Abstract: In some embodiments, a range sensor is configured to detect a distance between a portion of a vehicle and an object above the portion of the vehicle. In some embodiments, the detected distance may be presented to an operator to allow the operator to control a height of an adjustable suspension in order to manually control the distance. In some embodiments, the detected distance may be used to automatically control the distance. In some embodiments, the distance may be controlled in order to allow the vehicle to couple to the object, such as a fifth wheel of the vehicle coupling to a kingpin of a trailer.

Abstract: A sensor device for a monitoring of a coupling state of a coupling element, in particular a coupling bolt, preferably a kingpin, of a trailer, in particular a semitrailer, with a corresponding coupling element of a towing vehicle, in particular a semitrailer tractor, with at least one sensor which is at least configured for a recognition, in particular a detection, of a relative position of the coupling elements with respect to each other, wherein the sensor is realized as an ultra-wideband sensor.

Abstract: A hitch system for automatically coupling a hitch accessory that has an attachment bar assembly with a hitch receiver. The attachment bar assembly includes a housing bar that is tubular, with a pin-hole through the housing bar. A pin-lever is pivotably mounted in the housing bar and includes a pin configured to retract into the housing bar and to extend out of the pin-hole. A ramp-component is disposed in the housing bar and is engageable with the pin-lever. An actuator selectively moves the ramp-component to retract the pin into the housing bar and to extend the pin out of the housing bar, by selectively enabling pivoting of the pin-lever.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a vehicle's trailer reverse assist system is disclosed, including receiving vehicle sensor system data from one or more sensors supported by the vehicle. Based upon the received vehicle sensor data, a trailer pitch angle and a trailer roll angle of a coupled trailer are estimated relative to the vehicle. Surface unevenness of a surface traversed by the vehicle and the trailer is estimated, based upon the estimated trailer pitch angle and the estimated trailer roll angle. One or more parameters of the trailer reverse assist system or of the tow vehicle are adjusted based upon the estimated road surface variance. The trailer reverse assist system of the tow vehicle is subsequently operated using the adjusted one or more parameters.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling with a camera, including a coupling plate and a bearing element, with which the coupling plate can be secured to a towing vehicle, wherein the coupling plate has a centrally arranged locking region for receiving a king pin, as well as an insertion opening running along a longitudinal axis (x) and bordered on both sides by two insertion flanges. The camera is mounted in a position in the region of the fifth wheel coupling with the lowest possible risk of soiling and damage, with the camera being secured to the bearing element.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for an active convertor dolly for use in a tractor-trailer configuration. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a system to connect a tractor to a trailer. The apparatus further includes a charge generating system for translating the mechanical motions or actions of the dolly into electricity or electrical energy so that this energy can be used to charge a battery or to power other functionality for either the dolly or the tractor-trailer. The active dolly may also operate to assist in shunting the tractor-trailer.

Abstract: A system for assisting in aligning a vehicle for hitching with a trailer includes a steering system that adjusts a steering angle of the vehicle, a braking system that adjusts a speed of the vehicle, an imaging system that receives image data of a trailer disposed in an area proximate the vehicle, and a controller. The controller detects, within a threshold distance defined from a stationary point on the vehicle and the trailer, a position of a coupler from the image data, and, responsive to the position being less than the threshold distance, a status of the trailer based on the image data being indicative of a position of a hitch ball relative to the coupler within a second threshold. The controller maneuvers, via the steering and braking systems, the vehicle based on the status.

Abstract: A vehicle connection guidance system may include a sensor and a controller. The sensor is configured to be supported by a vehicle having a first width and a connection interface, the connection interface having a second width different than the first width and along which multiple connection points lie, wherein the sensor is to output steering angle signals. The Controller is configured to output presentation signals based upon the steering angle signals The presentation signals are to generate a visual presentation of a projected path of the width of the connection interface to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A fifth wheel coupling including a coupling plate and a camera, wherein the coupling plate is supported on a towing vehicle by bearing elements, a centrally arranged locking region for receiving a king pin, a support surface at least partially laterally surrounding the locking region for supporting a trailer, as well as an insertion opening running radially from the locking region, which is bordered in a conically widened section on both sides by insertion flanges. The camera is mounted in a position in the region of the fifth wheel coupling with the lowest possible risk of soiling and damage, with the camera being arranged on one of the insertion flanges.

Abstract: A coupler for securing an attachment to an earth working machine. The coupler comprises a coupler body that presents a receptacle having a capture region. A pin of an attachment can move into and out of the capture region. A retainer can capture the pin in the capture region but the retainer can be moved by a hydraulically driven driver to a position to allow release the pin from the capture region. A trigger that the pin will strike when the pin moves into or out of the capture region, decouples the driver from the retainer and the retainer is then allowed to be biased back to its retaining position by a spring.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for determining and verifying operational states of fifth wheels. Certain methods for determining the operational state of the fifth wheel may include sensing, with at least one sensor, magnetic flux caused by a magnet on a movable component movable to lock the fifth wheel to a kingpin of a towed vehicle and determining an end position of the movable component based on the magnetic flux. The end position of the movable component is then compared to a threshold position and an operational state of the fifth wheel is determined based on the comparison of the end position of the movable component to the threshold position.

Abstract: A controlled-flexing trailer hitch system and method to facilitate vehicle-to-trailer attachment and maneuvering by providing a flexible state during attachment, detachment, and low-speed maneuvering of a trailer, and automatic change to a fixed in-line state upon the in-line pulling of the trailer, by providing disengageable spring-return stiffening members and a flexible segmented towing member, where the spring-return stiffening members can be disengaged to allow flexible movement of the flexible towing member, and where, upon commencement of the in-line pulling of the trailer, the spring-return stiffening members engage to place the controlled-flexing trailer hitch into a fixed in-line state.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes a trailer hitch, a camera oriented to capture images of the trailer hitch, and a controller processing the captured images, detecting a trailer safety chain associated with a trailer, determining a connection state of the trailer safety chain to the vehicle, and generating an output indicative of the determined connection state of the trailer safety chain to the vehicle. The vehicle may determine a change in a scene of the captured image following placement of a trailer coupler onto a vehicle hitch and determine a trailer connection state based on the change in scene.

Abstract: An implement mount for height adjustable mounting of an implement to a vehicle. The mount features a hitch coupler for mating with a single-point hitch of the vehicle to reach longitudinally therefrom, and a guide frame defining at least one guide slot lying transverse to the longitudinal direction of the hitch coupler in an upright orientation. At least one link arm is pivotally supported on the hitch coupler, and an implement carrier is coupled to the link arm proximate a rear end thereof. A follower arrangement is engaged between the link arm and the guide slot to constrain movement of the implement carrier to movement along the guide slot. Pivotal movement of the link arm in a first direction lifts the implement carrier along the guide slot, while pivotal moment in a second direction lowers the implement carrier along the guide slot.

Abstract: A drive assist device installed in a tractor vehicle having a connection portion to be connected to a vehicle to be towed, includes: an image acquisition unit which acquires an image taken from a camera that shoots a scene in a shooting range including the connection portion; a position detection unit which detects a position of a counterpart connection portion, to be connected to the connection portion, of the vehicle to be towed; a predicted line generation unit which generates a predicted course line that the connection portion is expected to follow based on a steering angle of the tractor vehicle; a deviation calculation unit which calculates a deviation between the counterpart connection portion and the predicted course line as defined herein; a support image generation unit which generates a support image as defined herein; and an image synthesis unit which generates a synthesized image as defined herein.

Abstract: A trailer positioning apparatus for aiding in aligning a trailer with a tow vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pinion plate which is attached to the landing gear of a trailer; and a rack plate for contacting the ground. The rack plate and pinion plate are pivotally attached at one end. At another end, a pinion engages a series of holes in the rack plate in order to create relative movement between the rack plate and the pinion plate when a force is applied by a user. The trailer may be moved into alignment with the tow vehicle, simplifying the process of attaching the trailer to the tow vehicle.

Abstract: A storage arrangement for lines from a tractor truck to a trailer including at least one of an electrical line, a first pneumatic line and a second pneumatic line includes a housing member configured to be secured to the truck, a first receiver connected to the housing and configured to couple to a select one of the electrical and pneumatic lines and a control arrangement operably coupled to the first receiver such that upon coupling of the select one of the lines with the first receiver the control arrangement allows an operator to unlock a kingpin from a fifth wheel hitch plate assembly, wherein the control arrangement prevents the operator from unlocking the kingpin from the fifth wheel hitch plate assembly prior to the select one of the lines being coupled with the first receiver.

Abstract: A gooseneck trailer having a coupler attached to its neck. The coupler having a recess at its lower end, wherein the diameter of the recess is slightly larger than a diameter of the hitch ball, thus permitting the coupler to receive the hitch ball. The gooseneck trailer further comprises a guide attached to the lower end of the coupler over an exposed area around the recess. The guide having a round arch portion and a pair of prongs. The round arch having a crown portion and a pair of haunches. The radius of the curvature of the crown of the round arch is proportional to the radius of the hitch ball. The pair of prongs are continuous with the pair of haunches, wherein the crown portion, the two haunches, and the two prongs are integral.

Abstract: A vehicle is structured for exerting a force on a dolly to move the dolly along a ground surface includes a locking pin mechanism having a locking pin, and a dolly tongue receptacle coupled to the locking pin mechanism so as to be movable with respect to the locking pin mechanism to a first position and a second position. A switch is coupled to the dolly tongue receptacle and structured to be operated by movement of the dolly tongue receptacle from the first position to the second position. The locking pin mechanism is structured to extend the locking pin into an opening formed in the portion of the dolly tongue responsive to operation of the switch.

Abstract: A system for allowing a chassis for an intermodal shipping container having fittings and a floor to be secured to a loading dock is provided. The system is capable of being stowed away into the chassis when not in use, and moveable to a locking position for interfacing with the dock's restraining system when the chassis is to be secured to the loading dock.

Abstract: Provided is a pick-up hitch assembly for connection to a vehicle. The pick-up hitch assembly includes a swing frame having a first end configured to be coupled to the vehicle and a second end, a slide frame movable relative to the swing frame between a retracted position and an extended position, and an electrically powered actuator assembly configured to be coupled to the vehicle and being coupled to the swing frame at the second end of the swing frame. The actuator assembly is configured to move the swing frame between a raised position and a lowered position independent of movement of the slide frame and of a three-point hitch.

Abstract: The air hose retention device includes a first connector pivotally engaged to a top and an outer spool having a receiving area. A second side of a housing is rotatably engaged to a first side. A cable is wound on the outer spool. A spring is disposed in the receiving area. Pulling of the cable causes rotation of the second side in a first direction and the coiling of the spring. Movement of the cable towards the housing uncoils the spring winding the cable about the outer spool and rotating the second side in a second direction. The cable has a releasable connector which is engaged to a connector hose of a trailer. The air hose retention device may be easily disconnected from both a cab and a connector hose for storage or transportation in a cab of a truck during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A method for determining a length of a trailer attached to a tow vehicle having one or more sensors positioned on a back portion of the tow vehicle facing the trailer is disclosed. The method includes receiving, at a data processing hardware in communication with the one or more sensors, first sensor data associated with a first position of the tow vehicle. The method includes receiving, at the data processing hardware, second sensor data associated with a second position of the tow vehicle. The second position is different from the first position. The method also includes receiving, at the data processing hardware, third sensor data associated with a third position of the tow vehicle. The third position is different from the first position and the second position. The method includes determining, at the data processing hardware, a length of the trailer based on the first, second, and third sensor data.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle comprises identifying a first detected position of a trailer coupler in the sensor data and identifying a trajectory range of a hitch of the vehicle based on a steering angle range of the vehicle. In response to the first detected position being outside the trajectory range, the method may continue by calculating a nearby position within the trajectory range based on the trajectory range. The method further comprises maneuvering the vehicle aligning the hitch with the nearby position.

Abstract: A vehicle hitching assistance system includes a steering system having steered vehicle wheels mounted on an exterior of the vehicle and a steering motor mechanically coupled with the steered vehicle wheels. The system further includes controller that acquires control of the steered vehicle wheels by connection with the steering motor and, after acquiring control of the steered vehicle wheels, receives a command to execute an automated hitching maneuver and controls the steered vehicle wheels using the steering motor.

Abstract: A vehicle hitching assistance system including a controller determining a trailer target area to a rear of the vehicle. The trailer target area is positioned within left and right lateral vehicle steering limits, defined in a lateral direction between left and right boundaries respectively spaced inwardly of the left and right lateral vehicle steering limits by one of a system perception factor or a vehicle geometry factor, and defined in a longitudinal direction between a minimum movement limit and a maximum perception limit. The controller further identifies a trailer coupler within the trailer target area and outputs a steering signal to the vehicle to cause the vehicle to steer to align a hitch ball of the vehicle with the coupler during movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for assisting a coupling process of a transportation vehicle reversing toward a trailer which includes detecting a ball head coupling of the trailer based on a camera image recorded by a camera of the transportation vehicle, limiting the camera image to an image detail in which the ball head coupling is disposed, detecting at least one curved front edge of the ball head coupling within the limited image detail, and determining the engagement position fir a vehicle-side ball head based on the at least one detected curved front edge of the ball head coupling. A trailer coupling assistant for a transportation vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of a monitoring system for winemaking are provided.

Abstract: A device to align a trailer coupler to a hitch ball intended for use with a standard ball mount hitch. The device has a base and a plurality of vertical surfaces which are orthogonal to the base. The device mates with a standard hitch ball. The base has a through hole that can accommodate the shank of a standard hitch ball. The shank of the hitch ball is inserted through the base and through a ball mount platform. A threaded fastener secures the hitch ball. When a trailer coupler contacts the device, the device center the trailer coupler over the hitch ball.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates in a first aspect to a trailer hitch guide adaptor for a trailer tongue coupler, comprising: a mounting plate configured for attachment to the trailer tongue coupler, the mounting plate having an mounting plate upper-surface and a mounting plate front-end; a pair of guide plates, each of the guide plates attached below the mounting plate, each of the guide plates having a guide plate front-end and a guide plate back-end, wherein said guide plates are angled relative to each other, whereby each of the guide plate back-ends converge towards each other; and a third guide plate extending outwards from the mounting plate front-end, the third guide plate having a third guide plate upper surface, wherein the third guide plate upper surface defines an obtuse angle relative to the mounting plate upper surface, such that a hitch ball is able to be guided towards the mounting plate front-end via the third guide plate, and/or from below the mounting plate and towards the guide plate back en

Abstract: A trailer frame includes an axle-carrying portion and a tongue. The tongue includes first and second curved drawbars, each defining a convex surface. The convex surface of the first drawbar faces the convex surface of the second drawbar. The facing convex surfaces allow for an increased turning radius of a tow vehicle connected thereto by increasing the distance between the rear corners of the tow vehicle and the tongue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a method that includes providing at least one sensor mounted to a structure on a vehicle. The at least one sensor is located at a sensor height relative to ground level. A first object is located on the vehicle at a fixed distance from the at least one sensor and at a variable distance from ground level. The variable distance estimated as a function of a vehicle load. The sensor height adjusted based on the variable distance to account for any changes in the vehicle load. A second object is spaced at a vertical distance from ground level. An adjusted sensor height used for comparison to the vertical distance of the second object from ground level.

Abstract: A hitch and ball alignment device for aligning a tow ball with a trailer tongue includes a first sensing unit and a controller. The first sensing unit comprises a first sensor, which is position type, and a first transmitter. A first coupler is coupled to the first sensing unit and is configured to removably couple the first sensing unit to one of a tow ball, which is coupled to a vehicle, and a trailer tongue. The controller comprises a screen and a receiver. The first sensor is configured to determine a distance between the first sensing unit and the other of the tow ball and the trailer tongue and to signal the controller via the first transmitter. The controller is positioned display the positions of the tow ball and the trailer tongue on the screen to guide a user to align the tow ball with the trailer tongue.

Abstract: An image capturing device according to one embodiment includes a camera unit configured to capture images of a surrounding environment and generate image data, a suction-attachment unit configured to support the camera unit and be fixed on a suction-attachment subject surface by a user, a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the image data can be output to a recording unit, and a controller configured to control output of the image data to the recording unit, based on a determination result by the determination unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a controller for generating a composite image (IMG3) of a region behind a towing vehicle (V). The controller is operable to receive a towing vehicle image data (DV1) from a towing vehicle camera (C1); and a trailer image data (DV2) from a trailer camera (C2). The controller combines the towing vehicle image data (DV1) and the trailer image data (DV2) to generate a composite image data (DV3) corresponding to a composite image (IMG3). The controller is operable to output the composite image data (DV3). The controller is operable selectively to enable and/or disable the output of the composite image data (DV3). The controller is configured to monitor a status of a turn signal indicator. The controller is configured to disable the output of the composite image data (DV3) when the turn signal indicator is activated; and/or enable the output of the composite image data (DV3) when the turn signal indicator is de-activated.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for operating an embedded system of a vehicle during a coupling operation of the vehicle with a trailer having a coupler. The method comprises accessing a video stream generated by a video camera; operating an object detection module on the video stream so as to detect the trailer and/or the coupler and establish one or more regions of interest. The method also comprises generating a vehicle referential point estimated position of a vehicle referential point and generating a coupler position with respect to the vehicle referential point estimated position based on the one or more regions of interests and the vehicle referential point estimated position.

Abstract: A method for assisting a hitching operation between an agricultural utility vehicle and an implement to be attached thereto includes providing a vehicle side first laser unit and a vehicle side second laser unit, generating a first vertical light fan by the vehicle side first laser unit, and generating a second vertical light fan by the vehicle side second laser unit. The first and second vertical light fans are aligned with a hitching point or a reference point that characterizes the hitching point on the implement for carrying out the hitching operation.

Abstract: A backing system for a vehicle and trailer includes a wireless control device in communication with an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured with programming to record an image of a hitch for the vehicle and trailer assembly and determine a hitch angle using a plurality of reference points on the trailer which are viewed by the camera. The portions of the image which are relevant to a current position of the vehicle and trailer assembly are determined by the electronic control unit. Data regarding the relevant portions are sent to the control device via a secured wireless connection and displayed on a display.

Abstract: A method for detecting and localizing a trailer coupler of a trailer is provided. The method includes receiving images from a camera positioned on a back portion of a tow vehicle and determining a region of interest within the images. The region of interest includes a representation of the trailer coupler. The method includes determining a camera plane and a road plane. In addition, the method includes determining a three-dimensional point cloud representing objects inside the region of interest and within the camera plane and the road plane. The method also includes receiving sensor data from a sensor system and determining a coupler location of the trailer coupler based on the 3D point cloud and the sensor data. The method also includes sending instructions to a drive system causing the tow vehicle to autonomously drive along a path in a rearward direction towards the coupler location.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device for warning persons in traffic has an antenna unit having at least a first antenna, a second antenna, and a third antenna. The antennas are mounted spaced apart from each other in a predetermined spatial relationship at predetermined positions on a vehicle to be safe-guarded. Each antenna generates an electromagnetic field. The vehicle safety device also has a control unit in electrical communication with the antenna unit, which defines a warning zone for the vehicle and determines whether a warning module matched to the antenna unit is located within the warning zone.

Abstract: A vehicle system is disclosed herein. The system includes a hitch ball mounted on a vehicle. A controller is configured to identify a coupler position of a trailer and control motion of the vehicle to an aligned position, wherein the hitch ball is aligned with the coupler position. The controller is further configured to initiate a vehicle agitation routine after the vehicle has reached the aligned position.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for mounting lights is described. The portable apparatus may include an attachment frame configured to removably mount to and be supported by a 3-point hitch connection of a tractor, a generally vertical main post having an upper end and a lower end, where a lower portion of the main post is rigidly coupled to the attachment frame, and where a height of the main post is vertically adjustable, and a generally horizontal mounting beam rigidly coupled to the upper end of the main post at a center portion of the beam, where a left length of the mounting beam and a right length of the mounting beam are independently adjustable, and where the mounting beam includes a plurality of vertical light mounting bars, where each light mounting bar is coupled to the mounting beam.

Abstract: A transport dolly includes a base and a tongue rotatably mounted to the base. At least one support is mounted to the base. A first cable guide is coupled to the at least one support. A lever is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation. A cable has a first portion attached to the tongue. The cable extends from the tongue to the first cable guide, then to the lever. The lever pulls on the cable when the lever is rotated from the first orientation to the second orientation, so as to decrease a distance between the cable first portion and the first cable guide, thereby rotating the tongue from a lowered orientation to a raised orientation. A spring mechanism exerts a force on the lever to prevent rotation of the lever from the second orientation to the first orientation when the tongue is raised.

Abstract: A controlled-flexing trailer hitch system and method to facilitate vehicle-to-trailer attachment and maneuvering by providing a flexible state during attachment, detachment, and low-speed maneuvering of a trailer, and automatic change to a fixed in-line state upon the in-line pulling of the trailer, by providing disengageable spring-return stiffening members and a flexible segmented towing member, where the spring-return stiffening members can be disengaged to allow flexible movement of the flexible towing member, and where, upon commencement of the in-line pulling of the trailer, the spring-return stiffening members engage to place the controlled-flexing trailer hitch into a fixed in-line state.

Abstract: A vehicle hitch assistance system includes a steering system and a controller. The controller acquires position data for a coupler of a trailer, derives a vehicle path to position a center of a hitch ball of the vehicle at an interference offset past a centerline of the coupler in a driving direction of the vehicle path, and outputs a steering control signal to the steering system to maintain the vehicle along the path.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a first signal indicative of an implement pitch angle from a sensor, determining whether the pitch angle is within a pitch angle range, generating a first control signal indicative of instructions to adjust a hitch actuator if the pitch angle is not within the pitch angle range, and communicating the first control signal to the hitch actuator.

Abstract: A periphery monitoring device includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire a peripheral image captured by an imaging unit that is provided in a vehicle and captures an image of a periphery of the vehicle, and an indicator image that is capable of being superimposed on the peripheral image and serves as an operation indicator of a driver when the driver performs a driving operation of the vehicle; and an image processing unit configured to change the indicator image from a first predetermined height to a second predetermined height and display a transition of the change.

Abstract: A jackknife prevention device installed on a vehicle includes: a base plate mounted at a trailer hitch of the vehicle adjacent to a ball mount; a first arm pivotally associated with the base plate at a proximal end of the first arm and including a bumper portion located thereon, the first arm movable between a first position and second position; and a second arm pivotally associated with the base plate at a proximal end of the second arm, the second arm including a bumper portion located thereon, the second arm extending in a direction that is divergent from a direction of the first arm, the second arm movable between a first position and a second position. The first arm and second arm are releasably engaged with the base plate to pivot between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A hitch mount assembly includes features configured to facilitate hitching of a drawbar receiver to a drawbar. The hitch mount assembly includes an alignment member supported for movement relative to the drawbar receiver. The alignment member is configured to abut the drawbar and consequently move the drawbar receiver relative to the drawbar to substantially align the pin opening of the receiver with the pin hole of the drawbar. The hitch mount assembly also includes a view window in the drawbar receiver for viewing movement of the drawbar within the drawbar cavity.

Abstract: An agricultural tractor having a three-point hitch with a top link. The tractor is provided with a lifting block adjacent the three-point hitch. The lifting block has a retractable cable which can be used to assist in the raising or lowering of the top link, to allow for easy manipulation of the top link by an operator. In addition, the cable of the lifting block can be used to assist in the coupling of a rear attachment system of the tractor with relatively heavy implements.