GreenTech

Flex-fuel EFI engine

Over the next two years, Kohler will convert its entire Command Pro air-cooled and Aegis liquid-cooled engine lines to operate with a flex-fuel electronic fuel injection (EFI) system rather than a carburetor. The EFI models’ self-monitoring “closed loop” exhaust feedback system and alternative-fuel compatibility can save users 17 to 28 percent in fuel usage, and the low levels of hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxide produced meet EPA Tier-3 standards. The new engines will be designed within the same footprint as current models, so original equipment manufacturers need not make any alterations to their products to accommodate the changed design.
Kohler, Kohler, Wis.
CIRCLE 270 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-270

Hybrid school bus

Available as both a PHEV (charge-depleting plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) or HEV (charge-sustaining hybrid electric vehicle), IC Corp.’s hybrid school bus, which uses Enova Systems’ Hybrid Drive System, can reduce emissions and improve fuel economy by up to 70 percent, according to the company. Battery power results in quieter operation and a reduced need for brake repairs. The hybrid drive system never shuts down the bus’s internal combustion engine; any failure within the system cannot cause the bus to malfunction.
IC Corp., Warrenville, Ill.
CIRCLE 271 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-271

Tire flat-proofing fill

By using renewable components in the production process, Arnco’s ecoflex tire flat-proofing fill consumes 50 percent of the amount of petrochemicals used in other flat-proofing products. Gehl (manufacturer of Gehl and Mustang skid-steer loaders and telehandlers) has approved the polyurethane fill for use on its product lines, finding it equally effective as existing fills. Ecoflex is suitable for both tube-type and tubeless tires.
Arnco, South Gate, Calif.
CIRCLE 272 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-272

Energy-efficient air conditioner

The Ecosaire Signature Series Precision Comfort Control air conditioner, designed for use in facilities such as office buildings, hospitals and schools, consumes comparatively small amounts of energy to perform large-scale cooling functions. Features including environmentally friendly refrigerant, a true glycol-cooled system, multiple electronically commutated fans and a self-monitoring microprocessor help the unit operate efficiently and contribute lower emissions; at the same time, the system is capable of filtering out airborne contaminants including vehicle emissions and infectious diseases. The system ranges in size from 10 to 140 tons and runs quietly enough to meet NC-30 or -40 requirements.
Dectron, Roswell, Ga.
CIRCLE 273 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-273

Hybrid electric tractor

The Peterbilt medium-duty Model 335 can yield up to 25 percent in fuel-economy gains, with regenerative braking and an electric motor that assists the PACCAR PX-6 engine with supplemental torque. Drivers can adjust system settings to maximize fuel efficiency with an in-dash system monitor, which provides information such as battery-charge state and current fuel economy. The 335 is designed for local-haul municipal and utility operations; Peterbilt is in the process of developing stop-and-go traffic Model 320 and long-haul Model 386 vehicles to add to its hybrid line.
Peterbilt, Denton, Texas
CIRCLE 274 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-274

Recyclable flooring surface

Durable, fire-resistant Bolon flooring is manufactured using a new production technique that delivers a smoother surface, according to the manufacturer. The easy-to-clean flooring is made with material that is 100 percent recyclable.
Centaur Floor Systems, Santa Barbara, Calif.
CIRCLE 275 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-275

Recycled-material sidewalks

Sidewalks made from recycled crumb rubber from waste tires are lightweight, highly resistant to water and cracking, durable enough for all kinds of pedestrian traffic (including skateboarding and rollerblading), more shock-absorbent than concrete and easily cleaned by sweeping and/or pressure washing, according to the manufacturer. Due to the modular construction, air and water are able to pass through the sidewalk to soil below; the structure deters trees from forming the invasive root systems that frequently cause buckling and breakage in concrete sidewalks, and allows for periodic inspection and root trimming. Expected minimum life is 10 years, but arborist-consulting and long-term maintenance services are available upon request to obtain the maximum use from the sidewalks.
Rubbersidewalks, Fountain Valley, Calif.
CIRCLE 276 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-276

Electric cars and trucks

ZAP Xebra car and multipurpose flatbed/dump-truck models are completely electric: Rechargeable in any electrical outlet, they cost approximately 1 to 3 cents per mile to operate. As city-class vehicles, Xebras are capable of completing 25- to 40-mile (with extended-range battery) trips on one charge and traveling up to 40 mph. Color and interior options, as well as fast and solar chargers, are available for both cars and trucks. Xebra trucks can be designed with right- or left-side steering.
ZAP (Zero Air Pollution), Santa Rosa, Calif.
CIRCLE 277 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-277

Propane school bus

Blue Bird replaces gasoline with propane as the fuel source for its Vision school bus, creating a vehicle powered on clean-burning, readily available energy. The bus’s GM 8.1-liter engine uses liquid propane injection for a fuel range of approximately 300 miles. The Vision school bus is comparable in construction and capacity to traditional school buses; anti-lock brakes are standard and most vision accessories are available. The bus can hold 47 to 77 passengers.
Blue Bird, Fort Valley, Ga.
CIRCLE 278 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-278

Highway-speed electric sedan

Miles Electric Vehicles is in the process of adding a highway-speed zero-emissions electric sedan, the XS500, to its existing line of low-speed electric cars (the ZX40S, ZX40S Advanced Design and ZX40ST). The XS500 will be able to travel over 80 mph for 120 miles on a single charge from a recyclable lithium-ion battery, which has an approximate total lifetime of 125,000 to 150,000 miles. Simulation/physical crash testing will ensure the vehicle meets U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration standards. Marketed as a fleet and consumer car, the XS500 will have a wide range of options including Bluetooth capability, air conditioning and an AM/FM CD stereo system.
Miles Electric Vehicles, Santa Monica, Calif.
CIRCLE 279 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-279

Electric cars

While saving money on gasoline and engine-related repairs, Zenn drivers can enjoy the amenities of conventional cars, including a roomy interior and options such as heating, air conditioning, power windows and locks and remote keyless entry. The three-door hatchback meets or exceeds all federal safety standards (FMVSS 500) and is suited for all-season neighborhood trips (the maximum speed is 25 mph) from 30 to 50 miles. The Zenn plugs into a standard electric outlet for overnight battery recharging; four hours are needed to recharge an “empty tank” by 80 percent.
Zenn, Toronto, Ontario
CIRCLE 280 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-280

Dry prime pump

Thompson’s dry prime pump features an Enviroprime system that prevents sewage, debris and chemicals from discharging onto the ground. Even when simply rerouting stormwater, spillage will not occur, according to the company. The Enviroprime system uses an air compressor to separate air from water moving through the pump, preventing the pump’s venturi from clogging and causing a shutdown.
Thompson Pump, Port Orange, Fla.
CIRCLE 281 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-281

Paper dispenser

The PAPERplus Shooter high-speed paper-dispensing system handles void fill dispensing at rates up to 350 fpm. A pulling system unwinds paper from inside the roll, automatically creating filler with several layers of paper from a one-ply roll, eliminating manual folding and crumpling to save time and material. The 100 percent natural Kraft paper can be used over and over prior to recycling.
Storopack, Cincinnati, Ohio
CIRCLE 282 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-282

Electric zero-turn mower

The Hustler Zeon is the world’s first all-electric zero-turn-radius lawnmower, according to the manufacturer. Powered by a 48-volt computer-controlled battery, the unit delivers up to 80 minutes of mowing time, or more than an acre of grass, on a single charge. The Zeon eliminates the need and cost of fuel, sparkplugs, oil, belts, pulleys and filters. The unit is virtually silent while running, with an operating sound that is similar to the hum of a vacuum cleaner. Features include: a 42-inch welded-steel mowing deck and tubular frame; high blade-tip speed for quality of cut; 18-inch drive tires and 13-inch caster tires; and dual electric transmissions for true zero-degree turning maneuverability. The machine is backed by a two-year limited warranty on parts and labor.
Excel Industries, Hesston, Kan.
CIRCLE 283 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-283

Motor-mount connector

Tyco’s motor-mount connector simplifies the installation and maintenance of wind power turbines. The unit consists of a cast-aluminum housing that accepts various inserts from the HTS industrial connector family, an interface seal for IP65 protection and a nickel-plated steel locking lever. The housing comes in several sizes to fit standard motor cutouts so that no motor redesign is required. The mounting footprint can be adjusted to fit the motor’s dimensions. Housings can be ordered in a range of colors to allow unique identification of the motor by function or application.
Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, Pa.
CIRCLE 284 ON CARD OR VISIT WWW.GOVINFO.BZ/22529-284

A special selection of environmentally friendly products appearing in Government Product News, New Equipment Digest and Occupational Hazards