Embodiments include a pitch hydraulic system for a dual cabin articulated vehicle. The pitch hydraulic system includes an energy recovery function to harnesses hydraulic energy during vehicle mobility. A directional valve can be activated to allow movement of first and second pitch cylinders into either a “pitch up” or “pitch down” position. The pitch system can alter the stiffness of the unit to improve safety, stability and ride comfort.

A railless tugger train (100) includes a train module (10), at least one transportation module and at least two axis modules, wherein each axis module has a stiffly configured axis beam, at which a first mounting device is configured in the form of a stiff mounting of the train module or a transportation module and at which a second mounting device is configured for an articulated connection of a transportation module. At least two wheels (19) are mounted at the axis beam in such a way that the wheels are each rotatable around a rotation axis (D) which is configured vertical to the longitudinal axis (L) of the axis beam.

An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo is described having a mobile dolly frame, a main shaft on the frame, a lever proximate to a first part of the frame (where the lever is movable relative to the frame and in responsive communication with the main shaft), a first set of transfer sprockets mounted to the main shaft, a secondary shaft rotatably disposed at a second part of the frame (where the first part is remote from the second part), a second set of transfer sprockets mounted to the secondary shaft, a chain disposed about the first set of transfer sprockets and the second set of transfer sprockets, and a locking pin having a first end fixed to the secondary shaft and a second end configured as an angled latch. Rotation of the lever responsively causes the locking pin to remotely rotate at the second part of the frame.

This disclosure relates to systems and methods of towing, hitching, and connecting devices. In particular, this disclosure relates to tow devices, hitches, and connections for towing item containers behind vehicles, both autonomous and manually guided.

A guiding vehicle (100) for an intralogistics system, wherein the guiding vehicle (100) is remote controlled or autonomous and configured to be connected to a self-propelled load bearing cart (200), and guide and control the propulsion of the self-propelled load bearing cart (200) such that the load bearing cart (200) can transport a load in the intralogistics system. The guiding vehicle (100) comprising a mechanical connector (170) for mechanically connecting the guiding vehicle (100) to the load bearing cart (200) and a connector for transferring data. The guiding vehicle (100) is configured to receive navigation data from the self-propelled load bearing cart (200), using the connector for transferring data, in the form of information concerning the movement of a drive wheel of the load bearing cart (200) obtained from at least one motor of the load bearing cart (200) or from at least one encoder connected to the drive wheel.

A modular electric vehicle comprising a single module(s) with an electric driving system and a vehicle control unit, the modular vehicle is configured to be selectively articulated to a master vehicle and to be controlled from a selectable control source via the vehicle control unit either in a first, articulated mode, or in a second, autonomous mode. The control source may be selected to be in communication with a first gateway installed at the master vehicle or a second gateway installable at the modular vehicle. The modular electric vehicle may comprise a pair of single modules coupled to one another in tandem and in data and control communication with one another. The modules may each be configured to serve a master or a slave vehicle, so that any of the modules may serve a master vehicle, whenever required for the autonomous mode.

A quick connect logistics trailer used with a forked vehicle, where the trailer includes two movable fork guides to attach to the forks of the forked vehicle, a fork guide spacer to move the fork guides to accommodate different fork spacing, and a movable top platform attached by hinges to allow access to components under the top platform. The quick connect logistics trailer also includes side mounted fork pockets to lift the logistics trailer. The quick connect logistics trailer also includes two linear latches attached to the fork guides that can be attached to the forks of the vehicle, and two switchable magnets attached to each fork guide to attach the fork guides to the forks. The quick connect logistics trailer can also include a trailer clip attached to the trailer and a fork truck clip assembly attached to the forked vehicle, where the trailer clip assembly temporarily but securely attaches to the fork truck clip assembly to allow the forked vehicle to tow the logistics trailer.

An improved cargo dolly for transporting cargo is described having a mobile dolly frame, a main shaft on the frame, a lever proximate to a first part of the frame (where the lever is movable relative to the frame and in responsive communication with the main shaft), a first set of transfer sprockets mounted to the main shaft, a secondary shaft rotatably disposed at a second part of the frame (where the first part is remote from the second part), a second set of transfer sprockets mounted to the secondary shaft, a chain disposed about the first set of transfer sprockets and the second set of transfer sprockets, and a locking pin having a first end fixed to the secondary shaft and a second end configured as an angled latch. Rotation of the lever responsively causes the locking pin to remotely rotate at the second part of the frame.

Systems are provided for assisting in towing a trailer by a lead vehicle. A wheeled tow assist unit couples between the lead vehicle and the trailer. A drive unit onboard the tow assist unit drives the wheels in response to a force between the trailer and the tow assist unit. The tow assist unit bears at least a portion of the force required to tow the trailer.

A method for controlling steering of a self-powered steerable dolly vehicle during a maneuver, the method comprising determining an articulation angle associated with a drawbar of the dolly vehicle, determining a longitudinal velocity of the dolly vehicle, and controlling the steering of the dolly vehicle based on the articulation angle and on the longitudinal velocity of the dolly vehicle, wherein the controlling comprises initially steering the dolly vehicle in a direction of the articulation angle direction in case the longitudinal velocity of the dolly vehicle is above a velocity threshold.