Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining axial stability compares measured wheel runout and axial instability parameters with prescribed tolerances to determine if the wheel suffers from excessive wheel play. Axial stability and runout is determined and displayed on a monitor screen such that an alignment technician can quickly assess both the degree of present wheel misalignment and the feasibility of attempting to perform a realignment operation without first repairing worn or damaged suspension parts. The attitude and location of a wheel are measured with the wheel set in a first position to determine a first vector having a predetermined relation to the wheel. The wheel is rolled back a number of degrees to a second position and the attitude and location thereof are measured to determine a second vector also having the predetermined relation to the wheel. Rearward axis parameters including a rearward rotational axis vector and a rearward runout vector are determined based on the first and second vectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the alignment of a motor vehicle's wheels and including targets (22L, 22R, 24L, 24R) which either form part of the wheels or are attached thereto, an optical sensing means such as a television camera (30) for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means (32) connected to the optical sensing means for processing the target images to determine wheel alignment, and a display means (34, 36) for displaying the alignment information. The optical sensing means (30) views a target located on each wheel and forms an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means (32) which correlates the perspective image of each of the targets with the true shape of each target. In so doing, the processor (32) relates the dimensions of certain known geometric elements (62, 63) of the target with the dimensions of corresponding elements in the perspective image and calculates the alignment of the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A machine and method for conveniently dynamically balancing heavy rotational members such as large vehicle wheels is disclosed. The machine employs a horizontal rotatable shaft that is movable vertically so as to align and engage the center of the member as it stands vertically in the ground. Thereafter the shaft is raised vertically until the member clears the ground and is rotatable for balancing. In preferred embodiments the balancing mechanism is manually powered and detachable from the machine's base for transport and the base is constructed with its vertical member angled so as to preload and stress the base by the weight of the member and eliminate play in the base. The machine offers portability and transport advantages.

Abstract: A system for dynamically balancing a wheel utilizes low speed (preferably 50 to 100 rmp) rotation of the wheel that can if desired be provided manually. In manual operation as the rotation is imparted to the wheel by an operator, the rotational speed of the wheel is measured, and an indicator notifies the operator when sufficient rotational speed has been imparted to the wheel to enable a balancing operation to be carried out. Thereafter the wheel is allowed to coast and decelerate until the sensed forces have adequately settled out, then the forces of imbalance transmitted by the rotatable shaft are measured. When the measurements are obtained, any detected imbalance of the wheel is displayed on a suitable indicator mechanism.

Abstract: A machine and method for balancing wheels is disclosed whereby the wheel is affixed to and spun on a rotatable shaft to an initial velocity, the drive unit is decoupled and the forces of unbalance are measured during the first full revolution of the shaft after it reaches a predetermined measuring velocity. The initial velocity is selected as the lowest of a plurality of velocities which will yield a time from decoupling to measuring of unbalance of at least 2 seconds. Automatically activated drive and brake mechanisms are also disclosed as is a system of unbalance sensor arrangement having two movable sensors linked to one another at a fixed distance.

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: 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.