Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft. A protective liner is formed adjacent the through-bore of the adapter body and has a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of the centering adapter.

Abstract: A position determination system comprises a first measuring apparatus and a second measuring apparatus. The first measuring apparatus includes a first sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a first testing target, a calibration target rigidly linked to the first sensing device, wherein the positional relationship between the first sensing device and the calibration target is known. The system has a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the first sensing device. The second measuring apparatus includes a second sensing device having a sensing field for obtaining positional data of a second testing target, a calibration sensing device rigidly linked to the second sensing device for obtaining positional data of the calibration target, wherein the positional relationship between the second sensing device and the calibration sensing device is known, and a repositioning mechanism for repositioning the sensing field of the second sensing device.

Abstract: A system for measuring the characteristic attitude parameters of a vehicle, comprising at least one video camera arranged to monitor at least one image of a target rigid with at least one wheel of the vehicle, and means for processing the acquired image of the target to define the orientation of the target relative to a reference system, comprises a measurement site; a measurement unit fixed to each of the sides of said site and comprising at least one video camera orientated towards any one target fixed with any orientation to a wheel positioned on the same side; a third video camera associated with the unit fixed to one of the sides of the site and orientated towards the unit fixed on the other side of the site; any one target rigid with the unit fixed to the other side of the site and positioned within the field of vision of the third video camera; each video camera being arranged to acquire at least two images of the respective target from at least two different positions; processor means for the images a

Abstract: A vehicle laser alignment system laser supporting attachment for mounting a laser module to either the wheel spindle or hub of a vehicle has a plurality of attachments for attaching to different vehicles. A laser module supporting mandrel has a cradle for supporting a laser module on one end and a mandrel to wheel adapter connection on the other end thereof and has a slot formed in the side of the mandrel. A mandrel-to-wheel adapter is selected for a particular vehicle and is removably attached to the mandrel on the mandrel-to-wheel adapter connection for attaching the mandrel to a specific vehicle. An adapter holding plate has a threaded opening therein and is sized to fit into the mandrel slot for bolting the mandrel to a specific mandrel-to-wheel adapter.

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 wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: A chassis alignment system for a vehicle having steerable stub-axles comprises a pair of alignment tools. Each alignment tool comprises a rigid, unitary housing having a mounting receivable directly on the respective stub-axle and supporting the housing from the stub-axle in a fixed attitude with respect to the central axis of the respective stub-axle, the housing being adjustable in position around the stub-axle. Each housing accommodates a laser emitter which emits a beam parallel to the central axis of the respective stub axle, and further comprises a graduated target positioned to receive the beam from the laser emitter of the other alignment tool. Each target has a reference point positioned relative to the respective central axis, wherein the point of incidence of each beam on the respective target relative to the reference point enables the relative orientation of the stub-axles to be determined.

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: A cordless vehicle wheel alignment sensor head with interchangeable batteries includes easy to replace rechargeable batteries, thus eliminating the need for a service call to replace the batteries and allows the operator to swap a nearly depleted battery set with a fully or partially charged battery set. The sensor head includes a battery compartment door which slides upwards without pivoting about or detaching from the sensor head, and allows the batteries to pop out and be replaced. The battery compartment door also includes at least one battery engaging protrusion which presses against the battery at a non-contacting end of the rechargeable battery when the battery compartment door is closed. Accordingly, with the battery compartment door closed, the battery is tightly held in place and pressed into a pair of retractable pins that result in electrically coupling the battery to the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: In a machine vision system utilizing computer processing of image data, an imaging module incorporates the image sensor as well as pre-processing circuitry, for example, for performing a background subtraction and/or a gradient calculation. The pre-processing circuitry may also compress the image information. The host computer receives the pre-processed image data and performs all other calculations necessary to complete the machine vision application, for example, to determine one or more wheel alignment parameters of a subject vehicle. In a disclosed example useful for wheel alignment, the module also includes illumination elements, and the module circuitry provides associated camera control. The background subtraction, gradient calculation and associated compression require simpler, less expensive circuitry than for typical image pre-processing boards.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a pair of wheel-mounting spindles respectively mounted to a pair of vertically swingable wheel support arms for being steered about respective king pin axes. During assembly of the vehicle on an assembly line, right- and left-hand laser toe gauges are mounted to the spindle shafts in a defined orientation wherein target surfaces of the gauges lie along a respective king pin axis. Length-adjustable tie-rods are coupled to the spindles and adjustable in order that a laser beam emitted from one toe gauge impinges on the target of the other toe gauge when the toe-in is within a prescribed range for resulting in steering and tire wear characteristics. The toe gauges are constructed such that the laser beam direction may be adjusted to calibrate the toe gauge for the particular vehicle being assembled.

Abstract: An improved image sensor for computer systems that use images to calculate vehicle wheel alignments which includes an integrated circuit having a detector array for receiving an image containing vehicle wheel alignment information, an image sensor controller for operating the detector array and directing input/output for external communications outside the circuit, and an internal bus for communications within the integrated circuit. The sensor communicates wheel alignment information contained in the image with the computer system across an interface bus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the chassis measurement of vehicles such as motor vehicles, wherein the apparatus includes a vehicle lift platform with which a chassis to be measured can be reversibly lifted and an axle measurement lifting device with which an axle measuring unit can be reversibly lifted. The axle measurement lifting device has at least two lifting stages which are actuable reversibly independently of each other.

Abstract: A self-centering device for supporting heads for checking the attitude of motor vehicle wheels, comprising two parallel cylindrical bars (3) between which there is positioned a parallel rod (6) having two opposite-handed threaded portions with which two sliders (5) are coupled and are arranged to slide along said bars with movement towards and away from each other, said sliders each being provided with a pair of clamps (12) arranged to engage the wheel rim of the wheel to be tested, each individual clamp being connected to the respective slider by way of means (14) which enable its distance from the slider to be adjusted.

Abstract: A device for determining the wheel and/or axle geometry of motor vehicles in a measuring space, using an optical measuring device having at least two image recording devices, which records from at least two different perspectives a marking device including a plurality of wheel features arranged on a wheel, at least one vehicle body feature and a reference feature array having at least three reference features offset in at least one plane, and having an evaluation device, the position of the reference features in the measuring space being known to the evaluation device, the recording of the marking device taking place during the passage of the motor vehicle and the axis of rotation of a measured wheel being ascertained by the simultaneous recording of the wheel features and of the at least one vehicle body feature at a plurality of points in time in the measuring space.

Abstract: A device for supporting checking heads or sensors, to be coupled to vehicle wheel rims, presents a central member having on one side the support for the head or sensor and comprising, on the opposite side, self-centering means carrying elements for engaging structural parts of the wheel rim which lie on a circumference coaxial therewith, and means for operating said self-centering means.

Abstract: A wheel alignment apparatus has measurement heads for determining wheel positions of wheels of a motor vehicle. Each measurement head comprises at least one camera which is the direct to a measurement target arranged in the field of view of the camera and positioned in a well defined relationship to the wheel of the motor vehicle. Pictures taken by the camera are evaluated by an evaluation unit in order to determined the spatial position of the measurement target and, thereby, the wheel with respect to the position of the camera and the measurement head respectively. The wheel alignment apparatus wheel alignment apparatus comprises an optical reference system integrated into the measurement heads for calibrating the measurement heads of the wheel alignment apparatus as to the position of the measurement heads with respect to each other.

Abstract: A device for determining geometrical defects in a vehicle wheel comprises, for measuring the eccentricity of the wheel rim (5) and of the wheel (4), means (7) to be positioned in contact alternately with the tyre (6) and with the wheel rim (5) of the wheel of which the eccentricity is to be measured, a sensor (8) for measuring the angular position assumed by said means (7) about a fixed reference point (9), and means for associating and processing the data measured by said means (7) and by said sensor (8) to determine the angle through which the tyre (6) must be rotated on the wheel rim (5) to compensate their errors of shape. Said angular sensor (8) comprises a fixed part (80) carried by a shaft (23) associated with self-centering support means (21, 19, 200, 203) arranged to position it exactly coaxial with said wheel rim, and a movable part (81) rotatably mounted on said shaft (23).

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus, system and method of alignment for motorcycle is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes an elongated threaded rod and two internally threaded cones that screw onto either end of the rod in opposition. The alignment system typically includes two of the apparatuses, one to be fitted within the rear axle and the other to be fitted within the swing arm pivot shaft. The distance is measured between the ends of the rods on either side of the motorcycle and the rear axle is adjusted until the distances are equal. The rear wheel is then in alignment with the motorcycle.

Abstract: A system for measuring caster trail of a wheel. The system comprises position sensing devices for sensing positional signals of the wheel and a data processing system configured to couple to the position sensing devices. The data processing system receives signals from the position sensing devices and determines spatial characteristics of a steering axis of the wheel, a reference plane and the center of a wheel. The system then determines the caster trail based on the spatial characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle wheel alignment in non-contact fashion with high accuracy is disclosed. A laser light source (4) emits a laser beam of a predetermined geometric pattern toward the wheel side surface. A laser beam control device (6) controls the width of the laser beam in such a manner as to be radiated only in a predetermined range of the wheel side surface. Two laser light sources (120), (121) emit non-parallel laser beams. A photdetecting device (122) receives the two laser beams and converts them to two corresponding image data. A processing unit calculates the distance between the two images based on the two image data and calculates the wheel alignment based on the same distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for determining symmetry and Ackermann geometry status of the steering system of a vehicle. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on toe angle differences of the steerable wheels. Thus, no specification is required for determining symmetry of the steering system. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on normalized toe angles. Consequently, the steerable wheel does not have to be positioned at a specific angle. Additionally, the present disclosure determines symmetry in the steering system of a vehicle without requiring turning steering wheels through a large angular range. Hence, technician efforts in steering the wheel are reduced. The disclosure also provides an improved alignment procedure that implements determination of symmetry of the steering system into the alignment procedure.

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.

Abstract: A chassis alignment system comprising a first alignment tool associated with a toe-in/chamber target, the first alignment tool comprising a first housing accommodating a first laser emitting means, the first housing having a first mounting means adapted to enable the first alignment tool to be fixed to a first steerable axle and to be movable therewith, the first laser emitting means being disposed in the first housing at a predetermined distance from the first mounting means and adapted, in use, to emit a beam in a direction parallel to a first central axis, the first mounting means being further adapted to enable the first laser emitting means to be oriented about the first central axis of the first steerable axle into a selected orientation, the toe-in/chamber target comprising means to receive the first laser beam and provide an indication of the position at which the first laser beam is incident upon the target relative to a reference, the target adapted to be positioned relative to the vehicle to enable

Abstract: A system for target identification in a vehicle wheel alignment system includes first and second units. A target with at least four collinear reference points is attached to the first unit, and an image sensor is attached to the second unit. The collinear reference points have at least one known cross-ratio, and the image sensor has an imaging element that produces an image data-set to capture an image of the target. The system also includes a processor for identifying image points within the image data-set and for calculating vehicle wheel alignment information using the image data that corresponds to the target. To identify the image data corresponding to the target, the processor computes a series of cross-ratios for sets of four points within the image data-set and rejects noise points by comparing the cross-ratios to the known cross-ratio.

Abstract: An alignment head for use in aligning the wheels of a vehicle. The alignment head includes left and right covers configured for engaging each other to establish a housing. A frame assembly is positioned within a central portion of the housing, and sensors are mounted on the frame assembly. First and second transceivers are positioned respectively within front and rear portions of the housing. The sensors and transceivers provide information that is used by certain control circuitry to generate alignment information that can be used to align the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an improved camber adjustment technique. The method comprises the steps of: turning the steerable wheel to a first position in which the steerable wheel is either toe-in or toe-out, then turning the steerable wheel to a second position in which the steerable wheel is toe-out if the steerable wheel is toe-in in the first position, and in which the steerable wheel is toe-in if the steerable wheel is toe-out in the first position. Toe angles and camber angles during the turning of the steerable wheel from the first position to the second position are measured. An adjustment amount of camber at any toe angle is determined by the difference between the camber angle at zero toe and a specification camber angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment comprising a yoke having a pair of aligned center pins engageable with a transverse axis in the vehicle; a collimated beam projector connectable to the yoke and adapted to project its beam at right angles to the axis of the center pins, and longitudinally of the vehicle with reference to the transverse axis and a target for the beam so attachable to a wheel of the vehicle that alignment of the wheel can be measured. In one embodiment the target is a mirror and the projector is provided with a transverse scale for measuring the reflected beam. In the other embodiment the target comprises a set of scales hung or clamped to the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a scrub radius of a wheel including determining at least one of a steering axis, a centerline and a ground plane of the wheel using computer-aided alignment, and determining the other of the steering axis, the centerline and the ground plane of the wheel not determined using computer-aided alignment. The method also includes determining an intersection between the steering axis and the ground plane of the wheel, determining an intersection between the centerline and the ground plane of the wheel, and determining a distance between the intersections, the distance being equal to the scrub radius of the wheel.

Abstract: An improved position determination system that is resistant to interference caused by glint, such as from the Sun. The position determination system for determining positional parameters of an object has a target device comprising a base configured for attaching to the object, first and second target surfaces connected to the base; wherein the planes on which the first target surface and the second target surface are located are non-parallel to each other. The position determination system further comprises an image sensing device configured for forming a viewing path intersecting the target device and generating image information indicative of the geometric characteristics of the target device, and a data processing device configured to couple to the image sensing device for determining the orientation of the object based on the image information. If one of the target surfaces becomes obscured as a result of glint, the image of the other target surface alone is sufficient to determine object orientation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in aligning automotive wheels. The apparatus includes a body having a first end and a second end, and including an aperture at the first end arranged to receive a wheel assembly lug; an adjustable camber liquid level arranged longitudinally within the body; and, a horizontal liquid level arranged perpendicularly to the adjustable camber liquid level. The method includes the steps of measuring camber of an automotive wheel with the tool of the invention affixed to a single lug of the wheel assembly, where the tool comprises a liquid level having a horizontal liquid level and a camber liquid level, and the measuring consists of zeroing the horizontal liquid level and the camber liquid level prior to making a repair of the vehicle; removing the tool from the single lug; performing the repair of the vehicle; re-affixing the tool to the single lug; and, adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly such that the horizontal liquid level and the camber liquid level are re-zeroed.

Abstract: The present invention consists in a wheel alignment apparatus. The apparatus has two subassemblies which are associated with a stub axle of a vehicle to have its wheels aligned. The apparatus also includes a datum bar member associated or associable with each of the subassemblies. In use, at least part of each of the subassemblies has a variable gap relationship to said datum bar member. Each of the subassemblies provides a calibratable measure of the angular disposition of the associated stub axle with the datum bar member whereby characterising its alignment.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for measuring the wheel angle on steerable vehicles. When determining large course angles, such as maximum wheel deflection, the course angle itself, which is difficult to measure, is not measured directly. Instead, the wheel camber (or turning) is measured and this angle is then utilized to calculate the course angle sought, with the aid of known values of straight course angles of the wheel and gradient of the kingpin.

Abstract: A device for supporting checking heads or sensors, to be coupled to vehicle wheel rims, presents a central member having on one side the support for the head or sensor and comprising, on the opposite side, self-centering means carrying elements for engaging structural parts of the wheel rim which lie on a circumference coaxial therewith, and means for operating said self-centering means.

Abstract: A self-centering device for supporting heads for checking the attitude of motor vehicle wheels, comprising two parallel cylindrical bars (3) between which there is positioned a parallel rod (6) having two opposite-handed threaded portions with which two sliders (5) are coupled and are arranged to slide along said bars with movement towards and away from each other, said sliders each being provided with a pair of clamps (12) arranged to engage the wheel rim of the wheel to be tested, each individual clamp being connected to the respective slider by way of means (14) which enable its distance from the slider to be adjusted.

Abstract: A cordless vehicle wheel alignment sensor head with interchangeable batteries includes easy to replace rechargeable batteries, thus eliminating the need for a service call to replace the batteries and allows the operator to swap a nearly depleted battery set with a fully or partially charged battery set. The sensor head includes a battery compartment door which slides upwards without pivoting about or detaching from the sensor head, and allows the batteries to pop out and be replaced. The battery compartment door also includes at least one battery engaging protrusion which presses against the battery at a non-contacting end of the rechargeable battery when the battery compartment door is closed. Accordingly, with the battery compartment door closed, the battery is tightly held in place and pressed into a pair of retractable pins that result in electrically coupling the battery to the sensor circuitry.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the calibration of vehicle wheel alignment sensors or optical targets and for the detection and correction of wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensors are attached during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for electronically storing separate calibration values associated with a vehicle wheel alignment sensor or optical target for a variety of types of vehicle wheel adapters. A second aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters by utilizing a known flat surface against which the contact points of the adapter are placed, any misalignment of the sensor mounting shaft axis from the plane is detected and corrected for, either by adjustment of the contact points or by adjustment of the sensor mounting shaft.

Abstract: An optical installation for determining the relative positions of at least two objects, such as vehicle wheels, includes two optical systems for determining the position of an object in space, each with respect to its observation frame. An optical reference system includes a target visible from the other optical system in the absence of the objects. The other optical system includes a device for analyzing an image of the target and a device for positioning the target with respect to its observation frame, so as to deduce therefrom the position of the observation frame of the other optical system with respect to the observation frame of the of the optical reference system, on the basis of the positions of the target with respect to the observation frame and of the target with respect to the observation frame of the optical reference system.

Abstract: An improved position determination system that is resistant to interference caused by glint, such as from the Sun. The position determination system for determining positional parameters of an object has a target device comprising a base configured for attaching to the object, first and second target surfaces connected to the base; wherein the planes on which the first target surface and the second target surface are located are non-parallel to each other. The position determination system further comprises an image sensing device configured for forming a viewing path intersecting the target device and generating image information indicative of the geometric characteristics of the target device, and a data processing device configured to couple to the image sensing device for determining the orientation of the object based on the image information. If one of the target surfaces becomes obscured as a result of glint, the image of the other target surface alone is sufficient to determine object orientation.

Abstract: A system (10) for measuring the dynamic orientation of the plane of a wheel (12) on a vehicle (14). The system (10) includes a test surface (16) which rotates with the wheel (12) and a orientation-determining device (18) which is unattached to the vehicle (14). The test surface (16) is positioned in a plane corresponding to the plane of the wheel (12) and the orientation-determining device (18) determines the orientation of the plane of the test surface (12) at a specific point of time while the vehicle is being driven. A processor (20) receives output signals from the orientation-determining device (18) and converts the output signals into data corresponding to the orientation of the wheel plane for the specific instant in time.

Abstract: A wheel alignment method and device that includes an image pick-up unit that picks up an image of the measuring surface of a measuring plate so that at least a part of measuring marks drawn on the measuring plate are included in the picked-up image. A judging unit judges which measuring mark is included in the image picked up by the image pick-up unit. Based upon the relationship between the selected measuring mark and a measuring object position in the image picked up by the image pick-up unit, the position on the measuring plate corresponding to the measuring object position is calculated, thereby quickly determining the position of the measuring plate corresponding to the measuring object in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A device for determining the wheel and axle geometry of motor vehicles in an inspection room using an optical measuring device having at least one optical image pick-up device from at least two different perspectives, having a marking device, which includes a measuring feature arrangement existing or arranged on the wheel, and having an evaluation device. The determining the geometrical wheel and axle data is simplified in that the marking device has at least one reference feature arrangement including at least three reference features per image recording position; that the inspection room is defined between the reference feature arrangement(s) and the base plane of the measuring station; that the position of the reference features in the inspection room is known in the evaluation device; and that the measuring feature arrangement includes at least three measuring features per wheel.

Abstract: A non-contact type wheel alignment measuring apparatus includes a fixed-focal-length lens and a pair of light sources located on the opposite sides of the lens for projecting a pair of laser beams onto the side surface of a wheel to be measured. The apparatus also includes a CCD sensor on which images reflecting from the wheel are formed and the distance between the two images is detected as a function of pixels of CCD sensor between them. The information of this distance (or the number of pixels) is utilized to determine the distance between the measuring apparatus and a point of interest on the wheel. With two or more such information for different locations on the wheel, its alignment characteristic, such as toe-in and camber angles, can be determined.

Abstract: A device for determining geometrical defects in a vehicle wheel comprises, for measuring the eccentricity of the wheel rim (5) and of the wheel (4), means (7) to be positioned in contact alternately with the tire (6) and with the wheel rim (5) of the wheel of which the eccentricity is to be measured, a sensor (8) for measuring the angular position assumed by said means (7) about a fixed reference point (9), and means for associating and processing the data measured by said means (7) and by said sensor (8) to determine the angle through which the tire (6) must be rotated on the wheel rim (5) to compensate their errors of shape. Said angular sensor (8) comprises a fixed part (80) carried by a shaft (23) associated with self-centering support means (21, 19, 200, 203) arranged to position it exactly coaxial with said wheel rim, and a movable part (81) rotatably mounted on said shaft (23).

Abstract: A steer by wire control system having a steering wheel unit responsive to a steering wheel torque command and a road wheel unit responsive to a road wheel unit command is disclosed. A master control unit may be employed to perform processing as necessary. A method for steering a vehicle including receiving a tie-rod force signal, a road wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering wheel position signal, and a feedback torque signal. Combining these signals to generate the steering wheel torque command signal and road wheel command signal to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while road wheel command signals are sent to road wheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit may also used to correct the left and right road wheel positions to track about a common center.

Abstract: A telescoping bar includes a track pusher for adjusting and measuring the track on a motor vehicle's wheels. A pneumatic spring, housed within the telescoping bar, functions as an accumulator and applies expansion forces on either the two front wheels or two rear wheels of the vehicle.