초록 ▼

A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a commu

A communication link between a tractor and trailer is established utilizing existing dormant tractor and trailer circuitry. In one embodiment of the invention, a tractor communications device has a communications port connected to a turn signal circuit and a trailer communications device has a communications port connected to the same turn signal circuit. The two communications devices permit communications therebetween over the turn signal circuit as long as the turn signal circuit is inactive, and otherwise inhibits such communications. In another embodiment of the invention, each communications device includes a second communications port connected to the remaining tractor/trailer turn circuit. If electrical power is being supplied to the first turn signal circuit, the two communications devices automatically switch communications to the remaining dormant turn signal circuit.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A tractor communication system for establishing communications with an external system comprising:an electrical connector mounted to a tractor and having a number of electrical terminals adapted for connection to an electrical system external to the tractor;a tractor elec

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A tractor communication system for establishing communications with an external system comprising:an electrical connector mounted to a tractor and having a number of electrical terminals adapted for connection to an electrical system external to the tractor;a tractor electrical system including a first turn signal circuit having a first turn signal circuit path connected to one of said electrical terminals of said electrical connector; anda communications device having a first communications port connected to said first turn signal circuit path, said communications device monitoring said first communications port and permitting communications over said first turn signal circuit path as long as said first turn signal circuit is inactive.