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

摘要

A system is provided for sensing the presence of a semi-tractor (20) as the mechanical connection between a trailer (22) and a fifth wheel (24) of the semi-tractor (20) is made, or for sensing the presence of a rail car as the mechanical connection between the trailer (22) and a stanchion plate of the rail car is made. A sensor (48) is provided in the floor of the trailer (22) proximate to the kingpin (46). The sensor (48) senses the presence of the fifth wheel (24) or the rail car stanchion plate during the connection process. Control circuitry on the trailer (22) processes and uses signals from the sensor (48) to perform various functions.