Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical power and communication bus system for a truck, a tractor, or a tractor with a trailer and an associated bogie, where the electrical power and communication bus system reside in an anti-lock brake system (ABS) module that is disposed on the truck, the tractor, or the bogie of the trailer. The bus system comprises a bus controller, which utilizes a bus protocol, at least one bus connector that is electrically connected to a processor in the ABS, a source of power, and at least one auxiliary system that is electrically connected to the bus connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation enhancement for an automated vehicle inter-axle differential (IAD) locking system. The vehicle having an engine and a tandem drive axle. The IAD actuation enhancement locking system comprises a rotating sliding clutch and a rotating side helical gear, which are capable of an engagement mode and a disengagement mode, a microprocessor, and an electrical connection between the microprocessor and an engine electronic control unit. When the sliding clutch and the helical gear are placed in the engagement mode or are placed in the disengagement mode, the microprocessor momentarily communicates a data link message to the engine electronic control unit to break engine torque, which has been found to facilitate engagement or disengagement of the sliding clutch and the helical gear.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential (IAD) locking system for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The IAD lock system comprises a vehicle IAD having a rotating sliding clutch mechanism and a rotating side helical gear. If the absolute difference between the sliding clutch revolutions per minute (RPM) and the side helical gear RPM is greater than a minimum limit, and if the absolute difference between the sliding clutch RPM and the side helical gear RPM is less than a maximum limit, and the speed of the vehicle is less than a third limit, then a microprocessor engages the IAD lock mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method for a vehicle having a tandem drive axle. The inter-axle differential lock actuation sensing method comprises providing a clutch locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential for a vehicle, the clutch locking mechanism having a first set of teeth in a fixed position and a second set of teeth on a sliding clutch, locating a speed sensor such that when the clutch mechanism is disengaged the sensor measures a speed of the sliding clutch, and when the clutch mechanism is fully engaged the sensor measures zero speed even though the sliding clutch continues to rotate, providing a speed of the vehicle from a vehicle data link, and using the speed sensor-speed and the vehicle speed to determine status of clutch mechanism engagement.

Abstract: A method for control of a tire pressure management system (or central tire inflation system) is provided which enables active adaptation of control variables in the system in response to variations in air line volume. The air line volume in a conduit between an air source and a vehicle tire is determined. Subsequently, one or more values for control variables are adjusted in response to the air line volume and various parameters associated with the system are determined in response to the adjusted values of the control variables.

Abstract: A method of verifying the integrity of a valve in service in a tire pressure management system is disclosed. The method of verifying valve integrity of a valve interposed between a tire and conduit assemblies for conducting fluid to and/or from the tire in a tire maintenance system includes closing the valve for prohibiting fluid flow into the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve and monitoring the pressure of fluid in the conduit assemblies in fluid communication with the valve for ascertaining a pressure increase therein.