Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of controlling material flow can be used to enhance the efficiencies of warehouse operations. For example, automation systems and methods can be used to efficiently optimize the storage density of items in warehouses. In some examples, warehouse workers are automatically provided with instructions for how to assemble pallet loads of incoming items to a height that is determined based on the goal of fully utilizing open warehouse storage rack spaces. In some examples, a plan for optimizing the build-height of pallet loads of an incoming shipment is determined in advance of receiving the shipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for UAV-enabled marking of surfaces during manufacture, inspection, or repair of limited-access structures and objects. A UAV is equipped with a marking module that is configured to apply marking patterns (e.g., alignment features) of known dimensions to surfaces. The marking module may include a 2-D plotter that enables free-form drawing capability. The marking process may involve depositing material on the surface. The marking material may be either permanent or removable. A “clean-up” module may be attached to the UAV platform instead of the marking module, and may include solvents and oscillating or vibrating pads to remove the marks via scrubbing. The clean-up module can also be used for initial surface preparation.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for a hitch system that couples a vehicle to an implement powered by the vehicle using a driveshaft supplying power from a power output to the implement. The hitch system comprises a front portion and rear portion, with a mid-yaw pivot coupling the front and rear portions. The front portion couples to a drawbar engaged with the vehicle, and the rear portion couples with the implement. The mid-yaw pivot can be disposed substantially equidistant from a power output of the vehicle and a power input to the implement. This arrangement can provide, during operation, for the angle between the power output and driveshaft to be substantially equal to the angle between the power input and driveshaft. This may provide for improved performance in the implement, including reduced vibration, lower weight, and less maintenance.

Abstract: A driver assistance system includes a braking module and a module for controlling emergency braking distance. The braking module is intended to be connected to brakes. The module for controlling braking distance is connected to an output of the braking module.

Abstract: A vehicle caravan comprising electric vehicles configured for coordinated movement and airflow control comprising: a lead vehicle and a chase vehicle, the lead vehicle disposed at the front of the caravan and the chase vehicle disposed behind the lead vehicle in a chase pattern. Each lead and chase vehicle comprising: a vehicle chassis and a front rotatable vehicle drive axle; a selectively movable electric propulsion motor comprising a rotatable motor shaft and a motor axis configured to be oriented in a substantially vertical direction; an air duct configured to direct an airflow to the propulsion motor; an airflow shutter in the front end of the air duct to selectively control the airflow within the air duct; and a vehicle controller; the caravan and the chase pattern configured for coordination of the motor position and the open/closed position of the lead vehicle and the chase vehicle shutters while the caravan is moving.

Abstract: A sport-wheeled chassis is provided for connecting to a mobility device, which comprises a suspension set up under the bottom of the mobility device, a steering pivotally connected to the suspension, a controller connected to the suspension and steering electrically, tires which are pivotally connected to the steering and disposed under the steering, and a steering shaft of the steering which coincides axially with the steering shaft of the tire so that the controller can operate the turning direction of the tire and the height of the suspension through the suspension and the steering. The chassis is not only with a simple structure, but also with a suspension to control the height of the chassis off the ground, so that the chassis can maintain stability in any rugged environment, and, with its attached wheels, the chassis can move to desired places fast and accurately.

Abstract: Some aspects of the present disclosure provide a material handling vehicle configured for selectively coupling with any of a plurality of material handling attachments. In some configurations, the material handling vehicle includes a vehicle frame and a universal mounting assembly. The universal mounting assembly includes a universal mount coupled to the vehicle frame and having at least one linear actuator and at least one hinge, and a universal frame having at least one cradle rod pivotally coupled to the hinge and at least one bracket coupled to the linear actuator. Selective actuation of the at least one linear actuator pivots the universal frame relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A method and a system for transporting inventory in a storage facility is provided. The system includes an inventory storage unit (ISU) and a transport vehicle. The ISU includes a base shelf, and a plurality of support plates mounted below the base shelf. The transport vehicle includes a top plate and a control device that controls movement of the top plate. Upon actuation of an interlocking mechanism of the transport vehicle that is aligned beneath the ISU, the top plate is lifted to a first height and then rotated for engaging the top plate with the support plates of the ISU. The engaged top plate is further lifted to a second height to lift the ISU off the work floor of a storage facility. Upon lifting the ISU, the transport vehicle transports the ISU to another location in the storage facility.

Abstract: An automatic guided vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention moves a trolley including a trolley body, wheels attached to the trolley body, and a section to be connected which is provided on the lower surface of the trolley body. The automatic guided vehicle is provided with: a vehicle body; drive wheels attached to the vehicle body; and a connection mechanism which is connected to the trolley, wherein the connection mechanism includes a connecting section disposed on an upper side of the upper surface of the vehicle body so as to be movable horizontally in a first direction, and includes a drive apparatus which moves the connecting section in the first direction and connects the connecting section to the section to be connected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a towing vehicle (100) for manoeuvring aeroplanes without using tow bars, the towing vehicle (100) comprising a coupling device (122/124) for gripping and lifting the nose wheel of the aeroplane to be manoeuvred. According to the invention, the towing vehicle (100) comprises a pressure store (176), in which operating fluid is stored under pressure, a release initiation device (178), which can be actuated manually by an operator and which in a release initiation position connects the pressure store (176) to a release device (180), and the release device (180), which is configured and intended, upon manual transfer of the release initiation means (178) into the release initiation position by the operator, initially to lower the nose wheel of the aeroplane automatically until it stands on the travel surface, simply by means of the pressure energy stored in the pressure store (176) and the potential energy of the nose wheel load, and only subsequently to release the nose wheel.

Abstract: A moving body includes a travel drive section, and a transporting section that is disposed above the travel drive section (a drive housing and a power housing). In the moving body, the transporting section has a substantially rectangular shape and is provided with a vertical bumper at any of corner portions in top view, the vertical bumper extending in a height direction.

Abstract: An electrically driven trolley combination for an aircraft cabin with an independently usable, manually movable trolley and an electrical operating apparatus. The trolley has a base section, a main section extending from the base section, and wheels with the trolley supported on a cabin floor by the wheels and manually movable over the cabin floor being pushed or pulled. The electrical operating apparatus can be detachably coupled to the trolley and has a frame, a driveable rolling device on the frame and by which the electrical operating apparatus can be supported on a cabin floor and rolled, a coupling apparatus on the frame for detachably coupling the electrical operating apparatus to the trolley and having an engagement section and a movement section, the engagement section being selectively movable between a first position and a second position by the movement section, an electrical drive device, and a control device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vehicle (1) with trailer (2), operatively connected thereto through a cardan (3), comprising sensing means (4) of the angle (?, ?) between the vehicle (1) and the cardan (3), between the trailer (2) and the cardan (3) or between the vehicle (1) and the trailer (2), comparison means of the angle with a threshold angle and means (7) which disengage the power take-off upon exceeding in one direction the threshold angle and which engage It when the angle exceeds again the threshold angle in the opposite direction. The vehicle according to the present invention is a towed load.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the automated non-destructive inspection of wind turbine blades. A motor-driven track that conforms to the shape of the blade moves along its length. At each spanwise position, the motor-driven track is stopped and then while the motor-driven track is stationary, any one of various types of NDI sensors is moved along the track to collect inspection data on the structure. The track is either segmented or flexible in order to conform to the cross-sectional profile of the blade. In addition, tracking the spanwise motion of the motor-driven track along the blade is provided. Optionally, avoiding protrusions on the blade that may be in the way during scanning is provided.

Abstract: A carrier vehicle can be used for a plurality of purposes. A carrier vehicle (100) according to the disclosure includes a flat plate (120) and a moving section (130). A through-hole (122p) is provided in the flat plate (120). The moving section (130) causes the flat plate (120) to move. The moving section (120) is switched among a reference mode in which the flat plate (120) is caused to move to a reference position, a penetrating mode in which the through-hole (122p) of the flat plate (120) is penetrated through, and a moving mode in which the flat plate (120) is caused to move from the reference position to a moving position without penetrating through the through-hole (122p) of the flat plate (120).

Abstract: A fastening system having differentiable components includes a first fuse pin with a first mating figure and being configured to shear upon the application of a first predetermined load and a first receiver with a second mating feature. The first and second mating features correspond and permit the insertion of the first fuse pin into the first receiver to selectively connect components. The system may include a second fuse pin having a third mating feature and being configured to shear upon the application of a second predetermined load, which may differ from the first predetermined load. The second fuse pin having a third mating feature that prevents the insertion of the second fuse pin into the first receiver. The first fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a first aircraft and the second fuse pin may be configured to connect together components of a different aircraft.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for harvesting crops from a field and to a method for working a field by towing an apparatus such as a tilling apparatus, wherein the methods of the invention employ manned and unmanned vehicles. The operation and movement of the unmanned vehicles is controlled by the drivers of the manned vehicles which are continuously in the vicinity of the unmanned vehicles.

Abstract: A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receiver winch.

Abstract: A system for monitoring steering of an aircraft landing gear wheel includes: a controller; a warning device for emitting warning signals for a tractor operator maneuvering the aircraft on the ground; and at least one angular sensor. The controller compares effective steering angle information, supplied by the angular sensor(s), with angles ?SD, ?MD, ?SG and ?MG, where ?MD and ?MG are limits of a predefined steering angle range within which the landing gear wheel steering is to remain confined, and where ?SD and ?SG are intermediate angles within the range. The controller commands emission of a warning signal when the comparison indicates that the steering of the landing gear wheel is between angles ?SD and ?MD or between angles ?SG and ?MG; and modulates the warning signal depending on the effective position of the steering between the angles ?SD and ?MD or between the angles ?SG and ?MG.

Abstract: A method for mitigating sway of a trailer being towed by a leading vehicle is disclosed. The method may involve using a controller of the vehicle to determine when a trailer sway condition has arisen that requires a mitigating action. The controller may be used to actuate a plurality of brakes of the vehicle, or to increase braking pressure being applied by a driver of the vehicle, when the trailer is detected as swaying toward a centerline of the vehicle from one side or another of the vehicle centerline. The controller may further be used to release the plurality of brakes, or to decrease a braking pressure being commanded by the driver, before the trailer has swayed past the vehicle centerline, and to repeatedly apply and release the vehicle brakes only while the trailer is detected as swaying toward the vehicle centerline, until the trailer sway condition has been mitigated.

Abstract: A load distribution apparatus of magnetic wheel, includes: a plurality of cylinder parts including one sides respectively connected to a plurality of magnetic wheels and an upper space portion and a lower space portion whose interiors do not communicate to each other; and a passage part which serves as a moving path of fluid and interconnects the plurality of cylinder parts. The passage part is configured to evenly distribute a load applied to the magnetic wheels by moving fluids in the upper space portion and the lower space portion in such a manner that the fluids are not mixed.

Abstract: A self-loading dolly apparatus. Each of a pair of support bars has a saddle bracket and an inside wheel assembly rigidly affixed with the support bar and offset from the vertical axis. A lift bar is secured to the saddle brackets, then raised so that an outside pair of wheel assemblies can be positioned adjacent the respective saddle bracket. The outside wheel assemblies are secured when the lift bar is raised, whereupon the inside wheel assemblies and the saddle brackets realign with the vertical axis and the support bars are angled upward.

Abstract: Trailer particularly provided with a device for removing and/or arranging a bundle from and/or in a heat exchanger, comprising at least one wheel axle, wherein the trailer can be coupled to a tractive vehicle, wherein at least one support wheel axle is connectable to the trailer for the purpose of independently supporting the trailer in at least an uncoupled state thereof.

Abstract: A grasping apparatus for transporting one or more rolling racks. A transfer device can be used in connection with the grasping device. The grasping apparatus can include a collection area and controls. The collection area preferably extends from the transport device in a direction away from the user of the transport device. The controls are preferably located in an area accessible by a user of the transport device when using the transport device to transfer rolling racks. The collection area can include one or more extensions or armatures designed to grasp a portion of the rolling rack and secure that portion of the rolling rack for transport of that rolling rack as dictated by movement of the transfer device by the user. The controls of the grasping apparatus allow a user to removeably engage the collection area.

Abstract: A method for assisting a process of coupling a vehicle to a towed object, in particular, a trailer, including detecting an object position of a coupling element of the towed object which is suitable for coupling to a mating coupling element of the vehicle, determining a travel path of the vehicle for reaching a target position, wherein the vehicle is positioned in the target position so the coupling element and the mating coupling element are couplable. Also disclosed is an assistance system for assisting a process of coupling a vehicle.

Abstract: A fastening system having differentiable components includes a first bushing with a first mating feature to be inserted within a first receiver. A first fuse pin with a second mating figure and being configured to shear upon the application of a first predetermined load is configured to be inserted into the first receiver and mate with the first mating feature of the first bushing. The first and second mating features correspond and permit the insertion of the first fuse pin into the first bushing within the first receiver to selectively connect components. The first bushing may prevent the complete insertion of a second fuse pin having a third mating feature into the first receiver. A second bushing having a fourth mating feature may permit the complete insertion of the second fuse pin into the second bushing positioned within a second receiver.

Abstract: System having one or more processors that are configured to (a) generate, as a vehicle system moves along a route, a plurality of different trial plans for an upcoming segment of the route. The trial plans include potential operational settings of the vehicle system along the route. The one or more processors that are configured to (b) select one of the trial plans as a selected plan or generate the selected plan based on one or more of the trial plans. The selected plan is configured to improve one or more system-handling metrics as the vehicle system moves along the upcoming segment of the route. The one or more processors are configured to (c) communicate instructions to change or not change at least one of the operational settings of the vehicle system based on the selected plan.

Abstract: A trash bin tug carried on a pair of drive wheels driven by reversible motors and carrying a swivel support arm projecting upwardly and rearwardly towards a bin. The support arm carries a latch which cooperates with the support arm and tug to, upon being latched, support the front of the bin elevated from the support surface. The steps of selecting a tug with a support arm and carried on reversible drive wheels to be maneuvered from a remote control into position to engage a handle on a trash bin and latch onto the handle to elevate the front of the trash bin from the support surface.

Abstract: An electric drive vehicle which is capable of performing a bidirectional voltage conversion between two DC power supplies and a rotary electric machine, and a connection switch between a series connection and a parallel connection of the two power supplies with respect to the rotary electric machine. The electric drive vehicle can supply electric power without a delay in response to a change in a load request. A controller sets the connection between the two power supplies to the parallel connection when an estimated value of an output electric current in accordance with a torque command to the rotary electric machine exceeds a tolerable electric current value of at least one of the two power supplies.

Abstract: A transportation vehicle is disclosed, including front frame and rear frame. The front frame and rear frame are hinged together and the rear frame can swing left and right with respect to the front frame; the two sides of the front frame are provided with two wheel hub axles, and the driven wheels are connected to the front frame through the wheel hub axles; the rear frame is provided with a vertically configured connecting rod; the connecting rod is flexibly connected to the middle portion of the first push-pull rod, and the two ends of the first push-pull rod can swing up and down; the two ends of the first push-pull rod are respectively connected to the wheel hub axles through the rocker arm connecting rod mechanism. Through configurations of the first push-pull rod, wheel hub axles and rocker arm connecting rod mechanisms, when the transportation vehicle is making a turn, the gravity component of the human body and vehicle can offset the centrifugal force generated by the human body and vehicle.

Abstract: The present disclosure, in one or more embodiments, relates to a drilling rig with a self-elevating drill floor. The drilling rig may have one or more jacking systems that may operate to raise the drill floor. The one or more jacking systems may raise the drill floor to a height sufficient to accommodate a substructure such as a substructure box. A substructure box may be placed, and the one or more jacking systems may lower the drill floor onto the substructure box. Substructure boxes may be placed beneath the drill floor, using the one or more jacking systems, until a desired drill floor height is reached. In some embodiments, the one or more jacking systems may additionally operate to move the drilling rig, for example between adjacent wells on a pad drilling site. The jacking systems may operate the move the drilling rig using walking feet or another movement mechanism.

Abstract: A trailer restraining device comprising a portable frame having mounted thereto a tail hook and a king pin receiver that includes at least one of a receiver hydraulic cylinder, a receiver pneumatic cylinder, a receiver electric actuator, and a receiver winch.

Abstract: An all-purpose, all-terrain cart for transporting objects across rugged terrain and tranformable into a bench with a backrest. The all-purpose, all-terrain cart includes a housing assembly including a base housing having a bottom wall, side walls, a front wall, a back wall and an open top, and including cover members removably disposed upon the open top; a support assembly in communication with the base housing and including racks adjustably and removably mounted to the base housing; and a drive assembly including wheels for moving the base housing upon a ground.

Abstract: A mining machine frame having a primary tow plate is disclosed, as well as a tow retrieval system for mounting to the primary tow plate of a mining machine frame. The tow retrieval system may include a brake release mounting plate configured for attachment to the primary tow plate of the mining machine frame. The tow retrieval system may also include a towing attachment also configured for attachment to the primary tow plate of the mining machine frame. The towing attachment may be further configured to receive a retrieval instrument during a towing operation.

Abstract: A backup assist system for a vehicle reversing a trailer includes a hitch angle sensor providing a measured hitch angle of the trailer. The system also includes a controller determining a position of the measured hitch angle in relation to an unknown jackknife angle by monitoring a predetermined dynamic hitch angle characteristic derived from the measured hitch angle for a corresponding jackknife indicating characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heavy goods vehicle in which the steering system (12) comprises, in addition to a normal steering mode steering device (26) that transfers steering power purely mechanically by means of connecting rods (34) from axle to axle, a crab steering mode steering device (28) that also transfers steering power purely mechanically by means of connecting rods (46) from axle to axle. The individual wheel assemblies (14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) can be connected by means of coupling devices (56) either to the normal steering mode steering device (26) or to the crab steering mode steering device (28).

Abstract: An agricultural planter which provides an improved method for extending and retracting the wing boom and which has improved maneuverability is disclosed. A drive member is provided that drives one or more of the wing wheels on the agricultural planter. The drive member may be, for example, a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. When a wing boom is extended or retracted between the transport position and the working position, a controller generates a command signal to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels forward or reverse, thereby assisting the wing boom in retracting or extending the telescoping portion of the hitch assembly and in extending or retracting the booms. During operation, the controller may similarly generate a command to the drive member to drive one or more of the wing wheels either in forward or reverse according to the operation of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling machine configurations. An example method disclosed herein includes identifying a machine configuration, the machine configuration comprising a host machine connected to an auxiliary machine; determining a desired trajectory based on at least one of the host machine turning, a desired work path, or an alignment of the host machine and the auxiliary machine; and controlling steering of the auxiliary machine based on a desired trajectory of the host machine.

Abstract: An arrangement for improving stability of a vehicle combination includes a towing vehicle and at least one towed vehicle, where the at least one towed vehicle includes an actively steered axle and/or individual brake on at least one axle, where the towing vehicle and the at least one towed vehicle each includes a lateral acceleration determining arrangement.

Abstract: A system associated with a machine is provided. The system is configured to engage with a vehicle. The system includes a first frame and a second frame to support a first roller and a second roller, respectively. The first roller and the second roller are configured to abut a first and a second set of ground engaging members, respectively, of the vehicle. The system further includes a pin member to couple the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are moveable relative to each other about a rotating axis defined by the pin member. The system further includes an actuating member coupled between the first frame and the second frame. The actuating member is configured to move the first frame and the second frame about the pin member.

Abstract: An inventory system can receive a receipt receptacle from a shipping vehicle. The receipt receptacle can be moved to a case shuttle without separating or sorting inventory items in the receipt receptacle. A mobile drive unit can move the case shuttle to a receiving station, where the receipt receptacle can be removed and where the inventory items can be stowed in a pickable inventory holder. A mobile drive unit can move the pickable inventory holder to an order-compiling station, where inventory items can be picked from the inventory holder into order receptacles. A mobile drive unit can move an order shuttle carrying order receptacles with completed orders to a shipping station, where the completed order receptacles can be transferred to a shipping vehicle.

Abstract: When a trailer is pulled by a tow vehicle where the trailer begins to sway to the left and right of the tow vehicle a large sway can result in loss of control of the trailer and or tow vehicle. The field of the present invention is a system and method of controlling a trailer sway which comprises determining the sway of the trailer utilizing an electronic sensor and independently applying the left or right trailer brakes at varying levels to reduce trailer sway. The traditional single braking signal power from the tow vehicle is separated into two independent braking signals for each of the left and right brakes. All brakes are applied whenever the traditional braking signal goes active where trailer battery power is utilized to independently activate the left and or right brakes during trailer sway.

Abstract: A method is provided for moving backwards a combination and an assembly is provided for assisting the backward movement of a combination into an area, which might be surrounded by obstacles. The combination includes a propelled vehicle and an implement. The implement can pivot with respect to the vehicle. The vehicle moves the combination backwards. A pivoting angle sensor on board of the combination measures the pivoting angle of the implement with respect to the vehicle. A distance sensor on board of the implement measures the distance to a border of the area. A path sensor on board of the implement measures the length of a path along which the implement is moved. A computer on board of the implement calculates a required change of the travelling direction of the vehicle by using the pivoting angle, the path length, and the measured distance. A signal indicative of the required change is transmitted to an output unit.

Abstract: An aircraft landing gear assembly comprising a bogie beam (2), an axle (4) extending through the bogie beam and a jacking dome fitting (6) extending through a sidewall (8) of the bogie beam and arranged to transfer vertical loads applied to the jacking dome fitting to the axle.

Abstract: A self-propelled unicycle is selectively engaged with a vehicle for use with the vehicle and is selectively disengaged with the vehicle for independent use. The self-propelled unicycle includes a hub and a wheel rotatably coupled to the hub. A motor is supported on the hub and is coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel relative to the hub. The hub including an engagement feature for selectively engaging and disengaging the vehicle.

Abstract: Drawbar hitch mount assemblies for towing an implement such as a mower conditioner are disclosed. The assemblies include a hitch receiver capable of pivoting relative to the implement and/or towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method of protecting an aircraft undercarriage (1) while it is being towed by means of a tow bar (13) hitched to a steerable bottom portion of the undercarriage, the method including the step of generating an alarm when a towing force imposed by the tow bar on the undercarriage reaches or exceeds a predetermined force threshold. The threshold is caused to vary as a function of an orientation of the steerable bottom portion of the undercarriage.

Abstract: A gap fairing for a tractor-trailer is provided. A fairing body with an impact absorbing extension is attached to a chassis of the tractor, independently of the cab thereof and within a gap between a cab of the tractor and the trailer. The fairing body has side portions, extending rearwardly from a front portion, adjacent the cab of the tractor, toward the trailer and top portion. A clear panel can be located in at least the side portion of the fairing body located at the passenger side to enable the driver to view the trailer through the rear window of the tractor and the clear panel. A separation space between the front of the fairing body and the cab can be sealed by a sealing element that is at least in part one of resilient and flexible so as to allow relative motion between the fairing body and the cab.

Abstract: A hitch detecting system for a vehicle. The system includes a coupling assembly arranged to connect the vehicle to a hitchable apparatus. A sensor is operably coupled to the coupling assembly and monitors one or more parameters related to the coupling assembly. A controller is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller is operable to change, during operation of the vehicle, one or more functions of the vehicle in response to information detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A multi-vehicle arrangement for heavy haulage includes at least a first tractor unit mechanically connected with a second tractor unit, wherein each tractor unit forms a separately drivable tractor unit including a driver cab), a digital communication device, steering wheels, a braking system, and a power train comprising a power source, a friction clutch, and an automatic transmission, where the friction clutch is arranged to be disengaged or engaged for drive torque transmission from the power source to the automatic transmission, a digital communication link is provided between the tractor units by the digital communication devices, and a control system of the first tractor unit is arranged to control at least a clutch load of the friction clutch of each of the first and second tractor units for the purpose of reducing the risk of over-heating of any of the friction clutches during engagement or disengagement of the friction clutches.