Abstract: The present invention discloses a position measurement adapter for attachment to a threaded stud, the adapter having an elongate rigid member with a first end and a second end. The elongate rigid member has a threaded aperture that extends along an axial direction from the first end to a distance that is spaced apart from the second end. In addition, the elongate rigid member has a hollow shaft that extends in the axial direction from the threaded aperture towards the second end. The hollow shaft is radially larger than the threaded aperture. A contrast target can be located on the second end. In some instances, the hollow shaft extends to the second end and the elongate member has a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

Abstract: A device for truing and regulating the tension of spoked running wheels includes a support device for stationarily clamping the hub of the running wheel, a measuring device for determining the lateral and top eccentricity of the rim, a device for fixing a motor-driven nipple wrench to the spoke nipple, a device for manually adjusting spoke tension. The hub of the running wheel is clamped for measuring symmetrical to the axial radial plane; both lateral and top eccentricity and rim anomalies on the same radial rim segment can be read out directly and electronically with or without the tires fitted. A wrench can be installed in existing devices; and is suitable for manual and motor-driven applications.

Abstract: A mounting system for mounting an alignment instrument onto a vehicular wheel which is to be used to align the wheel of the vehicle. The mounting system includes a mounting plate which has an engagement structure located directly adjacent the peripheral edge of the mounting plate. At least a pair of lug nuts, and preferably three in number of the lug nuts, of the vehicular wheel are to be removed and replaced with elongated internally threaded sleeves, all the same length, which are substantially longer in length than the lug nuts so that the mounting plate will be mounted in a spaced relationship from the vehicular wheel. The mounting plate includes a series of pre-cut, designated bolt patterns generally radially disposed in a spaced apart arrangement relative to the center of the mounting plate. A fastener assembly is used to fixedly mount the mounting plate onto the elongated internally threaded sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention monitors a vehicle's normal axle path of movement during vehicle operation when the axle is aligned perpendicular to the vehicle's geometric centerline. An onboard computer (82) stores normal axle motion values which are determined by an arm or line segment (28) having a first end originating at axle (58) and a second end of line segment (28) ending on segmented sensing plane (40) mounted adjacent to axle (58). Upon axle deviation, axle (58) moves outside of the normal axle path of movement (64). Computer (82), along with transducers and transmitters are used for interpolating and conveying information from sensors which detect and compare values of the area of axle movement outside of the normal axle path of movement to values of the axle's normal path. Signals are transmitted to one or more linear actuators (84) attached relative to the vehicle's axle adjustment mechanisms (88).

Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment method and system is provided. A three-dimensional target is attached to a vehicle wheel known to be in alignment. The three-dimensional target has multiple target elements thereon, each of which has known geometric characteristics and 3D spatial relationship with one another.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system configured with at least one cameras for acquiring images of the wheels of a vehicle, and an associated light projectors configured to project a pattern image onto the surfaces of vehicle components such as vehicle wheel assemblies. Images of the projected patterns acquired by the camera, are processed by the vehicle wheel alignment system to facilitate a determination of the relative orientation and position of the surfaces such as wheel assemblies in three dimensional space, from which vehicle parameters such as wheel alignment measurements can be subsequently determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a hub gripping element (20) for gripping and rotating a hub (50) of the wheel axle, and at least one measuring sensor (58). The invention also relates to a method using said device. The aim of the invention is to create one such device and one such method which enable measuring values to be much more precisely recorded. To this end, the hub gripping element (20) comprises at least one stud (42, 44, 46) that can be screwed into a threaded borehole on the hub (50) or the brake disk (62) in order to fix the wheel axle to the hub gripping element (20).

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: An apparatus and method for aligning the wheels of an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). The apparatus includes a wheel alignment fixture and a wheel position indicator adapted for releasable attachment to an all-terrain vehicle. The wheel alignment fixture and the wheel position indicator cooperate to indicate the alignment of a wheel of the ATV. The wheel position indicator may project a light beam at an indicating element portion of the wheel alignment fixture for this purpose. Preferably, a steering centering fixture is also provided to ensure that the steering of the all-terrain vehicle remains centered during the wheel alignment process.

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 camber/caster gauge that is attachable to the axle of a wheeled vehicle. The device is simple to use by attaching the gauge to an automobile axle end and zeroing out the measurement dials.

Abstract: A tool (10) and method for measuring endplay between an axle shaft (36) and an axle hub (34) of an axle assembly. A mounting plate (22) is fastened to the hub, and one end of a through-rod (16) whose ends protrude from opposite ends of a housing (14) of a fluid-operated device (12) is fastened to the axle shaft by applying an external force to the other end of the through-rod while fluid is not operating the fluid-operated device. With the mounting adapter and the through-rod secured as described, fluid is delivered to the fluid-operated device to move the through-rod relative to the housing, and the resulting relative movement between the through-rod and the housing is measured by a measuring device (48).

Abstract: An apparatus for determining alignment of a wheel mounted to a vehicle includes a plate, a housing and a light source. The plate has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer perimeter. The bottom surface is substantially planar and the outer perimeter includes an engagement portion. The plate is configured such that it may be positioned at least partially within a wheel rim, with the engagement portion and the bottom surface contacting interior circumferential and interior annular surfaces of the wheel rim, respectively, and with the bottom surface substantially perpendicular to the wheel rotational axis. The housing is attached to the top surface of the plate and defines a chamber. The light source is supported at least partially within the chamber and is configured to project light away from the housing. Methods are also provided for manufacturing a vehicle and for inspecting a wheel mounted upon a vehicle.

Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system optical target assembly which incorporates an adaptor for attachment of an optical target to a vehicle wheel assembly. The adaptor includes a circular sinusoidal edge for seating in a non-determined position against surfaces of a vehicle wheel assembly, and a pair of pivoting arm assemblies capable of independent movement which are configured to position tire hooks for gripping the tread surfaces of a tire mounted to the wheel rim. Forces exerted between the pivoting arms are transferred to the tire hooks to hold the optical target assembly in contact with the wheel assembly surface. The optical target is integrated into the adaptor, and maintained in a stationary relationship to the wheel assembly thereby during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure.

Abstract: A tracking attachment (10) adapted and operable to facilitate measuring the alignment characteristics of the rear suspension of a vehicle, including tracking (thrust angle), offset, toe-in and toe-out, and length characteristics. The tracking attachment (10) broadly comprises an adjustment component (12); a bar component (14); one or more target components (16); an alignment component (18); one or more attachment components (20); a centering component (22); and a locking component (24).

Abstract: A method and apparatus that remains onboard a tractor and semi trailer vehicle for readily providing axle alignment instruction to an operator. The apparatus includes at least one indicator (28) for detecting an axle's thrust line relative to the vehicle's centerline. At least one sensor (40) for detecting the position of indicator (28) relative to the position of sensor (40). Upon axle deviation, indicator (28) position changes relative to sensor (40). Sensor (40) detect the change in the position of indicator (28). At least one signal is generated and transmitted to at least one receiver (68). Receiver (68) communicates the relation between indicator (28) and sensor (40) as alignment instruction of a particular axle (front or rear), particular side (left or right), particular direction in which to realign the axle (forward or rearward), and concludes when the axle's alignment is correct.

Abstract: A method for measuring and aligning front and rear wheels of a four wheel vehicle, including measuring alignment properties of the front wheels, and correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels if all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels. If all of the measurements of the alignment properties of the front wheels are not substantially equal to the manufacturer-specified alignment properties for the front wheels, then the alignment properties of the front wheels are corrected prior to correcting alignment properties of the rear wheels. The measurements of the alignment properties can be made using a computer-aided, three-dimensional machine vision alignment apparatus.

Abstract: A tracking attachment (10) adapted and operable to facilitate measuring the alignment characteristics of the rear suspension of a vehicle, including tracking (thrust angle), offset, toe-in and toe-out, and length characteristics. The tracking attachment (10) broadly comprises an adjustment component (12); a bar component (14); one or more target components (16); an alignment component (18); one or more attachment components (20); a centering component (22); and a locking component (24).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for determining the wheel geometry and/or the axle geometry of motor vehicles in an inspection room, using an optical measuring apparatus having at least one image-taking device which records a marking device including at least one body feature and one reference feature system, and having an evaluating device, the position of the reference features in the inspection room being known in the evaluating device, and the recording of the marking device taking place during travel of the motor vehicle. The image-taking device is connected to a wheel to be measured, at its wheel rim in pivot joint fashion, and follows the rotating motion of the wheel, the optical axis of the image-taking device always being aligned essentially perpendicular to the roadway plane and the axis of rotation of the pivot joint being aligned in all wheel positions essentially parallel to the roadway plane.

Abstract: A machine vision system is configured to facilitate placement of a vehicle service apparatus relative to an associated vehicle. The machine vision system is configured to utilize images of optical targets received from one or more cameras to guide the placement of the vehicle service apparatus relative to the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A target that is usable in a position determination system such as, for example, a wheel alignment system, is structurally stable over wide temperature ranges, protected from humidity and chemical contamination, and not subject to breakage. A layered target structure includes a substrate board, a retro-reflective layer formed on the substrate board, a transparent sheet overlaying the retro-reflective layer, and an opaque patterned layer between the a retro-reflective layer and the transparent sheet. The layered target structure may be secured a support assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus that identifies and simulates vehicle wheel and tire dimensions can be removably attached to a vehicle wheel hub and adjusted in radial and axial directions to determine the dimension of a wheel and tire that would fit the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter. To secure the rotating body upon the spindle in a centered manner with the selected cone, an infinitely adjustable mounting flange assembly is provided with a set of mounting pins to engage the rotating body in a predetermined spacing with a clamping force against the cone. The mounting flange assembly and set of mounting pins cooperatively provides for infinite adjustment to accommodate a range of symmetrical vehicle wheel lug hole patterns between a minimum radial dimension and a maximum radial dimension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the geometry of a wheel axle of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a clamping chuck (56) which is provided with clamping jaws (32, 34, 36) and is used to receive a hub of a wheel axle, and a drive for rotating the clamping chuck (56). In order to increase the measuring precision, the drive is embodied as an electric drive, especially as a servomotor, and both rotatably drives the clamping chuck (56) and actuates the clamping jaws (32, 34, 36) of the clamping chuck (56) in the radial direction. Furthermore, according to the invention, the clamping jaws are radially displaced by means of a link motion with an eccentric plate or a spiral motion with a spiral of Archimedes in such a way as to obtain an automatic lock.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

Abstract: A hybrid wheel alignment system and methodology use passive targets for a first pair of wheels (e.g. front wheels) and active sensing heads for another pair of wheels (e.g. rear wheels). The active sensing heads combine image sensors for capturing images of the targets with at least one spatial relationship sensor for sensing a relationship between the active sensing heads. One or both of the active sensing heads may include inclinometers or the like, for sensing one or more tilt angles of the respective sensing head. Data from the active sensing heads may be sent to a host computer for processing to derive one or more vehicle measurements, for example, for measurement of parameters useful in wheel alignment applications.

Abstract: A railroad wheel reference groove locating gauge for determining a measurement of an annular reference groove machined in a face of a railroad wheel spaced radially outwardly from an axle on which the wheel is mounted a predetermined distance indicative of the wheel diameter, with the measurement being taken while the wheel remains connected to the axle, the gauge comprising an elongate member having a first end and a second end, indicia on the elongate member at the first end thereof indicative of a length along the elongate member; and an attachment element at the second end of the elongate member for detachably securing the gauge relative to an axis of rotation of the axle, with the elongate member extending radially to the first end thereof adjacent the reference groove on the wheel for enabling the use of the indicia to determine the diameter of the reference groove.

Abstract: A split axle assembly for obtaining gage measurements of a track including a first wheel with a first split axle, a second wheel with a second split axle, a first bearing for rotatably receiving the first split axle, and a second bearing for rotatably receiving the second split axle, the first bearing and the second bearing being positioned inboard between the first wheel and the second wheel. In one embodiment, a sliding barrel device is provided. In another embodiment, the first bearing is received in a first bearing body and the second bearing is received in a second bearing body so that they are axially movable relative to one another. At least one linear guide is provided to allow axial movement of the first bearing body and the second bearing body relative to one another.

Abstract: A wheel angle determining device includes a position sensor being provided on a vehicle wheel assembly to directly measure a wheel angle. The wheel assembly having a first portion being fixedly connected to a vehicle and a second portion being rotatable about an axis formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a vehicle travel direction. The second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly including a vehicle wheel. The position sensor having a first end operatively connected to the first portion of the vehicle wheel assembly and a second end operatively connected to the second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining the geometry of a wheel of a vehicle and/or the geometry of the associated support or drive structure. In one embodiment, a gauge includes caster and camber vials or an electro-mechanical sensor for outputting caster and camber angle to a display. In use, the gauge is aligned with or referenced to an indicator, such as a slot or marking. In one embodiment, the indicator has a reference position of zero degrees caster angle. The gauge measures the current position of the indicator compared to its reference position. The gauge includes a connecting element for maintaining it in alignment with the indicator, such as a threaded ring which engages the spindle or a magnetic ring engaging a wheel hub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring and calculating wheel alignment angles. Light weight and mechanically robust accelerometers in measurement heads are attached to a vehicle's wheels during an alignment procedure. The output of the accelerometers may be compensated for effects of temperature or thermal hysteresis by memory lookup or a temperature based feedback control loop.

Abstract: A support bracket (1) for sensors adapted to be fastened to the wheel cover of a wheel mounted on a vehicle, comprising a central body from which there derives on one side a support device (3) of the sensor, and on the opposite side at least three devices (7) adapted to be engaged in the lugs which fasten the wheel cover to the vehicle; at least one of said engagement devices (7) comprises a jaw (73), placed at the end of a rod (72) sliding in a tubular body (70), adapted to be inserted on the head of a fastening screw of the wheel cover, means being foreseen to slide the rod in the tubular body so that it enlarges and tightens the jaw.

Abstract: An alignment device for measuring wheel base on a vehicle having a first axle and determining squareness thereof, the device includes at least one clamp removably clampable to the first axle and an alignment bar operably associated with said clamp in manner such that said alignment bar extends substantially in parallel alignment with a central axis of the first axle.

Abstract: A simple inspection device for wheel alignment is composed of a level inspecting rod and alignment inspecting racks, wherein a fixing member and a light emitter are located at two ends of the level inspecting rod, and the alignment inspecting rack includes an inspecting rod and a bracket. A scale meter is located at a proper position on the bracket, a lean-against member is located at a bottom of the bracket, and a tension member is located at a central part of the bracket. A bi-directional level and a light emitter are located at a top end of the inspecting rod, and a bi-directional level and an indication area corresponding to the light emitter are also located at the alignment inspecting rack at the other side. Accordingly, the device can be used to inspect a status of wheel alignment easily and conveniently.

Abstract: An adaptor assembly for securing a wheel alignment device to a wheel, especially a vehicle wheel. The adaptor of the present invention allows such a device to be secured to a vehicle wheel even if the wheel is substantially flangeless in design. The adaptor assembly includes a collar that releasably engages an adaptor pin portion of a wheel alignment device. The collar allows the adaptor assembly to rotate about an axis defined by the adaptor pin. A wheel contacting means is connected to the collar by a plate member. Once installed to a wheel, an outward movement of wheel alignment device extension arms to which the adaptor pins are attached causes the wheel contacting means to be forced against a wall of the wheel, thereby causing a self-centering of the wheel contacting means and a securing of the wheel alignment device to the wheel.

Abstract: An image processing type aligner enables proper set-up of one of two adjustment elements used to align an adaptive cruise control sensor or the like mounted on a vehicle. One element, such as a laser beam source, is mounted with the sensor on the vehicle; and the other element, such as a mirror, is mounted on a stand. A carrier on the stand positions at least one image sensor of the aligner system. The stand is positioned in front of the vehicle and manipulated until the aligner indicates that the axis of the adjustment element on the stand is aligned relative to a desired line of the vehicle, for example, the thrust line. A beam of light is transmitted between the two adjustment elements, and the technician adjusts the sensor until the beam position indicates a desired alignment of the sensor relative to the line of the vehicle.

Abstract: Retaining device for a wheel-alignment analyzer for attachment to a wheel of a motor vehicle. Retaining device has a retaining element having at least three retaining arms and a clamping mechanism which can be displaced along the retaining arms. The ends of the clamping mechanism are provided with an overlapping portion for overlapping the edge of the rim and the retaining element can be secured to the edge of the rim. The retaining device offers a stable engagement and centering solution, thus permitting a correct wheel-alignment analysis. The overlapping portion may be spring-loaded and biased in the direction of the wheel and/or the clamping mechanism, and a spacer and the overlapping portion may be provided on the spacer.

Abstract: A disclosed jig, for use in certifying accuracy of a vehicle wheel aligner, includes two axles of equal length having stub shafts at the ends of the axles and two adjustable side spacers for releasable connection to the stub shafts. Plates for mounting heads of the aligner system also are attached to the stub shafts. Stands support the corners of the rectangular jig formed by the connected axles and spacers. The aligner system measures parameters of the jig from the attached heads. A diagonal spacer of a predetermined length, may be used in setting the diagonals of the rectangular jig during assembly to be equal. In the example disclosed, the apparatus also includes a distance setting shaft for use in setting lengths of each of the two side spacers to be equal.

Abstract: A multiple gauge assembly for establishing vehicle wheel rim and tire sizes to prevent interference with vehicle structure facing the wheel, as during directional turning of the wheel on a vehicle wheel mount, about a pivot axis angled relative to the wheel axis, comprising a first adjustable gauge to establish a rim edge radial dimension, from the wheel axis, a second adjustable gauge to establish a rim offset (back spacing) dimension in a direction generally parallel to the wheel axis, and a third adjustable gauge to establish a tire peripheral dimension generally parallel to the wheel axis, whereby clearance between the wheel and vehicle structure can be predictively ascertained, as during wheel turning, prior to installation of the wheel on the mount.

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 method and apparatus for wheel alignment of single track vehicles, particularly motorcycles and bicycles having front alignment unit (20) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle front wheel (1) to emit a rearward projecting laser beam (9); and a rear alignment unit (40) including an alignment strut (21), a laser target (25), and a laser module (23) disposed from the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle rear wheel (4) to emit a forward projecting laser beam (8). Alternately either the laser target (25) of the front alignment unit (20) or of the rear alignment unit (40) can be a reflective mirror surface, whereby the forward or rearward projecting laser beams (8,9) are reflected toward the target of the opposite alignment unit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of the cameras used in the measuring system to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting wheel alignment employ an optical target mounted on a wheel of a motor vehicle, a support mounting a camera above ground for generating image information of the optical target that falls within the camera's field of view, and a pivotal connection between the camera and the support,. The pivotal connection allows vertical pivotation of the camera through a range of pivotation sufficient to maintain the target in the field of view of the camera during displacement of the vehicle between raised and lowered positions of a vehicle lift carrying the vehicle. Images of the target captured by the camera are analysed to generate wheel alignment information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating machine vision measuring systems that have more than one camera are disclosed. A first calibration target is mounted in a fixed relationship to a first camera of the machine vision measuring system. A third camera mounted in a fixed relationship to a second camera of the machine vision measuring system. Second and third calibration targets are mounted in a fixed relationship to one another and viewable by the first camera and by the third camera. A data processor is programmed to compute calibration of the first camera and the second camera, based on a position of the second calibration target relative to the third calibration target and based on a position of the first camera with respect to the third camera. The apparatus and method provide a way to continuously measure the positions of two or more cameras used in the measuring system, and to use such measurements to calibrate the system.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment system utilizing one or more optical imaging sensors to acquire either images gradient brightness optical targets affixed to vehicle wheels, or direct images, of the vehicle wheels, from which three-dimensional information related to one or more vehicle wheel alignment angles can be obtained.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.

Abstract: A mounting system and method of mounting an alignment instrument onto a vehicular wheel which is to be used to align the wheels of a vehicle. The mounting system includes a mounting plate which has an engagement structure located directly adjacent the peripheral edge of the plate. At least a pair of the lug nuts of the vehicular wheel are to be removed and replaced with elongated internally threaded sleeves which are substantially longer in length than the lug nuts. A fastener assembly is used to fixedly mount the mounting plate onto these sleeves. The alignment instrument is then to be clamped onto the mounting plate by engaging the engagement structure.