Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable wheel assembly for movably supporting an appliance cabinet or the like upon a supporting surface includes a housing, a supporting bracket, a wheel unit, an adjusting rod, an adjusting screw and various elongated mounting members. The wheel unit is defined by a pair of spaced rollers that are interconnected by a reduced diametric portion. The wheel unit is rotatably attached to the support bracket by an axle member, while the adjusting rod is also mounted for rotary movement by the support bracket. The support bracket is pivotally mounted to the housing, with both the wheel unit and the adjusting rod being permitted to rotate relative thereto. The adjusting screw extends through a frontal portion of the housing and it is threadably connected to the adjusting rod such that rotation of the screw causes pivoting of the support bracket relative to the housing and movement of the wheel assembly between fully extended and fully retracted positions.

Abstract: This machine provides back-up steering for a tractor-trailer when the conventional steering fails. The steering will fail due to a lack of interface bonding between the front tires and the road during turning and braking. This machine is constructed around a piston-cylinder connected between the tractor and trailer. The cylinder end pivots on the tractor. The piston rod end is connected through a pivot and a link to the trailer. This machine contains a high pressure pump in the fluid circuit. A pneumatically powered machine is shown in the patent specification. The pneumatically powered machine closely resembles the hydraulic machine. The driver controls the anti-jackknife machine through the driver control switch. When the conventional steering fails during turning and braking of the vehicle, the driver will sense the "spin" of the tractor and he will close the driver control switch.

Abstract: A fifth wheel for trucks is disclosed. Such fifth wheels usually are mounted on truck tractors and receive kingpins that are mounted on truck trailers. An operating rod is provided to manually disengage the kingpin locking mechanism. In one embodiment the fifth wheel plate is mounted on bases with trunnion pins. The bases are secured to the truck tractor. Retaining pins are received in flanges and serve to block axial movement of the trunnion pins. The retaining pins are disposed parallel to the top surface of the plate and are perpendicular to the axes of the trunnion pins. The retaining pins and flanges may be spaced far enough below the fifth wheel support surface so that a misfed kingpin cannot contact them. Alternatively, or in addition, the retaining pins may be under a protector that extends over the length of the retaining pin to prevent a misfed kingpin from striking the retaining pins.

Abstract: A wheeled tooling cart for a thermoformer machine enabling quick and easy removal and installation of upper and lower tooling plates from their respective platens. The tooling plates are held on upper framework on the cart, which are removed one at a time with the cart in position adjacent the machine with one and the opposite end successively. The tooling plates are held in position on the cart for reinstallation when the cart is appropriately repositioned with respect to the thermoformer machine. An elevator mechanism allows an upper framework having attachment brackets and rails for holding the tooling plates to be raised and lowered on a wheeled lower framework to move the attachment brackets and rails into proper position for attachment and removal of the tooling plates.

Abstract: A suspension unit for each rear wheel of a motor powered off-road four wheeled vehicle comprising a suspension arrangement with the inner members constructed for mounting on a fixed shaft secured to the vehicle and the outer casing carrying a swing arm terminating in a swivel joint to be secured to a single rear wheel axle and a pair of such a units in combination with a drive chain and sprocket device for the single axle and a braking system having at least one disc brake for fixed mounting on the rear axle with caliper carried on an operating arm supported from a bearing to be mounted on the same axle.

Abstract: A transportable lift includes a base and an elevator connected to the base which is arranged to support and vertically lift a load relative to the base. Transport wheels are connected to the base and are vertically moveable relative to the base. A control mechanism is connected to a frame for the transport wheels to selectively disable transport when a load is on the elevator. The control mechanism includes a drive connected to the frame for the transport wheels which, in use, exerts a first transport enabling force on the frame. A counter drive is connected to the base and the drive which, in use, exerts a second force to compensate the first force and a weight of exclusively the lift.

Abstract: A jackknife warning system for a trailered vehicle. A rotation sensor, mounted to a chassis of a tractor, engages an underside of a semi-detached trailer and senses rotation of the trailer with respect to the tractor. A pressure sensor senses pressure applied to a set of brakes for the vehicle. When rotation of the trailer reaches a first setpoint, and pressure applied to the brakes reaches a second setpoint, an alarm is emitted. The alarm can either be a right alarm or a left alarm, depending on if the vehicle is jackknifing to the right or to the left. The brake pressure setpoint can be adjusted by the driver based on the load being carried or on road conditions.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The coupling includes a mount that is secured to the trailer. An elongated arm has a proximal end portion secured to the mount. A connector pin is disposed on a distal end portion of the arm in order to mate with the tow hitch, A retainer assembly is secured to the arm and engages the tow hitch when the trailer is interconnected to the tractor vehicle so as to resist rotation of the arm relative to the tow hitch. The mount includes a flat base plate and a pair of upwardly projecting side plates disposed on the base plate. This mount then engages the hitch connecting station on the trailer. The invention includes a trailer provided with the coupling where the trailer has a housing, a wheel set and the hitch connecting station.

Abstract: The tractor unit of an articulated road vehicle includes an angle sensor unit arranged to sense the angular position of the trailer relative to the tractor and to cause the rear view mirror for the driver to move so that he can always see the trail end of the trailer. According to this invention the sensor unit is deflectable mounted on the tractor unit so that it can be moved out of harms way when hit, e.g., by a trailer.

Abstract: A motorized in-line blade roller skate having a longitudinally extending chassis plate with rear and front ends and several in-line blade roller members. A motor provides the necessary rotational movement that is transmitted through a cable to a gear assembly which in turn transmits it to a driving roller member. A bracket member is pivotally mounted to the rear end of the chassis plate and the driving roller member is rotatably mounted to the bracket. A clutch cable brings the driving roller member in contact with the rearmost roller member and thus transmitting the rotational movement to the latter. A second pivotally mounted bracket is provided for rotatably supporting the rear roller and is rigidly kept in place with, an adjustable linkage member. Adjusting this linkage member offset the wear and tear of the rear or driven roller and also permits a user to enhance gripping, preventing slip action, by bringing the rear roller member slightly below the plane defined by the other roller members.

Abstract: A carriage has a wheeled base with an articulated frame for supporting a construction panel in a multitude of operator-defined orientations during transportation, fitting and installation of the panel. The frame and a construction panel secured to the frame are movable relative to the base between (a) a reclined transport position in which the center of mass of the construction panel overlies the area bounded by the wheels of the base to enhance stability of the carriage during transportation of the panel, and (b) an upright installation position in which the center of mass of the construction panel is located forwardly of the wheels of the base. In the installation position of the frame, roller bearings below the frame transfer the weight of a construction panel to the surface on which the carriage operates to enhance stability and facilitate rolling movement of the carriage.

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 system for preventing the overturning of the bin of a tipper truck during the raising of the bin for purposes of unloading includes a lateral level sensor to sense the lateral orientation of the tipper truck, and a longitudinal level sensor for sensing the longitudinal inclination of the bin. A processor processes the outputs of the lateral and longitudinal level sensors to derive a measure of risk of overturning. The system also includes a display for displaying an indication responsive to the measure of risk. The processor preferably processes the output of the lateral level sensor to calculate a rate of change of lateral inclination of the tipper truck. Optionally, a mechanism may be provided for interrupting the raising of the bin, the mechanism being responsive to the processor.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing device for a tractor and trailer combination is provided having a pressure cylinder with an axial bore which mounts to the lower surface of a fifth wheel plate of the tractor. A piston locates within the axial bore and has a stop pin which project into a stop bore formed in the fifth wheel plate and into a slot formed in a trailer plate of the trailer. An end plug couples to the pressure cylinder for sealing the axial bore and is removable to allow the interior of the axial bore to be accessed. Also provided on the piston is a socket which allows a piston removal tool to be inserted therein so that the piston can be removed from the axial bore when the end plug is removed. The structure of the anti-jackknifing device prevents stresses on the fasteners or bolts used in securing the pressure cylinder to the fifth wheel plate as a result of lateral forces being exerted on the stop pin.

Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping method for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision that includes crushing a damping material, positioned at a connection of the lead vehicle and the trail vehicle of a combination articulated vehicle, during the collision.

Abstract: A sway stabilization system to inhibit an undesirable sideways sway between a towed vehicle (15) and a lead vehicle (14) comprises a brake assembly (17) having towed vehicle parts and lead vehicle parts operatively connected together in parallel with the draw bar and hitch assembly (16). The towed vehicle parts include a sway transmission member (21) secured to a draw bar (18). The lead vehicle parts include a braking surface carrier member (22), which engages with the draw bar (18), for pivoting movement with the sway transmission member (21) about the axis of the hitch pin, the braking surface carrier member (22) being subject to braking action by clutch plates (33, 34) in response to undesirable sway being detected by a coupling sensor (36).

Abstract: An integrated jackknife control device for a tractor trailer assembly requires minimal if any modification to the existing fifth wheel coupler of the tractor trailer. The device comprises a computer controlled braking system including one or more pivot brakes acting directly on the trailer body, sensors which detect tractor trailer conditions indicative of incipient or full-fledged jackknifing and possibly other hazardous conditions such as collision or panic braking, and a proportional controller which causes one or more brake to apply a resistive force directly to the trailer which increases proportionally with a sensed degree of trailer jackknifing. The braking system preferably will automatically remain in a standby mode during backing maneuvers and will allow the operator to actuate the braking system manually and also to reset or return the braking system to a standby condition.

Abstract: A combination articulated vehicle damping system for absorbing the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle during a collision. Affixed to the trail vehicle is a damping material retainers that holds a damping material. The back of the damping material retainer engages the rear end of the damping material. A slider frame is slidably mounted in the damping material retainer and engages the forward end of the damping material. A shearable fastener prevents the slider frame from moving relative to the damping material retainer until subjected to a predetermined force. Secured to the slider frame is the connector for coupling the lead vehicle to the trail vehicle. Once the combination articulated vehicle is subjected to a predetermined force, the shearable fastener breaks allowing the slider frame to move and thereby deform the damping material. The deformation of the damping material absorbs the kinetic energy of the trail vehicle.

Abstract: A device for monitoring operation of a lock lever of a fifth wheel trailer hitch. The inventive device includes a switch mounted to a fifth wheel hitch and responsive to a position of either the lock lever or an air cylinder actuator rod coupled to the lock lever. The switch is electrically coupled to an interlock solenoid and an indicator light for respectively blocking movement of the trailer raise/lower lever and indicating incomplete coupling of a trailer to the fifth wheel hitch.

Abstract: A device for transmitting torque produced by a cylinder, includes two combination spline shaft members hingedly connected at the inward spline ends thereof to a double acting cylinder member within a shaft guided hollow tube member. Said combination spline shaft members are, operative reciprocatively and counter torsionally, against key embodied effectual connection members meshed thereon when, said cylinder member is reciprocatively enabled and said effectual connection members are firmly held.

Abstract: An angle sensor for measuring an angle .theta. between two rigid bodies rotatably joined at a joint. The angle sensor includes an indicator disk, an anchor strap and a mechanism for reading the indicator disk. Our invention also includes forward and backward motion steering control systems which can employ the angle sensor as a hitch angle sensor to measure the hitch angle between a tow vehicle and a trailer.

Abstract: A trailer hitch particularly for pick-up trucks and other relatively light towing vehicles having an improved hitch assembly including a retractable pin assembly in combination with guide members for limiting angular movement of a trailer behind the towing vehicle. An improved cylinder, pin and restrictor plate assembly provides a rebound or kick back to return or urge the jack-knifed trailer back to a position substantially trailing behind the truck. The cylinder improved in providing positive action in both retraction and extension of the pin.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a retractable caster assembly for use on large safes weighing in the 1000 pound range and above. The caster assembly utilizes a plurality of retractable casters which can be lowered to permit moving a safe from one place to another. Once the safe has been moved to its desired location, the caster assembly is raised while the safe is simultaneously lowered to the building floor. The caster assembly eliminates the need for specialized equipment to move the safe. Once the safe is lowered and the caster assembly is retracted, it is totally hidden from view, thus preventing the unauthorized movement of the safe since access to the caster assembly is only available when the safe door is open.

Abstract: A system for laterally stabilizing a two-wheeled vehicle includes a pair of outrigger struts having respective outrigger wheels on opposite sides of the rear wheel, vertically movable between raised and lowered positions relative to a supporting structure, the struts each being connected by a transverse strut shaft for unison vertical movement and extending forwardly of the strut shaft; an electric motor driven actuator mechanism including a rotatably mounted lead screw shaft that is pivotably mounted relative to the supporting structure, a drive nut threadingly engaging the lead screw shaft that is connected to the strut shaft for driving the wheels between the raised and lowered positions in response to rotation of the lead screw shaft.

Abstract: A warning device for a coupling system including a non-mechanical switching device for determining whether a latching mechanism in the coupling system is locked and a signalling device. The switching device providing a first output the latching mechanism is locked and a second output when the latching mechanism is unlocked. The signalling device providing one of a plurality of unique signals to an operator based on the outputs provided by the switching device, wherein each of the plurality of unique signals indicates a unique coupling condition of the coupling system.

Abstract: A locking device for a trailer hitch of the type which is used to connect the rear end of a pickup truck with the forward end of a trailer, the trailer having an adapter arm connected with the forward end of the trailer and being provided with a socket for engaging a ball on the rear end of the pickup truck, the ball having a threaded portion which projects downwardly through a support plate and having a nut secured to the lower threaded portion of the ball, a locking plate pivotally connected to the adapter arm at a location between the ends of the arm, the locking plate being provided with a first hole whose diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the nut such that, when the locking plate is pivoted towards the support plate, the lower end of the ball and the nut will be received in the first hole and the locking plate can be adjacent the underside of the support plate, a locking chain having a first end and a second end, the first end of the locking plate being connected to the locking plate intermed

Abstract: A new and improved anti-jackknife apparatus for tractor to trailer connections includes a fifth wheel assembly connected to a tractor and a pair of locking pin assemblies connected to the fifth wheel assembly. Each of the locking pin assemblies includes an extensible and retractable lock pin. A control assembly is connected to the pair of locking pin assemblies. The control assembly is capable of being controlled by a first control signal in response to actuation of tractor brakes and is capable of being controlled by a second control signal in response to manual actuation of a bypass switch assembly by a tractor driver. A plate is connected to a trailer such that the trailer plate encircles a kingpin extending downward from the trailer. The trailer plate includes a pair of partially-ring-shaped slots adapted to receive the lock pins of the locking pin assemblies when the lock pins are in an extended position.

Abstract: In a vehicle combination, a traction vehicle which can be used independently of the combination, is rigidly connected with a trailer vehicle. The rear wheels of the traction vehicle can be lifted from the road when the combination is coupled, the wheels of the traction vehicle being located at the ends of link rods pivoting about an axis and the link rods are connected with a pivoting driving system capable both of lifting the wheels from the road and providing a high quality rolling structure for the traction vehicle.

Abstract: A draw-bar coupling for a vehicle combination incorporates a sensor assembly for sensing the loads acting on the coupling in more than one plane, specifically two or three planes at right angles to each other.

Abstract: A trailer hitch security system has a first audible alarm to alert the driver of a towing vehicle of a loose connection with the trailer, and of a loose connection between the ball of the trailer hitch and the towing vehicle's frame. The system also has two visual indicators alerting the driver of the state of the coupling between the trailer and the vehicle. A second audible alarm is automatically activated if the vehicle's ignition is turned off and an unauthorized removal of the trailer is attempted. The second audible alarm is loud and intermittent, thus alerting the driver of unauthorized unhitching, or theft, of the trailer. The loud alarm may be turned off only from within the cab of the vehicle, as returning the trailer to the towing vehicle's ball will not deactivate it. The second audible alarm is tied to a timer which limits the sounding of the second audible alarm to a preset time interval.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for use with a trailer of the type having brakes is shown. If the latch mechanism on the trailer hitch is not properly closed, the brakes on the trailer are engaged thereby preventing the trailer from being towed. In addition, a warning device, such as a audible alarm and/or a light, signals the operator of the unlatched condition of the trailer hitch. If the latch mechanism becomes disengaged while the trailer is being towed, the warning device signals the operator and the brakes are engaged to stop the trailer. In a preferred embodiment actuation of the brakes is delayed to allow the operator time to stop the vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention may conveniently be mounted on the trailer so that it will be functional with any towing vehicle.

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 converter dolly for connecting a second trailer in tandem to a first trailer is provided. The converter dolly comprises a base, a connector frame pivotally connected to the base for horizontal movement about a substantially vertical axis, a dolly locking structure, and a plurality of ground engaging wheels carried by the base. The connector frame includes a hitch for pivotally connecting the connector frame to the forward wheeled vehicle for substantially horizontal movement about a substantially vertical axis, and a fifth wheel assembly fixed on the connector frame to pivotally connect the connector frame to the rear wheeled vehicle for substantially horizontal movement about a substantially vertical axis. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel locking having an unengaged position and an engaged position for preventing rotational movement between the connector frame and the rear wheeled vehicle in its engaged position.

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: A torsion bar suspension system for a trailer that includes a suspension frame having a spindle at one end for rotatably carrying a wheel. The suspension frame is mounted to the trailer frame to pivot about an axis spaced from the wheel axis of rotation. A torsion bar is mounted to the trailer frame between the wheel end of the suspension frame and the suspension frame pivot axis. The torsion bar is operatively coupled to the suspension frame such that torque at the torsion bar resists pivoting of the suspension frame about its pivot axis. The torsion bar/suspension frame coupling comprises an arm of variable length to accommodate changing radius between the torsion bar and the suspension frame as the frame rotates about its pivot axis. The torsion bar and suspension frame are mountable and demountable to and from the trailer frame as an assembly. The suspension frame includes facility for adjusting height, camber and toe-in of the wheel.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting flexible couplings interconnected between a towing vehicle and a towed vehicle such as safety cables, safety chains and electrical cable. The carrier is mounted on the hitch of the towing vehicle with configured formations extending laterally from the hitch. The formations support and carry the flexible couplings at a distance from the union of the hitches of the towing and towed vehicle. The carrier prevents the flexible couplings from damage by preventing the flexible couplings from becoming entrapped between the hitch bottom and the ground and by maintaining the flexible couplings at a distance from the union of the hitches of the towing and towed vehicle.

Abstract: A hauling system for a self-propelled vehicle and a trailer that is not self-propelled in which the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer are releasably connected by a system that is operable by a single operator who can align and connect the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer from the cab of the self-propelled vehicle. Lateral alignment is achieved by steering the self-propelled vehicle and is facilitated by masts located on the self-propelled vehicle and the trailer that are visible from the cab. Vertical alignment and the physical connection are completed through use of a jack or other lifting mechanism that is positioned on the trailer and is operated by a wireless control signal sent from the cab.

Abstract: A steerable and rackable electrical apparatus system including a wheeled rackable electrical apparatus (10). The system allows steerable movement of an unracked apparatus (10) that has been removed from a switchgear cabinet. The system includes a device (20) with a lifting bracket (22) selectively attachable and detachable from the electrical apparatus (10); and a steerable, wheeled, self-supporting lifting device (30) for lifting a portion of the electrical apparatus (10) to a lifted position and for supporting weight of the lifted apparatus (10) without operator lifting effort. The lifting device (30) may be screw jack with a castered wheel (38) that is coupled to the lifting bracket (22).

Abstract: A carriage for displacing a cylindrical body into a winding machine, comprising two support elements (9) defining therebetween a space for receiving the body (2) and being adjustable with respect to each other in a transverse direction of the elements; fixed support plates (10) attached to the support elements for supporting the body; and a machinery for lifting and lowering the support plates. To measure the size of the body and to be able to adjust the winding machine in advance, the carriage comprises sensors (15, 18) for measuring the width and diameter of the body while the body is supported by the support plates; and a transmitter (24) for transmitting the measuring results to the winding machine.

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: In "C" dolly systems, it is conventional to provide a resistance to steer of approximately 0.3 G in order to improve the steering thereof particularly in an evasive action and to decrease the tendency of high speed off tracking. The higher this resistance to steer, the better the high speed off tracking characteristics are. However, high resistance although relatively satisfactory at high speeds, at relatively low speeds below approximately 30 miles an hour, results in the creation of severe and undue stresses and forces in the dolly and hitch structures particularly during relatively tight turning maneuvers. The present invention comprises a two phase control system. The speed of the vehicle is sensed continuously and when the speed is below approximately 30 mph (approximately 50 kph) the steering axle of the dolly is free to steer under the control of the axle steering dampening system but above 30 mph (50 kph), the axle is locked thus giving the maximum resistance to steer.

Abstract: A fully hydraulic steering system for a vehicle having a front frame and a rear frame coupled to each other by an articulating pin, the steering system coupling a steering unit operated by a wheel to steering cylinders, for turning the vehicle body. The steering system comprises: a sensor to detect a turning angle of the steering wheel; a sensor to detect an articulating angle of the vehicle body; a controller to compare outputs from these two sensors to drive a wheel position correcting solenoid valve according to the difference between the outputs; a pilot-type diverting valve to allow wheel position correcting oil to branch from a switch pump circuit to the wheel position correcting solenoid valve; and a safety valve to close a drain port of the pilot type diverting valve only when the driver performs steering with the wheel so that the pilot-type diverting valve feeds correcting oil to the wheel position correcting solenoid valve.

Abstract: A braking assembly mounted to a bottom wall of a truck trailer includes telescoping legs biased exteriorly of tubes, wherein the legs are in a parallel relationship pivotally mounted to opposed distal ends of a brake bar securing a brake pad longitudinally and coextensively thereof, with a medially oriented hydraulically actuated piston mounted to an elongate spring arranged for projecting the brake pad downwardly relative to the truck trailer bottom wall.

Abstract: The tractor mounts a passive damping constraint system and a fifth wheel brake between the fifth wheel and tractor frame. The fifth wheel is secured to the trailer for rotation therewith relative to the tractor. The constraint system passively resists rotary movement of the trailer and tractor about the kingpin. Upon reaching a predetermined angular relation indicative of a jackknife condition, the fifth wheel brake system is actuated and the driver alerted. Upon manual braking, the fifth wheel brake and passive damping constraint systems are deactuated. Where hard braking is required, the fifth wheel braking system is again activated to assist the driver to prevent the jackknife condition. The fifth wheel braking and passive damping constraint systems are deactivated upon actuation of the turn signals.

Abstract: A system operated by the driver of a tractor trailer for preventing the jackknifing of the tractor trailer, the tractor trailer being of the type having a kingpin under the trailer to lock into the fifth wheel mounting plate on the tractor, the system having structure for locking the trailer to the tractor to prevent the trailer's turning in relation to the tractor, with the structure for locking the trailer in a fixed position being activated by the driver when the driver senses that the trailer is starting to jackknife.

Abstract: The components of a tractor-trailer assembly are provided with means for determining the ball angle between the tractor and trailer during backing as well as the distance and location of the backing objective with respect to the back of the trailer. Intelligence concerning these data are processed to determine the corrections required in current steering conditions to maintain a desired course of trailer travel during backing.

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: An anti-jackknifing system for use on a tractor having a fifth wheel and a trailer having a trailer pin. The anti-jackknifing system is made of a non-cylindrical pin attached to the existing trailer pin, and a freely rotating brake disk mechanism. The brake disk mechanism has a central shaft and a brake disk attached to the central shaft. A non-cylindrical opening at the top of the central shaft couples the trailer to the brake disk mechanism so that the brake disk mechanism rotates when the trailer rotates. When the tractor brakes are applied, a braking system stops rotation of the brake disk.

Abstract: A multiple axle trailer comprises a chassis pivotally connected to turn substantially horizontally with respect to a sub-chassis and provided with means at its forward end to enable the trailer to be hitched to a towing vehicle, the sub-chassis carrying forward and rear pairs of wheels. An adjustable length steering arm is pivotally connected to the sub-chassis and to the chassis forward of the connection to the sub-chassis. A system of linkages connects the forward wheel king pins with a mounting point which is rotationally fixed with respect to the steering arm and operates to turn the forward wheels from the steering arm so that the trailer tracks the towing vehicle. In a preferred embodiment the mounting point is moveable longitudinally to enable the forward wheels to be moved in the opposite direction during reversing of the trailer.