Abstract: A tractor-trailer highway parameter gauge having visual indicators near the center of the field of view of an operator, which correlate with the location of the rearwardmost portion of the tractor-trailer within a traffic lane. The parameter gauge comprises a horizontally disposed base, a first electrically illuminated visual indicator mounted upon a first bracket assembly that is fastened to the base, a second electrically illuminated visual indicator mounted upon a second bracket assembly that is fastened to the base, an electrical component housing operatively connected to the first and said second visual indicators, and an electrical power supply connected to the electrical component housing. The parameter gauge enables safer operation of a tractor-trailer on a public highway.

Abstract: An alignment device is provided for aligning an object mounted to a fixture in a desired orientation. The alignment device includes a level, a laser, a plurality of positioning members, and a suction device in fluid communication with a vacuum generator, and preferably an angular rotation indicator. The suction device removably engages the alignment device with the object to be aligned. Utilizing the alignment device, a technician can simultaneously adjusted a horizontal and vertical (pitch) orientation of an object and a rotation of the object until the object is aligned according to the desired orientation. The alignment device can further include a separate but cooperative adjustable stabilizing frame having a plurality of stabilizers. The stabilizing frame is expandable and retractable to be secured about the object, and the stabilizers can be adjusted to maintain the desired orientation of the object relative to the fixture.

Abstract: A alignment apparatus for assisting a driver in directing coupling engagement between a towing vehicle hitch and a trailer hitch. The apparatus includes a guide carried by the towing vehicle representing the position of the towing vehicle hitch for being visible to the driver. A target is carried by the trailer representing the position of the trailer hitch for being visible to the driver. The target has a pair of laterally spaced posts defining a target zone for receiving the guide to align the towing vehicle hitch with the trailer hitch for coupling engagement. A sensor is carried by the guide for determining whether the guide is within the target zone. An indicator is operatively associated with the sensor for indicating to the driver when the guide is within the target zone to alert the driver of alignment between the towing vehicle hitch and the trailer hitch for coupling engagement.

Abstract: Alignment between the wheels of a vehicle is determined using a position determination system and includes indicating wheel positions on the vehicle with targets; imaging the targets to obtain locations of the wheel positions; and calculating a relationship between the front and rear wheels. Alignment is aided by calculating rear and front wheel tracks and comparing the calculated front and rear wheel tracks to a specified range for the front and rear wheel tracks. Also, right and left wheel bases can be calculated and the calculated right and left wheel bases to can be compared a specified range for the right and left wheel bases. Measures of offset and skew can also be obtained. A computer-implemented position determination system for determining alignment between the wheels of a vehicle is disclosed.

Abstract: A vehicle parking guide apparatus adapted to provide visual indication when a predetermined position is reached. The vehicle parking guide apparatus includes a base and a pivotable contact rod with an indicator attached thereto. The base of the vehicle parking guide is positioned on the ground at a location selected to ensure that a vehicle properly engaged with the contact rod will be longitudinally and laterally aligned. To laterally position the vehicle relative to one or more lateral reference objects, the operator aligns the cross-car center of the vehicle with the indicator. To longitudinally position the vehicle relative to one or more longitudinal reference objects, the operator advances toward the parking guide until the vehicle engages the contact rod thereby causing the indicator to move. The movement of the indicator provides the operator with a visual indication that the vehicle is properly positioned in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A tractor-trailer highway parameter gauge having visual indicators near the center of the field of view of an operator, which correlate with the location of the rearwardmost portion of the tractor-trailer within a traffic lane. The parameter gauge comprises a horizontally disposed base, a first electrically illuminated visual indicator mounted upon a first bracket assembly that is fastened to the base, a second electrically illuminated visual indicator mounted upon a second bracket assembly that is fastened to the base, an electrical component housing operatively connected to the first and said second visual indicators, and an electrical power supply connected to the electrical component housing. The parameter gauge enables safer operation of a tractor-trailer on a public highway.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding a vehicle through a tunnel or other space. A linear beam of light is projected along a certain path through the space. As the vehicle travels into the space, the linear beam is shined upon the vehicle. Visually aligning an indicator on the vehicle with the linear beam of light indicates to the driver that the vehicle is traveling directly down the center of the path. The alignment occurs by the driver making manual adjustments of the vehicle's direction by turning wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A driving assistance device for a vehicle that includes a housing having a left rod, a center rod and a right rod extending from the housing attached to the vehicle. Each of the rods are parallel and having a light source at an end thereof. Electrical wiring is located within the housing and the rods for connecting the light sources to a power source for illuminating the light sources. When the right rod overlaps a lane marker of a road, the vehicle is too close to the lane marker. When the left rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is too far away from the lane marker. Additionally, when the center rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is in the proper position. Therefore, the driving assistance device allows a driver of the vehicle to properly align the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: A lane alignment driving aid includes first and second lane alignment markers. The markers have linear interior edges and are symmetrically spaced about a centerline. The markers are attached to a vehicle windshield and aligned to bracket the first and second edges of a displayed lane marker adhered to a road surface. When the alignment markers are attached to a vehicle windshield so that a driver seated in a vehicle can observe the displayed lane marker adhered to the road surface between the symmetrically spaced edges of the first and second lane alignment markers while driving, the driver will be more easily able to guide the vehicle in parallel proximity to a roadway lane edge. The means for attaching the markers to the vehicle windshield includes a sheet of flexible, transparent material. The material has an inner surface, an outer surface and has the first and second lane alignment markers affixed to either the inner or outer surface.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus has a signaling element connected to one end of a metal column and a magnet connected to the opposite end of the column. The metal column is of sufficient stiffness to support the weight of the signaling element and maintain the element above the magnet when the magnet is attached to an object. The signaling element assists an individual in estimating distances of object relative to said signaling element.

Abstract: A vehicle back-up guide comprised of a lever arm which defines an abutting arm and a spacing arm angled relative to each other. The lever arm is pivotally mounted to a mounting means to the rear side of the vehicle. As the vehicle is backing-up and closing in on an object, the abutting arm, which has a distal end projecting substantially away from the vehicle, makes contact with the object and this automatically moves the spacing arm outwardly thus giving a visual indication of the relative distance of the vehicle to the object.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment hitch system uses height adjustable stanchions with length adjustable arms terminating in mirrors. The stanchions are respectively connectible to a tow vehicle and a trailer and placed so that the mirror is aligned vertically over the hitch connection component of the tow vehicle and the trailer and adjusted so that the respective mirrors are at different heights. The tow vehicle operator backs the tow vehicle until the mirrors visually indicate vertical alignment by one mirror coming into place below the other mirror and obstructing the view of the hitch component.

Abstract: An alignment device for a rearview mirror assembly of a vehicle provides a visible signal or indication to a driver of the vehicle to assist the driver in aligning the rearview mirror assembly for proper rearward and/or sideward viewing. The alignment device is adaptable for interior and exterior rearview mirror assemblies. Preferably, the alignment device includes an illumination source positioned at or near the reflective element of the rearview mirror assembly. The illumination source is actuatable to provide the visible signal during an adjustment period of the rearview mirror assembly and may be deactivated following such time period.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment system for properly aligning a vehicle with respect to a trailer without requiring the vehicle operator to leave the vehicle. The vehicle alignment system includes a first telescoping rod having a first base attachable to a hitch of a trailer, and a pair of telescoping rods extending from a cross member with a center magnet attached thereto for attaching to a ball. An upper member extends between the pair of telescoping rods for indicating when the ball and the hitch are properly aligned. An indicator ball is preferably attached to a distal end of each of the telescoping rods for increasing the visual indication.

Abstract: For aiding in the interconnection of a trailer (10) of the so-called fifth wheel variety to complementary hitching apparatus (22) mounted to the bed of a towing vehicle (14), an alignment target (24) is removably positioned on the vehicle bed along the bed longitudinal axis via which the vehicle driver effects interconnection with maximum driving efficiency and minimal backing attempts.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle trailer hitch display flag apparatus, the trailer hitch of the type having a removable towing ball. The apparatus comprises an elongated, preferably tubular flagstaff having a display flag attached or releasably attachable to an upper end portion thereof and an elongated straight support shaft adapted at a lower end thereof to be releasably attachable to the trailer hitch in upwardly extending and upright orientation in place of the towing ball when it is removed. A lower end of the flagstaff is slidably engageable over the support shaft in coaxial upwardly extending alignment with the support shaft. A releasable locking arrangement holds the flagstaff and the support shaft together while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: A lane alignment driving aid includes first and second lane alignment markers. The markers have linear interior edges and are symmetrically spaced about a centerline. The markers are attached to a vehicle windshield and aligned to bracket the first and second edges of a displayed lane marker adhered to a road surface. When the alignment markers are attached to a vehicle windshield so that a driver seated in a vehicle can observe the displayed lane marker adhered to the road surface between the symmetrically spaced edges of the first and second lane alignment markers while driving, the driver will be more easily able to guide the vehicle in parallel proximity to a roadway lane edge. The means for attaching the markers to the vehicle windshield includes a sheet of flexible, transparent material. The material has an inner surface, an outer surface and has the first and second lane alignment markers affixed to either the inner or outer surface.

Abstract: An angularly adjustable, vehicle side view mirror having a reflective mirror member mounted within a frame that is attached to the driver or passenger side of an automotive-type vehicle. The frame has an outer edge member having a series of horizontally spaced apart markings that are visible to the driver within the vehicle. The mirror has an outer edge that is closely adjacent to the frame outer edge member and can be pivoted into visual alignment with anyone of the frame member markings. The alignment of the mirror edge with a pre-selected frame member marking positions the mirror for reflecting either a blind spot side area or an area closer to the vehicle side. The marks also guide the driver in setting the mirror to pre-selected angles whenever the particular pre-set angle has been changed.

Abstract: A hitch guide mechanism is disclosed for connection to a first tongue having a ball hitch thereon which is for mounting to a frame of a vehicle and a corresponding second tongue having a ball hitch socket for mounting to a frame of a trailer. The ball hitch includes a threaded stem and is received through a bore of the first tongue and is maintained by a threaded nut. The hitch guide mechanism includes a first member which connects to the first tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch. A second member connects to the second tongue and has a portion which extends generally vertically above the ball hitch socket. The first and second members can include separably removable sleeves. The portions extend a sufficient height when the members are so connected as to be rearwardly viewable when seated in the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is of a device which provides the driver of a towing vehicle with a visual indication of the precise position and alignment of a towing vehicle's hitch ball (or other vehicle-side docking device) with the trailer's ball receiver (or other trailer-side docking device). Embodiments include an adjustable support for a position indicating device or “marker” which support attaches to the towing vehicle (in the bed of a pickup truck, for example) and can be adjusted whereby being marker or is positioned for indicating the point at which, when the trailer's receiver is juxtaposed thereto, the receiver and the vehicles docking device (usually a hitch ball) will be properly positioned and aligned for attachment.

Abstract: An alignment device to align a vehicle's trailer hitch ball neck assembly with a trailer hitch socket assembly or tongue assembly. The present invention includes two units, each having uprights with engaging press on members. The ball neck upright member has a “C”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the neck of the trailer hitch ball neck, and the hitch engaging upright member has a “U”-shaped bottom portion for frictionally engaging the outer housing of the hitch socket member around its lower end periphery. When used in conjunction with each other, the two poles visually assist the vehicle operator in aligning the vehicles so that they may be easily coupled together for towing.

Abstract: A driving assistance device for a vehicle that includes a housing having a left rod, a center rod and a right rod extending from the housing attached to the vehicle. Each of the rods are parallel and having a light source at an end thereof. Electrical wiring is located within the housing and the rods for connecting the light sources to a power source for illuminating the light sources. When the right rod overlaps a lane marker of a road, the vehicle is too close to the lane marker. When the left rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is too far away from the lane marker. Additionally, when the center rod overlaps the lane marker of the road, the vehicle is in the proper position. Therefore, the driving assistance device allows a driver of the vehicle to properly align the vehicle on the road.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in locating the eyes of a vehicle driver or passenger in a vehicle for controlling vehicle systems including the positioning of vehicle sideview mirrors in relation to the driver's eyes to maximize the view of traffic on either side of the vehicle or the characteristics of vehicle airbag deployment. The location of a driver's or passenger's eyes is derived from the adjustment by the driver (or passenger, if capable of doing so) of adjustable light beam(s) emanating from light source(s) or illuminated indicia, until it (or they) intersect the driver's or passenger's eyes. From the angles of adjustment of the light beam(s) and other known coordinates of the vehicle, the location of the driver's or passenger's eyes or the target may be computationally derived as a set of Cartesian coordinates.

Abstract: A device and method used by a driver to verify that he/she is positioning a vehicle safely within the designated lane of travel area of a roadway. The device includes an LED sighting unit having an aiming LED and an attachment mechanism for attaching the LED sighting unit to the windshield of a vehicle. In the method, the driver positions the vehicle safely within the lane of travel area of a roadway and then adjusts the position of the LED sighting unit until the aiming LED thereof is within the line of sight of the driver's eyes, while the driver is seated in the normal driving position, and the boundary line between the lanes or along the side of a roadway.

Abstract: A trailer back-up mirror which can be-removably attached to the frame of a boat, camper, recreational vehicle or other trailer for facilitating alignment of the hitch ball on a towing vehicle with the trailer hitch as the vehicle is backed toward the trailer, in order to couple the trailer hitch to the hitch ball. In a preferred embodiment the trailer back-up mirror is characterized by a support shaft which is magnetically and removably attached to the trailer frame. An adjusting shaft is adjustably extendible from the support shaft and a flexible gooseneck shaft extension projects from the extending end of the adjusting shaft. A rectangular mirror mount plate terminates the shaft extension and a flat mirror and convex mirror are mounted on the mirror mount plate. In use, the gooseneck shaft extension is initially adjusted to position the mirror mount plate such that the trailer hitch and hitch ball appear in the convex mirror, and the trailer hitch appears in the flat mirror.

Abstract: A detachable vehicle trailer hitch display flag apparatus, the trailer hitch of the type having a removable towing ball. The apparatus comprises an elongated, preferably tubular flagstaff having a display flag attached or releasably attachable to an upper end portion thereof and an elongated straight support shaft adapted at a lower end thereof to be releasably attachable to the trailer hitch in upwardly extending and upright orientation in place of the towing ball when it is removed. A lower end of the flagstaff is slidably engageable over the support shaft in coaxial upwardly extending alignment with the support shaft. A releasable locking arrangement holds the flagstaff and the support shaft together while the apparatus is in use.

Abstract: A tubular receiver is open at an upper end and integral with a flexible sheet magnet, suction cup or other attachment device, at a lower end. A rod is frictionally inserted into the tubular receiver and extends upwardly to terminate with a spherical shape. When one of these devices is fixed to hitch portions of a trailer and a towing vehicle, the driver of the vehicle is able, more easily, to bring the two hitch portions together.

Abstract: A mobile machine for determining information at a forestry site. The mobile machine includes a gimbal base mounted on the mobile machine, a rotating laser beam range detector mounted on the gimbal base so that the rotating laser beam maintains a horizontal plane, a position determining system mounted on the mobile machine, and a slope determining system located on the mobile machine and electrically connected to a set of gimbals on the gimbal base, the gimbals being adapted to sense a slope of the mobile machine.

Abstract: A trailer alignment apparatus for facilitating alignment of the ball coupler on a gooseneck trailer or a tongue-mounted coupling trailer with the hitch ball on a towing vehicle. In a first embodiment, the trailer alignment apparatus is designed for use with gooseneck trailers and mounts in the bed of a pickup truck and supports a pivoting alignment indicator over the hitch ball in the truck bed. As the pickup truck is backed toward the stationary gooseneck trailer, the alignment indicator eventually contacts the vertical gooseneck hitch post on the trailer and pivots from an angled to a vertical position to indicate to the pickup truck driver that the gooseneck-type ball coupler on the hitch post is in precise vertical alignment with the hitch ball.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for surveying is described whereby a selected survey point may be quickly and accurately located and marked. The apparatus comprises a prism pole with a mechanism for assuring the vertical orientation of the prism pole to the earth's surface, a satellite positioning system antenna mounted to the prism pole, and a marking device mounted to the prism pole for establishing a survey mark. The surveying apparatus is designed to be mounted to a wheeled vehicle for increased convenience to the user.

Abstract: A mirror assembly for ensuring correct coverage of a critical field of view. Reference points (e.g., markings, light sources, images of objects) are used for correct mirror adjustment. In one embodiment, dots are located on the center of the mirror and on a fixed inner and outer glass located immediately in front of the mirror. The viewer aligns the dots such that the dot on the mirror appears directly in front of mirror images of the dots on the outer an inner glass. In an alternative embodiment, a light source produces the reference points. The light is reflected by a back surface of the mirror coated in a concentric pattern of gradient coating material. The resulting reflection is a reflected spot corresponding to the center of the patterns, where a transparent center window is located, and a shaded area corresponding to the concentric pattern. The viewer tilts the mirror so that the reflected spot overlaps the shaded area in the line of sight. The mirror could be a rear view or side-view mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safe and secure trailer hitch for use with a towing vehicle. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to an optical guiding trailer hitch device which allows an operator of a towing vehicle to easily, accurately, and safely attach a trailer to the towing vehicle. Additionally, the optical guiding trailer hitch device may further include an assembly for aligning the trailer in a horizontal plane relative to the towing vehicle. The present invention in conjunction with a trailer may be used for the transportation of a boat, a camper, a mobile home, or any such object which may be moved from one place to another place using a trailer and a towing vehicle.

Abstract: A device for a aligning a trailer hitch ball with a trailer coupling includes an elongated guide strip that is positioned on the ground with a portion immediately beneath the ball on the towing vehicle and a second portion immediately beneath the trailer coupling. A first target is mounted on the trailer hitch ball while a second target is mounted on the trailer coupling. A convex mirror assembly is mounted on the rear of the towing vehicle using any one of a plurality of adjustable mounting brackets. The mirror is positioned such that the towing vehicle driver can see the trailer hitch ball and the target mounted thereon. The towing vehicle driver reverses the vehicle while guiding the first target along the alignment strip. When the driver observes that the first and second targets are aligned, the coupling is properly aligned with the trailer hitch ball.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle travel position marker and method for confirming vehicle travel position for correct, visual confirmation of tire position and vehicle width, which before now could only be sensed. The present invention relates to a method for confirming vehicle travel position wherein markers 2a and 2b are established at positions, at or near the inside bottom of the vehicle A windshield 1, appearing from the driver's seat to lie over lines extending from the right and left tires 3a and 3b of the vehicle A, and the vehicle is operated using the markers 2a and 2b as signs for the positions through which the right and left tires 3a and 3b will pass. The present invention also relates to vehicle travel position markers used in the method for confirming vehicle travel position.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment apparatus comprises a first guide member removably attached to a vehicle bumper and a second guide member removably attached to a trailer hitch socket. The first guide member includes a magnetic base with a telescopically extensible rod adjustably coupled thereto. The second guide member includes a magnetic base having an upwardly extending telescopic rod and a downwardly extending semi-flexible shaft attached thereto. The shaft extends downwardly through a bore defined by the trailer hitch tongue so as to contact the trailer hitch ball when the ball and socket are aligned. Contact between the shaft and ball causes vertical displacement of the shaft and guide rod. Therefore, the two telescopic guide rods, visible from a driver's seat, facilitates lateral alignment of the ball and socket while vertical displacement of the second rod indicates perfect forward alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods especially useful for the alignment of trailer hitch components by an unaided individual are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a visual guide attached to the top of a mast which is mounted in an angularly adjustable mast mount on the winch strut of a trailer, and a target mounted on the rear of a towing vehicle, visible to the driver. The position of the visual guide is pre-adjusted so the visual guide strikes or nearly strikes the target on the towing vehicle when the trailer hitch components are aligned. The target and mast are then removed, or placed in a stowed position for towing. When alignment is again desired the target, mast and mast mount are returned to the pre-adjusted position, and the driver of the towing vehicle uses the pre-adjusted position of the visual guide to guide maneuvering of the towing vehicle to align the trailer hitch components.

Abstract: A trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for assisting a user in aligning a vehicle and trailer hitch. The trailer hitch and tongue alignment system includes a vehicle-mountable apparatus provided for mounting on a hitch ball support of a vehicle. The vehicle-mountable apparatus includes a first mount for mounting to the hitch ball support. A locator post is mounted to the first mount for extending in a substantially vertical orientation when the first mount is mounted on a hitch ball support. A light source is adapted for selectively shining light. The light source is mounted on an upper end of the locator post. A switch is designed for selectively activating the light source when the tongue of the trailer is located above the hitch ball of the hitch ball support. The switch is located on the locator post.

Abstract: A visual observation system, using the towing vehicle's rearview mirror and a trailer mounted mirror apparatus to align the vehicle's hitch ball and the trailer's hitch receiver without having to use a second person to observe the hitch and guide the driver. The driver does not have to leave the vehicle to observe the relative position of the trailer hitch and the vehicle ball. This allows the driver to align the hitch without damaging the vehicle or the trailer. This apparatus uses a mirror assembly (60), comprising a combination of a convex mirror and a flat mirror mounted on a offset bracket attached to telescoping support (50), on a rotating base assembly (30) offset to the side of the trailer tongue, forming a unit that can be rotated into offset storage clip (75), mounted on the trailer tongue, or easily removed for storage without the use of tools. The unit gives a large field of vision while backing up the vehicle, using the convex mirror.

Abstract: A trailer hitching system (10) and method is provided for facilitating an operator's maneuvering of a towing vehicle hitch component (16) into alignment with a towed vehicle hitch component (18) to enable mechanical interconnection of the hitch components. The trailer hitching system (10) includes an alignment sensor (24) attached to either the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) for emitting a light beam over a field of view. A reflector (32) attached to the other of the towing vehicle (12) or the towed vehicle (14) is mounted at a predetermined location relative to the alignment sensor (24). The reflector (32) reflects a portion of the light beam emitted from the alignment sensor (24). An alarm (46) in the alignment sensor (24) emits an audible alarm in response to detecting a portion of the reflected light beam.

Abstract: A viewing mirror device to assist a vehicle driver when connecting the vehicle to a trailer. The mirror device comprises a viewing mirror, an attachment tube or channel for attaching the device to the vehicle hitch, and a mast that connects the viewing mirror to the attachment tube or channel. The position of the viewing mirror can be adjusted so that the vehicle driver can see both the vehicle hitch connection point and the trailer tongue connection point in the mirror.

Abstract: A trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for the purpose of helping a user line up the hitch ball of a vehicle to a hitch ball receiver of a trailer. The trailer hitch and tongue alignment system includes a trailer hitch and tongue alignment system for mounting on a vehicle and a trailer to be hitched to the vehicle. The system comprises a projecting apparatus for mounting on the hitch ball support of the vehicle, and a target apparatus. The projecting apparatus includes a first support mount, and support post mounted to the support mount for extending in a substantially vertical orientation when the support mount is mounted on a hitch ball support. A connector is mounted on the support post. A top member is mounted to the connector with a light source mounted on the top member for projecting a focused beam of light. The target apparatus is adapted for mounting on the tongue of the trailer. The target apparatus includes a second support mount for mounting to the tongue of the trailer.

Abstract: A garage includes a garage door which can be opened and closed by a garage door opener or by hand. A pendant suspended from a cord is movable from a raised position when the garage door is closed to a lowered position when the garage door is open. In the lowered position, the pendant is at the height of the windshield of a vehicle and at the eye level of the driver. When a vehicle enters the garage and the windshield contacts the pendant, the vehicle is properly positioned in the garage. The cord is attached to a reel which winds up the cord when the pendant is raised and pays out the cord when the pendant is lowered. The reel is driven in at least one direction by an internal spring, by a spring of the garage door opener or by the motor of the garage door opener.

Abstract: A vehicle guidance assembly visually indicates the anticipated path of a moving vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. The assembly includes an image projection device for projecting a visual image outwardly from the vehicle and downwardly onto a surface to be travelled by the vehicle. The image defines a reference mark on the surface for being readily viewed by the driver. A mounting member mounts the image projection device on a surface of the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch positioning system that provides a visual and an audible indication to a vehicle driver of the position of the trailer ball with respect to the tongue of the trailer. The trailer hitch positioning system includes a pinpoint light source assembly, a light beam sensing array assembly, and a passenger compartment display unit wherein a pinpoint beam from the pinpoint light source assembly strikes and activates light beam sensors within the light beam sensing array assembly, the activations of the light beam sensors being detected by a digital controller within the display unit which then provides a corresponding positional information output to the vehicle driver through an LED display and an audible alerting buzzer.

Abstract: An automatic adjustment system for maintaining a line of sight between a driver and a rear end of a trailer towed by a tow vehicle is disclosed. A transmitter and a receiver are coupled proximal a side-view mirror. A reflector is mounted proximal the rear end of the trailer and is adapted to receive a signal from the transmitter and to reflect the signal to the receiver. A control unit is provided for determining a deviation from an initial value of a selected property of the signal, the initial value corresponding to an orientation of the mirror when the line of sight is established. An actuator responsive to the controller orients the mirror such that the value of the selected property of the signal is returned to the initial value.

Abstract: A trailer hitching alignment aid for helping a driver of a vehicle properly align the vehicle's hitch with the trailer tongue of the trailer. The trailer hitching alignment aid includes a vehicle mounted assembly designed for mounting to a vehicle above a ball hitch of the vehicle and a trailer mounted assembly designed for mounting to a trailer tongue of a trailer. The vehicle mounted assembly comprises a main member and an elongate end member coupled to the main member. The end member is designed for coupling to the vehicle such that the main member is positioned above the ball hitch of the vehicle. An elongate first guide rod is upwardly extended the main member. The trailer mounted assembly comprises an upper member and a lower member having a top portion coupled to a lower end of the upper member. An upwardly facing trailer magnet is coupled to a bottom portion of the lower member. A center extent upwardly extends from a center region of the trailer magnet.

Abstract: A telescoping field marker which is retractable into a compact storage position. The inventive device includes a bracket structure attachable to an implement frame, an inner arm having a lumen pivotally attached to the bracket structure, a hydraulic cylinder attached between said bracket structure and said inner arm, a hydraulic motor within the inner arm adjacent the bracket structure, an outer arm slidably positioned within the lumen of the inner arm, and a threaded shaft connected to the hydraulic motor and threadably connected to a proximal end of the outer arm for extending and retracting the outer arm with respect to the inner arm. A marking disc is attached to a distal end of the outer arm for marking a ground surface. The outer arm is free to move upwardly and downwardly when fully extended thereby compensating for uneven terrain. The hydraulic cylinder and the hydraulic motor are preferably fluidly connected in series so as to operate simultaneously.

Abstract: Equipment for non-contact measurement of the deflection of a road (2) comprises a self-propelled vehicle with a load (7) which influences at least one wheel (4), the speed of which is measured in the direction of travel. The equipment further comprises a laser device (8) from which at least one electromagnetic beam (9) is directed towards the rodway in the vicinity of the vehicle, and the Doppler frequency change in the reflection (9) is detected. An electronic circuit (10) continuously registers the results of the measurements and herewith the deflection at normal traveling speed.

Abstract: A visual alignment aid to assist in the proper alignment of a 5th wheel RV hitch to a 5th wheel trailer king pin when the view of the 5th wheel RV hitch is obstructed, due to extended cab length or other restrictions in the front portion of the bed area, such as but not limited to a tool box mounted in the front portion of a tow vehicle bed area.

Abstract: A field marker is mounted on the rear corner of the seeder or cultivator frame so that its weight is supported by the packer wheels or support wheel axles at the rear of the frame, thus minimizing the imbalance and uneven seeding that will occur with marker mounted on the front corner. The marker arm is slidably extensible to avoid complex knee-action joints and the mechanisms required to operate them.