Abstract: A rear trailer hostler can be used to move a parked trailer without otherwise disengaging pneumatic brakes thereof. For example, the rear trailer hostler can lift the wheels of the trailer off of the ground, thereby allowing a front hostler to move the trailer without a gladhands connection to the trailer pneumatic lines. Alternatively, the rear trailer hostler can move the trailer independently. For example, the trailer can be parked atop the rear trailer hostler and disconnected from the truck. With the rear trailer hostler supporting the locked wheels and the landing gear, the trailer can be moved without requiring the pneumatic brakes to be disengaged. The rear trailer hostler can also provide one or more safety or convenience features, such as a bridging platform or a safety door stop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote control of one or more autonomous vehicles by a human operator are provided.

Abstract: The system and method for verifying that a self-driving vehicle follows traffic ordinances disclosed herein may comprise, at least, a communication protocol between the system and the autonomous vehicle, a module for processing such communications and mapping them into vehicle safety analyses, a database of historical reports related to the vehicle, and a module for generating vehicle safety reports and alerts. Self-driving vehicles will need to be tested when they are first introduced, as well as on a continuing basis in order to verify that the system and sensors have not degraded to a point where the vehicle no longer complies with safety regulations. The presented invention assesses the safety of a self-driving vehicle and its autonomous system by evaluating the activities of the system against known or expected reactions and behaviors.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for storing document content in a manner which improves efficiency and/or speed of servicing content requests. Expected and/or observed popularity of stored objects is used to determine where a particular object should be physically placed in a distributed computing network. The disclosed techniques may be used for initially placing objects and/or for subsequently placing objects at different and/or additional locations in the network.