Data communications coupler and lens for tractor/trailer
First Claim
1. A data communications coupler for providing data communications for various operating conditions of at least a trailer connected to a tractor, the data communications coupler comprising:
- a first coupler portion arranged to connect to a tractor, said first coupler portion including a first lens positioned therein for allowing data communications signals to pass therethrough;
a second coupler portion arranged to connect to a trailer and to connect to said first coupler portion, said second coupler portion including a second lens positioned therein for allowing data communication signals to pass therethrough; and
means respectively positioned in said first and second coupler portions for communicating data between said first and second coupler portions through said first and second lenses,wherein said first and second lenses each comprise a body formed of a translucent material for allowing light to pass therethrough, said body including a distal end portion for extending into a distal opening of a coupler and a base connected to said distal end portion.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A data communications coupler is provided for communicating data related to various operating conditions of a tractor and/or a trailer. The data communications coupler preferably includes a first coupler portion arranged to connect to a tractor. The first coupler portion has a first lens positioned therein for allowing data communications signals to pass therethrough. A second coupler portion is arranged to connect to a trailer and to connect to the first coupler portion. The second coupler portion has a second lens positioned therein for allowing data communication signals to pass therethrough. A data communicator is positioned in the first and second coupler portions for communicating data between the first and second coupler portions through the first and second lenses. Each of the first and second lenses preferably has a body integrally formed of a translucent material for allowing light to pass therethrough. The body includes an enclosed distal end portion for abuttingly contacting and interfacing with a distal opening of a coupler and a base integrally connected to the distal end portion and arranged for positioning means for data communications therein.
142 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A data communications coupler for providing data communications for various operating conditions of at least a trailer connected to a tractor, the data communications coupler comprising:
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a first coupler portion arranged to connect to a tractor, said first coupler portion including a first lens positioned therein for allowing data communications signals to pass therethrough; a second coupler portion arranged to connect to a trailer and to connect to said first coupler portion, said second coupler portion including a second lens positioned therein for allowing data communication signals to pass therethrough; and means respectively positioned in said first and second coupler portions for communicating data between said first and second coupler portions through said first and second lenses, wherein said first and second lenses each comprise a body formed of a translucent material for allowing light to pass therethrough, said body including a distal end portion for extending into a distal opening of a coupler and a base connected to said distal end portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A data communications coupler for providing data communications for various operating conditions of at least a trailer connected to a tractor, the data communications coupler comprising:
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a first gladhand coupler portion arranged to connect to a tractor, said first coupler portion including a first lens positioned therein for allowing data communications signals to pass therethrough; a second glad hand coupler portion arranged to connect to a trailer and to connect to said first coupler portion, said second coupler portion including a second lens positioned therein for allowing data communication signals to pass therethrough; and first and second data communicators respectively positioned in said first and second gladhand coupler portions for communicating data between said first and second gladhand coupler portions through said first and second lenses. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A data communications coupler for providing data communications for various operating conditions between a trailer connected to a tractor, the data communications coupler comprising:
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at least one coupler portion arranged to connect to a tractor or a trailer, said at least a coupler portion including a lens positioned therein for allowing data communications signals to pass therethrough; and means respectively positioned in said least one coupler portion for communicating data through said lens between a trailer connected to a tractor, wherein said lens comprises a body formed of a translucent material for allowing light to pass therethrough, said body including a distal end portion and a base connected to said distal end portion and arranged for positioning said means for data communications therein.
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- 11. A lens for a coupler, the lens comprising a body integrally formed of a translucent material for allowing light to pass therethrough, said body including an enclosed distal end portion for abuttingly contacting and interfacing with a distal opening of a coupler and a base integrally connected to said distal end portion and arranged for positioning means for data communications therein.
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15. A method of communicating data between a tractor and a trailer having first and second gladhand coupler portions respectively connected thereto, the method comprising:
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positioning at least one lens in the first gladhand coupler portion; transmitting data through the at least one lens positioned in the first gladhand coupler portion; and receiving data through the at least one lens positioned in the first gladhand coupler portion. - View Dependent Claims (16)
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Specification