Abstract: An automatic lane change activation system includes a host vehicle including an in-vehicle computer. A telematics module communicates global positioning system (GPS) data between the computer and the telematics module. A host vehicle display device receives signals from the computer. A visual system status is presented to a host vehicle user by the display device including an information screen presenting a roadway information message, a control screen presenting an opportunity message identifying to the user an opportunity to switch the host vehicle from a first roadway lane into a second roadway lane, and a lane change directional arrow to indicate a path for the host vehicle to take. A motion control module in the host vehicle receives control signals from the computer including a lane change execution signal to initiate and control vehicle automatic lane changes in a non-congested area of a roadway for the host vehicle.

Abstract: A control apparatus is a control apparatus that is communicably connected to a first vehicle and a second vehicle, the control apparatus including a controller configured to: identify the first vehicle as a transfer destination for a luggage item stored in the second vehicle; read a targeted relative relationship between the second vehicle and the first vehicle; control the second vehicle based on the targeted relative relationship; and when a difference between the targeted relative relationship and an actual relative relationship is within an allowable range, convey the luggage item from the second vehicle to the first vehicle using a conveyer of the first vehicle or the second vehicle.

Abstract: A trolley that couples to a tow saddle is provided. The trolley includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper and lower plate are secured against a rear portion of a tow saddle. One or more support bars are coupled to the upper plate. The bars provide structural support for the upper plate and deflect a chain that transits apertures in the upper plate.

Abstract: A trailer to be attached to a cycle such as a bicycle, or a trailer-cycle set includes a device for controlling the steering and speed or deceleration of the trailer according to input control commands, the controlling device being equipped with means for measuring signals representing the longitudinal force and transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer, the measuring means comprising sensors, including at least one deformation sensor for measuring the signal representing the longitudinal force applied by the cycle to the trailer and two sensors on the wheels of the trailer for measuring the signals representing the transverse force applied by the cycle to the trailer.

Abstract: An unmanned and self-powered vehicle or Towable Autonomous Dray (TOAD) may follow a vehicle and tow a trailer, haul a load, and/or recharge a pilot vehicle. The TOAD may be semi-autonomous and may attach to a pilot vehicle by an electronic identification. Further, wireless charging of the pilot vehicle may be provided by the TOAD. Smart trailer brakes, electric trailer axles, and a mechanically coupled tow vehicle may be provided by the TOAD in combination with additional units. A smart trailer controller may include a smart head unit and a smart tail unit in a trailer that may offer trailer security and increased safety. A smart trailer brake controller on the pilot vehicle and a smart module on the trailer may be applied where no unmanned vehicle is employed, such as, in a classic pick-up/trailer combination.

Abstract: A trolley that couples to a tow saddle is provided. The trolley includes an upper plate and a lower plate. The upper and lower plate are secured against a rear portion of a tow saddle. One or more support bars are coupled to the upper plate. The bars provide structural support for the upper plate and deflect a chain that transits apertures in the upper plate.

Abstract: An operating method for an electrified motor vehicle having an electric drive while being coupled to a towing vehicle by a connecting device in such a manner that the pulling forces and pushing forces between the vehicles are transmitted. The towing vehicle may communicate data to the motor vehicle used to control the motor vehicle to provide a controlled force exerted on the towing vehicle by the motor vehicle during towing. The controlled force exerted on the towing vehicle may vary based on the prevailing force direction between the vehicles, acceleration, and battery state of charge (SOC) of the motor vehicle. The controlled force may include a driving force or a braking force. The braking force may be provided by regenerative braking of the motor vehicle and/or by friction braking of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a new design of an intelligent pooling vehicle and trailer system equipped with an intelligent pooling vehicle and an intelligent electric powered trailer capable to improve the efficiency of the system, avoid off-tracking and make the system more user friendly. The rear powered tires train is capable to turn around a pivot, taking different positions with respect to the trailer. The independent electric motors on each tire of the trailer rear tires train provide additional power to the vehicle and steering capability of the trailer rear tires train. This allows better control of the rear of the trailer and instead to be only pull by the truck, the trailer may be driven by it self, by using different speeds on each of the two tires, avoiding accidents and helping back parking and driving. The system may work in automatic or manual mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a vehicle/trailer unit, an appropriately designed vehicle/trailer unit, as well as a towing vehicle and an implement for such a vehicle/trailer unit, with the vehicle/trailer unit having a towing vehicle and an implement. The towing vehicle has a combustion engine and a first machine that can be operated as a prime mover, as well as a first axle that can be driven by means of the combustion engine, with it being possible for the combustion engine to be driven by means of the first machine. The implement has a second machine that can be operated as a work machine and a second axle that is mechanically coupled with the second machine.

Abstract: The inventive disclosures described herein pertain to an improved folding trailer that, in many embodiments, is comprised of an improved swivel jack to more-easily aid in safe trailer-folding operations, a hinged trailer tongue, an integral winch with an extended flexible coupling shaft, and an external or onboard rotational power source to drive the winch. More specifically, this folding-trailer configuration minimizes the physical exertion required of a user to fold or unfold the trailer, as well as significantly reduces the potential for serious user injury during the folding/unfolding process. The improved folding trailer also features foldable cargo-containment sides and multi-positionable tailgate, as well as removable/configurable cargo-carrying racks/rails.

Abstract: A series hybrid drive unit that is downsized while improving power transmission efficiency. In the series hybrid drive unit, a generator is driven by an engine, and a motor is operated by electricity generated by the generator. Torque generated by the generator is delivered to drive wheels through a final reduction unit. An input member that is rotated by a torque of the engine, and that is arranged parallel to a rotational center axis Og of the generator. The generator and the motor are arranged parallel to each other while keeping a predetermined clearance, and the final reduction unit is arranged parallel to the motor. The input member and the generator are connected through a first wrapping transmission mechanism, and torque of the motor is transmitted to a final reduction unit through a second wrapping transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A power control system may include at least one of batteries, a motor, and a data logic analyzer that can interpret certain variable conditions of a transport, such as a tractor trailer, moving along a road or highway. The data can be used to determine when to apply supplemental power to the wheels of a trailer to reduce fuel usage. One example device may include at least one of: a power creation module that generates electrical power, a battery which store the electrical power, a motor affixed to a trailer axle of a trailer which provides a turning force to the trailer axle when enabled to operate from the stored electrical power of the battery, and a motor controller configured to initiate the motor to operate according to a predefined sensor condition.

Abstract: A digital autonomous hardware based FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) device and method for preventing the initial onset of trailer oscillations and swaying (“Snaking”) movements and subsequent control thereof. The device being a detection and control method for any wheeled trailer which is detachable from the towing vehicle. The system uses a Kalman Filter to processes digital data from a number of wireless IMUs (Inertial Measurement Units) located on the trailer and towing vehicle and then subsequently digitally controls the application and monitoring of simultaneous braking to the trailer while accelerating the towing vehicle in a safe manner in an attempt to quickly alleviate and stop all oscillations and swaying (“Snaking”) movements. The system includes a number of other ancillary safety related features.

Abstract: A system includes a locator device and one or more processors operably connected to the locator device. The locator device determines a trailing distance between a trailing vehicle system that travels along a route and a leading vehicle system that travels along the route ahead of the trailing vehicle system in a same direction of travel. The one or more processors compare the trailing distance to a first proximity distance relative to the leading vehicle system. In response to the trailing distance being less than the first proximity distance, the one or more processors set a permitted power output limit for the trailing vehicle system to be less than a maximum achievable power output for the trailing vehicle system, the permitted power output limit being set based on a power-to-weight ratio of the leading vehicle system.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a detecting unit that detects a towing state of a subject vehicle, a recognizing unit that recognizes surrounding situations of the subject vehicle, a control unit that performs automatic control in which at least one of acceleration-and-deceleration and steering of the subject vehicle is automatically controlled on the basis of the surrounding situations of the subject vehicle recognized by the recognizing unit, and a changing unit that changes, if the detecting unit has detected that the subject vehicle is in a state of towing an object, details of control performed by the control unit in such a manner that it is less likely to perform the automatic control than in the case where the detecting unit has not detected that the subject vehicle is in a state of towing an object.

Abstract: An oscillation brake system and method is disclosed for a vehicle having front and rear vehicle sections coupled with an oscillation joint that allows rotation about an oscillation axis. The system includes front and rear brake sections rigidly coupled to the front and rear vehicle sections, respectively. The rear vehicle section has multiple degrees of freedom of movement relative to front vehicle section. When the oscillation brake is activated the front brake section engages the rear brake section to increase resistance against or prevent rotation about the oscillation axis. The system can also include sensors, and a controller that activates the system based on the sensor readings. The sensors can include accelerometers, pressure, position, speed or other sensors. The oscillation brake can include a hub splined to separator plates and a housing splined to friction plates, where the oscillation brake is activated to force the separator and friction plates together.

Abstract: A mobile energy storage apparatus comprised of: a. at least one variable energy control device which converts DC to DC, AC to DC and DC to AC and b. at least one energy storage device (such as a battery) and c. a means to adjust said at least one variable energy control device to various electrical output powers and d. a means to connect said mobile energy storage apparatus to an EV (electric vehicle) or other device electrically and mechanically to enable transferring energy even when in motion and e. optionally a means for attaching various covers to said mobile energy storage apparatus to suit various applications. The mobile energy storage apparatus allows the transfer of energy to or from: an EV, a building or any other electrical facility or device and can be configured with built-in or attached to various power sources.

Abstract: A system includes a locator device, a communication circuit, and one or more processors, all disposed onboard a trailing vehicle system that travels along a route behind a leading vehicle system. The locator device determines a location of the trailing vehicle system. The communication circuit periodically receives a location of the leading vehicle system in a message. The processors monitor a trailing distance between the trailing vehicle system and the leading vehicle system based on the respective locations of the leading and trailing vehicle systems. Responsive to the trailing distance being less than a first proximity distance relative to the leading vehicle system, the processors set an upper permitted power output limit for the trailing vehicle system that is less than an upper power output limit of the trailing vehicle system to reduce an effective power-to-weight ratio of the trailing vehicle system.

Abstract: A retarder brake system of a vehicle combination including an agricultural tractor and an electrically driven trailer includes a drive train with a combustion engine, a vehicle transmission downstream from the combustion engine, a mechanical drive axle of the agricultural tractor connected to a first gear output of the transmission, a first electrical motor generator unit coupled to a second gear output, and an electrical drive axle of the trailer. The electrical drive axle is driven by means of a second electrical motor generator unit. The generator units are electrically connected with one another via a direct current link. In a retarder operation, the second electrical motor unit is operated with a generator and the first electrical generator unit is operated with a motor. At least part of the gross retarder output requested on the electrical drive axle is dissipatively destroyed as a power loss within the drive train.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a hybrid work vehicle which is simple in configuration, good in ease of mounting on a vehicle and capable of efficiently transmitting motive power. [Solution] The hybrid work vehicle includes: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (4) which is driven by the engine; a work device (5) which is disposed at the front of the vehicle and performs work using the hydraulic pump as a drive source; a motor/generator (6) which generates electric power by use of the torque of the engine; and a travel drive device which causes the vehicle to travel by rotating and driving wheels by use of the electric power generated by the motor/generator. The hybrid work vehicle is steered while the vehicle bends by way of a center joint (15). The travel drive device includes: a plurality of electric motors (21 and 22); and a propeller shaft (8) which is linked with the plurality of electric motors and transmits motive power from the plurality of electric motors to the wheels.

Abstract: A maneuvering drive for a trailer includes a fastening device, a carrier, a drive motor as well as a drive roller. The fastening device is provided for fastening the maneuvering drive to the trailer. The carrier is movable relative to the fastening device and holds the drive motor. The drive roller is rotatably drivable by the drive motor which is a brushless electric motor with an external rotor.

Abstract: The multi-car trackless transportation system includes a pilot car and at least one secondary car connected to one another in a manner similar to a conventional tram system or the like. Each of the cars is connected to adjacent cars by pivotal connectors. The pilot car and the at least one secondary car each include an individual motor, drive system and steering system. In order to develop a virtual tramway or path, the pilot car transmits instantaneous velocity and steering angles measurements to the secondary car. The secondary car then applies these signals so that it has an equivalent velocity and steering angle at the same location as the pilot car when the measurements were taken.

Abstract: A multi-unit mobile robot comprising a plurality of separate carriages or units linked together by linkages. Each unit comprises hinged first and second segments which facilitates pitch relative motion between the segments, and accordingly the units. By controlling actuators to the hinges, one can cause the robot to coil around and compress against the exterior, or compress against the interior, of an object to be traversed. The linkage between mobile units facilitates at least one of lateral pivot or yaw relative motion between units, and optionally roll. Each hinged platform is carried by a pair of Mecanum wheels, which facilitate movement of the unit in any direction. Preferably, alternating units are of differing widths, and the wheels on the units are sufficiently large that they capable of overlapping, thereby enabling the robot to navigate very sharp edges or corners in the surface of an object being traversed by the robot, with the wheels always maintaining contact with the surface being traversed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an articulated tracked vehicle comprising a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit controllably connected by means of a control member, wherein the first vehicle unit comprises a combustion engine, wherein the combustion engine is arranged to drive a generator for electrical generation, wherein the generator is arranged to transfer power via power electronic means to at least one electric motor of at least one electric propulsion unit.

Abstract: A maneuvering drive (24, 30) for a trailer (10) has a central unit (30), at least two drive units (24) by which wheels (16) of the trailer (10) can be driven and which are controlled by the central unit (30), each drive unit (24) including a checking module (40) by which drive specifications of the central unit (30) can be checked as to whether they can be fulfilled, and a feedback channel being provided by which the drive units (24) can feed back to the central unit (30) if the drive specifications cannot be fulfilled.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus has a first articulating section comprising a leading traction control assembly including multiple points of contact inclined at a forward angle, and a second articulating section comprising an intermediate traction control assembly. A propulsion system is configured to coordinate movement of the leading traction control assembly and the intermediate traction control assembly. A connector operatively couples the first articulating section to the second articulating section, and the first articulating section is configured to articulate relative to the second articulating section in response to one or more of the multiple points of contact of the leading traction control assembly coming into contact with an obstacle. A bias assembly is configured to exert a continuous compression force against one or both of the first articulating section and the second articulating section to maximize the number of points of contact between the mobile apparatus and the obstacle.

Abstract: To be able to simulate any desired kind of driving state with a test vehicle it is envisioned to connect an active secondary vehicle 2 to the front or rear of the test vehicle 1, and wherein the secondary vehicle 2 is equipped with its own drive and load device 3 by which the test vehicle 1 is braked and/or pushed additionally to its own deceleration and/or acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of excavated rock material in mine and underground as well as surface excavation, and particularly to transport equipment suitable for transporting excavated rock material. The transport equipment suitable for transporting excavated rock material according to the invention comprises a trailer connectable to a body of the transport equipment by a fastening articulation, the trailer comprising a body of the trailer, a transport box of the trailer, and a plurality of wheels of which at least two are arranged to be steerable wheels.

Abstract: A robotic mobile low-profile transport vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle can comprise a first transport module having a frame assembly, a mobility system, and a propulsion system and a second transport module having a frame assembly and a mobility system. A multi-degree of freedom coupling assemblage can join the first and second transport modules together. The vehicle can include a first platform supported about the frame assembly of the first transport module, and a second platform supported about the frame assembly of the second transport module. Each of the platforms can be configured to receive a load for transport. Additionally, the vehicle can include a control system that can operate to facilitate intra-module communication and coordination to provide a coordinated operating mode of the first and second transport modules and the coupling assemblage about a given terrain.

Abstract: An all in one towing solution provides its own drive train. The drive train of the trailer is matched to an ECU and engine of a lead vehicle which communicate to ensure that the drive axle of both the lead vehicle and the trailer rotate at the same speed. The trailer is connected to a lead vehicle by an attachment system, which utilizes trailer tongues and a latching mechanism such as ball hitches. The main body of the trailer is built from a hollow base and a plurality of bulkheads, which form storage compartments for the present invention. The main body additional provides tow points for towing a larger or heavier cargo that may require specialized connections, such as a fifth wheel coupling. The present invention allows common family sedans and other commuter vehicles to tow loads that would otherwise require vehicles with sufficient power and suspension.

Abstract: A method and device for the recognition of a trailer (2) of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the trailer (2) is connected to the motor vehicle (1) via a coupling device (3), wherein a control device (4) collects and stores data relating to the currently connected trailer (2) during an operating phase of the motor vehicle, and a device for identification (5) of the trailer (2) is able to ascertain, by means of a test signal, a separation of the connected trailer (2) from the motor vehicle (1) during the shutdown phase of the motor vehicle (1).

Abstract: A quick release electric throttle assembly connected to a supplemental electric propulsion system, wherein the propulsion system may be moved from one vehicle to another, and the throttle must be correspondingly moved among the vehicles as well is disclosed. The quick release interface may incorporate a disengaging and disengageable electric connection to permit electrical wiring to be quickly plugged and unplugged from the hand actuated accessory. The throttle may be further be configured as a low profile throttle, such as having a flat surface with at least one button by which the throttle may be actuated. The throttle may be secured and released from the control surface of a vehicle by wrapping the laminar flexible sheet at a desired position and wrapping a Velcro like strap over one another about the manual control surface.

Abstract: A multi-functional transport system is disclosed having a plurality of mobile transport units, which each have a coupling device in a front and a rear region. In this manner the transport units can be coupled to each other and/or to a lead vehicle. In one configuration, the individual transport units equipped with drives follow the lead vehicle defining the path in a directionally stable manner by an independent path control system. The transport units themselves can also be removed or decoupled from the transport system as independent units. At least one handle, in addition to the couplings, can be used by an operator when in the decoupled state, so that the mailings to be transported can remain on the transport unit until delivery without manual transferring or transporting. This manual guiding of the individual transport unit takes place in a virtually force-free manner.

Abstract: A collaborative robotized system comprises: a mobile platform furnished with running device, with an electric motor propulsion assembly, and with a longitudinal mechanical linkage assembly comprising an articulation; an electrical power source; manual control device of the system; remote control device of the system; a computer assembly of at least one computer; hardware-incorporating device suitable for integrating sensors and effectors, and software-incorporating device suitable for integrating software elements; and management device for managing integrated sensorimotor behaviors, suitable for arbitrating implementations of several sensorimotor behaviors in parallel.

Abstract: A portable, motorized platform apparatus that attaches to any walk-behind golf club caddy generally comprising: (a) a standing platform body between first and second wheels; (b) a third swivel wheel located to the rear/center of the platform; (c) a chain driven drive tire on the left and a disc brake tire on the right of the first and second wheels; (d) a frame assembly including an extended tongue attached to the platform to the center rear axle/frame; (e) a motor and a rechargeable electrical power supply; (f) split ring clamps attachable to the handle of the caddy, to allow for quick connect of the platform's handle bar assembly; (g) the handle bar assembly comprising a twist throttle and a braking lever; and wherein once the handle bar assembly is attached, the rider is able to steer said platform by using the modified handle of the walk-behind golf club caddy.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle couplable to a parent vehicle is described, and includes a chassis supported on first and second axles coupled to a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system configured to transfer torque to one of the wheels, a steering system configured to control direction of travel of the semi-autonomous vehicle, a braking system configured to apply braking force to the wheels, a high-voltage electrical energy storage system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system operatively couples to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system. A coupling device is configured to electrically couple the semi-autonomous vehicle to the parent vehicle, the coupling device consisting essentially of a high-voltage DC electrical power bus electrically coupled to the high-voltage electrical energy storage system.

Abstract: A combination including a harvester, a generator vehicle, and a transport vehicle including a chassis, a motor, a plurality of traction devices, and a control unit aligning the transport vehicle in relation to at least one of the harvester and a previous path of the harvester. A method of positioning a train of transport vehicles in relation to a path of the harvester.

Abstract: A system for controlling a vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front axle and at least one further steerable axle. The system determining the path of a reference lead point at the front of the vehicle and determining the path of a follow point at the rear of the vehicle. A controller for driving the at least one further steerable axle of the vehicle such that the deviation between the path of the lead point of the vehicle and the follow point is within a predetermined range while the vehicle is in motion.

Abstract: A semi-autonomous vehicle includes a chassis having a repository on a plurality of wheels, a propulsion system, a steering system, a braking system, an extra-vehicle communications system, and an extra-vehicle sensory system. A control system of the semi-autonomous vehicle is operatively coupled to the propulsion system, the steering system, and the braking system and signally connected to the extra-vehicle sensory system and the extra-vehicle communications system. A non-load-bearing coupling mechanism of the semi-autonomous vehicle includes a connector, a flexible mechanical link element and a communications link.

Abstract: In order to achieve a solution which assists a farmer in working land in a way which reduces the risk of soil compaction of the land there is, among others, a method of determining a work trajectory to be followed by an agricultural work vehicle. The method includes accessing a soil carry capacity map of an area of land to be worked by the agricultural work vehicle, receiving load data of the agricultural work vehicle so as to determine the agricultural work vehicle load and determining the work trajectory to be followed by the agricultural work vehicle. The work trajectory is determined by correlating the soil carry capacity map and the load data of the agricultural work vehicle, so as to optimize that the area to be worked with low carry capacity is worked with low agricultural work vehicle load.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle system can include a first vehicle selectively and pivotally connected to a second vehicle. A first powertrain can be mounted on the first vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the first vehicle. A second powertrain can be mounted on the second vehicle to drive a wheel mounted on the second vehicle independent from the drive of the wheel of the first vehicle. The vehicle system may also include a controller in electrical communication with each of the first powertrain, second powertrain, and steering mechanism to assist in steering and power distribution, especially when reversing the vehicle system.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus has a first articulating section comprising a leading traction control assembly including multiple points of contact inclined at a forward angle, and a second articulating section comprising an intermediate traction control assembly. A propulsion system is configured to coordinate movement of the leading traction control assembly and the intermediate traction control assembly. A connector operatively couples the first articulating section to the second articulating section, and the first articulating section is configured to articulate relative to the second articulating section in response to one or more of the multiple points of contact of the leading traction control assembly coming into contact with an obstacle. A bias assembly is configured to exert a continuous compression force against one or both of the first articulating section and the second articulating section to maximize the number of points of contact between the mobile apparatus and the obstacle.

Abstract: A vehicle arrangement includes a tow vehicle and a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle includes at least two wheels and at least one motor, with each motor being coupled with a corresponding wheel. A load sensing hitch between the tow vehicle and towed vehicle senses a lateral load and provides an output signal representing the sensed lateral load. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the load sensing hitch, and actuates at least one motor, dependent upon the output signal.

Abstract: Systems for towing a trailer by a towing vehicle and a method for controlling such a system are disclosed. The systems and method are configured to maintain a constant towing load on the towing vehicle as well as optimizing other performance criteria such as fuel efficiency. The system comprises a closed loop controller, a towing arm assembly, a load measuring device, an electric hub motor, brakes, a motor controller and a brake controller disposed on the trailer. In another embodiment, two separate systems are installed, one on each side of the trailer. A load force feeds into a PID controller programmed with preset proportional, differential and integral parameters. The PID controller generates a command signal to either modulate the brakes or motor up or down depending on the sign of the command signal. A process output updates the system which continuously adjusts based on driving conditions.

Abstract: An intermodal transportation system having interconnected railcars adapted for transporting interconnected freight trailers where the freight trailers remain connected while being transported on the railcars. Individual trailers are assembled into trailer assemblies at an assembly area. Trailers containing freight are assembled into trailer assembles using specialized dollies. A preferred embodiment includes using a self-powered dolly having tires and mounting a fifth-wheel pickup plate and a ring coupler for engaging the kingpin of a trailer. Multiple dolly-trailer assemblies are connected together to form a trailer assembly. A self-powered movable ramp is positioned at an end of the railcar assembly and a tractor pulls the trailer assembly onto a railcar assembly by driving up a self-powered movable ramp and across the top of the railcars.

Abstract: A grain cart capable of self-propulsion and receiving steering and propulsion inputs from a lateral extendable connector to a tractor for the grain cart so that the grain cart may be deployed close to the central chassis of a combine for unloading of grain.

Abstract: Various attachments (different dozer blade arrangements, a gantry crane, large auger) are designed for use with multiple identical powered mobile modules including a main support frame housing an internal combustion engine as a prime mover and being supported on either powered tracks or wheels. The modules can be either equipped with a cab and manned or used without a cab and controlled remotely. One or more of the mobile modules may be equipped with a GPS unit to aid in positioning the associated attachment.

Abstract: In one embodiment a control system for linking a plurality of electrically driven road vehicles together is disclosed, the control system having: a coupling input and a coupling output disposed on each of the plurality of vehicles, each coupling input of each vehicle being configured to releasably engage each coupling output of another vehicle to provide a mechanical and electrical coupling of the plurality of vehicles together; and a control system located on each of the plurality of vehicles, the control system communicating with the coupling input and the coupling output to detect when the coupling input or the coupling output is engaged with another vehicle via a respective coupling input or coupling output, the control system being further configured to operate in a lead vehicle mode or a trailing vehicle mode when the control system detects that the coupling input or the coupling output is engaged with another vehicle, wherein the lead vehicle mode causes the control system of the lead vehicle to contro

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of excavated rock material in mine and underground as well as surface excavation, and particularly to transport equipment suitable for transporting excavated rock material. The transport equipment suitable for transporting excavated rock material according to the invention comprises a trailer connectable to a body of the transport equipment by a fastening articulation, the trailer comprising a body of the trailer, a transport box of the trailer, and a plurality of wheels of which at least two are arranged to be steerable wheels.

Abstract: A vehicle convoy system for use in connection with a vehicle, wherein the vehicle includes at least one drive mechanism to impart drive to the vehicle, includes at least a first processor that is adapted to be placed in operative or communicative connection with the drive mechanism to effect control of the drive mechanism based upon data of the position of a leading vehicle in front of the vehicle so that the vehicle moves to follow movement of the leading vehicle. The vehicle can, for example, be a self-propelled wheelchair.