Patents Assigned to Hunter Engineering Company
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE SERVICE SYSTEM OPTICAL TARGET ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20130250098
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Vehicle tire changing system with tool positioning sensor
    Patent number: 8537347
    Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire measurements associated with the relative spatial positions of tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly, and dimensions of the vehicle wheel assembly to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes, Doug Hanneken, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Vehicle service system optical target assembly calibration
    Patent number: 8490290
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Vehicle Service System Optical Target Assembly Calibration
    Publication number: 20130176428
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Integrated Tire Pressure Diagnostic System and Method
    Publication number: 20130162422
    Abstract: A computer-based vehicle service system, such as a wheel alignment system, is configured with a tire pressure monitoring system interface to acquire measurements of the air pressure directly from tire pressure monitoring system sensors installed in the tires of a vehicle undergoing a service procedure. The vehicle service system is further configured to utilize the acquired air pressure measurements to complete at least one vehicle diagnostic procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
  • Methods and systems for multi-capacity vehicle lift system
    Patent number: 8469152
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a multi-capacity vehicle lift system are provided. The system includes a lift assembly having a plurality of lift capacities and a load platform coupled to the lift assembly. The load platform includes a plurality of lift starting positions, each of the plurality of lift starting positions corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of lift capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael Alf Olsen, Michael David Gerdes, Peter N. Liebetreu
  • Wheel Balance And Force Measurement Procedure
    Publication number: 20130152679
    Abstract: A method for efficiently operating a vehicle wheel balancing system having a wheel mounting structure upon which a vehicle wheel assembly is mounted for rotation during a measurement or service procedure, and a load roller assembly disposed in operative proximity to the wheel mounting structure for engaging a surface of the vehicle wheel assembly and applying a controlled load there to during rotation. After mounting a vehicle wheel assembly to the mounting structure, the wheel assembly is rotationally driven and a measurement of imbalance is initially acquired and the results displayed to an operator. Subsequently, the load roller assembly is engaged with the still rotating wheel, while measurements of radial forces and/or runout of the wheel are acquired, before the wheel rotation is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Vehicle Service Procedures
    Publication number: 20130158777
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out a set of vehicle inspections including, but not limited to, wheel alignment measurement, brake testing, tire tread depth measurement, tire pressure monitoring, vehicle battery testing, and a review of vehicle diagnostic trouble codes in an efficient manner using a multi-function vehicle service system and a single vehicle service bay or inspection lane. Results of the vehicle inspections are incorporated into customized reports generated for a customer or for a technician, and which may be utilized to obtain approval from the customer to conduct necessary repairs and/or provide beneficial vehicle services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Method and apparatus for automation of vehicle wheel alignment measurements
    Patent number: 8457925
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automating various preliminary and non-vehicle specific steps during a vehicle wheel alignment service procedure by automatically imparting a rolling movement to a supported vehicle and automatically rotationally driving a pair of vehicle steered wheels through a range of steering movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Blackford F. Brauer
  • Method and apparatus determination of wheel assembly configuration
    Patent number: 8453335
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel assembly service system configured to acquire measurements of the physical characteristics of a vehicle wheel assembly such as during a vehicle wheel balancing procedure, with the functionality to obtain and utilize a measurement of a vehicle wheel assembly offset or rear spacing. The vehicle wheel assembly service system is configured to display the wheel assembly offset or rear spacing measurement to an operator, and optionally, to display guidance and/or installation instructions to the operator associated with the installation of the vehicle wheel assembly on a vehicle. The displayed guidance and/or installation instructions may optionally include fitment information, vehicle performance data, or vehicle braking data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Douglas, David M. Scribner
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATION OF VEHICLE WHEEL ALIGNMENT MEASUREMENTS
    Publication number: 20130132027
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vehicle wheel alignment service procedure and an for acquisition of vehicle measurements, which imparts a gravity-induced rolling movement to a vehicle on a vehicle support structure to transition the vehicle from a first vehicle support surface over a descending roll ramp to a resting position on a second vehicle support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Method and Apparatus For Positioning A Vehicle Service Device Relative To A Vehicle Thrust Line
    Publication number: 20130110314
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for utilizing a vehicle wheel alignment system to guide the placement and orientation of a vehicle service apparatus or alignment fixture relative to the thrust line of a vehicle. A laser adapter for projecting a reference line is mounted to a steerable wheel of the vehicle, and is aligned relative to both a line of the vehicle and to the supporting surface on which the vehicle is disposed. The vehicle line is determined by the vehicle wheel alignment system, and the steerable wheel, together with the adapter, are steered relative to the determined vehicle line, such that a projected reference line defined by the position and orientation of the adapter is established parallel to both the supporting surface and the vehicle line. The placement and orientation of the vehicle service apparatus or alignment fixture is subsequently adjusted relative to the projected reference line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Method and Apparatus For Wheel Assembly Lateral Force Measurement
    Publication number: 20130080077
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system configured with a load roller assembly to apply a generally radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly during rotation, and which is configured with sensors to obtain one or more measurements of lateral forces associated with the vehicle wheel assembly during the loaded rotation, from which a quantified representation of lateral force for the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Hunter Engineering Company
  • Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods
    Patent number: 8387675
    Abstract: Tire changing machines with automated positioning and control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain a tire bead in a desired location on the wheel rim during tire mount and de-mount procedures utilizing a tire bead locating tool. Sequenced motion of the bead pressing devices are also described that ensure optimal tire change operations. Methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Micah N. Vaninger, Michael D. Gerdes
  • Integrated tire pressure diagnostic system and method
    Patent number: 8392048
    Abstract: A computer-based vehicle service system, such as a wheel alignment system, is configured with a tire pressure monitoring system interface to acquire measurements of the air pressure directly from tire pressure monitoring system sensor installed in the tires of a vehicle undergoing a service procedure. The vehicle service system is further configured to utilize the acquired air pressure measurements to complete at least one vehicle diagnostic procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege
  • Method and apparatus for vehicle service system optical target assembly
    Patent number: 8341848
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Tire changing method and machine with angularly positionable drive axis
    Patent number: 8307874
    Abstract: Methods and machines for changing tires on a wheel rim are disclosed. The machine includes a drive shaft having a drive axis that can positioned at different angles for convenience of the machine operator to mount a variety of differently-sized wheel rims to the drive shaft without undue lifting and handling of the wheel rims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Hanneken, Michael D. Gerdes
  • Vehicle tire changing system with tool positioning sensor
    Patent number: 8284390
    Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire dimensional information associated with tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly. The sensors acquire dimensional information associated with at least one feature of the vehicle wheel assembly or a tire service tool. The vehicle tire changing system is configured to utilize the acquired dimensional information to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes, Douglas Hanneken, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Vehicle Service System Optical Target Assembly Calibration
    Publication number: 20120236146
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Vehicle wheel target mount assembly
    Patent number: D667037
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Dennis M. Linson, Michael T. Stieff