Abstract: Structural arrangements of wheel drive components facilitate the use of robust main roller bearings that are widely spaced apart from one another. This wide spacing minimizes the torque borne by the bearings for a given external load, because at least one bearing is placed closer to the expected load application point (e.g., the center of gravity of the wheel attached to the wheel hub of the drive unit). The present wheel drive bearings can support a heavy external load without expanding the overall size and configuration of a given wheel drive application.

Abstract: Structural arrangements of wheel drive components facilitate the use of robust main roller bearings that are widely spaced apart from one another. This wide spacing minimizes the torque borne by the bearings for a given external load, because at least one bearing is placed closer to the expected load application point (e.g., the center of gravity of the wheel attached to the wheel hub of the drive unit). The present wheel drive bearings can support a heavy external load without expanding the overall size and configuration of a given wheel drive application.

Abstract: A screw jack for lifting a vehicle that includes an outer sleeve section and a threaded section that rotates relative to the outer sleeve section. The screw jack also includes a drive assembly with a rotary position sensor. The drive assembly is in driving engagement with the threaded section. The screw jack also includes an extending section that translates relative to the outer sleeve section and the threaded section and is driven by the threaded section. Extension of the extending section is continuously monitored using the signal from the rotary position transducer when the jack is in operation.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for laterally moving a slide-out section relative to a vehicle between a retracted position and an extended position includes a rack and pinion assembly mounted to a frame. The pinion preferably has a non-round hole through which a non-round drive shaft is received in driving engagement. The pinion is received in a channel with sides of the channel adjacent to the sides of the pinion. The pinion floats axially on the drive shaft and the sides of the channel maintain the axial position of the pinion on the drive shaft. The shape of the drive shaft and the hole in the pinion is preferably square.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lifting a vehicle above a work surface of a vehicle repair system and maintaining the wheels of such a vehicle at a height near the same height as the vehicle is raised. The apparatus is an adjustable riser-ramp assembly which includes a platform having a pair of adjustable, self-locking leg sets, at least one ramp removably attached to the platform and a mounting slide engaging the platform and the work surface. The apparatus may be used in multiple combinations of platform and ramps to accommodate the type of vehicle and type of repair system being worked on by an operator.

Abstract: A multiple-axis motion module for holding a tool and providing an apparatus for moving such a tool about multiple-axis. The multiple-axis motion module is used in combination with a vehicle transportation system for moving, positioning and manipulating vehicles and vehicle parts.

Abstract: A free standing rotary tower assembly for applying a force to a damaged part of a vehicle, the assembly including a tower, a support plate mounted on the bottom of the tower, a cylindrical member mounted on the bottom of the plate and a floor mount for supporting the tower assembly, the floor mount including a center plate having a tubular member for matingly engaging the cylindrical member and a number of caster assemblies mounted in the centering plate in a position to engage the support plate when the cylindrical member is aligned with the tubular member.

Abstract: A vehicle and vehicle parts transportation system used for moving, positioning and manipulating a vehicle and vehicle parts primarily when a vehicle is damaged or in the need of repairs. The system consists of a power module having interchangeable legs and parts that allow the power module to be reconfigured as to its height, width and length and various tool modules. The power module becomes a different tool as required or desired by the operator by simply adding or removing a tool module. Each specific tool module provides the necessary lifting and motive force apparatus and means for maneuvering the tool module for performing the necessary operation.

Abstract: A portable work station suitable for use in a vehicle spray paint booth, the station includes a platform member supported on each end by an open frame end support member. The end members pivot about the end of the platform and can be adjusted so as to change the height of the platform above the work surface. A leg of each end support member is wedged between pin, a stop stud fixed to the end of the platform and a locking pin is pivoted into engagement with the leg to prevent walking motion of the work station while in use. The work station can be provided with a railing along the platform edge, a tool hanger, and can be provided with an air supply stanchion to facilitate the spray paint operation.

Abstract: A chain liner for guiding a chain through a passage, the liner including a pair of brackets mounted in a parallel spaced relation, a chain sprocket mounted on a shaft at each end of the bracket, a pair of blocks mounted in the space between the brackets in close proximity to each of the chain sprockets, each pair of blocks defining a channel for guiding each alternate link of the chain past the chain sprockets.

Abstract: A tower assembly for applying a force to a damaged part of a vehicle mounted on a work rack having upper and lower plates with inner and outer flanges, the assembly including a carriage mounted on the inner and outer flanges of the lower plate and a beam extending radially outward from the carriage, a tower mounted on the outer end of the beam with a vertically adjustable bracket mounted on one side of the tower and a guide member pivotally mounted on the bracket, a rail assembly mounted in the bottom of the tower for guiding a chain through the tower, a chain dog assembly mounted for reciprocal motion on the opposite side of the tower, a chain aligned with the chain dog assembly, rail assembly in bracket and being connected to the damaged vehicle and a force applying hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly mounted in the tower for moving the dog assembly to apply a force to the damaged vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing vehicles to a rack, frame or bench, the apparatus including a universal base assembly for supporting various type attachment heads, the base assembly including a base which is adapted to be mounted on the rack and a slide mounted on the base for longitudinal movement relative thereto, the slide including a mounting plate for supporting the various types of attachment heads.

Abstract: A universal measuring bridge for determining the amount of misalignment of the datum points on a damaged vehicle, the bridge including a main beam formed from two extruded box beams, each box beam including a reference surface and an upper and lower track, the box beams being connected with the reference surfaces in a precise parallel spaced relation and the tracks also in a precise parallel spaced relation to each other and to the corresponding tracks on the other side, a slide arm having an upper and lower track and an upper and lower rail on each side and a fixed guide and a movable guide on the bottom for aligning the slide arm on the main beam and a cross slide mounted on each end of the slide arm, the cross slide including a pair of rollers positioned to ride on the lower track on each side of the slide arm and a compensating roller positioned to ride on the upper track, the rollers on the lower track being adjustable with respect to the lower track and movable into engagement with the inside of the rai

Abstract: A measuring bridge including extensible legs supporting the measuring bridge into position beneath a vehicle. The extensible legs each include a compression spring for upward movement into engagement with the bottom of a vehicle frame. The measuring bridge also includes apparatus for adjustably positioning the pointers of the measuring bridge to compensate for variations in the size of reference holes provided in the vehicle frame.