Patent classifications
B62D61/12
System and method for reporting on vehicle characteristics determined by transmission control circuit
Systems and methods for reporting on vehicle characteristics determined by the control system of a multi-speed automatic transmission of a vehicle are provided. The control system may output a vehicle mass alert based on a relationship between a vehicle mass threshold and a determined vehicle mass satisfying a condition. The control system may output a vehicle road grade alert based on a relationship between a vehicle road grade threshold and a determined vehicle road grade satisfying a condition.
VEHICLE SELECTIVELY CONVERTIBLE TO A DUALLY CONFIGURATION
A vehicle can have: (1) a first pair of rear wheels with a first pair of tires configured to be able to bear a weight of the vehicle and (2) a second pair of rear wheels with a second pair of tires installed on the second pair of rear wheels and configured to be selectively inflatable. The first pair of wheels can be disposed on a first pair of axles. The second pair of wheels can be disposed on the first pair of axles or on a second axle. In an inflated state, the second pair of tires can be configured to be able to bear the weight of the vehicle. In a deflated state, the second pair of tires can lack being configured to bear the weight of the vehicle. An individual or a controller can cause the vehicle to have a conventional configuration or a dually configuration.
VEHICLE SELECTIVELY CONVERTIBLE TO A DUALLY CONFIGURATION
A vehicle can have: (1) a first pair of rear wheels with a first pair of tires configured to be able to bear a weight of the vehicle and (2) a second pair of rear wheels with a second pair of tires installed on the second pair of rear wheels and configured to be selectively inflatable. The first pair of wheels can be disposed on a first pair of axles. The second pair of wheels can be disposed on the first pair of axles or on a second axle. In an inflated state, the second pair of tires can be configured to be able to bear the weight of the vehicle. In a deflated state, the second pair of tires can lack being configured to bear the weight of the vehicle. An individual or a controller can cause the vehicle to have a conventional configuration or a dually configuration.
Inspection method using a perching UAV with a releasable crawler
A method of inspection or maintenance of a curved ferromagnetic surface using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a releasable crawler is provided. The method includes: flying the UAV from an initial position to a pre-perching position in a vicinity of the ferromagnetic surface; autonomously perching the UAV on the ferromagnetic surface; maintaining magnetic attachment of the perched UAV to the ferromagnetic surface; releasing the crawler from the magnetically attached UAV onto the ferromagnetic surface; moving the crawler over the curved ferromagnetic surface while maintaining magnetic attachment of the released crawler to the ferromagnetic surface; inspecting or maintaining the ferromagnetic surface using the magnetically attached crawler; and re-docking the released crawler with the perched UAV.
Inspection method using a perching UAV with a releasable crawler
A method of inspection or maintenance of a curved ferromagnetic surface using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) having a releasable crawler is provided. The method includes: flying the UAV from an initial position to a pre-perching position in a vicinity of the ferromagnetic surface; autonomously perching the UAV on the ferromagnetic surface; maintaining magnetic attachment of the perched UAV to the ferromagnetic surface; releasing the crawler from the magnetically attached UAV onto the ferromagnetic surface; moving the crawler over the curved ferromagnetic surface while maintaining magnetic attachment of the released crawler to the ferromagnetic surface; inspecting or maintaining the ferromagnetic surface using the magnetically attached crawler; and re-docking the released crawler with the perched UAV.
Work vehicle
A work vehicle including: a first link having one end portion supported by a vehicle body so as to be pivotable; a second link having one end portion pivotally coupled to the other end portion of the first link so as to be pivotable, and another end portion that supports a travel wheel; a first hydraulic cylinder capable of changing a swing posture of the first link; and a second hydraulic cylinder capable of changing a swing posture of the second link relative to the first link. The action of the first hydraulic cylinder is controlled such that a swing position of the first link is located at a target position, based on the result of detection performed by a position detection sensor, and the action of the second hydraulic cylinder is controlled such that thrust has a target value, based on the results of detection performed by pressure sensors.
Work vehicle
A work vehicle including: a first link having one end portion supported by a vehicle body so as to be pivotable; a second link having one end portion pivotally coupled to the other end portion of the first link so as to be pivotable, and another end portion that supports a travel wheel; a first hydraulic cylinder capable of changing a swing posture of the first link; and a second hydraulic cylinder capable of changing a swing posture of the second link relative to the first link. The action of the first hydraulic cylinder is controlled such that a swing position of the first link is located at a target position, based on the result of detection performed by a position detection sensor, and the action of the second hydraulic cylinder is controlled such that thrust has a target value, based on the results of detection performed by pressure sensors.
Mounting brackets for auxiliary suspension systems
Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
Mounting brackets for auxiliary suspension systems
Brackets for mounting auxiliary suspension systems, such as lift axle systems, to vehicles are disclosed herein. For example, brackets are disclosed for attaching lift axle hanger brackets and lift axle load springs to corresponding frame members. In some embodiments, the frame brackets can include physical features (e.g., a series of graduated steps in an edge portion thereof) to facilitate visual alignment of the lift axle with the vehicle frame members during installation. In other embodiments, the frame brackets can be two-piece brackets that enable the load springs to be removed and replaced without having to detach the frame bracket from the frame rail.
Mobile EV Charging Station
A mobile electronic vehicle (EV) charging station is provided. The charging station may include one or more charging bays for charging electric vehicles (EVs). The charging station includes a plurality of batteries within an interior compartment to supply power for charging the EVs. There is a power delivery subsystem to control supply of electrical power from the batteries to the charging bays. The charging station self-driving to move between a first position to a second position. In some cases, the charging station includes a drive subsystem that controls speed and/or steering based on wireless communications.