Patent · US Expired

Systems and methods for identifying tractor/trailers and components thereof

US6111524A · kind A · utility

66Cited by
43References
34Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 30, 1996
Grant dateAug 29, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 30, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2016/0322
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle identification system is provided that has a vehicle, preferably including a tractor and a trailer mechanically connected to the tractor and a wavelength carrier communicator connected to the vehicle for producing an identification signal representing an identity of the vehicle. The identification signal preferably includes an optical wavelength carrier signal such as an infrared wavelength carrier signal. External to the vehicle, an identity of the vehicle is determined from the optical identification signal. The optical identification signal may be produced from an indicator mounted on the vehicle, preferably from an indicator which includes an indicator housing having a form factor similar to a standard truck light. In a standalone embodiment, an identification signal representing an identity of the vehicle is generated within the indicator and an optical identification signal is produced from the generated identification signal by an optical transmitter retained within the indicator. In a networked embodiment, the identification signal is generated elsewhere on the vehicle and communicated to an optical transmitter retained within the indicator which produces the opti…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.