Abstract: A system for determining vehicle direction includes an active wheel speed sensor (aWSS), an exciter ring for inducing a change in a signal from the aWSS and a controller. The controller receives a first series of signals from the aWSS, compares them to an array of predefined signals and determines the direction of travel based on the first series of signals matching the array. The controller receives a second series of signals and determines the exciter ring has an anomaly in response to at least one signal in the second series of signals having a first variance. The controller updates the array of predefined signals to include a representation of the first variance to create an array of updated signals. The controller determines the direction of travel based on a subsequent series of signals matching one of the array of predefined signals and the array of updated signals.

Abstract: An installation system for an associated housing includes a sensor and a tool. The sensor includes: a barrel portion, a sensing end of the barrel portion, a non-sensing end of the barrel portion, an over-mold portion at the non-sensing end, and a wire extending from the non-sensing end. The tool includes a handle and an applicator secured to the handle. The applicator includes a first applicator portion, a second applicator portion, and a channel. When the over-mold portion of the sensor is proximate to a channel opening and the channel opening is blindly inserted into the associated housing opening, a force applied to the handle along an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle frictionally seats the sensor in the associated housing.

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

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a vehicle subsystem are provided. The control system includes a remote parameter sensor configured to generate a remote parameter signal indicative of a value of a universal parameter associated with an environment in which a vehicle is operating. The system further includes a local parameter sensor configured to generate a local parameter signal indicative of the value of the universal parameter and a local controller. The controller is configured to receive the local parameter signal along a first signal path, receive the remote parameter signal and a command signal configured for controlling a function of the vehicle subsystem along a second signal path, compare the local and remote parameter signals and implement the function of the vehicle subsystem responsive to the command signal if the remote parameter signal meets a predetermined condition relative to the local parameter signal.

Abstract: A system for determining vehicle direction includes an active wheel speed sensor (aWSS), an exciter ring for inducing a change in a signal from the aWSS and a controller. The controller receives a first series of signals from the aWSS, compares them to an array of predefined signals and determines the direction of travel based on the first series of signals matching the array. The controller receives a second series of signals and determines the exciter ring has an anomaly in response to at least one signal in the second series of signals having a first variance. The controller updates the array of predefined signals to include a representation of the first variance to create an array of updated signals. The controller determines the direction of travel based on a subsequent series of signals matching one of the array of predefined signals and the array of updated signals.

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

Abstract: An installation system for an associated housing includes a sensor and a tool. The sensor includes: a barrel portion, a sensing end of the barrel portion, a non-sensing end of the barrel portion, an over-mold portion at the non-sensing end, and a wire extending from the non-sensing end. The tool includes a handle and an applicator secured to the handle. The applicator includes a first applicator portion, a second applicator portion, and a channel. When the over-mold portion of the sensor is proximate to a channel opening and the channel opening is blindly inserted into the associated housing opening, a force applied to the handle along an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle frictionally seats the sensor in the associated housing.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor comprises a body, the body being overmolded and having a head zone and a coil zone. The wheel speed sensor also includes a cylindrical metallic canister fitted on the coil zone of the body, wherein the head zone has an equal or smaller diameter than the cylindrical metallic canister. The wheel speed sensor also comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends from the head zone. The wheel speed sensor is sized to be blindly insertable entirely through a bore in an associated mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle wheel brake are provided. The system includes one or more inertial sensors disposed within a handle coupled to, and configured for movement relative to, a fixed reference frame in the vehicle between a neutral position and one or more input positions. Each sensor generates an inertial measurement signal indicative of a value of an inertial measurement associated with movement of the handle and sensor between the neutral and input positions. A controller receives the signals, identifies a turning point in a rate of change of the value of one of the inertial measurement indicated by the signals, and generates an operator command signal when the value meets a predetermined condition. The operator command signal is configured to cause one of application or release of the wheel brake.

Abstract: An operator interface for a wheel brake control system in a vehicle includes a handle configured for coupling to a fixed reference frame in the vehicle. The handle is configured for movement relative to the fixed reference frame about a pivot axis between a neutral position and one or more input positions. One or more inertial sensors are disposed within the handle. Each sensor is configured to generate an inertial measurement signal indicative of a value of a corresponding inertial measurement associated with movement of the handle and the sensor between the neutral position and the input positions. A controller disposed within the handle is configured to generate an operator command signal responsive to the inertial measurement signals. The operator command signal is configured to cause application or release of a brake in the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor comprises a body, the body being overmolded and having a head zone and a coil zone. The wheel speed sensor also includes a cylindrical metallic canister fitted on the coil zone of the body, wherein the head zone has an equal or smaller diameter than the cylindrical metallic canister. The wheel speed sensor also comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends from the head zone. The wheel speed sensor is sized to be blindly insertable entirely through a bore in an associated mounting apparatus.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor assembly includes a sensor having a housing configured to be received within a bore in a mounting block such that the sensor is spaced from, and faces, an exciter ring and senses rotation of the exciter ring. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a key on a radially outer surface having first and second portions having different heights. The first portion is configured to be received within a first keyway that is formed in the mounting block and is in communication with the bore in the mounting block. A clamping sleeve is configured to secure the sensor within the bore in the mounting block. The clamping sleeve defines a bore configured to receive the housing of the sensor and a second keyway in communication with the bore in the clamping sleeve. The second portion of the key is received within the second keyway.

Abstract: A tractor controller for controlling trailer brake applications comprises an input for receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application and control logic. The control logic receives a signal indicating a trailer brake application is requested, compares the trailer brake signal to a predetermined signal profile, applies the trailer service brakes in response to the trailer brake signal meeting the signal profile and compares a duration of the trailer brake signal to first predetermined time. A warning is provided in response to the duration of the trailer brake signal being greater than a first predetermined time and the control logic discontinues the trailer service brake application in response to duration of trailer brake signal being greater than the second predetermined time.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the speed and direction of rotation of a wheel in a vehicle are provided. The system includes a tone wheel configured for rotation with the vehicle wheel and a wheel speed sensor facing the tone wheel. The sensor generates different pluralities of phase-shifted signals responsive to rotation of the tone wheel depending on the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel. A controller receives one of the pluralities of phase-shifted signals from the sensor, receives a direction signal indicative of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel from a source other than the sensor, and associates the plurality of phase-shifted signals with the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel indicated by the direction signal in a memory.

Abstract: A wheel speed sensor assembly includes a sensor having a housing configured to be received within a bore in a mounting block such that the sensor is spaced from, and faces, an exciter ring and senses rotation of the exciter ring. The housing extends along a longitudinal axis and defines a key on a radially outer surface having first and second portions having different heights. The first portion is configured to be received within a first keyway that is formed in the mounting block and is in communication with the bore in the mounting block. A clamping sleeve is configured to secure the sensor within the bore in the mounting block. The clamping sleeve defines a bore configured to receive the housing of the sensor and a second keyway in communication with the bore in the clamping sleeve. The second portion of the key is received within the second keyway.

Abstract: A tractor controller for controlling trailer brake applications comprises an input for receiving a signal indicative of a trailer brake application and control logic. The control logic receives a signal indicating a trailer brake application is requested, compares the trailer brake signal to a predetermined signal profile, applies the trailer service brakes in response to the trailer brake signal meeting the signal profile and compares a duration of the trailer brake signal to first predetermined time. A warning is provided in response to the duration of the trailer brake signal being greater than a first predetermined time and the control logic discontinues the trailer service brake application in response to duration of trailer brake signal being greater than the second predetermined time.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the speed and direction of rotation of a wheel in a vehicle are provided. The system includes a tone wheel configured for rotation with the vehicle wheel and a wheel speed sensor facing the tone wheel. The sensor generates different pluralities of phase-shifted signals responsive to rotation of the tone wheel depending on the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel. A controller receives one of the pluralities of phase-shifted signals from the sensor, receives a direction signal indicative of the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel from a source other than the sensor, and associates the plurality of phase-shifted signals with the direction of rotation of the vehicle wheel indicated by the direction signal in a memory.

Abstract: A control system and method for controlling a vehicle subsystem are provided. The control system includes a remote parameter sensor configured to generate a remote parameter signal indicative of a value of a universal parameter associated with an environment in which a vehicle is operating. The system further includes a local parameter sensor configured to generate a local parameter signal indicative of the value of the universal parameter and a local controller. The controller is configured to receive the local parameter signal along a first signal path, receive the remote parameter signal and a command signal configured for controlling a function of the vehicle subsystem along a second signal path, compare the local and remote parameter signals and implement the function of the vehicle subsystem responsive to the command signal if the remote parameter signal meets a predetermined condition relative to the local parameter signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a vehicle wheel brake are provided. The system includes one or more inertial sensors disposed within a handle coupled to, and configured for movement relative to, a fixed reference frame in the vehicle between a neutral position and one or more input positions. Each sensor generates an inertial measurement signal indicative of a value of an inertial measurement associated with movement of the handle and sensor between the neutral and input positions. A controller receives the signals, identifies a turning point in a rate of change of the value of one of the inertial measurement indicated by the signals, and generates an operator command signal when the value meets a predetermined condition. The operator command signal is configured to cause one of application or release of the wheel brake.