Abstract: A three part vehicle connection system comprising an object manipulator (A), a vehicle-defined connector (B) and a configuration-defined connection counterpart (e.g., a trailer-side or charging station-side connector, C) is disclosed. (A) and (B) are connectible; and, (B) and (C) are connectible. The connections (A to B and B to C) can be in a state that (i) defeats or (ii) allows connector disengagement. In a first configuration (1): (A) is connected to (B) in state (i) and (B) is connected to (C) in state (ii). When in configuration (1), an actuator of (A) can cause a change to a second configuration (2) wherein: (A) is connected to (B) in state (ii) and (B is connected to (C) in state (i).

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle, comprising a vehicle-defined connection counterpart and an object manipulator. The object manipulator comprises an end effector releasably coupled with the vehicle-defined connection counterpart, such that a coupled end effector is established, and a guide, configured for guiding displacement of the end effector. The vehicle-defined connection counterpart is configured for connection to a configuration-defined connection counterpart of a configuration, such as a trailer or a charging dock.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a charging dock for a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle includes a first adapter counterpart and the dock includes a second adapter counterpart. The towing vehicle includes a robot apparatus and the dock includes a guide. The robot apparatus and the guide are co-operatively configured to align the first and second adapter counterparts, such that the first and second adapter counterparts are connectible, in response to displacement of the first adapter counterpart towards the second adapter counterpart. The connection of the first adapter counterpart with the second adapter counterpart effectuates connection between the energy source of the dock and the energy storage device of the towing vehicle, such that energy is transferrable from the energy source to the energy storage device.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus, method and computer readable medium for a self-powered towed vehicle in a road train or tractor-trailer vehicle configuration to detect and respond to forward jack-knifing risk conditions. The apparatus may detect jack-knifing risk conditions based on sensors and information including sensors to detect an angle of misalignment between the towed vehicle and the vehicle directly in front of it in the road train. The apparatus may respond to the presence of a jack-knifing risk condition by reducing or eliminating the motive rotational force applied to the wheels of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus and method for shifting or moving trailers. In one aspect, the apparatus is a converter dolly with at least one set of powered wheels, which can be equipped with a remote control steering device. In another aspect, the apparatus is a remotely controlled terminal tractor configured to be coupled to a trailer. In some aspects, the remote control of the apparatus is directed by an autonomous algorithm resident remotely or on the apparatus itself. In another aspect, a frame of an apparatus for towing a trailer includes an articulated frame with a first frame counterpart pivotably connected to a second frame counterpart.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a towing vehicle, comprising a towing vehicle-defined connection counterpart, and a fixture configured for releasably coupling with the towing vehicle-defined connection counterpart. The towing vehicle-defined connection counterpart is configured for connection to a trailer-defined connection counterpart of a trailer, the trailer further including a guide.

Abstract: A rack of unitary one-piece construction is disclosed. The rack is configured for releasably coupling to a cab of a vehicle. The rack comprises a barrier defined by a plurality of barrier members. The rack is configured to co operate with the cab, such that, while the rack is releasably coupled to the cab, the barrier is disposed in opposition to the rear window of the cab, line of sight is provided from the cab, through the barrier, and the barrier prevents oversized objects from contacting the rear window.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at an apparatus for an active converter dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a system to connect a first trailer towed behind a towing vehicle to a second trailer. The apparatus further includes a kinetic energy recovery device for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer. The active dolly is operable in a number of modes to increase vehicle performance and efficiency.