查看更多>>摘要：Reporters obtained the following quote from the background information supplied by the inventors: “An 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer truck includes a semi-traile r (also referred to herein as “trailer”) releasably coupled to a tractor (also r eferred to herein as “truck” or “vehicle”). At distribution centers, marine term inals, rail heads, etc., the trailer is often disconnected from the truck, for e xample, for cargo loading, cargo unloading, storage, or changing between trucks. In such locations, rather than the truck used for road hauling, the trailer can be moved about by a specialized local tractor (also referred to herein as “host ler,” “hostler truck,” “yard truck,” “yard dog,” “terminal tractor,” “shuttle tr uck,” or “shunt truck”). However, trailers have a pneumatic parking brake (also referred to “spring brake” or “emergency brake”) that mechanically engage when t he tractor’s pressurized pneumatic lines are disconnected (e.g., via gladhand co uplers on the trailer). Thus, to allow movement of the trailer by the hostler, t he trailer parking brake has to be disengaged by pressurizing the pneumatic line s. This requires manually connecting pneumatic lines between hostler and the tra iler, as automatic connection tends to be difficult or subject to failure. Not o nly does manual connection of pneumatic lines require additional time and subjec t a user to potential risk, but it also limits the adoption of automation (e.g., automating operation of the hostler to move trailers) at such locations. Embodi ments of the disclosed subject matter may address one or more of the above-noted problems and disadvantages, among other things.”
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