Abstract: Techniques are described for measuring angle and/or orientation of a rear drivable section (e.g., a trailer unit of a semi-trailer truck) relative to a front drivable section (e.g., a tractor unit of the semi-trailer truck) using an example rotary encoder assembly. The example rotary encoder assembly comprises a base surface; a housing that includes a second end that is connected to the base surface and a first end that is at least partially open and is coupled to a housing cap; and a rotary encoder that is located in the housing in between the base surface and the housing cap, where the rotary encoder includes a rotatable shaft that protrudes from a first hole located in the housing cap, and where a top of the rotatable shaft located away from the rotary encoder is coupled to magnet(s).

Abstract: A method and equipment determine braking-relevant actual values for a train composed of a plurality of wagons, in particular a rail vehicle, for the performance of controlled-retardation braking of the train, in which at least the longitudinal retardation is taken into account as an actual value, from which, using a retardation controller, in accordance with a predefined target value of a desired break retardation, an actuating value compensating for the control deviation is determined for an actuator of the brake, in that the longitudinal retardation is measured by a plurality of retardation sensors positioned along the train in at least two different wagons to determine the respective local longitudinal retardation, the longitudinal retardation based on the entire train then being calculated as an actual value by a central measured value detection unit.

Abstract: A trailer braking system having a surge component used in combination with an electric over hydraulic brake system. The surge component includes a sliding member with a magnetic sensor for detecting trailer deceleration, the sliding member providing an initial pressurization of the hydraulic system. A trailer mounted electrical circuit detects when the tow vehicle brakes are applied and includes a microcontroller for detecting the speed of deceleration provided by the magnetic sensor. A trailer mounted electric motor receives a signal from the circuit board to vary pressure to the brakes in accordance with the speed of deceleration.

Abstract: A brake system for a combination vehicle in which a plurality of vehicles are coupled in a line, including: a plurality of brake devices respectively provided for the plurality of vehicles; and a controller configured to control the plurality of brake devices, wherein the controller is configured to control a braking force applied to each of the plurality of vehicles based on a loaded weight or a weight of each of the plurality of vehicles.

Abstract: A trailer hitch system may include a scale ball mount for supporting a hitch ball as part of a trailer hitch system, and for measuring the tongue weight of a trailer. The scale ball mount may comprise a trailer hitch ball mount. In an embodiment, the scale ball mount may include a biasing component disposed below a hitch ball and a gauge for displaying downward force applied at the hitch ball. The biasing component may be a urethane spring. An indicator may be disposed between the biasing component and the hitch ball, and the indicator may be viewable through an opening in the gauge.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate a single pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver, the sensor to measure one or more loads on the hitch receiver. An example apparatus includes a load sensing pin coupled to a hitch receiver of a vehicle, the load sensing pin disposed in a cavity of a crossbar that is to couple the hitch receiver to the vehicle, wherein the load sensing pin is to measure a load transferred from the hitch receiver to the crossbar.

Abstract: A grain cart and foldable auger assembly having an upper auger assembly portion with a discharge portion, a lower auger assembly portion with an intake portion, and a joint that allows the upper auger assembly portion to be moved between operating and transport positions. When in an operating position, the upper auger portion and the lower auger portion are offset from each other by an operating offset angle. The grain cart also has a hitch for allowing the grain cart to be towed. The discharge portion is forward of the hitch when in the operating position. Embodiments of the present invention provide, for example, increased forward and side reach, additional storage capacity of the hopper, increased discharge rate from the hopper, and a more compact transport position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a modular double pin load sensor coupled to a hitch receiver. An example disclosed apparatus to be coupled to a receiver tube includes a crossbar interface to be coupled to a crossbar of a hitch, a pin adapter coupled to the crossbar interface, a first load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter, and a second load-sensing pin disposed within the pin adapter.

Abstract: A drive system of a utility vehicle comprises a drive motor, a load drive train to drive a load, a propulsion drive train to driver propulsion means of the utility vehicle, and a control unit, which is connected to an actuator for setting the transmission ratio of the propulsion drive train, can be provided with a signal concerning the power consumption of the load, and generates the correction value sent to the actuator on the basis of the signal, so that the propulsion speed of the utility vehicle remains at least approximately constant even if there is a change of the power consumption of the load and/or a pitching motion of the utility vehicle caused by a change of the power consumption of the load is minimized.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing tongue assembly for coupling a rotary cutter with a work vehicle includes a coupler configured to couple to the work vehicle, and a linkage mechanism having a proximal end at the rotary cutter and a distal end at the coupler. The linkage mechanism includes a suspension element configured to dampen energy transferred between the rotary cutter and the work vehicle, a primary linkage mechanism extending from the rotary cutter, and a secondary linkage mechanism extending between the primary linkage mechanism and the coupler. The secondary linkage mechanism is configured to rotate about the primary linkage mechanism while maintaining the coupler in a level condition.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted exercise system is disclosed for use by long distance truck drivers to maintain themselves in shape while on the road and includes a main frame that is secured to the bed or frame of a truck by a mounting system. The exercise system includes an exercise mechanism having puller device a cable connected to the puller device and passing over a series of pulleys on the main frame to a pull down or lat bar. The puller device can be a hollow container or a spring-biased mechanism. The hollow container can be filled with water. A sight window and weight-indicating indicia along one side of the container assist in setting the correct weight in the container. A foldable seat assembly is mounted to the main frame and can be moved between a first or stored position for transportation and final or deployed position for use.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle train includes a tractor, a rotary cutter, and a hitch assembly coupling the rotary cutter to the tractor. The hitch assembly includes a first connection interface attaching the hitch assembly to the tractor and a second connection interface attaching the hitch assembly to the rotary cutter. The hitch assembly includes a suspension element coupled between the first and second connection interfaces to mitigate force transfer resulting from relative vertical movement; a mounting plate forming at least a portion of the second connection interface; and a pivot plate with a first end coupled to the first connection interface and a second end coupled to the suspension element. The pivot plate further includes a pivot element such that the pivot plate pivots about the pivot element relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1).

Abstract: A variable rigidity tow cable for attaching a first vehicle with a second vehicle. The tow cable includes a tension control cable having a first end and a second end. Tension on at least one of the ends of the tension control cable can be controlled to increase or decrease the length of the tension control cable. A plurality of beads are slidingly disposed on the tension control cable between the first end and the second end. The beads are free to move relative to one another on the tension control cable when the tension control cable is slack, and the beads are engaged with each other to form a rigid structure around the tension control cable when tension is applied to the tension control cable.

Abstract: A road tractor semi-trailer combination 1 is equipped with a system for detecting the position of a road tractor relative to a semi-trailer. This system comprises a magnet 13 which is accommodated in the centre of the bottom of the kingpin and a sensor unit 11 which is fixed to the bottom of the fifth wheel 9. The sensor unit can be displaced between a resting position at a distance from the magnet where the position of the magnet cannot be detected, and an operating position at a distance from the magnet where the position of the magnet can be detected indeed. The fifth wheel is equipped with a handle for displacing a locking pawl which locks the kingpin in the fifth wheel in coupled state of the road tractor and the semi-trailer. This handle is connected via a pulling cable to the sensor unit for displacing the sensor unit to the operating position simultaneously with the displacement of the locking pawl.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a road finishing machine with a chassis and a pushing device. The pushing device comprises at least one docking assembly and at least one absorber unit. The absorber unit is fixed to the chassis of the road finishing machine and comprises at least one piston-cylinder unit which comprises a cylinder and a working piston movable therein which subdivides the piston-cylinder unit into at least one first and one second chambers and is coupled to the docking assembly. The docking assembly may be positioned, by the movably mounted working piston, relative to the chassis between an extended position and at least one retracted position. In the piston-cylinder unit, at least one flow channel is provided between the first and the second chambers for letting a fluid enclosed in the piston-cylinder unit pass through, the fluid being prestressed in the extended position.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus for connecting a self-propelled trailing vehicle to a self-propelled leading vehicle and for measuring their relative positions is described. The hitch apparatus includes: a first hitch assembly for connecting a rear end of the leading vehicle to a front end of the trailing vehicle; a first angle sensor operatively connected to a pivot shaft and capable of measuring a horizontal angle between a centerline of a swivel base extending through a pivot shaft and a longitudinal centerline of the leading vehicle; a second hitch assembly for mounting on the front end of the trailing vehicle, the second hitch assembly including a connecting device mounted on the front end of the trailing vehicle and connectable to the swivel base of the leading vehicle; and a distance sensor for measuring a variable distance between a preselected point at the front end of said trailing vehicle and the swivel base.

Abstract: A method of moving freight which utilizes removable storage units or containers that have the same or similar size and which can be positioned on a specially designed truck frame and/or a trailer frame. The storage units are filled with freight such as household goods, taken to a storage facility or warehouse and stored by removing the entire storage unit from the truck or trailer utilizing, for example, a fork lift. The freight can be reloaded by loading the storage unit onto a truck or a trailer, which then delivers the freight to its final destination where it is removed from the storage unit. Multiple storage units loaded at different locations can be transported by the same truck and trailer from the warehouse to separate final unloading destinations. The truck and trailer are connected by a stinger steer mechanism which adjusts the distance between the truck and trailer providing a more versatile unit.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on its front end for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on their front ends. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for a brake actuator hitch. The brake actuator hitch is configured to be connected to a tow vehicle receiver and a towed vehicle and includes mechanical linkage to actuate a brake pedal of the towed vehicle when there is a difference between relative motions of the brake actuator hitch and the tow vehicle receiver.

Abstract: Provided is a tugger attachment apparatus configured for use with a pallet transport. The pallet transport has a front drive portion and a rear load portion having a pair of forks. The tugger attachment includes a body, a fork coupling member at a bottom side of the body that is configured to secure the body to the forks, and a hitch supported by the body. A linkage can be provided that opens and closes the hitch in response to raising and lowering of the forks of the pallet transport.

Abstract: A trailer adapted to be coupled to a tow vehicle and including a frame including a draw bar tube defining a longitudinal axis. The trailer includes a drawbar support pivotally coupled to the draw bar tube and rotatable relative to the drawbar tube about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The drawbar support is biased toward a substantially horizontal orientation. A sliding member is receivable in the drawbar tube and is configured for movement along the longitudinal axis in response to movement of the tow vehicle. A latch member is connected to the sliding member. The latch member is configured to move in response to movement of the sliding member from a first position wherein the drawbar support is retained in a substantially vertical orientation to a second position wherein the draw bar support is free to rotate toward the substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: Sensors detect movement between a towing vehicle and a load and adjust braking forces proportionately to the movement.

Abstract: A flow rectifier assembly including a manifold with a variable orifice disposed therein. Further, the flow rectifier assembly includes one or more valves disposed in the manifold and fluidly connected to the variable orifice to provide a uni-directional flow over the variable orifice. Each of the one or more valves includes a poppet. A fly-cut recess defined in the manifold includes a seat for resting the poppet.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a working machine that includes a front section having a frame and a pair of wheels arranged on a geometrical front wheel axis, and a rear section having a frame and a pair of wheels arranged on a first geometrical rear wheel axis and a pair of wheels arranged on a second geometrical rear wheel axis arranged behind the first rear wheel axis. The front section and the rear section are pivotally connected to each other for pivoting about a substantially vertical pivot axis. In a first control mode the wheels of the second geometrical rear wheel axis are steered to substantially follow the same tracks as the wheels of the geometrical front wheel axis when driving the working machine during cornering, and in a second control mode steering the wheels of the second geometrical rear wheel axis follow tracks which are different from the tracks of the wheels of the geometrical front wheel axis.

Abstract: A system is specified for the automatic adjustment of a gap between a tractor vehicle and an attached trailer, with a length-adjustable hitch with a tension tube, at the end of which is arranged a tension lug, while the tension lug can travel in the vehicle's lengthwise axis relative to the tension tube by an actuator along a predetermined travel path, as well as a control unit. The basic problem of the invention was to provide a system with which the gap between tractor vehicle and trailer can be changed automatically in driving operation and depending on the speed, both for articulated and unarticulated trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention with a system in which the control unit is an electronic controller, which is hooked up to a speed pickup for the processing of a speed signal and connected to the actuator.

Abstract: An anti-theft security device for a vehicle coupling, in particular a fifth wheel coupling (1), includes a security apparatus (2) and a control apparatus (3) which are electrically connected to each other. The control device (3) is connected to at least one vehicle-side system (10a, b, c) having an emergency function. Upon the triggering of at least one emergency function of the vehicle-side system, the control apparatus (3) deactivates the control apparatus (2) directly or indirectly.

Abstract: A draft sensing mechanism includes a draft frame adapted to be attached to a frame of a vehicle. The draft frame has left and right supports adapted to be coupled to corresponding left and right draft links. A draft strap has a left end fixed to a front side of the left support and a right end fixed to a front side of the right support. The draft strap is deflectable in response to draft forces applied to the left and right supports. A draft sensor is attached to the draft strap. The sensor generates a draft signal in response to deflection of the draft strap.

Abstract: A collapsible tow hook for a motor vehicle includes a bracket attached to a vehicle structure and having laterally spaced side walls with first and second slots in each of the side walls. A tow loop has laterally spaced arms that straddle the spaced side walls of the bracket. First and second bolts extend through bolt holes in the laterally spaced arms and through the slots of the side walls. A retainer acts between the bracket and the first and second bolts to establish a normal upward position of the tow loop on the vehicle. The retainer yields to allow the first and second bolts to traverse the slots upon the imposition of a load on the tow loop in a direction opposite to the towing direction so that the tow loop is pivoted to a collapsed position relative to the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body having a seat assembly configured to support a child; and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive rotation of at least one driven wheel in a plurality of drive configurations, and including a motor assembly comprising at least one electric motor, at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child supported by the seat assembly and adapted to selectively actuate the motor assembly, a battery assembly adapted to selectively energize the motor assembly, and a detection system adapted to detect whether an accessory is coupled to the body. The drive assembly being adapted to restrict driving of the at least one driven wheel to less than all drive configurations of the plurality of drive configurations based on the detection system detecting whether the accessory is coupled to the body.

Abstract: A safety brake system for a trailer comprises a brake end having a brake unit adapted to be secured to a trailer and positioned to block movement of the trailer when actuated and an actuation end adapted to be secured to a front end of the trailer. The actuation end comprises a hitch ball coupler having a hand portion defining a concavity adapted to receive a hitch ball of a vehicle. It also comprises a mechanism operatively connected to the hitch coupler and displaceable with respect thereto. The mechanism comprises a probe plunger and a hitched position. The mechanism is connected to the brake unit for actuation of said brake unit. The safety brake system also comprises a biasing unit. A trailer assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A system comprising a tractor vehicle, at least one trailer vehicle and a skin between and in contact with the tractor and trailer vehicles. One of the vehicles is disposed in a non-inverted position above the skin and the other is inverted and below the skin. The trailer vehicle comprises one or more magnets, while the tractor vehicle comprises one or more magnets magnetically coupled to each opposing magnet on the trailer vehicle. The vehicles may have mutually opposing permanent magnets in one-to-one relationship. Alternatively, each permanent magnet on the trailer vehicle could be opposed by one or more electro-permanent magnets on the tractor vehicle. The system further comprises means for maintaining the magnetic attraction force within a range as the vehicles move along a portion of the skin having a varying thickness.

Abstract: A tow hook assembly that includes a mount bracket, a tow hook having a towing end and a mounting end extending axially along a towing direction and through the mount bracket, a support bracket positioned proximal to the towing end of the tow hook and configured to support the towing end of the tow hook, and a fastener attached to the mounting end of the tow hook. The tow hook assembly is attached between the frame rail and impact beam of a motor vehicle such that the motor vehicle may be towed by the tow hook assembly and such that the tow hook assembly will break away from the motor vehicle upon application of a force which is less than a force required to activate an airbag.

Abstract: A system is specified for the automatic adjustment of a gap between a tractor vehicle and an attached trailer, with a length-adjustable hitch with a tension tube, at the end of which is arranged a tension lug, while the tension lug can travel in the vehicle's lengthwise axis relative to the tension tube by an actuator along a predetermined travel path, as well as a control unit. The basic problem of the invention was to provide a system with which the gap between tractor vehicle and trailer can be changed automatically in driving operation and depending on the speed, both for articulated and unarticulated trailers. The problem is solved according to the invention with a system in which the control unit is an electronic controller, which is hooked up to a speed pickup for the processing of a speed signal and connected to the actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to protective device for an articulated vehicle (1) comprising at least a first and second vehicle portion (4, 6); a control gear (8) connected to the respective vehicle portion (4, 6); and an actuating member (16) for, via the control gear (8), changing the relative position of the vehicle portions (4, 6) in relation to one another. The protective device (2) N comprises at least one stiffening means (22), which fixes the position of each respective vehicle portion (4, 6) in relation to one another whenever the acceleration and/or speed of at least one of the vehicle portions (4, 6) exceeds a predetermined limit value. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a stiffening means of such a protective device (2) for an articulated vehicle (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the connection of a trailer to a vehicle. The apparatus is connected to a pneumatic pressure line of the trailer's service braking system, and measures the pressure of the system to determine if the trailer is properly connected to the vehicle when the vehicle's engine is running. Further, the apparatus also contains an algorithm that monitors the signals from other vehicle systems, and uses that information to determine the trailer characteristics. The vehicle engine control system receives information from the apparatus and adjusts the various vehicle systems accordingly.

Abstract: A motorcycle hitch assembly is disclosed for attachment to a hitch support on a motorcycle for towing a trailer. The hitch assembly comprises a base and a pivotal trailer ball carried by the base for being coupled with the trailer coupling. The trailer ball includes a ball element and a ball shank extending from the ball element having a free end. A pivot support connects the base and the ball shaft so that the trailer ball and base pivot relative to each other generally in a vertical plane so that the trailer ball remains generally vertical as the motorcycle and base lean during turning. A clearance space defined between the free end of the shank and a bottom of the base allow the trailer ball to pivot freely in a vertical plane. Binding between the trailer coupler and the trailer ball element is reduced during turning.

Abstract: A steerable axle assembly for a grain cart or manure tank unit designed to be pulled in a forward direction over and agricultural field by a farm tractor is disclosed. The invention involves a steering axle assembly that is easily guided to improve the maneuverability and safety of the unit and reduce field compaction. The steering system design features angled kingpins that transfers some of the unit weight to assist in turns. Thus, the steering system reduces the resistance of the unit steering system to turning and minimizes ground compaction during turns. The steering system is particularly designed for rear-steering grain carts and manure tank units and larger versions of such units with multiple alternating steering and non-steering axles.

Abstract: A hitch apparatus includes a frame, spool assembly, and hitch assembly. The frame includes a base with a pair of arms extending away from one side of the base in side by side, spaced-apart relationship. A spool assembly is movably secured to elongated guides associated with the arms so as to be slidable along the arms. A hitch assembly is pivotably secured to the spool assembly and is movable relative to the frame between retracted and extended positions. The hitch assembly includes a pair of spaced apart plate members, each having a recess formed in an outer surface thereof. The spool assembly is pivotably secured within apertures in the plate members, and a guide pin located on each frame arm is operably engaged with a respective recess such that an extent to which the hitch assembly pivots relative to the frame progressively decreases as the hitch assembly is progressively retracted.

Abstract: A trailer-mounted crash impact attenuator is disclosed for attachment to a host vehicle, which comprises an anti-rotational attachment system having an internal support tube and a plurality of external support tubes. The internal support tube has a connector on a front end thereof for attachment to a suitable receptacle on the host vehicle, and the plurality of external support tubes each have an anti-rotation support pad on a front end thereof. At least one of the internal support tube and the plurality of external support tubes is comprised of a telescoping construction. A backup frame is disposed on a rear end of the attachment system, and a crash attenuator unit is disposed on an axle and pair of wheels for mobility. When the crash attenuator is impacted by an errant vehicle, the anti-rotational attachment system is actuated to prevent the trailer mounted crash impact attenuator from rotating relative to the host vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch for a vehicle includes an attachment bar and post for attaching the hitch to a vehicle and a base suspended from the attachment post to allow limited lateral movement of the base with respect to the attachment. A universal pivot connector, such as a hitch ball, is mounted on the base to move with the base for mating connection to a tongue of a trailer to be connected to the vehicle. The trailer tongue is biased against rotational movement with respect to the pivot connector whereby the allowed lateral movement of the suspended base and the pivot connector and the resistance to rotational movement of the trailer tongue with respect to the pivot connector combine to move the effective pivot point of the tongue on the universal pivot connector approximately to the center of the rear axle of the towing vehicle to simulate the towing movement of a fifth wheel trailer hitch.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the vehicle may include a body having a seat assembly configured to support a child; and a drive assembly adapted to selectively drive rotation of at least one driven wheel in a plurality of drive configurations, and including a motor assembly comprising at least one electric motor, at least one user input device positioned to receive inputs from a child supported by the seat assembly and adapted to selectively actuate the motor assembly, a battery assembly adapted to selectively energize the motor assembly, and a detection system adapted to detect whether an accessory is coupled to the body. The drive assembly being adapted to restrict driving of the at least one driven wheel to less than all drive configurations of the plurality of drive configurations based on the detection system detecting whether the accessory is coupled to the body.

Abstract: An energy-absorbing trailer hitch assembly is provided that includes a receiver tube and an insertion tube. The receiver tube is typically fixedly attached to a motor vehicle and has a set of apertures that affords for a pin to pass therethrough. The tube also has a set of slots adjacent to the apertures, with protrusions between each aperture and its adjacent slot. The insertion tube serves as a trailer hitch and has a set of apertures that align with the set of apertures in the receiver tube. Placement of the insertion tube within the receiver tube affords for a pin to pass through and be held within said apertures. In this manner a trailer may be attached to the trailer hitch and pulled by the motor vehicle. When the trailer is impacted, for example by a rear-end collision, deformation of the pin and/or the protrusions of the receiver tube allow the pin to travel in a forward direction, thereby absorbing energy from the collision.

Abstract: Children's ride-on vehicle assemblies having leading and trailing vehicles that are removably coupled together by a connection apparatus. The leading vehicle is an independently operable ride-on vehicle having a drive assembly that is selectively configured between a plurality of drive configurations, such as responsive to user inputs via user input devices. The assembly further includes a detection system adapted to detect whether or not the connection apparatus is in its coupled configuration and to restrict the plurality of drive configurations responsive thereto. This restriction may be automatic responsive to coupling of the leading and trailing vehicles together, and it may be made regardless of user inputs that otherwise would select and/or enable one of the restricted drive configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trailer towing-control apparatus comprising a towing means connectable between a trailer and a towing vehicle; the towing means having a first connection means at its operative forward end pivotably connectable to a towing vehicle and a second connection means pivotably connectable to the trailer on the other side of the axis of the trailer relative to the first connection means; and a restraint means to selectively allow for articulation of the first connection means relative to the towing vehicle or to prevent articulation of the towing means relative to the towing vehicle in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A speed interlock can prevent a sliding fifth wheel on a vehicle from being unlocked while the vehicle is moving faster than a threshold speed. A processor, such as the vehicle's electronic control unit, advantageously monitors the vehicle speed and a switch that controls the fifth wheel slide, preventing the fifth wheel from being unlocked if the vehicle speed is above a threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed is a working vehicle capable of working and driving in stable condition while suppressing the adverse effect caused by the load variation such as sudden dashing from an associated ground working implement. The working vehicle comprises a controller for controlling the variator ratio of its toroidal mechanism to oppose the variation of the load when the toroidal mechanism is loaded on its output side. The controller adjusts the variator ratio appropriately when the engine starts.

Abstract: A trailer reversal self-correcting assembly (10) adapted to be disposed between the tow bar (12) of a vehicle (14) and the tow member (16) of a trailer (18), the assembly (10) comprising a tow arm (20) pivotally connected to the tow bar (12) at its first end and to the tow member (16) at its second end, a first extension mount (26) extending laterally from the tow bar (12), and a second extension mount (30) extending laterally from the tow member (16), a first correcting linkage device having at least a first linkage member (38) connected between the first extension mount (26) and the second extension mount (30).

Abstract: The single wheel trailer and stabilizing hitch assembly includes a hitch which precludes lateral tilt or roll of a trailer about the longitudinal axis of the towing vehicle and trailer, the trailer having only a single wheel for support. The hitch includes a pair of horizontal plates which bear against one another, with a vertical pivot pin securing the two plates together to allow the trailer to turn laterally relative to the towing vehicle. A separate horizontal pivot axis accommodates pitch of the trailer relative to the towing vehicle while negotiating bumps and dips. However, the trailer tongue is fixed relative to the roll axis of the assembly, and the trailer cannot tilt or lean to the side while being supported by its single wheel. This greatly reduces wheel bearing and tire wear, and reduces rolling resistance of the trailer as well. Different trailer configurations are also provided.