Abstract: A controller for electric trailer brakes that includes a three axis accelerometer for detecting deceleration of a towing vehicle and an interactive liquid crystal display controlled by a plurality of pushbuttons.

Abstract: A controller for electric trailer brakes that includes a three axis accelerometer for detecting deceleration of a towing vehicle and an interactive liquid crystal display controlled by a plurality of pushbuttons.

Abstract: A trailer brake controller comprising a brake control signal generator, a microprocessor connected to the brake control signal generator, at least one pushbutton connected to the microprocessor, and a programmable current sensing power switch with temperature protection which is operative to change to a non-conducting state upon a current feed back signal exceeding a predetermined current shut down threshold and also upon the temperature of the switch exceeding a temperature shut down threshold.

Abstract: A micro processor based electric brake controller includes a multi-axis accelerometer that senses deceleration of a towing vehicle along a plurality of directional axes. The controller also includes a microprocessor that is responsive to the sensed decelerations to supply power to trailer brakes that is a function of the deceleration.

Abstract: An electric trailer brake controller includes a deceleration sensor for generating a brake control signal. The controller also includes a device to decrease the sensitivity of the deceleration sensor to spurious inputs. Additionally, the controller includes a brake current limiting circuit that progressively reduces the current supplied to the controlled trailer brake when the brake current exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A remote manual control is provided for an electronic wheel brake controller. The remote manual control is connected to the wheel brake controller with a cable having quick disconnect connectors at each end. Accordingly, cables having different lengths may be easily substituted for connecting the remote manual control to the wheel brake controller.

Abstract: An electric trailer brake controller includes a deceleration sensor for generating a brake control signal. The controller also includes a device to decrease the sensitivity of the deceleration sensor to spurious inputs. Additionally, the controller includes a brake current limiting circuit that progressively reduces the current supplied to the controlled trailer brake when the brake current exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A decration sensor includes a pendulum which is suspended within an U-shaped bucket. The pendulum carries a permanent magnet which is adjacent to a Hall Effect device mounted upon the bucket. Both the pendulum and bucket are carried in an open ended housing which permits movement of the bucket relative to the pendulum to adjust for surface angles when the sensor is mounted upon a vehicle. Upon the deceleration of the vehicle, the pendulum move relative to the Hall Effect Device. As a result of the changing magnetic field, a voltage is generated by the Hall Effect Device which is directly proportional to the vehicle deceleration.

Abstract: An electric trailer brake control device includes a delay circuit to prevent actuation of the trailer brakes when the towing vehicle hazard flasher is actuated.

Abstract: An electronic controller for actuating electric wheel brakes on a towed vehicle which includes a device for sensing the electric current flowing to the towed vehicle wheel brakes. The device is operative to interrupt the flow of electric current if the current flow becomes excessive. The controller also retains gain settings if the supply of power to the controller is interrupted and has a visual display for indicating results of self-diagnostic testing.

Abstract: An electrical short circuit protection device for an electric trailer brake controller includes a fuse connected between the controller and the trailer brakes and an acoustic piezoelectric transducer connected across the fuse. Upon a short circuit fault developing in the trailer brakes, the fuse opens and the transducer generates an audio warning signal.