Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing self-contained brake release capabilities in a tractor trailer to facilitate autonomous movement of the trailer within a controlled environment such as in a yard, depot or other facility. Pressurized air is stored in a reservoir of the trailer while the trailer is in a stationary, parked position. Upon receipt of a wirelessly transmitted brake release command, a trailer controller circuit transitions a flow valve to interconnect the reservoir to a brake assembly to apply pressure sufficient to release the brake assembly and enable rolling movement of a wheel assembly of the trailer. In this way, a yard shifter or other transport vehicle can mechanically engage and move the trailer without the need to provide pressurized air or electrical power to the tractor trailer in order to release the brakes. Security protocols can be used to ensure the brake release operation is performed under authorized conditions.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a cargo transport unit frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the cargo transport unit frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the cargo transport unit frame, and a cargo transport unit health status system supported by the cargo transport unit and configured to communicate with the system controller. The cargo transport unit health status system provides state status information for monitored operational elements of the cargo transport unit.

Abstract: An inflation system can be configured for a rotary environment with a supply conduit passing through a rotary union to a hub. The hub can consist of a diaphragm contacting a force mechanism with the diaphragm separating the supply conduit from a lead conduit. The force mechanism may allow selective bi-directional fluid flow between the supply conduit and the lead conduit in response to fluid pressure that differs from a predetermined threshold pressure.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a vehicle frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the vehicle frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the vehicle frame, and a vehicle pairing circuit, the vehicle pairing circuit interacting with the system controller. The vehicle pairing circuit activated by the system controller in response to load detection data received by the system controller from the load detection device.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a vehicle frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the vehicle frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the vehicle frame, and a vehicle pairing circuit, the vehicle pairing circuit interacting with the system controller. The vehicle pairing circuit activated by the system controller in response to load detection data received by the system controller from the load detection device.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a cargo transport unit frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the cargo transport unit frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the cargo transport unit frame, and a cargo transport unit health status system supported by the cargo transport unit and configured to communicate with the system controller. The cargo transport unit health status system provides state status information for monitored operational elements of the cargo transport unit.

Abstract: A tire pressure management system includes at least an axle, which houses pressurized fluid, and is supported by a tire. A vehicle frame supported by the axle, by way of a suspension is disposed between frame and the axle. Also included is a pressure management controller (PMC) supported by the frame, which communicates with the tire. A load detection device (LDD) interacting with the suspension determines a value for a load supported by the suspension. The PMC provides at least a central processing unit (CPU) programmed with a lookup table that associates the value determined by the LDD with a predetermined pressure for the tire. The CPU directs an inflation, else a deflation of of the tire based on the determined value.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a vehicle frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the vehicle frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the vehicle frame, and a vehicle operational lighting system supported by the frame and communicating with the system controller. The vehicle operational lighting system is activated by the system controller in response to load detection data received by the system controller from the load detection device.

Abstract: A vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system includes at least an axle supporting a vehicle frame, a suspension disposed between and secured to each the vehicle frame and the axle, a load detection device interacting with the suspension and communicating with a system controller, wherein the system controller is supported by the vehicle frame, and a vehicle operational lighting system supported by the frame and communicating with the system controller. The vehicle operational lighting system is activated by the system controller in response to load detection data received by the system controller from the load detection device.

Abstract: In a vehicle door latch, a motion restriction device is coupled to an auxiliary pawl that is connected to the pawl of a ratchet and pawl combination. The auxiliary pawl must be actuated by one or more release levers in order to actuate the pawl and release the ratchet from a striker-containing position and open the latch. Because the only criterion for selectively prohibiting movement of the auxiliary pawl is its speed, it is possible to prevent the latch from unintentionally opening in a crash situation regardless of the direction the inertial forces of the crash are applied to the latch or the release levers therein or the outside or inside handles.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle closure panel, having at least three lock states all of which are achieved using a single control member. The control member may be movable to at least three positions to achieve the lock states. A single motor may be used to move the control member between the positions. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch that is movable to a safety locking position, wherein the inside and outside door levers are disabled and wherein the pawl is prevented from releasing the ratchet. The safety locking position may be used when the vehicle controller senses an impending crash or that a crash is occurring as a way of inhibiting inadvertent opening of the vehicle closure panel (e.g. a vehicle door).

Abstract: A motion restriction device is provided for selectively preventing movement of a structural member. The motion restriction device includes a container abutting against the structural member. The container is at least partially filled with a velocity-dependent material that transitions between a fluid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity below a predetermined threshold to permit movement thereof and a solid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity above a predetermined threshold to block movement thereof.

Abstract: A motion restriction device is provided for selectively preventing movement of a structural member. The motion restriction device includes a container abutting against the structural member. The container is at least partially filled with a velocity-dependent material that transitions between a fluid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity below a predetermined threshold to permit movement thereof and a solid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity above a predetermined threshold to block movement thereof.

Abstract: A motion restriction device is provided for selectively preventing movement of a structural member. The motion restriction device includes a container abutting against the structural member. The container is at least partially filled with a velocity-dependent material that transitions between a fluid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity below a predetermined threshold to permit movement thereof and a solid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity above a predetermined threshold to block movement thereof.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch for a vehicle closure panel, having at least three lock states all of which are achieved using a single control member. The control member may be movable to at least three positions to achieve the lock states. A single motor may be used to move the control member between the positions. In a second aspect, the invention is directed to a closure latch that is movable to a safety locking position, wherein the inside and outside door levers are disabled and wherein the pawl is prevented from releasing the ratchet. The safety locking position may be used when the vehicle controller senses an impending crash or that a crash is occurring as a way of inhibiting inadvertent opening of the vehicle closure panel (e.g. a vehicle door).

Abstract: In a vehicle door latch, a motion restriction device is coupled to an auxiliary pawl that is connected to the pawl of a ratchet and pawl combination. The auxiliary pawl must be actuated by one or more release levers in order to actuate the pawl and release the ratchet from a striker-containing position and open the latch. Because the only criterion for selectively prohibiting movement of the auxiliary pawl is its speed, it is possible to prevent the latch from unintentionally opening in a crash situation regardless of the direction the inertial forces of the crash are applied to the latch or the release levers therein or the outside or inside handles.

Abstract: A motion restriction device is provided for selectively preventing movement of a structural member. The motion restriction device includes a container abutting against the structural member. The container is at least partially filled with a velocity-dependent material that transitions between a fluid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity below a predetermined threshold to permit movement thereof and a solid-like state when the structural member moves at a velocity above a predetermined threshold to block movement thereof.

Abstract: A metal insert, in particular a threaded metal insert, adapted to be embedded in a receiving bore of a plastic part. The insert has a sleeve-like body member. At least one row of teeth projects from the peripheral surface of the body member, which teeth are circumferentially spaced with respect to each other. Each tooth is of a shape such that it diverges from a tooth front end in an axial direction and terminates in an end face extending transverse to said axial direction at a tooth terminal end. Between the teeth are gaps which taper in said axial direction while they remain open between said end faces of adjacent teeth. The teeth ensure that insertion forces for urging the insert into the plastic part are minimal, while resistance to withdrawal of the insert is maximal.