The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 25, 2004
Filed:
Oct. 16, 2001
Jack L. Gisinger, Holland, MI (US);
Gerald W. Hungerink, Holland, MI (US);
Steven C. Dupay, Holland, MI (US);
Randy L. Schutt, Holland, MI (US);
The Holland Group, Inc., Holland, MI (US);
Abstract
A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors.