Dana Offers Tire Inflation and Monitor System Integrated With Bendix Trailer ABS

Tampa, FL -- Feb 14, 2005 -- Dana Corporation (NYSE: DCN) and Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC have announced that the Dana® Spicer® Tire Inflation and Monitor System (TIMSTM) may now be combined with the new Bendix® TABS-6 antilock braking system for trailers. The joint technology initiative offers customers the option to combine Spicer TIMS functionality with Bendix TABS-6, all within one electronic control unit (ECU).

“Integrating the Dana and Bendix systems increases the flexibility of TIMS by allowing for simplified installation, a reduction in components and wiring, ease of service, and reduced weight,” said Jim Beverly, chief engineer for Advanced Chassis Control Systems with Dana Commercial Vehicle Systems. “Essentially we’ve made another major advancement in helping our customers address one of the trucking industry’s primary concerns – safety – by combining antilock braking, tire maintenance, and tire monitoring into one trailer-based ECU.

Meanwhile, the new electronics platform also adds several new communication tool options when ordering TABS-6 with TIMS.

Among these are:

Power line carrier (PLC) provides tire pressure and system status to the tractor and ties into dashboard displays as well as off-board communications systems.

In addition to blink codes and Dana PC-based diagnostics, the system is also supported by Bendix® ACOM™ PC diagnostics and Roadranger web-based ServiceRanger diagnostics.

Digital scratch pads provide data storage that is easily defined by the customer and end-user.

“The combined expertise of Bendix and Dana means the trailer industry can benefit from a smart, reliable product that helps enhance vehicle safety and productivity. It continues our commitment to offer the best in economical, effective technology advances to our customers,” said Kevin Romanchok, electronics product line director, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems.

Production for the integrated Bendix TABS-6 trailer ABS with Spicer TIMS is scheduled to begin in June. Dana will continue to offer the flexibility of specifying its successful TIMS system as a stand-alone product.

Dana® Spicer® Tire Inflation and Monitor System

Dana Spicer Tire Inflation and Monitor Systems are manufactured and assembled at Dana’s plant in Henderson, Ky., and are available for factory and off-line installation on all makes and models of trailers manufactured in North America. The systems are backed by a 3-year, unlimited-mile warranty.

Dana Spicer TIMS measures actual tire pressure, not just flow, and vehicle operators are only notified if that pressure falls below a pre-determined level, which is typically set at 10 percent below the desired cold-tire pressure setting. Unlike most competitive products, Spicer TIMS has a two-solenoid manifold design that allows for non-pressurized seals and lines when not inflating for improved safety and maximum seal life. 

“Other systems, where seals and lines are subject to constant pressurization, are far more likely to result in premature air and wheel seal failures while being continuously pressurized for hundreds of thousands of road miles when inflation is not required,” said Beverly.

The patented Dana Spicer TIMS checks tire pressure on power-up, and after that, every 10 minutes of operation. Any time a low tire is detected, the system directs air to the under-inflated tire until proper inflation pressure is achieved. A built-in fault tolerance in the control ensures failsafe operation. In-line check-valves provide tire isolation in the unlikely event of a damaged tire hose or fitting.

“TIMS is helpful in addressing the important issue of fuel efficiency,” added Beverly. “For trailers equipped with wide-based single tires, which can generate fuel consumption improvements of up to four percent, TIMS provides additional peace of mind by ensuring that proper tire pressure is always maintained.”

For more information on Dana Spicer TIMS and other Roadranger products and services, visit the Internet at www.roadranger.com, or write to Roadranger Marketing, P.O. Box 4013, Kalamazoo, MI  49003. To reach a Roadranger right now, dial 1-800-826-HELP (4357) in the U.S. and Canada.  In Mexico, dial 01-800-826-4357.

The Roadranger® Solution is an unbeatable combination of the best drivetrain, chassis, and safety components from Dana Corporation and Eaton Corporation, all backed by the Roadrangers – the most experienced, most expert, and most accessible drivetrain consultants in the business.

Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Systems group, part of the Heavy Vehicle Technologies and Systems Group, designs, manufacturers, and markets front-steer, rear-drive, trailer, and auxiliary axles; driveshafts; steering shafts; suspensions; and related systems, modules, and services for the commercial vehicle market.  Major components and modules are marketed under the Spicer® brand name.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, supplies air brakes, charging and control systems and components, foundation brakes – and electronic braking systems, vehicle modules and leading-edge safety technologies under the Bendix® brand name for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and other commercial vehicles. Employing more than 1,800 people, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico, Frankfort, Ky., and Huntington, Ind. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com.

Dana Corporation is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacture of value-added products and systems for automotive, commercial, and off-highway vehicles.  Delivering on a century of innovation, the company’s continuing operations employ approximately 45,000 people worldwide dedicated to advancing the science of mobility.  Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operated technology, manufacturing, and customer-service facilities in 30 countries.  Sales from continuing operations totaled $7.9 billion in 2003.