Abstract: A trailer monitoring system for monitoring a trailer having at least one trailer sensor has a bridge integrator unit, configured to couple with the trailer, including a wireless data transceiver electrically coupled with a microcontroller and capable of wirelessly communicating data over a short-range wireless protocol; the bridge integrator unit receives data existing in a first messaging format that is compatible with and used by one or more trailer sensors via a short-range wireless protocol, extracts the data, encodes the data into a second messaging format that is compatible with a master control unit having a telematic data transceiver capable of cellular data communications, and transmits the data in the second messaging format from the bridge integrator unit to the master control unit via a short-range wireless protocol.

Abstract: A trailer monitoring system for monitoring a trailer having at least one trailer sensor has a bridge integrator unit, configured to couple with the trailer, including a wireless data transceiver electrically coupled with a microcontroller and capable of wirelessly communicating data over a short-range wireless protocol; the bridge integrator unit receives data existing in a first messaging format that is compatible with and used by one or more trailer sensors via a short-range wireless protocol, extracts the data, encodes the data into a second messaging format that is compatible with a master control unit having a telematic data transceiver capable of cellular data communications, and transmits the data in the second messaging format from the bridge integrator unit to the master control unit via a short-range wireless protocol.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a swivel connector assembly and method of securing a swivel connector assembly to a tractor-trailer system comprising a non-rigid, movable socket to reduce stress on the connection interface when a tractor makes a turn. The axis of the socket follows and approximates the axis of the tractor as the electrical cord stretches, while the swivel connector assembly provides more than a single axis of rotation to accommodate multiple angles of cord movement. The swivel connector assembly provides at least two separate and distinct rotation axes for the socket.

Abstract: A bridge integrator unit is part of a telematics system integrated with vehicular communications, and extending in various fields of telematics. The system has the capability to accept information from several means of transmission, specifically acting as a communications hub to take in various transmissions, including those that cannot be directly broadcast to a master control unit or microcontroller.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer includes a plurality of wireless sensors mounted to a trailer for monitoring conditions of the trailer; a master control unit attached to an outside surface of the trailer for receiving messages from the plurality of sensors, said master control unit including a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module for communicating with a central tracking computer via a cellular data network interfaced to the Internet, a local wireless network master transceiver module in wireless communication with the plurality of wireless sensors, and a microcontroller for controlling said local wireless network master transceiver module to periodically obtain sensor data from said wireless sensors and for controlling said cellular data transceiver module to transmit said location and sensor data; and a user interface for receiving user initiated inquires including alert requests or alert parameters and for displaying alerts including trailer status.

Abstract: A light failure detection system with pre-trip inspection for use in a vehicle having a plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices includes a plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and plurality of current monitoring circuits for measuring the voltage and current draw of a plurality of lighting circuits. The system includes a pre-trip inspection mode for sequentially activating a plurality of lighting circuits and allowing inspection of the plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer includes a plurality of wireless sensors mounted to a trailer for monitoring conditions of the trailer; a master control unit attached to an outside surface of the trailer for receiving messages from the plurality of sensors, said master control unit including a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module for communicating with a central tracking computer via a cellular data network interfaced to the Internet, a local wireless network master transceiver module in wireless communication with the plurality of wireless sensors, and a microcontroller for controlling said local wireless network master transceiver module to periodically obtain sensor data from said wireless sensors and for controlling said cellular data transceiver module to transmit said location and sensor data; and a user interface for receiving user initiated inquires including alert requests or alert parameters and for displaying alerts including trailer status.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer having a plurality of light emitting diode devices includes a master control unit attached to an outside surface of the trailer. The master control unit includes a solar panel, a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module for communicating with a central tracking computer via a cellular data network interfaced to the Internet, and a local wireless network master transceiver module in wireless communication with a plurality of wireless sensors and a light out detection system. A microcontroller is provided for controlling the local wireless network master transceiver module to periodically obtain sensor data from the wireless sensors and light out detection system, and for controlling the cellular data transceiver module to transmit the location and the sensor data to the central tracking computer for storage in the tracking database.

Abstract: A light failure detection system for use in a vehicle having a plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices includes a plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and plurality of current monitoring circuits for measuring the voltage and current draw of a plurality of lighting circuits. A voltage drop circuit enabling the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to measure current and voltage at an adjusted input voltage is also provided. The system a learn mode for monitoring the lighting circuits with the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to determine threshold voltage and current levels for the lighting circuits. An adjusted threshold current, based on a voltage sensitivity and a sensed temperature, is calculated and a fault is indicated when a measured current is above or below the adjusted threshold current by a predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a swivel connector assembly and method of securing a swivel connector assembly to a tractor-trailer system comprising a non-rigid, movable socket to reduce stress on the connection interface when a tractor makes a turn. The axis of the socket follows and approximates the axis of the tractor as the electrical cord stretches, while the swivel connector assembly provides more than a single axis of rotation to accommodate multiple angles of cord movement. The swivel connector assembly provides at least two separate and distinct rotation axes for the socket.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a trailer having a plurality of light emitting diode devices includes a master control unit attached to an outside surface of the trailer. The master control unit includes a solar panel, a GPS receiver module, a cellular data transceiver module for communicating with a central tracking computer via a cellular data network interfaced to the Internet, and a local wireless network master transceiver module in wireless communication with a plurality of wireless sensors and a light out detection system. A microcontroller is provided for controlling the local wireless network master transceiver module to periodically obtain sensor data from the wireless sensors and light out detection system, and for controlling the cellular data transceiver module to transmit the location and the sensor data to the central tracking computer for storage in the tracking database.

Abstract: A light failure detection system with pre-trip inspection for use in a vehicle having a plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices includes a plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and plurality of current monitoring circuits for measuring the voltage and current draw of a plurality of lighting circuits. The system includes a pre-trip inspection mode for sequentially activating a plurality of lighting circuits and allowing inspection of the plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices.

Abstract: A replacement lamp assembly for replacing a vehicle lamp that has been broken out leaving at least one cylindrical lamp flange is provided. The replacement lamp assembly includes a vehicle lamp having a housing with a base, a lens and an interior portion with at least one light source positioned therein and an attachment member. The attachment member includes an upper lamp retaining section having a first cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface, a second cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface spaced apart from the first cylindrical wall and connected thereto by an upper edge, wherein a lower end of second cylindrical wall abuts the at least one flange. A mounting section is formed integral with the lamp retaining section and includes a third cylindrical wall with an inner surface and an outer surface.

Abstract: A light failure detection system for use in a vehicle having a plurality of light emitting diode lighting devices includes a plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and plurality of current monitoring circuits for measuring the voltage and current draw of a plurality of lighting circuits. A voltage drop circuit enabling the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to measure current and voltage at an adjusted input voltage is also provided. The system a learn mode for monitoring the lighting circuits with the plurality of voltage level monitoring circuits and the plurality of current monitoring circuits to determine threshold voltage and current levels for the lighting circuits. An adjusted threshold current, based on a voltage sensitivity and a sensed temperature, is calculated and a fault is indicated when a measured current is above or below the adjusted threshold current by a predetermined value.

Abstract: A marker lamp for vehicles that combines a global positioning system (GPS) antenna and a cellular antenna. The marker lamp uses light emitting diodes as light sources. The lens of the present invention utilizes two sets of optical elements, one set collimates and spread the light from the light emitting diodes and the second set reflects light from outside sources. Both sets of optics contribute to produce a marker lamp with the required light intensity and distribution according to industry standards. The marker lamp conceals a GPS antenna and/or a cellular antenna to help track and direct the vehicle during travel and to facilitate communication with the vehicle operator. The GPS tracking system and cellular components are at least partially by the marker lamp.