A container-handling vehicle for handling storage containers in a three-dimensional grid of an underlying storage system, comprising: at least one lifting device for lifting storage containers from and lowering storage containers to the underlying storage system, said lifting device comprises a lifting frame for gripping a storage container, a winch system for lifting and lowering the lifting frame, a motor to drive the winch system and a driver circuit with a controller controlling the motor; and at least first and second rechargeable power sources for providing power to the motor, wherein the driver circuit further comprises a regenerative energy circuit configured to harvest energy from the motor when the lifting frame is lowered into the storage system and where the driver circuit is configured to direct harvested energy to the rechargeable power sources according to levels of charge in the rechargeable power sources.

Disclosed is a method for the delivery of electric power to a power consumption site with two or more mobile systems. The method includes charging a first one of the two mobile systems, moving the charged first mobile system to a location in the vicinity of the site, connecting the mobile system to the site, charging a second one of the mobile systems at a location in the vicinity of a power plant or a functional power infrastructure, moving the charged second mobile system to the location in the vicinity of the site, and replacing the first mobile system with the second mobile system to supply electric power to the site from the second mobile system.

A vehicle electrical power supply arrangement includes a towing vehicle, a primary power supply source position within the towed vehicle, a towed vehicle operably coupled to the towing vehicle for towing behind the towing vehicle, wherein the towed vehicle is configured to be electrically coupled and uncoupled from the towing vehicle, an auxiliary power supply source positioned within the towed vehicle and configured to store an electronic charge, a sensor arrangement attached to the towed vehicle and configured to monitor a vehicle operating parameter, and an electronic control unit operably coupled to the sensor arrangement, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to receive an electrical charge from at least one of the primary power source and the auxiliary power source when the towed vehicle is electrically coupled to the towing vehicle, and from the auxiliary power source when the towed vehicle is electrically uncoupled from the towing vehicle.

The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

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.

The disclosure relates to a drive train for a mixer drum, wherein the drive train comprises a generator which outputs a first alternating voltage to a first converter. The first converter is connected to a high-voltage direct voltage network. A second converter is also provided which is connected to the high-voltage direct voltage network and which supplies an electric motor with a second alternating voltage in order to drive the mixer drum. The drive train also comprises a high-voltage battery which is connected to the high-voltage direct voltage network. Finally, a control unit is also provided which is connected to the first and second power converters or the battery and thus controls a flow of energy via the high-voltage direct voltage network.

A method for controlling wheel slip of a vehicle. The vehicle comprises at least a first and a second motion support device, MSD, for providing torque to a common wheel of the vehicle. The method comprises receiving a wheel torque request. Based on the received wheel torque request, the method further comprises controlling the first MSD to provide torque to the wheel in a first mode of operation, and controlling the second MSD to provide torque to the wheel in a second mode of operation which is different from the first mode of operation. The controlling of the first MSD and the controlling of the second MSD are, at least temporarily, performed simultaneously.

A loading dock safety system integrated with an electric vehicle charging station is disclosed. The system employs an electric vehicle charging station for charging electric vehicles and a safety control device for monitoring and controlling the loading dock safety equipment. The electric vehicle charging station has a charging connector with an electronically controlled latching mechanism to secure the charging connector to the charging port of the electric vehicle. During the process of loading and unloading cargo from the electric vehicle, the charging connector is locked to the charging port, which, in turn, prevents the EV from departing from the loading dock until the transfer of cargo is complete.

An electrical delivery apparatus. The apparatus includes a plug assembly configured to be inserted into a receptacle apparatus of a vehicle to deliver electrical power to the vehicle. The apparatus includes a control means configured to, upon activation, deliver electrical power to the vehicle via an electrical line and the plug assembly, and, upon detection of at least one predetermined condition, automatically disconnect the electrical power from the electrical line and the plug assembly. The predetermined condition includes disconnection of the plug assembly from the receptacle apparatus.

A method for determining an air gap between a transport rotor and a stator segment, wherein an acceleration run of the transport rotor is performed and, here, the present stator current is measured and actual speed values are determined, from which a change in speed per time unit is determined, and from which an acceleration is determined, where the present propulsion force is determined from the product of the force constant and the present stator current, where the present propulsion force and the acceleration are used to determine a virtual mass of the transport rotor, and where for a statement about the currently prevailing air gap a relationship between an increase in the virtual mass and an enlargement of the air gap is used and a size value for the air gap is calculated therefrom.