US Patent 9357114 Dual camera fifth wheel system

A dual camera system for viewing a coupling of a hitch to a trailer, such as on a semi tractor truck, includes a camera housing having two video cameras. The housing includes two doors that open automatically by a motor, arms and linkages when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. A split screen view is shown to the driver rearward toward the trailer and forward toward the hitch plate. The motor, arms and linkages automatically close the doors after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse, such as after a delay to determine if the hitch latch is secure. The linkages are sliding linkages with a spring so that the doors can be opened manually for cleaning the lenses of the cameras. A heating element is inside the housing.