US 11,865,882 B2
Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining and verifying operational states of fifth wheels
Carl Gaufin, Madison, AL (US); and Michael Shane Wolfe, Hanceville, AL (US)
Assigned to Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company, Jasper, AL (US)
Filed by Fontaine Fifth Wheel Company, Jasper, AL (US)
Filed on Nov. 4, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/052,687.
Application 18/052,687 is a continuation of application No. 16/776,058, filed on Jan. 29, 2020, granted, now 11,524,536.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/805,679, filed on Feb. 14, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2023/0134001 A1, May 4, 2023
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B60D 1/58 (2006.01); G01D 5/14 (2006.01); B60D 1/01 (2006.01)
CPC B60D 1/58 (2013.01) [B60D 1/015 (2013.01); G01D 5/142 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for determining an operational state of a fifth wheel, the method comprising:
sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet on a movable component that moves as the fifth wheel locks onto a kingpin of a towed vehicle;
determining a position vector that corresponds to movement of the magnet as the movable component moves;
comparing the position vector to a threshold position; and
determining the operational state of the fifth wheel based on the comparison of the position vector to the threshold position.