A method for moving a vehicle to a component of an object at a distance therefrom, the vehicle having a navigation module which has a camera and an evaluation electronics, and an identification element is attached to the object in a predetermined position in such a way that it is recognized by the camera in a far range (D.sub.max) of the vehicle from the object, and a reverse driving line of the vehicle is calculated by the evaluation electronics from the perspective position of the camera in relation to the identification element. The method improves the approach of a vehicle to a stationary object. In a start position (S) of the vehicle, the navigation module generates a static object coordinate system (K.sub.O) and a reverse driving line is calculated from the start position (S) to a pre-positioning point (S.sub.Vi, S.sub.Vii, S.sub.Viii).

Systems and methods for manipulating the pitch and/or tilt of a trailer relative to a supporting surface. A trailer leveling system includes one or more telescopically adjustable support assemblies that are constructed to be pivotably connected to a frame of a trailer. Each support assembly includes a post that is pivotably connected to a trailer frame. A rack is formed along at least one side of the post. A tube slideably cooperates with the post and supports a pawl that cooperates with the rack to allow translation of the tube relative to the post in a first direction and selectively prevent translation of the tube relative to the post in the opposing direction.

A monitoring system for a combination vehicle comprises at least one image capture device mounted on a tractor, which has a trailer mounted control system within its field of view. The trailer mounted control system has a visual indicator. A controller is associated with the at least one image capture device. The controller captures images of the visual indicator, determines if the visual indicator meets a predetermined event condition and provides notification to at least one of a driver of the tractor and a remote fleet operator in response to the visual indicator meeting the predetermined condition.

A transportation vehicle with at least one first sensor for capturing environment data, at least one second sensor for capturing transportation vehicle data, a communication module for establishing a data connection with another transportation vehicle, a driving system for automated driving of the transportation vehicle, at least one output element for a visible/audible warning signal, and a control unit. The control unit determines a predicted trajectory of the transportation vehicle, determines a predicted path of the transportation vehicle and receives a predicted trajectory and vehicle geometry data of the other transportation vehicle via the data connection, determines a predicted path of the other transportation vehicle, determines a possible collision of the transportation vehicle with the other transportation vehicle, and in response to a possible collision, outputs a warning signal by the at least one output element and/or carries out an automated driving maneuver by the driving system.

A system for maneuvering a vehicle has a detection system, a prediction system, and a vehicle control system. The detection system is configured to detect a nearby vehicle adjacent to the vehicle. The prediction system is configured to calculate a predicted trajectory of the nearby vehicle upon receiving a detection result from the detection system. The vehicle control system is configured to maneuver the vehicle based on the predicted trajectory upon receiving a control signal from the prediction system. The vehicle control system maneuvers the vehicle to keep a specified distance away from the nearby vehicle. A method for maneuvering a vehicle includes detecting a nearby vehicle adjacent to the vehicle, calculating a predicted trajectory of the nearby vehicle, and maneuvering the vehicle based on the predicted trajectory to keep a specified distance away from the nearby vehicle.

A through the road (TTR) hybridization strategy is proposed to facilitate introduction of hybrid electric vehicle technology in a significant portion of current and expected trucking fleets. In some cases, the technologies can be retrofitted onto an existing vehicle (e.g., a truck, a tractor unit, a trailer, a tractor-trailer configuration, at a tandem, etc.). In some cases, the technologies can be built into new vehicles. In some cases, one vehicle may be built or retrofitted to operate in tandem with another and provide the hybridization benefits contemplated herein. By supplementing motive forces delivered through a primary drivetrain and fuel-fed engine with supplemental torque delivered at one or more electrically-powered drive axles, improvements in overall fuel efficiency and performance may be delivered, typically without significant redesign of existing components and systems that have been proven in the trucking industry.

The present invention relates to a drive unit in the form of a caravan mover (10) comprising a motor (12) (drive means) and a head (14) which are linked together by a gear mechanism (16). The head (14) provides a roller (15) which is rotatably mounted on a shaft. The roller (15) is arranged, in use, to be urged or pressed against the tread portion (surface) of a tyre. The drive unit is controlled by a control unit (ECU) which controls the movement of the driven roller (15) between the disengaged position and the engaged position and also controls the rotation (and direction) of the driven roller (15). The caravan mover (10) of the present invention includes an integral power supply such that the unit comprises a single integral system which is easily installed on the caravan and does not require the routing of cables from a remote power supply. The battery (30) comprises securement means in order to quickly and easily secure the battery (30) to the drive unit housing and, in particular, to the housing (20) of the motor (12). The securement of the battery (30) to the motor 6 also automatically and simultaneously aligns and connects terminals of the battery (30) to power receiving terminals of the motor (16). Such a quick and simply securement mechanism provides a battery (30) can be quickly and easily removed, for example, in order to be charged. Accordingly, the drive unit/caravan mover (10) (including the motor, roller, battery, control unit and mounting means) forms a single self-supporting component which is solely secured to the caravan/trailer at a single location by the mounting means.

A method for controlling a vehicle includes providing a first vehicle having a deflection system, a control system includes a controller electronically connected to the deflection system, and a first tow connection, the deflection system including a movable deflection member and at least one actuator coupled to the deflection member, providing a second vehicle coupled to the first vehicle, the second vehicle having a second tow connection, providing at least one sensor coupled to the first vehicle and electronically connected to the control system, the at least one sensor configured to capture data corresponding to a frontal area of the second vehicle, monitoring, by the controller, sensor data received from the at least one sensor, and automatically generating, by the controller, a control signal to control the at least one actuator.

A system comprises an autonomous vehicle (AV) and an operation server operably coupled with the AV. The operation server accesses environmental data associated with a road traveled by the AV. The environmental data is associated with a time window during which the AV is traveling along the road. The operation server compares the environmental data with map data that comprises expected road conditions ahead of the AV. The operation server determines whether the environmental data comprises an unexpected road condition that is not included in the map data. In response to determining that the environmental data comprises the unexpected road condition that is not included in the map data, the operation server determines a location coordinate of the unexpected road condition, and communicates a command to the AV to maneuver to avoid the unexpected road condition.

A transportation refrigeration system (100, 200, 300) includes a refrigeration system component (110), a linear generator (104, 202, 310) electrically connected to the refrigeration system component (110), and a linkage (142, 214). The linkage (142, 214) is operably connected to the linear generator (104, 202, 310) to convert movement of the transportation refrigeration system (100, 200, 300) into electrical power for communication to the refrigeration system component (110). An electric transportation refrigeration system used to cool a trailer box are also described.