Towed equipment brake controller
US8463519B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 6, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T13/746
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A brake controller (10) transmits a signal indicative of a braking force to electric brakes (126, 128) of towed equipment, such as a trailer or towed vehicle (120). The brake controller (10) can include at least one characteristic sensor (32), such as an accelerometer, reactive to a braking force applied by the driver of the towing vehicle (110) or to changes in attitude or orientation of the towed equipment. A microprocessor (140) acts upon a signal from the at least one characteristic sensor (32) to determine output settings used to activate the towed equipment braking system for application of sufficient braking force for desired slowing of the towed equipment in concert with the towing vehicle (110). Activation of braking systems of the towed equipment includes the use of wireless signals. Additionally, the use of the right-side brake and the left-side brake for sway control is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.