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 drawbar type trailer hitch comprising a frame supported telescoping tongue extended and retracted by a first pressure cylinder while a second pressure cylinder may be operated to position the rearward end portion of the telescopically extended tongue in a lateral direction for correcting the direction of rearward movement of a towed vehicle being backed toward a parked position by the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Self-steering trailer having an elongated main frame, the rear end of which is supported by a sub-frame and steering dolly. The dolly is connected to the main frame in such manner that the dolly is automatically turned relative to the main frame in response to lateral movement of the rear end of the main frame to steer the rear of the trailer in accordance with the lateral movement. The steering means comprises an A-frame connected to the dolly, and a steering arm which interconnects the rear of the main frame and the dolly. In some embodiments, a manually controlled actuator is connected between the main frame and the dolly to permit the rear of the trailer to be steered manually.

Abstract: An automatic steering system for a towed vehicle, or trailer, wherein the wheels of the trailer are steered while backing by means of a lockable, in length, rod extending longitudinally from a towing vehicle, the rod being positioned to the side of a towing connection.

Abstract: A steerable wheeled assembly for a vehicle such as a harvesting or windrowing machine of the type adapted to be drawn over crop rows in the ground is disclosed. The assembly includes rotatable vertical members and a horizontal axle member which are arranged in a "C" frame supportingly connected to the vehicle and which provides clearance under the axle. Ground engaging wheels rotate on stub axles which pivot in steering movement when the vertical members are rotated. Steering or pivot arms are mounted on each of the vertical members and are connected together by a tie rod. A fluid power actuated cylinder connected to one of the arms is used to pivot the arm and stear the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer steering and towing hitch includes a moveable hitch connecting member which is supported on a towing vehicle for moving back and forth transverse to the axis of the towing vehicle with a motor for moving the hitch member back and forth for moving the front of a towed trailer for shifting and steering the trailer.

Abstract: A land plane for leveling or grading the surface of a land area including a frame having front and rear wheel assemblies, a center section and two end sections. A plurality of grader blades are supported below the center section which in turn may be raised away from and lowered towards the ground surface by pivoting the end sections of the frame with respect to the center section. Adjustable braces correct warps and distortion in the frame and permit accurate setting of the alignment and angular disposition of the blades with respect to the ground surface. Steering of the plane is controlled through a fluid system which coordinates the steering actions of the front and rear wheel assemblies and, alternatively, permits the rear wheel assembly to be steered independent of the front wheel assembly.

Abstract: A coupling mechanism adapted for attaching a draft vehicle to a drawn vehicle, so as to permit relative pivotal movement therebetween in a generally horizontal plane, and comprising an arcuate orientation of abutment means adapted to be supported by the draft vehicle and another abutment means adapted to be supported by the drawn vehicle, with at least one of the abutment means being selectively expandible or extendible by power means, for causing interlocking coaction between the first and second mentioned abutment means, so as to transmit force from the first mentioned abutment means to the second mentioned abutment means in a direction generally laterally of the longitudinal axis of the mechanism, whereby the drawn vehicle during a backing-up operation moves in the same general direction as the draft vehicle. The mechanism is useable with a fifth wheel type of truck-trailer combination as well as with trailer hitch drawn-bar type couplings for use in connection with automotive and truck-type vehicles.

Abstract: A rear wheel steering system for trailers operative to permit selective steering of the rear of a trailer by swinging a rear wheel and axle assembly relative to a trailer frame and independently of the steering of a towing vehicle. The system includes extensible members each having respective opposite ends thereof pivotally connected to a frame of the trailer and to a mounting member having the rear wheels and axle assemblies mounted thereon and operative to selectively turn the mounting member and wheels and axle assemblies thereon relative to the frame of the trailer for steering of the rear end thereof.