Abstract: An alignment apparatus for accurately aligning a replacement spindle with a pre-existing axle shaft to facilitate repairing a damaged axle assembly. The alignment apparatus may comprise an axle clamp assembly and a spindle clamp assembly. The axle clamp assembly may be mountable to an axle shaft. The axle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. Similarly, the spindle clamp assembly may be mountable to a spindle. The spindle clamp assembly may be self-centering and self-aligning. The axle clamp assembly may be fixable to the spindle clamp assembly. By fixing the axle clamp assembly to the spindle clamp assembly, a desired alignment between the axle shaft and the spindle may be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to be removably attached to a tire/hub assembly of a vehicle via lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly is used to determine imbalance forces of the tire/hub assembly during motion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a disk and a plurality of cup-shaped objects fixed at one end to the disk and extending perpendicularly outward from the disk. The plurality of cup-shaped objects are arranged a fixed radial distance from a radial center of the disk in a pattern that matches the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus is mounted to the vehicle's tire/hub assembly by fitting the plurality of cup-shaped objects over the lug nuts of the tire/hub assembly. The apparatus further includes one or more inertial measurement units (IMU's) mounted to the disk to measure parameters that are used for calculating the imbalance forces during motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: An indicator inspection machine inspects the accuracy of an indicator based on a value displayed by the indicator when a spindle changes position. The indicator inspection machine includes a measurement spindle provided so as to be freely raised and lowered in order to displace the spindle of the indicator; a contact point provided to a distalmost end of the measurement spindle, the contact point making contact with an indicator contact point provided to a distalmost end of the spindle of the indicator; a drive mechanism driving the measurement spindle; and a controller controlling the drive mechanism so as to bring the contact point into contact with the indicator contact point while changing a speed of the measurement spindle at a predetermined periodicity.

Abstract: A wheelset measurement device (1) for the wheelsets (2) of rail vehicles is used to check the wheelsets (2) of rail vehicles for an operationally safe state and for meeting the operating limit measures when built into the rail vehicles. In order to facilitate such checks with comparatively little effort and high reliability, the wheelset measurement device (1) has two separate device subunits (7,8) that can be displaced individually and which each can be pushed laterally against the wheelset (2) and be arranged in the position pushed against the wheelset (2).

Abstract: A method for aligning wheels of a vehicle is described herein. In an implementation, a plurality of images of a wheel of the vehicle is captured. The plurality of images comprises a LED image of the wheel, a laser image of the wheel, and a control image of the wheel. The method further comprises identifying, automatically, a rim coupled to the wheel based on the plurality of images. Further, the wheel is aligned based on the identified rim.

Abstract: A portable laser emitter, laser targets, and method for aligning commercial truck and trailer axles are disclosed. The laser emitter is mounted to the wheel of a truck drive axle while the laser targets are mounted to the truck's steer wheels. Measurements are taken of the laser dot position on the laser targets for both ends of the axle. The measurements taken from either end of the axle are compared to determine the angle of the drive axle. This method may also be applied to a commercial trailer by using a floor standing laser target centered on the trailer king pin.

Abstract: An integrated jig for assembling inspection of a door assembly includes a loading module on which a door assembly is held. An alignment module aligns a position of the door assembly to be a reference position and fixes the door assembly to the loading module. A sensor module inspects an assembling state of the door assembly.

Abstract: The axle guide has a generally rectangular base having a thickness, a top surface, and an opposite bottom surface, a first end and an opposite second end, and a right side and an opposite left side. The top surface has a lengthwise spine with less height than the thickness of the base. The first end has a threaded aperture receiving a screw which secures a planar gauge. The gauge has its own thickness, generally that of the desired gap between a wheel hub and the car body. The gauge has a generally slotted shape secured by the screw to the first end. The gauge is preferably H shaped or alternately C shaped. The slot of the gauge receives the shaft of an axle.

Abstract: The axle guide has a generally rectangular base having a thickness, a top surface, and an opposite bottom surface, a first end and an opposite second end, and a right side and an opposite left side. The top surface has a lengthwise spine with less height than the thickness of the base. The first end has a threaded aperture receiving a screw which secures a planar gauge. The gauge has its own thickness, generally that of the desired gap between a wheel hub and the car body. The gauge has a generally slotted shape secured by the screw to the first end. The gauge is preferably H shaped or alternately C shaped. The slot of the gauge receives the shaft of an axle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting device for lifting objects, such as motor vehicles, comprising at least one main lifting unit (22, 23), at least one additional lifting unit (24, 25), the additional lifting unit (24, 25) being disposed on the main lifting unit (22, 23) in such a way that a main lifting height (hh) of the lifting platform may be extended to a total lifting height (hg) by using the additional lifting unit (24, 25), and comprising a control unit (200) for controlling the main lifting unit (22, 23) and the additional lifting unit (24, 25), characterized in that the control unit (200) may be switched from controlling the main lifting unit (22, 23) to controlling the additional lifting unit (24, 25) as well as from controlling the additional lifting unit (24, 25) to controlling the main lifting unit (22, 23) via corresponding actuators (18, 19, 20, 21).

Abstract: A method and a device to adjust the axle geometry of a vehicle (1), wherein measurement values are taken into account, which are automatically detected at the wheels that are arranged at a fully assembled chassis (14) of the vehicle (1). Advantageously, the chassis (14) is moved to an empty-weight position and at least one of the wheels is rotated. Preferably, an additional measurement value, which represents an inclination of the steering wheel (18) of the vehicle (1) is detected and taken into account. Advantageously, the adjusting device for adjusting the axle geometry is integrated into an assembly line after assembly devices that serve to at least assemble the chassis (14) and the wheels of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the chassis measurement of vehicles such as motor vehicles, wherein the apparatus includes a vehicle lift platform with which a chassis to be measured can be reversibly lifted and an axle measurement lifting device with which an axle measuring unit can be reversibly lifted. The axle measurement lifting device has at least two lifting stages which are actuable reversibly independently of each other.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave filters having different center frequencies contained in a package. In the surface acoustic wave device, one of the input terminal or the output terminal of at least one of the plurality of surface acoustic wave filters is a balanced terminal and the other is an unbalanced terminal.

Abstract: A method and a device to adjust the axle geometry of a vehicle (1), wherein measurement values are taken into account, which are automatically detected at the wheels that are arranged at a fully assembled chassis (14) of the vehicle (1). Advantageously, the chassis (14) is moved to an empty-weight position and at least one of the wheels is rotated. Preferably, an additional measurement value, which represents an inclination of the steering wheel (18) of the vehicle (1) is detected and taken into account. Advantageously, the adjusting device for adjusting the axle geometry is integrated into an assembly line after assembly devices that serve to at least assemble the chassis (14) and the wheels of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A method and a device to adjust the axle geometry of a vehicle (1), wherein measurement values are taken into account, which are automatically detected at the wheels that are arranged at a fully assembled chassis (14) of the vehicle (1). Advantageously, the chassis (14) is moved to an empty-weight position and at least one of the wheels is rotated. Preferably, an additional measurement value, which represents an inclination of the steering wheel (18) of the vehicle (1) is detected and taken into account. Advantageously, the adjusting device for adjusting the axle geometry is integrated into an assembly line after assembly devices that serve to at least assemble the chassis (14) and the wheels of the vehicle (1).

Abstract: A method of balancing and aligning wheels on trucks which includes the steps of removing the bearing slack from the truck wheels by tightening the bearings; trimming or "trueing" the tires of the elevated drive tandem to the center of each axle as the center of the respective tire rotational circle; marking the axle hub to insure re-mounting of the tires in the same position on the axle hub; utilizing a strobe light and vibration sensor to detect weight imbalances in each set of trimmed wheels when the wheels are spun at high speed as the frame of the truck is jacked, and balancing each set of the trimmed wheels by adding weight to the areas on the wheel rim where balancing weight is needed; setting or adjusting the wheel and axle alignment using laser beam equipment and wheel alignment racks fitted with levels; and providing balanced brake drums in the wheels, if necessary.

Abstract: A sideslip tester detects sideslip and scrub in a vehicle having a steering axle and one or more pairs of tandem axles. The sideslip tester has a runway having a measurement plate which is moved laterally with respect to its longitudinal axis as a tire of the vehicle passes over the measurement plate as a result of lateral forces acting upon the tire. A lateral movement sensor operatively connected to the measurement plate determines the amount of lateral movement of the measurement plate as the vehicle tire passes over the plate and provides an output corresponding to the amount of lateral movement measured. The sideslip tester can determine when it is presented with tandem axles. When it is presented with tandem axles, the sideslip tester will determine the scrub angle of the tandem axles to determine if they are parallel.

Abstract: A device for engaging a vehicle chassis has mounted thereon a pair of tandem axles to be aligned perpendicular to frame rails of the chassis and parallel to one another, the device creating the alignments and having first and second spaced apart pairs of laterally spaced towers for engaging the ends of both tandem axles in a manner to maintain them parallel to one another, structure for supporting a rear end of the chassis in fixed position; and structure for moving the front end of the chassis to a predetermined position relative to the towers and being laser directed to position the chassis perpendicular to at least one of the axles.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting the toe-in for a vehicle front axle assembly includes a fixture having a pair of clamps for engaging the axle spindles. The fixture is adjustable to accommodate different length axles and one of the clamps is rotatable to accommodate the toe-in setting. A position indicator is attached to one of the clamps and a position sensor is attached to the other clamp for generating an actual value signal representing the toe-in setting. A bar code reader scans labels on the axle parts to generate an identification signal to a computer. The computer compares the actual toe-in value signal with a desired toe-in value associated with the identification signal in storage to determine whether the axle is "good" or "bad" and generate an appropriate visual display. A label with manufacturing data is printed and attached to "good" axles.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a circular ruling engine having a supporting means oscillatable in a controlled manner with a substrate section on said supporting means and means for lifting and lowering a ruling means to rule said substrate section to generate a grating pattern from a number of grating patterns to produce an off-axis grating section. Also disclosed is a method for forming off-axis grating sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting the toe-in for a vehicle front axle assembly includes a fixture having a pair of clamps for engaging the axle spindles. The fixture is adjustable to accommodate different length axles and one of the clamps is rotatable to accommodate the toe-in setting. A position indicator is attached to one of the clamps and a position sensor is attached to the other clamp for generating an indication of the toe-in setting. The position indicator can be an arc arm attached to the rotatable clamp with a head having indicator marks thereon and the position sensor can be an optical sensor for reading the marks.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning axles with respect to the frame of a vehicle and for determining wheel camber thereof.

Abstract: A device for locating a wheel and tire rim assembly on a right angular plane to the axis of a vehicle's axle by aligning the optical projection from a light source supported on the wheel or tire rim assembly to a remote target with a movable indicator positioned thereon.

Abstract: A lightweight, collapsible, easily transported apparatus for checking the geometry of a vehicle's frame and axles. The apparatus comprises a pointer bar assembly for use as a trammel and for checking toe measurements of steering axle tires, and an adjustable square bar assembly for providing a reference line perpendicular to a vehicle's frame. In its preferred embodiment, the apparatus is especially well suited for checking the frame and axle alignment of tractors with two or more drive axles, and trailers having two or more axles.

Abstract: Compact and portable apparatus particularly useful in aligning the axles of trailers comprises an instrument case connected by an elongated spring-loaded cable to the trailer kingpin and connected by a pair of cables to clips releasably fastened at spaced locations to the trailer axle. The case contains a sector gear which is connected to the kingpin cable and which meshes with a pinion gear coupled to a pointer adapted to register with an array of graduations to provide a readout of the misalignment which is readily readable by a workman stationed at the location adjacent the trailer axle adjustment mechanism. If desired, the case may include a lamp which is connected to a self-contained power supply and which is illuminated when the axle is properly aligned with respect to the trailer frame. In one modified embodiment, a potentiometer is coupled to the input lever and is operable to provide an analog signal corresponding to the misalignment of the axle.

Abstract: For measuring the angular position of the rotational axis of a wheel, in relation to the longitudinal axis of the associated vehicle, a sight line is provided across an extension of the rotary axle of the wheel and substantially in a plane in common with the longitudinal axis, and that optical extensions of the sight line in both directions are compared with each other each in one point with respect to the positions of the points relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This device for detecting possible distortions in a frame or in the base of a chassis-cum-body of a motor vehicle or other frame structures comprises a pair of carriages slidably mounted on rigid support members, each carriage having pivotally and separately mounted thereon a pair of arms carrying measuring rods at their outer ends, each arm being rigid with a toothed wheel so that the toothed wheels of each pair of arms mesh with each other and the arms constantly form symmetrical angles, like the two legs of a compass, irrespective of their positions, in relation to the longitudinal center line of the device which, for checking the presence of possible distortions in the frame or body base, is caused to register with the longitudinal center line of the frame or body base, whereby the measuring rods may be caused to register with predetermined reference points of the frame or body base.

Abstract: An axle alignment machine on which a trailer can be driven and fastened, simulating the fastening of a trailer to a fifth wheel of a tractor. The machine having a pit located therein which contains carriages that move on tracks. The carriages support the wheels of a trailer so that with plumb bobs and markings in the pit a static alignment of the axles of the trailer may be obtained and with the use of motors to turn wheel rollers on the carriages a dynamic alignment of the axles of the trailer may be obtained.

Abstract: A trailer hitch alignment device adapted to be releasably mounted to the draw bar of an automobile including a spring loaded spool from which a cable is played out to be turned around a guide pulley into a tubular guide. The tubular guide is pivotally mounted to align with the cable, concurrently articulating the wiper of a potentiometer. The potentiometer is connected to a meter inside the automobile, providing a visual indication of the angle of departure of the cable. Thus, by stretching the cable to connect to the hitch of a trailer, a remote indication on the meter will indicate the necessary direction of advancement of the automobile in order to effect alignment for coupling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for undertaking control measurements of a measurement object such as a motor vehicle frame or unit installed thereon, in which a directional beam or beams are used which extend only parallel to one coordinate axis and in which only one light source is used which emits directional beams toward one or two sides; only one parallel guidance coordinated thereto is provided which is securely connected at least indirectly with the vehicle, extending preferably perpendicularly to the vehicle longitudinal axis underneath the vehicle floor; the position of the control points perpendicular to the direction of the parallel guidance will be determined by direct mechanical measurements of the distance between the corresponding plumbing rulers, on the one hand, and the parallel guidance or a fixed point at the beam source, on the other.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring alignment of a damaged vehicle frame during straigntening thereof includes a body member having a sight member mounted thereon and first and second arms positioned in parallel alignment and extending in opposite directions from a center portion of the body member. The arms each have a respective hanger member extending upwardly therefrom and engageable with the vehicle frame to be straightened for supporting the arms and the body member thereon. The body member has a plurality of longitudinally spaced bearings and first and second guide members mounted thereon and in engagement with respective portions of the first and second arms whereby the gauge is adjustable and the first and second arms are maintained in substantially parallel alignment.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning the axle of a vehicle such as a truck, bus, etc., comprises a carriage adapted to be rolled into position adjacent the axle, a beam mounted on the carriage to pivot about a horizontal axis orthogonal to the axle, and means for projecting a laser ray coaxial with the pivot axis of the beam and onto a target positioned forwardly of the axle at a predetermined location with respect to the frame of the vehicle. The underside of the axle is engaged by a pair of forks adjustably carried by the beam to position the beam parallel to the axle. A centering mechanism is provided to center the laser with respect to the axle by causing the beam pivot axis to move laterally into a central position between the wheels of the vehicle. Preferably, the laser also projects a ray rearwardly through a central bore in the beam pivot pin to facilitate alignment of the laser with the pivot axis of the beam.