Abstract: A vehicle coupler including a coupling head and a dampening device attached thereto. A beam is provided and configured to attach to the vehicle. A housing assembly is connected to the beam and configured to receive a portion of the dampening device. A first release mechanism in the form of a shear ring is arranged within the housing assembly and is configured to provide a releasable connection between the dampening device and the housing assembly. A second release device in the form of a plurality of shear elements provides a releasable connection between the beam and the housing assembly. A preload mechanism may also be provided for applying an initial shearing force on the plurality of shear elements.

Abstract: A multi-vehicle arrangement for heavy haulage includes at least a first tractor unit mechanically connected with a second tractor unit, wherein each tractor unit forms a separately drivable tractor unit including a driver cab), a digital communication device, steering wheels, a braking system, and a power train comprising a power source, a friction clutch, and an automatic transmission, where the friction clutch is arranged to be disengaged or engaged for drive torque transmission from the power source to the automatic transmission, a digital communication link is provided between the tractor units by the digital communication devices, and a control system of the first tractor unit is arranged to control at least a clutch load of the friction clutch of each of the first and second tractor units for the purpose of reducing the risk of over-heating of any of the friction clutches during engagement or disengagement of the friction clutches.

Abstract: An input dispenser/recorder controlled by a computer to dispense a predetermined amount of input or mixture of inputs based on parameters provided by an operator. Specifically, the invention has an inner frame and outer frame associated by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the inner frame is at least one major input container having an opening over a conveyor and a valve therebetween controlled by the computer. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with the conveyor and a flow meter controlled by the computer. The conveyor may be a flighted auger, a belt, or pump and conduit and is also controlled by the computer. The parameters provided by the operator are used by a selected program and the CPU to control the amount and ratio of inputs, speed of conveyor, and mixture thereof.