through 2020 and new to Ground Traffic Control, ZLogs is an hours-of-service application that works to ensure that drivers are operating within the limits of safety. Zonar
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Evaporator is durable, efficient On view at Thermo King’s booth was the BE-550 bulkhead evaporator. Officials said the unit is ideal for flush-mount front or rear bulkhead areas, and it has been designed to deliver superior capacity and durability while performing as efficiently as possible.
Features of the BE-550 include three speed blowers for optimal pull-down and passenger comfort, an easily accessible return air filter and blowers for efficient maintenance, and aluminum construction for corrosion resistance. The unit also has left- or right-side connections, and it is compatible with skirt-mounted or rooftop condensers. Thermo King
CalAmp’s updated Here Comes The Bus app introduces enhanced safety controls, streamlined parent onboarding, and expanded features to improve visibility and communication around student transportation.
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