Earlier this month, OBS delivered a new bookmobile to the San Mateo County, CA library. Video of the opening day community celebration, sponsored by Pescadero Elementary School, the Half Moon Bay Library, and the San Mateo County library system are linked below.

The Half Moon Bay Patch reported on the event.

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OBS INC. recently delivered an Adventure V Kidmobile, the “Read Racer” to the Kenton County Public Library in Covington KY.

The library’s “Racing to Read” program introduces children to books and reading so they are prepared to learn how to read when they enter kindergarten. The bright interior was designed to  support the programs that are presented to  pre-school students and make their first library experience a positive one.

OBS INC. of Canton, OH recently built and delivered a beautiful new Adventure III bloodmobile to the Rotary Club of the Bahamas, where it is now serving the communities in a much-needed capacity.  

Rotary Club of the Bahamas Bloodmobile built by OBS INC of Canton OH

Local reception has been terrific. All involved in the design, development, sponsorship and hands-0n use are very happy with the quality of the unit and the service it is now providing.

To see pictures of the unit in use and read comments from the Bahamas Rotary, click on this link:

http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish/bahamas-rotary-clubs/Rotary_Donates_Bloodmobile_to_the_Bahamas_Island_Blood_Mobile_Destined_to_Save_Lives10626.shtml

In addition, the Canton, Ohio, Rotary Club recently published this announcement regarding OBS INC.’s Vice President, Barb Ferne’s connection to their organization:

OBS INC., located on West Tuscarawas Street, in Canton, recently delivered a bloodmobile to the Rotary Club of the Bahamas.  This two bed unit was a collaborative effort between Rotary International and Rotary Clubs in Florida and Georgia.  On July 16^th, at our Friday meeting,   Barbara Ferne and Paul Trenta, from OBS,  will be showing our  members how this project came to be, how the vehicle was constructed, and of course,  the finished product. Barb Ferne is the daughter of long-time Canton Rotarian, Jim Lockshin and his wife Shirley.

OBS INC. is a full service Blue Bird school bus distributor, as well as a Special Purpose Vehicle upfitter.  They have constructed police command units for the New York City Police Department, the EPA, Canton City Police Department, as well as bookmobiles for the Stark County Library, Massillon Public Library, Akron Public Library, and Wooster Public Library.    The company is known for its design expertise and execution, and high quality craftsmanship on each of their vehicles.

For more information about the OBS INC. product line, please visit our website at www.obsinc.net for descriptions, pictures and other useful items of interest.

There is a lot going on “under the hood” as far as the EPA 2010 CARB certified diesel engines are concerned.  The new emission standards have raised the bar on greener outcomes for the diesel automotive, truck and bus world.  This is not an incremental increase.  Both Nitrous Oxide (NOx) and Particulate Matter (PM) are reduced by 90% from 2004 levels.  This overall reduction didn’t just happen overnight; manufacturers were allowed to phase-in these changes.  For 2010 and beyond,  all new diesel engines manufactured or sold in the U.S. must meet these emission thresholds.  Read on for a look at what the standards are, how they are being met and most importantly,  how they  will affect you as an owner/operator.

The EPA 2010 emissions standards for diesel exhaust are: 0.2g/HP-hr NOx and 0.01 g/HP-hr PM.  It seems amazing to me that such a small statement can be the cause of the tremendous changes occurring in diesel design, manufacturing and ownership.  These two (further) limitations on diesel exhaust emissions are indeed the tails causing immense wagging of the dog.  Let’s have a look at how these thresholds are being met and what it means to own one.

 Most engine manufacturers have chosen to employ a three pronged approach to meet these lofty emissions standards.  Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), and a particulate filter are all part of a system that reduces harmful exhaust gasses and products to near zero levels.  Cooled EGR re-mixes exhaust with air and fuel in the combustion chamber to begin the reduction process; the particulate filter then collects and oxidizes carbon to remove PM by more than 90%.  Downstream of the particulate filter the exhaust is dosed with Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) in a decomposition reactor where the DEF forms ammonia through hydrolysis; this treated exhaust is then processed in the SCR Catalyst where the Nitrous Oxide (NOx) is converted to harmless nitrogen gas and water vapor.   There is actually a lot more science going on, but that’s the major points of how they get there from here.  Now a couple words about ownership and maintenance.

Particulate filters have been required on diesel engines since 2007.  These filters need to regenerate from time to time, meaning they burn off the collected PM and rejuvenate the filter.  This can be done passively, while driving the vehicle hard enough to get the exhaust gas temperature up, or actively by pressing the active regeneration button on the dash while you are off the road.  Pretty simple, but it will become a regular part of the operator’s routine.

The DEF tank will contain up to 15 gallons of fluid, purchased from various outlets in varying quantities, which will need to be replaced from time to time.  Rule of thumb would say you should get approximately 500 miles to a gallon of DEF, so replacing it won’t be a constant pain but there are considerations.  Performance will be affected when the DEF tank goes empty, to the point where the engine will not restart without replenishment.  There are indicators on the dash to monitor the situation, but it would be wise to carry a gallon or two onboard to avoid the inconvenience of running out and getting stuck.

It’s Spring- and we are thinking about getting your bookmobile ready for busy summer stops.  It’s time to get it out of its winter funk and checking tire pressures and engine fluids is a good place to start.

While this is not as interesting a subject as generator maintenance, it is necessary to the successful running of your bookmobile.  Face it; we all know that preventive maintenance is the key to keeping that vehicle on the road and out of the shop.   With the changing weather and seasons, you need to look at these tires and fluids.

We’ll start with the tires. Not sure what the optimal tire pressure is?  If you have an OBS Concept®, or bus-style bookmobile, there is a sticker (we use a yellow one) above the driver’s windshield.   This sticker appears on the driver door of an Adventure III cutaway style bookmobile or Explorer III step van.   Look for the information on the tires and tire pressure (PSI), which indicates pounds per square inch.  Then check your tire pressure and fill to the correct number.  This should be done weekly, and first thing in the morning, when the tires are cold, and the reading is most accurate.

Now on to the engine fluids, including oil, transmission, power steering, brake, and windshield washing fluid.  Since each vehicle is different, you will need to check the owner’s manual for their check and fill locations in the engine and generator compartments.  The manual will also specify which type of fluids is best to be used. Also, each vehicle has different intervals for changing fluids.

While you are at it, now is a good time to change the batteries in the Smoke Alarm, and CO2 Alarm, if you have them.  Also, look at the Fire Extinguisher, and make sure the needle is in the green area.  If not, it is time to have the fire extinguisher inspected, recharged or replaced by your local fire equipment company.

See you soon, with more tips!

OBS INC participated in National Bookmobile Day on April 14th, by supporting several local libraries. 

Patrons enjoy bookmobile cake at Waynesburg Community stop

We visited the Massillon Public Library at one of their many successful elementary school stops.  The Summit County Public Library used the occasion to  pass out Bookmobile Day  stickers to students and promote the library services.  It must have helped, as the library renewal levy passed on May 4.

The Stark County District Library, located in Canton, Ohio celebrated in different ways at different stops.    They distributed stickers and book marks  at their school stops, and celebrated with a  large sheet cake at a community stop in Waynesburg, OH.

Everyone enjoyed themselves and appreciated the treats.