With Wheel Supporting Means Patents (Class 33/203.12)
  • Patent number: 11181353
    Abstract: The present application discloses a wheel brake space detecting device comprising a frame, a first servo motor, a connecting shaft, a pedestal, a rotating shaft, a rotary cylinder, a first bearing, a first bearing end cap, a base, a second bearing, a second bearing end cap, a shaft, a shaft sleeve, contacts, a spring, linear bearings, a synchronous cam, a probe, a probe holder, a first sliding frame, a first lead screw nut, a first guide rail sliding seat, a first linear guide rail, a first ball screw, a second servo motor, a suspension, a second linear guide rail, a second guide rail sliding seat, a second lead screw nut, a second ball screw, a third servo motor, and a second sliding frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zuo Xu, Weidong Liu, Xiaoying Ma
  • Patent number: 11105606
    Abstract: A wheel flange height difference detection and annular groove burr clearing device includes a turntable, a detection platform, a first intelligent compression meter, a second intelligent compression meter, a first burr cutter, a second burr cutter and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Zuo Xu, Guoyuan Xiong, Huiying Liu, Yuexin Lu
  • Patent number: 10830570
    Abstract: The present invention includes a steering knuckle deformation gauge. A center hole of a workpiece cooperates with a center column to realize initial positioning of the workpiece. Two tapered holes of the workpiece cooperate with the spherical top ends of a first guide pillar and a second guide pillar respectively, and three support points on the workpiece are respectively in contact with three support columns. The workpiece is completely positioned, and the workpiece is clamped by three toggle clamps. Steps of a measuring sleeve are in close fit with the end face of a sliding sleeve, and the small end of a measuring column is in contact with a measured point of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: CITIC Discastal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bowen Xue, Qiu Ren, Xiaoqin Xu, Jiandong Guo
  • Patent number: 10823642
    Abstract: A spoke angle deviation amount measuring system (2) includes a first to fourth support units (21) to (24) configured to support rotatably a first to fourth tires (11) to (14), respectively. Shaft portions (31d) of the support units (21) to (24) are positioned by positioning caps (55) after a vehicle (3) is moved to a measuring position with a steering wheel (4) positioned neutral. With the tires (11) to (14) inclined at a toe angle with respect to a front-and-rear direction, when the vehicle (3) is caused to travel forwards, lateral stress is exerted on the support units (21) to (24), whereby the support units (21) to (24) turn about the corresponding shaft portions (31d). An angle sensor (40) detects turning angles of the support units (21) to (24). A control device (27) calculates a spoke angle deviation amount based on the detected turning angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichiro Kurai, Kento Aono, Masahiro Murata, Tatsuya Sakai, Takayuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 10436565
    Abstract: A device for detecting concave-convex of a flange face of a wheel is composed of a frame, a jacking cylinder, lower guide posts, a lifting table, a support column, a first inner ring adjusting cylinder, an inner ring guide rail, an second inner ring adjusting cylinder, a first inner ring sliding block, a second inner ring sliding block, a first electric cylinder, a second electric cylinder, a first detection bar, a second detection bar, piezoelectric sensors, a first outer ring adjusting cylinder, a second outer ring adjusting cylinder, a first outer ring guide rail, a second outer ring guide rail, a first outer ring sliding block, a second outer ring sliding block, a third electric cylinder, a fourth electric cylinder, a third detection bar, a fourth detection bar and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huiying Liu, Zhen Li, Yuexin Lu
  • Patent number: 10429492
    Abstract: The misalignment quantity calculating apparatus determines whether a first object detected by a beam sensor is identical to a second object detected by an image sensor. Upon determining that the first object is identical to the second object, the misalignment quantity calculating apparatus calculates, as a misalignment quantity of the beam sensor, an angle between a first line segment and a second line segment; the first line segment connects a predetermined reference point of the misalignment quantity calculating apparatus and a first feature point of the first object, and the second line segment connects the predetermined reference point and a second feature point of the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takahiro Baba
  • Patent number: 10132621
    Abstract: An instrument, for measuring and setting the angle between two work-pieces, that is placed on one of the work-pieces so that it projects two laser spots onto the second work-piece at which time a measurement is made of the distance along each of these laser axes which, combined with a known angle between the two axes allows the instrument to determine then display the angle between the two work-pieces allowing the user to read the angle and adjust the angle if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Inventor: Lan Elliot Brooks
  • Patent number: 9645051
    Abstract: An automatic examination device of parts for a vehicle allows examination of smart cruise control (SCC) even though the SCC is mounted on different model vehicles. The automatic examination device includes: a base plate provided to be horizontally movable, a part examining plate automatically examining the part for the vehicle; and an elevating part provided on the base plate and vertically moving the part examining plate. It is possible to improve workability and examination reliability by allowing the parts to be automatically examined according to the position of the smart cruise control mounted in the vehicle by moving the position of the part examining plate according to the vehicle model for the different mounting positions of the smart cruise control for each vehicle model to thereby flexibly deal with several vehicle models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Yo Hee Jin
  • Patent number: 9412028
    Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and method. A digital imaging device is configured to capture images of a region of a contact between a wheel of a terrestrial vehicle and a surface (“contact region”). A correlator is configured to correlate a first digital image of the contact region captured at a first time with a second digital image of the contact region captured at a second time. A kinematics circuit determines an incremental slide or slip of the wheel relative to the surface. A fraction status circuit combines at least two instances of the incremental slide or slip into data indicative of a slide or slip by the terrestrial vehicle relative to the surface. A communications circuit outputs an electronic signal indicative of the data indicative of a slide or slip by the terrestrial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Tom Driscoll, Joseph R. Guerci, Russell J. Hannigan, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, David R. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Yaroslav A. Urzhumov, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Patent number: 8235084
    Abstract: A device for truing and regulating the tension of spoked running wheels includes a support device for stationarily clamping the hub of the running wheel, a measuring device for determining the lateral and top eccentricity of the rim, a device for fixing a motor-driven nipple wrench to the spoke nipple, a device for manually adjusting spoke tension. The hub of the running wheel is clamped for measuring symmetrical to the axial radial plane; both lateral and top eccentricity and rim anomalies on the same radial rim segment can be read out directly and electronically with or without the tires fitted. A wrench can be installed in existing devices; and is suitable for manual and motor-driven applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Christoph Rugel
  • Patent number: 8061045
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding device for receiving vehicle wheels in a substantially stress-free manner, comprising a carrier unit and a top plate slidably supported on the carrier unit, wherein a vehicle wheel may be borne in a substantially almost force-free and torque-free manner at least in a horizontal direction by using the top plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Maha Maschinenbau Haldenwang GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jurgen Grotz
  • Patent number: 7779544
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The aim of the invention is to enable an automatic adjustment of the steering wheel in the steering clearance center by ‘stabilizing’ or carrying out a steering hysteresis measurement, and the subsequent adjustment of the steering wheel, in a simple, rapid and cost-effective manner. To this end, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the steering wheel of a motor vehicle in the steering wheel clearance center, the method being characterized by the following steps: the floating plates of the vehicle geometry test bed, on which the front wheels of the motor vehicle are arranged, are rotated when the wheels are stopped in order to cause the rotation of steering wheel; the steering wheel angle is determined according to the triggered steering wheel movement; and the steering wheel clearance center is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Dürr Assembly Products GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Tentrup, Andre Deutsch, Christoph Meyers
  • Patent number: 7637021
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle confronting apparatus and a vehicle confronting method for a vehicle, which enables to confront a vehicle surely for a short while. A vehicle confronting apparatus 1, comprises: a guide-type confronting device 2 guiding a wheel of a vehicle 7 entering to a confronting position, and regulating both sides of the wheel of the vehicle; a run-out-type confronting device 4 rotationally driving the wheel of the vehicle reaching the confronting position; and a control device 6 controlling motions of the guide-type confronting device 2 and the run-out-type confronting device 4. The control device 6 cancels the regulation of the wheel by the guide-type confronting device 2 within a period between a time of starting of the rotational driving of the wheel of the vehicle 7 and a time when the rotation speed of the wheel reaches a predetermined run-out speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazutsugu Suita, Keiichiro Fujita
  • Publication number: 20090288305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for adjusting the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The aim of the invention is to enable an automatic adjustment of the steering wheel in the steering clearance center by ‘stabilizing’ or carrying out a steering hysteresis measurement, and the subsequent adjustment of the steering wheel, in a simple, rapid and cost-effective manner. To this end, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the steering wheel of a motor vehicle in the steering wheel clearance center, the method being characterized by the following steps: the floating plates of the vehicle geometry test bed, on which the front wheels of the motor vehicle are arranged, are rotated when the wheels are stopped in order to cause the rotation of steering wheel; the steering wheel angle is determined according to the triggered steering wheel movement; and the steering wheel clearance center is adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Tentrup, Andre Deutsch, Christoph Meyers
  • Patent number: 7581324
    Abstract: A wheel alignment system may include a wheel alignment sensor configured to provide information relevant to the inclination of the wheel. The wheel alignment sensor may contain an encapsulated package. The encapsulated package may contain a micro electromechanical sensor configured to sense inclination of the micro electromechanical sensor and a digital signal processing system configured to compensate for a deficiency in the wheel alignment sensor. The wheel alignment system may also include a wheel alignment processing system associated with the wheel alignment sensor and configured to receive and process the information relevant to the inclination of the wheel from the wheel alignment sensor and to provide useful output relating to the information about the inclination of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: Steven W. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20090126208
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle confronting apparatus and a vehicle confronting method for a vehicle, which enables to confront a vehicle surely for a short while. A vehicle confronting apparatus 1, comprises: a guide-type confronting device 2 guiding a wheel of a vehicle 7 entering to a confronting position, and regulating both sides of the wheel of the vehicle; a run-out-type confronting device 4 rotationally driving the wheel of the vehicle reaching the confronting position; and a control device 6 controlling motions of the guide-type confronting device 2 and the run-out-type confronting device 4. The control device 6 cancels the regulation of the wheel by the guide-type confronting device 2 within a period between a time of starting of the rotational driving of the wheel of the vehicle 7 and a time when the rotation speed of the wheel reaches a predetermined run-out speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Kazutsugu Suita, Keiichiro Fujita
  • Publication number: 20090020231
    Abstract: A device for truing and regulating the tension of spoked running wheels includes a support device for stationarily clamping the hub of the running wheel, a measuring device for determining the lateral and top eccentricity of the rim, a device for fixing a motor-driven nipple wrench to the spoke nipple, a device for manually adjusting spoke tension. The hub of the running wheel is clamped for measuring symmetrical to the axial radial plane; both lateral and top eccentricity and rim anomalies on the same radial rim segment can be read out directly and electronically with or without the tires fitted. A wrench can be installed in existing devices; and is suitable for manual and motor-driven applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Christoph Rugel
  • Patent number: 7472485
    Abstract: An improved wheel alignment turntable for supporting a wheel of a vehicle. Embodiments include a turntable having a base, and a top plate for receiving the vehicle wheel, the top plate being mounted to an upper surface of the base for rotational and translational movement relative to the base. A pair of paddles, removably adjustably attachable to the base, engages a peripheral wall of the top plate for maintaining the top plate in a predetermined position relative to the base while the vehicle wheel is being positioned on the turntable. The paddles are easily removable when the wheel is supported on the turntable. A plurality of slide pads are removably mounted to a lower surface of the base, for enabling sliding motion between the turntable and a surface of a lift without damaging paint on the surface of the lift. The slide pads are stackable against one another for adjusting height of the turntable relative to the lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Gray, Ronald D. Swayne, Matthew T. Foreman, Donald A. Healy, James L. Dale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7415770
    Abstract: A wheel alignment angle measuring apparatus according to the present invention computes variation energy sums EA? and EB? and a reference wheel referencing alignment angle (a toe angle TBR) based on an anteroposterior force variation rate dFx and a lateral force variation rate dFy generated in a reference wheel (RL). Furthermore, the alignment angle measuring apparatus computes a non-reference wheel referencing alignment angle (a toe angle TNBR) of a non-reference wheel (FL), and then computes a toe angle TNBA to be specified for the non-reference wheel, based on the toe angle TNBR and a difference between a toe angle TBR and the toe angle TI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 7313870
    Abstract: A headlamp aiming apparatus for vehicles used for accurate measuring of light radiated from the headlamp of a vehicle. The headlamp aiming apparatus is capable of appropriately calibrating the moving quantity of an aiming unit, based on data measured by distance measuring units measuring the positions of respective wheels of a vehicle, during a headlamp aiming operation, thus accurately aligning the center of the headlamp with the center of the headlamp aiming apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Seon-Gyu Jeon
  • Patent number: 7249418
    Abstract: A wheel angle determining device includes a position sensor being provided on a vehicle wheel assembly to directly measure a wheel angle. The wheel assembly having a first portion being fixedly connected to a vehicle and a second portion being rotatable about an axis formed in a plane substantially perpendicular to a vehicle travel direction. The second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly including a vehicle wheel. The position sensor having a first end operatively connected to the first portion of the vehicle wheel assembly and a second end operatively connected to the second portion of the vehicle wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignees: Hella KG a.A. Hueck & Co., Hella Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Manfred Bartscht, Steffen Hoppe, Dirk Hobein, Steven Lietaert
  • Patent number: 7143519
    Abstract: An alignment measurement system for a vehicle includes an alignment sensing system and a suspension relaxing system. The suspension relaxing system is configured to receive at least one wheel of the vehicle and is operable between a plurality of states. The alignment sensing system is operatively connected to the suspension relaxing system to select a state of the suspension relaxing system. In a first state, the suspension relaxing system maintains the wheel of the vehicle stationary when the wheel is received by the suspension relaxing system, and in a second state, the suspension relaxing system allows the wheel to turn and/or translate. Prior to performing a measurement on the alignment of the vehicle, the alignment sensing system directs the suspension relaxing system to be operated in the second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Incorporated
    Inventor: David A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7100289
    Abstract: Compact and robust sensors for utilization with vehicle wheel alignment angle sensor units and vehicle service devices. The sensors incorporate one or more micro-electromechanical devices configured to measure movement and/or orientation of the sensor about one or more orthogonal axes, such as when a wheel alignment angle sensor unit is coupled to a vehicle wheel during a vehicle wheel alignment angle measurement procedure, or when a vehicle lift system is articulated to raise or lower a vehicle. The sensor are further configured to provide output signals representative of the measured movement and/or orientation to a vehicle wheel alignment system processor or vehicle service device controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Timothy A. Strege, Michael T. Stieff, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Patent number: 7100290
    Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure a lateral displacement amount of a vehicle accurately in a short time on a bench testing machine without damaging a vehicle body and tires. Respective rollers 1F, 1R on which respective wheels WF, WR of the vehicle A are placed respectively are made movable in a lateral direction. In a state in which the respective wheels WF, WR are rotating at a predetermined speed, lateral forces (cornering forces) acting on the respective rollers 1F, 1R are detected by respective detectors 3. Then, a yaw angle speed when the vehicle A is brought into a state of steady circular turning is calculated based on the lateral forces acting on the respective rollers 1F, 1R and the lateral displacement amount is calculated from the yaw angle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Hara, Sumio Noguchi, Kenichiro Kurai
  • Patent number: 7065887
    Abstract: A device for supporting the wheels of vehicles in general during their attitude check, comprising a horizontal plate (8) which is supported in such a manner as to enable it to undergo rotation and translation within the plane in which it lies, about a position known as the zero position, and means able to disable the mobility of said plate, said means comprising a lower central appendix (11) which is rigid with the plate, and with which there is associated an automatic centering, retention and release system, which is activated and deactivated by a remote command.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giacomo Gallese
  • Patent number: 7062860
    Abstract: An automobile body 2 with a wheel mount 5 vertically movably mounted thereon is supported, and the wheel mount 5 is lifted to an adjusting position which is set so as to be lower than the position that the wheel mount 5 takes when the automobile is running. The position of the wheel mount 5 as it is lifted and toe and camber angles thereof are measured, and estimated values of the toe and camber angles at the position that the wheel mount 5 takes when the automobile is running are calculated based on the measured values. Thereafter, adjustment quantities for the toe and camber angles at the adjusting position are calculated, and wheel alignment is adjusted at the adjusting position based on the adjustment quantities. Wheel alignment of the automobile can be measured and adjusted quickly and accurately for increased productivity without applying the same load to the automobile body as the load that is applied when the automobile is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kiyonobu Hara, Katsuhiro Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7040026
    Abstract: A method for measuring side run-out of a wheel by turning the wheel mounted on a roller supported rotatably. It is judged whether or not the difference between the side run-out of a wheel at the start point onf one turn and the end point of one turn falls within a specified range or not. If it falls within the specified range, the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the side run-out during rotation is defined as the side run-out of the wheel. Even if the wheel is displaced during measurement to cause variation in the measurement value of the side run-out, the varied measurement value can be removed and highly accurate side run-out and side run-out width can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Hirano, Takashi Kamoshita
  • Patent number: 7040029
    Abstract: A method for use with a vehicle wheel alignment system to detect vehicle roll or elevation change during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure requires the steps of observing individual vehicle wheels, and detecting a substantially simultaneous changes in position or rotational movement associated with each observed wheel. Responsive to detected changes, vehicle rolling movement or a vehicle elevation change is identified, enabling the vehicle wheel alignment system and/or operator to respond accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Scott Hillman, David A. Voeller
  • Patent number: 6735878
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for centring a wheel, especially a cycle wheel. The values of the lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are measured. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out of the wheel rim are then eliminated by rotating the spoke nipple. The lateral run-out and/or the radial run-out are determined by means of measuring devices which can be fixed to a centring stand and which comprise pointer mechanisms (18 and/or 20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Inventor: Peter Lie
  • Publication number: 20040026591
    Abstract: A device with at least a supporting means (1, 2, 3, 4) coupled to a movement-system making the upper-plate moving. The device is characterized in that it includes a mechanism by which the supporting means (1, 2, 3, 4) can be moved vertically thanks to the operation of a movement-system, whereby this mechanism comprises at least the following elements: a ball-housing (6) with a ball; a threshold-block (7) with a bearing surface on which the ball rests.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Willy Lambrecht, Johan Lambrecht
  • Patent number: 6684517
    Abstract: A device for determining geometrical defects in a vehicle wheel comprises, for measuring the eccentricity of the wheel rim (5) and of the wheel (4), means (7) to be positioned in contact alternately with the tyre (6) and with the wheel rim (5) of the wheel of which the eccentricity is to be measured, a sensor (8) for measuring the angular position assumed by said means (7) about a fixed reference point (9), and means for associating and processing the data measured by said means (7) and by said sensor (8) to determine the angle through which the tyre (6) must be rotated on the wheel rim (5) to compensate their errors of shape. Said angular sensor (8) comprises a fixed part (80) carried by a shaft (23) associated with self-centering support means (21, 19, 200, 203) arranged to position it exactly coaxial with said wheel rim, and a movable part (81) rotatably mounted on said shaft (23).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 6661505
    Abstract: A system for measuring caster trail of a wheel. The system comprises position sensing devices for sensing positional signals of the wheel and a data processing system configured to couple to the position sensing devices. The data processing system receives signals from the position sensing devices and determines spatial characteristics of a steering axis of the wheel, a reference plane and the center of a wheel. The system then determines the caster trail based on the spatial characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Stephen L. Glickman, James L. Dale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6658749
    Abstract: A system for obtaining positional information about a vehicle includes a vision imaging system and a vehicle position adjustment mechanism for moving the vehicle between at least two positions for detection by the vision imaging system. The vehicle position adjustment mechanism includes a body, surface support wheels, a motor, and a controller. The body engages the vehicle, and the controller controls the direction and distance the vehicle position adjustment mechanism moves the vehicle. The surface support wheels are connected to the body and support the body on a surface. The motor drives the vehicle between the at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Snap-On Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Gordon F. Schmeisser
  • Patent number: 6657711
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle wheel alignment in non-contact fashion with high accuracy is disclosed. A laser light source (4) emits a laser beam of a predetermined geometric pattern toward the wheel side surface. A laser beam control device (6) controls the width of the laser beam in such a manner as to be radiated only in a predetermined range of the wheel side surface. Two laser light sources (120), (121) emit non-parallel laser beams. A photdetecting device (122) receives the two laser beams and converts them to two corresponding image data. A processing unit calculates the distance between the two images based on the two image data and calculates the wheel alignment based on the same distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignees: Anzen Motor Car Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Kitagawa, Hiroshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 6634109
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for determining symmetry and Ackermann geometry status of the steering system of a vehicle. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on toe angle differences of the steerable wheels. Thus, no specification is required for determining symmetry of the steering system. A system according to the disclosure determines symmetry of the steering system based on normalized toe angles. Consequently, the steerable wheel does not have to be positioned at a specific angle. Additionally, the present disclosure determines symmetry in the steering system of a vehicle without requiring turning steering wheels through a large angular range. Hence, technician efforts in steering the wheel are reduced. The disclosure also provides an improved alignment procedure that implements determination of symmetry of the steering system into the alignment procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Dale, Jr., David A. Jackson
  • Patent number: 6564461
    Abstract: A wheel alignment adjusting device is provided in which loading portions, on which wheels of a vehicle are loaded, can be positioned with high accuracy. Front and rear tire driving devices 118 at a vehicle transverse direction left side are fixed to a loading stand 18. Front and rear tire driving devices 118 at a vehicle transverse direction right side are mounted to a first sliding base 34R. The first sliding base 34R is movable in a vehicle transverse direction with respect to the loading stand 18. When a vehicle transverse direction distance between the tire driving devices 118 is to be changed in accordance with a tread base of the vehicle, the first sliding base 34R is moved. Only the tire driving devices 118 at one vehicle transverse direction side are moved, rather than the tire driving devices 118 at both vehicle transverse direction sides. Thus, a structure of the wheel alignment adjusting device is simplified because a number of driving devices for moving the tire driving devices 118 is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 6490800
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a procedure for measuring the wheel angle on steerable vehicles. When determining large course angles, such as maximum wheel deflection, the course angle itself, which is difficult to measure, is not measured directly. Instead, the wheel camber (or turning) is measured and this angle is then utilized to calculate the course angle sought, with the aid of known values of straight course angles of the wheel and gradient of the kingpin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignees: Optab Optronikinnovation AB, Josam Lastbilsteknik AB
    Inventor: Lars-Erik Skagerlund
  • Patent number: 6483577
    Abstract: A vehicle alignment sensor system includes a first sensor assembly for measuring at least a first angle with respect to a fixed reference, that angle being related in a predetermined manner to an alignment angle of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured, and a second sensor assembly for mounting in a known geometrical relationship to a wheel of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured. The first sensor assembly has at least one detector, and the second sensor assembly has at least a pair of emitters in fixed geometrical relationship with respect to each other. The detector is capable of measuring the apparent geometrical relationship of the pair of emitters to determine a relative alignment angle of the vehicle, so that a true alignment angle of the vehicle is determinable from the first angle and the relative alignment angle. A calibration method using the present invention is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 6466845
    Abstract: A method for tracking critical wheel alignment variables begins by assembling a plurality of vehicles and performing a wheel alignment on each of these vehicles. To insure that wheel alignment is being performed properly, approximately two percent the vehicles are audited after production to verify correct wheel alignment. A plurality of significant wheel alignment characteristics for the audited vehicles are automatically collected and transferred to a database. These characteristics are then plotted and reviewed on a weekly basis to identify any negative trends. If a negative trend is identified, then a corrective action to correct this negative trend is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Brian T. Keener, Harry N Kiafoulis
  • Publication number: 20020144414
    Abstract: A system for obtaining positional information about a vehicle includes a vision imaging system and a vehicle position adjustment mechanism for moving the vehicle between at least two positions for detection by the vision imaging system. The vehicle position adjustment mechanism includes a body, surface support wheels, a motor, and a controller. The body engages the vehicle, and the controller controls the direction and distance the vehicle position adjustment mechanism moves the vehicle. The surface support wheels are connected to the body and support the body on a surface. The motor drives the vehicle between the at least two positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Jackson, Gordon F. Schmeisser
  • Patent number: 6460259
    Abstract: A wheel alignment adjusting device in which adjustment of a toe angle can be effected accurately, precisely, easily, and in a short time. A wire is anchored to a supporting frame at which an endless track is provided. An intermediate portion of the wire is trained around a pulley of a rotary encoder. A rotational angle of the supporting frame is transmitted to the rotary encoder with the rotational angle magnified. Accordingly, a minute angle can be measured accurately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 6457249
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining physical and geometrical defects in motor vehicle wheel rims and tires comprises at least one measurement unit to be associated with a self-centering unit of the vertical axis of a tire removal machine, in order to occupy a rest position in which it lies outside the operational region of the self-centering unit and a working position in which it can assume a first measuring configuration in which it is in light contact with a bead retaining flange of the wheel rim of that wheel at that moment, mounted on the moving self-centering unit, and a second configuration in which it is in light contact with the tread of the tire of the mounted wheel, the at least one measurement unit being connected to a system for collecting and displaying the data obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 6453567
    Abstract: A tire position detecting device which correctly and accurately detects a position of a wheel of a vehicle loaded on a wheel alignment adjusting device. A jig is mounted to a disk wheel flange of a wheel. A second wire for measurement is pulled out from a distance measuring device, and a second anchoring hardware is made to catch on a first anchoring hardware of the jig. When the second wire for measurement is pulled out from the distance measuring device, a shaft of a rotary encoder rotates by an amount corresponding to a pulled-out amount, thus enabling accurate and precise measurement of dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 6412183
    Abstract: A wheel alignment method and device that includes an image pick-up unit that picks up an image of the measuring surface of a measuring plate so that at least a part of measuring marks drawn on the measuring plate are included in the picked-up image. A judging unit judges which measuring mark is included in the image picked up by the image pick-up unit. Based upon the relationship between the selected measuring mark and a measuring object position in the image picked up by the image pick-up unit, the position on the measuring plate corresponding to the measuring object position is calculated, thereby quickly determining the position of the measuring plate corresponding to the measuring object in a non-contact manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Saginomiya Seisakusho
    Inventor: Hiroshi Uno
  • Patent number: 6408528
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for determining the impressing depth of a tire on a motor vehicle disk wheel, the impressing depth is determined using a wheel balancing machine structure from the wheel rim width, the axial spacing of an abutment surface on the main mounting shaft of the machine from a reference plane of the machine, and the axial spacing of one of the two measurement points for the wheel rim width from the reference plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Hofmann Werkstatt-Technik GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Diez
  • Patent number: 6367157
    Abstract: A telescoping bar includes a track pusher for adjusting and measuring the track on a motor vehicle's wheels. A pneumatic spring, housed within the telescoping bar, functions as an accumulator and applies expansion forces on either the two front wheels or two rear wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Snap-On Deutschland Holding GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Diez
  • Patent number: 6317992
    Abstract: An angle rotating device for wheel alignment test has a disk seat, a lever bar inserted in the disk seat, a cover plate covering the disk seat, a solid rotating disk disposed on the cover plate, a ring disposed in the solid rotating disk, and a hollow disk disposed in the cover plate. The solid rotating disk has a center shaft. The ring has an annular face having a plurality of circular apertures receiving a plurality of balls. A sleeve is disposed in a center of the ring. A plurality of springs are connected to the sleeve and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Tswen-Jang Lin
  • Patent number: 6313911
    Abstract: A vehicle alignment sensor system includes a first sensor assembly for measuring at least a first angle with respect to a fixed reference, that angle being related in a predetermined manner to an alignment angle of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured, and a second sensor assembly for mounting in a known geometrical relationship to a wheel of a vehicle whose alignment is to be measured. The first sensor assembly has at least one detector, and the second sensor assembly has at least a pair of emitters in fixed geometrical relationship with respect to each other. The detector is capable of measuring the apparent geometrical relationship of the pair of emitters to determine a relative alignment angle of the vehicle, so that a true alignment angle of the vehicle is determinable from the first angle and the relative alignment angle. A calibration method using the present system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Michael T. Stieff
  • Patent number: 6256894
    Abstract: A method in which the alignment of a wheel can be easily adjusted in accordance with the characteristics of the tire, and in which a running stability appropriate for an actual road surface is obtained and a reduction in one-sided wear is achieved. A plurality of plate-like protrusions of a predetermined height are formed on the outer surface of an endless track at a predetermined distance apart in the direction of the rotation on which is rotated a wheel. When the endless track is rotated, the wheel is rotated on the tire driving surface and travels from the top surface of plate section over a step up climbing up onto the top surface of the protrusion. Next, from the top surface of the protrusion, the wheel travels over a step and descends back down onto the top surface of the plate section. This action is repeatedly executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Naruse, Yozo Hattori
  • Patent number: 6219134
    Abstract: A system for measuring vehicle alignment angles has a plurality of sensor elements for mounting to wheels of a vehicle to be aligned. The system uses the sensor elements to measure various angles such as steer ahead angle and toe, and the system also has a display for displaying information to a user and a memory for storing operating instructions for the system. Operating instructions are stored in the memory for determining from compensation measurements taken at a minimum of first and second longitudinally displaced positions whether the toe parameter of two wheels falls outside a predetermined toe range, and whether the steer ahead angle of the vehicle falls within a predetermined range. The operating instructions stored in the memory further include instructions responsive to the toe parameter falling outside the toe range to control the system to display to the user information indicative of the need to adjust the toe parameter before taking additional compensation measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Co.
    Inventors: David A. Voeller, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege