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Force-sensing fifth wheel

  • US 6,302,424 B1
  • Filed: 12/09/1999
  • Issued: 10/16/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/09/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A force-sensing fifth wheel assembly comprising:

  • a fifth wheel having a left-side pocket and a right-side pocket in the lower side thereof for receiving a force-sensing unit in each pocket; and

    a force-sensing unit mounted in each pocket, each force-sensing unit including a first pair of vertical sensors positioned forward of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel and a second pair of vertical sensors positioned rearwardly of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel, a first pair of horizontal sensors positioned forward of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel and a second pair of horizontal sensors positioned rearwardly of the lateral axis of the fifth wheel such that said force-sensing units provide eight channels of force-sensing information for use in determining total vertical load, longitudinal load, roll, pitch and yaw information with respect to the coupling of a trailer to the tractor.

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