Abstract: A weight distributing trailer hitch and associated method are described. The weight distributing trailer hitch can include a hitch portion for interfacing with a hitch receiver associated with a vehicle. The weight distributing trailer hitch can also include a ball portion to facilitate coupling with a tongue of a trailer. In one embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar vertically pivotal relative to the hitch portion, and an adjustment mechanism actuatable to selectively adjust a tilt angle of the spring bar relative to the hitch portion to vary preload on the spring bar and adjustably distribute weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle. In another embodiment, the weight distributing trailer hitch can further include a spring bar for distributing weight of the trailer relative to the vehicle, and a load measurement device to determine a magnitude of a downward force on the hitch ball.

Abstract: An aircraft tow vehicle and methods of towing an aircraft are disclosed. An aircraft tow vehicle comprises an aircraft structural interface configured to couple to a wheel assembly of a main landing gear of an aircraft; and an aircraft towing propulsive force system configured to propel the aircraft forward when the aircraft structural interface is coupled to the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A weight distributing anti-sway trailer hitch has a pair of spring arms extending rearwardly from the head unit and a pair of hookup brackets for connecting a remote end of each spring arm to a trailer. The trailer hitch further includes a clamp that is configured to adjust the force imparted by a biasing member on a spindle post, and thus alter the weight distributing, anti-sway operation of the hitch experienced by the trailer frame during towing.

Abstract: A system includes a first object having a coupler to couple the first object to a second object; a first switch disposed on a first portion of the first object; a second switch disposed on a second portion on an exterior of the first object, and electrically and commutatively connected to the first switch to form an electric circuit, the second switch being arranged at a predetermined distance from the coupler; the second object disposed away from the first object and within a distance in relation to the second switch, the second object include a mating portion to couple with the coupler to connect the first object with the second object; and a third object disposed between the first object and the second object, and arranged at a corresponding predetermined distance from the mating portion to contact and close the second switch when the coupler and the mating portion are aligned for coupling the first object and the second object, and when the first object and the second object are moved together.

Abstract: A trailer designed to be lowered and raised in shallow water to launch a boat or any other type of watercraft. The lowering and raising of the entire trailer is accomplished by (1) the front end of the trailer transforming the tongue and extension of tongue from a substantially straight alignment to a bent alignment by hingedly rotating the extension of tongue in relation to the tongue as facilitated through the use of a first elongated lever or rod and gravity, (2) the rear or back end of the trailer providing a rotation of an extension about the wheel hub to the wheel using a tube surrounding a rear axle that is actuated through the use of a second elongated lever or rod, and (3) all of this being accomplished at the same time from the interaction of the first elongated lever or rod and the second elongated lever or rod through a second arm located at a transitioning hub.

Abstract: An aquatic floating manure agitator vessel including a plurality of remotely controlled above-surface agitator nozzles which are visibly positioned on the vessel and hydraulically movable about multiple axes to facilitate effective pond agitation and directional control of the floating agitator. The floating agitator includes a vertically adjustable hydraulic undercarriage and hitch mechanism to facilitate ease of maneuverability during launching and removal of the floating agitator, and for probing the pond bottom for excess sludge build-up. The floating agitator also includes hydraulically folding side wings or pontoons mounted on each side of the vessel to further enhance ease of maneuverability and storage of the vessel.

Abstract: A trailer having a hitch assembly, intended to be used with a receiver on the towing vehicle, enables the vehicle/trailer pair to back up easily by locking the trailer's orientation relative to the towing vehicle. The vertical pivot axis (yaw) may be locked while the lateral (pitch) and longitudinal axes (roll) may remain free to rotate to allow for bumps and dips in the road. Furthermore a steerable suspension can be provided for many embodiments such as with an actuator receiving a signal from the back up wiring of the vehicle to change the mechanical constraints of the steering system upon receipt of the signal (such as to lock the position of a first tie rod connecting the wheels to the frame while freeing another, and possibly altering the angle of the wheels relative to the frame in the process). Meanwhile a toe-in effect of the wheels can be achieved by using multiple tie rods with a front tie rod bent rearwardly towards a rear tie rod.

Abstract: A front tow saddle including a tie-down assembly for connecting with one or both of the spring and spring shackle of a towed truck.

Abstract: An agricultural implement with a ballasted hitch having an open ended tube and removable ballast blocks sized so that they can be loaded into the hitch tube by hand. The blocks are removably retained in the hitch by a bolted plate or, alternatively, a retaining bolt or pin. The number of ballast blocks needed is determined by the weight and size of any rear implement attachment chosen by a customer.

Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: An inverted bent bar weight distributing trailer hitch including a mono trunnion with a shank rotatably mounted therein. The mono trunnion is positioned on a base that contains a resistance member that engages the bottom portion of the trunnion. A biasing member is adjustably attached to the exterior of the base. By engaging the biasing member, the resistance member restricts the rotation of the mono trunnion about the shank.

Abstract: My weight transferring tow dolly is releasably attachable to a receiver hitch of a towing vehicle such as a pickup truck and generally provides a dolly frame formed of plural structurally interconnected box beams having a height adjustable suspension carrying an axle with wheels and tires at opposing end portions, and a support frame to partially support the weight of a carried load and to move the center of gravity of a loaded towing vehicle forwardly to increase the stability of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting an agricultural harvesting head includes a pair of saddles for supporting the head. The saddles are adjustably mounted on the trailer frame and are simultaneously moved together by an actuator operated by a remote control. The saddles are connected by telescoping rod sections so that the spacing between the saddles is adjustable.

Abstract: A weight distribution system is shown and described. The weight distribution system may include a spring arm configured to be operatively engaged between plate members of a ball mount, and a pin member inserted into the spring arm, the pin member configured to secure the spring arm with the ball mount. The weight distribution system may also include an attachment mechanism configured to selectively place the spring arm in mechanical communication with a towed vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may be attached to a hitch head using a trunnion style connection. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. The brackets may have a contact surface on the lateral extending portion that may be free from a coating such that a metal on metal contact is made between the spring bars and the brackets. Portions of the brackets beyond the contact surface may be covered with a protective coating.

Abstract: A spring bar lift and attachment system includes a bracket assembly, a ratchet mechanism, and a flexible strap. The ratchet mechanism is secured to the bracket assembly, and the bracket assembly is configured to be secured to a portion of a frame of a trailer. The flexible strap includes a ratchet end configured to be wound onto the ratchet mechanism and a spring bar end configured to be secured to a spring bar of a weight distribution hitch that is attached to a tow vehicle. The ratchet end of the flexible strap is configured to be wound onto the ratchet mechanism when the bracket assembly is secured to the frame of the trailer and the spring bar end of the flexible strap is secured to the spring bar.

Abstract: A vehicle (3) comprising at least two axles (6, 7, 8) fitted with at least two tires the axis of rotation of which are always mutually parallel from one axle to another. The tires of at least one axle (7) have a cornering stiffness greater than that of the tires of another axle (6, 8).

Abstract: An anti-sway hitch having a ball mount housing which defines a channel and a trunnion pivotally positioned within the channel. The hitch also has a spring, a first engagement member, and a second engagement member with the spring mounted on the first member within the ball mount housing and the first member engaging the second member. The hitch further includes a post positioned within the ball mount housing and the engagement members positioned on the post wherein rotation of the trunnion causes corresponding rotation of the post and the first member. A method of towing a trailer with an anti-sway hitch is also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing support to an articulating trailer hitch used to interconnect a trailer and a towing vehicle. The system includes an adjustable, removable and repositionable link which interconnects the trailer frame and one or more spring bars providing load-distributing forces to the trailer and towing vehicle. The spring bars include an adjustable, rigid link which maintains the vertical position of the hitch assembly when disconnected from the towing vehicle.

Abstract: Trailers, such as semi-trailers, having configurations that improve the aerodynamic efficiency thereof are provided. In some examples, aerodynamically configured trailers are provided that maintain standard cargo capacity. To improve the aerodynamic efficiency, the rearward end of the trailer in some embodiments include a downward cant or slope. In use, the rearward cant or slope reduces the low-pressure region that trails the end of the trailer, thereby reducing pressure drag. In accordance with another aspect, to accommodate loading and unloading of the downwardly canting or sloping trailer, examples of the trailers may also be equipped with “sliding trailer axle” and/or extended travel landing gear so as to allow the trailer to interface with standard loading dock heights as well as rampless ground loading/unloading.

Abstract: For adjusting the supporting load of a central axle trailer equipped with at least two axles having pneumatic suspensions and a pneumatic suspension system that includes separate pneumatic suspension circuits on the axles with pneumatic suspensions, a method and electronic control device are provided by which the respective quantities of air are separately adjustable. When the current supporting load exceeds a permitted supporting load range, the current supporting load is reduced by separate alteration of the quantity of air in at least one of the pneumatic suspension circuits; and, when the current supporting load is below the permitted supporting load range, the current supporting load is increased by separate alteration of the quantity of air in at least one of the pneumatic suspension circuits.

Abstract: A cylinder mount assembly for a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly comprises a slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, a cylinder mount, a hydraulic cylinder, a first longitudinal support, and a second longitudinal support. The slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly has a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position. The cylinder mount is disposed adjacent at least two sides of a first frame cross member. The hydraulic cylinder is disposed between the cylinder mount and the slidably adjustable fifth wheel hitch assembly, and is attached to the cylinder mount. The first longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and a second frame cross member. The second longitudinal support is disposed between the cylinder mount and the second frame cross member. The cylinder mount is adapted to move laterally along the first frame cross member.

Abstract: An anti-sway, tongue-weight equalizing hitch for a trailer having a hitch ball socket; a shank structured for releasably connecting to a towing vehicle; a hitch head secured to the shank and having a longitudinal axis, a hitch ball with a tow axis on the longitudinal axis; an elevating mechanism for adjusting the relative elevations of the hitch head and the trailer tongue; a leveling mechanism for vertically-orienting the tow axis; right and left spring bars mounted to the hitch head to pivot about opposing right and left rearwardly-tilted stabilizing axes disposed in opposing vertically-oriented pivot axis planes spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the longitudinal axis; and right and left suspension mechanisms tensionally suspending distal ends of the spring bars wherein distal ends thereof are normally spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the respective vertical-oriented pivot axis planes in an equilibrium configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring load between: a) a towing vehicle having front and rear wheels which comprises a tow assembly including a tow bar; and b) a towed device which includes a drawbar; wherein the tow bar and drawbar attach to one another, the apparatus including a shock absorber; and a load transfer mechanism configured for adjustably transferring at least a portion of the load of the towed implement to the front of the vehicle in a region leading the front wheel axle via the shock absorber.

Abstract: A vehicle (3) comprising at least two axles (6, 7, 8) fitted with at least two tires the axis of rotation of which are always mutually parallel from one axle to another. Each axle (6, 7, 8) bears at least 10% of the load of the vehicle and at least two axles (6, 7, 8) bear different loads during running. Also disclosed is a method for distributing the load between said at least two axles.

Abstract: A trailer hitch is disclosed having a spacer in the form of a fastener or stopper that limits the travel of a spring clip so as to allow complete removal of the safety pin from the associated weight distribution rod, but does not allow the clip to extend to a position where the pin's end passes the entrance of the hitch's outer surface. The fastener/stopper thus prevents the user or vibration/wear from allowing the clip to overextend to the point where the pin may become separated from the hitch.

Abstract: A cable hoisting apparatus for loading and unloading of containers with respect to vehicles including a modular assembly allowing the apparatus to be easily attached or detached with respect to the vehicle. This modular assembly includes a subframe directly attachable detachably to the vehicle which includes a reeve cylinder and a lifting cylinder mounted therewithin. A top frame is included which is pivotally movably mounted to the subframe. The lifting cylinder powers pivotal movement of the top frame. Loading and unloading of the container is powered by the reeve cylinder. The reeve cylinder moves a shoe within a shoe track which extends or contracts a cable attached to a container which is positioned about a plurality of sheaves one of which is attached to the slideable shoe. A positively engaging locking construction is included defined between the subframe and the top frame for positively retaining the container.

Abstract: A trailer is provided with a bed and a slidably adjustable axle assembly. The bed includes a frame with left and right, inverted U-shaped channels. The axle assembly includes left and right rails upon which the channels are slidably mounted. Pins extend through the channels, but not through the rails, to limit sliding movement of the bed relative to the axle assembly. The pins are inserted into the channels with a twist lock action under spring bias. Lock members are provided to prevent accidental removal of a pin from the channel during travel.

Abstract: A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.

Abstract: An accessory for trailer hitch systems having components for equalizing loads and reducing trailer sway. The accessory includes a jacket for attaching to a bracket that supports a load equalizing spring bar. The bracket may include a lateral extending portion for supporting the spring bar. The jacket may include a socket for receiving the lateral extending portion of the bracket, such that the jacket may be removably installed on the bracket. The jacket may include a contact surface for contacting the spring bar. The contact surface may include a different coefficient of friction or a different shape, as compared to the lateral extending portion of the bracket, such that movement of the spring bar with respect to the bracket may be altered as compared to conditions in which the spring bar is supported on the bracket without the jacket.

Abstract: A modular cart for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The modular cart may have a first cart with a first connection portion and a first mounting location. The modular cart may further have a second cart with a second connection portion and a second mounting location. The first connection portion of the first cart may be configured to attach to the second connection portion of the second cart. The modular cart may also have a cart component configured to interchangeably mount to either the first mounting location of the first cart or to the second mounting location of the second cart.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising a spring arm of a trailer hitch. The apparatus may include a lift, such as a jack, for attaching to a tongue of a trailer. A link member may be pivotally attached to the lift. The link member may also be pivotally attached to a bracket which may be attached to the spring arm. A brace member may be attached to the link member on an end opposite the bracket. As the lift raises the link member, the link member may pivot about the brace member such that movement of the bracket may be amplified as compared to movement of the lift. Moreover, lifting of the spring arm can be easily accomplished.

Abstract: A header trailer for transporting a header for a combine harvester has a chassis (1-4) and a support saddle (12) which is shaped so as to support stably a header (16) placed on the support saddle (12). The support saddle is mounted pivotably on the chassis (1-4).

Abstract: An adjustable spring mounting assembly having a first lug with a first elongated opening with a first channel and a second lug with a second elongated opening and a second channel. A mounting pin extends through the first and second elongated openings. First and second spacers received in the first and second channels hold the mounting pin in one of at least two mounting positions.

Abstract: A dual trailer has a first trailer with a king pin for a tractor and a rear fifth wheel for the king pin of a second trailer. The rear end of the first trailer and the front end of the second trailer is lifted into an empty transport position so that the first and second trailers are supported solely on the tractor and the rearmost axle of the second trailer. The remaining axles are held raised from the ground by the lifting of the trailers and by an individual lifting hook supporting the axle raised relative to the frame. In the empty transport position, the first and second trailers are maintained as a single integral trailer in a directly aligned position. Each axle includes an air bag so that the hook is engaged when the axle is raised relative to the frame by releasing the air from the bag.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a trailer is disclosed that includes a base, a frame extending from the base, and mounting structures coupled to the frame. The mounting structures are adapted to releasably secure an engine, such as an aircraft engine, to the frame such that the engine is secured to the frame and suspended above the base without contacting the base.

Abstract: A fifth wheel assembly for coupling a trailer to a truck tractor is provided and includes a fifth wheel and a supporting structure for supporting the fifth wheel on the rear part of the tractor truck. The supporting structure includes a sliding arrangement enabling the fifth wheel to be repositioned between different positions. A number of sensors are positioned on the supporting structure and on the fifth wheel and are included in a control system for predetermined information and control of operating conditions.

Abstract: A cargo frame may include a support arm, a cradle operable to support a corner of cargo, and a connecting element. The support arm may be supported by a base. The support arm may be extendible and include a lower support arm and an upper support arm. The connecting element may removably attach the lower support arm to the upper support arm at a connection point of the lower support arm and one of a plurality of connection points of the upper support arm. The cradle may be rotatably and removably attached to the support arm at one of one or more connection points. The cradle may be rotatable from an unloaded position to a loaded position.

Abstract: A sub-trailer is provided having an attachment frame removably connected to a vehicle or trailer, an intermediate frame pivotally connected about a horizontal axis to the attachment frame to, and a subframe with two axles to support the subframe. The subframe is pivotally connected to the intermediate frame about another horizontal axis located between the first and second axles, and provides adequate load distribution from a load carried by the vehicle or trailer to the axles of the sub-trailer. Another sub-trailer is provided and is similar to the first sub-trailer, with the attachment frame removably and pivotally connected to the vehicle ro trailer about a vertical axis. Yet another sub-trailer is provided having a frame extending rearwards and being a vehicle, trailer, or attachment thereof; and a subframe pivotally connected to the frame about a horizontal axis, the subframe having two axles, each with a suspension system.

Abstract: A load-leveling, weight-distributing hitch system includes a hitch head, configured for attachment to a rear of a towing vehicle, a T socket, horizontally pivotally attached to the hitch head, a spring bar, having a forward end removably attached to the T socket, a tension member, connected to a rearward end of the spring bar, and a spring bar lift, configured for attachment to the tongue of a trailer. The spring bar lift is configured to apply tension to the tension member, so as to lift the rearward end of the spring bar, and thereby transmit a moment to the hitch head tending to lift the rear of the towing vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for aligning with a king pin or drawbar swivel eye on a trailer comprising a linear crossbar connectable to a kingpin or drawbar swivel eye to permit measurement along the side of the trailer between one or more axles and the ends of the crossbar for alignment of axles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a load carrying vehicle of the type that has a body forming a load carrying compartment (16) above a load deck (17), and where the load carrying compartment (16) is of the side loading type. The vehicle has a load carrying structure located in its load carrying compartment, the load carrying structure including a platform support structure that is located along the length of the load carrying compartment (16) along the centre line of the load deck (17). The platform support structure includes support formations that provide for the support of load platforms (42) of the load carrying structure, on which loads can be supported, at different levels above the two side halves of the load deck. The mode of support permits easy manual adjustment of the level of individual load platforms above the load deck.

Abstract: A trailer slider system includes a body rail that slides longitudinally relative to a suspension frame side rail. The body rail includes holes that provide multiple suspension positions. The trailer slider system also includes a pin locking system having at least one pin that is extendable into the holes in a locked position and retractable out of the holes in an unlocked position. A leaf spring biases the at least one pin toward one of the locked position or the unlocked position.

Abstract: A trailer combined with a movable wheel assembly. The trailer comprises a front portion and a load carrying bed portion. The front portion is combined with the load carrying bed portion at a pivot point so that the front portion and load carrying bed portion can pivot relative to each other. A rack and pinion means allows selective movement of the wheel assembly relative to the trailer. The rack is combined with the load carrying bed portion of the trailer, and the pinion is combined with the movable wheel assembly. A power assist means, such as a hydraulic motor, is combined with the movable wheel assembly and is adapted to rotate the pinion. Activation of the power assist means rotates the pinion and moves the wheel assembly in a first direction along the rack towards the front of the load carrying bed or in a second direction along the rack towards the rear of the load carrying bed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus, systems, and methods for distributing the weight of a trailer to a towing vehicle and controlling the sway of that trailer relative to the towing vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention includes a spring arm coupled to the towing vehicle and an attachment mechanism for selectively placing the spring arm in mechanical communication with the trailer. The attachment mechanism includes a bracket assembly reversibly attachable to the trailer; a shoe bracket reversibly attachable to the bracket assembly; and a friction pad coupled to the shoe bracket.

Abstract: A belted asphalt compactor and method are provided. The compactor includes a first unit with a roller frame. A second unit is coupled to the first unit, and is generally identical thereto. At least one mid roller and two end rollers are mounted in the roller frames, and a compactor belt extends about the rollers. Load adjusters are associated with each of the units and operable distribute a load among the rollers. A steering system is operable to rotate one of the first unit and the second unit about a vertical axis relative to the other unit.

Abstract: A vehicle trailering system comprises a towing vehicle comprising a hitch mounting mechanism, and a trailer connectable thereto. The trailer comprises a body defining an interior space sized to fit at least one vehicle and having first and second sets of spaced-apart carrying members attachable to opposite sides of the body, thereby defining respective first and second loading levels. The trailer further comprises a gate movable between the first and second levels along first and second support members. First and second connecting members are respectively attachable to the gate and are operable to movably carry the gate with respect to the first and second support members. The system further comprises an actuator system connected to a synchronization system, which are operable to synchronize the movement of the first and second connecting members along the respective longitudinal lengths of the first and second support members. Associated trailering methods are also provided.

Abstract: A hitch and axle assembly including a support structure detachably securable to a vehicle and an axle assembly. A hitch is mountable on the support structure. The axle assembly includes a primary axle member defining a primary axis. Torsion beam assemblies are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the primary axle member. The torsion beam assemblies each include a torsion member that extends substantially coincident with the primary axis and a lever arm that extends substantially transversely from the torsion member. Wheel assemblies are mounted on a distal portion of the lever arms wherein the wheel assemblies each define an axis of rotation that is parallel and spaced from the primary axis. The two wheel axes are substantially coincident. The torsion bar assemblies may be rotationally adjustable relative to the primary axle to thereby provide for the vertical adjustment of the wheel assemblies.

Abstract: A carriage for transporting heavy loads on conventional roads is disclosed. The carriage comprises a central beam extending the length of the carriage and a plurality of cross beams. At least one of the plurality of cross beams comprises a hollow element having a first end and a second end, wherein the hollow element is coupled to and extends perpendicularly to the central beam; a first beam slidably positioned within the first end of the hollow element, wherein the first beam is coupled to at least one axle; and a second beam slidably positioned within the second end of the hollow element, wherein the second beam is coupled to at least one axle. The carriage further comprises a hydraulic system coupled to each of the plurality of cross beams for hydraulically sliding each beam positioned within each hollow element.

Abstract: A tensioning device for connecting a trailer to a spring bar of a load-compensating apparatus includes a body unit for securement to a frame member of a trailer; a reel unit having an off-center hub portion with a slot and rotatively secured to the body unit about a pivot axis; a rotation-limiting element which limits rotation of the reel unit to approximately 180° about the pivot axis; a linked chain having a proximal end thereof releasably secured to the slot of the off-center hub portion and a distal end thereof connected to the spring bar of the load-compensating apparatus; a latching element including a biased latch pin; and a lug and removable handle for rotating the reel portion to, and the latching element releasably locks the reel portion in, a chain-tensioned configuration.