Abstract: Monitoring the brake performance of a brake system of a machine (vehicle 11) by determining a brake delay between input of a request for a brake engagement of the brake system and brake system effectuating the brake engagement. The brake delay determination provides for capturing delay produced by communication of the input from a brake input, actuation of an input to brake system performance, processing of operation of the brake system, and operation of the brake/retardation components of the brake system with respect to the machine's wheels. For autonomous machines, brake delay may be measured periodically and used in monitoring brake system performance.

Abstract: An angularly orientable post includes a base and a rigid support extending substantially vertically from the base. The support has a first end secured to the base and a second end. A positioning member is supported by the support and positioned in proximity to the second end of the support. The positioning member is laterally movable relative to the support. A tubular shell is provided which is adapted to telescopically overlie the support and positioning member. The angular orientation of the tubular shell relative to the base is determined by the lateral positioning of the positioning member. The positioning member is locked in a selected lateral position which provides the desired angular orientation.

Abstract: A step structure for mobile homes and the like. A base is secured to an underside of the vehicle and serves to pivotally mount a linkage which in turn carries a pair of step rails on which a step is slidably mounted. Extension and retraction of the step involves combined swinging travel of the step surface as well as travel in a lateral direction along the step rails to achieve a highly accessible step location well outward of the vehicle side. An electrical control system electronically limits motor operation to avoid motor burnout in the case of step obstruction.