Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for the weight estimation of commercial vehicles and using these estimates to control different vehicle systems such as powertrain, brakes, and suspension. A vehicle comprises a weight estimator, which receives input from different vehicle systems and/or sensors (e.g., suspension, powertrain, speedometer, tire pressure monitoring system) and uses these inputs to determine weight values associated with the vehicle (e.g., total weight, weight distribution per axle, weight distribution per wheel, load distribution). These weight values are then used by the power train, brakes, and/or suspension as additional input for operating these systems besides drivers' input, e.g., provided as pedal positions. For example, different weight values can cause different powertrain outputs for the same accelerator pedal position, e.g., greater output for a heavier vehicle. As such, a driver experiences more uniform vehicle responses for different vehicle loads.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for using different truck types for deliveries. A package is initially loaded into a specially configured cargo container that can be transported either on a primary truck or a secondary truck. A secondary truck is smaller than a primary truck and is configured to transport fewer cargo containers than the primary truck. An initial leg of the overall delivery (e.g., from a warehouse to a transfer point) is performed using a primary truck. The cargo container is then transferred to a secondary truck, which completes the delivery. Empty cargo containers can be transferred back to a primary truck, e.g., in a stacked or folded manner, for transporting back to the warehouse. The configurations of primary and secondary trucks are such that these transfers can occur at any location (e.g., a parking lot) with minimal human involvement.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for estimating the current weight of commercial vehicles. A system comprising a weight estimator, which receives input from one or more vehicle systems and/or sensors, such as suspension, power train, speedometer, tire pressure monitoring system, and the like. The weight estimator uses these inputs to determine one or more weight values associated with the vehicle, such as the total vehicle weight, weight distribution per axle, weight distribution per wheel, load distribution, and the like. In some examples, the weight estimator submits these weight values to one or more other systems. For example, the weight values may be used as an indicator that the vehicle is overloaded and/or that the weight is distributed unevenly. In some examples, the weight values are used by a maintenance scheduler to determine the next required maintenance.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for using different truck types for deliveries. A package is initially loaded into a specially configured cargo container that can be transported either on a primary truck or a secondary truck. A secondary truck is smaller than a primary truck and is configured to transport fewer cargo containers than the primary truck. An initial leg of the overall delivery (e.g., from a warehouse to a transfer point) is performed using a primary truck. The cargo container is then transferred to a secondary truck, which completes the delivery. Empty cargo containers can be transferred back to a primary truck, e.g., in a stacked or folded manner, for transporting back to the warehouse. The configurations of primary and secondary trucks are such that these transfers can occur at any location (e.g., a parking lot) with minimal human involvement.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are described that provide a battery cell testing fixture. The fixture has a first test housing shaped to hold a plurality of battery cells including a central battery cell and a plurality of surrounding battery cells. The first test housing holds the plurality of battery cells in a desired proximity corresponding to an actual proximity in a production battery cell module containing a lamer number of battery cells. At least one battery test initiation lead element is configured to be engaged to the central battery cell. At least one battery test monitoring lead element configured to be engaged to one of the plurality of surrounding battery cells.