A cargo securing apparatus and a method of maintaining a user configured tension in a cargo securing element are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one sensor arranged to measure tension in a tensile element used to secure the cargo and a processor in data communication with the sensor. The processor is configured to receive tension measurements from the sensor, to compare the tension measurements to a user configured tension setting and to determine tension correction parameters required to maintain tension in the tensile element within a range of the user configured setting associated with the tensile element. The apparatus may include one or more manual or automated adjustment drives to adjust the tension in the tensile element in accordance with the tension correction parameters.

There is a system for secure use of a wheelchair in demand response transportation systems comprising a wheelchair restraint comprising a central housing disposed between a vehicle strap and a wheelchair strap, the vehicle strap to secure the wheelchair restraint to the demand response vehicle, further comprising a vehicle strap sensor configured to provide a vehicle strap sensor electrical signal indicating whether the vehicle strap is securely affixed to a wheelchair anchor of a demand response vehicle, the wheelchair strap to secure the wheelchair restraint to the wheelchair, further comprising a wheelchair strap sensor configured to provide a wheelchair strap sensor signal indicating whether the wheelchair strap is securely connected to a wheelchair via the wheelchair strap.

Vehicle which has a loading area, on which a load can be placed and by means of at least one load detector the presence of said load on said loading area can be detected, and by means of a central control unit the signals of all said load detectors can be detected and the measured value of the mass of said load can be detected, whereby said load can be secured by means of at least one movable, mechanical and flexible load securing device, which can be brought into contact with said load, and by means of at least one safety sensor the value of the force can be detected with which said load securing device acts on said load and for this force said central control unit calculates a reference value, depending on the mass of said load and according to a formula for the relevant applicable regulations and thereupon checks, if the actual value is sufficient.

The invention relates to a device for measuring the tension in a tensioning belt, comprising a retaining device for retaining a spring element, an elastically deformable spring element that is retained by the retaining device and on which a section of the tensioning belt can apply a force and elastically deform the spring element, the ends of the spring element being moved closer to one another when the tensioning force increases, and an electronic sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises a sensor system that measures the deflection of the spring element and generates a data signal, and a transmitter for transmitting the data signal to a receiving unit. The sensor system is situated at the ends of the spring element.

A cargo restraint system a locking ring coupled to an extension tube, wherein the locking ring comprises an annular body and one or more tabs extending from the annular body. The cargo restrain system also includes a locking tube coupled to the main body. The locking tube comprises one or more grooves complementary to the shape and size of the tabs on the locking ring. The grooves of the locking tube inhibit rotational movement of the locking ring.

The technology relates to cargo vehicles. National, regional and/or local regulations set requirements for operating cargo vehicles, including how to distribute and secure cargo, and how often the cargo should be inspected during a trip. However, such regulations have been focused on traditional human-driven vehicles. Aspects of the technology address various issues involved with securement and inspection of cargo before a trip, as well as monitoring during the trip so that corrective action may be taken as warranted. For instance, imagery and other sensor information may be used to enable proper securement of cargo before starting a trip. Onboard sensors along the vehicle monitor the cargo and securement devices/systems during the trip to identify issues as they arise. Such information is used by the onboard autonomous driving system (or a human driver) to take corrective action depending on the nature of the issue.

A method for securing cargo that can form a unit load when the cargo is immobilized on a load carrier or on a vehicle by means of a securing device, and a measuring device for measuring a tensile stress acting on the securing device being disposed on the securing device, the measuring device being equipped with a data processing system having a device for signal transfer to a central data processing system.

There is a strap tension detector for detecting tension in a strap. A housing has an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion and lower portion are adapted to receive the strap. A strain beam is mounted to one of the upper portion and the lower portion. The strain beam is arranged at an angle to the strap to extend across the width of the strap when the strap is placed between the upper portion and the lower portion and extending through the first and second strap-receiving openings so that the strap bears on the strain beam when taut. A strain gauge is operatively connected to detect strain across the strain beam.

A cargo restraint system includes a body, a first connecting end and a second connecting end on opposing sides of the body, wherein the first and second connecting ends are coupled to a securing member which is used to restrain the cargo. One or more load sensors are coupled to the first connecting end and/or the second connecting end. A controller is coupled to the one or more load sensors. The controller is configured to receive tension information from the one or more load sensors. The controller includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the tension information to a remote device. The controller may include a database to store the information.

A lashing system is usable on cargo ships that are transporting shipping containers, optionally as a supplement to standard lashing bridges provided on cargo ships. The lashing system includes a support that can interface with the pre-existing interlocking system provided on the shipping containers. The support can be lifted and placed on a stack of shipping containers using the same cranes used for loading and unloading shipping containers. The lashing system includes lashings that are attached to the support and are releasably connectable to another shipping container or to a structure of the cargo ship. The tension in the lashings is preferably monitored during the trips of the cargo ships.