Abstract: A method for calibrating an ADAS sensor of an advanced driver assistance system of a vehicle (9) comprises the following steps: (A) deriving an attitude parameter of the vehicle (9); receiving the derived attitude parameter in a control unit (11); (B) comparing the derived attitude parameter with a corresponding reference parameter; (C) aiding with the positioning of a support structure (3) near the service area (8), where a calibration device (41) is mounted on the support structure (3); sending a calibration command from the control unit (11) to an electronic control unit (95) of the vehicle (9) to determine an interaction between the ADAS sensor and the calibration device (41); processing data received from the electronic control unit (95) of the vehicle (9) in the control unit (11).

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

Abstract: Provided a full-automatic wheel hub 3D scanning system for intelligent production line of automotive wheel hubs, comprising: a base plate is provided with an X-directional displacement control device and a Y-directional displacement control device; a roller-table assembly is arranged on the base plate and comprises a roller table, wherein the roller table is provided with an opposite-type photoelectric sensors and a wheel hub centring positioning device for centring positioning a wheel hub; a 3D scanning device, comprising a mounting bracket, wherein the bottom of the mounting bracket is controlled by the Y-directional displacement control device; a 3D scanner is mounted on the mounting bracket; a wheel hub scanning platform is arranged at an end of the roller-table assembly and is controlled by the X-directional displacement control device; and a robot is arranged on a first side of the wheel hub scanning platform, for conveying the wheel hubs after 3D scanning.

Abstract: A target alignment system for calibrating a safety sensor mounted on a vehicle with front and rear wheels by locating an optimum target position upon a horizontal surface for accurate calibration of the sensor. The target alignment system comprises a plurality of visual guide projectors and a pair of target assemblies which project a visible guide line perimeter around the vehicle, the perimeter including parallel longitudinal lines on either side of the vehicle, a lateral alignment guide line crossing the longitudinal lines in front of the vehicle, and a center guide line colinear with the vehicle center line. The front and rear wheels of the vehicle are longitudinally aligned causing the vehicle thrust line to match the vehicle center line. One of the visual guide projectors projects a transverse line across the center guide line, creating an intersection point which marks the optimum target position.

Abstract: Vehicle alignment systems and methods are disclosed which operate based on a calculation of “drive direction,” or the direction in which a vehicle is moving. Since a vehicle can be assumed to be a rigid body, each wheel has the same drive direction. Consequently, an alignment parameter of one wheel can be compared to the same parameter of another wheel by equating their drive direction, eliminating the need for the aligner to “see” both sides of the vehicle at the same time. Embodiments include a system having one or more cameras on a fixture carrying a calibration element for an ADAS system, and one or more targets placed on the vehicle to measure the drive direction of the vehicle. The drive direction is assumed to be parallel to the vehicle thrust line and can be used as the line for orientation of the fixture to the vehicle.

Abstract: The present application describes the addition of various feedback mechanisms including visual and audio feedback mechanisms to an ophthalmic diagnostic device to assist a subject to elf align to the device. The device may use the visual and non-visual feedback mechanisms independently or in combination with one another. The device may provide a means for a subject to provide feedback to the device to confirm that an alignment condition has been met. Alternatively, the device may have a means for sensing when Acceptable alignment has been achieved. The device may capture diagnostic information during the alignment process or may capture after the alignment condition has been met.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a floor target relative to a vehicle, the floor target including a calibration pattern for observation by a vehicle safety system sensor during calibration. The system includes at least one optical projection system consisting of at least one optical projector having an orientable projection axis. The optical projection system is operatively controlled by a processor to orient said projection axis towards a selected location on the floor surface relative to the vehicle, and to activate the optical projected to illuminate a point, a line, or a boundary, against which the floor target is aligned.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for accurately aligning a replacement spindle with a pre-existing axle shaft to facilitate repairing a damaged axle assembly. The alignment apparatus may comprise an axle clamp assembly and a spindle clamp assembly. The axle clamp assembly may be mountable to an axle shaft. The axle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. Similarly, the spindle clamp assembly may be mountable to a spindle. The spindle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. The axle clamp assembly may be fixable to the spindle clamp assembly. By fixing the axle clamp assembly to the spindle clamp assembly, a desired alignment between the axle shaft and the spindle may be achieved.

Abstract: A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction. Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises a locking member (82) which is designed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34), by operation of the locking member (82), can be fixed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are no longer movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) also comprises an unlocking member (84) which is designed such that a fixation of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) can be released by operation of the unlocking member (84).

Abstract: A sensor calibration system includes a calibration tool with a vertical rail defining a first axis, and two carriage assemblies. One carriage assembly is supported by the vertical rail, movable along the first axis, and has a horizontal rail defining a second axis transverse to the first axis. Another carriage assembly is coupled to the horizontal rail, and has a transverse mounting bar with a plurality of target mounts, each target mount configured to releasably support a respective calibration target.

Abstract: A maintenance assembly for a wheel assembly of an amusement ride vehicle includes a foundational body, a wheel engagement section extending a first distance from the foundational body, and a datum section including a protrusion extending a second distance from the foundational body. The wheel engagement section is configured to contact a wheel surface of the wheel assembly, and the datum section is configured to contact a pad of the wheel assembly. Additionally, the wheel engagement section is rigidly positioned with respect to the datum section, and the second distance is greater than the first distance, such that the maintenance assembly provides a fixed distance between a surface of the datum section configured to contact the pad and a surface of the wheel engagement section configured to contact the wheel surface.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be removably attached to a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle via lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly is used to determine imbalance forces of the tire/hub assembly during motion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cup-shaped objects fixed at one end to the disk and extending perpendicularly outward from the disk. The plurality of cup-shaped objects are arranged a fixed radial distance from a radial center of the disk in a pattern that matches the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus is mounted to the vehicle's tire/hub assembly by fitting the plurality of cup-shaped objects over the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus further includes one or more inertial measurement units (IMU's) mounted to the disk to measure parameters that are used for calculating the imbalance forces during motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: Example steering assistance systems and methods are described. In one implementation, a controller receives inputs from one or more sensors mounted to a vehicle. The controller processes the inputs from the one or more sensors to determine whether a steering change is needed. Responsive to determining that a steering change is needed, the controller provides a steering change recommendation to a driver of the vehicle via a physical rotation of the vehicle steering wheel in a recommended direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade that is pivotable, first and second optical targets operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector to select at least one of the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected imaging data.

Abstract: A vehicle detection apparatus includes circuitry configured to cut out a region of interest in an image, calculate a composite feature quantity of the region of interest as a whole by dividing the region of interest into a plurality of divided regions, calculating a feature quantity of each of the divided regions, and combining the calculated feature quantities of the respective divided regions together, and perform, on the basis of the calculated composite feature quantity, filtering that discards the region of interest that is determinable as not being a wheel of a vehicle.

Abstract: A medical information processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to display medical examination data on the basis of a medical examination data space having a dimension corresponding to a data display format determined for each piece of medical examination data. The processing circuitry is configured to perform space conversion with reference to a specified conversion reference point in the medical examination data space to switch display of the medical examination data that is displayed.

Abstract: Automated methods and apparatuses for charging or fueling a vehicle include provision of a plurality of tags and a controller to a vehicle. The plurality of tags are respectively installed at a plurality of positions on a top face of a roof of the vehicle. The controller is configured to cause information about a charging or fueling port of the vehicle to be transmitted to a charging or fueling system of a charging or fueling station. The charging or fueling system, provided with a charging connector or fueling nozzle, and an imaging device, uses at least the information about the charging or fueling port and the plurality of positions of the plurality tags to determine a location of the charging or fueling port of the vehicle, to charge or fuel the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for wheel alignment measurement comprises at least two sensors which are configured to record each time at least two images of the front wheels and the rear wheels of a vehicle passing by; and an evaluation device which is configured to evaluate the images recorded by the sensors in order to determine whether the vehicle has traveled along a straight line. The sensors are arranged such that a vehicle to be measured can pass between the at least two sensors. The evaluation device is configured to determine the geometric travel axis of the vehicle and/or the individual tracks of the wheels on the front axle and/or the rear axle of the vehicle when the evaluation of the images recorded by the sensors reveals that the vehicle has traveled along a straight line.

Abstract: An optical sensor calibration apparatus in the form of a wheel clamp. The wheel clamp apparatus is configured to determine a center point of a wheel of a vehicle, and to provide a measurement reference with respect to the center point. The measurement reference may be used to position other apparatuses in an optical sensor calibration system configured to calibrate an optical sensor of the vehicle.

Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a front axle assembly having an axle beam with a slot, a wheel assembly including a steering knuckle coupled to a wheel flange assembly, and a steering sensor pin assembly is provided. The steering sensor pin assembly includes a steering sensor pin having a first end and a second end opposite the first end having a flat face, and a kingpin connected to the steering knuckle. The kingpin has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a hole from the top surface to the bottom surface. The hole is aligned with the slot in the axle beam, and the steering sensor pin is positioned in the hole for coupling the kingpin to the axle beam via the flat face of the steering sensor pin being coupled to the slot.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to track a blade are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a blade that is pivotable, first and second optical targets operatively coupled to the blade, and a first camera for collecting first imaging data of the first optical target within a first field of view. The example apparatus also includes a second camera for collecting second imaging data of the second optical target within a second field of view. The example apparatus also includes a selector to select at least one of the first or second imaging data, and a processor to determine an orientation of the blade based on the selected imaging data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved wheel end face detection and correction device, which includes a detection and correction system, a synchronous clamping system, an expansion and rotating system, compression and positioning systems, a lifting system and the like. The device may be used for detecting the end face run-out of the flange of a wheel and implementing on-line correction, and has the characteristics of high automation degree, advanced process, strong universality and safe and stable performance at the same time.

Abstract: A system and method of determining tire and wheel assembly alignment orientation for determining at least caster angle includes imaging a tire and wheel assembly mounted to a vehicle and suspension components of the vehicle associated with the tire and wheel assembly. Images are processed, including identifying a pivot feature for a steering component of the vehicle and identifying a circular feature of the tire and wheel assembly, with a rotational axis of the tire and wheel assembly being determined based on the identified circular feature, and a contrived line extending from the pivot feature and intersecting the rotational axis of the tire and wheel assembly is determined that represents the steering axis. Caster angle is then calculated from the angle the steering axis makes with the vertical direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle. An alignment sensor may be used to image the tire and wheel assembly and determine the rotational axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wheel flange detection device. A positioning column and a linear guide rail are mounted on a flange plate, a connecting plate is connected with the linear guide rail via a guide rail sliding seat, a shaft sleeve is fixed on the connecting plate, and a dial indicator is fixed on the shaft sleeve via a lock sleeve; the upper side wall of the shaft sleeve is a conical surface, and is matched with an inner hole conical surface of the lock sleeve; threads are formed in the middle of the side wall of the shaft sleeve and matched with threads of the inner hole of the lock sleeve; 12 groups of vertical slots are formed in the upper side wall of the shaft sleeve.

Abstract: A system for simultaneous measurement of “Wheel runout” and “Wheel alignment angles” of a multi-axle vehicle having a plurality of axles and wheels comprises wheel targets, at least two camera modules, and an alignment control module. The plurality of wheel targets is respectively mounted on the axle wheels. Each of the camera modules has a camera that is configured to capture images of the plurality of wheel targets. The alignment control module has a processor co-operating with each of the camera module and configured to capture and analyze the images of the targets to compute the “Runout” and “Wheel Alignment angles” of all the wheels of all the axles simultaneously. The processor is further configured to compare the analyzed wheel alignment angles with a predetermined range of acceptable wheel alignment angles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for checking the alignment and/or spacing of cameras of a camera pair, e.g., stereoscopic camera pair, are described. Images of a calibration target are captured by first and second cameras of a camera pair being calibrated The captured first and second images, which may correspond to all or a portion of the calibration target, are combined in accordance with the invention to generate a calibration image which is then displayed to an operator of the calibration apparatus including the calibration target. Given the position of at least some different color grid elements in the calibration target, when proper camera spacing and optical axis alignment of the cameras is achieved, the overlaid image will include an overlay of two different color image grid elements resulting in the generated calibration image including grid elements of a different color than that of the overlaid grid elements.

Abstract: A structured light projector includes an optical mask and a light emitter. The light emitter can be capable of illuminating the optical mask, and the optical mask can be capable of transforming the light from the emitter so as to provide structured light bi-dimensional coded light pattern that includes a plurality of feature types formed by a unique combination of feature elements. The projected light pattern includes one or more markers which include pairs of feature elements between which the epipolar distances are modified relative to distances between respective feature elements in non-marker areas of the pattern, and an appearance of feature elements within the marker and across the marker's edges is continuous.

Abstract: A vehicle measurement station utilizing an array of displacement sensors disposed on each opposite side of a sensing region of a vehicle inspection lane to acquire displacement measurement data and surface characteristic data, associated with the surfaces of a vehicle passing through the sensing region, from which vehicle components such as body panels, tire, and wheels can be identified, and from which vehicle parameters such as velocity, wheel assembly dimensions, and wheel assembly spatial orientations can be determined.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system has a plurality of cameras, each camera for viewing a respective target disposed at a respective wheel of the vehicle and capturing image data of the target as the wheel and target are continuously rotated a number of degrees of rotation without a pause. The image data is used to calculate a minimum number of poses of the target of at least one pose for every five degrees of rotation as the wheel and target are continuously rotated the number of degrees of rotation without a pause. At least one of the cameras comprises a data processor for performing the steps of preprocessing the image data, and calculating an alignment parameter for the vehicle based on the preprocessed image data.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.

Abstract: A bracket for wheel alignment control instruments for vehicle wheels includes a central body having a center, an outer face and an opposing parallel inner face facing a wheel; three gripping arms, the ends of which are distal to the center, have grip members and are simultaneously slidingly mounted onto the central body to slide in radial directions, driven by a first drive system and guided by first guide devices between wheel gripping or releasing positions; spacers holding the bracket, parallel to one side of the wheel, which are simultaneously movable in radial directions relative to the center through adjustable abutment positions, the spacers being slidingly mounted onto the central body to slide independent of the arms, driven by a second drive system independent of the first drive system and guided by the first guide devices.

Abstract: A caster assembly for a wheelchair comprises a stem having a frame clamp at a first end and a fork clamp at a second end, the frame clamp configured to form a frame joint with at least one rotational degree of freedom with a frame portion of the wheelchair, a tightening of the frame clamp securing the stem to the frame portion, the frame joint having a frame rotational axis. A fork unit has a fork portion and a caster rotatably supported by the fork portion, the fork unit having swivel mechanism, and a joint portion forming a rotational joint with the fork clamp of the stem, a tightening of the fork clamp blocking rotation of the rotational joint, the rotational joint having a fork rotational axis. A vector of the fork rotational axis is normal to a fork rotational plane in which the fork rotates relative to the stem, and further wherein the frame rotational axis is not parallel to the fork rotational plane.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel overlay attachment system disclosed herein provides for wheel overlays, or wheel skins, that are readily installable over existing wheels by securing directly to a wheel center cap. The center cap is adapted to be inserted into the center hub portion of the wheel, much like a traditional center cap, but also contains a system for securing a wheel overlay to the center cap. When properly installed on the center cap, the wheel overlay will be snugly positioned over the wheel thereby changing the appearance of the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system has a plurality of cameras, each camera for viewing a respective target disposed at a respective wheel of the vehicle and capturing image data of the target as the wheel and target are continuously rotated a number of degrees of rotation without a pause. The image data is used to calculate a minimum number of poses of the target of at least one pose for every five degrees of rotation as the wheel and target are continuously rotated the number of degrees of rotation without a pause. At least one of the cameras comprises a data processor for performing the steps of preprocessing the image data, and calculating an alignment parameter for the vehicle based on the preprocessed image data.

Abstract: A device for vehicle measurement, in particular for determining the angular position of at least one wheel of a vehicle, includes at least one measuring device having at least one image recording device configured to record images. The recorded images contain the image of at least one mark which has a fixed geometric relationship to a wheel of the vehicle. The device for vehicle measurement further includes at least one evaluation unit configured to evaluate the images recorded by the at least one measuring device. The evaluation unit is further configured to evaluate the intensity of illumination of a background area surrounding the respective mark in addition to imaging the at least one mark.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system and method is provided for performing a rolling wheel axis of rotation and wheel spindle point calculation every time an alignment is performed. Embodiments include an aligner having a target fixedly attachable to a wheel of the vehicle; a camera for viewing the target and capturing image data of the target; and a data processor. The data processor receives the image data from the camera, and determines a vector pointing from the target origin to a wheel spindle point based on the captured target image data, when the vehicle is rolled while the wheel is on a substantially flat surface such that the wheel and target rotate a number of degrees. The data processor is further adapted to calculate an alignment parameter for the vehicle based at least in part on the wheel axis of rotation and the coordinates of the wheel spindle point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a manual torque adjuster for a motor vehicle steering system, having an electric motor (1), which has a pinion which is arranged on a motor shaft (6) on the output side of said electric motor (1), which pinion drives a belt pulley (3) via a toothed belt (2), and having a sensor unit (20), which is suitable for sensing the position of the motor and which is connected to an electronic controller which controls the electric motor (1), characterized in that the sensor unit (20) is arranged near to the output-side end of the motor shaft (6).

Abstract: A system for positioning a vehicle chassis in which tires are mounted on an axle associated with the chassis is provided. The system includes first and second tire guides spaced apart from one another in which the first and second tire guides are configured to opposedly face one another. The system further includes tire guide sections joined to form each of the first and second tire guides. Each tire guide section is adjustable within a range such that a distance between opposing tire guide sections may be adjusted. The tire guide sections are adjusted based on the position of the tires mounted on the axle associated with the chassis.

Abstract: A motorcycle starter contact alignment tool is configured to be an adaptation of a solenoid tool plate incorporating a threaded aperture to adjustably control the advancement of a threaded rod and a contact jig. The threaded rod is intended to depress the contact jig, having an alignment face which coincidentally contacts a pair of electrical contacts within the solenoid housing, so as to properly align those contacts prior to being tightened in position. The threaded rod is provided with a handle to facilitate the turning thereof.

Abstract: A device for measuring the characteristic angles and dimensions of wheels, steering system and chassis of vehicles in general, comprising a plurality of three-dimensional optical readers which are functionally connected to a computer and can be arranged peripherally to a vehicle whose dimensions and characteristic angles of wheels, steering system and chassis are to be measured in such a manner that each one frames at least one wheel of the vehicle for the three-dimensional acquisition of an image of the wheel, each three-dimensional optical reader being provided with at least one fixed target for the setting and calibration of the measurement device, at least one camera of each three-dimensional optical reader being arranged in such a manner as to frame clearly and directly at least one fixed target of another three-dimensional optical reader for the setting and calibration of the measurement device by three-dimensional acquisitions of the fixed targets.

Abstract: A system including a pointing rod 4 positioned on a measurement point X, a prism 3 fixed at a position deviated by a first fixed length L1 from the measurement point X in an axial direction PP of the pointing rod 4, an inclination casing 5 for fixing an analysis pattern 41 located at a position deviated by a second fixed length L2 from the prism 3 in an axial direction of the pointing rod 4 and is perpendicular to a surface with respect to the axial direction of the pointing rod 4, and a survey machine 2 having an image-taking section 22, a section of measuring a distance to the prism, and a section of measuring an angle 11,12. The position of the measurement point is measured from a position of the prism 3, an inclination direction A of the pointing rod 4, and the first fixed length L1.

Abstract: A target holder that can be secured within a central aperture of a vehicle wheel includes a base defining a central axis of the target holder. The base has a first end configured to receive a target and an opposing second end. A retainer is coupled to the second end of the base. The retainer is insertable into the central aperture and engageable with the vehicle wheel to secure the target holder to the vehicle wheel. A plunger is disposed in the retainer. A lever is pivotably coupled to the base and operatively coupled to the plunger. With the retainer inserted into the central aperture, the lever is actuateable to move the plunger toward the retainer to urge a terminal end portion of the retainer to expand radially outward from the central axis of the target holder to engage an inner wall of the vehicle wheel defining the central aperture.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system and a computer program product for remote sensing. The method, system and the computer program product include a vehicle including a plurality of sensors configured to measure position and pose of the vehicle and to collect spatial data of a discovered object. In addition, the method, system and a computer program product include a storage having an object model database, a processor and a memory. The memory includes a comparison engine configured to compare the discovered object spatial data with spatial data in the object model database and a position and pose calculator arranged to calculate position and pose of the vehicle from the discovered object spatial data when the discovered object spatial data matches spatial data of a model object in the object model database.

Abstract: A suspension assembly transport device is configured for transporting a suspension assembly having hubs on both sides, wherein the device includes attachments for being attached to the hubs, receiving members that support the attachments so that the attachments do not move horizontally, left and right arm members on the bottom of which the receiving members are provided, and that are configured to move the receiving members in the width direction of the vehicle, and a transport mechanism that transports the attachments, the receiving members, and the left and right arm members together.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A procedure for measuring and adjusting an alignment of each axle of a trailer or semi-trailer while the trailer or semi-trailer is coupled to a tow vehicle by a hitch, tow bar, kingpin, or fifth wheel hitch. Measurements of the alignment of each axle of the trailer or semi-trailer are acquired from wheel-mounted sensor means utilizing either directly or indirectly a reference line of the trailer and an established reference point on the tow vehicle. A thrust angle of a first trailer or semi-trailer axle is referenced directly to the established reference line, while scrub angles associated with additional trailer or semi-trailer axles are referenced either directly or indirectly to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle, and indirectly to the established reference point. Any necessary adjustments are made to the first trailer or semi-trailer axle to bring the axle thrust angle to within a specification tolerance, and then to the scrub angle of each additional axle.

Abstract: An axle alignment sensor assembly, which includes an enclosure, an oscillator, a frequency detector, an output switch driver, a ferrite component, and an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection component, is disclosed. The oscillator is positioned at the sensing end and is configured to generate a magnetic field. The frequency detector is positioned at the sensing end and is configured to detect the magnetic field. The output switch driver is in communication with the frequency detector and is configured to generate and deliver an output based on detection by the frequency detector. The ferrite component is positioned proximal to the connecting end and is configured to prevent electromagnetic interference. The ESD protection component is configured to protect the axle alignment sensor assembly in overvoltage conditions. The oscillator, the frequency detector, the output switch driver, the ferrite component, and the ESD protection component are encased within the enclosure.

Abstract: A detection device for determining the orientation of a first and a second wheel of a vehicle, the wheels being arranged on a first side of the vehicle with respect to a longitudinal axis thereof. The device is set laterally with respect to the vehicle on the first side, between the first and second wheels, and has a first and a second image-acquisition elements located on a base support having a respective viewing area for acquiring images of a first and a second target coupled to the first and second wheels. A displacement unit is operatively coupled to the first and second image acquisition elements for rotating them simultaneously through the same angle of rotation so as to adapt their viewing area to the position of the first and second targets. The detection device comprises additional alignment sensors located on the base support for measuring calibration parameters of the base support.

Abstract: The invention deals with methods for assembly and disassembly, especially suitable for assembly and disassembly by a computer. In relation to assembly, a component (10) is positioned in assembly (70) in accordance with a proposed position. The composent (10) is confirmed as being in its correct spatial position in the assembly (70) by sensing means (38) or (46) capable of sensing spatial relationship and/or connection of the component (10) in relation to the assembly (70). Information regarding the sensed spatial relationship and/or connection is communicated to information processing means. A method for disassembly is also disclosed. The assembly and disassembly methods may require steps to be taken in a chosen sequence. The component (10) itself is also described, as is an improved assembly system which includes the component (10) together with information processing means.