Abstract: A device for implement localization on an agricultural tractor includes a first tractor-side transponder and a second tractor-side transponder. The first tractor-side transponder includes a first transmission and reception region corresponding with a first mechanical implement interface located on the agricultural tractor, and the second tractor-side transponder includes a second transmission and reception region corresponding with a second mechanical implement interface located on the agricultural tractor. An implement-side transponder is in communication with the first and second tractor-side transponders. Each of the first and second tractor-side transponders transmits a separate position identifier to the implement-side transponder via one of the first or second transmission and reception region, and the position identifier is transmitted back to the respective first or second tractor-side transponder.

Abstract: An electronic brake system for a trailer with a pneumatic brake installation is disclosed. The electronic brake system comprises a brake controller (18) in the trailer (11) connected to a first communication device (20) that is part of a first communication channel (23) for wirelessly receiving brake signals of a towing vehicle (10). The electronic brake system also comprises a second communication channel for receiving brake signals of the towing vehicle. The brake controller (18) converts the brake signals of the first communication channel (23) into brake commands for the pneumatic brake installation only if brake signals arrive via the second communication channel (24) at the same time or within a defined time window. The time window begins as soon as a brake signal arrives on one of the first and second communication channels (23, 24).

Abstract: A control system that steers a tractor vehicle with a trailer has at least one electronic control unit which has interfaces to a first sensor device for sensing the current bend angle, a second sensor device for sensing the required driving space of the tractor-trailer combination, and a third sensor device for sensing the driving space which is present. The control unit also has a collision prediction unit for comparing the required driving space with the driving space which is present while taking into account the current bend angle, and a collision prevention unit which determines, through interaction with the collision prediction unit, a bend angle which is the maximum permissible one for preventing a collision. The collision prevention unit indicates a setting of a bend angle which exceeds the maximum permissible bend angle as critical in terms of a collision and prevents the setting or permits it only after a predefined delay.

Abstract: A measurement device for a traction pin of a semi-trailer has a first laser scanner, a second laser scanner and an estimation module. The first laser scanner is installed at the front of a driving direction of a semi-trailer and has a scanning surface parallel to the driving direction of the semi-trailer. The second laser scanner is installed at a side of the driving direction of the semi-trailer and has a scanning surface perpendicular to the driving direction of the semi-trailer. The first laser scanner is at a distance from the ground in accordance with a first predetermined height greater than a maximum allowed height of a semi-trailer to be measured. The second laser scanner is at a distance from the ground in accordance with a second predetermined height less than the maximum allowed height so as to allow the second laser scanner to detect a traction pin of the semi-trailer.

Abstract: A method and system of pairing a receiving device to an external communications interface to create an enforceable positive dynamic boundary and geolocation system is disclosed. The method and system utilizes wireless capabilities to interface with an external cellular or satellite device to uniquely integrate mobile static and dynamic boundary enforcement with geolocation capabilities.

Abstract: A method is provided for direction-adaptive signaling, particularly by a vehicle. The method displays a graphical message, wherein the graphical message is visible from outside the vehicle and is visible essentially only from one spatial angle. At least one angle parameter of the spatial angle is altered during display of the graphical message.

Abstract: A trailer-detection system includes a radar-sensor, a camera, and a controller. The radar-sensor is used to determine a range, and an azimuth-angle, of a radar-signal reflected by a feature of trailer towed by a host-vehicle. The camera is used to capture an image of the trailer. The controller is in communication with the radar-sensor and the camera. The controller is configured to determine a position in the image of a viewable-feature of the trailer, determine a trailer-width and a trailer-height of the trailer based on the position and a range and azimuth-angle to the viewable-feature indicated by the radar-sensor, and optionally determine the trailer-length based on the range and azimuth-angle of the radar-signal reflected by a hidden-feature.

Abstract: Systems and methods of automatically operating a vehicle's hazards lights are provided. The speed of vehicle can be determined. When the speed of the vehicle is compared to an expected speed of the vehicle given various operating conditions, e.g., the output of the vehicle's engine (engine RPM) or motor (motor rotation), is slower than expected, it is assumed that the vehicle is towing a load. When the vehicle is towing a load and is also traveling at a speed that is substantially slower than the flow of traffic, a current speed limit, etc., a determination can be made to automatically activate the vehicle's hazard lights. Alternatively, even if the vehicle is towing a load, but is traveling at a speed that does not warrant activation of the vehicle's hazard lights, the hazard lights may be automatically deactivated.

Abstract: A vehicle plug for transmitting power and signals between a vehicle and a trailer includes a power conductor and one or more video signal conductors. The power conductor is configured to provide power to one or more electrical components of the trailer, the one or more electrical components of the trailer includes one or more video cameras. The one or more video signal conductors are configured to receive video signals from the one or more video cameras of the trailer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of apparatus and method for providing an operator of a vehicle with output from at least one detector associated with the vehicle. According to one embodiment, at least one detector is operatively associated with a vehicle. At least one parameter of the vehicle is monitored with the at least one detector operatively associated with the vehicle. Output is generated with the at least one detector. The operator of the vehicle is provided with the output of the at least one detector such that operator distraction is not increased.

Abstract: Various examples of a controller, method and system for monitoring a tractor-trailer vehicle train are disclosed. In one example a tractor controller is manually-initiated or a user-initiated tractor controller and includes an electrical control port for receiving an electrical sync signal and an electrical start signal, and a communications port for receiving data. A processing unit of the tractor controller includes control logic and is in communication with the electrical control port. The control logic is capable of receiving a data signal at the communications port which includes a time value and a unique identification which corresponds to the towed vehicle in response to the electrical start signal. At a predetermined response time, the tractor controller determines the position of the towed vehicle in the tractor-trailer vehicle train based on the data received from the towed vehicles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying an attitude of a vehicle are disclosed. A user selects a trailer mode for a vehicle body. The selected trailer mode has a corresponding configuration. The vehicle determines one or more features about a trailer based on the selected trailer mode. The vehicle determines a location of a trailer hitch needed to achieve the configuration corresponding to the selected trailer mode. The location is based on the one or more features about the trailer. The vehicle actuates at least one active component in the vehicle's active suspension system to change the attitude of the vehicle body so as to cause the trailer hitch to be located in the determined location thereby causing the vehicle body to be in the selected trailer mode.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle while the vehicle is backing up with a trailer attached thereto. The vehicle may include a brake system and a power train system. The method includes determining a trailer yaw rate, and estimating a modified trailer curvature. The modified trailer curvature comprises a ratio of the trailer yaw rate to the vehicle speed. The method further includes determining a maximum allowable vehicle speed as a function of modified trailer curvature utilizing predefined criteria that defines a maximum allowable vehicle speed for a given modified trailer curvature. The method further includes limiting the vehicle speed such that the maximum allowable vehicle speed is not exceeded.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes an input receiving a backing command and outputting a control signal based thereon. A controller receives the control signal, generates a vehicle steering command based on the control signal, and determines a length of a recovery period based on the control signal. The system also includes an interface outputting an indication of the length of the recovery period.

Abstract: An apparatus including a security system that protects a secure geographic area of a home, a WiFi access point within the home coupled to the security system, a portable wireless device that detects the WiFi access point and matches an identifier of the WiFi access point with a reference identifier and the portable wireless device automatically downloading one or more instructions to the security system through the WiFi access point.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a vicinity information detection sensor, comprising: an apron upper member arranged along a vehicle front-and-rear direction at a vehicle width direction outer side of a vehicle front portion; and a vicinity information detection sensor equipped with a detection unit that detects vicinity information of the vehicle, the vicinity information detection sensor being mounted to the apron upper member, directly or via a bracket, such that the detection unit is oriented to the vehicle outer side.

Abstract: A method comprises: a preliminary phase wherein a vehicle is aligned to be engaged toward a target position; a first phase wherein a reference trajectory is generated as a function of the status and target position of the vehicle, the status defined by the current position and orientation of the vehicle; a second phase wherein the reference trajectory being divided into sections, at the start of each section and before the vehicle begins a movement whether the reference trajectory can be followed is predicted as a function of imposed overall size constraints and estimated lateral and/or longitudinal slippages; a third phase, if the trajectory can be followed, wherein the turn angle of the wheels and the linear traction speed of the vehicle are controlled as a function of the status of the vehicle and the lateral and/or longitudinal slippages, to bring the centers of the wheels onto the reference trajectory.

Abstract: A method for formulating a knowledge database of object images acquired by an imaging device furnished with a sensor, including defining N classes each including a set of objects represented by a label and a set of characteristics, learning decision rules associated with these classes, definition of K contextual information cues regarding image background fk, with k varying from 1 to K and K>1, association of one of these information cues regarding image background fk with each object, allotting of the objects into M new classes, with N<M?K×N, each including a set of objects represented by a new label including an old label and one of said information cues regarding image background fk and the set of characteristics of these objects, definition for each background fk of a subset Qk of these M classes associated with this image background, learning of decision rules for each of these subsets Qk.

Abstract: A method for providing a warning that a trailer being towed by a vehicle will cross out of a travel lane when in a curve for the current vehicle path prior to the vehicle entering the curve. The method determines that the vehicle is approaching the curve, determines a radius of curvature of the curve, determines a lane width of the travel lane, and identifying a length of the trailer. The method also determines a predicted steering angle of the vehicle necessary to follow the radius of curvature of the curve, a turn radius of the vehicle for traveling through the curve using the predicted steering angle, and a turn radius of the trailer using the turn radius of the vehicle. The method then determines whether the trailer will cross out of the travel lane based on the curvature of the curve and the turn radius of the trailer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided and include light source projectors with positional actuators mounted on a subject vehicle. A controller controls the light source projectors and the positional actuators to project at least one laser line on a roadway upon which the subject vehicle is traveling. A location of the at least one laser line corresponds to at least one blind spot alert area of the subject vehicle.

Abstract: A blind spot warning apparatus, system and method provide for an electrically-actuated blind spot detection sensor that is electronically or wirelessly connected to a programmable logic controller (“PLC”). The PLC is then electronically or wirelessly connected to at least one electrically-actuated light-emitting fixture that can be affixed to the exterior surface of a first vehicle. The light fixture is positioned to be easily visualized by the driver of a second vehicle. Visualization is accomplished by using letters, words, symbols or other warning indicia within the fixture to convey a visual warning to the driver of the second vehicle. Light fixture actuation is controlled by the PLC as to both the position of the second vehicle relative to the first vehicle and to the amount of time that the second vehicle remains in a particular blind spot position as detected by the detection sensor and processed via the PLC.

Abstract: A dynamic calibration method for calibrating a trailer angle detection system of a vehicle towing a trailer includes providing cameras configured to be disposed at the vehicle so as to have respective fields of view. Image data captured by at least some of the cameras is processed as the vehicle is driven forwardly and towing the trailer. A location of a portion of the trailer is determined via processing of captured image data. Responsive at least in part to processing of captured image data, a plurality of trailer parameters and vehicle-trailer interface parameters are determined. The plurality of trailer parameters and vehicle-trailer interface parameters are determined while the vehicle is driven forwardly and towing the trailer. The trailer angle detection system of the vehicle is calibrated responsive to determination that the trailer portion is not where the system expects it to be when the vehicle is traveling straight forward.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle and trailer assembly comprises obtaining an image for a current position of the vehicle and trailer assembly from a GPS system. The image is displayed on a display screen and a location is selected to indicate a desired final position for the vehicle and trailer assembly. An intended trailer backing path is determined with the desired final position of the vehicle and trailer assembly and a predicted trailer backing path is determined based upon a steering angle of the vehicle and an angle between the vehicle and the trailer. The predicted trailer backing path and the intended trailer backing path are displayed on the display screen to assist the operator in steering the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for implementing strobing of existing vehicle hazard lights including an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to receive input to an existing vehicle flasher module, a strobing circuit that responds to an activation signal from the vehicle wiring harness that is indicative of a hazard flasher deployment event by producing an electrical output having a strobing pattern that is perceptibly faster than a cycle of existing vehicle signal lights, and an OR circuit having two inputs, one of which accepts the electrical output from the strobing circuit and another of which intercepts output to an existing auxiliary vehicle lamp that is not otherwise activated with existing vehicle flashers or signal lights.

Abstract: A lighting device for a motor vehicle includes one or more lighting units, herein during operation a respective lighting unit generates a point-shaped light source via laser light. In addition, optical device is configured and arranged with respect to the lighting unit or lighting units in such a way that a predetermined distribution of light composed of the light of the point-shaped light source is generated after it passes through the optical device.

Abstract: One or more systems, devices, and/or methods for generating a map including path side data include storing path side data referenced to three-dimensional geographic coordinates. The path side data may be optical data or optical data modified based on one or more panoramic images. The path side data is combined with map data received from a map database. The map data includes nodes and segments. A processor rotates the path side data based on one of the segments. The rotation may be about the segment or about a featured identified in the optical data. The path side data overlaid on the map data is outputted to a display, a file, or another device.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for a modular communication system for use in a tractor trailer to monitor and/or control various components associated within the trailer. In one particular embodiment, the communication system includes encryption/decryption controller boards configured to encrypt/encode messages or signals received at the boards for transmission along a transmission media between the front controller board and rear controller board. Further, one or both of the controller boards may be configured to decrypt/decode messages or signals received at the boards from the other controller board and perform a function in response to the decrypted message. The communication system may also integrate and communicate with several modules within or associated with the trailer, such as sensors, locators, or communication mechanisms.

Abstract: A system for implementing strobing of existing vehicle hazard lights including an interface to a vehicle wiring harness configured to receive input to an existing vehicle flasher module, and a strobing circuit that responds to an activation signal from the vehicle wiring harness that is indicative of a hazard flasher deployment event by producing an electrical output through the interface to the vehicle wiring harness that causes a strobing of existing vehicle hazard lamps.

Abstract: A lamp holder for receiving a lamp including a LED, the lamp holder including locking cams radially extending from a lamp base; a central heat conducting element; a lamp holder housing component that is attachable by fasteners at a light fixture component; a central cut-out for receiving the lamp base, wherein the cutout is enclosed by a lamp holder housing wall which is provided with insertion grooves which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the light fixture component; locking grooves respectively originating from the insertion grooves which locking grooves are oriented parallel to the light fixture component for receiving the locking cams extending from the lamp base; and at least one spring element, wherein the holder housing component including the locking grooves is liftable against a spring force of the at least one spring element through an insertion and rotation movement when inserting and locking the lamp.

Abstract: A system is provided for supporting lane assist functions for a vehicle towing a trailer. The system includes performing lane departure warning and lane centering assist functions that operate differently when the presence of a trailer is detected. The system warns the driver if either the vehicle or trailer will depart the lane, using different warnings for the vehicle and trailer. The system further provides lane centering assist functions that operate to center the vehicle and trailer together. Corresponding methods are also provided.

Abstract: A level indicator device is disclosed for use in conjunction with a road vehicle such as a caravan, trailer, motor home or mobile crane and which comprises an electrically energized level sensor that is arranged to provide an output signal that is representative of a prevailing level of the sensor, a signal generator associated with the sensor and arranged in use to generate a signal that is representative of a substantially horizontal level when that level is sensed to prevail by the sensor. A radiofrequency signal transmitter is located in circuit with the signal generator and is arranged to transmit a radiofrequency signal that is modulated by the signal generated by the signal generator, and a remote receiver is provide and is arranged to receive and demodulate the radiofrequency signal. In one embodiment of the level indicator device the level sensor comprises a MEMS accelerometer that measures G-force in plural axes.

Abstract: A controller and control method assists a driver with backing up of a vehicle with an attached trailer. The vehicle has a front axle with steerable front wheels controlled by the driver and a rear axle with non-steerable rear wheels. The trailer has a front axle with non-steerable front wheels and a rear axle with steerable rear wheels controlled by a trailer steering controller. The controller receives an operator-controlled vehicle steering angle and a measured hitch angle. The controller determines a trailer steering angle based on the operator-controller vehicle steering angle and the measured hitch angle. The controller continuously controls the trailer (e.g., via a steering angle of the rear wheels) to maintain a trajectory with substantially no lateral slippage.

Abstract: A function executing device may obtain any of a plurality of screen information from a server, and display a screen represented by the obtained screen information. The function executing device may store in a device-side memory two or more code information corresponding to two or more character strings for displaying a first screen in a case where a creation instruction for creating a shortcut corresponding to the first screen is given, and supply the two or more code information within the device-side memory to the server in a case where a selection instruction for selecting the shortcut is given. In a case where the two or more code information is supplied to the server, the function executing device may obtain first screen information that represents the first screen from the server, and display the first screen represented by the obtained first screen information.

Abstract: A method of identifying a trailer with a vehicle includes a step of transmitting a unique identifier with a wireless transmitter attached to the trailer. The wireless transmitter may be housed as part of a sensor module with a sensor that senses a parameter of the trailer for operating a trailer backup assist system. The housing of the sensor module may be adapted to be removably attached to the trailer. The unique identifier emitted by the wireless transmitter is received with a wireless receiver on the vehicle. After the unique identifier is recognized by a controller on the vehicle, a parameter of the trailer may be accessed for autonomously guiding the trailer along a desired backing path.

Abstract: The landing gear elevator includes a motor that is configured to connect with a trailer landing gear rod in order to raise and lower the respective tractor-trailer. The motor includes a rechargeable powering member coupled thereto in order to remotely power the motor. The motor includes a plurality of handles to provide a variety of gripping locales when in use. The motor is coupled to a gear reducer in order to exchange rpm for torque needed to raise and lower the tractor-trailer landing gear. The gear reducer includes a drive shaft that connects with a drive coupling. The drive coupling is configured to attach and lock itself to the trailer landing gear rod. A power/speed control switch provides optional output of the motor and gear reducer.

Abstract: A data processor determines a position solution or selects a position solution from a first position solution and a second position solution based on a comparison between the turning radius at a hitch point, Rp, and the tongue length, where Rp=Vp/(?????), where Vp is a velocity at the hitch point, ?? is the vehicle yaw rate, and ?? is the change in a vehicle slip angle. A trailer position of a trailer is estimated in accordance with a position solution (e.g., determined or selected position solution) based on the determined vehicle heading, the hitch length, and the tongue length.

Abstract: Various examples of a controller, method and system for monitoring a tractor-trailer vehicle train are disclosed. In one example a tractor controller is manually-initiated or a user-initiated tractor controller and includes an electrical control port for receiving an electrical sync signal and an electrical start signal, and a communications port for receiving data. A processing unit of the tractor controller includes control logic and is in communication with the electrical control port. The control logic is capable of receiving a data signal at the communications port which includes a time value and a unique identification which corresponds to the towed vehicle in response to the electrical start signal. At a predetermined response time, the tractor controller determines the position of the towed vehicle in the tractor-trailer vehicle train based on the data received from the towed vehicles.

Abstract: A driver assistance method and system senses the presence of a trailer secured to a host vehicle and provides an indication thereof. When a yaw rate for the vehicle exceeds a predetermined value during turning of the host vehicle, the system determines the length of the trailer. To determine trailer length, reflection points from an output of a rear sensor unit are sensed to detect a side wall of the trailer. The farthest reflection point of the trailer is utilized to determine a longitudinal distance and a transverse distance of the trailer with respect to the reflection sensor. The longitudinal distance corresponds to a longitudinal axis of the host vehicle and the transverse axis is transverse to the longitudinal axis. The trailer length is estimated from the yaw rate that provides a trailer angle relative to the host vehicle, and the longitudinal and transverse distances.

Abstract: A trailer backup steering input apparatus provides a trailer steering information signal to a trailer backup assist control module of a vehicle through a signal interface thereof. The trailer steering information signal is configured for enabling the trailer backup assist control module to generate electrical steering commands for a steering system of the vehicle as a function of the trailer steering information signal. The trailer backup steering input apparatus is self-contained and physically detachable/detached form the vehicle. Advantageously, such a trailer backup steering input apparatus saves space, allows for greater flexibility with interior styling of the vehicle, and allows all drivers regardless of stature the ability to have the trailer backup steering input apparatus easily accessible while utilizing the trailer backup assist functionality of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting passenger cars has an adjustable loading ramp for loading and unloading passenger cars. The loading ramp can be placed in at least two positions. One position is a travel position and is to be set when the passenger car transport is traveling. The passenger car transport also has an electronic monitoring system that includes at least one monitoring sensor operable to sense whether the loading ramp is in the travel position. The electronic monitoring system employs monitoring electronics configured to evaluate the signals of the monitoring sensor and to transmit to a display device corresponding information indicating whether or not the loading ramp is in the travel position.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle. At least one transport device is rigidly connected to the motor vehicle in an outer region, an object is fastened to the transport device and the motor vehicle includes, but is not limited to a sensor. The one transport device in a state in which it is connected to the motor vehicle is partially arranged within a recording range of the sensor. The method includes, but is not limited to determining whether one object is fastened to the transport device takes place based on data determined by the at least one sensor. In the event that it is determined that the object is fastened to the transport device, determining of at least one parameter takes place. The parameter characterizes a possible disconnecting of the one object from the transport device, based on data determined by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is a guidance computing system used by the driver of a vehicle towing a trailer while backing-up that rapidly calculates and predicts the direction in which the tow vehicle and trailer will become generally in-line for a given position of the steering wheel, thereby enabling the use of slower, lower cost microcomputers. This is accomplished by using a predetermined table, based on a baseline trailer of known length, having a measure of turning as one of its axes; such an axis is necessary to facilitate ratiometric scaling to convert table values to correspond to any length trailer. In a specially equipped vehicle incorporating servomechanisms to enable the vehicle to steer itself, the driver indicates the direction desired for the trailer to travel. The present invention also predicts left and right path limits for controlling the direction of the trailer when maneuvering complex paths.

Abstract: A hitch ball assembly includes a hitch ball supported on a housing, a bore within the hitch ball and housing, and a pin rotatable with respect to the hitch ball and housing. The pin is configured to engage a trailer coupler and rotate therewith. An angle sensor measures rotation of the pin to determine rotational movement of the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer backup assist system and method includes a hitch angle detection apparatus and a target monitor controller. The target monitor controller processes images acquired of the trailer towed by a towing vehicle to assist with placement of a target on the trailer. The target monitor controller also monitors the target and provides feedback to the user as to proper positioning of the target on the trailer. A target move detection routine detects movement of a target by processing the pixels of the image to determine if a new trailer has been connected. Further, a trailer connection monitoring routine monitors for a changed trailer based on loss of the hitch angle or target for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A status monitoring circuit for monitoring the status of an external device coupled to an electrical system of a vehicle, the status monitoring device including a sensing unit coupled to the external device and configured to sense an input voltage and an input current at the external device, a monitoring unit coupled to the sensing unit and configured to determine a normal operation of the external device based on the sensed input voltage, and, in response, to detect an undercurrent condition of the external device based on the sensed input current, and a status indicator coupled to the monitoring unit and configured to display a fault indication in response to the monitoring unit detecting the undercurrent condition.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating a heading angle for a trailer that is being backed by a vehicle. A trailer backup assist control module, in communication with a hitch angle detecting apparatus, receives a hitch angle and determines displacement of left and right vehicle wheels using information supplied by vehicle wheel speed sensors while the vehicle is backing the trailer. A vehicle heading angle is determined using left and right wheel displacement information and a known vehicle track width. A trailer heading angle is then calculated using the vehicle heading angle and the hitch angle.

Abstract: A system and method for associating a vehicle and vehicle trailer is described. The system comprises one or more sensors that transmit information wirelessly to a tractor display unit. The tractor display unit determines whether the sensor is associated with a trailer to which it is connected and filters out messages from sensors that are not associated with its trailer. To determine which sensors are associated with its trailer, a processor in the tractor display unit synchronizes the reception of sensor messages with the reception of a synchronizing signal, such as a signal generated by operating an auxiliary power system, turn signal, or brake.

Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for a temporary mobility kit for use in a vehicle having a tire pressure monitoring system. A tire sealant containing temporary mobility kit is fittable within the vehicle. A controller coupled to the temporary mobility kit and the tire pressure monitoring system will generate a service warning signal for the temporary mobility kit in response to information provided by the tire pressure monitoring system. The service warning signal will be provided at a message center in the vehicle to apprise the driver of the need to service the temporary mobility kit. The status indicator and reminder system may also utilize inputs from a power load monitor and a trailer brake controller system to generate and display a service warning signal at the message center.

Abstract: A vehicle automatic networking apparatus with a first component and a second replaceable component includes a first identity recognition module on the first component and a second identity recognition module on the second component. The second module in a networking mode transmits a low frequency wake up signal through a low frequency signal transmission circuit to wake up the first module. A first identity recognition module low frequency sensor circuit senses the low frequency wake up signal, and responds by transmitting an identity code of the first component through a low frequency signal transmission circuit. A second module low frequency signal receiving circuit receives and stores the first component identity code. In a following data transmission, the second module sends data with the identity code, and a first component receiving apparatus identifies it. The first and second modules are both located rearward of a second component connection hitch.

Abstract: A new portable, self-contained device for testing the full cycle of trailer light modes without additional manual actuation by the user and for identifying where and what type of specific error occurred, if any are detected. The inventive device generally comprises a compact portable housing with a fixedly attached handle and a removable housing top. Within the compact portable housing is a self-contained, rechargeable 12 volt power source to power all functionality over a sustained period of time. Also within the compact portable housing is a light mode control means that allows the device to cycle through multiple light modes for testing, and an error detection analysis means that indicates where and what type of fault is detected.