SEMI-TRACTOR FIFTH WHEEL SENSOR AND RAIL CAR STANCHION SENSOR FOR A TRAILER

摘要

A system is provided for sensing the presence of asemi-tractor as the mechanical connection between atrailer and a fifth wheel of the semi-tractor is made, orfor sensing the presence of a rail car as the mechanicalconnection between the trailer and a stanchion plate ofthe rail car is made. A sensor is provided in the floorof the trailer proximate to the kingpin. The sensorsenses the presence of the fifth wheel or the rail carstanchion plate during the connection process. Controlcircuitry on the trailer processes and uses signals fromthe sensor to perform various functions.