Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system optical target assembly incorporating an adaptor for attachment of an optical target to a vehicle wheel assembly. The adaptor includes at least three contact points for abutment against surfaces of a vehicle wheel assembly, and an attachment mechanism configured to grip surfaces of a tire mounted to the wheel rim to hold the optical target assembly in contact with the wheel assembly surface. The optical target is secured to the adaptor, and maintained in a fixed relationship to the wheel assembly thereby during a vehicle wheel alignment measurement procedure.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel balancer system with a controlled centering chuck for automatically centering a wheel assembly about a balancer spindle shaft, and a powered clamping device configured to provide a first clamping action which facilitates centering of the wheel assembly on the balancer spindle shaft, and a second clamping action to secure the wheel assembly on the balancer spindle shaft during rotational wheel balance measurement procedures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding an operator in the alignment of the wheels of an automotive vehicle which has been either modified from a original manufacturer configuration, or for which no previously established alignment settings are known. Initially, the operator identifies known information about the vehicle and selects a desired characteristic of the vehicle for which the vehicle alignment is to be optimized. A set of initial alignment settings are presented to the operator, based upon the selected characteristic for the vehicle, and the vehicle alignment is adjusted thereto. One or more subsequent measurements of the vehicle are acquired. Alignment adjustments to further improve the selected characteristic, identified in response to the vehicle measurements are presented to the operator. The process of alignment adjustment, measurement, and presented adjustments is repeated until an optimal alignment setting for the selected characteristic is reached.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a vehicle wheel aligner sensor having a housing with a rotatable shaft extending from the housing. The shaft is removably received in a sensor support mounted to a vehicle wheel. The locking mechanism includes a gear fixed to the shaft within the sensor housing and a worm gear mounted on a lever. The lever is pivotally mounted in the housing and at least a part of the lever extends above the housing so that the lever may be pivoted by an operator. The lever is pivotable to move the worm between a locked position in which the worm engages the gear and an unlocked position in which the worm is out of engagement with the gear. The lever is axially rotatably mounted in the sensor housing so that the worm may be rotated with respect to the gear when the lever is in the locked position to allow for fine adjustment of the sensor's rotational position.