Abstract: A trailer ABS diagnostics display system utilizes an output device to communicate specific ABS diagnostics information to a user located within the tractor cab in the form of ON-OFF code data. The system preferably includes wheel velocity sensors, at least one brake pressure modulator, an output device, a user interface which generates a user request signal, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the wheel velocity sensors, the brake pressure modulator, the output device, and the user interface. The electronic control unit generates the ON-OFF code data which is indicative of a diagnostic condition in response to the user request signal. The ON-OFF code data is transmitted to the output device for communication to the user located with the tractor cab.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a braking device equipping a trailer vehicle, connected by a coupling device to a towing vehicle being itself equipped with a braking device,

Abstract: A tow ball (14) is mounted to a bracket (16) by means of a spacer (20) which incorporates transducers (24) to provide signals indicating forces existing between the towing vehicle and the trailer. A control system is described which is operable to apply braking to the trailer to modify the trailer behavior independently of operation of the vehicle brakes by the operator.

Abstract: A trailer brake controller 10 for use in a passenger vehicle 12 is provided, including a control element 11 positioned within the passenger vehicle 12, a vehicle speed input 16 and a vehicle brake pressure input 14 providing speed and brake pressure data to the control element 11, and a trailer brake output 18 sending a signal to the trailer in response to the vehicle speed input 16 and the vehicle brake pressure input 14.

Abstract: A brake control device prevents movement of a vehicle, when an unsafe condition exists, by automatically applying the parking or other brake. The brake control system may prevent movement should the unsafe condition exist within, on or around, a towed device such as a trailer, a trailer-house or other recreational or non-recreational equipment. The brake control system may set a brake or parking device on the towed device whenever the towed device is disconnected from the motorized vehicle, or whenever equipment on the towed vehicle is extending outward or is otherwise un-stowed in a position unsafe for traveling, whether or not the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle. Interface connections from the towed device to the powered towing vehicle may include wireless, electrical wire, fiber optics, analog, digital, or others.

Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.

Abstract: A trailer control system incorporates sensors on both the trailer and a tow vehicle towing the trailer to measure operating parameters of both the trailer and the tow vehicle or prime mover. A computer mounted in the trailer or in the tow vehicle gathers input data from the sensors, including a variety of measurements of force, displacement, and temperature for the tow vehicle, the trailer, and their components. The computer may also be used to apply braking forces to the wheels of the trailer. Using the simulator, a variety of components on the trailer may be tested, their performance measured, and a better trailer may be designed. A trailer may also incorporate such a system for better control of the trailer and the combination vehicle of which it is a part.

Abstract: A locking system for trailer air brakes of the type having a supply air line with a gladhand. The locking system comprises a valve connected to the supply air line. The valve is actuatable between an open position, wherein the valve enables air conveyed in the supply air line to disengage the air brakes from the actuated position, and an exhaust position, wherein the valve exhaust air through an exhaust port thereof from the supply air line such that the air brakes remain in the actuated position. A locking device has a portion being automatically displaceable to a locking position when the valve is actuated to the exhaust position so as to lock the valve in the exhaust position, and being displaceable to a disarmed position by manual disarming means for unlocking the locking device and displace the valve to the open position.

Abstract: A towed vehicle brake actuation system comprising an adjustable inertia activated switch and a relay in series and a radio transmitter, all in the towing vehicle where an electrical signal must pass through both the switch and the relay before the towed vehicle brake actuation system is actuated. When the switch and a brake light switch in the towing vehicle are both activated, an electric current passes to the radio transmitter which sends a signal to a radio receiver in a towed vehicle which activates a first towed vehicle relay that permits current to pass on to a towed vehicle adjustable inertia activated switch which upon actuation by towed vehicle deceleration permits current to pass through a second towed vehicle relay to a vacuum valve that is a part of the towed vehicle brake actuation system.

Abstract: A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal.

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: A method and system for operating an electrically controlled pressurized-fluid vehicle brake system having a brake cylinder for actuating a brake, a braking-pressure sensor for obtaining braking-pressure data which indicate the braking pressure in the brake cylinder, a valve device for influencing the braking pressure by which the brake cylinder can communicate optionally with a supply pressure or with a set pressure in order to feed pressurized fluid, and a set-pressure sensor for obtaining set-pressure data. Braking pressure is adjusted as dictated by the set-pressure data and/or by the braking-pressure data. The set-pressure data are checked by temporarily switching the pressurized-fluid feed path to the brake cylinder from the supply pressure to the set pressure by actuation of at least one part of the valve device, and then monitoring the resulting braking pressure based on the braking-pressure data.

Abstract: A braking apparatus used to brake a vehicle having brakes actuated by a power boost in response to the movement of a brake pedal has a vacuum source adapted to be operably connectable to a vacuum conduit network, the vacuum conduit network being adapted to be operably connectable to a vacuum control valve, the vacuum conduit network further being adapted to be operably connectable to the power boost of the vehicle. The braking apparatus also includes a vacuum actuated servo mechanism adapted to be operably connectable to receive vacuum from the vacuum control means as directed by an electronic controller, the vacuum then being capable of actuating the vacuum actuated servo mechanism to move between a resting position and a braking position. The braking apparatus further includes a connection cable adapted to be mechanically connectable to both the vacuum actuated servo mechanism and the brake pedal of the vehicle such that the vacuum actuated servo mechanism and the brake pedal move responsively.

Abstract: A method and a device for stabilizing a road vehicle, particularly a passenger car, having a trailer pulled by the road vehicle, the road vehicle being monitored with respect to snaking movements, and upon detection of a snaking movement, a yaw moment that is essentially in phase opposition to the snaking movement being applied automatically to the road vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data exchange between a towing vehicle and an attached trailer uses radio contact via transmission/receiving modules contained in the towing vehicle and in the trailer. To recognize that the towing vehicle and the trailer are connected, the transmission/receiving module of the towing vehicle transmits an identification signal, and at the same time, changes the electrical status of a connection line between the towing vehicle and the trailer. If the transmission/receiving module located in the trailer recognizes the change in the electrical status of the connection line simultaneously with receiving the transmitted identification signal, the identification signal is stored within the trailer. In subsequent communications between the towing vehicle and the trailer, the identification signal is always transmitted before the message. As such, only the attached trailer, with the appropriate stored identification signal, can communicate with its towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer braking system includes a controller that supplies pressurized air or hydraulic fluid to an actuator that powers a master brake cylinder on the trailer. A pressure sensor is supplied to provide feedback to the controller so that the controller may vary the braking force being generated by the system. The trailer braking system includes an indicator system that allows the driver of the vehicle towing the trailer to readily determine the status of the trailer braking system.

Abstract: A combined spring brake modulating relay valve integrates the functions of a relay valve and a modulating valve. The housing includes a valve assembly movable in response to air pressure provided to selected ports in the housing. A relay piston selectively communicates with a control port and a primary brake circuit port. A modulating piston includes surfaces selectively pressurized by the primary brake circuit port and a secondary brake circuit port. This modulates the pressure from the delivery port to thereby selectively apply the associated spring brakes if a failure is detected at the primary brake circuit port. The exhaust member selectively controls communication between the supply and delivery ports as necessary.

Abstract: A system for effecting a braking force on a towed vehicle, the system including at least one braking sensor located on a towing vehicle, a control unit for communication with a braking actuator mechanism located on the apparatus towed by the towing vehicle, the system characterized in that the control unit can determine braking force sensed by the braking sensor and signal braking actuator mechanism to apply a braking force to a towed vehicle proportional to the force applied to the braking sensor as determined by the control unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a theft prevention system for trailers interacting with the customary pneumatic trailer braking system having spring actuated parking brakes that apply when in absence of pressure in an air supply line to the trailer from a tractor-mounted compressed air tank. A normally closed solenoid valve is connected in series with the pressurized air supply line that supplies air to release the trailer parking brakes and a signal receiver adapted to receive an electrical signal from a transmitter in the tractor cab must be caused to actuate the solenoid to open the valve to release the trailer parking brakes. The signal from the transmitter to the receiver may be a dc, ac, or high frequency signal transmitted over the normally provided electrical cable from tractor to trailer or may be a radio transmitted signal wherein of the kind employed for garage door openers.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for automated operation of the brakes on a towed vehicle, in particular the conventional hydraulic brakes on an automotive vehicle, by controlled actuation of its own brake pedal or other such conventional operating component which is normally manipulated by the operator of the vehicle. The preferred embodiment of the system utilizes a power-actuated tension member such as a cable which is attachable to the towed vehicle brake pedal to pull it downward and thus apply the vehicle brakes in controlled response to commands from a controller mountable at a remote location such as on the towing vehicle, and the controller preferably includes, and operates in response to, an inertia sensor and related system which monitors deceleration of the towing vehicle caused by application of its brakes etc., as well as a manual control for selective optional braking of the towed vehicle by the tow vehicle driver at any desired time.

Abstract: There is disclosed a theft prevention system for trailers with the customary pneumatic trailer braking system. A normally closed solenoid valve is connected in the line that supplies air to release the trailer parking brakes and a signal receiver adapted to receive an electrical signal from a transmitter in the tractor cab must be caused to actuate the solenoid to open the valve to release the trailer parking brakes. The signal from the transmitter to the receiver may be transmitted over the electrical cable from tractor to trailer or may be a radio transmitted signal . The solenoid valve is provided with a pneumatic latch so that the parking brakes will remain released as long as air pressure is provided. The signal transmitter is provided with security to prevent unauthorized use which may be a key switch, a key pad for entry of an identification number, a magnetic strip card reader or other device.

Abstract: An automatic retarder controller for a vehicle, which can prevent overheating, and can more precisely control the vehicle speed to remain constant. For this purpose, in the automatic retarder controller which is mounted on a load-carrying vehicle together with a cooled retarder (31) for exerting a braking force in response to a driving signal, and which automatically controls the driving signal so that the slope descending speed of the vehicle remains nearly constant, a detector for detecting the loading weight of the vehicle is included, and the controller impresses the gain corresponding to the detected loading weight upon the driving signal while the controller controls the vehicle speed to remain constant.

Abstract: A full-function value for the tractor-trailer vehicle is provided with a unitary valve body enveloping service brake, pressure-protection, at least one solenoid, modulator and delivery pistons actuatable to be displaced between respective rest and operative positions within the body to provide a regular braking and ABS braking modes of the full function valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus involves selectively relieving the load from the rearmost wheels of a trailer to shorten the effective wheel base of the trailer. When the effective wheel base is shortened, off-tracking of the trailer during turning is reduced. The load may relieved while the trailer and vehicle are traveling at, for example, less than a first speed, with the vehicle turning at least at a first angle. The axle may be reloaded when the vehicle speed is increased to a second speed above the first speed and the vehicle is turning at an angle which is less than the first angle.

Abstract: A method for the coordination of braking forces between two attached units of a vehicle train, for example a towing vehicle and a trailer, uses slip-encumbered wheel speed signals to calculate a value representing the difference between the braking forces exerted on the two units of the vehicle train. Such wheel speed signals are normally edited into speed signals by electronic control systems located in each of the units of the vehicle train through signal processing. The speed signals thus obtained are then utilized for various control and regulating processes. During the processing of the signals received from the different units of the vehicle train, time delays occur, primarily due to transmission of the signals and/or different signal editing processes.

Abstract: To control the tilt of a multi-axle vehicle, a first detector detects the vehicle tilt and sends a signal to a control unit for causing selected vehicle speed reduction for controlling the tilt. To control the direction of the vehicle, another sensor detects the actual course of the vehicle, compares that with a desired course and sends a signal to the control unit also for causing a selected vehicle speed reduction device at the wheels for restoring the course of the vehicle. The signals for tilt and direction may be superimposed for setting the speed reduction on the wheels.

Abstract: A brake system having a combined electrically operable demand signal control valve and emergency valve comprising a first inlet connected to the supply line, a second inlet connected to the reservoir, and an outlet connectable to the fluid pressure brake operating signal inlet of the supply valve means, a valve member to control flow of fluid pressure between the second inlet and the outlet and said valve member being movable by electrical means responsive to said presence or absence of electrical supply to the system and by fluid pressure means responsive to said pressure in the supply falling below said predetermined value.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A method and a device for electronically controlling or adjusting a brake system of a vehicle is proposed, in which brake system the characteristic braking curve of the trailer is adapted to a prescribed characteristic braking curve of the towing vehicle, in order to minimize the longitudinal forces between a towing vehicle and a trailer during a braking process, in such a way that the braking of the entire road train takes place in accordance with the prescribed characteristic braking curve of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A mono-stable brake system having a mono-stable magnetic array composed of one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets, the stable brake system condition being the brake applied mode in which the magnetic array is magnetically latched by permanent magnet power, without any electromagnet power, to a rotatable member being braked. To release the brake, the permanent magnet field strength is neutralized or at least decreased by appropriate energization of the one or more electromagnets until the magnetic array is moved by magnetic force away from the rotatable member being braked. The brake is preferably in a vehicle braking system, and particularly a trailer braking system, in which the electromagnets are kept energized at all times when the brake is released for trailer movements. The amount of brake application in the service braking mode is controlled by decreasing the magnetic field strength of the one or more electromagnets in accordance with the braking action demand placed on the system.

Abstract: A full function skid control valve assembly for use in an air brake system which provides for brake control utilizing a compact single assembly. The system provides for the maintenance of certain minimum operating pressures so that, when the air pressure within the vehicle brake system falls below predetermined levels, the valve assembly automatically partially or entirely exhausts the air pressure sometimes causing the spring parking brakes to engage. Once the air pressure within the brake system returns to predetermined levels, the valve assembly will allow a reservoir to be charged and the spring brakes to be deactuated. During operation, the assembly provides control of the service brakes while preventing undesired skid conditions.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle, having a transducer capable of responding to a fluid pressure brake demand signal to provide an electrical brake demand signal to an electronic control means which is responsive to the electrical brake demand signal to provide an electrical brake operating signal. The electrical brake operating signal is supplied to an electrically operable valve means which is arranged to supply a fluid pressure brake operating signal from a source of fluid under pressure to control a supply valve which supplied fluid from the source to at least one actuator for brake application under a brake pressure determined in accordance with the electrical brake operating signal. An electrically operable fluid pressure brake demand signal control valve controls the supply of the fluid pressure brake demand signal to the supply valve as a substitute for the fluid pressure brake operating signal originating from the source.

Abstract: In order to adapt the brake force of a towed vehicle or trailer in an optimal fashion, it is necessary to know the coupling forces between the towing vehicle and the trailer or towed vehicle. One prerequisite for determining this coupling force is the knowledge of the total mass of the vehicle. This total mass is determined from an energy balance that contains the variables of the speed, a parameter of the brake energy and one parameter of the driving energy which are provided by systems that already exist in the motor vehicle. For this purpose, three energy balances are established at three different times, with the total mass of the motor vehicle and the slope of the road being determined from the three energy balances. A trailer brake valve subsequently is adjusted depending on the vehicle mass.

Abstract: In a method of controlling an anti-skid brake system for a vehicle having one modulator and two wheel speed sensors for each axle, when the vehicle brakes during running, for example, on a split road where surface friction coefficients on the right and left surfaces of the road are greatly different from each other or on a curved road where torque values of the right and left wheels are quite different from each other, in case that one of the right and left wheels which is lower torque is set in a pressure reducing mode while the other wheel which is higher torque of the road is in a normal service braking state, a retaining mode or a slow pressure reducing mode is selected to the braking pressure of the right and left wheels. Therefore, when the conditions of the right and left wheel are quite different from each other as mentioned above, the braking pressure is retained or is intensified slowly so as to secure its braking force and thereby shorten the braking distance of the vehicle.