Abstract: A remote braking apparatus has a vacuum conduit network that operably connects a vacuum source to both the power boost of the towed-vehicle and a pair of solenoid valves. A vacuum cylinder receives vacuum from the solenoid valves as directed by an electronic circuit connected to the vehicle's battery. The vacuum actuates the vacuum cylinder causing it to move between a resting position and a braking position. A cable mechanically interconnects the vacuum cylinder and a brake pedal of the towed-vehicle. The cable passes through a cable shield tube that is anchored to both the vacuum cylinder and the firewall of the vehicle, thereby directing the movement of the vacuum cylinder to the brake pedal, allowing the vacuum cylinder to control the movement of the brake pedal.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for trailers. A control system is incorporated into the braking equipment of a towing vehicle to provide a trailer braking command signal. This signal is regulated so as to balance the braking between the towing vehicle and the trailer through the assessment of forces in the coupling between the two vehicles. The assessment is made indirectly and is calculated from forces measured in the suspension components of at least two axles of the towing vehicle and the changes occurring therein during braking.

Abstract: Towed vehicle braking systems which are flexible enough for use by rental agencies and provide good safety features use a compressor (15) to drive a fluid actuator (12) with a piston (11). The piston is attached to the towed vehicle's brake actuator (30), e.g., a brake pedal or hand grip. The free standing braking system case is positioned within the towed vehicle by a positioning mechanism (32), e.g., a scissors jack. The braking system is actuated by one or more of (a) a towed vehicle velocity decrease sensor (46 and 47) (46 and 52); (b) a separation of the towed vehicle and the towing vehicle sensor (63 and 64) and (c) coded signals from a transmitter (66), e.g., radio frequency, used by the driver to control the braking system of the towed vehicle when received by a towed vehicle receiver (67) and used to actuate the towed vehicle braking system.

Abstract: In the tandem operation of two vehicles, one towing and the other being towed, an accommodation is readily made for a wide range of different models of the towed vehicle using, in spanning relation between the towed vehicle's steering wheel and brake pedal, a lengthwise extensible brake pedal-depressing component, wherein simultaneous with the braking of the towing vehicle, is when the component extends to brake the towed vehicle to contribute to a safer, coordinated stopping of the two vehicles.

Abstract: A fully protective multi-unit railroad freight car for carrying motor vehicles on two or three levels with the lowest level being in a cargo well between a pair of deep side sills. A pair of vehicle-carrying decks are adjustable in height and are counterbalanced against each other during adjustment of their locations. A roof structure is light in weight and constructed of corrugated sheet metal with a self-supporting central portion. The ends of the car are equipped with three-panel folding doors, and a flexible diaphragm closes the space between articulated adjacent car units supported by a shared truck. A modular brake operating system is mounted on the car body. An easily removable brake system module incorporates a compressed air reservoir, a dummy reservoir, a brake control valve, train line and brake cylinder connector lines, and a support structure. The module is easily removable and replaceable, allowing for repair and system testing at a shop.

Abstract: In a tractor-trailer combination vehicle, a trailer brake control device has a detector of hitch angle expanded by the longitudinal axis of the trailer relative to the longitudinal axis of the tractor around a vertical pivot axis of a joint between the tractor and the trailer, and a controller for selectively actuating brakes of the trailer, wherein the controller controls the actuation of the trailer brakes based upon at least two operational conditions such that the controller starts the actuation of the trailer brakes when the hitch angle increases beyond a threshold value determined therefor and ends the actuation of the trailer brakes when a duration determined for the actuation of the trailer brakes lapses.

Abstract: A trailer break away safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable actuates a braking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the S-hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle straightens, thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. The cable is connected to a lever which pivots to actuate the braking system on the trailer. A catch spring and catch pin are provided to prevent the lever from inadvertently moving to its nonactuation position after the trailer has separated from the pulling vehicle. The use of the lever allows accurate and positive engagement of the trailer braking system which may be easily released by simply lifting a catch pin up and away from the actuated lever.

Abstract: A removable trailer tongue for use with a towing vehicle and a trailer frame equipped with hydraulic brakes. The trailer tongue (10) can be removed without disconnecting any of the components of the hydraulic system. A first guide (20) and a second guide (22) slidingly receive a tongue (10). A first end (12) of the tongue (10) is equipped with a non-active hitch (18) that connects to the towing vehicle. The second end (14) of the tongue (10) has an aperture (38) defined therein. A brake assembly (24) attaches adjacent to or on the second guide (22), and the assembly (24) has an aperture (36) defined therein. The tongue (10) is inserted through the guides (20, 22) until the aperture (38) aligns with the aperture (36) in the brake assembly (24). In order to connect the tongue (10) to the trailer frame (16), a pin (40) is inserted through the apertures (36, 38) in the brake assembly (24) and the tongue (10).

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling brakes on a trailer being towed by a towing vehicle. The system includes an accelerometer for sensing inclination and a rate of deceleration of the towing vehicle and providing inclination and rate of deceleration control signals indicative thereof. A controller is provided that is responsive to the inclination and rate of deceleration control signals received from the accelerometer. The controller is operatively connected to an amplifier and these functions together to send a proportionate brake amperage output signal to control the brakes on the trailer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking system for a towed vehicle. The system comprises a weighted pendulum pivotally attached to the towed vehicle and having a swing path in the direction of travel of the towed vehicle; and a structure for translating the pivoting travel of the weighted pendulum to straight line travel of the brake pedal responsive to relative motion between the weighted pendulum and the towed vehicle. The structure for translating is a v-shaped pedal operating member secured to the towed vehicle brake pedal.

Abstract: A braking apparatus engages the brakes of a towed vehicle and is actuated by the engaging the brake of the towing vehicle. A pivotally mounted foot pedal engaging member attaches to the floor of the towed vehicle and depresses the brake pedal of the towed vehicle when actuated. A pneumatic cylinder forces the engaging member to depress the brake pedal when air is supplied to the cylinder. Air is supplied from air brakes in the towing vehicle or from another pressurized air source. Air to the pneumatic cylinder matches the force of the towing vehicle if equipped with air brakes, or is controlled by a flow regulator and pressure regulator.

Abstract: A lockout device for selectively locking out the trailer brake actuator on a hitching device to allow for backing. The lockout device works on a hitching device having an inner housing connected to a pulling vehicle and an outer housing connected to a trailer. A brake actuator to activate the trailer brakes is connected between the inner housing and the outer housing. During towing, the actuator will activate the trailer brakes if the trailer approaches the pulling vehicle, as for example when the pulling vehicle slows and the trailer's inertia carries it towards the pulling vehicle. When the lockout device is in a lockout orientation, the lockout device prevents the inner housing from sliding rearward in the outer housing, thereby preventing the actuator from activating the trailer brakes. Upon an initial movement forward by the pulling vehicle, the lockout device will return to a neutral position so that the actuator is functional.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved connection between the forwardly-positioned towing-vehicle and the tow-bar (for a towed-vehicle behind a rearward-mount of the towing-vehicle) such connection can for certain purposes can eliminate a "ball"-type connection in favor of a pivotal-pin-type connection; and, for the forward-tube of such tow-bar, is internally provideable with strategically-located helical-spring and manually-accessible adjusting-nut together functionable to guard the towed-vehicles' brakes from overheating during extremely downwardly-inclined roadway conditions.

Abstract: A trailer break away safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable actuates a braking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the S-hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle straightens, thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. The cable is connected to a lever which pivots to actuate the braking system on the trailer. A catch spring and catch pin are provided to prevent the lever from inadvertently moving to its nonactuation position after the trailer has separated from the pulling vehicle. The use of the lever allows accurate and positive engagement of the trailer braking system which may be easily released by simply lifting a catch pin up and away from the actuated lever.

Abstract: A trailer brake system provides an improved disc brake assembly with a caliper unit that includes a housing for mounting the pads for relative movement toward and away from the rotor and a cradle with spaced guide pins/tracks for securely supporting the housing at multiple, spaced points. The cradle includes a yoke having spaced arms and a cross piece for embracing the housing, and is independently mounted on a single pivot pin. First and second stops are provided on the bracket for engagement with the cross piece to limit the pivot movement of the caliper unit during vehicle backing and forward movement, respectively. Guide apertures are provided adjacent the distal end of the respective arms of the yoke and include an elastomeric bushing around the guide pins for cushioned in and out movement. The spaced guide tracks on the housing assist in providing axial stability.

Abstract: A trailer surge brake actuator comprises a plurality of stacked slider asblies. At least one rigid first tubular body is affixed by suitable means to the front end of a trailer. A first rigid cylinder slider attached to the towing vehicle extends longitudinally and reciprocates inside the first tubular body. Attached to the first slider is a rigid member connecting the first slider with at least one second cylinder slider which reciprocates within a second tubular body attached to the top of the first tubular body. The rigid member prevents the first and second sliders from rotating when the towing vehicle's pintle rotates. The second slider's end within the second tubular body is in contact with a pushrod that actuates a brake master cylinder attached to the aft end of the second tubular body.

Abstract: A trailer brake system includes a disc brake assembly for each wheel including apparatus to provide release of the brake pads from engagement with the rotor upon backing. In the preferred braking system, one master brake assembly is provided for braking one wheel and a slave brake assembly for braking a second wheel of the trailer; a self-contained hydraulic device being provided for moving the pads into and out of engagement with the rotor. Each brake assembly includes a stationary bracket for attachment to the axle and a caliper unit with the brake pads mounted by a single pivot pin on the bracket. A relief valve is engaged by the pivoting caliper unit to provide the release of the brake pads. The housing of the caliper unit is in two sections and mounted adjacent the top of the rotor.

Abstract: A trailer breakaway safety mechanism which brings a trailer to a controlled stop after disengagement with a pulling vehicle. The mechanism consists of a cable which remains attached to the trailer after the trailer has disengaged from the pulling vehicle. As the trailer slows in relationship to the pulling vehicle, the cable activates a breaking mechanism on the trailer. Once the breaking mechanism has been fully actuated, the hook which attaches the cable to the pulling vehicle fails thereby completely releasing the trailer from the pulling vehicle. Steel balls are swaged to the cables so that when the cable is released from the pulling vehicle, a spring lock can engage the balls and prevent the cable from retracting and releasing the actuated brake. After the trailer has come to a complete stop, a screwdriver or other tool may be inserted into the housing of a mechanism to push back the spring lock and release the steel balls which thereby allows the cable to release the trailer brake.

Abstract: An automatic brake lockout for restricting operation of a trailer hitch surge suppressor as a trailer is being backed by a pulling vehicle. The automatic brake lockout works on a two-part trailer hitch with a first member sliding toward a second member to activate the surge suppressor. When actuated, the automatic brake lockout restricts movement of the first member toward the second member to allow the trailer to be backed without the surge suppressor being actuated. Once the trailer has been adequately backed, the pulling vehicle need only move slightly forward to release the automatic brake lockout device and leave the surge suppressor operable.

Abstract: In a vehicle train comprising a motor vehicle and a trailer, a process for monitoring a motor vehicle trailer brake for overload comprises producing an energy call-up signal during a braking action, supplying energy to the motor vehicle brake in the motor vehicle, the amount of energy being supplied to the motor vehicle being determined, at least in part, by the value of the energy call-up signal, producing a trailer energy signal, the value of the trailer energy signal being determined, at least in part, by the value of the energy call-up signal, and supplying trailer energy to a trailer brake in the trailer, the amount of trailer energy supplied to the trailer brake being determined, at least in part, by the value of the trailer energy signal. The process further comprises monitoring the coupling force appearing at a coupling between the motor vehicle and the trailer, and adjusting the coupling force based on the trailer energy signal.

Abstract: A device for applying the brake of a towed vehicle when towed by a towing vehicle equipped with an air brake system having a power brake operator operative to supply operating air under pressure to apply a brake on the towing vehicle and also having a reservoir of operating air under pressure. The device is connected to the brake pedal of the towed vehicle. It comprises a first piston-cylinder assembly with a spring for urging the piston therein to an advanced position, and a second piston-cylinder assembly having a spring urging the piston therein to a retracted position. The brake on the towed vehicle is applied only when one of the pistons is advanced. An air line supplies air from the reservoir to the first piston-cylinder assembly to urge the piston to a retracted position against the action of the spring.

Abstract: The hydraulic disc brake actuator for a trailer includes a first connector for securing the actuator to a towed vehicle; a second connector for securing the actuator to a towing vehicle; and a force multiplying parallel linkage apparatus connected between the first and second connectors for actuating a brake master cylinder. The master cylinder has a body portion and a plunger portion, the body portion being connected to one of the first or second connectors and the plunger portion being connected to the force multiplying apparatus such that the magnitude of force applied to the master cylinder is greater than the magnitude of force tending to move the first connector relative to the second connector. The parallel linkage supports and lifts the tongue weight of the trailer to dissipate energy, and to prevent binding between the connectors when they shift from a towing position to a braking position.

Abstract: A braking system for use on a towing vehicle and on a towed vehicle comprises a vacuum capture mechanism for capturing vacuum from a towing vehicle. A vacuum delivery mechanism is provided for delivering vacuum to a towed vehicle. A switch mechanism is also provided for allowing controlled transfer of vacuum to a towed vehicle. A vacuum reception mechanism is coupleable with the vacuum delivery mechanism for receipt of vacuum. An air pressure mechanism is adapted to be coupled to a towed vehicle for generating air pressure when actuated. A ram mechanism is coupled to the air pressure mechanism for depressing a brake pedal of a towed vehicle when the air pressure mechanism is actuated. A vacuum switch mechanism is coupled to the vacuum reception mechanism. The vacuum switch mechanism has one orientation for actuating the air pressure mechanism upon receipt of vacuum.

Abstract: In a breakaway trailer brake activating mechanism mounted on a trailer surge brake actuator, one end of a tension coil spring is attached to the breakaway activating mechanism while the other end of the spring is connected to an intermediate link on a breakaway chain. The connection is such that a surplus, predetermined number of breakaway chain links, forming a slack section of the breakaway chain, are connected between the ends of the spring. The spring prevents the slack section of the breakaway chain connected between the ends of the spring from being pulled tight so as to allow for tow vehicle turns even if the breakway chain is incorrectly secured. Thus, during a sharp turn of the tow vehicle, the spring will allow the reserve links of the slack section of chain to extend but not so far as to cause the trailer brake to be activated.

Abstract: A trailer brake system includes a disc brake assembly for each wheel including apparatus to provide release of the brake pads from engagement with the rotor upon backing. In the preferred braking system, one master brake assembly is provided for braking one wheel and a slave brake assembly for braking a second wheel of the trailer; a self-contained hydraulic actuator being provided for moving the pads into and out of engagement with the rotor. Each brake assembly includes a stationary bracket for attachment to the axle and a caliper unit with the brake pads mounted by a single pivot pin on the bracket. A relief valve is engaged by the pivoting caliper unit to provide the release of the brake pads. The housing of the caliper unit is in two sections and mounted adjacent the top of the rotor.

Abstract: System for selectively applying the brakes of a towed vehicle by controls in the towing vehicle; the system including a portable air compressor and a pneumatic cylinder that can be rapidly installed by attaching to a support structure on the floor of the driver's cockpit in the towed vehicle; the piston of the cylinder being attached to the brake pedal; and a three-way solenoid valve to permit or not to permit the admission of compressed air to the cylinder.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the braking with optimized stability of a vehicle train is disclosed. The vehicle train comprises at least two individual vehicles, one of the individual vehicles supporting the individual vehicle. The process comprises supplying energy to the brakes of the vehicles, thereby actuating the brakes and producing an actual force between the vehicles, and measuring the actual-value horizontal and vertical components (F.sub.hact, F.sub.vact) of the actual force (F.sub.act) acting between the supporting and supported vehicle. A desired-value horizontal force component (F.sub.hdes) of the force is determined by multiplying the actual-value vertical component (F.sub.vact) by the ratio of the actual-value train deceleration (b) to the earth's acceleration (g). The desired-value horizontal force component (F.sub.hdes) is then compared with the actual-value force horizontal component (F.sub.hact). The energy supplied to the brakes is adjusted so that F.sub.

Abstract: The present invention involves a hydraulic device for immobilizing the wheel of a stationary trailer. The locking brake is spliced into a brake line of a trailer carrying a surge brake system and allows an individual to manually activate the trailer brake when the trailer is stopped. The brake device includes a housing block with a cylindrical bore and a spring biased piston. A shank is connected to the piston and provides a manual handle for shifting the position between an inner and outer position. In the outer position, brake fluid may flow from the brake system actuating device. In its inner position, brake fluid is prevented from flowing from the actuating device and is pressurized to lock each brake. The housing block also includes a pivotally secured lock pin which engages a hole on the shank to secure the shank to the housing block. In this manner, the brakes of the trailer may be secured in a locked position.

Abstract: A disc member is arranged for mounting to a differential housing portion of a vehicle in tow, wherein the vehicle in tow further includes a bracket arrangement mounted to the differential housing for supporting a solenoid actuated brake caliper receiving the disc member therewithin, whereupon the solenoid caliper is in electrical communication with the brake light switch of a towing vehicle to effect actuation of the caliper upon actuation of the brake structure of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer brake system includes a disc brake assembly for each wheel including apparatus to provide release of the brake pads from engagement with the rotor upon backing. In the preferred braking system, one master brake assembly is provided for braking one wheel and a slave brake assembly for braking a second wheel of the trailer; a self-contained hydraulic cylinder being provided for moving the pads into and out of engagement with the rotor. Each brake assembly includes a stationary bracket for attachment to the axle and a caliper unit with the brake pads mounted by a single pivot pin on the bracket. A relief valve is engaged by the pivoting caliper unit to provide the release of the brake pads. The housing of the caliper unit is in two sections and mounted adjacent the top of the rotor.

Abstract: A trailer braking control system which is adapted to modify trailer braking from a towing vehicle by regulating the coupling head service braking pressure signal generated on the towing vehicle in response to driver's demand pressure and measured values of longitudinal force exerted on the trailer coupling just before and during braking. At least two adaptive variables are developed on the towing vehicle, and on selected qualifying stops of the towing vehicle/trailer combination, one of these adaptive variables is chosen to be corrected at the end of that stop using average trailer thrust error signals for use in regulating trailer braking on subsequent stops.

Abstract: A sensor in the drawbar (or fifth-wheel coupling) of a tractor-trailer road vehicle combination senses both push and pull force in a linear proportional manner and produces an electrical signal which is used to act on a continuously proportional solenoid valve in the fluid pressure supply to the trailer brakes to control the trailer braking continuously, during application, in a sense tending to reduce the force in the drawbar to zero. There may be a base pressure applied to the trailer brakes, modified positively or negatively by the pressure from the sensor signal.

Abstract: A receiver hitch for a motor home or other towing vehicle, adapted to actuate the brake system of a vehicle being towed by the motor home. The apparatus comprises three portions the first of which moves forwardly, to actuate a master brake cylinder of the third portion, which master cylinder will then dispense fluid to the brake system of the vehicle being towed. The intermediate portion of the apparatus is used for mounting it to the motor home or other towing vehicle and for the reception of the first and third portions.

Abstract: Surge brake systems are used so that the brakes of towed vehicles can be applied automatically during slowing and stopping of towing vehicles. However, the known surge brake systems automatically apply the brakes to the towed vehicle during backing of the towing vehicle. The subject brake system includes a solenoid actuated valve which is disposed in a brake line to communicate a surge brake coupler to the brakes in a towed vehicle. A relay receives an electrical signal from an outputting device which places the valve in a closed position which disables the surge brake coupler and prevents the application of the brakes on the towed vehicle during backing of a towing vehicle. The relay receives an electrical signal from a producing device which overrides the electrical signal from the outputting means placing the valve in an open position. The open position of the valve allows application of the brakes on the towed vehicle so that braking is possible during backing of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A towed motor vehicle brake integrated between a towing and a towed vehicle, capable of applying the brakes of the towed vehicle. The structure of a towing hitch linkage deflects somewhat when it experiences tension or compression. A sensing device, preferably consisting of a hydraulic cylinder and an attached activating rod, grounded to a rotating lever connecting to the towed vehicle, senses compression of the deflecting portion of the linkage and activates the brakes of the towed vehicle to reduce the compressive forces. The tow brake requires no modification of the towed vehicle except allowing an interface with the towed vehicle's braking system. This provides flexibility of use with a variety of towed vehicles and ease of attachment and detachment.

Abstract: A towing hitch ball mount is adapted for telescopic use with a conventional towing hitch ball mounted receiver for automatically controlling the brakes of the towed vehicle. A pulley system having a flexible line or cable is mounted within the ball mount so that the cable is drawn into the ball mount as the towing vehicle is braked to simultaneously apply the brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: A novel force measuring device of simple design is provided with complementary stop surfaces protecting the device against over-loading. Alternatively, overloading is prevented by duplicating the force measuring device with two portions operating in opposite directions of force application. Such force measuring devices are advantageously incorporated in couplings between a motor driven vehicle and a further vehicle to be coupled thereto. Signals derived from these force measuring devices are used in a board computer for controlling the operation of the motor driven vehicle and the further vehicle coupled thereto.

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 freely-flexing cantilever-type inertial sensor is suspended from one end so that its other end may move in response to inertial forces, for example, as a result of braking in a towing vehicle. The pendulum blade is secured to a rigid support structure in a manner whereby the opposite sides of the pendulum, which is preferably of multiple-layer construction and is elastically-deformable, may freely shift longitudinally with respect to one another upon lateral flexure of the pendulum in response to inertial forces. Preferably, this is accomplished by utilizing an adhesive connection directly between the rigid support and the adjacent side of the pendulum, whereby only that layer closest to the support is directly secured to it. The support for the pendulum preferably includes a self-hinge by which the position of the pendulum-supporting portion may be changed with respect to that of a base portion, in order to current for non-verticality in the actual operating environment.

Abstract: The brakes of a towed vehicle can be applied remotely responsive to braking of the towing vehicle. An air compressor driven by the motor of the towing vehicle can supply compressed air to a compressed air storage tank with a pneumatic line extending from the compressed air storage tank rearwardly to a braking assembly which is positioned in the passenger compartment of the towed vehicle. The braking assembly is adjustable and includes a rod positioned between the steering wheel and the brake pedal of the towed vehicle and is secured to both. A pneumatic control device is connected to the pneumatic line to receive a signal therethrough to actuate the braking assembly through an actuation device such as a pneumatic piston to exert pressure to expand the length of the bar and apply the brakes of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The fifth wheel of an articulated vehicle comprising the coupling between a semi-trailer and a tractor is provided with measuring apparatus for measuring forces imparted from the semi-trailer. The apparatus comprises a sensing device for measuring horizontal loads, and a sensing device for measuring vertical loads. The signals from the sensing devices and are fed into an electronic controller, in turn to cause the brakes on the trailer to be applied to achieve balanced braking, anti-lock control, and traction control of the wheels. A tractor fitted with a braking system of the brake-by-wire type with a conventional semi-trailer, without modifications to semi-trailer or to the braking components of the semi-trailer can therefore be used.

Abstract: An actuator/coupler having concealed rollers between forward coupler attaching to the towing vehicle and rear housing connected to trailer. Forward rollers bear on the underside of the top wall of the rear housing. The rear rollers bear on the underside of the top wall of the coupler. A hydraulic cylinder block is counterbored and the rear rollers have annular extensions fitting into the counterbores for roller support during assembly. Rests are provided under front rollers for roller support during assembly. A piston rod in the hydraulic cylinder extending forwardly through a pivotal latching wall having a clutching opening normally only letting the piston rod move rearwardly and locking against forward movement and a spring pressing the latching wall to locking position.

Abstract: An electronic braking system for a towing vehicle for towing a standard semi-trailer without such a braking system has a separate pressure control channel for the generation of trailer brake pressure whenever the towing vehicle is braked or if the parking brake of the towing vehicle is applied. The pressure signal level set in the towing vehicle is a function of the driver's electrical demand signal, compensated for trailer load and operating gradient. The compensation for trailer load is evaluated by assessing the total trailer mass from measurements of towing load during acceleration and substracting from this value the portion of the trailer load being supported by the towing vehicle as sensed by vertical force protection means on the towing means.

Abstract: Emergency brake control system for towed vehicles comprising brake regulation device and a plurality of switches whereby a discrete braking force may be selected and applied to the towed vehicle brakes upon actuation by the user of one of the switches and whereby the braking force is maintained without any intervention by the user.

Abstract: A tractor-(28) trailer (30) vehicle (24) brake system control for distributing the brake effort to obtain inter-tractor-trailer proportional braking (H.sub.1 /V.sub.1 =H.sub.2 /V.sub.2) by use of sensors (80, 170, 172) mounted to the trailer only is provided. The control system senses (80) acceleration (a) and the ratio of vertical to horizontal forces (H.sub.F /V.sub.F) at the fifth wheel/king pin connection (34/176) by means of sensors (170, 172) mounted to the trailer (30) only and modulates the trailer sub-vehicle brakes only to cause the ratio H.sub.F /V.sub.F to equal a function of acceleration.

Abstract: A drawbar is disclosed having an integral surge brake unit located at the opposing end of the drawbar from the hitch coupling so as to reduce the effective weight of the drawbar.

Abstract: Heavy duty hydraulic surge brakes for carrying high front end loads includes a fixed section for mounting on the tailer draw bar or frame and a movable section connected to the coupler. The fixed section has a frame for mounting to a trailer frame and a pair of end plates. A pair of rigid rods extend between the end plates. The hydraulic master cylinder mounts on the fixed section and has a push rod which is operated by the movable section. The movable section includes a pair of slide tubes on the rods guided by low friction bearings. A cross member joins the tubes to the draw bar, and a brake adjusting screw is carried on the tubes for coaction with the cylinder push rod. Springs urge the tubes forward on the rods, and bumpers cushion the forward position of the tubes. In another embodiment, automotive-type shock absorbers add further control of the surge-induced movement of the movable section to the fixed section.

Abstract: A brake slip control system for trailers equipped with overrun brakes is disclosed, in order to make the brake device independent of the towing vehicle, the pressure fluid source is arranged at the trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for actuating the hydraulic brakes of a wheeled trailer responsive to the relative movement between a tow vehicle and the trailer being towed comprises a base plate adapted to be affixed to the tow vehicle and has a sliding plate which moves relative to the tow vehicle and carries a trailer hitch ball to receive the tongue portion of the wheeled trailer. A hydraulic master cylinder is removably mounted on the base plate stationary relative to the sliding plate and connected by conduit to the hydraulic brakes of the towed trailer. An actuating rod on the sliding plate is operatively connected to the master cylinder piston whereby forward movement of the sliding plate will pressurize the fluid therein to activate the wheel brakes of the trailer as the tow vehicle is slowed down.

Abstract: A tractor-(28) trailer (30) vehicle (24) brake system control for distributing the brake effort to obtain inter-tractor-trailer proportional braking (H.sub.1 /V.sub.1 =H.sub.2 /V.sub.2) by use of sensors (170, 172) mounted to the trailer only is provided. The control system senses (80) acceleration (a) and the ratio of vertical to horizontal forces (H.sub.F /V.sub.F) at the fifth wheel (34) by sensors (170, 172) mounted to the tractor (28) only and modulates the brakes to cause the ratio H.sub.F /V.sub.F to equal acceleration.