Abstract: A wheel alignment system and method for determining the thrust line of a vehicle and employing the thrust line when positioning the steerable wheels of the vehicle to a plane parallel to the thrust line as well as during the determination of set-back between laterally spaced wheels.

Abstract: A wheel balancing system for measuring imbalance forces derived from rotating an unbalanced wheel employs a stable pedestal of heavy, rigid material such as concrete or steel and a balancing assembly arranged to insure that all of the imbalance forces of a rotating unbalanced wheel and tire assembly will be directed via strain gauges in predetermined planes. A wheel balancing assembly measures imbalance forces acting in a given plane at a plurality of spaced positions disposed in spaced parallel planes with respect to a plane of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: For a dynamic balancing machine the values of parameters employed to determine the weight, rim spacing and diameter of a wheel are automatically entered into the balancing machine by a single maneuver of an extensible wand. This simplicity eliminates many opportunities for human error when obtaining the same information otherwise.

Abstract: An improved wheel balancing system employs an information entry system with selectable compensation for input of information so that the balancing procedure can be standardized notwithstanding the fact that different styles of wheels are to be balanced.Means making the selection of compensation includes manually or electrically operated means. In one embodiment the selectively operable compensation means responds to an output from the wheel balancing machine. A zero value is displayed for calculated weights below a predetermined minimum in response to the output from the balancing machine.

Abstract: An information sensing system as used in sensing unbalanced forces acting upon a rotating wheel being balanced is characterized by means for generating a correction factor associated with each wheel balancing operation and determined by feeding a known signal through a given circuit and comparing the output received with the output expected. The correction factor can then be applied to the sensed signals fed through the same circuit. The frequency of the known signal and other signals are both derived from the same source such as the rate of rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: In a system for aligning a wheel employing means for generating electrical signals indicative of camber, toe and the rotational position of the wheel when the camber and toe readings are sensed employs an improved sensor assembly for generating the toe readings. The same sensor assembly can also be used with respect to providing a reference with respect to certain rear wheel relationships.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a wheel alignment system to provide a compensating offset with respect to error from sensor devices involved therein.

Abstract: A scale construction comprises a pair of spaced substantially rigid plates offset with respect to each other and supported by means of flexure members extending therebetween. A strain gauge is carried between the plates. In one embodiment a flexure member carries the strain gauge means. Electrical bridge circuitry coupled to the strain gauge supplies a digital display of the weight supported on the top plate. In addition, one of the legs of the bridge circuitry is adjustable so as to be able to provide a representation that there is zero weight on the top plate when all weight has been removed therefrom in order to calibrate the scale.

Abstract: A read-out system and method for a wheel balancing machine employs means for determining the minimum angular displacement between a "balance point" on the wheel and a predetermined reference for a stationary portion of the machine using a first scale of displacement and means for converting the minimum angular displacement from the first scale to a second scale. Using the second scale for indicating the balance point enhances the sensitivity of the display means at the balance point. A method is carried out for indicating alignment between the balance point where weight is to be added to an unbalanced wheel to balance same and a predetermined reference position for the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing the amplitude and zero crossing portions of a signal derived from piezo-electric cells of a type used in monitoring rotary wheel/tire movements. Comparing circuits receive either an amplitude or timing signal derived from the monitored wheel. Lights coupled to the comparators change state in response to adjustments manually made to a second input in each of the comparators. The degree of adjustment serves as a measure of amplitude or angular location so as to determine the angular locus and amount of weight to be employed.