Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supplying electricity to an agricultural utility vehicle (10) and/or an attachment (26) which can be coupled to the utility vehicle (10). The utility vehicle (10) comprises a generator (16) and an attachment interface (24). Electrical energy can be generated by means of the generator (16). At the attachment interface (24) an attachment (26) can be reversibly coupled to the utility vehicle (10). The attachment (26) has at least one electrical load by means of which an agricultural working function can be carried out. So that the attachment (26) can be controlled more flexibly or better when it is operating, the device according to the invention is defined by a transmission device and at least one transformer (40). By means of the transmission device the electrical energy which is generated by the generator (16) of the utility vehicle (10) can be transmitted in the form of alternating voltage to the attachment (26). The transformer (40) is provided on the attachment (26).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coupling system for connecting at least one supply line between a towing vehicle and a trailer, the first end of said at least one supply line being attached to the towing vehicle in a fixed manner, and the second end thereof comprising a connector that can be connected to a supply line interface of the trailer. The aim of the invention is to provide a coupling system for the supply lines, by which means a complicated operation between the trailer and the driver's cab of the towing vehicle is avoided. To this end, a coupling system is provided, whereby the supply line interface can be displaced out of a traveling position into an operating position.

Abstract: A method for the transmission of electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic energy between a first vehicle and a second vehicle, coupled thereto, for example a tractor vehicle and a trailer and an energy transmission system. The aim of the invention is development of a method and an energy transmission system permitting an operationally-secure driving condition over a long period even with a partly or completely damaged plug coupling system. Said aim is achieved by means of, amongst other things, a method whereby the energy in the energy distribution line is introduced from the energy supply line in a controlled manner.

Abstract: When the electric vehicle is to be towed by a towing vehicle, the two vehicles are connected by a connection tool, and a drive motor prioritization control unit is connected to the communication network by a communication cable. Power from a battery is then supplied to the low voltage line by a power supply cable, and the inverter is controlled by a signal from the drive motor prioritization control unit of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for linking two or more vehicles to achieve reduced aerodynamic drag while the vehicles are travelling on the road are disclosed. The disclosed methods utilize a dynamic linking system that not only physically connects the vehicles but also allows the driver of the leading vehicle to monitor and control essential functions of the trailing vehicles. Preferably, the driving mechanisms of the trailing vehicles, such as throttles, brakes, and gears, are fully operational so as not to put excessive burden on the driving mechanisms of the leading vehicle. Methods for linking individual vehicles as well as streamlining the operation of a fleet of vehicles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely releasable brake hose coupler for pressure fluid operated brake systems, such as on a motor truck and semi-trailer unit, and a retrieval mechanism for retrieving flexible hoses connected to the coupler. Pressure air from the truck tractor brake system is conducted through a valve to an actuator for effecting movement of a coupler member to release engagement with a corresponding coupler fitting mounted on a trailer. One or more air brake hoses connected to respective remotely releasable couplers are connected to tensioning mechanisms and to a movable boom mounted on the truck tractor for extending the hoses during a remote release operation and then retracting the hoses and couplers to a stored position when the remotely releasable couplers are disconnected from the trailer fittings.

Abstract: A trailer hitch coupling unit has a hitch pin assembly mounted on a trailer and a hitch receiver assembly mounted on a vehicle. The hitch pin assembly has a mounting plate and a platform forming a ball and socket joint therebetween, rotatably coupling the platform to the mounting plate. A bull nose, having a groove, projects from the bed plate. A first electrical connector is mounted in an axially extending bore in the bull nose. The hitch receiver assembly has a bed plate configured to be mounted on a bed of the vehicle above a rear axle thereof. The bed plate has a first opening configured to receive the bull nose. A locking plate is mounted on the bed plate for axial movement between a hitch pin receiving position adjacent the bed plate, and a hitch locking position spaced from the bed plate. The locking plate has a second opening configured to receive the bull nose. An actuator is operably connected to the locking plate for effecting the axial movement.

Abstract: A connector assembly for supplying power and transmitting signals from a vehicle to a towed trailer or other towed equipment. The connector assembly comprises a trailer hitch having a cross tube extending horizontally behind the vehicle. The cross tube has a wall separating an inside cavity from an outside surface of the cross tube. A first connector attached to the outside surface or mounted in a first opening in the wall of the cross tube has a connecting portion outwardly of the outside surface. Likewise, a second connector mounted at the outside surface or in a second opening in the wall of the cross tube has a connecting portion outwardly of the outside surface of the trailer hitch. One or more conduits extend across the inside cavity between the first and second connectors for interconnecting the vehicle to the towed trailer for supplying power and transmitting signals between them.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly includes a controller mounted within a vehicle cab and electrically coupled to a power supply source of the vehicle. A trailer hitch tongue section is attachable to the vehicle and provided with an elongated chamber. The tongue section has opposed end portions defining a socket and an opening. An adaptable ram includes displaceable support arms engaged within the chamber. The support arms are upwardly spaced from a ground surface. The assembly further includes a trailer for receiving and supporting a boat. The trailer is provided with wheels and a front end portion attached to the ram. An auxiliary anchor beam vertically traverses one of the support arms and is provided with end portions situated above and below one support arm. A mechanism is included for telescopically adapting the support arms such that a spatial distance between the vehicle and the boat can be biased.

Abstract: A trailer tongue extension assembly that includes a tubular trailer tongue, a removable extension, a first electrical connector disposed within the trailer tongue and a second electrical connector disposed within the removable extension. The first and second electrical connectors engage and disengage as the removable extension is installed or removed from the trailer tongue. A tongue pin is inserted either through registered holes in the tongue and the installed extension, or through aligned holes in the trailer tongue. A lock assembly secures the pin in the holes to, respectively, lock the extension on the trailer tongue or prevent the extension from being installed in the trailer tongue. Opposite ends of a lanyard or elastic member are attached to the pin and the trailer tongue, respectively, and resist the removal of the pin from the aligned holes.

Abstract: A power distribution unit useful in a truck tractor to apply electrical power to a selected one or more of a plurality of signal terminals of a tractor-mounted connector in a tractor-to-trailer electrical connection. The power distribution unit comprises a power bus adapted for connection to a power source, an output terminal corresponding to each signal terminal of the connector, a switch connected between each output terminal and the power bus, and an actuator associated with each switch and operable upon receipt of a respective control signal to operate the associated switch.

Abstract: An electrical tell tale system comprises a main control unit forming part of a trailer connector. The main control unit is a moulded module or cut printed circuit board, which fits into the connector. The main control unit has aligned pin connections to connect to and monitor all of the existing connections in the connector. The main control unit module includes screw type connections for the wiring from the vehicle harness and a tell tale monitor. The main control unit module is housed in the connector and by its connections changes the normal operation of the trailer connector to monitor all of its housed circuit connection in one complete unit.

Abstract: A trailer tongue extension assembly that includes a tubular trailer tongue, a removable extension, a first electrical connector disposed within the trailer tongue and a second electrical connector disposed within the removable extension. The first and second electrical connectors engage and disengage as the removable extension is installed or removed from the trailer tongue. A tongue pin is inserted either through registered holes in the tongue and the installed extension, or through aligned holes in the trailer tongue. A lock assembly secures the pin in the holes to, respectively, lock the extension on the trailer tongue or prevent the extension from being installed in the trailer tongue.

Abstract: An aircraft ground power unit (GPU) is equipped with a device that warns personnel with a flashing light and a siren when the unsafe condition exists of the GPU being connected to both the tug and the aircraft at the same time. Similar devices can be used on other towed vehicles that can cause damage to vehicles or structures if towed away while still attached to the vehicle or structure.

Abstract: A trailer coupler pivot assembly comprising a pivot mount member connected to a trailer frame member and a hinge bracket connected to a trailer tongue arm. The hinge bracket is pivotally connected to the pivot mount member so that the trailer tongue arm is pivotal relative to the trailer frame member between an open position and a closed position. However, either of the pivot mount member or the hinge bracket comprises a single, prefabricated component to make assembly more efficient and cost effective. With both the pivot mount member and the hinge bracket being single, prefabricate components, the trailer coupler pivot assembly can be more easily installed with fewer components and welds and by less skilled labor.

Abstract: An electrical connection assembly provides an electrical connection for an electrical component mounted on a movable bed of a vehicle. The electrical connection assembly includes a sub-assembly supported on the movable bed, and another sub-assembly supported on the frame of the vehicle so that the two sub-assemblies make electrical contact when the bed is in one position. The electrical contact can be broken when the bed moves relative to the vehicle frame. In one embodiment, both sub-assemblies are biased toward each other to maintain a solid electrically conductive path between conductive contacts on each sub-assembly. One sub-assembly can include a number of conductive plates, while the other can include a-like number of conductive plungers. The conductive components are supported on insulator plates. One of the plates defines a plunger bore to receive a plunger therein such that the plunger can reciprocate and pivot angularly relative to the plate.

Abstract: An all-electric riding greens mower includes a frame which is supported for movement upon a plurality of ground engaging wheels and upon which are supported a modularly interchangeable power source and a plurality of reel lawn mowers. An electric motor provides driving torque to enable movement of the mower between and over golf course greens or other surfaces to be mowed, electric motors provide driving torque for each of the reel lawn mowers. The interchangeable power source provides electrical energy for driving the electric motors, including the primary mover and the electrical motors for the reel type lawn mowers. The modularly interchangeable power sources may comprise a bank of batteries, a motor/generator set, a fuel cell, or a combination of these. The power source may be easily exchanged in the field for another, freshly charged power source. Exchange occurs using either a fixed change stand or a mobile change stand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fifth wheel for the coupling of the tractor of an articulated truck with a truck trailer. The inventive fifth wheel comprises a wheel plate, a kingpin (20) with an inner bore and with an outer coupling or engaging surface (30) as well as with connections for linking electric and pneumatic supply lines between the tractor of an articulated truck and the truck trailer. The supply lines of the tractor of an articulated truck lead to a male connector (100) of a supply unit (10) and the supply lines from a female connector (200) in the interior of the kingpin (20) to the designated places on the truck trailer. The parts of the male connector (11-15) and the female connector (21-25) that pertain to the supply lines and that are interlinkable are configured as respective rotation-symmetrical bushes that are fit into each other in pairs. All bushes (11-15, 21-25) are aligned coaxially with respect to one another and with respect to the axis of the kingpin (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fifth wheel for the coupling of the tractor of an articulated truck with a truck trailer. The inventive fifth wheel comprises a wheel plate, a kingpin (20) with an inner bore and with an outer coupling or engaging surface (30) as well as with connections for linking electric and pneumatic supply lines between the tractor of an articulated truck and the truck trailer. The supply lines of the tractor of an articulated truck lead to a male connector (100) of a supply unit (10) and the supply lines from a female connector (200) in the interior of the kingpin (20) to the designated places on the truck trailer. The parts of the male connector (11-15) and the female connector (21-25) that pertain to the supply lines and that are interlinkable are configured as respective rotation-symmetrical bushes that are fit into each other in pairs. All bushes (11-15, 21-25) are aligned coaxially with respect to one another and with respect to the axis of the kingpin (20).

Abstract: This invention relates to a connecting device comprising first and second coupling members for connection to a towing and towed vehicle. The coupling members are lockingly engageable for connecting the vehicles in a towing relationship. A power supply conductor is provided for in use supplying power to rear lights of the towing vehicle. A pair of interengageable contacts are provided in the power supply conductor, one contact on each coupling member, the contacts engaging each other when the coupling members lockingly engage each other. A signal transmitter arrangement is provided for transmitting a control signal when power is supplied to a rear light provided on the towing vehicle. A signal receiver arrangement is provided for receiving the control signal and activating at least one rear light of the towed vehicle in accordance with the control signal.

Abstract: A wireless transmitting/receiving system preferably operable between first and second vehicles is provided which enables the second vehicle to replicate the lighting condition of the first vehicle. In one embodiment, the replication is accomplished through a connection to the second vehicles lighting system. In another embodiment, replication is accomplished through a separate light bar mounted to the second vehicle.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle 210 comprises a truck tractor 212 and a trailer 214, shown pivoted relative to the truck tractor. Services, especially electrical and hydraulic services used for lighting and control, are conducted from the truck tractor 212 to the trailer 214 by means of conductors 226 (only one conductor is shown connected to the trailer). A connecting device 220 includes a hollow arm 222 pivoted at one end via a pivotal joint 234 and a bracket 236 to the truck tractor. Service conductors 226 anchored on the truck tractor are carried via the joint 234, which is hollow for this purposes to be connected with little lost motion to the trailer. The arm 222 pivots with the trailer and protectingly carries the conductors 226.

Abstract: A trailer hitch receiver assembly includes a frame member with a hitch receiver box, at least one mounting bracket carried on the frame member for securing the frame member to a towing vehicle and a utility power outlet. The utility power outlet may be a DC outlet, an AC outlet or both.

Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.

Abstract: A dual media connector having a first media wire and a second media wire disposed within each of a housing insert, a rear seal, a conduit and a grommet, the first and second media wires adapted to electrically interconnect first and second communications devices with external communication signals.

Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.

Abstract: A tow bar having a body portion, adapted to be attached to a towing vehicle and a pair of legs joined to the body portion and adapted to be attached to a towed vehicle. At least one of the legs defines a closed channel that can be opened to form an open channel. The channel is generally adapted to partially conceal and protect a safety cable of the sort generally required to be used in association with a tow bar.

Abstract: A removable cover for towing balls featuring, in its preferred embodiments: (a) a towing ball hitch cover; (b) locking apparatus for maintaining said towing ball hitch cover engaged on said towing ball and/or for preventing its unauthorized removal and theft; and (c) electrically operative apparatus capable of being plugged into a trailer plug connector and responsive to electrical current received therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for controlling power to interior functions of a trailer of a heavy duty vehicle.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting up to three 12 volt trailer light/electrical connectors to a receiver style trailer hitch. The bracket is capable of holding all the popular 12 volt trailer light/electrical connectors currently on the market, such as the 4 way, 5 way, 6 way, 7 way, 8 way and 9 way round connectors. The bracket (1) is also comprised of a storage compartment (2), with a spring loaded closure (8) for the 4 way flat connector and other similar connectors which do not have a mounting flange on them. The bracket (1) includes a rear support angle (24) and is designed to mount to the torsion/crosstube section of a receiver style trailer hitch by the use of two stainless steel hose clamps, which will not weaken the structural integrity of the trailer hitch assembly. An optional adapter tube/bracket (31) is available for particular trailer hitches where the mounting bracket (1) must be spaced downward to clear an obstruction such as the rear bumper of the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a power takeoff shaft of a work vehicle having a hitch includes a hitch position sensor and a control circuit. The hitch position sensor is configured to generate a hitch position signal. The control circuit is coupled to the hitch position sensor and is configured to receive the hitch position signal, to compare the hitch position signal to a first predetermined hitch position and a second predetermined hitch position, to engage the power takeoff shaft when the hitch crosses the first predetermined hitch position and to disengage the power takeoff shaft when the hitch crosses the second predetermined hitch position.

Abstract: A transportable, trailer-mounted system for removing graffiti from exterior and interior surfaces is disclosed. The system includes a water supply tank, a pressure washer, provision for applying cleaning chemicals to surfaces, storage areas for cleaning chemicals, sandblasting apparatus, and painting apparatus. Also included are sources of electrical power, air compressor, painting equipment and surface preparation tools. Using the system enables the cleaning and restoration of graffiti-damaged surfaces in the minimum possible amount of time after the graffiti is applied. It is generally agreed that the prompt removal of graffiti reduces the incidence of graffiti application and that graffiti is more easily removed if removal is accomplished soon after it has been applied.

Abstract: A novel load sensing trailer ball-hitch and drawbar mechanism (30) compatible with industry standard coupling, drawbar receivers and vehicle bumper systems consisting of an upstanding elongated vertical ball-hitch post assembly (4) is provided, featuring the integration of a load sensing device (14) therein. The ball-hitch assembly by means of a threaded stud-bolt (20) received into the threaded lower cavity, is to be attached to industry-standard draw-bar or bumper fittings as used on recreational vehicles, trucks and vans. A drawbar (30), has integrated therein a singular or plurality of load sensing devices (14). Overloading of the force measuring device is achieved by means of a mechanical stop fitting (28). Signals derived from this force measuring device are transmitted to a board computer providing an analog or digital representation of the forces acting upon the ball-hitch drawbar assembly.

Abstract: A protective cover for use in conjunction with a receiver hitch on a vehicle for towing a trailer. The protective cover includes a housing having a flexible frame and a jacket coupled to the frame by a living hinge. The flexible frame is formed to surround the receiver hitch and the jacket closes about the opening of the hitch. A locking mechanism is provided on the jacket opposite the living hinge to lock the jacket to the flexible frame about the receiving hitch. The flexible frame also includes a seat for supporting an electrical component such as a flat plug for supplying a light system to the trailer. The flat plug is removably placed within the seat and is covered by the jacket when the jacket is in a closed position. The jacket is also provided with an interior frame and an exterior frame for aiding in clamping the jacket around the opening of the receiver hitch. The interior frame of the jacket has an outer perimeter equal to or smaller than the interior perimeter of the receiver hitch.

Abstract: A rear mounted tow hitch has a body--to be mounted to the towing vehicle--with a support drum that has a circular recess in an upper surface of the support drum; the recess has a plurality of upwardly facing electrical contacts therein. A drum cover member covers the circular recess. The drum cover member has an upward extension having a universal ball extending from an upper surface of the drum cover member. The drum cover member has a plurality of downwardly facing electrical contacts for contacting the upwardly facing electrical contacts. The drum cover member has a downward extension which extends into a socket extending below an upper surface of the support drum. A lock releasably engages the downward extension of the drum cover member. The lock preferably includes a locking element slidably mounted within the support drum which engages the downward extension. The tow hitch further includes a towed vehicle mounting member having a socket for receiving the universal ball.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing emergency actuation of lights on a trailer is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electrical input connector for electrically connecting the apparatus with the plug of a towing vehicle lighting pigtail, an electrical output connector for electrically connecting the apparatus with an electrical connector of a trailer lighting harness, a battery, a battery charging circuit operable to receive power from a towing vehicle through the electrical input connector and to charge the battery, and a control circuit comprising a flasher and a solenoid switch. The control circuit is operable, in a first mode, to electrically connect the towing vehicle lighting pigtail with the trailer lighting harness with a towing vehicle lighting harness and operable, in a second mode, to connect the battery of the apparatus, through the flasher, to the trailer lighting harness.

Abstract: A trailer accessory which includes a boot having one or more plug receptacles for protectably receiving thereinside trailer plugs and further includes a base for connecting the boot to the tongue of a trailer as well as for holding the trailer chains. The boot is composed of a pliable thermoplastic rubber elastomer having form fitted plug receptacles for receiving therein respective trailer plugs for lighting and braking of the trailer. The base is composed of a tough, rigid and durable material, preferably plastic. The base has a central aperture for trappingly receiving by interference fit a foot of the boot and first and second outboard slots for receiving the end of the trailer chains. The base is secured to the tongue via a connection member including threaded fasteners which engage first and second end slots of a cross-bar and first and second inboard slots of the base, wherein the first and second end slots are sized and spaced similarly to that of the first and second inboard slots.

Abstract: A system for providing an electrical power and electronic communication link between a tractor and trailer includes a tractor module associated with the tractor and a trailer module associated with the trailer. The tractor module controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the tractor electrical system and the trailer to one of an electrical power line, a ground line and a communication line. The trailer module similarly controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the trailer lighting system and the tractor electrical system to one of an electrical system of the trailer a communication line.

Abstract: A bracket is provided for mounting an automobile portion of a mateable connector of the type for connecting an automobile's electrical system to operate a trailer's lights, turn signals or brakes. The bracket is configured for installation to a conventional rear license plate assembly for convenient hook-up adjacent a trailer hitch and consists of a base portion and a cantilevered arm portion. The base portion cooperatively mounts with screw holes alignable with standard holes of the rear license plate. The arm portion may extend from the base portion at desired angled orientation with respect to the base portion. An electrical connector portion is securably mounted to the free end of the arm portion, positioning the connector portion for convenient plugging-on of a mated connector portion associated with the trailer's wiring.

Abstract: A recreational personal trailerable vehicle, such as a boat, is provided with a rear brake light. The boat; boat electrical harness, and trailer combination is safer for being towed in traffic. The boat includes a rear-mounted brake light, located in the stern of the boat, activated in concert with the brake lights of a motorized towing vehicle, to warn following motorists that the boat and trailer combination is slowing down. Further, the electrical cable supplying power to the rear brake light is concealed, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the boat. An electrical harness is connected to a power supply on the motorized vehicle and supplies power to both the rear brake light of the boat, and a pair of spaced rear-mounted brake lights of the trailer. Optionally, the rear lights are activated by a transmitter-receiver arrangement that activates a power source electrically connected to the rear light.

Abstract: A trailer electrical monitor function is implemented into a microprocessor based truck tractor and trailer electrical communication system where a programmable memory unit connected to a trailer electronic control unit is used by the trailer electronic control unit to store a trailer identification code, the result of which is connected through an interface circuit to the trailer electronic control unit where the result is then transmitted to a tractor electronic control unit and/or to an external programming unit. The tractor and trailer electronic control units control the state of a plurality of switching devices to establish the appropriate electrical connection into and out of a standard seven pin tractor/trailer electrical connector where high speed data communication links are used for control diagnostics.

Abstract: An cover for protecting a trailer hitch ball or box beam comprises a resilient body having a wiring connector integrally formed therewith. Moisture, dirt and physical damage of the trailer hitch ball is minimized through use of the protective cover.

Abstract: Electrical connections are provided between coupled railway cars by a connector which mates with the industry standard brake line air hose connector. Electrical contacts may be imbedded in the mating surfaces of two joined connectors, or on modules attached to the standard connector. The valve which admits air to the air hose connector after it is joined to another connector may also actuate a switch which completes electrical circuits when the air valve is opened. In cases where end to end reversal of a railway car would cause interchange of circuits, a compensating switch is provided.

Abstract: A fully integrated, three-stage automatic weight distributing hitching system for a trailer and towing vehicle which utilizes a funnel-shaped receiver system (100), a head assembly (D) with elongated shank (160), spring bars (C) and chains (B), and a motorized electromechanical screw-driven piston device (382). The receiver, mounted on the Pear of the towing vehicle, is equipped with spring loaded dogs (140) which drop into machined recesses (240) of the shank when shank is inserted into the receiver, locking the shank in place and creating a secure coupling of the trailer and the towing vehicle. Solenoids (120) are affixed to the outside of the receiver and, when activated, will retract the spring-loaded dogs from the shank, and allow for uncoupling. The forward end of the receiver is fitted with a male portion of an electrical plug (180). The pivotable head assembly with ball (E) and shank extends from the trailer tongue (A).

Abstract: An apparatus for the coupling of lines between a tractor and a trailer comprises a tractor plate formed in a generally rectangular configuration with parallel side edges extending vertically and with a lower edge having a downwardly extending tongue and an upwardly extending enlarged head. The tractor plate further comprises vertically aligned apertures. A trailer plate in a generally rectangular configuration has vertically extending parallel side edges and generally parallel upper and lower edges, flanges extending forwardly from the side edges thereof adapted to receive the side edges of the tractor plate, and further includes an enlargement with a recess at its lower edge adapted to receive the tongue of the tractor plate for the support thereof. The flanges of the trailer plate have apertures at the upper edge thereof with a pivot pin extending therethrough.

Abstract: A retainer is provided for retaining a catch mounted to a first portion of a split ramp car in its unlocked position as a second portion of a ramp car exits a locking area in which it is previously locked. An arm portion of the retainer extends into the locking area and controls the operation of the retainer in response to the movement of the ramp and the locking area. A fluid coupler, automatically couples a first and second portions of a main reservoir pipe and a first and second portions of a brake pipe connected to each first and second portion of the ramp car respectively, when the ramp is in its raised and travel position. Valves in each of the main reservoir passages close the main reservoir passage when the first and second housings are separated and opens the main reservoir passages when the first and second housings are joined. An electrical coupler is also automatically coupled as the two portions of the ramp car are joined.

Abstract: An electrical signal transmission path is provided along the air brake hose line to provide a dedicated connecting path between communication units on a tractor and trailer. A conductive line extends along the length of the air brake hose and is connected at one end to the communication unit on a tractor via a conductive linkage. The opposite end of the line is connected to a trailer communication unit via a conductive connection from the trailer end of a two part releasable air hose coupling which is isolated from the trailer and electrically connected to the trailer end of the conductive line.

Abstract: An cover for protecting a trailer hitch ball or box beam comprises a resilient body having a wiring connector and wiring cable integrally formed therewith. Moisture, dirt and physical damage of the trailer hitch ball is minimized through use of the protective cover.

Abstract: A trailer with wheels located near its rearward end and a connecting arm extending from a mid-region of the forward end of the trailer. The connecting arm includes a gooseneck with a ball receptacle to connect with a ball protruding upwardly from the truck bed. A shroud is connected to the forward end of the trailer beneath the connecting arm and a powered hydraulic cylinder is carried inside the shroud and includes a rod extending downwardly to raise and lower the front of the trailer. A stabilizer arm terminating in a foot portion is carried by the shroud to extend downwardly and co-extensively with the rod to protect the hydraulic cylinder and rod from loading other than by the weight of the trailer and its load.

Abstract: A truck tractor and trailer electrical communication system having one electronic control unit located in tractor and another electronic control unit located in at least one trailer both respectively controlling the state of a plurality of switching devices to establish the appropriate electrical connection into and out of a standard seven pin tractor/trailer electrical connector where high speed data communication links are used for control and diagnostics.