초록 ▼

A tire pressure-monitoring system for use with a trailer. The monitoring system includes an inductive proximity sensor mounted adjacent each wheel. To activate the sensors, a target is mounted on each brake drum. Rotational speed data for each wheel is relayed from each sensor to a programmable logi

A tire pressure-monitoring system for use with a trailer. The monitoring system includes an inductive proximity sensor mounted adjacent each wheel. To activate the sensors, a target is mounted on each brake drum. Rotational speed data for each wheel is relayed from each sensor to a programmable logic controller which compares the rotational speed of a wheel with another wheel. Sensitivity parameters written into the program contained in the programmable logic controller compares the input data and, if the data falls outside the safe parameters, alerts the driver by activating and audio or visual alarm mounted within the tow vehicle. The sensitivity of the programmed logic may be optimized to differentiate changes in a tire diameter due to turning versus an actual loss in tire pressure.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A low tire pressure alarm system for sensing abnormal rotational speeds of a plurality of wheels on a trailer adapted for coupling to a tow vehicle comprising, in combination:a) a plurality of target means, each said target means being constructed and arranged for mount

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A low tire pressure alarm system for sensing abnormal rotational speeds of a plurality of wheels on a trailer adapted for coupling to a tow vehicle comprising, in combination:a) a plurality of target means, each said target means being constructed and arranged for mounting adjacent to each of at least two of the wheels, for providing a sensing target rotating with each of the wheels;b) a plurality of sensing means, each said sensing means being constructed and arranged for non-rotatable attachment to the trailer, for sensing rotations of one said target means past one said sensing means and for generating signals directly representing rotational speeds;c) a compilation means, coupled to each said sensing means, for receiving said signals directly representing rotational speeds from each said sensing means and for using said signals for computing and comparing rotational speeds of the wheels; andd) alarm indicator means, constructed and arranged for attachment to the tow vehicle and for coupling to said compilation means, for providing an indication of an abnormal rotational speed of a wheel.