Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a hollow axle, a wheel hub which surrounds the axle, bearings provided therebetween, at least one nut having a predetermined inner diameter mounted on an end of the axle, and a hub cap mounted to the wheel hub. An exciting element is mounted within the hub cap by a mounting wheel. A sensor member is mounted in the end of the axle and radially spaced from the exciting element. The sensor member has an outer diameter which is less than the inner diameter of the nut such that the wheel hub, the bearings, the nut, the hub cap, the exciting element and the mounting wheel can be removed without having to remove the sensor member from the axle.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing the presence of a semi-tractor as the mechanical connection between a trailer and a fifth wheel of the semi-tractor is made, or for sensing the presence of a rail car as the mechanical connection between the trailer and a stanchion plate of the rail car is made. A sensor is provided in the floor of the trailer proximate to the kingpin. The sensor senses the presence of the fifth wheel or the rail car stanchion plate during the connection process. Control circuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals from the sensor to perform various functions.

Abstract: A brake lamp illumination system for a trailer senses when the speed of the wheels decreases. If the system detects such a deceleration, the system senses whether power has been supplied to illuminate brake lamps provided on the vehicle. If no power is detected in the circuit which supplies power to the brake lamps, power is directed to the circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: An emergency brake illumination system for a trailer illuminates the trailer brake lamps upon application of the emergency brakes. The system includes a pressure switch which senses pressure in the emergency brake system. The pressure switch is electrically connected between the blue circuit and the red circuit of a seven-way connector. If a loss of pressure is sensed by the pressure switch, the switch closes and power is provided by the blue circuit to the red circuit to illuminate the brake lamps.

Abstract: A trailer connector to which a conventional connector from a tractor can be attached includes an electrical housing assembly and a lid and connector assembly. The electrical housing assembly includes a non-conductive housing which is mounted to the trailer and a plurality of conductive studs, a plurality of conductive terminals, and a non-conductive cap mounted within the housing. The cap has a plurality of passageways provided therein. Each terminal has a first end connected to a respective one of the studs and a second end which is in communication with a respective one of the passageways through the cap. A conventional wiring harness is attached to the studs. The lid and connector assembly includes a lid portion which is attached to the housing and a connector portion which is capable of being connected to and removed from the lid portion. The connector portion includes a plurality of pins which extend therethrough and interface with the cap.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. In several embodiments, at least one of the skins has at least one end coined to as to compress the core between the skins to define a coined end section. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets. The logistics plate and/or the splicing member may sit against the coined end sections. The splicing member may have flat top and bottom portions to facilitate in the attachment of the panels to the top and bottom rails of the trailer. In other embodiments, a logistics plate is secured by rivets to the panels for joining them together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead, the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie behind the logistics plate.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. A logistics plate is secured by rivets to the panels for joining them together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead, the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie behind the logistics plate. An insert may be used between the skins where the rivets are inserted to substantially prevent compression of the panels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a circuit which is configured to apply variable hysteresis to an input signal, where the level of hysteresis applied to the input signal is dependent upon the frequency of the input signal. Use of this circuit in a vehicle's anti-lock braking system allows for more efficient and effective braking.

Abstract: A system is provided for sensing the presence of a standard component of a locking mechanism of a door of a trailer when the door is moved to the closed position and is secured. A sensor is provided on the trailer proximate to the locking mechanism. The sensor automatically reacts when a ferrous target comes within its sensing range. Control circuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals from the sensor to perform various functions.

Abstract: A novel diagnostic system for a trailer is provided by the present invention. The trailer includes a micro controller which is part of an anti-lock brake system of the trailer. A warning light is provided on the trailer and is in electrical connection with the micro controller. A switch is provided proximate to the warning lamp. The switch can be activated by a technician to provide a short across the warning lamp. A stored program within the micro controller recognizes the short and performs a diagnostic function in response thereto by flashing the warning lamp in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A multi-component lifting assembly is provided for a container which carries cargo. The container includes a floor, opposite side walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a roof sheet attached to upper ends of the side walls. The lifting assembly is attached to the walls and to the roof sheet such that four-point lifting stability is provided when the container is lifted by an overhead crane. The lifting assembly includes a stacking header which spans the width of the container, an inner cap which is provided on an interior of the container, and an outer cap which is provided on the exterior of the container. The roof sheet is sandwiched between the outer cap and the stacking header. The side wall is sandwiched between the outer cap and the inner cap. Aligned apertures are provided through the outer cap, the roof sheet, the stacking header and the inner cap such that a bayonet can be inserted therein and the container can be lifted.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. In several embodiments, at least one of the skins has at least one end coined to as to compress the core between the skins to define a coined end section. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets. The logistics plate and/or the splicing member may sit against the coined end sections. The splicing member may have flat top and bottom portions to facilitate in the attachment of the panels to the top and bottom rails of the trailer. In other embodiments, a logistics plate is secured by rivets to the panels for joining them together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead, the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie behind the logistics plate.

Abstract: A novel composite plate is used to form a wall or a door of a vehicle, such as a trailer or van. Each composite plate used in the trailer is formed from a pair of metal skins, such as aluminum or steel, having a foamed thermal plastic core member sandwiched therebetween. The skins are bonded to the core member by a known flexible adhesive. The foamed thermal plastic core member is resilient and may be made from foamed high density or foamed low density thermal plastic. The foaming of the core member in the present invention reduces the weight of the composite plate versus prior art solid plastic core composite plates and provides for an increased the peel strength of the composite plate versus prior art solid plastic core composite plates.

Abstract: A novel method is provided for forming a clear hole through a composite plate. At least two plates can be joined together to form a wall of a trailer. The following steps are taken to perform the method: A punching apparatus is advanced through an extension skin of a first composite plate and a first skin of a second composite plate, thereby compressing the core material of the second composite plate and forming a first slug. The apparatus is withdrawn therefrom. The composite plates are flipped over. The apparatus is advanced through a second skin of the second composite plate, forming a second slug. The apparatus is further advanced through the core material of the second composite plate, thereby ejecting the first slug, a portion of the core material of the second composite plate and the second slug to form a hole through the extension skin and the second composite plate. The apparatus is then withdrawn from the second composite plate.

Abstract: A brake system for an air braked trailer includes a first control line for transmitting air from a source, a second control line for transmitting air, a relay valve allowing air to flow therethrough, and a pneumatic control module (PCM) having structure for reducing pressure from an inlet port of the PCM to an outlet port of the PCM. The PCM is connected to the first control line and is solely connected to the relay valve by the second control line. The first and second control lines are capable of being decoupled from the PCM and being coupled to each other to remove the PCM from the system so that a technician can check the system. An exhaust valve is integrally connected with the PCM and is capable of exhausting air to atmosphere. When the system is used on trailer, the PCM is mounted away from the relay valve, and preferably forwardly of a forward axle of the trailer.

Abstract: A sidewall of a trailer is formed from at least two composite panels joined together by a novel joining configuration. Each panel is formed from inner and outer thin metal skins and a plastic core sandwiched between the skins. In several embodiments, at least one of the skins has at least one end coined to as to compress the core between the skins to define a coined end section. A logistics plate and a splicing member are used to join the panels together and are secured thereto by rivets. The logistics plate and/or the splicing member may sit against the coined end sections. The splicing member may have flat top and bottom portions to facilitate in the attachment of the panels to the top and bottom rails of the trailer. In other embodiments, a logistics plate is secured by rivets to the panels for joining them together. The splicing member is eliminated and instead, the outer skin of at least one panel is extended to lie behind the logistics plate.

Abstract: A novel temperature probe provides a visual indicator to an operator of when an assembly, such as a vehicle axle, filled with a semi-fluid synthetic grease for lubricating the bearings therein has reached an unsafe temperature during operation. In one embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a specially drilled bore through one of the components. In another embodiment, the temperature probe is provided in a bore drilled into a fastener member which is normally used in the assembly. The temperature probe includes an indicator pin which is mounted in a housing. When the components reach an unsafe temperature during operation, the indicator pin pops outwardly from the housing to alert a user that an unsafe temperature has been reached.

Abstract: A novel joint is provided between a pair of panels which are adapted for use in forming a sidewall of a trailer body and the like. First and second panels, each of which include an inner metal skin, an outer metal skin and a plastic core sandwiched therebetween, are joined together to form the joint. Each of the inner skin and the outer skin of the first panel have a first extending portion thereof which extends beyond an end of the core a predetermined distance. The first extending portions lay against each other and are bonded to each other. Each of the inner skin and said outer skin of the second panel have a second extending portion thereof which extends beyond the opposite end of the core a predetermined distance. The second extending portions lay against each other and are bonded to each other. Joining structure for joining the panels together along the first and second extending portions is provided.