Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to avoiding a collision between an aircraft and an obstacle when the aircraft is being moved on a ground surface via a ground vehicle. Sensors can be mounted in and/or on the aircraft. The sensors can detect obstacles located in proximity to the aircraft and can communicate information to a processor onboard the aircraft. When the processor determines that an obstacle is located in proximity to the aircraft, the processor generates a warning generator signal, which causes an apparatus to communicate a warning signal that is perceptible to an operator of the ground vehicle to warn the operator of the obstacle.

Abstract: The fifth wheel of an articulated vehicle comprising the coupling between a semi-trailer and a tractor is provided with measuring apparatus for measuring forces imparted from the semi-trailer. The apparatus comprises a sensing device for measuring horizontal loads, and a sensing device for measuring vertical loads. The signals from the sensing devices and are fed into an electronic controller, in turn to cause the brakes on the trailer to be applied to achieve balanced braking, anti-lock control, and traction control of the wheels. A tractor fitted with a braking system of the brake-by-wire type with a conventional semi-trailer, without modifications to semi-trailer or to the braking components of the semi-trailer can therefore be used.

Abstract: A brake actuator has a body containing a pair of brake-applying members which may be actuated hydraulically to separate the friction elements of a brake into engagement with a rotatable braking surface. The members are interconnected by a mechanism in the form of a shaft of which respective end portions are provided with reversible threaded portions of opposite hand which engage corresponding threads within the members, the shaft being constrained against axial movement between bearings. Any excess movement of one of the members relative to the other is transmitted to that other member such as to cause an opposite and proportional force on the other member to substantially equalize the wear rates on the friction elements.