Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of sensors includes a plurality of filters each of which is configured to provide power transmitted at distinct frequencies to a corresponding sensor of the plurality of sensors to thereby active the corresponding sensor and cause the corresponding sensor to generate a data signal. A power frequency controller is configured to adjust a frequency of power from a power source and to transmit power at distinct frequencies at different points in time in order to activate each of the plurality of sensors at different times. A sensor controller may be configured to receive the data signal from each of the sensors over a common conductor and on a common pin and may also act as the power source providing the power to the power frequency controller.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a plurality of brake wear signals from a corresponding plurality of brake wear sensors of a vehicle brake system. The apparatus comprises an interfacing device arranged to receive the plurality of brake wear signals corresponding to the plurality of brake wear sensors of the vehicle brake system. The apparatus also comprises a controller arranged to control the interfacing device to provide a location signal indicative of which one of the plurality of brake wear sensors is providing a brake wear signal indicative of a worn brake.

Abstract: A braking system for an air brake vehicle includes a source of working pressure and a source of vacuum pressure. The system includes at least one brake actuator having a first chamber for receiving the working pressure, a second chamber for receiving the vacuum pressure; and a push rod that moves linearly in response to pressure in the first chamber and second chamber. A brake assembly is mechanically connected to the push rod for applying friction to a wheel end of a vehicle in response to the linear movement of the push rod.

Abstract: A system for calibrating signals received over a power line within a vehicle includes a signal conditioning circuit that converts the analog input signals into digital input signals. In one embodiment the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit that outputs an amplifier gain signal establishing an amplifier gain level and an amplifier that outputs amplified signals responsive to the analog input signals and the amplifier gain signal. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a bias signal establishing a bias level and a comparator that generates the digital input signals responsive to the analog input signals and the bias signal. A controller receives the digital input signals and generates, depending on the embodiment, one or more control signals configured to control the configuration of the amplifier gain signal and amplifier gain level and/or the bias signal and the bias level.

Abstract: A system for calibrating signals received over a power line within a vehicle includes a signal conditioning circuit that converts the analog input signals into digital input signals. In one embodiment the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit that outputs an amplifier gain signal establishing an amplifier gain level and an amplifier that outputs amplified signals responsive to the analog input signals and the amplifier gain signal. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a bias signal establishing a bias level and a comparator that generates the digital input signals responsive to the analog input signals and the bias signal. A controller receives the digital input signals and generates, depending on the embodiment, one or more control signals configured to control the configuration of the amplifier gain signal and amplifier gain level and/or the bias signal and the bias level.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving signals having varying frequencies along a power line within a vehicle is provided. A transceiver is configured to transmit output signals to and receive input signals from various electronic systems on a vehicle along a power line at a first frequency. A frequency control circuit determines whether the destination system for the output signal is configured to receive the output signal at the first frequency or a different frequency and modulates the frequency of the output signal if necessary. The frequency control circuit also determines, prior to receipt by the transceiver, whether the input signal has the first frequency or different frequency and modulates the frequency of the input signal if necessary.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies incorporating a temperature varying resistor provide information regarding the temperature of the operating environment for a sensor or protect the sensor from extreme temperatures. The assembly includes only two conductors—one transmitting current from a power source and another transmitting an output signal. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a sensor and a temperature varying resistor in parallel between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and information regarding a temperature of an operating environment for the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor and temperature varying resistor are in series between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and the temperature varying resistor preventing delivery of current to the sensor when a temperature of the operating environment for the sensor meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: A system for controlling a level of communication signals broadcast onto an associated power line communication (PLC) network by an associated transmitting device includes an input circuit, an adjustable amplifier circuit, and an output circuit. The input circuit receives a first communication signal having a first signal level from the associated transmitting device. The adjustable amplifier circuit applies a selectable gain to the first communication signal based on one or more of a monitored condition of the associated vehicle and/or a monitored condition of the associated PLC network to generate a level-adjusted communication signal having a second signal level different than the first signal level of the first communication signal. The output circuit receives the level-adjusted communication signal and broadcasts the level-adjusted communication signal onto the associated PLC network.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a combination vehicle comprises at least one image capture device mounted on a tractor, which has a trailer mounted control system within its field of view. The trailer mounted control system has a visual indicator. A controller is associated with the at least one image capture device. The controller captures images of the visual indicator, determines if the visual indicator meets a predetermined event condition and provides notification to at least one of a driver of the tractor and a remote fleet operator in response to the visual indicator meeting the predetermined condition.

Abstract: Various examples of park brake interface modules which are utilized as human machine interfaces (HMI) in vehicles are provided. In one example, a park brake interface module for a vehicle includes a park brake switch device to actuate the park brake. The park brake switch device is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake apply mode upon receipt of a pinch signal. In another example, the park brake interface module includes a park brake switch device which is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake release mode upon receipt of a reach signal. In a further example, the park brake interface module includes recessed fixed parking brake actuation switches. In operation, the electronic interface module and park brake switch devices allow the operator to apply or release the vehicle park brakes according to memorable mnemonics, for example, “pinch to park” and “reach to release.

Abstract: Platoon management control systems and methods rearrange three of more vehicles cooperatively travelling seriatim as a platoon along an associated roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Multi roadway lane platoon management control systems and methods control the three or more vehicles cooperatively travelling as a multi-lane platoon along an associated multi-lane roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Larger platoon sizes are provided thereby enabling more vehicles to participate in the larger multi-lane platoon. A platoon management control uses a combination of the GPS position of the lead vehicle representative of the position of the vehicle relative to the associated geographical area, and braking performance data representative of the braking capabilities of following vehicles to rearrange the vehicles into the non-columnar formation.

Abstract: Sensor assemblies incorporating a temperature varying resistor provide information regarding the temperature of the operating environment for a sensor or protect the sensor from extreme temperatures. The assembly includes only two conductors—one transmitting current from a power source and another transmitting an output signal. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a sensor and a temperature varying resistor in parallel between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and information regarding a temperature of an operating environment for the sensor. In another embodiment, the sensor and temperature varying resistor are in series between the conductors with the output signal including information regarding a value of a variable measured by the sensor and the temperature varying resistor preventing delivery of current to the sensor when a temperature of the operating environment for the sensor meets a predetermined condition.

Abstract: Platoon management control systems and methods rearrange three of more vehicles cooperatively travelling seriatim as a platoon along an associated roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Multi roadway lane platoon management control systems and methods control the three or more vehicles cooperatively travelling as a multi-lane platoon along an associated multi-lane roadway into a platoon arrangement other than the linear or single file formation. Larger platoon sizes are provided thereby enabling more vehicles to participate in the larger multi-lane platoon. A platoon management control uses a combination of the GPS position of the lead vehicle representative of the position of the vehicle relative to the associated geographical area, and braking performance data representative of the braking capabilities of following vehicles to rearrange the vehicles into the non-columnar formation.

Abstract: A method for modifying a brake application of a combination vehicle comprises receiving a temperature signal of a first brake pad of a first brake assembly and receiving a temperature signal representative of a temperature of a second brake pad of a second brake assembly. The temperatures are compared to a first predetermined temperature. The method will determine if service brakes are being applied by a driver and compare a wheel speed of one axle of the tractor with the wheel speed of a second axle of the tractor of the combination vehicle. The method will determine a brake drag exists in response to both the first and the second brake pad temperature being greater than the first predetermined temperature, the first axle wheel speed being less than the second axle wheel speed and the service brakes not being applied by the driver.

Abstract: Various examples of park brake interface modules which are utilized as human machine interfaces (HMI) in vehicles are provided. In one example, a park brake interface module for a vehicle includes a park brake switch device to actuate the park brake. The park brake switch device is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake apply mode upon receipt of a pinch signal. In another example, the park brake interface module includes a park brake switch device which is capable of actuating the vehicle park brake in a brake release mode upon receipt of a reach signal. In a further example, the park brake interface module includes recessed fixed parking brake actuation switches. In operation, the electronic interface module and park brake switch devices allow the operator to apply or release the vehicle park brakes according to memorable mnemonics, for example, “pinch to park” and “reach to release.

Abstract: A backup power supply system and a method for providing power to an electrical load are provided. The system includes at least one supercapacitor, a battery and a power supply controller. The controller is configured to determine whether an output of a primary power supply for the load meets a first predetermined condition, determine, when the output of the primary power supply does not meet the first predetermined condition, a level of current required by the load, provide current to the load from the supercapacitor if the level of current required by the load meets a second predetermined condition, and, provide current to the load from the battery if the level of current required by the load does not meet the second predetermined condition until an output of the battery meets a third predetermined condition and thereafter provide current to the load from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for dynamically controlling a set of platooning vehicles travelling on a roadway to respond to a presence of a non-platooning emergency vehicle based on situational factors such as roadway configuration, emergency vehicle status, and a location of the platooning vehicle as being approaching from ahead or from behind. An emergency vehicle sensor unit senses a presence and an urgency status of the emergency vehicle near a platooning vehicle. A roadway configuration sensor unit generates roadway configuration data representative of a sensed configuration of the roadway. A control unit generates an emergency vehicle avoidance platoon control command signal based on the roadway configuration, presence, and urgency data for use by the set of platooning vehicles to maneuver the platoon away from a path of the emergency vehicle.

Abstract: A method for modifying a brake application of a combination vehicle comprises receiving a temperature signal of a first brake pad of a first brake assembly and receiving a temperature signal representative of a temperature of a second brake pad of a second brake assembly. The temperatures are compared to a first predetermined temperature. The method will determine if service brakes are being applied by a driver and compare a wheel speed of one axle of the tractor with the wheel speed of a second axle of the tractor of the combination vehicle. The method will determine a brake drag exists in response to both the first and the second brake pad temperature being greater than the first predetermined temperature, the first axle wheel speed being less than the second axle wheel speed and the service brakes not being applied by the driver.

Abstract: A system and method for pre-trip inspection of a tractor trailer are provided. The system includes a communications gateway configured for electronic communication with a vehicle control system of the tractor-trailer and a computing device configured for communication with the vehicle control system through the communications gateway. The device is configured to display an instruction to a user to perform a task of the pre-trip inspection and receive an input associated with the task from the user. The input is indicative of an operating characteristic of the tractor-trailer. The device may be further configured to determine whether the operating characteristic meets a predetermined condition. The device is further configured to transmit an instruction to the vehicle control system through the communications gateway when the operating characteristic does not meet the predetermined condition. The instruction establishes a restriction on operation of the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A method for modifying a brake application of a combination vehicle comprises receiving a temperature signal of a first brake pad of a first brake assembly and receiving a temperature signal representative of a temperature of a second brake pad of a second brake assembly. The temperatures are compared to a first predetermined temperature. The method will determine if service brakes of the trailer are being applied by a driver and compare a wheel speed of the trailer with the wheel speed of a tractor of the combination vehicle. The method will determine a brake drag exists on the trailer in response to both the first and the second brake pad temperature being greater than the first predetermined temperature, the trailer wheel speed being less than the tractor wheel speed and the service brakes not being applied by the driver.