Abstract: This provides locations for mounting controllers and processing components that effectively employ the roof within a frame covered by a cowling so as to avoid exposure to weather and the environment. The roof is also employed to provide a sensor bar that extends across the vehicle width for a distance that does not interfere with normal vehicle function or generate potential overhangs, which can inadvertently engage objects or vehicles. The bar is sufficient in size and shape so as to allow mounting of a plurality of types of sensors on its top surface and/or recessed within front or rear edges. Such sensors can include visual light cameras for machine vison processes and/or LIDAR of various types and cooperage areas/fields of view—some of which can be recessed within a hollow region of the bar. Additional sensors can be mounted on the truck cab and/or chassis, including visual-light cameras and radars.

Abstract: A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

Abstract: A clamping jaw includes an unthreaded rod receiver and a swing nut assembly including a swing nut lever and threaded nut coupling integrated thereon. An adjustment knob includes an adjustment knob collar fixed onto a second end of the threaded rob opposite said shaft collar. An idle jaw includes an unthreaded shaft collar adapted to receive and fit over a second end of the threaded rod. The swing nut is operable to interface the threaded nut coupling with the threaded rod held within the unthreaded rod receiver of the clamping jaw and move along the threaded rod by rotation of the adjustment knob while the idle jaw mounted on said threaded rod between the clamping jaw and the adjustment knob remain stationary next to the adjustment knob. The clamping jaw is freely movable along the threaded rod by disengagement of the swing nut and then by rotation of the adjustment knob when the swing nut is engaged with the threaded rod.