ELYRIA, Ohio — Bendix is paying tribute to the intellectual property accomplishments of more than 50 of its engineers during National Engineers Week.

Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, was granted 17 US patents last year, and has filed applications for 21 others.

Among the most notable achievements in 2007 was a patent of the Bendix AD-IS air dryer module, which protects a vehicle’s air system from harmful contaminants. Also patented was a device used with the Bendix ABS-6 Advanced with ESP electronic stability program. The system is the only ABS-based truck stability system capable of recognizing and assisting with both rollover and vehicle under and over-steer driving situations in a variety of road conditions.

“Our culture and work environment at Bendix is one that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, particularly as it relates to making highways safer for commercial vehicles, and those with which they share the roads,” says Bendix president and CEO, Joseph J. McAleese. “Throughout our history as a pioneer in braking and active safety systems for commercial vehicles, our inventive engineers have established a track record of new products and technologies that set the standard within the industry.”

Bendix officials noted the company also aggressively and proactively defends its intellectual property from unauthorized use.

“We strive every day to harness the power of science and technology with the goal of making our roads a safer place to travel,” McAleese said. “Our engineers work tirelessly to provide safe technology and we are proud to call them Bendix employees.”

National Engineers Week raises public understanding and appreciation of engineers’ contributions to society and annually falls in February during the week of George Washington’s birthday, or this year from February 17 to 23. Washington, considered by many to be the United States’ first engineer, directed a growing nation toward technical advancements, invention, and education.