Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment system provides a system that can be utilized with different trailers without requiring modification of the trailers or requiring minor modifications that require less than a minute or so to effect. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides two acoustic transceivers for directing acoustic signals towards and receiving reflected acoustic signals from a downwardly extending hitch assembly for a gooseneck trailer whereby this unique feature of the gooseneck trailer is utilized as a signal reflector. A timer is utilized to time the transmitted/reflected signals to determine at least two distances for determining a relative position of the downwardly extending hitch. A readout gives the driver ongoing feedback for aligning the gooseneck downwardly extending hitch with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A heating platen transfer device and method for use with a battery heat seal machine of the type that is used for sealing a top cover to a battery container. The mobile platen transfer device is used with the machine to quickly and safely remove an outgoing platen and replace it with an incoming platen when changing battery sizes and types on the battery assembly line. There is also disclosed herein a novel method for sealing a battery top cover to a battery container.

Abstract: A battery heat seal machine and method for sealing a top cover to a battery container. The machine has a one-piece heating platen with thermal expansion features which eliminate stress on the platen bearings that support the platen. A new type of top cover holder and pickup device is also employed in the machine to positively grasp the top cover around the center line of the cover and to lift it up and return it as desired. The pickup device design may be used with small automotive batteries and with large commercial batteries. A mobile platen transfer device is used with the machine to quickly and safely remove an outgoing platen and replace it with an incoming platen when changing battery sizes and types on the battery assembly line.

Abstract: A battery heat seal machine and method for sealing a top cover to a battery container. The machine has a one-piece heating platen with thermal expansion features which eliminate stress on the platen bearings that support the platen. A new type of top cover holder and pickup device is also employed in the machine to positively grasp the top cover around the center line of the cover and to lift it up and return it as desired. The pickup device design may be used with small automotive batteries and with large commercial batteries. A mobile platen transfer device is used with the machine to quickly and safely remove an outgoing platen and replace it with an incoming platen when changing battery sizes and types on the battery assembly line.