US 12,304,259 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 Dec. 20, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/390,974.
Application 18/390,974 is a continuation of application No. 18/052,687, filed on Nov. 4, 2022, granted, now 11,865,882.
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 2024/0116318 A1, Apr. 11, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B60D 1/58 (2006.01); B60D 1/01 (2006.01); G01D 5/14 (2006.01)
CPC B60D 1/58 (2013.01) [B60D 1/015 (2013.01); G01D 5/142 (2013.01)] 16 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for determining a remaining life expectancy of a component of a fifth wheel, the method comprising:
sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet coupled to a movable component that moves as the fifth wheel locks onto a kingpin of a towed vehicle;
determining an end position of the movable component based on the sensed magnet flux;
comparing the end position to one or more worn threshold positions; and
determining the remaining life expectancy of the component of the fifth wheel based on the comparison of the end position to the one or more worn threshold positions.