Abstract: A computerized control system controls a hydraulic subsystem of an articulated dump truck. Among other possible equipment, the hydraulic subsystem controls the raising and lowering of the dump truck bed. The control system detects the speed of the dump truck. Upon the dump truck traveling at or above a predetermined speed, the control system controls the hydraulic subsystem to automatically lower the dump truck bed. In various aspects, the predetermined speed may be preprogrammed, may be programmable by the truck operator, or may be programmable only by certain personnel (e.g., changing the speed may require entry of a password). In one aspect, a manual override switch prevents automatic lowering of the dump truck bed when the dump truck travels at or above the predetermined speed. In one aspect, the switch is a “dead man” switch, requiring continuous activation to prevent the automatic lowering.

Abstract: User-actuated switches that are integrated into the vehicle's interior, such as on the steering wheel, are re-purposed to control operational aspects of a snow plow and/or sand/salt spreader connected to the vehicle. A mode switch is interposed between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring, and also connects to a control system that controls a spreader, and/or a hydraulic subsystem that controls operational aspects of the snow plow. In a normal mode, the mode switch restores the factory connection between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring. In this mode, the user-actuated switches control the vehicle or peripheral functions, such as cruise control, the audio subsystem, or the like. In a snow mode, the mode switch connects the user-actuated switches to the control system.

Abstract: User-actuated switches that are integrated into the vehicle's interior, such as on the steering wheel, are re-purposed to control operational aspects of a snow plow and/or sand/salt spreader connected to the vehicle. A mode switch is interposed between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring, and also connects to a control system that controls a spreader, and/or a hydraulic subsystem that controls operational aspects of the snow plow. In a normal mode, the mode switch restores the factory connection between the user-actuated switches and the vehicle chassis wiring. In this mode, the user-actuated switches control the vehicle or peripheral functions, such as cruise control, the audio subsystem, or the like. In a snow mode, the mode switch connects the user-actuated switches to the control system.

Abstract: A method for paving wherein the paving operator or a person in the vicinity of the paver remotely controls the flow of paving material from a dump truck into the hopper of the paver.

Abstract: A method for paving wherein the paving operator or a person in the vicinity of the paver remotely controls the flow of paving material from a dump truck into the hopper of the paver.

Abstract: A snow plow lifting device is operatively connected to a snow plow for selectively imparting a lifting force on the snow plow. This lifting force reduces the effective weight of the snow plow bearing on an underlying surface such as a roadway. Thus, during a snow plowing operation, this reduces the wear on a lower edge of a blade that forms a part of the snow plow.

Abstract: A snow plow lifting device is operatively connected to a snow plow for selectively imparting a lifting force on the snow plow. This lifting force reduces the effective weight of the snow plow bearing on an underlying surface such as a roadway. Thus, during a snow plowing operation, this reduces the wear on a lower edge of a blade that forms a part of the snow plow.