The technology provides a method for monitoring a load carrier vehicle (10; 12; 22; 154), comprising measuring at least one sensor value indicating a force and determining a mass based on the at least one sensor value. Furthermore, monitoring devices (156) used in the method and load carrier vehicles (10; 12; 22; 154) are described.

A system for parcel delivery may be provided using a package Pickup and Receiving Stations (PRS), sometimes also referred to as a Hub or Local Automated Hub. In some applications, it may be desirable to provide a number of PRSs located in areas having a high volume of local package delivery. Parcels directed to a recipient within an area serviced by the PRS may be delivered in bulk to the PRS by a parcel carrier. The PRS may then attend to final delivery to each parcel's recipient, preferably using an automated ground vehicle (AGV). Additionally or alternatively, consumers may tender packages to an AGV for, e.g., subsequent retrieval by a package carrier for further transport.

Several aspects of this disclosure relate to a translocatable hopper that is mounted for example at the forward part of a front-end loader vehicle. The hopper receives, re-positions and delivers a slurry to a jobsite and preferably is detachably attached to a vehicle. In several embodiments, the hopper is translocatable from a resting position to a delivery position through one or more intermediate positions. Preferably, a front wall has an outlet gate and a chute extending therefrom. The chute is configured to direct slurry into the jobsite, A rising and falling sluice gate is associated with the chute. The slurry moves outwardly from the chute when the sluice gate is at least partially opened as the hopper is placed at or near or above the delivery position above the jobsite.

A container transport system for transporting an intermodal freight container includes: a tow assembly pivotally coupled to a tow vehicle, the tow assembly including a support frame, a boom assembly mounted on the support frame, the boom assembly having a boom frame and a lifting actuator mounted on the boom frame; a lift beam shaped to attach to an end of the intermodal freight container, the lift beam mechanically associated with the lifting actuator; a dolly removably coupled to one of the tow assembly and tow vehicle, the dolly including a bogey frame including a plurality of wheels attached to the bogey frame, a pair of brackets located on sides of the bogey frame, the brackets spaced apart such that a width of the intermodal freight container fits between the paid of brackets.

There is a container assembly for mounting a container on a truck, operable in a dumping mode or a grounding mode, comprising a base frame mounted on the flatbed, a dumping frame, connected to the base frame and removably attachable to a lower jib the lower jib, supporting the container, removably attachable to the dumping frame and pivotally or removably attachable to the base frame and a first power cylinder configured to rotate the lower jib when the first cylinder is extended and wherein in the dumping mode the lower jib is removably connected to the dumping frame, and whereby, the lower jib rotates to a dumping angle of greater than 45 degrees and wherein in the grounding mode the lower jib is removably and pivotally connected to the base frame, and whereby, the lower jib rotates to a dumping angle of less than 45 degrees.

A vehicle chassis including a vehicle frame defining an inner space and being operable to switch between a first expanded state and a collapsed state, and a loading device mounted to the inner space and removably connected to the vehicle frame. The loading device defines a first loading surface when the vehicle frame is in the first expanded state, and the loading device defines a second loading surface that is smaller than the first loading surface when the vehicle frame is in the collapsed state.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for engaging, lifting, and moving objects such as wheeled cargo trailers are provided. In one embodiment, a mobile apparatus includes a transport mechanism, a frame, and one or more lift assemblies. The lift assemblies may be adjusted using one or more attached actuators that position the lift assemblies and/or components thereof for engaging and lifting an object. The transport mechanism may be autonomously operated. A vision system may be used to locate and identify objects and/or guide the mobile apparatus into position to engage and lift the objects. An adapter for a pneumatic braking system of a wheeled cargo trailer is also provided. The adapter provides a pneumatic attachment for a pressurized air source that is separate from a glad hands connector attached to the braking system.

A hoist apparatus assembly for a vehicle having a vehicle frame. The hoist apparatus assembly includes a hoist apparatus comprising a hoist apparatus frame. The hoist apparatus frame has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a longitudinal axis. The hoist apparatus assembly also includes an apron plate disposed at the hoist apparatus frame first end, and the apron plate defines at least one slot therethrough. Also, the hoist apparatus assembly includes at least one first bracket including a plate and a stem disposed at a right angle to the plate. The plate of the at least one first bracket is coupled with the hoist apparatus frame at the hoist apparatus frame first end. The stem of the at least one first bracket extends through the at least one slot in the apron plate and is coupled with the vehicle frame.

A drawer for storage is positioned within a wheel well of a vehicle. A bottom panel of the drawer has an arcuate or faceted shape to accommodate the wheel over which the drawer sits. The drawer is movable between a closed and an open position on slides received within guide rails mounted either directly on the vehicle or on panels of a cabinet which encloses the drawer, the cabinet being mounted on the vehicle.

A mobile drive unit includes a pivot between the front chassis unit and the rear chassis unit, thereby diminishing the total height of the unit.