Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling tractor/trailer vehicle systems
US6127939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T2270/406
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.