mod@tech

A new Ford patent filing has surfaced that hints at a driver-assist system designed to prevent collisions with trains.

First spotted by Motor1, the patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2021, but was only published on March 30, 2023. As Motor1 notes, the document shows two possible implementations of this idea, each using sensors to detect oncoming trains as a car approaches a railroad crossing.

In one version, sensors would be placed on the railroad tracks on both sides of a crossing, and communicate with sensors in the vehicle. If the system detects a train, it warns the driver not to cross. Placing sensors on both sides of a crossing allows the system to confirm that a train is really out of the way before giving the all-clear, and that it isn’t, for example, reversing back over the crossing.

The second version pares things back a bit. Instead of placing sensors on the tracks, it would rely on in-car hardware, such as cameras and lidar, to watch the crossbars and warning lights at railroad crossings—the cues human drivers sometimes ignore when approaching railroad crossings.

Ford also mentions sending information to other vehicles, so that drivers know a train is occupying the crossing before they reach it. This feature, which sounds like the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication the automaker in 2018 said could help eliminate traffic lights, could be helpful to emergency vehicles, allowing them to reroute around trains, Ford detailed in the patent.

This system would also help increase vehicle automation, according to Ford, allowing cars to automatically stop at railroad crossings without drivers having to take over. The automaker has filed several patents that could be applied to autonomous vehicles, but the core technology itself is still under development. So it might be awhile before we see anything like Ford’s train-detecting system in a production vehicle.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Ford train-detection system patent image

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

A new Ford patent filing has surfaced that hints at a driver-assist system designed to prevent collisions with trains.

First spotted by Motor1, the patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2021, but was only published on March 30, 2023. As Motor1 notes, the document shows two possible implementations of this idea, each using sensors to detect oncoming trains as a car approaches a railroad crossing.

In one version, sensors would be placed on the railroad tracks on both sides of a crossing, and communicate with sensors in the vehicle. If the system detects a train, it warns the driver not to cross. Placing sensors on both sides of a crossing allows the system to confirm that a train is really out of the way before giving the all-clear, and that it isn’t, for example, reversing back over the crossing.

The second version pares things back a bit. Instead of placing sensors on the tracks, it would rely on in-car hardware, such as cameras and lidar, to watch the crossbars and warning lights at railroad crossings—the cues human drivers sometimes ignore when approaching railroad crossings.

Ford also mentions sending information to other vehicles, so that drivers know a train is occupying the crossing before they reach it. This feature, which sounds like the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication the automaker in 2018 said could help eliminate traffic lights, could be helpful to emergency vehicles, allowing them to reroute around trains, Ford detailed in the patent.

This system would also help increase vehicle automation, according to Ford, allowing cars to automatically stop at railroad crossings without drivers having to take over. The automaker has filed several patents that could be applied to autonomous vehicles, but the core technology itself is still under development. So it might be awhile before we see anything like Ford’s train-detecting system in a production vehicle.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Ford train-detection system patent image

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

A new Ford patent filing has surfaced that hints at a driver-assist system designed to prevent collisions with trains.

First spotted by Motor1, the patent application was filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in 2021, but was only published on March 30, 2023. As Motor1 notes, the document shows two possible implementations of this idea, each using sensors to detect oncoming trains as a car approaches a railroad crossing.

In one version, sensors would be placed on the railroad tracks on both sides of a crossing, and communicate with sensors in the vehicle. If the system detects a train, it warns the driver not to cross. Placing sensors on both sides of a crossing allows the system to confirm that a train is really out of the way before giving the all-clear, and that it isn’t, for example, reversing back over the crossing.

The second version pares things back a bit. Instead of placing sensors on the tracks, it would rely on in-car hardware, such as cameras and lidar, to watch the crossbars and warning lights at railroad crossings—the cues human drivers sometimes ignore when approaching railroad crossings.

Ford also mentions sending information to other vehicles, so that drivers know a train is occupying the crossing before they reach it. This feature, which sounds like the vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication the automaker in 2018 said could help eliminate traffic lights, could be helpful to emergency vehicles, allowing them to reroute around trains, Ford detailed in the patent.

This system would also help increase vehicle automation, according to Ford, allowing cars to automatically stop at railroad crossings without drivers having to take over. The automaker has filed several patents that could be applied to autonomous vehicles, but the core technology itself is still under development. So it might be awhile before we see anything like Ford’s train-detecting system in a production vehicle.

HIGH-RES GALLERY: Ford train-detection system patent image

This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS. Power is supplied by a numbers-matching L79 327ci V8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include bucket seats, console, Delco AM radio with rear speaker, and Positraction. Finished in bronze over an off-white vinyl interior, this Nova SS comes with extra parts including the original wheels and correct wheel covers, Protect-O-Plate and transferable Rhode Island registration.

This 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was built on January 28, 1966, in Norwood, Ohio. The original owner, who purchased it from Count Darling Chevrolet in Andalusia, Alabama, reportedly kept it for 30 years. The exterior was refinished 25 years ago in the original color of Aztec Bronze (code M). Features include accessory bumper guards, rocker moldings, left and right rearview mirrors and rear-mounted antenna.

A set of 14 x 6-inch Aztec Bronze steel wheels is wrapped in new 205/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires.

The vinyl interior is upholstered in Light Fawn (code 718). Features include padded dashboard, center console with shifter, and manual steering.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock and gauge for the fuel level. A Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is mounted under the dashboard. The odometer has rolled over and reads 125,307 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate.

Power is provided by a numbers-matching, 350-horsepower L79 327ci V8 engine fed by a correct, rebuilt Holley 3245 600-cfm carburetor. Other features include a dual-snorkel air cleaner and Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual, which is reportedly the original transmission to the car.

This Nova SS is equipped with an independent front suspension and BS-code 12-bolt solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears and Positraction. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A $1,500 NCRS-approved Gardner dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The selling dealer will include the original SS wheel covers along with the 14 x 6-inch hubcaps. Other items included as part of the sale are the original fuel and water pumps, alternator, paperwork from previous ownership, owner’s manual, and the aforementioned Protect-O-Plate. Additional documentation photos can be seen in the auction’s gallery.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS equipped with the L79 327 ends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS. Power is supplied by a numbers-matching L79 327ci V8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include bucket seats, console, Delco AM radio with rear speaker, and Positraction. Finished in bronze over an off-white vinyl interior, this Nova SS comes with extra parts including the original wheels and correct wheel covers, Protect-O-Plate and transferable Rhode Island registration.

This 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was built on January 28, 1966, in Norwood, Ohio. The original owner, who purchased it from Count Darling Chevrolet in Andalusia, Alabama, reportedly kept it for 30 years. The exterior was refinished 25 years ago in the original color of Aztec Bronze (code M). Features include accessory bumper guards, rocker moldings, left and right rearview mirrors and rear-mounted antenna.

A set of 14 x 6-inch Aztec Bronze steel wheels is wrapped in new 205/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires.

The vinyl interior is upholstered in Light Fawn (code 718). Features include padded dashboard, center console with shifter, and manual steering.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock and gauge for the fuel level. A Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is mounted under the dashboard. The odometer has rolled over and reads 125,307 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate.

Power is provided by a numbers-matching, 350-horsepower L79 327ci V8 engine fed by a correct, rebuilt Holley 3245 600-cfm carburetor. Other features include a dual-snorkel air cleaner and Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual, which is reportedly the original transmission to the car.

This Nova SS is equipped with an independent front suspension and BS-code 12-bolt solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears and Positraction. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A $1,500 NCRS-approved Gardner dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The selling dealer will include the original SS wheel covers along with the 14 x 6-inch hubcaps. Other items included as part of the sale are the original fuel and water pumps, alternator, paperwork from previous ownership, owner’s manual, and the aforementioned Protect-O-Plate. Additional documentation photos can be seen in the auction’s gallery.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS equipped with the L79 327 ends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS. Power is supplied by a numbers-matching L79 327ci V8 engine backed by a four-speed manual transmission. Features include bucket seats, console, Delco AM radio with rear speaker, and Positraction. Finished in bronze over an off-white vinyl interior, this Nova SS comes with extra parts including the original wheels and correct wheel covers, Protect-O-Plate and transferable Rhode Island registration.

This 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS was built on January 28, 1966, in Norwood, Ohio. The original owner, who purchased it from Count Darling Chevrolet in Andalusia, Alabama, reportedly kept it for 30 years. The exterior was refinished 25 years ago in the original color of Aztec Bronze (code M). Features include accessory bumper guards, rocker moldings, left and right rearview mirrors and rear-mounted antenna.

A set of 14 x 6-inch Aztec Bronze steel wheels is wrapped in new 205/70/14 BFGoodrich Silvertown redline radial tires.

The vinyl interior is upholstered in Light Fawn (code 718). Features include padded dashboard, center console with shifter, and manual steering.

The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer, clock and gauge for the fuel level. A Stewart Warner oil pressure gauge is mounted under the dashboard. The odometer has rolled over and reads 125,307 miles, which the selling dealer reports to be accurate.

Power is provided by a numbers-matching, 350-horsepower L79 327ci V8 engine fed by a correct, rebuilt Holley 3245 600-cfm carburetor. Other features include a dual-snorkel air cleaner and Muncie M21 close-ratio four-speed manual, which is reportedly the original transmission to the car.

This Nova SS is equipped with an independent front suspension and BS-code 12-bolt solid rear axle with 3.31:1 gears and Positraction. Braking is provided by manual four-wheel drums. A $1,500 NCRS-approved Gardner dual exhaust system exits at the rear.

The selling dealer will include the original SS wheel covers along with the 14 x 6-inch hubcaps. Other items included as part of the sale are the original fuel and water pumps, alternator, paperwork from previous ownership, owner’s manual, and the aforementioned Protect-O-Plate. Additional documentation photos can be seen in the auction’s gallery.

The auction for this 1966 Chevrolet Nova SS equipped with the L79 327 ends on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at 2:40 p.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.

It’s about the time in the year when many folks are ready to start enjoying warmer temperatures and planning summer vacations. Hawaii seems like a great place to visit. So why not bring back a souvenir?

The Pick of the Day is a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220S luxury sedan listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Hana, Hawaii. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Beautiful fintail, garage-kept, stock, new tires, radiator rebuilt two years ago,” the listing states. “Was originally a black-plate California car until three years ago when we brought it over to Hawaii, where it has sat in the garage since.”

This 220S model rides on Mercedes’ W111 chassis and was classified when new as a full-sized luxury car. The platform was used from 1959 through 1968 for the brand’s four-door vehicles (or saloons). The seller’s “fintail” reference refers to the car’s subtle but distinctive rear end treatment with small tailfins which by the mid-1960s were being phased out of style. The W111 was an advanced car for its time; it had good visibility, safety crumple zones, and retractable seat belts.

This example looks good in the listing’s photos, although the seller clarifies that there are some blemishes upon closer inspection. “Pretty much rust-free, paint has a bit of cracking on the hood and a bit of surface bubble on the rear. Interior could use some work but nothing big.” The original Becker radio is inoperative. A short video is included with the listing which shows a start-up.

Power under the hood comes from an inline-six paired with an automatic transmission. The seller says that the car runs beautifully and handles great. “Needs to find a home,” the listing concludes.

By the way, the town of Hana is located on the northeast shores of Maui and was originally settled as farmland for sugar cane in the mid-1880s. One of the most famous attractions in the area is Hana’s scenic and windy access road, known as the Road to Hana. It is 64 miles long and comprises routes 36 and 360. What a perfect place that would be to enjoy driving a classic Mercedes-Benz before shipping it home!

The seller is asking $22,000 for this 220S, which includes spare parts and a shop manual. Hawaiian travel lodging and amenities are sold separately.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.