Patent US5113855A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5488352A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Communications and control system for tractor/trailer and associated method
Assignee: VES-TEK Inc
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Filing: 1993-11-01
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Granted: 1996-01-30
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Expires: 2013-11-01
Abstract
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.
Inventors
- 👤 Kenneth O. Jasper
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 06:00
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R13/00; H01R13/66; H01R13/6608; H01R13/6633; H01R24/00; H01R24/66; H01R13/44; H01R13/447; H01R2107/00; H01R2201/00; H01R2201/22; H01R2201/26; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S336/00; Y10S336/02; Y10S439/00; Y10S439/95
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 66
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A vehicle comprising: a tractor and a trailer connected thereto; a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said tractor and said trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said tractor and said trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; first and second controllers carried by said tractor and said trailer respectively; and a communications channel interconnecting said first and second controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and respectively carried by said disengageable first and second connector portions of said connector.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
137 words
A vehicle comprising: a tractor and a trailer connected thereto; a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said tractor and said trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said tractor and said trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; first and second controllers carried by said tractor and said trailer respectively; and a communications channel interconnecting said first and second controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and respectively carried by said disengageable first and second connector portions of said connector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said first and second portions of said inductive coupling means comprise respective first and second coils.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
A vehicle according to claim 2 wherein said connector has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein said first and second coils are positioned on respective first and second disengageable connector portions so as to be coaxially oriented.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
54 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said trailer includes first signal generating means for generating a first signal relating to operation of the vehicle, and wherein said second controller includes modulation means cooperating with said signal generating means for modulating the generated signal for transmission across said first and second inductive coupling portions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vehicle according to claim 4 wherein said first controller includes demodulation means connected to said second inductive coupling means for demodulating the signal from said modulation means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A vehicle according to claim 5 wherein said modulation means includes means for frequency shift keying modulation, and wherein said demodulation means includes means for frequency shift keying demodulation.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
49 words
A vehicle according to claim 5 further comprising display means positioned within said tractor and cooperating with said first controller for displaying information related to the first signal; and recording means positioned within said tractor and cooperating with said first controller for recording information related to the first signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
53 words
A vehicle according to claim 4 wherein said first signal generating means includes means for generating a signal relating to at least one of a trailer temperature, a trailer location transponder, a trailer smoke detector status, a trailer tire pressure, a trailer brake temperature, a trailer axle temperature, and a trailer light status.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
A vehicle according to claim 4 wherein said trailer further comprises second signal generating means for generating a second signal related to the operation of the vehicle; and wherein said second controller further comprises multiplexor means, connected to the first and second signal generating means, for multiplexing the first and second signals.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A vehicle according to claim 9 wherein said first controller includes demultiplexing means for demultiplexing the first and second signals.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said communications channel further comprises first and second sections of twisted pair cable extending between respective controllers and inductive coupling means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
150 words
A vehicle comprising: a tractor and a trailer connected thereto; a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said tractor and said trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said tractor and said trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; first and second controllers carried by said tractor and said trailer respectively, said controllers comprising respective modulator/demodulator means for establishing a bidirectional communications link therebetween; and a communications channel interconnecting said first and second controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and respectively carried by said disengageable first and second connector portions of said connector.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
150 words
A vehicle comprising: a tractor and a trailer connected thereto; a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said tractor and said trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said tractor and said trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; first and second controllers carried by said tractor and said trailer respectively, said controllers comprising respective modulator/demodulator means for establishing a bidirectional communications link therebetween; and a communications channel interconnecting said first and second controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and respectively carried by said disengageable first and second connector portions of said connector.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A vehicle according to claim 12 wherein said modulation means includes means for frequency shift keying modulation, and wherein said demodulation means includes means for frequency shift keying demodulation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
23 words
A vehicle according to claim 12 wherein said first and second portions of said inductive coupling means comprise respective first and second coils.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
37 words
A vehicle according to claim 14 wherein said connector has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein said first and second coils are positioned on respective first and second disengageable connector portions so as to be coaxially oriented.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
62 words
A vehicle according to claim 12 wherein said trailer includes a plurality of signal generating means for generating a plurality of signals relating to operation of the vehicle, and wherein said second controller includes multiplexor means connected to said plurality of signal generating means and cooperating with said modulator/demodulator means for multiplexing said plurality of signals for transmission to said first controller.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
A vehicle according to claim 16 wherein said first controller includes demultiplexing means for demultiplexing the plurality of signals.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
51 words
A vehicle according to claim 17 further comprising display means positioned within said tractor and cooperating with said first controller for displaying information related to the plurality of signals; and recording means positioned within said tractor and cooperating with said first controller for recording information related to the plurality of signals.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
A vehicle according to claim 16 wherein said plurality of signal generating means includes means for generating a signal relating to at least one of a trailer temperature, a trailer location transponder, a trailer smoke detector status, a trailer tire pressure, a trailer brake temperature, a trailer axle temperature, and a trailer light status.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
28 words
A vehicle according to claim 12 wherein said communications channel further comprises first and second sections of twisted pair cable extending between respective controllers and inductive coupling means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
121 words
A tractor adapted to be connected to a trailer for pulling the trailer, said tractor comprising: a frame; motor means carried by said frame for moving the tractor; coupling means, carried by said frame, for coupling to a trailer; a plurality of electrical conductors carried by said frame; a connector portion electrically connected to said plurality of electrical conductors and including a plurality of electrically conducting pins, said connector portion being adapted to connect to a mating connector portion having electrically conductive contacts and being carried by the trailer; an inductive coupler carried by said connector portion and adapted for inductively coupling across a connection to the trailer; and a controller carried by said frame and connected to said inductive coupler.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
121 words
A tractor adapted to be connected to a trailer for pulling the trailer, said tractor comprising: a frame; motor means carried by said frame for moving the tractor; coupling means, carried by said frame, for coupling to a trailer; a plurality of electrical conductors carried by said frame; a connector portion electrically connected to said plurality of electrical conductors and including a plurality of electrically conducting pins, said connector portion being adapted to connect to a mating connector portion having electrically conductive contacts and being carried by the trailer; an inductive coupler carried by said connector portion and adapted for inductively coupling across a connection to the trailer; and a controller carried by said frame and connected to said inductive coupler.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said inductive coupler comprise a coil.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
26 words
A tractor according to claim 22 wherein said connector portion has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein said coil is wound coaxially with said connector portion.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said controller includes demodulation means connected to said inductive coupler and adapted for demodulating a signal therefrom.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
A tractor according to claim 24 wherein said demodulation means includes means of frequency shift keying demodulation.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tractor according to claim 24 wherein said controller includes demultiplexing means adapted for demultiplexing a plurality of signals from the demodulation means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
27 words
A tractor according to claim 26 further comprising display means carried by said frame and cooperating with said controller for displaying information related to the demultiplexed signals.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
42 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said controller further comprises digital interface means adapted for interfacing with at least one of a digital input signal relating to operation of the tractor, and a digital output signal for operation of the tractor.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said controller further comprises analog interface means adapted for interfacing with at least one of an analog input signal relating to operation of the tractor, and an analog output signal for operation of the tractor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said controller further comprises data bus interface means adapted for communicating with a plurality of data transceivers carried by said frame.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
A tractor according to claim 21 wherein said controller further comprises memory means adapted for storing and retrieving data related to operation of at least one of the tractor and a trailer connected thereto.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tractor according to claim 21 further comprising a section of twisted pair cable extending between said controller and said inductive coupler.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
A tractor according to claim 21 further comprising an external controller inductively coupled to said inductive coupler carried by said connector portion.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tractor according to claim 33 wherein said external controller includes processor means for storing and retrieving data from said controller of said tractor.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
112 words
A trailer adapted to be connected to a tractor to be pulled by the tractor, said trailer comprising: a frame; coupling means, carried by said frame, for coupling to a tractor; a plurality of electrical conductors carried by said frame; a connector portion electrically connected to said plurality of electrical conductors and including electrically conductive contacts, said connector portion being adapted to connect to a mating connector portion having a plurality of electrically conducting pins being carried by the tractor; an inductive coupler carried by said connector portion and adapted for inductively coupling across a connection to the trailer; and a controller carried by said frame and connected to said inductive coupler.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
112 words
A trailer adapted to be connected to a tractor to be pulled by the tractor, said trailer comprising: a frame; coupling means, carried by said frame, for coupling to a tractor; a plurality of electrical conductors carried by said frame; a connector portion electrically connected to said plurality of electrical conductors and including electrically conductive contacts, said connector portion being adapted to connect to a mating connector portion having a plurality of electrically conducting pins being carried by the tractor; an inductive coupler carried by said connector portion and adapted for inductively coupling across a connection to the trailer; and a controller carried by said frame and connected to said inductive coupler.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
13 words
A trailer according to claim 35 wherein said inductive coupler comprises a coil.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
A trailer according to claim 36 wherein said connector portion has a cylindrical shape, and wherein said coil is wound coaxially with said connector portion.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
50 words
A trailer according to claim 35 further comprising signal generating means carried by said frame for generating a plurality of signals relating to operation of the trailer, and wherein said controller includes modulation means cooperating with said signal generating means for modulating the signals for transmission across said inductive coupler.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
A trailer according to claim 38 wherein said modulation means includes means for frequency shift keying modulation.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
24 words
A trailer according to claim 38 wherein said controller further includes multiplexing means for multiplexing a plurality of signals from the signal generating means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
42 words
A trailer according to claim 35 wherein said controller further comprises digital interface means adapted for interfacing with at least one of a digital input signal relating to operation of the trailer, and a digital output signal for operation of the trailer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
42 words
A trailer according to claim 35 wherein said controller further comprises analog interface means adapted for interfacing with at least one of an analog input signal relating to operation of the trailer, and an analog output signal for operation of the trailer.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
A trailer according to claim 35 wherein said controller further comprises data bus interface means adapted for communicating with a plurality of data transceivers carried by said frame.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
A trailer according to claim 35 wherein said controller further comprises memory means adapted for storing and retrieving data related to operation of at least one of the trailer and a tractor connected thereto.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
22 words
A trailer according to claim 35 further comprising a section of twisted pair cable extending between said controller and said inductive coupler.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
22 words
A trailer according to claim 35 further comprising an external controller inductively coupled to said inductive coupler carried by said connector portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
24 words
A trailer according to claim 46 wherein said external controller includes processor means for storing and retrieving data from the controller of said trailer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
145 words
A combination of an external controller and at least one trailer connected thereto, said combination comprising: a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said external controller and said at least one trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said external controller and said at least one trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; a trailer controller carried by said at least one trailer; and a communications channel interconnecting said external and trailer controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and carried by respective disengageable first and second connector portions.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
145 words
A combination of an external controller and at least one trailer connected thereto, said combination comprising: a plurality of electrical conductors extending between said external controller and said at least one trailer; a connector electrically connected in series with said plurality of electrical conductors, said connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting said external controller and said at least one trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by said first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by said second connector portion; a trailer controller carried by said at least one trailer; and a communications channel interconnecting said external and trailer controllers, said communications channel comprising inductive coupling means carried by said connector for inductively coupling thereacross, said inductive coupling means comprising first and second portions inductively coupled together and carried by respective disengageable first and second connector portions.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
23 words
A combination according to claim 48 wherein said first and second portions of said inductive coupling means comprise respective first and second coils.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
37 words
A combination according to claim 49 wherein said connector has a generally cylindrical shape, and wherein said first and second coils are positioned on respective first and second disengageable connector portions so as to be coaxially oriented.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
57 words
A combination according to claim 48 wherein said at least one trailer includes first signal generating means for generating a first signal relating to operation of the trailer, and wherein said trailer controller includes modulation means cooperating with said signal generating means for modulating the generated signal for transmission across said first and second inductive coupling portions.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
28 words
A combination according to claim 51 wherein said external controller includes demodulation means connected to said second inductive coupling means for demodulating the signal from said modulation means.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
53 words
A combination according to claim 52 further comprising display means electrically connected to said external controller and cooperating with said trailer controller for displaying information related to the first signal; and recording means electrically connected to said external controller and cooperating with said trailer controller for recording information related to the first signal.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combination according to claim 52 wherein said modulation means includes means for frequency shift keying modulation, and wherein said demodulation means includes means for frequency shift keying demodulation.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for communicating between first and second controllers carried by a tractor and a trailer, respectively, the tractor and trailer being of the type including a plurality of electrical conductors extending therebetween and a connector electrically connected in series with the plurality of electrical conductors, the connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting the tractor and trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by the first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by the second connector portion said method comprising the steps of: positioning first and second coils on the respective first and second connector portions so that the first and second coils are arranged inductively coupled relation; connecting the respective first and second coils to the first and second controllers respectively; and transmitting a signal from the first controller to the second controller via inductive coupling between the first and second coils.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for communicating between first and second controllers carried by a tractor and a trailer, respectively, the tractor and trailer being of the type including a plurality of electrical conductors extending therebetween and a connector electrically connected in series with the plurality of electrical conductors, the connector including disengageable first and second connector portions to facilitate disconnecting the tractor and trailer, a plurality of electrically conducting pins carried by the first connector portion, and mating electrically conductive contacts carried by the second connector portion said method comprising the steps of: positioning first and second coils on the respective first and second connector portions so that the first and second coils are arranged inductively coupled relation; connecting the respective first and second coils to the first and second controllers respectively; and transmitting a signal from the first controller to the second controller via inductive coupling between the first and second coils.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 55 wherein the first and second connector portions are generally cylindrical, and wherein the step of positioning the first and second coils comprises positioning same on the first and second connector portions so as to be coaxially oriented relative to one another.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 55 wherein the step of connecting the first and second controllers to the first and second coils comprises connecting same via a twisted pair cable.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 55 wherein the step of transmitting comprises modulating a signal at the first controller and demodulating the modulated signal at the second controller.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the step of modulating comprises modulating a signal using frequency shift keying modulation at the first controller and wherein the step of demodulating comprises the step of demodulating the modulated signal using frequency shift keying demodulation at the second controller.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 58 wherein the step of modulating comprises modulating a signal using spread spectrum modulation at the first controller and wherein the step of demodulating comprises the step of demodulating the modulated signal using spread spectrum demodulation at the second controller.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-01-29 | 1999-07-31 | 2000-01-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-29 | 2003-07-31 | 2004-01-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-29 | 2007-07-31 | 2008-01-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |