A system and method including a counter pressure mechanism with a retractable wheel lift arm that retracts into a compact position underneath a bed of a recovery vehicle when not in use; a wheel lift base plate for supporting the retractable wheel lift arm, and increasing a stability of the counter pressure mechanism while winching a vehicle for towing purposes; wherein the counter pressure mechanism is configured to be operable for transferring pressure from winching the vehicle to the wheel lift base plate and distribute the pressure into a ground; and a wheel lift bracket having adjustable arms that are configured to move in and out to adjust to different widths of vehicles. The system further including a winching mechanism having a winch implement; a winch cable; a cable guide; and a pulley device.

A system and method including a counter pressure mechanism with a retractable wheel lift arm that retracts into a compact position underneath a bed of a recovery vehicle when not in use; a wheel lift base plate for supporting the retractable wheel lift arm, and increasing a stability of the counter pressure mechanism while winching a vehicle for towing purposes; wherein the counter pressure mechanism is configured to be operable for transferring pressure from winching the vehicle to the wheel lift base plate and distribute the pressure into a ground; and a wheel lift bracket having adjustable arms that are configured to move in and out to adjust to different widths of vehicles. The system further including a winching mechanism having a winch implement; a winch cable; a cable guide; and a pulley device.

Methods and systems for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicle control, routing, and automatic feature adjustment are disclosed. Sensors associated with autonomous operation features may be utilized to search an area for missing persons, stolen vehicles, or similar persons or items of interest. Sensor data associated with the features may be automatically collected and analyzed to passively search for missing persons or vehicles without vehicle operator involvement. Search criteria may be determined by a remote server and communicated to a plurality of vehicles within a search area. In response to which, sensor data may be collected and analyzed by the vehicles. When sensor data generated by a vehicle matches the search criteria, the vehicle may communicate the information to the remote server.

In an example, an adaptor for a lift jack may include a first section having an opening to receive a ring attached to a vehicle and a second section connected to the first section, in which the second section includes a space to receive a runner support of a lift jack runner. The adaptor may also include a locking hook rotatably connected to the second section, in which the locking hook is to latch onto the ring when the runner support is inserted into the space in the second section.

An electrical vehicle (EV) rescue vehicle includes a mobile platform, which further includes a winch and a ramp. The mobile platform of the EV rescue vehicle is deployable for retrieving a disabled EV (a “rescued vehicle”) thereon with the winch and the ramp and for transportation of the disabled EV. A charging unit is associated with said mobile platform for connecting and charging of the disabled EV, either on a fixed location or during transport. A systems analysis module can be included with the system for testing a functionality of systems and components of the disabled EV and providing results of the testing to customers. The mobile platform can be provided as an EV rescue vehicle in a form of a trailer pulled by another vehicle or integrated with another vehicle (e.g., a truck). The EV rescue vehicle can also carry passengers associated with the disabled EV when the disabled EV is being transported, charged, and/or analyzed by the EV rescue vehicle.

Methods and systems for assessing, detecting, and responding to malfunctions involving components of autonomous vehicles and/or smart homes are described herein. Malfunctions may be detected by receiving sensor data from a plurality of sensors. One of these sensors may be selected for assessment. An electronic device may obtain from the selected sensor a set of signals. When the set of signals includes signals that are outside of a determined range of signals associated with proper functioning for the selected sensor, it may be determined that the selected sensor is malfunctioning. In response, an action may be performed to resolve the malfunction and/or mitigate consequences of the malfunction.

A vehicle system includes a chassis and a lift assembly. The chassis includes a frame defining a first aperture and a second aperture. The lift assembly includes an adapter assembly and a lift device. The adapter assembly includes (a) an adapter defining a first pin aperture, a second pin aperture, and an adapter aperture, (b) a first pin extending through the first aperture and the first pin aperture and a second pin extending through the second aperture and the second pin aperture to selectively couple the adapter to the frame, and (c) a cross member configured to be received by the adapter aperture. The lift device includes a pair of receivers configured to engage the cross member of the adapter assembly to support the cross member. The first pin aperture and the adapter aperture each extend laterally when the adapter is coupled to the frame.

Methods and systems for autonomous vehicle recharging or refueling are disclosed. Autonomous vehicles may be automatically refueled by routing the vehicles to available fueling stations when not in operation, according to methods described herein. A fuel level within a tank of an autonomous vehicle may be monitored until it reaches a refueling threshold, at which point an on-board computer may generate a predicted use profile for the vehicle. Based upon the predicted use profile, a time and location for the vehicle to refuel the vehicle may be determined. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be controlled to automatically travel to a fueling station, refill a fuel tank, and return to its starting location in order to refuel when not in use.

A retrofit trailer board system for vehicles is disclosed, including a trailer board carrying a plurality of signalling lights on a surface thereof, and a relaying control unit which is connected between the trailer board and a plurality of optical sensors. Each optical sensor is arranged for removable connection to the exterior surface of respective vehicle lights, each sensor being configured to issue a signal responsive to operation of a vehicle light.

An adjustable engagement system for a tow truck to operatively connect to a vehicle being towed provides slider arms which are removably engageable to conventional tow truck cross bars. The provided slider arms are removably positionable upon opposite ends of the conventional cross bar and adjustable thereon for spacing. Once such spacing is adjusted, locking members can be tightened to hold each slider arm in the chosen position for the towed vehicle.