KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Eaton has been awarded several US patents for the companys Hybrid Electric Power System, the company has announced. The system will be available through several major OEMs in 2007.

The patents are focused on controls and systems related to Eatons hybrid technology. Of particular interest to many fleets is the systems patented ePTO (power take-off) feature. In applications where a truck operates from an off-highway job site, the Eaton ePTO feature is designed to run a vehicles power take-off while the engine is off resulting in estimated fuel savings of up to 60%. The feature also reduces emissions and noise by cutting engine idle times up to 87%, the company says.

The granting of these patents is a very significant milestone for us as we prepare for the production release of our hybrid system, said Kevin Beaty, manager of Eatons hybrid business unit. In addition to protecting our intellectual property, these patents demonstrate some of the unique technology Eaton is bringing to the hybrid power systems marketplace. Im proud of our teams achievement and our ongoing contribution to the commercialization of hybrid technology for the commercial vehicle industry.

For more information visit www.eaton.com.