Loading, shifting, and staging objects in automated or semi-automated fashion including systems, methods, and apparatuses for the same. The embodiments hereof enable automated and/or semi-automated loading, shifting, organizing, staging, and accessing of objects in different environments, e.g., those associated with a logistics network operation. For example, one such environment is a vehicle. In one aspect, a loading mechanism is used to load objects into a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a shifting mechanism is used to shift objects in a storage space of the vehicle. In another aspect, a door assembly allows for automated opening and closing of a door into a storage space of a vehicle. In addition, methods of manufacturing and using the same are provided.

A liftgate assembly, such as a for a delivery vehicle, includes a liftgate that is movable by hydraulic power between a raised position and a lowered position. The hydraulic power unit includes an energy-recovery mechanism that stores energy while the liftgate is being lowered under load. Energy stored by the energy-recovery mechanism, such as in an accumulator, may be used to raise the liftgate. The hydraulic power unit includes a pump that pumps hydraulic fluid for providing hydraulic pressure. The liftgate assembly thereby uses energy more efficiently, enabling repurposing part of the energy from lowering the liftgate (and any cargo thereupon) in raising the liftgate.

A loading/unloading device for delivering an item(s) to be delivered. The loading/unloading device includes an outer nested track; an inner nested track nested within the outer nested track; a curved generally U-shaped guide track nested within the inner nested track; and a movable trolley accommodated and movable along the curved generally U-shaped guide track. A drive motor being is supported by a first end of the curved generally U-shaped guide track for conveying the movable trolley back and forth along the curved generally U-shaped guide track for loading and unloading the item(s) to be delivered. A delivery vehicle, including at least one loading/unloading device for delivering the item(s) to be delivered, is also disclosed.

An electrical power system for a delivery vehicle. The power system is used in connection with a vehicle having an engine, and a liftgate powered by an electric motor. The power system includes a first battery, a second battery, and an alternator. The electrical power system also includes a super capacitor. The super capacitor has a first capacitor bank and a second capacitor bank, wherein each of the first and second capacitor banks comprises ultra-capacitor cells placed in series. The first and second capacitor banks reside in parallel. In addition, the first and second batteries reside in parallel with the second capacitor bank. Together, the batteries and the second capacitor bank supply power to the liftgate motor. Finally, the first capacitor bank is in electrical communication with the alternator and supplies power, with the alternator, to a relay start for the delivery vehicle to start the engine.

A hybrid power module is provided. The power module is associated with a truck having a lift gate. The power module includes a super capacitor comprising a bank of capacitors, with the super capacitor being in electrical communication with an alternator of the truck. The power module also includes a battery, a switch, a DC/DC boost converter, and electrical wiring. The electrical wiring connects the capacitor bank and first battery to the switch, and further connects the switch to a motor for the lift gate. The super capacitor and the first battery are positioned in parallel, with the super capacitor and the first battery residing proximate the lift gate. The super capacitor contains enough energy to power the electric motor for the lift gate through at least two operating cycles without the battery, protecting the lift gate if the battery goes weak.

The present invention is a cargo carrier. The preferred embodiment is a cantilever displacement cargo carrier with a beam. The first end of the beam comprises a cantilever displacement housing with a pivot hole. A pivot beam is pivotally attached to the beam at the cantilever displacement housing by a pivot pin inserted into the pivot hole and a pivot bushing. The pivot beam preferably has at least one pin saddle where a horizontal bearing pin with at least one bearing is inserted. The bearing preferably has an outer circumference that extends above the top surface of the pivot beam and contacts the cantilever displacement housing. The second end of the beam has a receiver saddle where the pivot beam can be locked in place at an anchor bushing by a retainer pin.

The present disclosure provides a multipurpose tailgate (MPT) that has a load lifter for repairing small engine machines or tools like tractors, lawnmowers, and light utility vehicles at a client's location. The MPT comprises: a rear vehicle door that serves as a ramp and load support platform. The MPT raises a machine to a desired height for repairs with the aid of two hydraulic cylinders, a plurality of different shaped trays with wheel locking holes for securing a machine's wheels. The trays can be extended at different lengths and distances apart. The MPT can provide improved convenience for on-spot repairs, increased space utilization, increased safety and security for holding a machine on the MPT, increased functionality for the MPT to accommodate a wide selection of small engine machines in different repairing positions, service requirements, and increased adaptability to aversive environments.

The present invention is a vehicle lift. In particular, the present invention is directed to a vehicle lift that has an adjustable vehicle receiver mount that is vertically adjustable and horizontally adjustable. The vehicle receiver mount has two lifting arms and two support arms pivotally attached. The lifting arms are each pivotally attached to a platform shoe and the support arms are attached to vertical rotation cups. The extruded aluminum vehicle platform is pivotally mounted on four pivot arms. The pivot arms are pivotally attached to the platform. The lift is attached to the vehicle receiver mount and is also attached to a crossbar mounted between the two lifting arms. The drive is preferably a single unit hydraulic drive. The vehicle receiver mount also has a towing receiver. The vehicle platform preferably has two channels with tethering and anchoring hardware, a vehicle stop and entrance ramp mounted on the channels.

The invention relates to a method for assisting a driver of a vehicle/trailer combination (1) having a motor vehicle (2) and a trailer (4) in maneuvering the vehicle/trailer combination (1), wherein image data of a rear environmental region (12) of the vehicle/trailer combination (1) is captured by means of a rearward looking vehicle-side camera (6) and/or a rearward looking trailer-side camera (7), an image (B) of the rear environmental region (12) is created depending on the captured image data and displayed on a vehicle-side display device (14), wherein a position (20) of a part (15) of the trailer (4) movable between a stowage position and a use position is determined in the image (B), which is occupied by the part (15) by moving the part (15) from the stowage position into the use position increasing at least one geometric dimension (19) of the trailer (4), and a mark (M1) is displayed in this position (20) in the image (B) on the display device (14). The invention additionally relates to a driver assistance system (5) as well as to a motor vehicle (2).

A process for execution by a processor of an electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: (a) detecting an operator command to align an upper structure of a tracked vehicle relative to a lower structure of the tracked vehicle; (b) in response to detection of the operator command, applying controlled rotation of the upper structure relative to the lower structure about an axis to align the upper structure relative to the lower structure at a predetermined relative angle; (c) in response to the upper structure having been aligned relative to the lower structure at the predetermined relative angle, signaling that alignment has been achieved; and (d) causing rotation of the upper structure to stop when alignment has been achieved and being non-responsive to further detection of the operator command during and for a predetermined period of time after said signaling. Also, a tracked vehicle comprising an ECU that executes the above process.