초록 ▼

A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automa

A status of one or more subsystems positioned on one or more trailers is communicated to a tractor electrically and mechanically connected to the trailer. The status may be automatically supplied by the subsystem or may be requested either by the operator of the tractor/trailer combination or automatically by another subsystem on either the tractor or the trailer. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of a respective subsystem is superposed on the power bus. The status of the respective subsystem can then be determined from the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the status of the subsystem is indicated to an operator positioned on the tractor. A command for controlling a subsystem on a trailer can also be communicated from the tractor to the trailer over the power bus. A spread spectrum data communications signal representing the command is produced on the power bus, and the subsystem is controlled based on the spread spectrum data communications signal. Preferably, the command is received from an operator positioned in the tractor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] A communications system for a trailer for communicating a status of a subsystem positioned on the trailer, the system comprising:a power bus which supplies electrical power to the trailer;spread spectrum signal producing means, responsive to a status signal from the

[ That which is claimed is:] [1.] A communications system for a trailer for communicating a status of a subsystem positioned on the trailer, the system comprising:a power bus which supplies electrical power to the trailer;spread spectrum signal producing means, responsive to a status signal from the subsystem and positioned on the trailer, for producing a spread spectrum data communications signal representing the status of the subsystem on the power bus, wherein said spread spectrum signal producing means comprises means for producing said spread spectrum data communications signal from the status signal; andstatus determining means, remotely positioned relative to the trailer and responsive to the power bus, for determining the status of the subsystem from the spread spectrum data communications signal, wherein said status determining means comprises:spread spectrum signal receiving means, responsive to the power bus, for receiving said spread spectrum data communications signal; andmeans, responsive to said spread spectrum signal receiving means, for determining the status of the subsystem from the received spread spectrum data communications signal.