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15th February 2005 - Bendix Adds Next Generation Trailer ABS to Growing Electronics Portfolio
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC added to its portfolio of advanced antilock braking system products with the launch of Bendix® TABS-6, a scalable ABS technology for trailers. TABS-6 offers unprecedented levels of functionality and diagnostic capabilities with features designed specifically for the trailer market. The standard TABS-6 product is optimized for “2 Sensor/1 Modulator” systems, used by approximately 90 percent of trailers built in the United States and Canada, while a premium version is available in configurations up to a 4S/3M system. Its new body design leverages the state of the art in proven electronics technology. TABS-6 is smaller and lighter than other currently available systems, and contains fewer components to install and connections to make, translating into greater reliability. The electronic control unit (ECU) includes a pressure equalization feature that allows air molecules to pass through, but not water, increasing the system’s durability in adverse environments. “Bendix TABS-6 emphasizes our drive to develop products that not only improve safety on the North American highways, but reduce the cost of vehicle ownership for fleets and vehicle operators,” said Paul Waszkowski, product manager for trailers, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems. “TABS-6 was designed to be the simplest, most durable and most flexible system for trailers in North America.” TABS-6 eliminates several electrical connections from prior systems, also increasing its reliability. One example is the integral 5-pin power connector that allows the trailer’s chassis ABS electrical connector to be plugged directly into the ECU. This eliminates the need for, and cost of, a pigtail cable. The unit can also be tank- or frame-mounted without modification, which eliminates the need to stock multiple part numbers for different mounting styles. Diagnostics Capabilities Bendix eliminates the time-consuming task of clearing trouble codes requiring moving or lifting trailers following a repair, a common aggravation with European-designed systems used in North America. This TABS-6 industry-exclusive feature allows fleets to clear the trouble code automatically after performing the repair. In addition, advanced blink code functionality provides time saving, detailed information to service professionals that leads them precisely to the fault, and streamlines troubleshooting and repairs. ADL Customization Feature Bendix TABS-6 includes a patent-pending customization feature, Auxiliary Design Language (ADL), which enables special functions that would normally require their own ECU. ADL accommodates quick, custom subprograms while strictly maintaining the integrity of the ABS function using a virtual barrier. ADL enables endless possibilities for developing a system that can monitor, adjust, interlock, control, broadcast or perform many other basic tasks. In addition to tire maintenance, trailer tracking, lift-axle actuation, slider-pin actuation and interlock, and ride-height adjustment are just a few of the possible options TABS-6 Integrates with Dana® Spicer® Tire Inflation and Monitor System The Dana® Spicer® Tire Inflation and Monitor System (TIMS™) functionality can be integrated within Bendix® TABS-6 to provide lower system complexity, simpler support and reduced cost through the elimination of a major component and duplicate wiring on the trailer. The integration of Bendix TABS-6 and Dana TIMS now offers customers a superior solution at an economical cost. About Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, a member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, supplies air brake charging and control systems and components, foundation brake and electronic braking systems, vehicle modules and leading-edge safety technologies under the BendixÒ brand name for medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and other commercial vehicles. Employing more than 1,800 people, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems is headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, with manufacturing plants in Acuña, Mexico, Frankfort, Ky., and Huntington, Ind. For more information, call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE (1-800-247-2725) or visit www.bendix.com. Source: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems Press Release |