Communications and control system for tractor/trailer and associated method

Patent 5488352 Issued on January 30, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

November 1, 2013. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2379664

2483815

3154360

3184703

3387606

Fault monitoring and reporting system for trains
Patent #: 4041470
Issued on: 08/09/1977
Inventor: Slane , et al.

Coupling mechanism for coupling fluid and electrical lines between adjacent vehicles
Patent #: 4624472
Issued on: 11/25/1986
Inventor: Stuart , et al.

Electronic tractor control
Patent #: 4715012
Issued on: 12/22/1987
Inventor: Mueller, Jr.

Failsafing means for an anti-skid system
Patent #: 4735461
Issued on: 04/05/1988
Inventor: Moller , et al.

Condition monitoring system for locomotives
Patent #: 4752899
Issued on: 06/21/1988
Inventor: Newman , et al.

More ...

Inventor

Jasper, Kenneth O.

Application

No. 147043 filed on 11/01/1993

US Classes:

340/431, For trailer280/423.1Semitrailer

Examiners

Primary: Peng, John K.
Assistant: Mannava, Ashok

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Bell, Seltzer, Park & Gibson

International Class

G08B 021/00

Abstract

A communications channel interconnects first and second controllers positioned in the tractor and trailer, respectively, and includes inductive coupling coils carried by an electrical connector so that the connector is preferably compatible with the industry standard J560 connector. The communications channel also preferably includes first and second sections of twisted pair cable extending between respective controllers and coils. The connector includes disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting the tractor and the trailer. A pair of controllers communicates over the communications channel via respective modems. In addition, each of the controllers includes digital and analog interfaces for receiving and outputting signals to monitor and control operation of various subsystems of the tractor/trailer combination.