Abstract: A ring-mount joint between two vehicle units of an articulated bus, with the joint comprising two cantilevers, wherein each cantilever is arranged on one of the vehicle units, with each cantilever comprising a slewing ring, wherein the two slewing rings of the cantilever are mounted in each other so that they can be pivoted, wherein a damping device is provided for damping the rotational motion of the two cantilever relative to each other, wherein in the space enclosed by the inner slewing ring, there is arranged an annular chamber damper, wherein the annular chamber damper comprises two inter-mounted housing parts that are rotatable relative to each other, wherein the one housing part is in connection with the one cantilever and the other housing part is in connection with the other cantilever.

Abstract: Upper coupler assemblies for mounting coupling devices to trailers, and methods for inspecting upper coupler assemblies. The upper coupler assemblies include a housing having first and second members that define a cavity therebetween. At least the second member has a through-hole adapted to receive a coupling device, such as a kingpin. The cavity contains at least one fluid-tight chamber, more preferably multiple gas-tight and liquid-tight chambers by walls within the cavity. The coupler assembly has at least one fluid inlet for introducing and/or withdrawing a fluid (liquid and/or gas) from one or more of the chambers. The integrity of the upper coupler assembly can be evaluated by introducing or removing a gas from the one or more chambers and detecting the presence of any gas leaks in the one or more chambers.

Abstract: A securing chain attachment assembly is shown and described. The securing chain attachment assembly may include an attachment body selectively and rotatably securable to a towing vehicle, the attachment body rotatable along a first plane. The securing chain attachment assembly may also include a securement member attached to the attachment body, the securement member capable of having selectively secured thereto a securement chain, where the chain attachment member is pivotal along a second plane, the second plane generally parallel to the first plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling apparatus for the pivoted coupling of a vehicle having two vehicle sections, with coupling elements which are arranged to pivot towards each other, and which can be permanently coupled to a vehicle section. A brake arrangement operates between the coupling elements and forms an adjustable frictional grip between the coupling elements, which blocks the ability of the vehicle sections to pivot toward each other. In addition, the brake apparatus includes a hydraulic cylinder unit which operates on multiple radially acting brake elements.

Abstract: A method and to a system for controlling a sliding device for a fifth wheel coupling arranged on a towing vehicle, wherein the sliding device includes a substructure having at least one guide rail oriented in the driving direction, a movable slide, which supports the fifth wheel coupling and engages on the guide rail, and a control unit, to which a motorized drive unit for moving the slide and an actuator for fixing the slide relative to the guide rail are connected. The aim was to provide a method and a control system with which a sufficiently large gap width (W) can be set between the towing vehicle and the trailer in a timely manner. This is achieved, among other things, by a method in which a distance measurement is performed to detect an obstruction in front of the towing vehicle, the signal of the measurement is processed into a control signal in the control unit, and a start-up of the motorized drive unit and/or the actuator is initiated therewith.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.

Abstract: An alignment method and system for connecting a tractor to a steerable trailer includes a connection roller which facilitates the connection by accommodating a variance in fifth wheel to kingpin alignment. The method and system also includes an alignment guide which visually assists the tractor driver in properly aligning the tractor to the interface member of the trailer.

Abstract: A fifth wheel apparatus for detachably coupling a trailing vehicle to a towing vehicle is disclosed. An equalizer bridge is supported on a towing vehicle and is pivotable about a roll axis that extends in a direction of towing motion. The equalizer bridge includes first and second arms that extend laterally from respective first and second sides of the roll axis. A fifth wheel head is coupled to the equalizer bridge for movement therewith about the roll axis. The fifth wheel head is pivotable relative to the equalizer bridge about a pitch axis transverse to the roll axis. First and second damping elements are operably interposed between the towing vehicle and the first and second arms, respectively. When the trailing vehicle is attached to the fifth wheel head, the first and second damping elements resist rolling movement of the trailing vehicle about the roll axis during travel over uneven roads.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling a vehicle with a trailer comprises determining the presence of a trailer, generating an oscillation signal indicative of trailer swaying relative to the vehicle, generating an initial weighted dynamic control signal for a vehicle dynamic control system in response to the oscillation signal, operating at least one vehicle dynamic system according to the dynamic control signal, and thereafter, iteratively generating a penalty function for the weighted dynamic control signal as a function of the oscillation signal response. A neural network with an associated trainer modifies the dynamic control signal as a function of trailer sway response.

Abstract: A protective safety cover for fifth wheel pin has a main panel having at least one edge, and an opening adapted to receive the king pin of the trailer therethrough; a perimeter wall extending perpendicularly to the at least one edge of the main panel; and a retainer member connected to the main panel and adapted to securely and removably attach the safety cover to the goose neck of the trailer and around the king pin, to thereby surround the king pin and protect a person from accidentally hitting the king pin.

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: A device for the active damping of swivel joint couplings, particularly for semi-trailers, articulated buses, and rail vehicles. The device serves to avoid or reduce dynamic driving instabilities known as yaw, sliding, rocking, oversteering, and jack-knife effects in curves, in lane changes, for example in construction sites, in the case of uneven road contact, and in the case of uneven load distribution, for example in semi-trailers. The damping device includes primarily a rotational assembly (5, 12) and a friction brake (9) which is applied front inside to outside within the rotation assembly. The friction brake minimizes or avoids rotational movements of the vehicle about the vertical axis (10) of the vehicle. The damping moment created by the brake (9) is electronically controlled according to the present driving condition.

Abstract: A fully adjustable safety chain assembly comprising at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box, at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box, and a safety chain having a first free end and a second free end. A slot in each of the at least one trailer mounted safety chain adjusting box and at least one vehicle mounted safety chain adjusting box enables the safety chain first free end and second free end, respectively, to be reversible affixed at a selected position, thereby holding the safety chain at a desired length. A locking mechanism secures the safety chain in place to prevent it from dislodging.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer electronic braking system is provided for a road train having a tractor and a plurality of trailers. The braking system includes a braking ECU on each trailer and a communication interface being provided so that the braking ECU on a first trailer and the braking ECU on a second trailer are able to communicate with one another. In use, the respective braking ECU on the first and second trailer receive an input from a respective sensor on the first and second trailer adapted to detect lateral acceleration and/or wheel speed. In the event that one of the sensors detects lateral acceleration and/or a wheel speed indicative of a loss of stability, the sensor generates a signal for actuating stability control, which signal is passed via the communication interface to the braking ECU on the other trailer, so that the other trailer can actuate stability control.

Abstract: A yaw control system capable of detecting a predetermined yaw angle of a towed vehicle and then automatically communicating with a braking system of the towed vehicle includes an actuator and a switch. The actuator and switch operate to detect when a towed vehicle, such as a trailer, has exceeded a predetermined yaw angle. In one embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch arranged to contact a surface of a plate (i.e., actuator) when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle. In another embodiment, the yaw control system includes a switch mechanism arranged to contact retractable rods (i.e., actuator) coupled to a hitch assembly when the towed vehicle exceeds the predetermined yaw angle.

Abstract: A system for providing enhanced stability, control, and management of a tow-vehicle with a connected trailer assembly combination by using an electronic stability enhancing system and two processors is disclosed. The first processor on the tow-vehicle and second processor on the trailer include memory with computer instructions for communicating with sensors located on the tow-vehicle and the trailer for detecting force, motion, and combinations thereof, as well as engagement with the trailer. Computer instructions instruct the processors to identify specifications and characteristics representing the tow-vehicle and the trailer and to calculate force values and motion values that affect the tow-vehicle and trailer assembly combination for comparison with known threshold values.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle is provided including a stabilization system configured to resist roll-over of a trailer portion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A rollover prevention device for commercial tractor/trailers that senses when the tractor portion of the commercial truck has reached the critical height at which rollover of the trailer cannot be avoided. Once this critical height is reached pneumatic cylinders and pins automatically release the trailer from the tractor, thereby preserving human life and minimizing damage to property.

Abstract: A fifth wheel cover comprises a shell arranged to span over the fifth wheel plate of a tractor trailer chassis. The shell has a continuous, circular, peripheral edge to which a continuous band of elastomeric material is integrally joined about the full periphery for retaining the shell on the fifth wheel plate.

Abstract: A hitch coupling assembly attaching a trailer to a towing vehicle. The towing vehicle including a hitch plate that has an upper surface and an open end for receiving a king pin. The coupling assembly has an arm with opposite ends. A skid plate is attached to one end of the arm and the skid plate has a perimeter defined by sides. The king pin extends from a surface of the skid plate. A journal pin is attached to the opposite end of the arm and is rotatable relative to the arm. The journal pin is optionally lockable or the arm relative to the hitch is optionally lockable.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing system is provided for tractor trailers. The anti-jackknifing system includes pressure vessels mounted to the tractor for extending and retracting pins. The pins are positioned adjacent to the trailer kingpin so as to extend or retract into slots formed in plates mounted to the apron of the trailer. A controller is provided for automatically extending or retracting the pins based upon speed measurements made by a speed sensor such as the tractor's speedometer or separate GPS sensor. The controller connects to the speed sensor and pressure vessels and causes the pins to project into the race plate slots in the event that the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold and causes the pins to retract from the race plate slots in the event the vehicle has reduced its speed below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An improved kingpin locking system includes a kingpin lock body having upper and lower sections, the lower and upper section each having a truncated generally pyramidal shape, with the lower one being inverted, a central kingpin-receiving chamber formed in the kingpin lock body, a kingpin engagement bar movably mounted in the kingpin lock body adjacent the kingpin-receiving chamber which releasably engages the kingpin when positioned within the chamber, and a kingpin engagement bar locking device which releasably locks the kingpin engagement bar in the engagement position thereby releasably securing the kingpin lock body on a kingpin to prevent unauthorized engagement of the kingpin and thereby preventing unauthorized use of the trailer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the active damping of swivel joint couplings (1), particularly for semi-trailers, articulated buses, and rail vehicles. The invention serves to avoid or reduce dynamic driving instabilities known as yaw, sliding, rocking, oversteering, and jack-knife effects in curves, in lane changes, for example in construction sites, in the case of uneven road contact, and in the case of uneven load distribution, for example in semi-trailers. Driving security is significantly improved by the product according to the invention. The damping device comprises primarily a rotational assembly (5, 12) and a friction brake (9) which is applied front inside to outside within the rotation assembly. Said friction brake minimizes or avoids rotational movements of the vehicle about the vertical axis (10) of the vehicle. The damping moment created by the brake (9) is electronically controlled according to the present driving condition.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for attaching a gooseneck assembly to a hitch plate preferably includes a hitch connection tool having a body with a first end and a second end; an adaptor plate connectable to the hitch plate, the adaptor plate having a knob; a safety chain adaptor connectable to the knob; and an attachment device to attach the adaptor plate to the hitch plate. In a preferred embodiment, the second end of the body of the hitch connection tool includes a hook, and the hitch connection tool includes an arm attached between the first end and the second end of the body.

Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.

Abstract: A hitch system for interconnecting a trailer to a tow vehicle, wherein the tow vehicle includes a hitch ball centered about a medial axis. The hitch system includes an elongate extension coupling having a proximal end portion rotatably mountable to the trailer and extending toward a distal end portion that is movably mountable to the hitch ball, and an anti-yaw mounting assembly for interfacing the extension coupling to the hitch ball such that the distal end portion is restricted from rotating about the medial axis.

Abstract: A slidable trailer hitch apparatus comprises a trailer hitch head operable to receive a cooperating portion of a trailer, the trailer hitch head adapted to be slidable and rotatable relative to the vehicle about an axis of rotation, first and second parallel spaced part guides fixedly located relative to the vehicle, and a body affixed to and rotatable with the trailer hitch head, the body having a center of rotation about the axis and a distal surface adapted to engage either of the first or second guides when the body is rotated relative to the first and second guides. The engagement of the distal surface upon either of the first or second guides displaces the center of the body and the trailer hitch head parallel to the first or second guide when the trailer hitch head is rotated relative to the first and second guides.

Abstract: A backup device for limiting the rotation of converter dollies about a trailer hitch is presented. A dolly mounted, laterally extending moveable bar is selectively pressed against the vertical members of the trailer's underride guard in order to prevent rotation of the dolly relative to the trailer. The bar is retracted from the trailer to allow significant rotation of the dolly during normal forward operation. The backup device is operable with many makes and models of trailers because the laterally extending bar provides a large area that the trailer underride guard may contact. In addition to being operable with many models of trailers, the present invention does not require specific features to be added onto a trailer pulling the converter dolly. Additionally, the large contact area of the laterally extending bar allows the device to function with dollies that are significantly rotated about a trailer hitch. The backup device is also robust, aerodynamic, and self contained.

Abstract: A kingpin lock including a body having a substantially frustoconical portion and a kingpin cavity having a central axis, a slide channel having a central axis and a sleeve channel having a central axis. The slide channel intersects the kingpin cavity such that its central axis is substantially offset from a radius that extends outwardly from the central axis of the kingpin cavity. The sleeve channel intersects the slide channel. A slide member is shiftable between an engaged position extending partially into the kingpin cavity and a disengaged position where the slide member does not engage the kingpin. A locking member is shiftable between an engaged position and a disengaged position such that the locking member engages an indentation in the slide member so that the slide member is secured in the engaged position and the kingpin lock is secured to the kingpin.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for resisting inadvertent separation of a trailer tongue coupler from a vehicle's hitch ball. The trailer hitch includes a sleeve, a retainer rotatably disposed within the sleeve and including: a rod rotatably disposed within the sleeve, a displacement member coupled to the rod and extending radially therefrom, and a retaining member coupled to the displacement member and resisting inadvertent separation of the trailer tongue coupler from the vehicle's hitch ball when the retaining member is axially disposed adjacent the vehicle's hitch ball. The sleeve includes a shaft coupler removably coupleable to the vehicle. Further, there is a hitch shaft substantially parallel to the sleeve. Also, the displacement member includes a bent rod and the retaining member includes a disk. Still more, the rod is rotatably coupled to the sleeve by a pair of apertures and a bolt.

Abstract: An electronic protection system for an articulated vehicle comprises a lead sensor configured to detect yaw rotational rate of a lead portion about a first yaw axis; a load sensor configured to detect yaw rotational rate of a load portion about a second yaw axis; and a processing unit coupled to the lead sensor and the load sensor, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine when to initiate corrective controls based at least in part on the data received from the lead sensor and the load sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic device provided in or on the tractor is connected via a data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the trailer; the first and second devices being connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status information. Initiated by an information request, the first device sends request data via the data link to the second device. The first device receives status information via the data link sent by the second device in response to the request data. The first device outputs, in a manner that correlates with the trailer, the received status information by means of an output device disposed on or in the tractor. The same output scheme is used for both the tractor and trailer.

Abstract: For stabilizing a tractor and/or a trailer of a tractor-trailer unit against jackknifing, the tractor and/or trailer carries a gyroscopic mass which spins about a horizontal first axis. The tractor and/or trailer is operably uncoupled from the mass during a non-jackknifing of the tractor and/or trailer to permit free relative swiveling between the spinning mass and the tractor and/or trailer about a vertical second axis. Such relative movement can be prevented during a jackknifing state wherein a precessing of the spinning mass occurs about a horizontal third axis oriented perpendicular to the first axis and produces a torque that is transmitted to the jackknifing component for opposing the jackknifing motion thereof.

Abstract: A security device is disclosed which mounts to a king pin of a trailer to prevent unauthorized coupling of the trailer to a tractor. The security device includes a austempered ductile iron dual shell body having an inner shell for receiving a trailer kingpin and an outer conical or contoured shell to prevent unauthorized coupling to the trailer kingpin. The security device further includes a stainless steel collar placed between the inner and outer shells for deterring damage.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing system is provided for tractor trailers. The anti-jackknifing system includes pressure vessels mounted to the tractor for extending and retracting pins. The pins are positioned adjacent to the trailer kingpin so as to extend or retract into slots formed in plates mounted to the apron of the trailer. A controller is provided for automatically extending or retracting the pins based upon speed measurements made by a speed sensor such as the tractor's speedometer or separate GPS sensor. The controller connects to the speed sensor and pressure vessels and causes the pins to project into the race plate slots in the event that the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold and causes the pins to retract from the race plate slots in the event the vehicle has reduced its speed below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a protective cushion assembly that is adapted to protect equipment involved with vehicle towing, particularly the towing vehicle's rear bumper which contemporarily may be comprised of plastic. The cushion assembly includes an elastomeric plastic body and an associated bracket means for fastening the plastic body to an arm member that extends outwardly from the location of a vehicle-associated trailer hitch. The cushion and the bracket means can each be embodied in various forms and constructions. Combinations of the cushion assembly with various arms are disclosed. The arm preferably is a transversely extending, horizontally oriented, elongated cross bar that extends across and medially adjoins the rear end of a tow bar, more preferably the cross bar is part of a trailer hitch extension.

Abstract: A mechanism for ensuring that a trailer is properly attached to a trailer hitch on the back of a vehicle. The mechanism ensures that the trailer tongue on the trailer is properly and securely mounted on the metal ball on the trailer hitch on the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting and stabilizing a fishtailing trailer using wheel forces. In particular, a method for stabilizing a vehicle combination made up of a towing vehicle and a trailer in which lateral forces acting on at least one wheel or at least one tire are ascertained with the aid of a sensory system that detects wheel forces or tire forces, the existence of a fishtailing movement of the trailer is detected from the ascertained lateral forces and, in the event of a detected fishtailing movement of the trailer, a braking intervention and/or steering intervention is performed.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies that include a leading vehicle, a trailing vehicle, and a connection apparatus, such as a hitch assembly, that selectively interconnects the leading and trailing vehicles. At least the leading vehicle includes a drive assembly adapted to propel the vehicle along a ground surface. In some embodiments, at least the leading vehicle is a battery-powered ride-on vehicle. The hitch assembly is adapted to interconnect the leading and trailing vehicles and to provide a limited range of pivoting of the vehicles relative to each other. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly includes a pinch-relief mechanism that is adapted to provide at least a predetermined clearance between the vehicles. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to provide limited pivotal ranges in at least two planes. In some embodiments, the hitch assembly is adapted to selectively uncouple and recouple the vehicles from and to each other.

Abstract: An anti-jackknifing device adapted for engagement between a tractor having a fifth wheel engaged with a trailer. The device features a pair of catch arms rotationally engaged to a mount with the tractor. The distal ends of the catch arms move between an engaged position in a horizontal path between two trailer mounted engaging components adapted to engage the distal end and a disengaged position out of the path. The distal ends of the catch arms may be pivotally mounted. The distal ends of the catch arms and the engaging components may also be shaped to cooperatively engage on contact. A control causes the catch arms to rotate thereby engaging the distal ends of the arms between the engaging components either automatically above a threshold speed or manually. This engagement limits the angle of the trailer to the tractor to a predetermined angle when trailer rotates on the fifth wheel causing the engaging components to contact the distal ends of the catch arms.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a motor vehicle includes a towbar (2) having an arm (1) and a ball cup (3) provided with an opening and with a ball pivot (6). The ball pivot (6) has a ball head (4) and a pivot (5) and is mounted with the ball head (4) rotatably and pivotably in the ball cup (3) and passes through an opening (7) and juts out of the ball cup (3). An angle-measuring device having a signal transmitter (17) and two sensors (40, 41) is arranged in the joint unit formed from the ball cup (3) and the ball head (4).

Abstract: A stabilizing system includes multi-stage locking pins connected to a trailer fifth-wheel plate and a tractor fifth wheel plate. Each multi-stage locking pin includes contiguous members that have altering diameters. A mechanism is included for telescopically displacing the contiguous members such that the contiguous members become aligned within a pair of apertures in the fifth-wheel plate assembly. The apertures are movable about the multi-stage locking pins. A speed detecting mechanism cooperates with the displacing mechanism for automatically adjusting the tolerance angle. The speed detecting mechanism emits intermittent notification signals to the displacing mechanism during transit. The tolerance angle has an inverse relationship to the tractor speed. A lower one of the contiguous members has a diameter generally equal to a diameter of the apertures respectively and a top one of the contiguous members has a diameter less than the aperture diameters.

Abstract: A surge brake actuator is disclosed. The actuator includes an actuator housing and a coupler housing movably engaged within the actuator housing. Upper and lower coupler slide channels formed from a plastic material are releasably connected to the coupler housing and contact the actuator housing. The plastic coupler slide channels reduce frictional loss and provides superior brake actuation output when the coupler housing retracts into the actuator housing during braking. The surge brake actuator includes a push rod assembly that also provides superior brake actuation output to the actuator and can engage the actuator during a breakaway event. The surge brake actuator includes a releasably engagable reverse lock that prevents brake actuation while the towing vehicle moves in reverse.

Abstract: A improved detachable fifth wheel hitch device with a pivotal locking ramp, which replaces a supplied fifth wheel hitch plate device attached to a truck or pickup mounted fifth wheel hitch base, provides an extended collar hitch plate above a kingpin receiver channel incorporating a pivotal locking ramp directing a kingpin into the kingpin receiver channel, over the pivotal locking ramp during loading, the pivotal locking ramp returning to an erect position, blocking removal of the kingpin once past the pivotal locking ramp unless the kingpin is raised vertically out of the kingpin receiver channel, thus preventing unintentional release of the kingpin from the kingpin receiver channel during loading, unloading or transport.

Abstract: A trailer alignment apparatus including a quick adjusting clamping system coupled with a mast that is fastened to a trailer hitch. The mast has an illumination means and a speaker means attached to and spaced from a first end of the mast. Further, the quick adjusting clamping system has a pressure actuated paddle switch assembly pivotally attached. The pressure actuated paddle switch assembly has a flap and a control lever. When the flap is engaged by a hitch ball of a towing vehicle, the control lever activates the illumination means and the speaker means to visually and audibly signal the operator.

Abstract: A trailer hitch having a tubular column between a hitch ball and a towing vehicle. A mating shaft with a horizontal retaining plate has a mating shaft fitting removably within the tubular column. A pin through mating openings in the shaft and tubular column maintain the retaining plate above a trailer arm socket mounted on the hitch ball. A guide with a pair of tapered vertical walls forming a horizontal V-shape has a mating shaft which fits alternately in the tubular column to guide a trailer arm into engagement with the hitch ball.

Abstract: An anti-rollover system is used with a concrete mixing truck with a mixing drum, in particular during turning maneuvers, for preventing rollovers by the truck. The anti-rollover system is comprised of one or more sensors on the truck which generate an input signal representative of the truck's operating conditions indicative of a rollover condition. The system compares the sensor signal against stored data indicative of rollover conditions and if necessary initiates corrective action to prevent the truck from rolling over. Corrective action includes stopping, or in some circumstances slowing, rotation of the drum carrying a concrete load. With mixing trucks including a booster axle system, corrective action may additionally or separately include unloading the booster axle.

Abstract: A safety fastener for ball and socket hitches provides two laterally spaced vertical fastening collars structurally carried on each side of a vehicle hitch tongue forwardly of the hitch ball and defining a plurality of vertically spaced fastening pin holes extending diametrically therethrough. Each vertical fastening collar carries a vertical fastening post at least one of which defines a plurality of vertically spaced fastening pin slots therein for adjustable positioning in at least one fastening collar by a fastening pin in releasably extending therebetween. The fastening posts carry a horizontal beam extending therebetween, the horizontal beam having a rearwardly extending fastening protuberance over the socket beam carried on the ball. Fastening pins may be lockable to prevent unauthorized disconnection of the socket beam from the ball.

Abstract: A vehicle towing attachment inserted into a lower portion of a vehicle to be towed raises and holds wheels when the vehicle to be towed is towed. The attachment has three prongs for retaining a plate spring to which a wheel of the vehicle is attached. Since the three prongs are provided on the attachment, shifting of the towed vehicle in the transverse direction and the front and rear direction can be prevented without fail. Even during the course of a towing operation, the towed vehicle can be retained stably and reliably.