Abstract: A wiring harness testing assembly for testing a wiring harness for wiring faults includes a puck that is positionable on a female coupler of a wiring harness on a semi-truck and the puck is foraminous. A plurality of testing lights is provided and each of the testing lights has a contact that is insertable through a respective foramen in the puck to electrically engage the female coupler of the wiring harness when the puck is positioned on the female coupler. Furthermore, respective ones of the testing lights are turned on when the contact on the respective testing light completes a circuit with a respective wire on the wiring harness thereby facilitating the respective wire to be tested for continuity.

Abstract: An adapter for use with components of a truck trailer. The adapter may include multiple input terminals corresponding with multiple terminals of a trailer component socket of a trailer, and multiple output terminals configured to electrically connect with corresponding input terminals of a trailer component. The adapter may also include an adapter circuit configured to electrically connect at least four of the input terminals with at least four of the multiple output terminals. The multiple output terminals may include at least two mode selection output terminals configured to provide a mode selection to the trailer component, and the trailer component optionally includes control logic configured to activate and deactivate the trailer component according to the mode selection.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein are configured to determine if a trailer is connected to a vehicle. The methods may include determining a connection during an off-state and an on-state of the vehicle. The determinations may be compared to determine whether to enable use of the off-state determination with respect to features of the vehicle.

Abstract: The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is a maintenance device. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is adapted for use with a trailer. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device comprises the plurality of trailer lights, a plurality of flashing circuits, a plurality of isolation diodes, a plurality of switches, and a wiring harness connector. The plurality of trailer lights, the plurality of flashing circuits, the plurality of isolation diodes, the plurality of switches, and the wiring harness connector are electrically interconnected. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device electrically tests a plurality of trailer lights. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device illuminates the plurality of trailer lights to be sure that each trailer light selected from the plurality of trailer lights is operating. The fifth wheel trailer light testing device is further configured to simultaneously flash all of the plurality of trailer lights.

Abstract: A towing vehicle includes a towing control unit with circuitry to detect whether a light is connected to the electrical harness electrically coupling the vehicle to the trailer. The towing control unit may include lamp connectivity circuits for, for example, the left turn signal and the right turn signal. To determine whether the turn light is connected, the corresponding connectivity circuit periodically generates a test signal. Based on characteristics of a response signal to the test signal. The connectivity circuit determines whether the corresponding turn signal light of the trailer is connected based on a response to the test signal. The connectivity circuit may distinguished whether an incandescent-based turn signal light, a light emitting diode (LED)-based turn signal light, and an open circuit is sensed based on the characteristics of the response signal.

Abstract: A control system for a vehicle for determining whether a trailer is attached to the vehicle, the system being configured to receive an input of pitch data for the vehicle and to determine from the pitch data whether a trailer is attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A wireless testing device includes a trailer connector portion including a plurality of inputs; a communication device; a plurality of loads each connected to one of the plurality of inputs; and a control device. The plurality of inputs is configured to connect to a plurality of circuits in a vehicle. The control device is configured to determine the operability of each of the plurality of circuits in the vehicle when the trailer connector portion is connected to the vehicle by applying each of the plurality of loads to one of the plurality of inputs.

Abstract: A brake testing device include a remote operated control module which is installed on a towing vehicle to remotely actuate the brake and turn signal lights for testing purposes. When installed on a truck with air brakes and a connection to air brakes on a connected trailer, auxiliary valves are installed on the truck brake pneumatic control line and the trailer brake pneumatic control line which are controlled remotely through the control module to test activation of the air brakes on the truck and trailer respectively.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool for trailer lights to assist in troubleshooting of trailer wiring and exterior lighting components comprises a small hand-held plastic enclosure and interior electrical diagnostic components. The diagnostic device further comprises a vehicle-type connector and a series of colored indicator lamps. When the diagnostic device is connected to a trailer wiring connector, the indicator lights will inform the user of all working and non-working circuits on the trailer. The device also comprises various types of adapters so as to work with any size trailer from small utility trailers up to large tractor trailer rigs.

Abstract: A new portable, self-contained device for testing the full cycle of trailer light modes without additional manual actuation by the user and for identifying where and what type of specific error occurred, if any are detected. The inventive device generally comprises a compact portable housing with a fixedly attached handle and a removable housing top. Within the compact portable housing is a self-contained, rechargeable 12 volt power source to power all functionality over a sustained period of time. Also within the compact portable housing is a light mode control means that allows the device to cycle through multiple light modes for testing, and an error detection analysis means that indicates where and what type of fault is detected.

Abstract: Techniques for operating, testing, and generating a testing report for the electrical and air subsystems of a vehicular trailer, without the use of an associated truck tractor are disclosed. The system includes a portable testing unit with self-powered electrical and air subsystems which are interconnected to the corresponding subsystems of the vehicular trailer under test. The portable testing unit can be rolled about on a stand and functions as a mini-truck tractor, in the sense that it selectively provides electrical power and air to the VUT. The testing unit is controlled by a small, portable hand held radio frequency remote control that communicates test and data signals to a radio receiver in the portable testing unit. The system acquires testing data from both automatic and manual means from disparate sources. The system stores the testing data and automatically generates testing reports. The system manages the testing data and generated reports.

Abstract: A method and a circuit system for monitoring the electrical properties of a load circuit controlled in a clocked manner, the load circuit having at least one ohmic component and at least one inductive component, having the following steps: establishing at least one first control signal and one second control signal, the control signals being established in such a way that, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the first control signal, the inductive behavior of the load circuit predominates and, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the second control signal, the ohmic behavior of the load circuit predominates, acquiring at least one measured variable, which is a function of the control signal and the ohmic and/or inductive components, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the first control signal and in the case of activation of the load circuit using the second control signal, ascertaining the deviations of the measured variables from measured variables which are ex

Abstract: Techniques for operating, testing, and generating a testing report for the electrical and air subsystems of a vehicular trailer, without the use of an associated truck tractor are disclosed. The system includes a portable testing unit with self-powered electrical and air subsystems which are interconnected to the corresponding subsystems of the vehicular trailer under test. The portable testing unit can be rolled about on a stand and functions as a mini-truck tractor, in the sense that it selectively provides electrical power and air to the VUT. The testing unit is controlled by a small, portable hand held radio frequency remote control that communicates test and data signals to a radio receiver in the portable testing unit. The system acquires testing data from both automatic and manual means from disparate sources. The system stores the testing data and automatically generates testing reports. The system manages the testing data and generated reports.

Abstract: Techniques for operating, testing, and generating a testing report for the electrical and air subsystems of a vehicular trailer, without the use of an associated truck tractor are disclosed. The system includes a portable testing unit with self-powered electrical and air subsystems which are interconnected to the corresponding subsystems of the vehicular trailer under test. The portable testing unit can be rolled about on a stand and functions as a mini-truck tractor, in the sense that it selectively provides electrical power and air to the VUT. The testing unit is controlled by a small, portable hand held radio frequency remote control that communicates test and data signals to a radio receiver in the portable testing unit. The system acquires testing data from both automatic and manual means from disparate sources. The system stores the testing data and automatically generates testing reports. The system manages the testing data and generated reports.

Abstract: A test cable device comprising a main cable with a standard trailer connector; at least seven inner wires in the main cable, the first ends of each inner wire extending from the first end of the main cable, the first inner wire being a ground wire; a first clamp operatively connected to the first end of the first inner wire; and a second clamp operatively connected to each of the first ends of the second, third, fourth, and fifth inner wires; wherein the first ends of the sixth and seventh inner wires are operatively connected to a first flasher relay, the first flasher relay can be operatively connected to a port of a relay unit; wherein the device can be operatively connected to a power source via the first and second clamp, power is directed through the device and to the trailer via the trailer connector.

Abstract: A trailer light tester for supplying DC current to at least one circuit in a trailer where a seven pin female connector is rigidly and securely attached to a side or rear panel of the trailer light tester wherein, when the seven pin female connector which is rigidly and securely attached to the light tester is connected to the seven pin male connector which is rigidly and securely attached to the front end of the body of a truck trailer, the light tester is rigidly and securely attached to and is fully supported by the seven pin connector attached to the body of the truck trailer and projects out from the front end of the truck trailer body without requiring any additional support.

Abstract: A signal converter and method of converting a signal are provided. The converter includes a power supply, microcontroller and current sensor. The microcontroller is connected to a power supply and is configured to receive inputs from a vehicle and output signals to loads of a second vehicle. The sensor is connected to the microcontroller to monitor current flow at the loads. The output channels are configured to stagger activity on the output signals. The microcontroller reduces the duty cycle of the output signals if the current flow rises above a first threshold and resumes the output signal to full strength once the current flow falls below a second threshold. The method includes receiving an input signal, sending an output signal, measuring current flow, measuring temperature, reducing the power of the output signal, and restoring the output signal.

Abstract: A current detector and indicator unit are coupled to a shore power cord for monitoring for corrosion-causing galvanic current on the ground wire of the power cord. A current transducer coupled to the ground wire senses current and provides a signal corresponding to the magnitude of the sensed current to a microcontroller. The microcontroller compares the magnitude of the current signal to one or more predetermined thresholds and outputs signals to an indicator unit to display the level of galvanic activity accordingly.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method for monitoring and controlling power and for identifying an open circuit state at an output port is disclosed. A circuit is implemented to determine whether an open circuit state exists based on a comparison of data received from the output port and attached loads. The data received from the output port and attached loads is compared to a minimum open circuit current value of the output port, wherein the minimum open circuit current value is based on the hardware characteristics of the output port and attached loads. A possible open circuit state at the output port is reported based on the comparison.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic device for checking electrical signalling systems of for example tractors and their trailers. The device has several receptacles for connection to a corresponding receptacle or pin connector of a trailer. One electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or other circuits of the trailer individually, and indicating lamps and/or horns for annunciating circuit operability. Another electrical circuit includes switches for energizing individual signalling or illumination circuits individually, and indicating lamps and/or horns for annunciating circuit operability. The device, which is contained on a wheeled stand, has its own power supply and circuit overcurrent protective devices, and is thus independent.

Abstract: Provided are a device and a method of detecting signal lamps in a vehicle, in particular in a large vehicle, being provided with a plurality of signal lamps each being capable of switching between an OFF-phase and an ON-phase. The method includes the steps of during the OFF-phase of a vehicle signal lamp to be probed inducing a probing current by connecting an electric current generator to said vehicle signal lamp circuit, where the probing current is lower than the nominal current for the lamp in question. The next step is to detect the electric voltage level over the lamp circuit and determining vehicle signal lamp characteristics such as type and condition based on said electric voltage level detection. The result of the determination is that the signal lamp is a LED lamp being connected, when the detected voltage level is within a predetermined interval between a first voltage level and a second voltage level.

Abstract: A signal converter and method of converting a signal are provided. The converter includes a power supply, microcontroller and current sensor. The microcontroller is connected to a power supply and is configured to receive inputs from a vehicle and output signals to loads of a second vehicle. The sensor is connected to the microcontroller to monitor current flow at the loads. The output channels are configured to stagger activity on the output signals. The microcontroller reduces the duty cycle of the output signals if the current flow rises above a first threshold and resumes the output signal to full strength once the current flow falls below a second threshold. The method includes receiving an input signal, sending an output signal, measuring current flow, measuring temperature, reducing the power of the output signal, and restoring the output signal.

Abstract: A compact, portable electrical tester to test the functionality of the lights of a lighting system of vehicle-towed commercial and utility trailers. By virtue of the presently-disclosed lighting tester, the lights of a trailer can be remotely tested by a single test taker without the presence of a tow vehicle or tow vehicle operator. Housed within the chassis of the lighting tester are a 120-volt AC/12-volt DC power supply and a set of DC test circuits. The DC test circuits are connected between the power supply and different ones of the lights of the trailer to be tested. In the preferred embodiment, each DC test circuit includes a light selection toggle switch that is connected in electrical series with a DC circuit breaker toggle switch. A particular light selection toggle switch is selectively actuated to a closed switch position so that DC power will be supplied from the power supply to illuminate a particular light or group of lights under test.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking lights on a tow trailer prior to connecting to a tow vehicle. The apparatus comprises a substantially hollow portable housing member. The portable member includes a turn signal switch for checking the status of such turn signals on such trailer, a brake light switch for checking the status of such brake lights, a tail light switch member for checking the status of tail lights on such trailer and a switch member for turning the portable housing member on and off. There is a power source for providing power to housing member disposed in the portable housing member. A communication means and is engageable with each of the power source, the turn signal switch, the brake light switch, the tail light switch and the switch means for providing electrical communication therein. A connection means is engageable with the communication means and is disposed on the housing member for connecting the housing member to a universal wiring harness of such trailer.

Abstract: An electronic circuit tester is disclosed which is utilized for the testing and troubleshooting of the various lighting, control and signaling circuits required in the towing of a trailer, vehicle or other conveyance. The tester generally comprises an enclosure, which may be included as a part of a wiring harness connector, or separately attached to a wiring harness connector by means of electrical wiring. The testing circuit includes a plurality of input lines, logic means, and an alerting means. The testing circuits cause a distinct alert to be produced in response to each distinct test of the trailer device driving circuits of the vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method for monitoring and controlling power and for identifying an open circuit state at an output port is disclosed. A minimum open circuit current value of the output port is known. A steady state current at the output port is measured for a selected number of times at selected time intervals. A subset of the steady state current values are selected and an average current value is calculated. The average current value is compared to the minimum open circuit current value (if no loads detected) or to a learned open circuit current value (if a load or trailer is detected). A possible open circuit state at the output port is reported based on the comparison.

Abstract: A portable assembly includes a multi-level housing having a vertically oriented back wall and an elongated rectilinear axle conjoined thereto. The housing further includes an elongated handle having a lower end portion monolithically formed with the back wall. A plurality of rotatable wheels operably communicate with the axle end portions and a plurality of coextensive shelves are conjoined to the back wall. The assembly further includes a mechanism for testing a variety of battery charging systems. The testing mechanism includes a plurality of power receptacles integrally connected to the back wall and spaced above a top one of the shelves. A battery-charger testing device is nested on one of the shelves for testing 48 volt club car power drive chargers. The battery-charger testing device is provided with a plurality of fuses for testing 36 volt and 48 volt circuits respectively.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting the presence and type of trailer which may have been connected to a vehicle including arrangements for applying a first voltage to a first amount of power lines for a first sub system in the trailer and arrangements for measuring the individual currents consumed by components in the first sub system. An arrangement is also included for comparing the individual currents to a first predefined threshold. The device additionally has arrangements for applying a second voltage to a second amount of power lines in the first sub system in the trailer and an arrangement for measuring the total current in the second amount of power lines, together with an arrangement for comparing the total current in the second amount of power lines to a second threshold. An arrangement for making decisions is provided and adapted to decide which kind of trailer, if any, is connected to the towing vehicle based on the measured currents.

Abstract: A trailer illumination system test device and method of use are disclosed. In one form, a device for testing the functionality of a trailer lighting system is disclosed. The device includes an in-series connection port operable to receive a trailer lighting system plug and a series of trailer light switches operable to simulate an operating condition of a trailer in tow. The device further includes an external power source connection operable to couple an external power source to provide power to simulate the operating condition.

Abstract: A vehicle circuit tester for electrically testing the circuit system of a trailer. The tester can connect to a variety of types of trailers for the purpose of analyzing or monitoring the trailer's circuit system. The tester includes indicators that indicate continuity of the various circuits, thus confirming operability of the trailer lamps. The tester includes wiring connectors in a variety of dimensions and plug configurations, most of which are standardized and widely adopted. As such, the vehicle circuit tester is provided with a plurality of wiring connectors conventionally provided on different sizes and types of trailers. The tester includes probe and ground wires that can be wound up on a reel inside the tester.

Abstract: A method for testing lighting systems in tractors and trailers. To use the tester to check small trailers; connect male cord from trailer to female connection on tester. Connect 12V power supply cord to power supply, connect power supply to tester to check lighting system. To use tester to check semi-trailers: connect tester to the 7-way female connection in the front of the semi-trailer. Connect 12V power supply cord to power supply, connect power supply to tester to check lighting system or Abs. To use tester to check truck or tractor: connect supply cord from truck or tractor to 7-way female connection on tester. No power supply required. Activate tractor switch on tester. You will now be able to test each lighting system on the truck or tractor. The LED light on tester will indicate if system is working properly or not.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing electrical circuits of a recreational vehicle are disclosed. The method incorporates use of a printed circuit board assembly supporting a plurality of vehicle interface contacts; a controller programmed with vehicle diagnostics code that communicates with each vehicle interface contact. Each vehicle interface contact communicates with a corresponding circuit of the recreational vehicle. Each circuit of the recreational vehicle is operatively responsive to an execution by the controller of a corresponding portion of a vehicle diagnostics code.

Abstract: An automated system for cycling vehicle lamps on and off allows direct inspection by one person of operability of the lamp bulbs while doing a walk around of the vehicle. The system is switch operated. Interlocks to operation are based upon the status of the vehicle's service brake, its park brake and the on/off status of the lights themselves. Lights are organized by related groups and each group given a distinctive, repeating cycle to lighten the burden of memorization on the operator.

Abstract: A method of actuating electrical components of a vehicle, such as a heavy duty truck, for performing diagnostic analysis on the electrical components on the truck without the assistance of a technician is disclosed. The method includes relaying a signal from a remote transmitter to a receiver aboard a vehicle and actuating electrical components on the vehicle in response to the signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: An improved diagnostic device for inspecting the pneumatic braking systems and electrical signaling systems on a cargo hauling trailer comprises a unique circuit arrangement permitting a single inspector to inspect the pneumatic braking systems and when required, override diagnostic cycling of the brakes between applied and released states to an alternate diagnostic wherein the system is continuously supplied with air to permit leak detection. A solenoid, normally cycling air to the pneumatic braking systems under the control of a programmable timer, can be overridden and powered to supply continuous air, regardless of the state of the timer, by actuating a brake light circuit which is connected to the solenoid through a pressure actuated switch.

Abstract: System and method for monitoring the functioning of electric components on a vehicle or a vehicle combination, where the system includes a control system, means for activating at least one electric component, means for allowing an operator to give at least one message to the control system, means for allowing the control system to give at least one message to the operator, and means for measuring at least one characteristic value for the component.

Abstract: A short-circuit detector has connected between positive and negative terminals of a DC power source a series connection including sequentially a first switch, a first detection resistor, a second detection resistor and a second switch, a third switch between a grounding terminal such as a vehicle chassis and a point between the first and second detection resistors and a voltage detector circuit connected in parallel with the first and second detection resistors.

Abstract: A vehicle provides the automatic activation and deactivation of vehicle lights in a predetermined sequence upon user request to assist the user in making a sight inspection of operation of the lights without further human help.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a trailer or semitrailer of a motor vehicle which includes activating at least one brake light of the trailer or semitrailer, independently of the driver, measuring a current flowing in a line assigned to the brake light of the trailer or semitrailer and ascertaining the presence or the absence of a trailer or semitrailer on the basis of the measured current.

Abstract: An electrical system is described comprising none or one or two function boards and at least one voltage converter. The function board/s and the voltage converter are connected such that a voltage generated by the voltage converter is supplied to the function board/s. The electrical system comprises an electrical circuit for checking whether two function boards are present and whether these two function boards are identical, and for disabling the voltage converter under the condition that two non-identical function boards are present.

Abstract: A vehicle provides the automatic activation and deactivation of vehicle lights in a predetermined sequence upon user request to assist the user in making a sight inspection of operation of the lights without further human help.

Abstract: A sensor circuit detects whether an electrical connection exists between a tractor portion and a trailer portion of a tractor/trailer vehicle. The circuit includes a first chassis electrical ground in the tractor portion and a second vehicle chassis ground in the trailer portion. A first electrical conductor, such as a wire in an umbilical cable, is coupled to the first chassis electrical ground, preferably through a tractor appliance circuit, such as a turn indicator light circuit in the tractor portion. A second electrical conductor, such as a contact in a connector on the trailer portion which mates with the umbilical cable, is operable to electrically connect to and disconnect from the first electrical conductor. The circuit includes a detection circuit for providing an indication signal based upon whether an electrical connection exists between the first electrical conductor and the second electrical conductor.

Abstract: A wiring test assembly for validating and troubleshooting electrical problems with vehicle wiring assemblies for trailers. The wiring test assembly includes a housing with a bottom portion hingedly coupled to a top portion, a plurality of indicator lamps coupled to an exterior surface of the housing, and a wiring harness coupled to the plurality of indicator lamps and adapted for coupling to a trailer wiring connector.

Abstract: The invention is a device for testing the electrical circuitry on all trailers used in the cargo industry. The device plugs into the electrical connector of a trailer and allows a single mechanic to test and make brake adjustments without the assistance of another individual, to check the operation of all lighting and signal lights of the trailer, and to test the integrity of each electrical circuit and locate shorts in the circuits. An electrical short in a circuit is located by applying a low amperage current, at 12 volts, to the inoperative circuit and locating the warm point in the wiring where the short exists. The brake system adjustments provided by the device include checking sticky or frozen cams, moving the cams while lubricating them, and testing the various valve functions in the air brakes system of the cargo trailer.

Abstract: A method for recognizing a trailer or semitrailer of a motor vehicle includes the following steps:

Abstract: A tester includes a housing containing a passive test circuit including a plurality of LEDs respectively connected to terminals of a multi-terminal connector jack on the housing for connecting the tester, by means of an associated cable harness, between a keyswitch module and other electronic circuits on an associated vehicle to be tested. Different harnesses may be provided, tailored to different vehicles. The test circuit is powered by a battery on board the vehicle and includes indicators dedicated to checking to see if the battery is connected properly and if an associated battery charging circuit on the vehicle is operating properly. The remaining indicators check different circuits, depending upon the particular vehicle being tested. The test circuit includes override switches associated with certain ones of the indicators and a test switch for simultaneously energizing all of the indicators.

Abstract: The invention is a device for testing the electrical circuitry on all trailers used in the cargo industry. The device plugs into the electrical connector of a trailer and allows a single mechanic to test and make brake adjustments without the assistance of another individual, to check the operation of all lighting and signal lights of the trailer, and to test the integrity of each electrical circuit and locate shorts in the circuits. An electrical short in a circuit is located by applying a low amperage current, at 12 volts, to the inoperative circuit and locating the warm point in the wiring where the short exists. The brake system adjustments provided by the device include checking sticky or frozen cams, moving the cams while lubricating them, and testing the various valve functions in the air brakes system of the cargo trailer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for testing operation of devices on a vehicular trailer without the necessity of a truck being connected thereto. A digital signal which is different for each device to be tested is encoded and wirelessly transmitted. Upon receipt of the signal, a power source is connected to the respective device to be tested. In order to reliably apply the signal in a multiplexed system in the trailer, the signal is mixed with a pseudorandom digital sequence to provide a direct sequence spread spectrum for the signal.

Abstract: A new and improved system for testing tractor and trailer light systems interconnected by a cable wherein the trailer has a gladhand. The system includes a housing having a front control panel, a pair of battery terminals connected to said housing for connecting it to a battery and a cable connected to the housing having a connector which can be connected to an electrical receptacle of a trailer. Further, a plurality of switches are connected to the battery and the connector for testing various electrical circuits in the trailer. Additionally, a support rod is provided for engaging a convention glad hand thereby supporting the device in a hands free manner when in use.

Abstract: A safety inspection system includes a remote control unit having a user interface that is operated by a user to communicate commands to a main unit. The main unit is coupled to a power source, a source of pressurized air, and a trailer, such as a trailer of a tractor-trailer, to enable the user to verify the operation of a variety of lighting elements, which may include clearance and running lights, hazard lights, backup lights, turn signal indicators, and brake lights, and to further verify the operation of an air brake system of the trailer.