Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes determining a vehicle configuration indicative of a towing mode setting for the vehicle, which can include a neutral transmission gear setting, a battery conservation mode, or another towing mode setting. The method can include determining at least one vehicle operation characteristic that changes with time while the vehicle is in the towing mode setting, and performing, via a vehicle control module and based at least in part on the towing mode setting and the vehicle operation characteristic, one or more vehicle actions that include generating an alert signal indicative that vehicle damage may occur.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for performing a correction of a direction of travel by a driver assistance system in a motor vehicle. The disclosure provides that a need for correcting a direction of travel is recognized by a control device of the driver assistance system in order to continue operating the motor vehicle within a currently traveled lane, at least one display symbol is output by an output apparatus to display the correction of the direction of travel to be performed and being performed, and the correction of the direction of travel is performed by controlling steering of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a golf cup lighting fixture. The system includes a cup, a light source, a catch removeably coupled to the cup. The system also includes a cover located below the catch which covers the light source. The light source is accessible when the catch and cover are removed. The cup can be placed in a hole and then the light source illuminates the hole. A golfer can see the illuminated hole. Replacing the light source, or performing maintenance, is enhanced as the cup need not be removed to conduct such maintenance.

Abstract: An assembly for pressure testing of components, such as a valve of an HVAC system. The assembly includes a hand truck, a tank and a housing mounted on the base of the hand truck. A control unit is encased within the housing and coupled to a solenoid, wherein the solenoid is coupled to a valve. The valve connects a pressure regulator of the tank to the component. The control unit can receive instruction from an external device at a safe distance from the assembly, and upon receiving the instruction, the control unit can actuate the solenoid to open the valve.

Abstract: There is provided a vehicle mounted device (1) for connecting the electrical circuit of a towing vehicle to the electrical circuit of a towed vehicle. The device includes a body (2), a towed-side connector, and a towing side connector (3). The device is configured to receive input signals corresponding to the lights of the towing vehicle and to transmit these signals to the electrical circuits of the towed vehicle. The device includes a protection component to isolate the towing vehicle electrical system. The device may be configured to perform a testing protocol. The testing protocol can include a safety protocol that determines whether a towed vehicle is electrically connected to the device. The testing protocol may also test the functionality of the electrical circuits for the towing and towed vehicles.

Abstract: Embodiments related to a power platform having a mobile trailer, a tower pivotally attached to the mobile trailer, and a plurality of power sources. The plurality of power sources including at least a solar panel disposed on the tower and a fuel cell generator. The power platform also includes a housing having a transfer switching assembly and a power cord panel, wherein the transfer switching assembly is configured to receive electrical power generated from the plurality of power sources and convert the electrical power for transfer to ancillary devices via the power cord panel.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for controlling articulation of an articulated vehicle. The apparatus includes a yaw rate calculator configured to calculate a desired yaw rate based on a steering angle and a speed of the articulated vehicle, a first moment generator configured to generate a yaw rate control moment based on the desired yaw rate and an actual yaw rate of the articulated vehicle, a second moment generator configured to generate a hitch damping control moment based on a hitch angular velocity of the articulated vehicle, an adder configured to output a final moment for controlling the articulation of the articulated vehicle by adding the yaw rate control moment and the hitch damping control moment, and an articulation controller configured to control the articulation of the articulated vehicle based on the final moment.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling individual trailer brakes on a towed trailer supporting numerous fault tolerant behaviors including activating each operational brake when a brake is shorted. System operates in multiple modes where it operates with traditional brake controllers, operates in a degraded braking mode without a brake controller and in the preferred mode it retrieves vehicle information from tow vehicle and then communicates with a brake actuator controller over the trailer brake wire. When braking system includes wheel sensors traditional antilock releases are provided and unlike other braking systems this brake actuator controller can maintain wheel speeds below the trailer speed reducing or eliminating periodic wheel releases. System also diagnoses the mechanical operation of the trailer brakes including; identifying when brake adjustment is required, when brake friction surfaces are degrading, as well as diagnosing sensors, braking signals and brake actuator interfaces.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for automated engaging of a truck trailer at a loading dock. Sensors measure a distance and an angle of alignment between the incoming trailer and a wall of the loading dock. An outside lighting system guides a truck driver backing the trailer toward the dock door. A vehicle restraint system fixates the trailer within the loading dock in response to signals from the sensors. An overhead dock door opens once the trailer is successfully fixated by the vehicle restraint system. A dock leveler deploys after the overhead dock door opens. An inside dock light indicates to dock personnel that the trailer is ready to be serviced. Once servicing of the trailer is finished, an automated release of the trailer from the loading dock may be initiated by PLC communication.

Abstract: A towable crash-attenuating vehicle is shown having a frame; at least two axles coupled to the frame, each of the axles having wheels attached thereto; a T-shaped ballast coupled to the frame, and oriented such that the weight of the ballast is biased toward the front end of the frame; deflection shields coupled to the right and left sides of the frame, wherein the deflection shields cover the frame and a majority of the wheels on each side of the vehicle; a tow connection coupled to the front of the frame, pivotable from a deployed state to an undeployed state; an impact attenuator coupled to the rear of the frame; wherein the vehicle is provided with a brake system, and wherein said brake system may be locked and unlocked and wherein the vehicle is provided with an on-board mechanism for locking and unlocking the brake system.

Abstract: Embodiments related to systems and methods for determining an identity of a trailer coupled to a vehicle are provided herein. The system includes one or more trailer lamps, a trailer lamp current sensing device electrically coupled to the one or more trailer lamps, one or more processors, one or more data storage devices, one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors and storing machine readable instructions that cause the system to perform at least the following when executed by the one or more processors: receive a sensed current signal from the trailer lamp current sensing device, determine whether an amperage level of the sensed current signal is associated with a trailer identification stored within the one or more data storage devices, and notifying a user of the trailer identification stored in the one or more data storage devices for the trailer connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for establishing a wireless data link between at least two vehicles which are connected to one another via a physical data link includes transmitting link parameters of the wireless link via the physical data link connecting the at least two vehicles and establishing the wireless link using the link parameters transmitted via the physical data link connecting the at least two vehicles.

Abstract: Trailer localizing systems and methods include a trailer to be coupled to the tow vehicle for towing and comprising solar panels and a tracking device communicatively coupled with a location determination device to transmit a current real time position of the trailer when active. The system is configured to determine whether the trailer is electronically connected to the tow vehicle, whether the solar panels are active upon a determination that the trailer is not electrically connected to the tow vehicle, activate the tracking device along with the location determination device upon a determination that the trailer is electronically connected to the tow vehicle, the plurality of solar panels are active, or both, generate an alert that the tracking device is active upon activation of the tracking device, and transmit the current real time position of the trailer with the alert to track the trailer.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for a fifth wheel coupling having locking jaws arranged to detachably couple to a trailer having spring applied air brakes, the fifth wheel coupling comprising a locking component that is moveable between a first position whereat the locking jaws are in a coupled state and a second position whereat the locking jaws are in a decoupled state, the safety apparatus comprising a pneumatic valve arrangement pneumatically coupled to both a constant air pressure supply and an air park brake supply that supplies pressurised air to the spring applied air brakes, and a mechanical actuator mechanically coupled to the locking component and configured to mechanically actuate the pneumatic valve arrangement when the locking component moves from the first position to the second position, thereby causing the pneumatic valve arrangement to block flow in an air park brake supply line for preventing the spring applied air brakes from releasing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to generating depth estimates of an environment depicted in a monocular image. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying semantic features in the monocular image according to a semantic model. The method includes injecting the semantic features into a depth model using pixel-adaptive convolutions. The method includes generating a depth map from the monocular image using the depth model that is guided by the semantic features. The pixel-adaptive convolutions are integrated into a decoder of the depth model. The method includes providing the depth map as the depth estimates for the monocular image.

Abstract: Embodiments monitor items corresponding to a vehicle. Embodiments determine a maximum speed of the vehicle. Embodiments determine a last known first geo-location of a first item, the first geo-location including a first location and corresponding first time and determines a last known second geo-location of a second item, the second geo-location including a second location and corresponding second time. Embodiments determine a reachability radius including a difference between the second time and the first time and multiplying the difference by the maximum speed. Embodiments determine a distance between the first location and the second location and when the distance is greater than the reachability radius, determine that the first item is detached from the second item.

Abstract: Embodiments include apparatuses, methods, and systems for computer assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD). An apparatus may include a towing data collection unit to collect data about a trailer, a watercraft, or another vehicle to be towed or being towed by a CA/AD vehicle, a navigation data collection unit to collect data about an operation area, and a vehicle control unit to assess suitability of operating the CA/AD vehicle with the trailer, watercraft, or the other vehicle in tow, and to navigate the CA/AD vehicle in the operation area. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.

Abstract: A method that includes receiving a data stream from point monitoring cases proximate to confined spaces, the data stream include at least on camera feed of the confined space, generating a display from the data stream for a single display device, wherein the display comprises a tile view including a tile for each confined space of confined spaces being monitored. The tile includes at least one camera feed from a camera located at the confined space, a number of workers in proximity to the confined space, wherein the number of workers is displayed in the tile above the at least one camera feed, control buttons located in the tile to a right of the at least one camera feed, and gas sensor indicators located in the tile.

Abstract: A vehicle has a trailer hitch, a vehicle electrical connector configured to electrically connect to a trailer electrical connector, and an imaging system oriented to captures images proximate to the trailer hitch. The vehicle also includes a proximity sensing system arranged to sense objects proximate to the trailer hitch and generate a proximity signal, an electrical connection detection system to detect an electrical connection to the vehicle trailer connector and generate an electrical connection signal, and a controller processing the captured images, the proximity signal and the electrical connector signal and determining a connection state of a trailer to the vehicle based on the captured images, the proximity sensor and the electrical connector signal, and generating an output indicative of the determined connection state.

Abstract: A yaw angle measuring device for a separable coupling for fifth wheel couplings includes a sensor element and a measuring arrangement, wherein the sensor element is configured to be arranged on a first coupling partner and the measuring arrangement is configured to be arranged on a second coupling partner, wherein the first coupling partner is configured to be mounted by the coupling arrangement such that the first coupling partner is rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to the second coupling partner, wherein the sensor element generates a measuring signal in the measuring arrangement which serves to determine the yaw angle about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A hitch assist system for a vehicle is provided herein. The hitch assist system includes a sensing system configured to detect a hitch assembly and a coupler. A controller is configured to determine an offset between the hitch assembly and the coupler. The controller is further configured to generate a command for maneuvering the vehicle forward based on the offset exceeding an offset threshold. The controller is further configured to generate a command for subsequently maneuvering the vehicle rearward along an alignment path. The controller is configured to prompt termination of the forward maneuver of the vehicle based on a determination that alignment of the hitch assembly with the coupler is feasible via execution of the alignment path.

Abstract: A vehicular, adaptive brake light to custom light sequencing system generally includes an OEM vehicular brake light circuit electrically connected to OEM brake lights of a vehicle, and an aftermarket flashing circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit to cause the OEM brake lights to flash. They system further includes an aftermarket directional indicator circuit electrically connected within or to the OEM vehicular brake light circuit and electrically connected to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing of at least one of an OEM left brake light and an OEM right brake light. The system also includes an aftermarket hazard light circuit that is electrically connected within or to the OEM brake light circuit and to the aftermarket flashing circuit to effectuate a flashing hazard by the OEM brake lights.

Abstract: In one embodiment, instead of using map data, a relative coordinate system is utilized to assist perception of the driving environment surrounding an ADV for some driving situations. One of such driving situations is driving on a highway. Typically, a highway has fewer intersections and exits. The relative coordinate system is utilized based on the relative lane configuration and relative obstacle information to control the ADV to simply follow the lane and avoid potential collision with any obstacles discovered within the road, without having to use map data. Once the relative lane configuration and obstacle information have been determined, regular path and speed planning and optimization can be performed to generate a trajectory to drive the ADV. Such a perception system is referred to as a relative perception system based on a relative coordinate system.

Abstract: A method for trailer lighting recognition by a control unit for trailer lighting control of a towing vehicle, in particular for trailer lighting recognition during or after the coupling of the trailer to the towing vehicle, wherein the control unit has, for each light of the trailer lighting system, a voltage supply connection that is connected by an actuator to a voltage supply of the towing vehicle in order to switch on the light of the trailer associated with the voltage supply connection.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with: a main vehicle body having an attachment portion to which a towed vehicle can be attached, and a first onboard unit and a second onboard unit attached to the main vehicle body, the first onboard unit and the second onboard unit being installed so as to be capable of communicating with a roadside device. The first onboard unit has type information relating to the type of the main vehicle body, and is provided at a position at which communication with the roadside device is possible both when the towed vehicle is attached to the attachment portion and when the towed vehicle is not attached to the attachment portion. The second onboard unit is provided at a position at which communication with the roadside device is possible when the towed vehicle is not attached to the attachment portion and at which communication with the roadside device is not possible when the towed vehicle is attached to the attachment portion.

Abstract: The technology relates to determining whether a vehicle operating in an autonomous driving mode is experiencing an anomalous condition, for instance due to a loss of tire pressure, a mechanical failure, or a shift or loss of cargo. The actual current pose of the vehicle is compared to an expected pose of the vehicle, where the expected pose is based on a model of the vehicle. If a pose discrepancy is identified, the anomalous condition is determined from information associated with the pose discrepancy. The vehicle is then able to take corrective action based on the nature of the anomalous condition. The corrective action may include making a real-time driving change, modifying a planned route, alerting a remote operations center, or communicating with one or more other vehicles.

Abstract: Method for encoding/decoding a signal at a first and second communication node (N1; N2) in a road vehicle. A signal (1) from an on-board sensor (10) is encoded using a first encoding scheme (a), encoding the formed single encoded sensor signal (1a) using a second encoding scheme (b), decoding this double encoded sensor signal (1ab) in the second communication node (N2) based on the second encoding scheme (b), forming a decoded single encoded sensor signal (1a?). In the first communication node (N2), performing a comparison analysis, comprising at least one of the following: comparing the decoded single encoded sensor signal (1a?) with a stored single encoded sensor signal (1a), or after encoding the decoded single encoded sensor signal (1a?) with the second encoding scheme (b) comparing (110) the thus formed double encoded sensor signal (1a?b) with a stored double encoded sensor signal (1ab).

Abstract: A method for autonomously maneuvering a tow vehicle. The method includes receiving images from one or more cameras positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle and receiving sensor data from an inertial measurement unit supported by the tow vehicle. The method also includes determining a pixel-wise intensity difference between a current received image and a previous received image. The method includes determining a camera pose and a trailer pose with respect to a world coordinate system. The camera pose and the trailer pose are based on the images, the sensor data, and the pixel-wise intensity difference. The method includes determining a tow vehicle path based on the camera pose and the trailer pose. The method also includes instructing a drive system supported by the tow vehicle to autonomously maneuver along the tow vehicle path in a reverse direction causing the tow vehicle to hitch with the trailer.

Abstract: In a general aspect, an illumination assembly includes an article including a body having a first magnetic element with at least one electrically conductive surface. The illumination assembly also includes a light assembly including a housing, a second magnetic element, a light source, and a power source. A first terminal of the light source is electrically connected with a first terminal of the power source. The light assembly also includes a first electrical contact disposed on the housing and electrically coupled with a second terminal of the light source. The light assembly also includes a second electrical contact disposed on the housing and electrically coupled with a second terminal of the power source. Magnetically coupling the light assembly with the article, via the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element, electrically couples the first electrical contact with the second electrical contact to energize the light source.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for conserving energy used by an energy consuming device. In certain embodiments, an energy conservation system can be configured to deliver energy to the energy consuming device for a period, followed by a period where energy delivery is dampened and/or cut. By cycling the delivery of energy in this fashion, the energy conservation can achieve a pulsed efficiency.

Abstract: A vehicle may have vehicle controls that are used in steering, braking, and accelerating the vehicle. The vehicle may have sensors that gather information on vehicle speed, orientation, and position. The sensors may also gather information on relative speed between the vehicle and a following vehicle, information on risks of a collision between a vehicle and an external object, and other vehicle status information and vehicle operating environment information. Control circuitry may use light-based devices to display braking information, information on vehicle speed, the relative speed between a vehicle and a following vehicle, autonomous driving mode status information, custom brake light information or other user-selected information, or other information on vehicle status and the operating environment of a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assistance system includes a controller acquiring data from an external portable electronic device including position and orientation data of a trailer, including a coupler thereof, and deriving a vehicle path to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler using the position and orientation data of at least one of the trailer and the coupler.

Abstract: A bracket system for mounting a sign to a vehicle is described. The bracket system may be designed to attach to the hinges and lock rods of the left and right doors of a tractor trailer. The system may include a sign frame that includes a left horizontal bracket(s) that is connected to the left hinge(s) of the left door, a right horizontal bracket(s) that is connected to the right hinge(s) of the right door, a left lock rod bracket(s) connected to the left lock rod, and a right lock rod bracket(s) connected to the right lock rod. Left sign and right sign panels may be connected to the sign frame. The sign panels, the horizontal brackets and the lock rod brackets may be configured to swing open and closed with the respective doors. A multi-part clamp may be used to attach the lock rod brackets to the lock rods.

Abstract: A safety system includes an apparatus-mounted projector capable of projecting a warning image onto a designated danger zone about a dangerous implement of the apparatus. The projector is in signal communication with an electronic control module configured to control the warning image depending on a measured or received operational state of the apparatus implement. The projected warning image can include static, dynamic, or static and dynamic image elements depending on the measured or received operational state of the implement.

Abstract: A load-monitoring system includes a vehicle processor and a camera mounted in a trailer. The vehicle, via the processor, displays a first image of a trailer load, received from a trailer-mounted camera and receives selection of a monitoring point on the image, via a touch-sensitive user interface displaying the image or other selection mechanism. The vehicle also receives selection of a fixed point on the image, via the user interface. If the monitoring point moves more than a threshold amount, relative to the fixed point, for example, in subsequent images captured by the camera, the vehicle alerts the driver.

Abstract: A method for establishing a wireless network for a vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle comprises a tractor unit and a trailer. The tractor unit comprises at least one first station and a first control unit and the trailer comprises a second station and a second control unit. The method comprises supplying electrical energy to the second control unit. The method further comprises interconnecting the first control unit and the second control unit via a physical interface. The method further comprises generating a defined message by the second control unit and receiving the defined message by the first control unit via the physical interface. The method further comprises transmitting information required to establish the wireless network via the first station only when the defined message is present in the first station.

Abstract: A law enforcement (LE) data processing system (DPS) includes a processor that executes a LE security event notification and dispatch (SEND) utility. The LE DPS receives, from a tracking system communicatively coupled to the LE DPS, an enhanced security event notification (ESEN) that includes information identifying a security event, a location at which the security event occurred, and additional distinguishing details corresponding to entities involved in and affected by the security event. The LE DPS selectively transmits information from the updated ESEN to at least one LE dispatch server supporting LE personnel within one of (i) a geographic vicinity of the location of the security event and (ii) a calculated zone of recapture, the additional distinguishing details enabling the LE personnel to receive a more complete set of relevant details at a LE field device that enables more accurate identification, tracking, and resolution by LE personnel of the security event.

Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides leveling systems and processes for leveling vehicles, such as recreational vehicles. The present subject matter also relates to computer program products for leveling vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, using smart devices. The leveling system can include a sensor device secured to a vehicle to sense at least one of an inclination or an orientation of the vehicle in both a pitch direction and a roll direction. The leveling system can include a smart device in communication with the sensor device to allow information received from the sensor device to be processed to provide measurements to a user and to determine the amount of adjustments needed in height to at least one of the pitch direction or the roll direction to level the vehicle.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for connection with a trailer includes an elongated housing having an upper end and a lower end adapted for connection with a post, and at least one sidewall. A mounting assembly is connected with an upper portion of the elongated housing and a light is connected with the mounting assembly. The housing has an inner chamber for receiving a wire harness and/or power source for the light. When the elongated housing is connected with a trailer frame, the light faces a rear direction relative to the trailer and is operable to illuminate the area rear of the trailer.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a driver assistance system comprises entering a calibration mode for a driver assistance system, determining a first estimated position and heading of the vehicle at a first location, capturing an image from a camera and selecting at least one feature in the image. The method of calibrating also includes moving the vehicle to a second location and heading and determining a second estimated position and heading of the vehicle, capturing a second image from a camera and selecting at least one feature in the second image, where the selected feature in the second image the same feature as the selected feature in the first image. The method also includes calculating new vehicle motion parameter values based on the first estimated position and heading, second estimated position and heading, first recorded at least one feature data, and second recorded at least one feature data.

Abstract: In a control system for steering a combination with at least one electronic control unit, with a sensor apparatus for capturing the bend angle of the combination and with a display unit, the control unit has a memory region for storing a maximum reversible bend angle, a memory region for storing an upper bend angle change threshold value, and/or a memory region for storing a left hand bend angle range and a right hand bend angle range with reference to the zero line corresponding to a straight combination. A functional unit is designed to output a recommended action for moving forward on the display unit and/or for carrying out an autonomously executed forward movement, when the presence of at least one defined situation in relation to the values related to the bend angle stored in the memory region is ascertained through evaluation of the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A control circuit includes a first light source, a second light source, an input channel for receiving an input signal, at most two output channels each configured to control one of the first light source and the second light source, where the control circuit is configured to use at most two cables, and is capable of permanently powering on one of the first light source and the second light source while, at the same time, flashing on and off the other of the first light source and the second light source.

Abstract: A method for determining the presence of a trailer (12) attached to a vehicle (10), the method comprising: controlling a vehicle system to obtain a primary indication of the presence of a trailer (12); controlling one or more further vehicle systems to obtain one or more secondary indications of the presence of a trailer (12); and determining a confidence level for the presence of a trailer (12) attached to the vehicle (10) in dependence on the primary indication and the or each secondary indication.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed herein that determine a vehicle backup position for launching and loading a boat using trailer hitch load. An example apparatus includes a data analyzer to determine, based on a trailer hitch load of a vehicle coupled to a trailer, a vehicle backup position for launching the boat at which a boat coupled to the trailer is floating on a body of water and an instruction generator to instruct a braking system of the vehicle to stop the vehicle at the vehicle backup position for launching the boat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a history management pad of a semiconductor test socket, a manufacturing method thereof, and a semiconductor test device including the history management pad.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a tire pressure sensor identification method, a related apparatus and system. A tire pressure sensor identification apparatus in the present invention includes a storage module configured to store identity information of a tire pressure sensor, a communications module configured to communicate with an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle, a processing module and a radio frequency transmission module configured to output identity information. The tire pressure sensor identification apparatus may output the stored identity information to a corresponding vehicle, so that the vehicle can still identify the tire pressure sensor even if the tire pressure sensor is not in an activated state. It is convenient for a user to perform a uniform identification operation after uniformly collecting the identity information, thereby improving identification efficiency of the tire pressure sensor.

Abstract: A cargo tracking apparatus for detecting proximity to a cargo structure includes a cargo sensor, a location sensor, a wireless transmitter, and a processor, all disposed within a housing that is configured to be attached to the cargo structure. The cargo sensor, which is adjacent a sensor window in the housing, detects a portion of the cargo structure disposed near the sensor window and generates a cargo sensor signal based on detection or lack of detection of the cargo structure. The location sensor generates location information based on the location of the cargo tracking apparatus. The processor receives the cargo sensor signal and the location information, and based thereon generates alert messages that contain the location information and information indicative of whether the cargo structure is disposed near the cargo tracking apparatus. The wireless transmitter transmits the alert messages.

Abstract: A method for distributing delivered crop during a spreading operation includes providing an agricultural utility machine and a spreading tool movably mounted thereto, automatically controlling a motion of the spreading tool, and spreading crop by the spreading tool.

Abstract: A method is provided for direction-dependent signaling particularly by a vehicle, including: display of two or more graphical messages from the same vehicle region to the outside; wherein each graphical message has an associated spatial angle from which only the respective graphical message is visible, but not the other graphical message(s). The spatial angles differ at least in an angle parameter.