Abstract: A vehicle may include rear ground traction members, front ground traction members, a rear drive system to drive the rear ground traction members, a continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members and a controller. The variable speed front drive system may include a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor driven by the hydraulic pump and operably coupled to the front ground traction members by a planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly may include a sun gear coupled to and driven by the hydraulic motor, a ring gear operably coupled to the rear ground traction members and a planet carrier carrying planet gears intermeshing between the ring gear and the sun gear. The planet carrier has an output shaft operably coupled to the front ground traction members. At least one sun brake is actuatable by the controller to retard rotation of the sun gear.

Abstract: A vehicle may include rear ground traction members, front ground traction members, a rear drive system to drive the rear ground traction members, a continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members, a rear speed sensor to output rear speeds of the rear ground traction members, a front speed sensor to output front speeds of the front ground traction members, and a controller to select a chosen lead for a rear speed of the rear ground traction members based on evaluations of different tractive efficiencies for different leads for the rear speed. The controller may further output control signals to the continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members at the chosen lead.

Abstract: A sensor maintenance system may include a sensor having an exterior, a heat exchanger to output exhaust air and a conduit for directing the exhaust air to regions proximate the exterior of the sensor.

Abstract: A three-point hitch hookup assist system may include a three-point hitch system. The three-point hitch system may include a lower link having a first connection about which the lower link pivots and an implement connector, a powered actuator to pivot the lower link, a first sensor coupled to the lower link to output signals indicating a manual force applied by an operator to the lower link, and a controller. The controller may output control signals to the powered actuator to cause the powered actuator to apply an assist force to the lower link based upon the sensed manual force.

Abstract: A tight turn wheel locking system may include a steering end stop sensor to output signals indicating that steered front wheels of a vehicle are in an end stop state towards a short turn side, an end stop steering wheel input sensor to output signals indicating end stop operator input to the steering wheel while the steered front wheels are in the end stop state, and a controller configured to automatically enter a tight turn mode in response to the end stop operator input satisfying a predetermined threshold. The controller, in the tight turn mode, outputs tight turn control signals that cause a vehicle braking system of the vehicle to lock a rear wheel of the vehicle corresponding to the short turn side.

Abstract: A vehicle may include rear ground traction members, front ground traction members, a rear drive system to drive the rear ground traction members, a continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members, a rear speed sensor to output rear speeds of the rear ground traction members, a front speed sensor to output front speeds of the front ground traction members, and a controller to select a chosen lead for a rear speed of the rear ground traction members based on evaluations of different tractive efficiencies for different leads for the rear speed. The controller may further output control signals to the continuously variable speed front drive system to drive the front ground traction members at the chosen lead.

Abstract: A vehicle rollover mitigation system may include at least one first sensor to output rollover symptom signals indicating potential rollover of a vehicle, at least one second sensor to output vehicle environment signals indicating a surrounding environment of the vehicle and a controller to output rollover mitigation control signals for mitigating potential rollover of the vehicle based upon the rollover symptom signals and the vehicle environment signals. The vehicle rollover mitigation system may automatically respond to potential rollover by altering a state of an implement coupled to the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle may operate in a first mode in which an electric motor operates in a forward state such that the rear ground traction members of the vehicle are driven forwardly by the electric motor while a hydraulic pump is powered by the electric motor and may alternatively operate in a second mode in which the electric motor operates in a reversed state such that the rear ground traction members are driven forwardly by the electric motor while the electric motor is operably decoupled from the hydraulic pump by a one-way clutch/bearing ring coupled between the electric motor and the hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for a remotely operable sanitation sprayer for quickly disinfecting large indoor spaces. The sanitation sprayer includes a body supported by drive wheels and one or more casters. The drive wheels are configured to rotate at different speeds to steer the sanitation sprayer. A boom comprising a generally elongate member is vertically coupled with the body. Nozzles disposed along the length of the boom are configured to disperse a disinfectant into the indoor space. The nozzles are of an electrostatic variety configured to electrostatically charge the disinfectant exiting the sanitation sprayer. The sanitation sprayer further includes electronic equipment for remotely operating the sanitation sprayer. A front of the sanitation sprayer may be equipped with one or more cameras and sensors that facilitate detecting nearby objects. The cameras and sensors may be configured provide a first-person view to a practitioner remotely operating the sanitation sprayer.

Abstract: An example battery swap system may include a battery transport. The battery transport may include a support frame, a connector coupled to the support frame and configured to connect to a powered vehicle for moving the battery transport, and a battery carriage movably coupled to the support frame and configured to horizontally carry a battery from a transport supported position to a tractor received position.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a movable roof, a sensor supported by the roof, and an actuator for selectively raising and lowering the roof.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis is provided. The vehicle chassis may comprise one or more vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures that are formed from a plurality of customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes. The customized chassis nodes and connecting tubes may be formed of one or more metal and/or non-metal materials. The customized chassis nodes may be formed with connecting features to which additional vehicle panels or structures may be permanently or removeably attached. The vehicle chassis modules or chassis substructures may be interchangeably and removeably connected to provide a vehicle chassis having a set of predetermined chassis safety or performance characteristics.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a joint designed to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The method may generate joints with variable geometry and fine features which may reduce production costs, reduce production time, and generate joints configured for highly specific applications. The joint may include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: A joint design to connect tubes for a space frame, where a space frame may be a vehicle chassis, is provided. The joint may connect carbon fiber tubes and may be designed with different shapes and configurations. The joint may include acceptor ports that may mate with a tube and simultaneously contact an inner surface and outer surface of the tube for a strong connection. The joint may also include centering features which may create a space between a surface of the tube and a surface of the joint through which adhesive may flow.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.

Abstract: Connections between nodes and tubes are provided. An apparatus can include additively manufactured first and second nodes, a tube, and an interconnect connecting the tube to the first and second nodes. An apparatus can include a node having an end portion with inner and outer concentric portions forming an annular gap therebetween, and a tube having an end portion extending into the gap.