Force-sensing fifth wheel

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 6302424
SERIAL NO

09457900

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the sensors are mounted to the sensing unit utilizing elastomeric springs coupling the fifth wheel plate to the force-sensing unit and a plunger for coupling forces from said elastomeric spring to a force sensor itself.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SW PELHAM FUND II L P1007 CHURCH STREET SUITE 400 EVANSTON IL 60201
SW PELHAM FUND L P1007 CHURCH STREET SUITE 400 EVANSTON IL 60201

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Gisinger, Jack L Holland, MI 3 248
Hungerink, Gerald W Holland, MI 21 463
Milner, Peter J Hinckley, GB 8 371

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