Patents by Inventor William H. Fouch

William H. Fouch has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Fifth wheel suspension
    Patent number: 5226675
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the magnitude of changes in a vertical force transmitted to a tractor from a trailer through a fifth wheel hitch. The changes in vertical force are caused by the trailer reacting as an inertial mass as the trailer is moved over uneven pavement during pulling of the trailer by the tractor. The apparatus includes a sensor for providing a signal. The signal is indicative of the vertical force transmitted from the trailer through the fifth wheel hitch. An actuator is disposed between the fifth wheel hitch and the tractor. The actuator applies a vertical force to the fifth wheel hitch and the tractor. A control device operates the actuator for varying the amount of vertical force applied to the fifth wheel hitch by the actuator. The operation of the actuator is responsive to the signal indicative of the vertical force transmitted from the trailer through the fifth wheel hitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Noah, William H. Fouch