Eaton Corporation

Jeffrey H Skorupski

Michael T Breen

Thomas A Gee

William Henry Lueckenbach

A computerized electronic system (10) for use in conjunction with a fleet of vehicles for complying with pre- and post-trip vehicle inspection reporting requirements while improving fleet maintenance and operations efficiency. An on-board computer (OBC) (12) having integrated or interfaced communications capability is used to receive and store data input by the driver and maintenance personnel. The OBC (12) may electronically store at least the current driver's inspection report and previous driver's inspection report to satisfy regulatory requirements. A copy of these reports can be produced on the vehicle in either electronic or paper form as required by an inspector. A ground support system (GSS) (16) may receive certain inspection information from an OBC (12) on a real time basis and thereby is provided ready access to pertinent vehicle data. The GSS provides necessary archival capabilities as well as use of the OBC data to automate routing and maintenance scheduling as well as to generate statistical information.

Computer assisted driver vehicle inspection reporting system

A remote system (10)/method for testing vehicle brake or brake system performance of vehicles (30) driving past a testing module (36) adjacent a test roadway (28A) is provided. Preferably, the system/method is associated with a typical highway weight station (14-22) and includes a brake testing area (28) located in series between the usual weight scales (18) and a ramp (22) back onto a highway.

Remote brake performance testing system/method

A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer-swing in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of articulation angle (AA) and time derivatives thereof (dAA/dt, d.sup.2 AA/dt.sup.2) and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Trailer anti-swing system and method

A brake control system/method for preventing or arresting and minimizing trailer-swing (FIG. 6) in an articulated vehicle (10) is provided. The control system/method senses or calculates values indicative of least one time derivative of trailer transverse movement and processes same to sense conditions indicative of an incipient or initial trailer brake induced trailer-swing event.

Growing community of inventors

Brighton, MI, United States of America

Jeffrey H Skorupski