Abstract: A method and apparatus for auditing motor vehicle wheel alignment includes a sensor for passively detecting physical cartesian relationships of at least one wheel on each motor vehicle, and a test station positioned for serially addressing each of the plurality of motor vehicles. A programmed computer control calculates measurements in response to representative signals from the sensors to identify the conditions of caster, camber and toe on the vehicle. A programmed analyzer for processing statistical process control techniques generates statistical data responsive to calculated measurements from the program computer control. Preferably, the test station is conveniently located along the production line for continuous but non-invasive detection of vehicle compliance with a predetermined level of standard deviation.

Abstract: A flexible assembly cell is provided for adding a selected one of a plurality of available components to one of at least two different types of motor vehicle subassembly which may be presented. The flexible assembly cell comprises a work station including a platen having at least one head movable thereover, and a conveyor for presenting a subassembly to the work station. An optical scanner is also provided for identifying whether the subassembly is of a first type or a second type. The head moves magnetically over the platen to retrieve one of the first components from the supply of first components if the optical scanner determines that the subassembly is of the first type, or to retrieve one of the second components from the supply of second components if the optical scanner determines that the subassembly is of the second type. After retrieval, the head presents the retrieved component for addition to the subassembly.

Abstract: A double isolated jounce bumper system comprises first and second shaped members mounted upon the chassis and a control arm of a motor vehicle, respectively. Each shaped member comprises a rigid armature and an elastomeric covering and bears a shape which is complementary to the shape of the other.