Patent ID: 6367888
Filing Date: 2002-04-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In a tractor-trailer transport vehicle having a tractor with a cab having a mobile terminal therein, trailer, electrical cables and connectors therebetween, said tractor having an air pressure operated brake system with air pressure supply means and a parking air supply line to a parking brake air line of said trailer, a safety and security system comprising:an onboard computer associated with said mobile terminal installed in said cab for receiving data from a network communications center; a digital signal transmitter installed in said cab; a signal receiver in said trailer adapted to detect selected binary-coded signals from said transmitter and produce at least one electrical control signal output; said mobile terminal and onboard computer being adapted to receive command signals from said network communications center to enable activation of said digital signal transmitter to send specified digital signals to said signal receiver; a solenoid valve in said trailer responsive to be activated by output from said signal receiver to open a closed valve from said parking brake air line to said parking air supply line; whereby the parking brakes of said trailer are released by normal operation of controls in said cab of any tractor connected to said trailer unless only if an appropriate digital signal is transmitted to said trailer from a transmitter installed in said cab under control of a network communication center.