Abstract: A radar system for vehicle tire testing and analysis may be mounted within the casing of a vehicle tire to measure the location of the inner casing of the tire (tire deformation) as well as the location of the tire/soil interface (tire footprint). The radar system of the present invention may also be used to determine soil characteristics by analyzing the reflected signals. The present invention may have particular use in testing tires for use with on- or off-road surfaces. However, the present invention may also be used to monitor tire deformation, traction, footprint, and soil characteristics.

Abstract: A device for placing survey flags, and similar devices having stems, is operated so that the stem is locked or otherwise held to an elongated shaft or similar aligning device. Pressure on the shaft or aligning device forces a portion of the flag stem into the soil or other sound substrate. Then, an operator can carry out an operation to separate the placing device from the stem.