Abstract: This invention relates to a device mountable within a vehicle and connectable to a power source to monitor and warn drivers of the lateral g-forces being experienced by the vehicle during use. The device comprises an accelerometer means comprising an accelerometer chip capable of measuring the lateral g-forces between 0 and 1 g-force units experienced by a vehicle upon mounting the device in the vehicle by providing a signal output indicative of the lateral g-force experienced; adjustment means adjustable by the operator of the vehicle for varying the signal output from the accelerometer means; measuring means for measuring the signal output emitted from the adjustment means; and indicator means for indicating to the driver when the mounted vehicle experiences lateral g-forces of a magnitude programmed by the adjustment means.

Abstract: A device is proposed to provide electrical signals indicating four parameters such as the so-called vehicle speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration and roll rate a vehicle body by using three parameter detection means such as a vehicle speed sensor, a turn rate sensor and a transverse acceleration sensor, or to provide electrical signals indicating three parameters such as the so-called yaw rate, roll rate and lateral acceleration of a vehicle by using two transverse acceleration sensors.

Abstract: A control circuit determines that a vehicle is in a turning mode. A roll rate sensor then detects the roll rate (RR) and determines whether or not the roll rate exceeds a threshold value. If it is determined that the roll rate does exceed the threshold value, then it is determined that the vehicle is in a roll over state if the relationship between the sideways acceleration (Gy) and the roll angle (RA) falls inside the roll over determining area of a determining map stored in advance in the control circuit. Accordingly, the roll over state of the vehicle is detected early.

Abstract: To assure that the safety device is triggered at the right time in the event of a lateral collision of the vehicle with a curb, a first comparing device (1) compares a rotation rate (.omega.x) measured relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, or a variable derived from this rotation rate, with a rotation rate threshold value. A second comparing device (2) compares an acceleration (ay), measured in the direction of the transverse axis of the vehicle, with a lateral acceleration threshold value. If both threshold comparing device (1, 2) simultaneously signal that their threshold values are being exceeded, a trigger signal (as1) for the safety device is output.

Abstract: A system for monitoring spinout conditions in a heavy vehicle driveline provides the ability to monitor the manner in which a driver operates a vehicle. For example, spin out conditions that occur with greater frequency than is normally expected indicates an inappropriate manner of operating the vehicle. Similarly, spinouts that have relatively excessive duration indicate inappropriate vehicle operation. The system includes a sensor device for detecting a spinout condition and a detector for detecting whether a differential lock has been engaged by the vehicle operator. An electronic controller gathers information from the sensor device and the detector and records information regarding each spinout including the frequency and duration. This information is then later provided to a service technician to determine whether the vehicle warranty provisions have been violated.

Abstract: In order to allow for a timely and reliable recognition of a rollover event of a vehicle, the angular velocities of the vehicle about the yaw axis, the roll axis, and the pitch axis are measured by way of respective rotation rate sensors. A rollover event is signaled as having been detected if an angular velocity exceeds a definable threshold.

Abstract: A tire monitoring and warning assembly 10 which monitors and measures attributes or characteristics of at least one of the selectively inflatable tires 14-20 of a vehicle 12 and which compares the obtained measurements with a stored value which represents a value of the attribute or characteristic occurring or existing when the at least one tire 14-20 is desirably inflated, and which, based upon the comparison, warns the driver if the at least one of the tires 14-20 is deflated.

Abstract: A rollover sensing apparatus and method are provided for predicting rollover and/or pitchover conditions of a vehicle. An angular rate sensor senses attitude rate of the vehicle and an accelerometer measures vertical acceleration of the vehicle. A current attitude angle is estimated by integration, and a future attitude angle is predicted at an advance time as a function of the estimated current attitude angle and sensed attitude rate. The predicted attitude angle is compared to a threshold and an output is produced for indicating a predicted vehicle rollover condition based on the comparison. A vehicle rollover condition about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is predicted by comparing a future roll angle to a rollover angle threshold, while a pitchover condition about the lateral axis of a vehicle is predicted by comparing a future pitch angle to a pitch angle threshold.

Abstract: A warning device to warn drivers of two wheeled vehicles of an approaching critical angle is disclosed. The warning device may include a sensing device and a separate signaling device. The sensing device may be a pendulum, bubble within a tube of fluid, a proximity sensor, or a mechanical whisker. The signaling device may be a buzzer, beeper, or lighted bulb. The sensing device sends a signal to the signaling device when a predetermined angle, greater than the critical angle, is reached so that the operator has time to react to the information prior to the vehicle tipping or contacting the ground. The warning device may be attachable to a bar of the vehicle or placed atop the vehicle and Is preferably easily installed by the motorcycle owner/driver. A method for warning a driver is also disclosed.

Abstract: To prevent toppling of a construction machine where a plurality of operating tools are provided on a single mobile platform, a control section detects the cylinder axial forces, joint angles and relative angle of rotation for a plurality of operating tools provided rotatably on a single mobile platform, and a moment calculator calculates a composite moment for the plurality of operating tools on the basis of these detection results and further calculates a stability value relating to toppling, from this composite moment and a reference moment.

Abstract: A vehicle having a scanning system for zero contact scanning of one or several mutually spaced road areas and having an analyzing system connected behind the scanning system. The analyzing unit is equipped for determining the roll-over angle, the roll-over moment, the vehicle load condition and/or the road condition via measured data detected and supplied by the scanning system. The resulting data is particularly suitable for the early determination of dangerous influences on the driving dynamics of a vehicle.

Abstract: A rollover sensing apparatus and method are provided for predicting rollover or pitchover conditions of a vehicle. The apparatus and method sense angular roll rate, angular pitch rate, longitudinal acceleration, lateral acceleration, and vertical acceleration of the vehicle and produce output signals indicative thereof. A non-linear filter, such as an extended Kalman filter, estimates a current roll angle and a current pitch angle as a function of the sensed signals. A predictor predicts a future roll angle as a function of the estimated current roll angle and the sensed roll rate, and further predicts a future pitch angle as a function of the estimated current pitch angle and the sensed pitch rate. The predicted roll and pitch attitude angles are compared to a threshold value and a vehicle overturn condition signal is output to indicate a predicted vehicle rollover or pitchover condition.

Abstract: A fork lift truck capacity monitor or alerting device informs operators of the weight on the forks and fork height and alerts operators whenever truck speed is above creep with the forks raised above a collapsed height or whenever the forks are raised above a recommended height for a given load. The alerting device includes a control circuit that receives inputs from a speed sensor, a fork height sensor and a weight sensor and reads a memory storing data correlating load weights with maximum recommended fork heights. A truck icon is displayed on a display panel. A plurality of height zone lamps representing the weight of the load on the forks are arranged in a vertical column over the truck icon and selectively illuminated according to the load on the forks.

Abstract: An apparatus for warning a loading excess of vehicle includes: a motion conversion mechanism which is mounted to a lower arm rotatably mounted in a body of a vehicle, and converts a motion of the lower arm by a drooping body to a rotational motion; a rotation disc which rotates by receiving a torque from the motion conversion mechanism, and has two slit holes whose lengths are different from each other along a circumference; an overload sensing device for sensing an overload through a medium of the slit holes of the rotation disc; and an attention calling device which are operated by selectively receiving a power supply through the overload sensing device, and calls the driver's attention to the overload.

Abstract: A device for indicating the level of the axle of a vehicle having a reference mark indicator which follows the level of the vehicle axle is arranged fixedly connected on the axle of the vehicle and changes its position as a result of the change in level. An electric signal which corresponds to the level of the axle is obtained from a resistance network which is firmly attached to the body of the vehicle. In a level indicator which operates with little wear, is economical to manufacture, and nevertheless is of high accuracy, the resistance network has, associated with it, a contact structure which, under the action of a magnet device which is movable by the change in position of the reference mark indicator, can be deflected in the manner that an electrical connection which is dependent on the level of the axle is produced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which a graph can be used to invoke computations directly. Methods get information into and out of individual processes represented on a graph, move information between the processes, and define a running order for the processes. An application writer informs a system incorporating the invention how processes should access necessary data. The invention adds "adaptor processes", if necessary, to assist in getting information into and out of processes.

Abstract: A system which monitors a vehicle's tire pressures and displays real-time pressure values on a dashboard display while the vehicle is on the road. An electronic unit with pressure sensor, roll switch, reed switch, tilt switch, battery and control electronic, mounted to the valve stem inside each tire uses the pressure sensor to periodically measure the tire pressure, and uses a transmitter to transmit the measured pressure values, via RF transmission, to a dashboard mounted receiver. The receiver controls a display which indicates to the driver the real-time tire pressure in each wheel. the display also indicates an alarm condition when the tire pressure falls below certain predefined thresholds. The pressure values are compensated for temperature changes inside the tire, and also may be compensated for altitude changes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to provide a monitoring device for detecting problems associated with the wheels of trucks and trailers. The apparatus comprises one or more individual axle spindle sensors, a programmable micro processor for receiving and processing the sensor signals to detect an alarm condition and alarm means to alert the driver of a problem with one or more of the wheels.

Abstract: An on-board system for safety control in a vehicle, the vehicle including a plurality of axles and a plurality of load bearing units and wheels arranged on both sides of each of the axles and therefore on both sides of the vehicle, the system comprising (a) load sensors, each of the load sensors being associated with one of the plurality of load bearing units, each of the load sensors being for generating an input signal proportional to an actual load being imposed on its respective load bearing unit, thereby serving for measuring the actual load; and (b) a control unit, the control unit being in data communication with each of the sensors, such that the control unit collects the input signals, the control unit including (i) a first summing unit for summing the input signals and for generating a total load output signal being proportional to a sum of the actual loads imposed on all of the load bearing units; and (ii) a first comparator for comparing the total load output signal with a threshold total load val

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: A sensor assembly for measuring characteristics of motor oil in a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be mechanically coupled to a vehicle for receiving motor oil of the vehicle and at least one capacitive sensor including sensing electrodes positioned relative to the housing to measure characteristics of motor oil between the sensing electrodes. The sensing electrodes are coated with a soot build-up inhibiting coating which, in a preferred embodiment, is a silicone coating. The at least one capacitive sensor include an oil level sensor and an oil deterioration sensor in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a tilt sensor, an oil level sensor, an oil temperature sensor and an oil deterioration sensor, as well as associated output signal conditioning electronics integrated within a common assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to receive a volume of motor oil proportional to a total volume of oil in an engine. The oil level sensor, oil temperature sensor and oil deterioration sensors include electrodes which are completely or partially immersed in the volume of motor oil depending upon the total volume of oil in the engine. The tilt sensor includes only two electrodes both of which are at least partially immersed within a controlled volume of dielectric fluid which is physically and electrically isolated from the volume of motor oil. One of the electrodes of the tilt sensor is completely immersed in the controlled volume of dielectric fluid independent of an angle of the tilt sensor relative to a vector representing forces such as gravity applied to the tilt sensor.

Abstract: A weight overload alarm is provided including a plurality of shock absorbers with at least one having a limit switch. The limit switch is adapted to transmit an actuation signal upon the detection of an excessive weight on the vehicle. A light and an audible alarm are included for actuating upon the receipt of the actuation signal.

Abstract: A two-way communication device includes a central processing unit, a power source in electrical communication with the central processing unit, and a transmitter/receiver unit capable of transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals. The transmitter/receiver unit is also in electrical communication with the central processing unit. A display, connected to the central processing unit, is capable of displaying messages. A key pad, also in electrical communication with the central processing unit, has a plurality of keys, each of which are capable of generating a specific message. An emergency detecting component, in electrical communication with the central processing unit, is capable of detecting a specific emergency and relating information about the emergency to the central processing unit.

Abstract: A system uses multiple tilt sensors mounted to the vehicle frame and the vehicle suspension system to detect lateral acceleration and lateral load transfer. The system uses these measurements to determine a lateral load transfer ratio indicative of an actual roll moment compared to a maximum roll moment. The measurements from the tilt sensors are also used to calculate an effective center of gravity height. A display coupled to the system provides the vehicle operator with a read out of the load transfer ratio and effective center of gravity height. The display enables the vehicle operator to more completely understand the nature of the vehicle load and thereby allow the vehicle operator to avoid conditions likely to lead to a vehicle rollover accident.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the alignment of the wheels, such as the front wheels, that control the steering of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a pair of alignment sensing devices that extend between each steering arm and a tie rod coupled to the arm, of the vehicle's steering assembly. The sensing devices include a pair of concentric tubes retained in a slidable relationship and an alignment sensing system. After the wheels are aligned, the tubes are coupled to the steering assembly and are slid relative to each other, until the sensing system indicates that the tubes are aligned, thus indicating that the wheels are aligned. The sensing system is activated whenever desired by an operator of the vehicle. The sensing system provides a first signal to indicate that the front wheels are aligned and a second signal to indicate that at the front wheels are not aligned.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for providing an on board sensor for determining the relative position of linkage members in an automobile linkage which connects a wheel to an automobile body. The sensor includes a trackable object which is configured to be physically coupled to a first linkage member. A tracking device that is suitable for association with a second linkage member is configured to be magnetically coupled to the trackable object so that the movements of the trackable object are tracked by the tracking device as a result of the magnetic coupling between the trackable object and the tracking device. A detector is configured to determine the position of the tracking device so that the determined position of the tracking device associated with the second linkage member determines the position of the first linkage member which is physically coupled to the trackable object.

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: A driving behavior monitoring system mountable within a vehicle and having a board member on which are mounted first and second accelerometer devices for measuring acceleration in mutually orthogonal directions. Each accelerometer device includes an arm member in the form of a generally L-shaped crank or elbow. The crank is pivotable at the elbow joint thereof, and one arm of the crank is provided with a weight at the end thereof with the other arm having the free end thereof attached to one end of a tension spring, the other end of which is fixedly attached to the board member. A pair of electrical switch contacts are positioned in spaced relation on either side of the spring, with each contact being placed at approximately the same distance from the axial centerline of the spring. Movement of the weight translates to deflection of the spring in a direction orthogonal to its axis.

Abstract: A tilt-sensor for detection of a tilt angle is proposed, in particular for use as a roll-over sensor in a car for activation of an occupant protection device, comprising a massive body and an associated receptacle and having the following features: the receptacle is V-shaped in form, an inflection arm is disposed at each inner side of each of the two legs of the V-shaped receptacle, the massive body is configured in such a fashion that it seats, flush with the surface, on the inflection arms at the inner side of the V-shaped receptacle, and extension measurement elements are provided for the production of a tilt-angle dependent measuring signal to measure the deformation caused by the massive body during a rotation or deflection of the tilt-sensor through the tilt angle.

Abstract: A rotational speed/tip sensor combines a tip sensor and a speed sensor in one compact package for use on a motorcycle. The tip sensor includes a disk and a sensing device that detects the absence or presence of the disk in the apex of a V-groove. If the motorcycle tips over, the disk rolls out of the V-groove apex and actuates the tip sensing device to open a circuit through a speed sensing device and thereby shut down the motorcycle engine. The tip and speed sensors are assembled to a housing that is mounted to the engine. Only three wires are used to connect both the tip sensing device and the speed sensing device to the engine control.

Abstract: A diagnosing apparatus and method for determining an occurrence of failure in a rear road wheel steering angle sensor of a motor-driven four wheel steering system of an automotive vehicle which can achieve a highly accurate detection of the occurrence of failure in the single rear road wheel steering angle sensor at an appropriate timing irrespective of a sensor failure mode. The detection of failure in the rear road wheel steering angle sensor is carried out on the basis of whether a target deviation between a rear road wheel steering angle sensor value and a target rear road wheel steering angle exceeds a predetermined deviation value and whether a generation time duration during which the target deviation exceeds the predetermined deviation value has continued over a predetermined period of time. In addition, the detection of failure in the rear road wheel steering angle sensor is carried out on the basis of whether an accumulated value of a rear road wheel steering angle estimated deviation .intg..DELTA..

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring operation a vehicle apparatus includes sensors for sensing G-forces on the vehicle and for generating output signals proportional to a forward G-force, a reverse G-force, a left direction G-force, and a right direction G-force on the vehicle. The apparatus permits an authorized user to set a selected maximum G-force limit for each direction. The apparatus stores G-force output signals generated by the sensors which are higher than the maximum selected limit for each direction. An oven heats each sensor to a substantially constant predetermined temperature, thereby improving the accuracy of the output signals from the sensor upon fluctuation of an ambient temperature adjacent the apparatus. The apparatus detects when the apparatus has been disconnected from a power supply to alert an owner of the vehicle that the vehicle may have been driven without the monitoring apparatus in operation.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a fuel tank in a vehicle includes a fuel tank for storing fuel, a gelling agent tank for storing a gelling agent which can gelatinize the fuel, a supply system for supplying the gelling agent in the gelling agent tank to the fuel tank, a tank-emergency detecting system for detecting an emergency in the fuel tank, and a control system for outputting a drive signal to drive the supply system. The control system outputs the drive signal under the condition that the tank-emergency detecting system outputs an emergency detection signal indicating an emergency in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A vehicle tilt alarm system including a tilt angle responsive switch having a pendulum that can swing to make contact with conductive bolts provided on either side of the pendulum's pivot point. The amount of the protrusion of the bolts into the pendulum housing can be adjusted, thereby allowing the user to set the angle of vehicle tilt at which the switch will activate the alarm system. The switch is incorporated in an circuit including an alarm device such as a buzzer or flashing light. The alarm system is mounted on a vehicle whereby the tilting of the vehicle past a predetermined angle will activate the alarm system, thus informing the vehicle operator that the vehicle is dangerously close to rolling over.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning system for use under a frame of a tandem axle vehicle comprising a plurality of springs, each spring having one end adapted to be coupled to an equalizer mechanism and the other end adapted to be coupled to the frame, an equalizing mechanism for equalizing the position of each spring relative to each axle when the pressure in the tires on each axle has been set, and an indicator mechanism coupled to the equalizing mechanism for determining and showing when the equalizing mechanism has been displaced, whereby providing confirmation of lost tire pressure.

Abstract: A self-contained portable interface system (10) coordinates vehicle light response on separate vehicles. A power interface (13) plugs into a cigarette lighter (14) on the first vehicle (16). A turn signal detector (18) releasably engages a turn signal lever arm (22) on the first vehicle (16) for the purpose of detecting actuation of turn signal lights on the first vehicle (16). A flasher switch (25) is disposed on the turn signal detector (18) for concurrently actuating turn signal lights on the second vehicle (12). A control unit (24) communicates via a ribbon cable (42) to the power interface (13) and the turn signal detector (18). The control unit (24) has a light sensing switch (28), which is actuated by atmospheric light, for switching park lights of the second vehicle (12) during the absence of light. An inertia sensor (56) detects deceleration of the first vehicle (16) and causes actuation of brake lights of the second vehicle (12) in response to the deceleration.

Abstract: A variable shock absorber assembly of the adaptive or semi-active type or an active actuator wherein the actuator, sensors, electronic controller and valving are integral to and integrated into one assembly and comprise one compact integral unit. Feedback control provides a signal proportional to and indicative of the actuator position and velocity. The compact system is temperature compensated by incorporating temperature sensors into the integrated assembly. The integrated system also provides diagnostics integral to the assembly and an LED mounted on the assembly for providing a visual indication of system condition.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer vehicle includes one, and typically a plurality, of signal switches mounted at spaced intervals along a top wall of the trailer structure, wherein engagement of the signal switches relative to an abutment effects audible and visual alarm within a cab of the associated transport vehicle structure.

Abstract: A child warning system for use in an integrated or portable child restraining seat that includes an occupancy indicator, an emergency signal and warning indicators. An electrical circuit provides a warning indication until deactuation switches are actuated to deactuate the warning indicators. A vibration sensor switch actuates an emergency signal that remains actuated until the electrical circuit is reset.

Abstract: A vehicle indicator system is set forth for a vehicle that has first and second instrumentation indicator lamps for indicating the condition of first and second vehicle systems. Instead of the first indicator lamp having a backup lamp in case the first indicator lamp burns out, the second indicator lamp serves a dual purpose as the backup lamp for the first indicator lamp.

Abstract: An automobile theft alarm apparatus for detecting the variation of the inclination angle of the automobile includes: a sensor of a bridge configuration mounted in the automobile for sensing the angle of inclination of the automobile; a differential amplifier for amplifying the output of the sensor; an offset compensating circuit which produces a reference voltage for the differential amplifier by comparing the output of the differential amplifier with a constant value and by then integrating the differential output; an alarm device for issuing an alarm when the output of the differential amplifier exceeds a predetermined value; and a switching device for increasing a time constant for making the total integration time constant for the offset compensating circuit larger than the time constant of the integrating elements thereof by intermittently supplying the output of the differential amplifier to the offset compensating circuit.

Abstract: In an apparatus for indicating the load on trucks, particularly the weight of the useful load which has been picked up by garbage collecting, which trucks have a frame which is movable relative to the axles and is supported on the axles by springs, a device is provided which detects the distance between the frame of the truck and the axle or axles. The device is arranged to produce a signal when the distance has been reduced to an extent which corresponds to the weight of the highest permissible useful load.

Abstract: An electronic trailer guide includes sensors and associated logic and display circuitry that serve to present information to the driver of a towing vehicle as to the direction in which he must turn the steering wheel of the towing vehicle to back a trailer into a desired position, as to whether the trailer is tilted to the left or to the right, as to whether, when backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp into a body of water preparatory to launching a boat, the water level has risen to a point beneath the towing vehicle at which there is a risk of damage to the vehicle and, as to whether, when backing a boat trailer down a boat ramp into a body of water, the water has buoyantly lifted the boat off of the trailer so that it may be launched.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a vehicle deceleration sensor, comprising a deceleration sensor mounted on a part of a vehicle body where a longitudinal end of a front side member extending along a fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle body on one side thereof and a bulkhead separating a passenger compartment from a front part of the vehicle body are joined together with a part of the deceleration sensor protruding into the hollow interior of the front side member. Thus, a deceleration resulting from a vehicle crash is quickly transmitted to the deceleration sensor through the front side member, and the deceleration sensor is protected from adverse environmental effects as it may be located in the interior of the front side member.

Abstract: A stability monitoring and alarm system for a motor vehicle (e.g., a truck or a tractor trailer) provides an early warning to the driver of unsafe or potentially unsafe conditions. Front wheel desynchronization and rear load distribution are each monitored, and an alarm is generated if either the front wheels become desynchronized or the load is unevenly distributed in the rear of the vehicle. Various filtering and averaging techniques avoid false alarms and increase reliability and sensitivity. Thresholding of the front wheel desynchronization comparison is based on a model which takes turning lateral G force for particular speeds into account so that an alarm based on front wheel descynchronization is not generated because of taking turns too rapidly. Rather, such alarm is generated by monitoring shifting rear load distribution --a better and more accurate measure of vehicle stability. The resulting indications provided by an easy to read user interface warn the driver of a variety of conditions (e.g.

Abstract: A warning and safety system for tractor-trailer dump trucks to indicate that the raised trailer is in a precarious position and in danger of tipping over, which system measures the pivot angle or the angle of revolution of the front end of the trailer. When the raised trailer is in an unstable position and begins to tip over, the front end of the trailer pivots on the hydraulic telescoping cylinder extending from the fifth wheel of the trailer. Mounted directly onto to hydraulic telescoping cylinder is an instrument sensitive to angular motion, or, alternatively, mounted on the fifth wheel of the tractor is a pivoting canister containing that instrument, from which a cable extends, parallel to the hydraulic telescoping cylinder, to the bottom of the front end of the trailer, where the cable engages with a pulley arrangement securely mounted on the cylinder well of the trailer.

Abstract: An apparatus mounted upon an automotive vehicle to determine the impact of centrifugal force upon the vehicle in traveling through a curve of a road for the purpose of ascertaining an upper safe speed limit for posting the curve.

Abstract: A vehicle height sensor includes a switching circuit which is turned on and off in accordance with a vehicle height. When a drive signal is outputted to the vehicle height sensor, the vehicle height sensor is activated. A connector is connected to an output side of the switching circuit. A digital vehicle height data signal is transmitted from the switching circuit via the connector. A preset signal is outputted from the vehicle height sensor to the connector when a check signal is generated. The preset signal represents preset check data. A data receives the preset signal via the connector and reads the check data from the preset signal. The read check data is compared with a predetermined reference data. The connector is judged to be wrong when the read check data differs from the reference data.

Abstract: A road vehicle has a transducer which provides an output signal representing movement of an axle relative to a chassis of the vehicle. The output signal is compared with a reference signal to produce an indicator signal which is applied to means for indicating the axle load numerically and for providing a visual indication when the maximum prescribed axle load is exceeded. For initial calibration, the reference signal is temporarily substituted for the output signal and the numerical display is adjusted to display in selected units the prescribed maximum load. The output signal is then restored and the vehicle is loaded to subject the axle to the prescribed maximum load. While this load is maintained, the reference signal is varied until the numerical indication of the prescribed maximum load is restored.