A method for driving a tractor on a flatbed trailer. The method includes locating a starting position of the tractor, determining a final position for the tractor, and searching for a ramp attached to the flatbed trailer. A driving path is calculated to drive the tractor from the starting position, along the ramp, and to the final position. The tractor is autonomously operated to drive along the driving path. The method may periodically detect an intermediate position of the tractor and determining if the intermediate position is located on the driving path. The driving path may be updated with a course correction to drive the tractor from the intermediate position to the final position. The tractor is stopped after arriving at the final position.

A method for driving a tractor on a flatbed trailer. The method includes locating a starting position of the tractor, determining a final position for the tractor, and searching for a ramp attached to the flatbed trailer. A driving path is calculated to drive the tractor from the starting position, along the ramp, and to the final position. The tractor is autonomously operated to drive along the driving path. The method may periodically detect an intermediate position of the tractor and determining if the intermediate position is located on the driving path. The driving path may be updated with a course correction to drive the tractor from the intermediate position to the final position. The tractor is stopped after arriving at the final position.

A system for installing and labeling lay flat irrigation pipe in flooded rice and furrow irrigated fields, and a trailer for laying a roll of pipe in an irrigated field. The trailer includes a flexible hitch assembly positioned at a first end of the trailer, wherein the hitch assembly couples the trailer to a vehicle. The trailer also includes a distribution assembly positioned at a second end of the trailer, wherein the distribution assembly includes a spindle and wherein the distribution assembly couples the roll of pipe to the trailer; and a gooseneck frame including a first end coupled to the hitch assembly and a second end coupled to the distribution assembly, with an upper member between the first end and the second end of the gooseneck, wherein the upper member of the gooseneck is elevated relative to the hitch assembly. The trailer may also include offset tandem wheels with a furrow assembly to facilitate the creation of a furrow ditch and for traversing flood irrigated levees for the purposes of installing lay-flat polyethylene pipe for irrigation. The trailer may also include an adjustable telescoping hitch to adjust to various vehicle hitch heights. The system includes a labeling system for indicating the punch size needed along the pipeline during installation. A computerized hole selection plan is developed and transferred to a microprocessor device, where sensors or a global positioning system is co-locate the device so the punch label can be applied along the pipe during installation.

Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

Apparatuses, components and methods are provided herein useful to provide assistance to customers and/or workers in a shopping facility. In some embodiments, a shopping facility personal assistance system comprises: a plurality of motorized transport units located in and configured to move through a shopping facility space; a plurality of user interface units, each corresponding to a respective motorized transport unit during use of the respective motorized transport unit; and a central computer system having a network interface such that the central computer system wirelessly communicates with one or both of the plurality of motorized transport units and the plurality of user interface units, wherein the central computer system is configured to control movement of the plurality of motorized transport units through the shopping facility space based at least on inputs from the plurality of user interface units.

A vehicle trunk storage system may include a vehicle trunk having a trunk floor defining an opening and a lip extending around the opening, and a cart including a compartment and a wheeled base, wherein the lip is configured to receive a bottom of the compartment of the cart within the trunk.

A vehicle trunk storage system may include a vehicle trunk having a trunk floor defining an opening and a lip extending around the opening, and a cart including a compartment and a wheeled base, wherein the lip is configured to receive a bottom of the compartment of the cart within the trunk.

Systems and methods are provided for coordinating and controlling power flow during in-flight bidirectional energy transfer events between an electrified vehicle, one or more charging trailers, and optionally, one or more electrified recreational vehicles. The systems and methods may prioritize energy transfers between each connected energy unit based on various parameters, including but not limited to in-transit travel logistics, environmental information, time of day, etc. Charge energy may be transferred to the appropriate power source to meet customer needs with varying levels of priority according to an energy transfer prioritization control strategy that is derived from the various inputs that are considered.

Systems and methods are provided for coordinating and controlling power flow during in-flight bidirectional energy transfer events between an electrified vehicle, one or more charging trailers, and optionally, one or more electrified recreational vehicles. The systems and methods may prioritize energy transfers between each connected energy unit based on various parameters, including but not limited to in-transit travel logistics, environmental information, time of day, etc. Charge energy may be transferred to the appropriate power source to meet customer needs with varying levels of priority according to an energy transfer prioritization control strategy that is derived from the various inputs that are considered.

A securement for crawler cranes and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the system, a pair of structural securements are spaced at approximately a track-distance apart with respect to the crawler crane and coupled together by multiple transverse support members. When the crawler crane is driven onto the structural securements and fastened thereto, the tipping fulcrum of the crawler crane is shifted, thereby requiring a greater tipping force to tip and adding stability during high wind events.