Abstract: A system is disclosed which functions in two distinct yet interrelated modes. In a modeling mode the system provides a customized multi-body model, wherein problem specific functions are created for analysis of complex real-world machines. A preprocessor facilitates the multi-body model description and a symbolic generator then generates model specific code in FORTRAN of some other convenient computer language. The model code is portable and self contained. In a numerical simulation mode actual multi-body system data are combined with the model code, whereby the system is manageable by a user not necessarily familiar with the modeling techniques, but familiar with the multi-body system modeled. Simulation operations by the system produce outputs descriptive of the multi-body system without redundancy, which outputs may then be utilized by the user through a post processor to compute further quantities of interest and to apply visualization to interpret results.

Abstract: A method is presented, together with variations thereof, which provides for identifying single degree of freedom machine operating characteristics from machine power transfer shaft torque and angular velocity measurements, wherein solutions are determined within the physical coordinate domain. Apparatus is disclosed which provides for variation in torque and angular velocity at the power transfer shaft and the shaft is accessible, so that independent measurements may be made. The determination of machine characteristics is useful for verification of analysis, diagnostics, or on-line monitoring for conformance to machine model characteristics.

Abstract: The dynamic properties of a machine are defined by its kinetic energy, potential energy and dissipation functions. The machine is also identifiable by the nonviscous friction therein. These properties form the basis for the dynamic analysis of any machine. When the response of a single degree of freedom machine is observed while being driven by a forced periodic input torque, information is obtained whereby these functions together with the nonviscous friction characteristic may be determined. The apparatus and method by which such determinations may be made have applications in machinery development, quality control and diagnosis.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides means for quick and accurate measurement of various wheel alignment parameters of motor vehicles by the use of reflected light beams. A laser source mounted near the front end of the vehicle provides a pair of light beams directed 180 degrees apart across the front end of the vehicle. Each of the beams is reflected along the side of the vehicle by a roof mirror set mounted near each front corner of the vehicle. The mirror sets each deflect a beam through a constant net angle of 90 degrees for a wide range of angles of incident light so that the laser source can be rotated to quickly provide parallel beams which are aligned substantially parallel to the sides of the vehicle. These mirror sets also provide stable beams and present small movements thereof from affecting the accuracy of the measurements being made.

Abstract: In certain wheel alignment measuring apparatus, a fixture is clamped to the rim of a wheel and an alignment sensor is pendulously mounted upon the fixture so that as the wheel is rotated the sensor will not rotate with the fixture. However, since the plane of the fixture is not necessarily parallel to the plane of the wheel the sensor may oscillate relative to the ground surface as the wheel is rotated-a condition known as "runout" which results in sensor reading errors. This is corrected by rotating the fixture to three separate rotative positions and recording the sensor readings at each such position. Circuitry is provided for determining the true alignment of the wheel by calculating the amount of the runout error at the final rotative position of the wheel and correcting the sensor reading by this amount.

Abstract: A light projector mounted on a front wheel of a vehicle uses a single laser to develop a beam which is split into a pair of light beams. The first light beam is projected to a calibrated mirror mounted on an adjacent rear wheel and is reflected to a target mounted near the projector on the front wheel of the vehicle so that the front wheel may be aligned with the rear wheel. The second light beam is projected to a mirror mounted on the other front wheel and is reflected to a target mounted adjacent the projector to check the toe of the front wheels. The target comprises a multichannel encoder which develops a plurality of Gray-coded binary signals in response to the position of the return beam. A rotating prism causes the light beams to sweep repetitively in a vertical plane so that the beams will strike the mirrors and the targets even when the projector is not mounted in a level position.

Abstract: An electro-optical apparatus for determining, during caster angle measurement procedures, when the front wheels of a vehicle have been turned into a first desired steering position oriented in one rotative direction from a "straight-ahead" position and have thereafter been turned to a second desired steering position oriented in the opposite rotative direction from the "straight-ahead" position. A multiple light beam projector and a photosensitive detector are mounted to a front wheel of the vehicle for rotation therewith, and a reflector is mounted to the rear wheel of the vehicle which is on the same side of the vehicle as the projector and detector. The projector rearwardly projects three directional beam patterns with each pattern consisting of sequentially emitted discrete beams which are projected at unique angles with respect to the plane of the front wheel.

Abstract: A static vehicle wheel balancing head has a base mounting an upright post terminating in a concave spherical anvil surface that supports three support balls. The balancing head has the usual means for mounting a wheel and has a single socket mounted pivot ball that is supported by the three support balls. The pivot ball is preloaded by a Belleville washer assembly and the preload is adjustable by a threaded plug. Opposed faces on the post and the balancing head are normally spaced by a small distance. Under shock loads, the pivot ball on the balancing head is forced up into its socket, compressing the Belleville washers. This brings the opposed faces into engagement and protects the pivot ball assembly.