A magneto-elastically-based active force sensor, used with a tow coupling between a towed and a towing vehicle or a coupling between a vehicle body and a suspension of the vehicle, which outputs a signal useful for determining forces acting on the coupling. The outputted force information may be provided by processor-enabled embedded software algorithms that take inputs from the force sensor and other sensors, may be used by one or more vehicle systems during operating of the vehicle, such as engine, braking, stability, safety, and informational systems. The force sensor includes directionally-sensitive magnetic field sensing elements inside the sensor, and shielding may be used around the sensors to reduce the influence of external magnetic fields on the sensing elements. The force sensor may be used with different tow and vehicle weight sensing coupling devices installed on different types of automobile cars and trucks.

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density personalized transportation. An example system includes a transit carrier having a first movement system, first stacking couplers, first and second magnetic couplers, and a first location, a transit pod having a second movement system, second stacking couplers, and a second location, the second stacking couplers configured to couple to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to in response to obtaining a request to direct the transit carrier to move from the first location to the second location, invoke the transit pod to couple to the transit carrier by directing the transit pod to move on top of the transit carrier using the second movement system, and when the transit carrier is coupled to the transit pod, invoke the transit carrier to move the transit pod to a third location using the first movement system.

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for high-traffic density personalized transportation. An example system includes a transit carrier having a first movement system, first stacking couplers, first and second magnetic couplers, and a first location, a transit pod having a second movement system, second stacking couplers, and a second location, the second stacking couplers configured to couple to the first stacking couplers, and a controller to in response to obtaining a request to direct the transit carrier to move from the first location to the second location, invoke the transit pod to couple to the transit carrier by directing the transit pod to move on top of the transit carrier using the second movement system, and when the transit carrier is coupled to the transit pod, invoke the transit carrier to move the transit pod to a third location using the first movement system.

A system and method for operation of an autonomous vehicle (AV) yard truck is provided. A processor facilitates autonomous movement of the AV yard truck, and connection to and disconnection from trailers. A plurality of sensors are interconnected with the processor that sense terrain/objects and assist in automatically connecting/disconnecting trailers. A server, interconnected, wirelessly with the processor, that tracks movement of the truck around and determines locations for trailer connection and disconnection. A door station unlatches/opens rear doors of the trailer when adjacent thereto, securing them in an opened position via clamps, etc. The system computes a height of the trailer, and/or if landing gear of the trailer is on the ground and interoperates with the fifth wheel to change height, and whether docking is safe, allowing a user to take manual control, and optimum charge time(s). Reversing sensors/safety, automated chocking, and intermodal container organization are also provided.

A system for pivoting a coupling component for an outrigger, for a coupling between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer includes a rotation configured to pivot the coupling component between a primary position and a secondary position, and at least one line, which is guided into the coupling component via the rotation device, wherein the system is configured such that the at least one line forms a loop in the primary position in a defined area, and the loop is reduced in size when pivoted to the secondary position.

A power control device is provided for controlling an electric machine in a vehicle trailer. The electric machine is coupled to at least one wheel of the vehicle trailer to be able to convert mechanical rotation power at the wheel and electric power at the electric machine into one another. The power control device is configured to control a mechanical power output and/or a mechanical power input of the electric machine and is configured to control the mechanical power output and/or the mechanical power input of the electric machine as a function of a present driving condition of a towing vehicle pulling the vehicle trailer.

A power control device is provided for controlling an electric machine in a vehicle trailer. The electric machine is coupled to at least one wheel of the vehicle trailer to be able to convert mechanical rotation power at the wheel and electric power at the electric machine into one another. The power control device is configured to control a mechanical power output and/or a mechanical power input of the electric machine and is configured to control the mechanical power output and/or the mechanical power input of the electric machine as a function of a present driving condition of a towing vehicle pulling the vehicle trailer.

A trailer hitch system for a vehicle such as a car, truck, or SUV, and trailer comprising an overcab portion substantially parallel to a roof of the truck. The overcab portion comprises a roof connector located generally equidistant from either lateral side of the roof and is aligned with a door pillar, and a hitch for connecting the trailer. The overcab portion further comprises a forward frame portion extending from the overcab portion with a forward frame connector and a rearward frame portion extending from the overcab portion with a rearward frame connector, both of which connect to the frame of the vehicle.

A transport trailer and a method for transporting an oversize load are provided. In one nonlimiting example, the transport trailer includes a trailer. The trailer includes an elongated body that extends in a length direction and that has an upper base surface. A support assembly is configured to support the oversize load and is pivotably coupled to the trailer to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support assembly extends over the upper base surface and beyond the trailer in a width direction that is transverse to the length direction to define a wide load overhang that extends beyond the trailer in the width direction. In the second position, the support assembly is positioned at an incline relative to the first position to one of reduce and eliminate the wide load overhang.

A transport trailer and a method for transporting an oversize load are provided. In one nonlimiting example, the transport trailer includes a trailer. The trailer includes an elongated body that extends in a length direction and that has an upper base surface. A support assembly is configured to support the oversize load and is pivotably coupled to the trailer to move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the support assembly extends over the upper base surface and beyond the trailer in a width direction that is transverse to the length direction to define a wide load overhang that extends beyond the trailer in the width direction. In the second position, the support assembly is positioned at an incline relative to the first position to one of reduce and eliminate the wide load overhang.