Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc.

Vehicle Enhanced Systems Inc.

Kenneth O Jasper

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.

Communications and control system for tractor/trailer and associated

Magnetic circuits for communicating data in a tractor and trailer combination. In a preferred embodiment, a connector for interfacing electrical signals between a tractor and trailer which will be connected together such that the tractor pulls the trailer comprises a receptacle interfaced between the tractor/trailer for housing first electrical interface members that carry electrical signals output from the tractor to the trailer and receiving electrical signals output from the trailer to the tractor, a plug connectable to the receptacle for housing second interface members that carry electrical signals output from the trailer to the tractor, and receiving electrical signals output from the tractor to the trailer, a first coil in the receptacle for communicating data from data-producing devices in the tractor to data-receiving devices in the trailer, and for receiving data from the data-producing devices in the trailer, and a second coil in the plug for receiving the data. The magnetic circuits described herein provide efficient and clean electrical signals for digital data communications in a tractor trailer combination. Furthermore, these devices are simple and economical to produce, and are adaptable for the standard J560 connector which already exists in the trucking industry to interface power between the tractor and the trailer.

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Charlotte, NC, United States of America

Kenneth O Jasper