Abstract: A computer readable medium for instructing the steps of a method for providing stability, control and management of a prime mover connected to an auxiliary vehicle is disclosed. A plurality of computer instructions is stored on a computer readable medium and executed by a processor to perform the steps of connecting the auxiliary vehicle to the prime mover with an electronic stability enhancing system and an auxiliary stability enhancing system, including the processor and memory. The computer instructions instruct communication between the processor and a plurality of sensors regarding forces, motions, and combinations thereof, and communications with a database storage containing specifications representing the prime mover and auxiliary vehicle for comparisons to preset threshold values.

Abstract: A method and a system determine the load transferred from a semi-trailer to a first axle of a towing vehicle which has at least one further, second axle. The semi-trailer is partly supported by the towing vehicle at a “fifth wheel”. A first value representing the load transferred from the semi-trailer to the second axle is determined by a load sensor and a second value representing the position of the “fifth wheel” in relation to said axles are also determined. Based on these first and second values a value representing the load transferred from the semi-trailer to the first axle is calculated by a calculator. The calculation may be based on the equation L1*d1=L2*d2 or L1=L2*d2/d1.

Abstract: There is provided a trailer 10 for hauling tyres 200 comprising a base frame 12 having a front end 14 and a rear end 16 and one or more wells 20 between the front end and the rear end configured to support the tyres in an upstanding position. Each well comprises a tyre stillage 30 against which one or more adjacent upstanding tyres are supported.

Abstract: A cargo loader operable to load cargo into an opening of an enclosed trailer. The loader has an elongated bed with a front portion and a rear open portion. The opening of the trailer is positioned adjacent to the rear open portion of the bed. A pair of sidewalls flank the rear open portion and define an interior cargo receiving area. A carriage is moveably mounted to the bed and coupled to a drive assembly operable to move the carriage between the front portion and the rear open portion. The carriage is positioned on the front portion to allow cargo to be loaded into the cargo receiving area. The carriage is configured to push a ram longitudinally along the bed to push the cargo inside the cargo receiving area into the opening of the enclosed trailer.

Abstract: A double clutch system that allows the engine to drive the compressor of an OEM system through a first engaged clutch when the engine is running and allows an electric motor to drive the compressor through a second engaged clutch when the engine is not running. The electric motor is powered by either a power source external to the tractor's engine compartment (e.g., a electric outlet or an auxiliary power unit having a diesel-fired engine and a generator) or powered by the tractor battery, which is charged by a power source external to the tractor's engine compartment.

Abstract: In a method for driving electronic devices connected to a vehicle trailer tow connector a trailer electronic device control signal is receiving from a vehicle data communication network. In response to the received control signal, a solid state power control device is switched to connect electrical power to a selected pin of the trailer tow connector. The trailer electronic device control signal may be received from a wiring harness connector connected to a vehicle data communication network. A vehicle trailer tow connector module includes a module housing. A vehicle wiring connector and a trailer wiring connector are coupled to the module housing. A power control circuit is connected to a selected pin in the trailer wiring connector. A controller circuit is coupled to the vehicle wiring connector for receiving communication data from a vehicle data bus, and coupled by control lines to the power control circuit.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced stability, control, and management for a tow-vehicle towing a trailer assembly with trailer sensors is disclosed. The system includes a tow-vehicle with an electronic stability enhancing system in communication with a processor with memory and computer instructions. The system includes sensors located on the tow-vehicle and the trailer for detecting engagement with the trailer when communicating with an integrated circuit system and for detecting force, motion, and combinations thereof, when communicating with the processor. Computer instructions instruct the processor to identify specifications representing the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly and to calculate force values and motion values affecting the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle trailer is provided. The vehicle trailer includes an elongated trailer for transporting cargo. A heating device includes an elongated waterproof mat disposed on a top surface of the trailer. The mat has a heating system for heating the mat. A power supply unit is operably associated with the heating system for operating the heating system and thereby causing the mat to be heated.

Abstract: A semi-trailer is assembled by constructing a semi-trailer body at a remote location. The semi-trailer body is transported from the remote location to an originating port by highway or rail and loaded onto a vessel by lifting the semi-trailer body using a plurality of upper female ISO connection points. The semi-trailer body is arranged in a stacked configuration on the vessel using the upper female ISO connection points and vertical load carrying members. The semi-trailer body is unloaded from the vessel at a destination port and a running gear assembly, a landing gear assembly, and a rear under-ride guard are attached to form an assembled semi-trailer.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system comprising a compact, AC operated auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit operable in the cabin of a transport vehicle and powered by the an auxiliary power unit (“APU”). The system includes control means coupled to the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit and the APU, and harness means for coupling the auxiliary heating and air conditioning unit, the APU, and the control means together.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a hitch to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a pin rotatably mountable to the hitch and having a handle for rotating the pin. A receptacle formed in the vehicle receives the pin. A locking site defined by a channel is formed in one of the pin and the receptacle. The channel extends about a longitudinal axis of the one of the pin and the receptacle. A bypass portion intersects the channel and extends longitudinally from the channel to an end of the one of the pin and the receptacle. A protrusion is formed on the other of the receptacle and the pin. The bypass portion permits insertion of the pin into the receptacle to align the locking site and the protrusion such that rotation of the pin lockably engages the protrusion in the locking site to attach the hitch to the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a trailer for use as part of an articulated vehicle (15) with improved cornering characteristics. The trailer includes: a main chassis (18) connectable to a wheeled section (16) of the vehicle immediately ahead of the trailer so that the trailer is rotatable relative to the wheeled section (16) about a substantially upright first axis (19) in the main chassis (18); a sub-chassis (20) having ground-engaging wheels (21) mounted thereto, the sub-chassis (20) being connected to the main chassis (18) and pivotable about a substantially upright second axis (23) in the main chassis (18); and stop means arranged for limiting rotation of the sub-chassis (20) about the second axis (23) and away from a position of a longitudinal alignment with the main chassis (18). The stop means is movable responsively to relative rotation of the wheeled section (16) and the main chassis (18) about the first axis (19).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable king pin assembly for a trailer operable between an extended position, for engagement with a truck or tractor fifth wheel, and a retracted position, wherein the king pin is retracted to prevent engagement by a fifth wheel to permit the trailer to be left unattended without the threat of being stolen. The king pin security device includes a base member having an aperture, a king pin disposed in the base member aperture, and an actuator operatively connected to the king pin. The actuator either rotates or slides the king pin to move it in an axial direction between the extended and retracted positions. The actuator can include an electric motor, a solenoid or a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly for mounting a fifth wheel hitch plate to a frame of a tractor that includes a pair of first support members adapted to be fixedly coupled to a pair of rails of a tractor, and each having a plurality of first apertures, and a pair of first mounting brackets each including a plurality of apertures that receive mounting hardware therein, wherein the mounting hardware extends through the plurality of apertures of the first mounting bracket and through the plurality of first apertures of the support members, thereby fixedly coupling the mounting brackets with the support members. Each mounting bracket further includes an inwardly exposed aperture adapted to receive a mounting pin therein for pivotally coupling a fifth wheel hitch plate to the mounting brackets, and a recess.

Abstract: Air ducts for portable power modules trailerable over public roads and capable of providing at least approximately one megawatt of electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable power module includes a shipping container having an air inlet and housing a gaseous fuel motor drivably connected to an electrical generator. In one aspect of this embodiment, the air duct includes a body positioned adjacent to the air inlet to at least partially define a first opening parallel to a first direction and a second opening at an angle to the first direction. The body of the air inlet duct further defines a first body dimension in the first direction and a second body dimension in a second direction at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the first body dimension being greater than the second body dimension.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling (4) for coupling a tractor (2) and a semi-trailer (3) of a tractor-trailer unit (1) comprises a coupling device arranged on the tractor (2) for receiving and arresting a king journal fastened to the semi-trailer (3). In order to achieve the best possible swiveling properties at a design of low complexity, there is provided as a fifth wheel coupling a ball-shape coupling (4) with a coupling ball (5) and an associated holding-down device (6) on the one hand and a ball cup (7) enclosing the coupling ball (5) in the coupling position and the attached butt part (8) on the other hand, with the coupling ball (5) and the holding-down device (6) replacing the coupling device and the ball cup (7) and the butt part (8) replacing the king journal.

Abstract: A construction for a cargo trailer side wall providing a plurality of horizontal scruff rails to extend farthest inwardly from the side wall and a plurality of post framing segments which do not extend inwardly past the scruff rails interconnecting one or more of the scruff rails and/or the floor and roof so as to provide a structural frame member reinforcing the side wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support device for semi-trailers comprising a leg which has a receiving device, on its lower end. The support leg has a base element with a base plate, which is mounted by means of two vertical plates on the base receiving device so that it can move vertically and can pivot. Between the base plate and the base receiving device there is a damping element. To achieve an improved pivoting capability of the support base, whereby the damping element is subjected to a small deformation, the damping element is located on the underside of the base receiving device so that cannot pivot, and is supported on a curved plate which is fixed to the base plate and the contour of which is adapted to the pivoting movement of the base plate in relation to the supporting leg.

Abstract: Stackable shipping containers are disclosed that can also act as trailers to be pulled by standard tractor trucks for travel over the road. Each of the stackable shipping trailers includes a substantially rectangularly shaped container having an interior capable of holding equipment or freight therein. The container is comprised essentially of two side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall and a top wall which form a substantially rectangularly shaped box having four top corners and four bottom corners. A standard corner casting is located in each of the corners. Extending rearwardly of said container is a frame supporting a pair of wheels that extend downwardly below the level of the bottom wall. A front support frame extends forwardly of the front wall and supports a downwardly facing pin and bearing plate that are adapted to be engaged by the fifth wheel of a tractor truck.

Abstract: A vehicle for collecting and hauling material includes a truck chassis and a detachable truck body/semi trailer. The detachable truck body/semi trailer includes a body having a rear end, a front end, and a bottom surface, a frame coupled to the bottom surface, the frame extending from proximate the rear end to a position spaced a distance from the front end, and an axle mounted to the frame. A coupling assembly couples the truck body/semi trailer to the truck chassis and is movable between a truck body configuration in which the frame abuts the truck frame and articulation of the detachable truck body/semi trailer is prevented and a semi trailer configuration wherein the frame is spaced apart from the truck frame and articulation of the detachable truck body/semi trailer is permitted.

Abstract: A trailer system is provided in which the trailer system can include a frame having a front end, a rear end, opposing sides between the front end and the rear end and a hitching mechanism coupled to the front end of the frame. The trailer system can also include a wheel assembly coupled to the frame in which the wheel assembly contains at least two wheels and a stabilizing mechanism coupled to the frame and the wheel assembly. The trailer system can also include a plurality of wheel assemblies and stabilizing mechanisms. Further, the frame of the trailer system can have at least one first support member extending from the front end section to said rear end section and at least one second support member extending from said first support member towards one of said side sections. Each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to the rear end, front end or one of the opposing sides of the frame. In addition, each stabilizing mechanism can be coupled to one of the first or second support members of the frame.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer hitch offset system for increasing the turning radius possible with a gooseneck trailer. The gooseneck trailer hitch offset system is most suitable for use with a vehicle having a bed that contains a hitch ball and a trailer with a cantilevered gooseneck section containing a down tube. The system includes a hitch offset assembly that offsets the axis of the down tube of the gooseneck section of the trailer from the axis of the hitch ball of the hitch of the towing vehicle. The hitch offset assembly comprises a coupler portion to couple to a hitch coupler device, an upright portion designed for coupling to the down tube of the gooseneck structure of the trailer hitch, and an offset portion that extends between the coupler portion and the upright portion.

Abstract: A device for detecting a pendulum motion of a vehicle. The device includes at least one first ascertainment arrangement, with which a lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is ascertained that represents the lateral motion dynamics of the vehicle. In addition, the device includes a second ascertainment arrangement with which a speed quantity is ascertained that describes the vehicular speed. With the aid of a third ascertainment arrangement it is ascertained, as a function of the at least one lateral-motion-dynamics quantity and the speed quantity, whether a pendulum motion of the vehicle exists. For that purpose, it is at least checked whether the at least one lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is greater than an associated threshold value and the speed quantity is greater than an associated threshold value. A pendulum motion of the vehicle exists when the lateral-motion-dynamics quantity is greater than the associated threshold value and when the speed quantity is greater than the associated threshold value.

Abstract: Air ducts for portable power modules trailerable over public roads and capable of providing at least approximately one megawatt of electrical power. In one embodiment, the portable power module includes a shipping container having an air inlet and housing a gaseous fuel motor drivably connected to an electrical generator. In one aspect of this embodiment, the air duct includes a body positioned adjacent to the air inlet to at least partially define a first opening parallel to a first direction and a second opening at an angle to the first direction. The body of the air inlet duct further defines a first body dimension in the first direction and a second body dimension in a second direction at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the first body dimension being greater than the second body dimension.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to systems used to steer trailing sections of articulated vehicles and trailers. The preferred embodiment of this invention is a steerable dolly that can be manually and/or automatically switched among multiple modes. The dolly receives its primary input from the angle of the rear of the front trailer (or other towing vehicle). There are at least two modes. In one mode the wheels of the dolly are steered in the opposite direction as the rear trailer, providing more maneuverability. In the other mode the wheels are steered in the same direction, providing a more stable mode. It is envisioned that the more stable mode would be used at high speeds while the more maneuverable mode would be used at lower speeds. There is also disclosed an alternate steering algorithm, which provides for additional maneuverability beyond that of the mode in which the wheels are steered in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A trailer hitch enclosure device for providing an opening for a trailer hitch while covering a truck bed. The trailer hitch enclosure device includes a base support including a first elongate member and a second elongate member attached together. The first elongate member is positioned on top edges of and extending between side walls of the truck bed and the second elongate member abuts a top edge of a back wall of the truck bed. Four panels are hingedly coupled to the base support, such that a back pair is coupled to the second elongate member and a second pair is coupled to the first elongate member. The panels have a size adapted for collectively covering the truck bed. The panels attached to the first elongate member have a slot therein facing each other and defining an opening for receiving the hitch of a fifth wheel trailer.

Abstract: The present invention is a self steering “add on” axle system for use with a vehicle such a dump truck in order to increase the legal weight capacity of the vehicle and provide effective steering in both the forward and reverse directions. The system comprises a standard axle with king pin within a sleeve that is suspended by a leaf spring. The leaf spring is rotatably connected to a first leaf spring hangers and interconnected to second leaf spring hangers by a load adjustment members. The axle and king pin are tilted approximately eight degrees positively or negatively from vertical by a control system to further promote self steering when the vehicle is moving in either the forward or reverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for data communications associated with a heavy duty vehicle. The apparatus preferably includes at least one electronic subsystem associated with the heavy duty vehicle and a plurality of electrical conductors connected to the at least one electronic subsystem and associated with the heavy duty vehicle. A vehicle data communications protocol converter is preferably connected to the plurality of electrical conductors for converting a first data communications protocol associated with data communications along the plurality of electrical conductors to a second data communications protocol such as an infrared or an RF data communications protocol. The apparatus also preferably includes a transceiver connected to the data communications protocol converter for transmitting the second data communications protocol from the heavy duty vehicle and receiving the data communications protocol from a remote data communications terminal.

Abstract: A plurality of trailer arrangements, configurations and assemblies are provided in combination with a tractor to transport wheeled vehicles over the highway, in compliance with current state and federal regulatory requirements and with a view toward future modification of those requirements.

Abstract: Cargo carry apparatus (220) for a tractor (500) of a semitrailer truck includes a rotatable deck (222) mounted between the fifth wheel (502) and the cab which pivots from a vertical position to a horizontal position until the deck rests upon the fifth wheel (502). Deck (222) includes a primary deck (224) and a longitudinally extendable secondary deck (226) which is slidably connected to primary deck (224 ) and may be pulled out to form an enlarged deck area. A leveler (231) is connected to secondary deck (226) to provide a coplanar surface with primary deck (224) so that a 20 foot cargo container (600) or other large load may be levelly loaded on tractor (500).

Abstract: A selectively remotely actuated coupler which comprises a coupler for trailers, automatic locking mechanism to secure said trailer to a towing vehicle ball, a remotely actuated release assembly for unlocking said automatic locking mechanism attached to said trailer and powered by a battery. The coupler comprising an automatic locking means connected to said trailer for locking said trailer to said ball hitch as said trailer is lowered onto said ball hitch, a selectively activated unlocking means connected to said trailer for releasing said ball hitch from said trailer, and a remote control in communication with said unlocking means for selectively activating said unlocking means. It is further contemplated that said locking mechanism provides a manual release handle.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a buckling angle between a front vehicle and a semitrailer or trailer of a motor vehicle is described. A first and a second electronic direction sensor are mounted on the front vehicle to detect the excursion of the longitudinal axis of the front vehicle about its vertical axis, as well as on the semitrailer or trailer to detect the excursion of the longitudinal axis of the semitrailer or trailer about its vertical axis. On the basis of the two values obtained by using the sensors indicating the absolute or relative vehicle orientation of the vehicle components, the buckling angle is determined. At least one of the two sensors is designed to detect the earth's magnetic field or, alternatively, is an inertia sensor.

Abstract: An assembly for coupling a tractor to a trailer is disclosed. The assembly comprises a fifth wheel bearing plate and a trailer bearing plate assembly. The trailer bearing plate assembly includes a self-lubricating plate securely attached to an underside of said trailer by a chemical attachment means.

Abstract: A device and a method for stabilizing a combination of a tractor vehicle and at least one semitrailer or trailer is described, where the trailer or semitrailer is automatically braked if the semitrailer or trailer buckles with respect to the tractor vehicle at a buckling rate which is greater than a predetermined limit buckling rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically adjusting the angle of a rotatable side view mirror of a vehicle having a trailer coupled thereto includes transducers attached to the vehicle for transmitting signals toward the trailer and for receiving signals reflected by the trailer. A control unit includes memory for storing dimensional information and a control circuit for generating a mirror control signal for controlling rotation of the rotatable side view mirror. The control circuit is operative to control at least one of the transducers to determine an angle between the vehicle and the trailer based on a time required for signals transmitted by the respective controlled at least one transducer to be reflected back to the respective at least one controlled transducer. The control circuit generates the mirror control signal based on the determined angle.

Abstract: The present invention is for a multi-combination vehicle including a prime mover having an engine and at least one powered trailer mechanically coupled to the prime mover. A control system measures the relative motion or force between the two, preferably by the use of a load cell and accordingly adjusts the operation of the engine on the power trailer so that the powered trailer and the prime mover are synchronized in their movement. This allows a multi-combination vehicle to carry a significant load, by providing sufficient motive power without the potential for damage to the transmission and differential system of the prime mover.

Abstract: Cargo carry apparatus (20) for a tractor (500) for a semitrailer truck includes a rotatable deck (22) mounted between the fifth wheel (502) and the cab which pivots from a vertical position to a horizontal position until the deck rests upon the fifth wheel. With the deck in the horizontal position, the tractor may be utilized to transport cargo to sites which are inaccessible to the semitrailer truck. A variable length controller (32) such as a hydraulic cylinder is used to rotate the deck. In one embodiment, deck (222) has a main portion (224) and a longitudinally extendable portion (226) residing in substantially coplanar relationship. Extendable portion (226) is slidably connected to main portion (224) so that when main portion (224) is in an horizontal orientation, extendable portion (226) may be selectively extended or pulled out from main portion (224) to form an enlarged deck area.

Abstract: The invention provides a new automotive tractor unit for use with a new semi-trailer unit to form a rigidly-coupled tractor/semi-trailer combination. The tractor has a long wheel base and has its fifth wheel assembly mounted for extended longitudinal movement between a receiving position at its rear end and a mounting position close to the driver's cab. The tractor and semi-trailer chassis frames cooperate with one another to permit pitching between them while preventing yaw between them. The semi-trailer has a retractable landing gear movable beneath the chassis between a forward position close to the king pin to support the semi-trailer front end in the absence of the tractor, and a rear position close to the running wheels so that the semi-trailer can rest on the tractor and be rigidly coupled thereto. Preferably the tractor wheel base is of length from 6.8 meters (22 feet) to 8.5 meters (28 feet), while the fifth wheel assembly is mounted for a longitudinal movement of from 4.8 meters (16 feet) to 6.

Abstract: An extension coupling releasably interconnects a trailer to a tow hitch on a tractor vehicle. The apparatus includes a trailer mounting assembly adapted to releasably interconnect to the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly includes a hitch box mount adapted to be secured to a hitch box of the trailer. The trailer mounting assembly also includes an extension coupling which has a proximal end portion secured pivotally to the hitch box mount about a pivot axis. The extension coupling terminates in a distal end portion, and the distal end portion is provided with a pair of oppositely projecting trunnions that extend along a load axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis. The apparatus also includes a tow hitch assembly adapted to be secured to the bed of a tractor vehicle. The tow hitch assembly includes a pair of spaced apart receivers sized and oriented to engage the trunnions of the extension coupling to define an engaged state.