The invention concerns a device and a method for detecting a tire on a vehicle to determine whether there is a single or twin tire on an axle. The device has an optical sensor for this purpose, the sensor detecting at least one region of a rim on which a tire to be determined is mounted. An evaluation unit is also provided which is designed to determine a shape of the area of the rim from the sensor signals and to generate a signal from the shape which represents the type of tire.

Vehicles are disclosed that are configured to carry loads in a stabilized manner, such that the load is maintained in a substantially constant position or orientation relative to a predetermined reference point or frame even as the vehicle moves. A stabilization controller in such a vehicle receives information about movement of the vehicle relative to the reference point or plane from one or more sensors on the vehicle, and uses the information to control one or more movable objects by which the load is secured to the vehicle so as to maintain a relatively constant relationship between the load and the reference point or plane.

A multi-functional active container (e.g., luggage or suitcase) with a plurality of sensors and actuators is described. The container may include a body defining an enclosure and having at least one opening. The container may include a processor, a wireless receiver, and an electronically controllable lock. The processor can selectively lock or unlock the electronically controllable lock based on signals received via a wireless receiver (e.g., via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH connections). In some examples, a distance between the active container and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone) can be determined (e.g., based on relative GPS signals or connection strength) and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the electronically controllable lock can be activated to secure the container. Further, the container may include a rechargeable power source for powering external devices and an integrated weight sensor for detecting the weight of the container.

A multi-functional active container (e.g., luggage or suitcase) with a plurality of sensors and actuators is described. The container may include a body defining an enclosure and having at least one opening. The container may include a processor, a wireless receiver, and an electronically controllable lock. The processor can selectively lock or unlock the electronically controllable lock based on signals received via a wireless receiver (e.g., via Wi-Fi or BLUETOOTH connections). In some examples, a distance between the active container and a remote device (e.g., a smart phone) can be determined (e.g., based on relative GPS signals or connection strength) and if the distance exceeds a threshold, the electronically controllable lock can be activated to secure the container. Further, the container may include a rechargeable power source for powering external devices and an integrated weight sensor for detecting the weight of the container.

A tandem wheel assembly or kit has a housing that includes a central chain box, a first wheel end casing, and a second wheel end casing. The central chain box has an internal volume extending between a first box end and a second box end, a unitary pivot portion having a box opening disposed about a pivot axis, a first box flange with a first box flange face and a second box flange with a second box flange face. The first wheel end casing has a first wheel end flange with a first wheel end flange face mateable with the first box flange face, a first wheel end opening, and defines a first length. The second wheel end casing has a second wheel end flange with a second wheel end flange face mateable with the second box flange face, a second wheel end opening, and defines a second length.

A tandem wheel assembly or kit has a housing that includes a central chain box, a first wheel end casing, and a second wheel end casing. The central chain box has an internal volume extending between a first box end and a second box end, a unitary pivot portion having a box opening disposed about a pivot axis, a first box flange with a first box flange face and a second box flange with a second box flange face. The first wheel end casing has a first wheel end flange with a first wheel end flange face mateable with the first box flange face, a first wheel end opening, and defines a first length. The second wheel end casing has a second wheel end flange with a second wheel end flange face mateable with the second box flange face, a second wheel end opening, and defines a second length.

A dual mode vehicle that operates on guided rails and roadways includes a capsule, a carriage, a front left drive system, a front right drive system, a rear left drive system, a rear right drive system, a pod control unit, and at least one battery. The carriage includes a spherical frame-housing and a base. A spherical cabin of the capsule is attitudinally mounted within the spherical frame-housing. The front left drive system, the front right drive system, the rear left drive system, and the rear right drive system each includes a motor, a drive axle, a road wheel, and a rail wheel. The road wheel and the rail wheel are axially mounted to the drive axle. The motor that is mounted to the base is operatively coupled with the drive axle through the at least one battery and the pod control unit to operate a roadway or railway transportation mode.

A dual wheel system includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a transition plate arranged between the first and second wheels. Each wheel includes a rim with a disk positioned transverse to a longitudinal axis. The disk of the first wheel has a first plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a first bolt pattern, and the disk of the second wheel has a second plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a second bolt pattern. The transition plate includes an outer ring of holes for fastening the wheels to the transition plate via the first and second plurality of holes, and an inner ring of holes for fastening the transition plate to an axle flange of a work vehicle.

A dual wheel system includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a transition plate arranged between the first and second wheels. Each wheel includes a rim with a disk positioned transverse to a longitudinal axis. The disk of the first wheel has a first plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a first bolt pattern, and the disk of the second wheel has a second plurality of holes arranged concentric about the longitudinal axis with a second bolt pattern. The transition plate includes an outer ring of holes for fastening the wheels to the transition plate via the first and second plurality of holes, and an inner ring of holes for fastening the transition plate to an axle flange of a work vehicle.

A multi-width dual wheel arrangement and method utilize a dual wheel spacer and a clamping disk for selectively mounting a dual wheel having a rim to a first wheel at a desired axial spacing of the dual wheel from the first wheel along a rolling axis of the dual and first wheels. The clamping ring is positioned outboard of the rim to clamp the rim between the clamping ring and the spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a first axial spacing from the first wheel along the rolling axis. The clamping ring is positioned inboard between the rim of the dual wheel and the dual wheel spacer for positioning the dual wheel at a second axial spacing from the first wheel. A third axial spacing is provided by configuring the rim to have a convex surface that may be electively positioned facing toward or away from the first wheel.