Abstract: A park brake controller with multiple communication channels and failsafe methods for use therewith are provided. In one embodiment, a park brake controller is provided comprising a plurality of transceivers. In response to at least one of the plurality of transceivers not being able to receive, from a communication network in a vehicle, a park brake request and vehicle sensor data, the park brake request and vehicle sensor data are sent in a different, more-robust form to be received by another one of the plurality of transceivers. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented herein for a panable camera with trailer length and object detection for vehicles equipped with cameras to supplement or replace mirrors commonly used today. In one embodiment, a vehicle controller is provided comprising: one or more processors; a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: cause a side-view camera on a tractor to capture image(s) of leading, lower, upper and/or trailing edges of a trailer coupled with the tractor; and estimate a length of the trailer based on the image(s) captured by the side-view camera. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A redundant parking brake apparatus is provided for a vehicle having components of a parking brake system. The redundant parking brake apparatus comprises a first parking brake controller arranged to (i) monitor a first signal indicative of a request to apply parking brakes of the vehicle, and (ii) provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brakes in response to receiving the first signal. The redundant parking brake apparatus also comprises a second parking brake controller arranged to (i) initiate a timer counter in response to receiving the first signal, and (ii) provide one or more control signals to be applied to components of the parking brake system to apply the parking brakes when the timer counter has reached a predetermined count.

Abstract: A park brake controller with multiple communication channels and failsafe methods for use therewith are provided. In one embodiment, a park brake controller is provided comprising a plurality of transceivers. In response to at least one of the plurality of transceivers not being able to receive, from a communication network in a vehicle, a park brake request and vehicle sensor data, the park brake request and vehicle sensor data are sent in a different, more-robust form to be received by another one of the plurality of transceivers. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented herein for trailer sway detection and mitigation using a camera mirror system. In one embodiment, a vehicle controller is provided comprising: one or more processors; a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium. When executed by the one or more processors, the program instructions cause the one or more processors to: monitor images captured by at least one image capture device to detect sway of a trailer being towed by a tractor; and in response to detecting sway of the trailer, cause a braking system to apply a brake to attempt to reduce to the sway of the trailer.

Abstract: Embodiments are presented for trailer sway detection and braking distribution using a camera mirror system. In one embodiment, a vehicle controller is provided comprising: one or more processors; a non-transitory computer-readable medium; and program instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: monitor images captured by at least one image capture device to detect sway of a plurality of trailers being towed by a tractor; estimate a relative weight of each of the plurality of trailers based on the detected sway; determine braking force to apply to each of the plurality of trailers based on the estimated relative weight of each of the plurality of trailers; and send an electronic signal to a braking system of each of the plurality of trailers to apply the determined braking force to each of the plurality of trailers.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a pneumatic line as a backup communication channel for first and secondary park brake controllers. In one embodiment, a park brake system is provided comprising a first park brake controller and a second park brake controller. The first park brake controller is configured to selectively alter air pressure in an air line of a vehicle to pneumatically communicate a message to the second park brake controller after a loss of electronic communication with the second park brake controller. Other embodiments are provided.

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: A park brake controller and method are provided for control verification handling of an external park brake request. In one embodiment, a park brake controller comprises one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing program instructions. The program instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: receive a request to park a vehicle, wherein the request is associated with a control level; receive information about a speed of the vehicle; and determine an action to take in response to the request based on the control level of the request and the speed of the vehicle. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling trailer service braking on a tractor-trailer vehicle are provided. The controller receives a signal from a trailer hand control apparatus, disposed in the cab of the tractor, that is manually activated by a driver. The signal received by the controller includes a differential signal obtained from two sensors having values that change in opposite directions based on movement of the trailer hand control apparatus. Based on the signal, the controller outputs a control signal that is output to a valve controller which controls the application of the trailer service brakes.

Abstract: A park brake system and method for corroborated pressure reporting are provided. In one example implementation, primary and redundant park brake controllers read their respecting pressure sensors along an air channel to a parking brake. The controllers exchange the sensor readings, and each controller determines whether or not the sensor readings are in agreement. The controllers provide their determinations to an automated driving system. If the sensor readings are not in agreement, the automated driving system can partially or completely disengage or take some other action. Other implementations are provided.

Abstract: To start a vehicle, power is provided from the vehicle's electrical source to electrical load(s) in the vehicle. Heavy electrical load(s) can sag the vehicle's electrical system and make starting the vehicle difficult. The following embodiments can address this problem by providing an intelligent power distribution system that uses controllable switch(es) to selectively connect load(s) to the vehicle's electrical source in a controlled, progressive manner. Connecting load(s) in a controlled fashion can facilitate the starting of the vehicle by avoiding having electrical load(s) present at start-up.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving signals having varying frequencies along a power line within a vehicle is provided. A transceiver is configured to transmit output signals to and receive input signals from various electronic systems on a vehicle along a power line at a first frequency. A frequency control circuit determines whether the destination system for the output signal is configured to receive the output signal at the first frequency or a different frequency and modulates the frequency of the output signal if necessary. The frequency control circuit also determines, prior to receipt by the transceiver, whether the input signal has the first frequency or different frequency and modulates the frequency of the input signal if necessary.

Abstract: A system and method for releasing a parking brake of a vehicle after assessing driver alertness is provided. In one embodiment, a controller in the vehicle determines whether the driver is alert (e.g., by providing a field sobriety test using component(s) in the vehicle) and allows the vehicle to unpark only if it determines that the driver is alert. The controller can also determine if the driver is an authorized driver and use that as an additional condition to release the parking brake.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing a plurality of brake wear signals from a corresponding plurality of brake wear sensors of a vehicle brake system. The apparatus comprises an interfacing device arranged to receive the plurality of brake wear signals corresponding to the plurality of brake wear sensors of the vehicle brake system. The apparatus also comprises a controller arranged to control the interfacing device to provide a location signal indicative of which one of the plurality of brake wear sensors is providing a brake wear signal indicative of a worn brake.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of sensors includes a plurality of filters each of which is configured to provide power transmitted at distinct frequencies to a corresponding sensor of the plurality of sensors to thereby active the corresponding sensor and cause the corresponding sensor to generate a data signal. A power frequency controller is configured to adjust a frequency of power from a power source and to transmit power at distinct frequencies at different points in time in order to activate each of the plurality of sensors at different times. A sensor controller may be configured to receive the data signal from each of the sensors over a common conductor and on a common pin and may also act as the power source providing the power to the power frequency controller.

Abstract: A braking system for an air brake vehicle includes a source of working pressure and a source of vacuum pressure. The system includes at least one brake actuator having a first chamber for receiving the working pressure, a second chamber for receiving the vacuum pressure; and a push rod that moves linearly in response to pressure in the first chamber and second chamber. A brake assembly is mechanically connected to the push rod for applying friction to a wheel end of a vehicle in response to the linear movement of the push rod.

Abstract: A system for calibrating signals received over a power line within a vehicle includes a signal conditioning circuit that converts the analog input signals into digital input signals. In one embodiment the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit that outputs an amplifier gain signal establishing an amplifier gain level and an amplifier that outputs amplified signals responsive to the analog input signals and the amplifier gain signal. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a bias signal establishing a bias level and a comparator that generates the digital input signals responsive to the analog input signals and the bias signal. A controller receives the digital input signals and generates, depending on the embodiment, one or more control signals configured to control the configuration of the amplifier gain signal and amplifier gain level and/or the bias signal and the bias level.

Abstract: A system for calibrating signals received over a power line within a vehicle includes a signal conditioning circuit that converts the analog input signals into digital input signals. In one embodiment the circuit includes an adjustable gain circuit that outputs an amplifier gain signal establishing an amplifier gain level and an amplifier that outputs amplified signals responsive to the analog input signals and the amplifier gain signal. In another embodiment, the circuit includes a bias circuit that outputs a bias signal establishing a bias level and a comparator that generates the digital input signals responsive to the analog input signals and the bias signal. A controller receives the digital input signals and generates, depending on the embodiment, one or more control signals configured to control the configuration of the amplifier gain signal and amplifier gain level and/or the bias signal and the bias level.

Abstract: A system for transmitting and receiving signals having varying frequencies along a power line within a vehicle is provided. A transceiver is configured to transmit output signals to and receive input signals from various electronic systems on a vehicle along a power line at a first frequency. A frequency control circuit determines whether the destination system for the output signal is configured to receive the output signal at the first frequency or a different frequency and modulates the frequency of the output signal if necessary. The frequency control circuit also determines, prior to receipt by the transceiver, whether the input signal has the first frequency or different frequency and modulates the frequency of the input signal if necessary.