Abstract: To control the tilt of a multi-axle vehicle, a first detector detects the vehicle tilt and sends a signal to a control unit for causing selected vehicle speed reduction for controlling the tilt. To control the direction of the vehicle, another sensor detects the actual course of the vehicle, compares that with a desired course and sends a signal to the control unit also for causing a selected vehicle speed reduction device at the wheels for restoring the course of the vehicle. The signals for tilt and direction may be superimposed for setting the speed reduction on the wheels.

Abstract: A trailer braking system including one or more trailer wheel assemblies having conventional hydraulically-actuated shoe or disc brakes; a conventional brake master cylinder mounted on the trailer to provide pressurized hydraulic fluid to the wheel cylinders to actuate the brakes; an electric solenoid mounted on the trailer to drive the piston of the master cylinder, preferably through a force-multiplying lever arm, in response to an electrical braking signal from the towing vehicle; and a controller to generate a braking signal proportional to the amount of braking force desired in the trailer brake. The controller may be connected to, and follow the movement of, an element of the towing vehicle's braking system, such as the brake pedal or the vehicle master cylinder piston rod, or the controller may be manually actuated by an operator. There is a manual parking brake which can maintain the force exerted on the wheel cylinder by the trailer master cylinder when power to the solenoid is shut off.

Abstract: A brake pulsing apparatus for use in vehicles having vacuum hydraulic, pneumatic or electric brake systems. The brake pulsing apparatus includes a solenoid valve, for vacuum hydraulic and pneumatic brake systems, or a relay, for electric brake systems, mounted in a vacuum, pressurized air or electrical line that transmits a brake signal to a brake assembly of the vehicle when the brake system is engaged, a pendulum and proximity switch that sense deceleration of the vehicle, and a timer relay connected between the proximity switch and the solenoid valve or relay to repetitively close the valve or open contacts of the relay when the brake system is engaged. The pendulum and timer relay are adjustable to adapt the brake pulsing apparatus to the type of vehicle in which the apparatus is used.

Abstract: Automatic Trailer Control System--containing four principle inventions. One part of the invention provides automatic trailer steering control to the trailer to cause a delayed turn of the trailer steering mechanism while maneuvering a turn. A second part of the invention provides an electro-magnetic braking system, to the trailer, which is controlled by the same Microcomputer system that controls the trailer turning. The third part of the invention utilizes the electro-magnetic braking system as an alternator/generator to be used as an auxiliary battery charging system. A fourth part of the invention uses the electro-magnetic braking system as a motor to drive the trailer wheels as an assist during trucking operations. All operational functions are controlled by the Microcontroller based control system mounted on the trailer rear wheel platform. Sensors are placed on the truck/trailer operating system to obtain operational information needed for the control of the system.

Abstract: A coupling linking a tractor 10 and a trailer 11 having a fifth wheel assembly 12 having a longitudinal outwardly tapering slot defined by spaced ears 15 is provided with an anti-jackknifing apparatus A, B. Sensor C located adjacent a rear wheel 16 of the trailer generates a frequency reflective of the speed of the tractor and trailer. A radar gun, and the like or other sensor may also be used to determine ground speed. Upon receiving a frequency corresponding to a speed exceeding a predetermined speed, a speed controlled switch D engages the anti-jackknifing apparatus. Similarly, the switch D automatically disengages the apparatus upon receiving a frequency signal corresponding to a speed below the predetermined speed or, upon the occurrence of certain conditions, the activation of a turning signal by the driver. A signal light E mounted externally on the trailer indicates when the apparatus has been activated.

Abstract: A brake system including an anti-skid apparatus with an electronic control unit for monitoring the grip of the vehicle tires on the road. It is also equipped with a yawing moment attenuator, controlled by the control unit, that in the event of highly varying coefficients of friction prevents an excessively great difference in brake pressure on the two sides of the vehicle. Tractor or towing vehicles driven without the trailer, especially semitrailer trucks, are difficult to control on road surfaces with variable grip, because of the major yawing and steering moments. The tractor or towing vehicle is therefore equipped according to the invention with a trailer detection unit, the signal of which is evaluatable in the control unit and can be fed as a control variable to the yawing moment attenuator. If the truck is driven without a trailer, the yawing moment attenuator can be controlled on the basis of this signal in such a way as to lessen the difference in brake pressure.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or minimizing trailer-swing (FIG. 6) in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt,d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event. An incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer swing is sensed when the vehicle brakes are applied, the absolute value of articulation angle exceeds the absolute value of a reference value, the time derivative of articulation angle is in an opposite direction from articulation angle and/or the absolute value of one of the time derivatives of articulation angle exceeds the absolute value of a reference.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt, d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer brake induced trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and a second order or higher time derivative thereof (d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of a trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Abstract: An antilock brake control for motor vehicles, wherein the actual wheel speed of each wheel of the vehicle is detected, and in dependency on the detected wheel speed, a reference vehicle speed is computed from which a reference wheel speed lower than the vehicle speed is determined, and wherein when the actual wheel speed decreases below the reference wheel speed as a result of braking operation, the braking hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel is decreased to allow the actual wheel speed to increase, and then the braking hydraulic pressure is reincreased when the actual wheel speed has recovered sufficiently. When a J-turn state of the vehicle is detected by lateral acceleration, the reference vehicle speed is changed to a lower value and a second reference wheel speed is determined on the basis of that lower value.

Abstract: A trailer hitch which incorporates a surge brake actuator, together with a load distribution system and sway-damping units. The movable elements of the surge brake actuator system are mounted in sliding plate bearings composed of solid self lubricating resinous material. A frame is included in the movable elements and the load distribution and sway damping systems are anchored to and move with the frame.

Abstract: A trailer stabilizer is comprised of a hydraulic assembly having a pair of hydraulic units for providing viscous fluid resistance to relative turning movements between a trailer and a towing vehicle. The assembly includes flow controls for varying turning resistance in response to turning rate and vehicle speed. Slack removal members constantly bias interconnected couplings to provide rate sensing and turning resistance with zero mechanical slack. A brake control system actuates towed vehicle brakes in response to hydraulic system pressure and includes speed responsive components preventing brake application below a predetermined speed. Circuitry is also provided for varying braking force in response to vehicle speed and turning rate, for adjusting braking force according to trailer size and road conditions, and for testing braking force adjustments.

Abstract: A pivoted linkage is associated with an anti-sway mechanism in such a manner as to enable the mechanism to retard lateral sway of a trailer while preventing the mechanism from restricting forward surging of the trailer. As a result of the linkage, the anti-sway mechanism does not interfere with the operation of a surge brake actuator having pivotally interconnected front and rear units.

Abstract: Improvement of equipment for attaching trailers with inertia controlled braking arrangement, being of the type including stabilizing bars whose exposure to tension provides an coupling arrangement for nullifying the reaction force affecting the supports of the movable control components. This reaction force results from inertia brake in the trailer and creates an increasing adverse force affecting said movable components. Characteristic is that this adverse force is generated by two elastically deformable arms freely articulated on a common axle located at the end of the coupling seat of the trailer. The free ends of either of these arms, usually curved downwards, is in permanent elastic abutment with the corresponding attachment bar. Elements are provided for keeping the arms on the bars during traction, turning and braking.

Abstract: Apparatus for inhibiting sway and for applying the brakes of a trailer includes a sway sensor connected to a frequency-discriminating circuit which senses lateral oscillatory motion of the trailer and which generates separate right and left acceleration signals in response to right and left acceleration, respectively, of the trailer. A circuit produces a sway-inhibiting signal in response to both of said right and left acceleration signals which successively occur in a time shorter than a predetermined period of time. A braking-signal circuit produces a brake control signal in response to the sway-inhibiting signal, this brake control signal being utilized for applying the trailer brakes momentarily to correct for a sway condition.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing method and apparatus for preventing uncontrolled skidding or jackknifing of a trailer towed by a tow vehicle. The method includes the step of continuously disabling one of the rear trailer brakes throughout a period when slippery road conditions are encountered so that the associated wheel is allowed to rotate freely. The apparatus for disabling the particular brake is actuable by the driver whenever slippery road conditions are anticipated, and are deactuated by the driver when such conditions no longer prevail.

Abstract: A trailer brake control system which includes a variable frequency oscillator, an electromagnetic inertial sensor adapted to detect either lateral acceleration or longitudinal deceleration of a trailer and to vary the output frequency of the oscillator in accordance therewith, and a circuit for applying trailer brakes as a function of such frequency variation either to correct a trailer sway condition indicated by lateral trailer acceleration or when tractor brakes have been applied as indicated by longitudinal deceleration of the tractor/trailer combination.

Abstract: A hitch for connecting a tow vehicle to a trailer having a toggle plate through which a steering input is transmitted into a steering system on the trailer and a braking input is transmitted into a braking system on the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically sensing trailer sway and applying trailer brakes, thereby minimizing or eliminating the sway is provided. A hydraulic device, similar to a shock absorber with the addition of a pressure operated switch at each end of the cylinder, is mounted between the trailer A frame and the hitch head assembly. A sudden sway in either direction causes one of the switches to close and apply power to the electric trailer brakes thus minimizing or eliminating the sway and causing the car and trailer to "line up". The hydraulic device has an orifice in the piston or at each end of the cylinder so that normal turns made by the car and trailer do not cause sufficient pressure build up to cause either switch to operate. Similar automatic performance can be realized by the use of a gas filled bellows device.