Multiplexed trailer light system
US5521466A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 17, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60Q2900/30
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An encoder and decoder (multiplexer and demultiplexer) are used to control the rear operating lights (e.g., turn, brake, or running lights) of a trailer towed on the roads behind a tractor vehicle. Voltages powering the tractor vehicle's rear lamps are the inputs to a combinational logic unit with gates (AND, OR, etc.) for interfacing between different lighting systems on the tractor and trailer. The logic unit's outputs are fed to an encoder which converts the parallel outputs to serial data. The data are sent over a single wire to the decoder, mounted on the trailer. The decoder regenerates the parallel signals to control switches (power transistors) driving the trailer lamps with power from the vehicle battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.