Multi-location tractor trailer pneumatic connections
AssigneeVolvo Trucks North America, Inc.
InventorGerald Neil Judy, II
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A tractor truck configured for towing trailers of different air connection configuration. The truck has a first and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on the tractor at a location remote from the other. Each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor. The truck also has a selector which is operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which the first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to an interconnected trailer and a second configuration in which the second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air to a different interconnected trailer.
Claims20
A heavy truck including a pressured air-supply system configured for activating one of a plurality of trailer air-supply connections on the truck, said heavy truck comprising:
- a tractor configured for towing trailers of different configurations, said tractor having a chassis frame having a front frame portion upon which an occupant cab is carried and a rear frame portion to which variously configured trailers are hitchable;
- a first tractor protection valve and a second tractor protection valve, each configured for interconnection with a pressured air receiver on a connected trailer to supply pressured air thereto, each located on the tractor at a location remote from the other and wherein each tractor protection valve location is proximate a typical position at which a mating connection on a trailer will be located when hitched to the tractor;
- and
- a selector positioned on the tractor, said selector being operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which said first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air and a second configuration in which said second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air.
A system configured for activating one of a plurality of trailer air-supply connections on a heavy truck, said system comprising:
- a first tractor protection valve and a second tractor protection valve, each configured to be located on a heavy truck at locations remote from one another and each configured for interconnection with a pressured air receiver on a connected trailer;
- and
- a selector operator-transitionable between a first configuration in which said first tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air and a second configuration in which said second tractor protection valve is activated to supply pressured air.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.