Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
340431000 | For trailer | 62 |
20080218323 | METHOD FOR DATA COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND A REMOTE TERMINAL - An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as a local-area infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal or another portion of the vehicle. | 09-11-2008 |
20080231434 | Device and method for wireless vehicle communication - The invention provides a device, system, and method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle for receiving data from a wireless transmitter, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver for processing the data. The data has a format adapted to be processed by the microprocessor and is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined wireless range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format. The invention also provides a method for wireless communication with a vehicle, comprising transmitting data having a standard format, receiving the data having a standard format, and processing the data having a standard format. The data is intended for receipt by all vehicles within a predetermined range that have microprocessors capable of processing its standard format. The invention further provides a device, system, and method for disabling a vehicle using only information transmitted to the vehicle, comprising a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle and for receiving data wirelessly, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver for processing the data. The data includes a unique vehicle identifier and an instruction to disable the vehicle. The invention further provides a device for wirelessly monitoring environmental conditions of a livestock trailer towed by a vehicle, comprising a wireless transmitter mounted on the livestock trailer, a receiver mounted in or on the vehicle and adapted to receive data from the wireless transmitter, and a microprocessor in communication with the receiver and processing the data. | 09-25-2008 |
20080238638 | Trailer hitch positioning system - A system is provided for aligning a vehicle with a trailer. The system includes an angular alignment apparatus and a vertical alignment apparatus. The angular alignment apparatus includes a visible light emitting source and a reference indicia. The vertical alignment apparatus includes a light transmitter and receiver, a reflector and an indicator. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238639 | Automobile auxiliary light testing device - A testing device operable to test a tow vehicle's trailer light control system with the testing device operable to determine whether or not, subsequent to being operably connected to a tow trailer wiring harness of the tow vehicle, the tow vehicle's trailer light control system can transmit the required voltage to operate the light system of the tow trailer. The testing device further includes a housing which has disposed therein a plurality of test lights. A controller operable connects the test lights to a terminal assembly which is electrically coupled to the tow vehicle. The test lights are configured to illuminate subsequent to receiving the required voltage to operate a portion of the light system of a tow trailer. | 10-02-2008 |
20080278299 | Vehicle brake pressure monitoring system an method - The present invention relates to a vehicle brake system, which has a brake reservoir, and utilizes a tire management system that is in communication with the brake reservoir and a vehicle operator. As a result of this configuration, the tire management system communicates brake reservoir pressure signals to the vehicle operator, so that the operator is made aware of any low pressure conditions, in the trailer, before trying to move the trailer. | 11-13-2008 |
20080303648 | ESTABLISHING AND SECURING A UNIQUE WIRELESS RF LINK BETWEEN A TRACTOR AND A TRAILER USING A WIRED CONNECTION - Communications between a tractor and trailer are established and secured using a wired connection between the physically connected tractor and trailer. Wireless ID or authentication information is communicated between tractor and trailer using the wired connection. Thereafter, a wireless, secure RF communication link may be established between the tractor and trailer using the ID/authentication information. Further, wireless messages may be encrypted between tractor and trailer using the identification/authentication information received over the wired connection. | 12-11-2008 |
20090009304 | Testing Apparatus for Vehicles and Trailers - A portable testing apparatus for testing the electrical systems and pneumatic systems of vehicles and trailers is provided. The apparatus can be alternatively connected to a vehicle or to a trailer. When connected thereto, a power supply in the testing apparatus provides electrical power to energize and test the various electrical systems thereof and a compressed air supply, also located in the testing apparatus, provides compressed air to feed and test the various pneumatic systems thereof. The testing apparatus is also generally equipped with indicator lights to provide visual indication of the proper functioning of a particular electrical circuit. Similarly, the testing apparatus is also generally equipped with pressure gauges to indicate the amount of pressure in a given pneumatic system and to detect leaks if any. The testing apparatus may also comprise a ground testing circuit for verifying that the vehicle or the trailer is correctly grounded electrically. | 01-08-2009 |
20090027178 | SAFETY ALARM FOR TRACTOR-TRAILERS - An alarm system for use with unloading tractor-trailers includes an alarm that is physically located within the tractor-trailer and connected to a fixed structure located outside the tractor-trailer. If the tractor-trailer inadvertently pulls away from the loading dock while a forklift driver is in the trailer, the alarm will go off inside the trailer making the forklift driver aware of the movement of the trailer. | 01-29-2009 |
20090072956 | Trailer Alarm - An alarm device for use with a vehicle includes an input connector for electrical connection with a vehicle wiring harness of a vehicle, an output connector for electrical connection with a trailer lighting receptacle of a trailer, and an alarm circuit electrically connected in series between the input connector and the output connector. The alarm circuit is configured to detect a presence or absence of an electrical signal supplied to the input connector for delivery through the output connector to an electrically powered component of the trailer. The alarm circuit is configured to deliver an alert signal when the alarm circuit detects the absence of the electrical signal. | 03-19-2009 |
20090102626 | System apparatus and methods for data communication between vehicle and remote data communication terminal, between portions of vehicle and other portions of vehicle, between two or more vehicles, and between vehicle and communications network - A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications network. | 04-23-2009 |
20090160629 | VEHICLE MONITORING SYSTEM - A vehicle monitoring system which can readily identify information transmitted from each detecting device without requiring registration of identifying information of the detecting device is to be provided. Detecting devices transmit vehicle information including at least the result of detection and self-identifying information; a tractor relaying device and a trailer relaying device add their self-identifying information to vehicle data received on the basis of the identifying information of the detecting devices and transmit the vehicle data, and transmit registration data including their own relaying device IDs and types indicating the registration of the relaying device IDs; the tractor relaying device stores the relaying device ID of the registration data transmitted from the trailer relaying device on the basis of the type information and transmits that registration data, and transmits vehicle data received from the trailer relaying device on the basis of the relaying device ID. The display device receives the registration data and the vehicle data transmitted from the tractor relaying device, and stores the relaying device ID of the registration data on the basis of type information. | 06-25-2009 |
20090219147 | OBJECT DETECTION SYSTEM - There is provided an object detection system for a tractor ( | 09-03-2009 |
20090219148 | WIRELESS VEHICLE TRAILER MONITORING AND CONTROL SYSTEM - A wireless trailer monitor and control system is configured to monitor and control various electrical system within a trailer. The system employs a wireless interface for communication of monitoring and/or controlling information between the trailer and an associated towing vehicle. | 09-03-2009 |
20100007478 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING A DRIVER WHEN MANEUVERING A VEHICLE OR VEHICLE-TRAILER COMBINATION - The invention relates to a method and a device for assisting a driver when maneuvering a vehicle or vehicle-trailer combination ( | 01-14-2010 |
20100060439 | Directional warning systems - When vehicles are operating in reverse and backing up, there are significant dangers to pedestrians. Vehicles in which directional warning systems can be used on comprise large trucks and trailers, small vehicles, and construction and agricultural equipment and others. Directional warning systems is designed to warn pedestrians via audio and visual means. The apparatus is designed to be easily removably coupled to an existing trailer insert hookup and can be stored when not in use. Trailers can also be hooked in series while allowing the present invention to perform its intended function simultaneously. The invention serves to provide a cost-efficient system to provide increased safety, decreasing injuries and death to pedestrians from motorized vehicles. | 03-11-2010 |
20100066514 | Rear mounted speedometer with panic deceleration and stopped vehicle warning device - A speedometer gauge mounted on the rear of a vehicle or trailer that continuously and accurately displays a vehicle's speed in real time by utilizing a pattern of lights that illuminate sequentially in such a fashion as to exhibit to the traffic following, the speed of the vehicle, rate of deceleration or acceleration, and to indicate that the vehicle is stopped, in a panic stop, parked, standing, “riding the brake” or “riding the turn indicator” mode. A video game comprising the use of a speedlight. | 03-18-2010 |
20100085172 | TRAILER DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly. | 04-08-2010 |
20100164700 | System and Method for Generating an Alert for a Trailer - A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation. | 07-01-2010 |
20100201506 | TRAILER TATTLER - The present invention, Trailer Tattler, effectively alerts drivers, that a trailer is connected to the back of the vehicle, with an audible sound and/or a visual signal or message. This system prevents anyone from getting in the vehicle and beginning to drive, when they may be unaware that a trailer is attached. This system would be useful to anyone who uses a vehicle to pull a trailer of any type. The audio and/or the visual alert of the current invention could assist in avoiding accidents and help to promote conscious driving. | 08-12-2010 |
20100271189 | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AND MONITORING A TRAILER IN TOW USING AN INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROLLER - A method for configuring a tire pressure monitoring system on a towing vehicle having an integrated trailer brake controller to monitor a tire pressure for a towed vehicle that verifies connection of the towed vehicle to the towing vehicle, detects a signal at the integrated trailer brake controller, the signal being indicative of a confirmation of the trailer connection between the towing vehicle and the towed vehicle and communicates the trailer connection confirmation signal to the tire pressure monitoring system to initiate communication between the tire pressure monitoring system and tire pressure sensors on the towed vehicle. | 10-28-2010 |
20100308984 | VISUAL INDICATOR ADAPTOR AND ASSEMBLY FOR A TRACTOR TRAILER - A visual indicator assembly and adaptor for a trailer includes a control circuit electrically coupled to a plurality of lamps positioned in a rear header of the trailer. The control circuit is configured to supply a first voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a power signal and supply a second voltage signal to the plurality of lamps in response to a brake signal. The second voltage signal is greater than the first voltage signal. | 12-09-2010 |
20110025481 | System and related method for visually indicating a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car - A system on a railroad hopper car for providing an indication, observable by a person located either proximate to or remote from the hopper car, of a condition of a lock arranged in operable combination with a mechanism on the hopper car for controlling discharge of material from the hopper car. The system includes electric circuitry and a sensor for providing a signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the locked condition and for producing another signal when each discharge mechanism lock on the railcar is in the unlocked condition. An illuminable indicator, mountable on a side of the railroad hopper car, is responsive to signals from the circuitry for displaying the condition of the discharge mechanism locks. A method for visually displaying a condition of a lock on a railroad hopper car as through use of illumination is also disclosed. | 02-03-2011 |
20110025482 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOGNIZING THE STATE OF CONNECTION OF CONNECTORS - A method and a system for recognizing the state of connection between a first connector half ( | 02-03-2011 |
20110037579 | System, apparatus and methods for data communication between vehicle and remote data communication terminal, between portions of vehicle and other portions of vehicle, between two or more vehicles, and between vehicle and communications network - A system, an apparatus, and methods are provided for data communications associated with a vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared, an RF data, an Internet, or other network communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from another portion of the vehicle, a remote data communications terminal, another vehicle, or another communications network. | 02-17-2011 |
20110043342 | TIRE STATUS DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR A CARGO TRAILER - A multi-tire trailer and display system includes a trailer and a tire status display unit externally mounted to the trailer and operative to communicate a visible trailer tire inflation pressure status indicia, the display unit mounted to a forward end of the trailer at a mounting location operatively visible to an operator of a tractor during coupled operation of the tractor and the trailer. The display unit has a display panel operatively illuminated for visibly communicating the inflation status of the trailer tires and the display panel may communicate changes in the inflation status of the trailer tires by differentiated colored light emission. The display unit is at an elevated mounting location at a forward end of the trailer so as to be visible by means of a rear-view tractor mirror to an operator of a tractor coupled to the trailer as well as ground personnel. A data processing unit receives tire pressure measurement data from the trailer tires and controls the illumination of the display unit attached to the trailer. | 02-24-2011 |
20110043343 | TIRE MONITORING SYSTEM FOR A TANDEM TRACTOR TRAILER SYSTEM - A tandem tractor and trailer system includes a tractor having a cab and a trailer, each having multiple wheel units, each wheel unit having a mounted tire and a tractor tire pressure measuring device. A first display unit mounts within the cab of the tractor and a second display unit to the exterior of the trailer, each display unit operating to communicate to an operator of the tractor a visible indicia of tractor and trailer tire inflation pressure status, respectively, based upon pressure measurements of the tractor and trailer tire pressure measuring devices, respectively. The second display unit may mount to a forward end of the trailer at a mounting location operatively visible by differentiated colored light emission through a rear view mirror to the operator of the tractor during operation of the tractor and the trailer. The system may include one or more receivers operatively mounted to the tractor and trailer to receive measured tire inflation pressure data from the tractor and trailer tire pressure measuring devices, respectively, and communicate the received measured tire inflation pressure data by hard wire or wireless transmission to a common shared or local data processing unit(s). | 02-24-2011 |
20110090072 | Auxiliary tow lighting with versatile gripping apparatus and method - A high-level auxiliary lighting unit for towed vehicles, such as a trailer (and/or the load carried on a trailer) includes a multi-function lamp having tail, stop, and turn signal lights. An adjustable connector carries this multi-function lamp relative to a non-marring temporary clamping device, and allows a user to attach the lamp to a trailer, for example, or to a load item, and to orient the lamp to be displayed at a high level and toward the rear of the trailer or other such towed vehicle. The clamping device allows the high-level auxiliary lighting unit to be temporarily attached to a load on a trailer, or to a part of the trailer itself, in order to improve visibility for the trailer and its load, and to possibly reduce rear-end collisions. | 04-21-2011 |
20110140872 | Vehicle Lane Departure Warning System Having Trailer Mode and Method - A vehicle lane departure warning system and method are provided having a trailer mode. The system includes an imager capturing images of a roadway forward of a vehicle and an input receiving a towing signal indicative of whether the vehicle is towing a trailer. The system also includes a processor for processing the captured images and determining whether the vehicle or trailer is expected to be departing from a lane on the roadway based on the captured images and a threshold width value. The processor selects the threshold width value based on the input towing signal such that an enhanced threshold width value is employed when the vehicle is towing a trailer. An output is provided for outputting a lane departure warning signal based on the processed images and selected threshold width value. | 06-16-2011 |
20110234388 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING TRACTOR/TRAILER VEHICLE SYSTEMS - A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor. | 09-29-2011 |
20110241856 | AUTOMATIC NETWORKING APPARATUS FOR VEHICLES - The present invention relates to an automatic networking apparatus for vehicles for a vehicle with a first component and a second replaceable component, and it comprises a first identity recognition module disposed on the first component and a second identity recognition module disposed on the second component. When the second identity recognition module turns into a networking mode, it transmits a low-frequency wake-up signal through a low-frequency signal transmission circuit to wake up the first identity recognition module. A low-frequency sensor circuit of the first identity recognition module is able to sense the low-frequency wake-up signal, and responds to the low-frequency wake-up signal to transmit an identity code corresponding to the first component through the high-frequency signal transmission circuit. The high-frequency signal receiving circuit of the second identity recognition module can receive the identity code of the first component and store the received identity code. In the following data transmission, the second identity recognition module can send the data with the identity code of the first component loaded with, so that a receiving apparatus of the first component identifies it. The present invention features in networking automation, simple installation, and convenient maintenance. | 10-06-2011 |
20110267183 | System and Method for Generating an Alert for an Asset - A system and method for generating an alert signal for an asset. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation. | 11-03-2011 |
20110279253 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RFID-PLC CONTAINER IDENTIFICATION AND TRACKING - An RFID-PLC includes an RP tag mounted on a vehicle trailer, which is coupled to a power line communication system coupled between the trailer and a tractor. An RFID interrogator subsystem in the RP tag wirelessly obtains data from the RFID container tag and transmits the RFID date through the tractor-trailer PLC system. A PLC telemetric unit communicates with external satellite and computer based host systems through cellular, satellite, Wi-Fi 802 and BlueTooth Cellular communications. | 11-17-2011 |
20120025962 | Apparatus and Method for Defining a Safety Zone for a Vehicle - An apparatus for defining a safety zone for a vehicle, the apparatus comprising one or more radiation sources operatively coupled to the vehicle, the one or more radiation sources configured to create one or more visible identifiers at one or more locations, said locations defining a pre-determined position relative to the vehicle, and said one or more visible identifiers thereby defining the safety zone for the vehicle. There is also disclosed, the use of one or more vehicle-mounted radiation sources to direct radiation to one or more pre-determined positions to create a conspicuous safety zone proximal to a vehicle. There is further described, a method for creating a safety zone proximal to a vehicle, comprising the steps of mounting one or more radiation sources on the vehicle; directing said one or more radiation sources towards one or more pre-determined positions proximal to the vehicle; and configuring the one or more radiation sources to create one or more conspicuous visible identifiers at the one or more pre-determined positions to define a safety zone for the vehicle. | 02-02-2012 |
20120081218 | OVERHEAD OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE SYSTEM - A vehicular collision avoidance system includes a sensor mounted on a vehicle, wherein the senor is operative to measure the distance between an overhead obstacle ahead of the vehicle and the sensor; a processor connected to the sensor; means for determining a reference height which is the height above ground level at which the sensor is mounted on the vehicle, and wherein the reference height is entered into the processor; means for determining the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle above ground level, wherein the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle is also entered into the processor; and wherein the processor adds the reference height to the distance between the obstacle and the sensor to determine a measured height of the obstacle. The processor produces an alarm if the measured height of the obstacle is less than the height of the tallest portion of the vehicle. | 04-05-2012 |
20120146779 | AUTOMATIC NETWORKING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR VEHICLES - A vehicle automatic networking apparatus with a first component and a second replaceable component includes a first identity recognition module on the first component and a second identity recognition module on the second component. The second module in a networking mode transmits a low frequency wake up signal through a low frequency signal transmission circuit to wake up the first module. A first identity recognition module low frequency sensor circuit senses the low frequency wake up signal, and responds by transmitting an identity code of the first component through a low frequency signal transmission circuit. A second module low frequency signal receiving circuit receives and stores the first component identity code. In a following data transmission, the second module sends data with the identity code, and a first component receiving apparatus identifies it. The first and second modules are both located rearward of a second component connection hitch. | 06-14-2012 |
20120182139 | FIFTH WHEEL ALARM SYSTEM - An alarm system for an articulated vehicle includes a first part adapted to attach to a vehicular hitch member, and a second part adapted to attach to a trailering hitch member. The first part includes a conductive post extending vertically between first and second electrical contacts. The post and the first and second electrical contacts form parts of an alarm circuit. The second part includes first and a second arms horizontally extending towards the post in a common plane at an angle with respect to each other. When attached, the first and second parts are disposed so that the first arm moves the post into contact with the first electrical contact as the articulated vehicle turns in a first direction, and so that the second arm moves the post into contact with the second electrical contact as the articulated vehicle turns in a second direction opposite the first direction. | 07-19-2012 |
20120223826 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENSING CARGO LOADS AND TRAILER MOVEMENT - The specification and drawing figures describe and illustrate a system for sensing cargo loads and trailer movement that includes a mobile wireless communications system. A mobile computing platform is mounted on a remote vehicle and operatively connectable across the mobile wireless communications system. Sensor data are collected and stored in the mobile wireless communications system and the mobile computing platform, and may be transmitted across the mobile wireless communications system. At least one program is stored either in the mobile wireless communications system or the mobile computing platform, or both, for using the sensor data to determine equipment use, placement, and positioning in relation to a vehicle and sending one or more sensitivity reports to the asset manager. | 09-06-2012 |
20130027195 | WIDTH CALIBRATION OF LANE DEPARTURE WARNING SYSTEM - A lane departure warning system has a trailer detector for detecting that a trailer is attached to a vehicle, a lane boundary detector for detecting a position of a lane boundary on a roadway over which the vehicle is travelling, and an information processor including a calibrator for generating calibration parameters used in determining an unintended lane departure event with respect to the lane boundary. The information processor initiates a process for allowing a vehicle operator to provide trailer width information when the trailer detector indicates that the vehicle has the trailer attached thereto. The trailer width information is used by the information processor for generating the calibration parameters as a function of a width of the trailer. | 01-31-2013 |
20130038436 | SMART TRAILER - A trailer is provided with various parametric sensors. Trailer operating characteristics obtained from the sensors are conveyed to an attached tow vehicle. The tow vehicle is configured to respond to trailer operating conditions or characteristics and/or warn the tow vehicle operator of trailer conditions. The tow vehicle's operation can also be changed responsive to an attached trailer. | 02-14-2013 |
20130076497 | VEHICLE ARRANGEMENT RESPONSIVE TO AMOUNT OF MATERIAL IN A TOWED VEHICLE - A vehicle arrangement includes a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle includes at least two wheels and at least one motor, with each motor being coupled with a corresponding wheel. An indicator associated with an amount of material carried onboard the towed vehicle provides an output signal representing the amount of material. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the indicator and actuates at least one motor, dependent upon the output signal. | 03-28-2013 |
20130093580 | FLOW MONITOR FOR MATTER IN A FLOW PATH - A flow monitor for monitoring application of a matter through a first flow path having a first outlet and a second flow path having a second outlet. The flow monitor includes a first temperature sensing device positioned adjacent the first outlet. The first temperature sensing device produces a first temperature signal. A second temperature sensing device is positioned adjacent the second outlet. The second temperature sensing device produces a second temperature signal. A signaling device that is remote from the first outlet and remote from the second outlet is activated when the first temperature signal differs from the second temperature signal by a predetermined value. | 04-18-2013 |
20130147617 | SYSTEM FOR COMMUNICATING BETWEEN A TRAILER TRACKING DEVICE, A TRUCK TRACKING DEVICE, AND A CENTRAL MONITORING STATION - When a cargo trailer is coupled to a truck, a trailer tracking device on the trailer acquires an identifier of a truck tracking device attached to the truck. The trailer tracking device then transmits a message to a central server indicating that the trailer is coupled to the truck, which message includes the identifiers of the two tracking devices. The central server associates the identifiers of the two tracking devices in a database. When the trailer is decoupled from the truck, the trailer tracking device transmits a message to the central server indicating that the trailer is decoupled. The trailer tracking device then goes into a sleep mode until the trailer is again coupled to a truck, a predetermined time interval expires, a motion sensor indicates trailer movement, location coordinates indicate a geofence violation, or a low battery voltage condition occurs. Upon any of these events, the trailer tracking device wakes up and transmits to the central server a message indicating which situation caused the transmission and including the location coordinates of the trailer. | 06-13-2013 |
20140015657 | Brake Testing Device - A brake testing device include a remote operated control module which is installed on a towing vehicle to remotely actuate the brake and turn signal lights for testing purposes. When installed on a truck with air brakes and a connection to air brakes on a connected trailer, auxiliary valves are installed on the truck brake pneumatic control line and the trailer brake pneumatic control line which are controlled remotely through the control module to test activation of the air brakes on the truck and trailer respectively. | 01-16-2014 |
20140015658 | MAGNETIC FIELD COMMUNICATION ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - An automotive communication method includes installing a sensor within a vehicle such that the sensor is submerged in a liquid during operation of the vehicle and/or substantially surrounded by a metallic structure during operation of the vehicle. A long wave magnetic signal is transmitted from the sensor. The signal is indicative of a condition sensed by the sensor. The signal is wirelessly received at a controller disposed within the vehicle. Receipt of the signal at the controller is responded to by adjusting a display and/or a setting within the vehicle. | 01-16-2014 |
20140022067 | SCOOTER/WHEELCHAIR LIFT PLATFORM WITH BACK-UP SENSOR AND QUICK DISCONNECT - A hitch mounted lift platform includes platform and lift base back-up sensors for detecting and alerting a vehicle occupant of a rear obstruction being approached to prevent collision and damage to the lift platform, items carried on the lift and the rear obstruction. The lift platform includes quick disconnect devices for connecting and disconnecting the associated wiring for easy attachment and detachment of the lift platform from the vehicle. The back-up sensors communicate with a visual display and/or speakers for visually and audibly alerting the vehicle occupant of any approaching rear obstructions. In operation, the visual display is activated when the vehicle is put in reverse. An audible alerting noise, such as beeping, is initiated by the back-up sensors detecting the vehicle is coming within a predetermined distance of an obstruction. | 01-23-2014 |
20140055253 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE - A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle. At least one transport device is rigidly connected to the motor vehicle in an outer region, an object is fastened to the transport device and the motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a sensor. The one transport device in a state in which it is connected to the motor vehicle is partially arranged within a recording range of the sensor. The method includes, but is not limited to determining whether one object is fastened to the transport device takes place based on data determined by the at least one sensor. In the event that it is determined that the object is fastened to the transport device, determining of at least one parameter takes place. The parameter characterizes a possible disconnecting of the one object from the transport device, based on data determined by the sensor. | 02-27-2014 |
20140132402 | WIRELESS TOW LIGHT OPERATING SYSTEM - A tow vehicle operating system is provided for wirelessly connecting a first lighting system of a towing vehicle to a second lighting system of a towed vehicle. A wireless transmitter on the towing vehicle broadcasts a linking signal having an identification code and an associated data indicating a present status of lights of the towing vehicle based on an illumination signal from the towing vehicle, over a selected one of a plurality of distinct channels or frequencies. A wireless receiver on the towed vehicle receives the linking signal and verifies the identification code, and transmits an acknowledgement signal to the transmitter, thereby locking in the selected channel or frequency for a wireless communication between the first and second lighting systems. Lights of the towed vehicle are operated in response to the associated data of the linking signal. | 05-15-2014 |
20140145837 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING REVERSE LIGHTS TO A TRAILER - A wireless reverse light system for trailers is provided. A transmitter is configured to replace a light bulb or an entire light assembly of at least one reverse light already contained in the vehicle configured to pull the trailer. When the vehicle or tractor is put into reverse gear, the transmitter in place of the reverse light bulb or reverse light assembly sends a wireless trigger or activation signal to a receiver light that is has been attached to a rear and/or side of the trailer. When the wireless signal is received by the receiver, it triggers the connection of a battery supply to light and/or audible indicators contained therein, thereby providing a reverse light or lights at the rear/sides of the trailer where none exist. | 05-29-2014 |
20140191857 | PLANTER MONITOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A planter monitor system and method that provides an operator with near real-time data concerning yield robbing events and the economic cost associated with such yield robbing events so as to motivate the operator to take prompt corrective action. | 07-10-2014 |
20140253307 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY VALIDATING A TRAILER CONNECTION - An apparatus for validating a connection between a vehicle and a trailer is provided. The apparatus comprising a controller configured to detect an object positioned rearward of the vehicle and to receive first information indicative of a first distance between the object and the vehicle. The controller further configured to monitor transmission status of the vehicle in response to the first information and to determine whether the first distance between the object and the vehicle is decreasing in response to transmission status indicating that the vehicle is in reverse. The controller being further configured to determine that the object is a trailer in the event the first distance between the object and the vehicle has not decreased while the vehicle is in reverse. | 09-11-2014 |
20150029011 | ARTICULATED MACHINE PROXIMITY SYSTEM - In one embodiment, a towed implement proximity system, the system comprising: a first device comprising a transceiver, the first device configured to: transmit a signal; receive a first signal at a first angle and a second signal at a second angle responsive to the transmitted signal, the first and second signals comprising first information and second information, respectively, the first and second information each corresponding to respective positional information; and a controller coupled to the first device, the controller configured to determine a relative position in three axes between a first machine and a second machine based on the first and second information. | 01-29-2015 |
20150137961 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE INTEGRITY OF A LIGHTING CIRCUIT - A status monitoring circuit for monitoring the status of an external device coupled to an electrical system of a vehicle, the status monitoring device including a sensing unit coupled to the external device and configured to sense an input voltage and an input current at the external device, a monitoring unit coupled to the sensing unit and configured to determine a normal operation of the external device based on the sensed input voltage, and, in response, to detect an undercurrent condition of the external device based on the sensed input current, and a status indicator coupled to the monitoring unit and configured to display a fault indication in response to the monitoring unit detecting the undercurrent condition. | 05-21-2015 |
20150306928 | Trailer Lighting and Braking System with Pressure Failure Alarm - A system for operating alarm features of a trailer towed by a tractor in the event of unintended decoupling of the trailer from the tractor. The system may include a breakaway switch or its functional equivalent, a flasher, and a source of emergency power such as a battery. The output of the system may operate only lights though the flasher, or optionally, also at least one electric brake of the trailer. Where braking is provided, the supply of electrical power is uninterrupted as by the flasher. Importantly, an anti-feedback feature prevents unintended operation of the lights and brake due to back-feeding from the electrical system of the tractor under ordinary operating conditions. A pressure switch deploys an alarm feature if pneumatic pressure in the vehicle pneumatic brake system is deficient. | 10-29-2015 |
20160023525 | TRAILER SWAY WARNING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A trailer sway warning system, according to one embodiment, includes a hitch angle sensor for sensing a hitch angle between a vehicle and a trailer. The trailer sway warning system includes a vehicle sensor for sensing a dynamic parameter of the vehicle, such as a steering angle rate or a yaw rate of the vehicle. Further, the trailer sway warning system includes a controller that generates a warning signal when the hitch angle is oscillating at a magnitude that exceeds a warning threshold and the dynamic parameter is substantially constant. | 01-28-2016 |
20160023587 | WIRELESS LINK AND A VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM USING THE SAME - Provided is an electrical communication link between a tractor and a trailer, the trailer comprising one or more auxiliary electrical devices, the electrical communication link including a first transceiver coupled to the tractor and configured to receive a first signal from the tractor and to wirelessly transmit a control signal corresponding to the first signal, a second transceiver coupled to the trailer and configured to wirelessly receive the control signal and to transmit a second signal corresponding to the control signal to the one or more auxiliary devices. | 01-28-2016 |
20160031363 | Wireless stock trailer light control - This invention is a wireless link for towed vehicle light and brake control, matching conditions of the towing vehicle. Said conditions include turn signals, brake signals, and running lights. Additionally the signals include an analog signal to provide the towed vehicle electric brake, if installed, a signal proportional to the braking being applied manually or by foot of the towing vehicle operator. The towing vehicle contains signal sensors and conditioners, embedded in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which converts the signals into a modulated signal, and transmits it using a suitable carrier. The towed vehicle contains a receiver and demodulator, which extracts the data which is then passed to the towed vehicle ASIC. The towed vehicle ASIC develops the signals to actuate the appropriate towed vehicle lights. The ASIC also converts the electric brake digital data into an analog signal to apply the proportional signal to the towed vehicle electric brake. The electric brake is applied in proportion to the amplitude of the received signal, to provide a smooth application of the towed vehicle brakes. | 02-04-2016 |
20160101730 | VEHICLE BLIND SPOT SYSTEM OPERATION WITH TRAILER TOW - This disclosure generally relates to a vehicle blind spot detection system, method, and module for adjusting parameters of a vehicle blind spot detection algorithm based on a trailer being attached to the back of the vehicle. More specifically, based on a determination that a trailer is attached to the vehicle and the reception of trailer information corresponding to the attached trailer, an adjust to the parameters of a blind spot detection area is disclosed for ensuring the continued operation of the blind spot detection feature will take into account the attached trailer. | 04-14-2016 |
20160121790 | METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSPORTATION - Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods, apparatuses, and systems for receiving feedback during transport. Embodiments include a transportation system comprising a tractor, a dolly attached to opposing ends of a first and second trailer, and a sensor feedback system. Sensor feedback system may include a tilt sensor system mounted on at least one of the dolly, the first trailer, and the second trailer, and a user feedback system mounted within the tractor. Tilt sensor system may measure tilt of at least one of the dolly, first and second trailers, and first and second containers attached to the first and second trailers, to obtain tilt information, and send tilt information to the user feedback system via a communication system. User feedback system may receive the tilt information and alert a driver of the tractor if the tilt information is above a predetermined level. | 05-05-2016 |
20160121792 | TRAILER LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE - A device and system are disclosed for trailer light diagnostics. The device includes, in one embodiment a housing, and a controller disposed within the housing and configured for wirelessly communicating a status of an electrical wire of a vehicle lighting system with a remote display, where the controller is electrically coupled with the wire. The system includes the device and the remote display configured for performing actions including establishing a wireless data connection with the trailer light diagnostic device, receiving, from the trailer light diagnostic device, data indicative of a electrical status of a wire in the trailer light system, and presenting, in response to the electrical status of the wire, a notification to a user. | 05-05-2016 |
20170232893 | System and Method for Warning of an Imminent Collision Between a Towing Vehicle and Trailer When Reversing a Towing Vehicle With Trailer | 08-17-2017 |
20180025499 | TRAILER TRACKING APPARATUS AND METHOD | 01-25-2018 |
20190143771 | SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING TOWING EQUIPMENT COMPATIBILITY | 05-16-2019 |