Automatic air bag controller
First Claim
1. For use with a motor vehicle having a steering system including steering linkage, a turn signal system including at least one turn signal, air bags, and at least one dump valve controlling selected air bags:
- automatic air bag controller means for operating the at least one dump valve, said air bag controller means comprising;
means for detecting low road speed mounted on the motor vehicle, and for generating a first signal responsive to actual detection of low road speed;
means for detecting intended maneuvering of the motor vehicle, and for generating a second signal responsive to actual detection of intended maneuvering, said means comprising means for monitoring the at least one turn signal of the motor vehicle, and said means mounted on the motor vehicle;
means for operating the at least one dump valve controlling the selected air bags, said dump valve operating means mounted on the motor vehicle and responsive to said first and second signals responsive to actual detection of low road speed and intended maneuvering, respectively.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for automatically operating a dump valve regulating inflation of pneumatic suspension members of a trailer suspension. The novel system adjusts pneumatic pressure of rear axle suspension members of a loaded trailer to facilitate maneuvering the rig at low speeds. The novel system is responsive to selection of low side transmission gears, as detected by monitoring pressure of the shifter pneumatic system, and to operation of a turn signal. When both a turn signal is detected, and when a low side gear is selected, thus assuring that the rig is operating at a low road speed, the dump valve vents pressure from selected pneumatic suspension members, An adjustable time delay feature causes the pneumatic system to be repressurized by deactivating the dump valve after a predetermined time period elapses, Apparatus monitoring steering linkage detects maneuvering, which activates the system when a low side gear is engaged even if the rig operator has neglected to operate the turn signals.
31 Citations
16 Claims
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1. For use with a motor vehicle having a steering system including steering linkage, a turn signal system including at least one turn signal, air bags, and at least one dump valve controlling selected air bags:
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automatic air bag controller means for operating the at least one dump valve, said air bag controller means comprising; means for detecting low road speed mounted on the motor vehicle, and for generating a first signal responsive to actual detection of low road speed; means for detecting intended maneuvering of the motor vehicle, and for generating a second signal responsive to actual detection of intended maneuvering, said means comprising means for monitoring the at least one turn signal of the motor vehicle, and said means mounted on the motor vehicle; means for operating the at least one dump valve controlling the selected air bags, said dump valve operating means mounted on the motor vehicle and responsive to said first and second signals responsive to actual detection of low road speed and intended maneuvering, respectively. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15)
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8. For use with a motor vehicle having a steering system including steering linkage, a turn signal system including at least one turn signal, air bags, and at least one dump valve controlling selected air bags:
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automatic air bag controller means for operating the at least one dump valve, said air bag controller means comprising; means for detecting intended maneuvering of the motor vehicle, and for generating a signal responsive to actual detection of intended maneuvering, said means comprising means for monitoring turn signals; and means for operating at least one dump valve controlling the selected air bags responsive to said signal responsive to actual detection of intended maneuvering. - View Dependent Claims (9, 13, 14, 16)
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Specification