Abstract: An adjustable motorcycle-fitting frame for identifying or verifying comfortable or otherwise desirable seat, handle bar, and foot peg positions for use in the design and fabrication of a motorcycle. Once the component parts of the frame are adjusted to a comfortable “fit,” the actual motorcycle frame and additional components can be designed and fabricated around this fit. The adjustable frame enables the designer to sit upon and feel the ride stance of the components during the design stage, rather than guess what would be desirable until after a prototype is made.

Abstract: A measuring device on at least one rail of a railway track for measuring the roundness of an individual railway vehicle wheel during running thereof on the rail as a difference of the circumferential radius of the wheel flange top and the radius of the running tread of the railway vehicle wheel in a measuring plane can include a plurality of measuring sensors. The plurality of measuring sensors can have a lateral distance from one another and are connected to the rail in the measuring plane along the axis of rotation of the railway vehicle wheel or the set of wheels and perpendicularly to the contact surface of the respective railway vehicle wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of fitting or removing a motor vehicle tyre 4 comprising a rotatably supported wheel receiving device 2 to which the rim 3 is to be fixed, at least one fitting or removal tool 5, a rotary drive device 10 for the wheel receiving device and a sensing device 6, 7, 8 for sensing the radially outer rim contour 12, 14 along which the at least one fitting or removal tool is to be guided during the fitting or removal operation, wherein the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a sensing device which contact-lessly senses the rim contour and the sensing signals of which are converted into electrical sensing signals, and connected to the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a control device 9 which evaluates the electrical sensing signals and which controls the at least one fitting or removal tool 5 in the fitting or removal operation in dependence on the sensing signals without contact with the rim surface.

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter. To secure the rotating body upon the spindle in a centered manner with the selected cone, an infinitely adjustable mounting flange assembly is provided with a set of mounting pins to engage the rotating body in a predetermined spacing with a clamping force against the cone. The mounting flange assembly and set of mounting pins cooperatively provides for infinite adjustment to accommodate a range of symmetrical vehicle wheel lug hole patterns between a minimum radial dimension and a maximum radial dimension.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle tie rod adjustment device for changing the toe of a vehicle wheel by adjusting the overall length of a tie rod assembly. The tie rod adjustment device generally includes a housing, a gear train, an adjustable gear head, and a nut runner. The pivotal gear head threadably adjusts the tie rod assembly by rotatably engaging a hex or flatted portion and a lock nut, and includes one or more roller elements spaced around a guide fork recess to reduce a sliding friction with the tie rod assembly. According to another embodiment, the tie rod adjustment device includes a locking mechanism for maintaining the adjustable gear head in a proper alignment so that one or more components of the gear head can be removed.

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.

Abstract: The invention is a method of determining the geometry of a wheel of a vehicle and/or the geometry of the associated support or drive structure. In one embodiment, a gauge includes caster and camber vials or an electro-mechanical sensor for outputting caster and camber angle to a display. In use, the gauge is aligned with or referenced to an indicator, such as a slot or marking. In one embodiment, the indicator has a reference position of zero degrees caster angle. The gauge measures the current position of the indicator compared to its reference position. The gauge includes a connecting element for maintaining it in alignment with the indicator, such as a threaded ring which engages the spindle or a magnetic ring engaging a wheel hub.

Abstract: Methods and devices for measuring and calculating wheel alignment angles. Light weight and mechanically robust accelerometers in measurement heads are attached to a vehicle's wheels during an alignment procedure. The output of the accelerometers may be compensated for effects of temperature or thermal hysteresis by memory lookup or a temperature based feedback control loop.

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.

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.

Abstract: A multiple gauge assembly for establishing vehicle wheel rim and tire sizes to prevent interference with vehicle structure facing the wheel, as during directional turning of the wheel on a vehicle wheel mount, about a pivot axis angled relative to the wheel axis, comprising a first adjustable gauge to establish a rim edge radial dimension, from the wheel axis, a second adjustable gauge to establish a rim offset (back spacing) dimension in a direction generally parallel to the wheel axis, and a third adjustable gauge to establish a tire peripheral dimension generally parallel to the wheel axis, whereby clearance between the wheel and vehicle structure can be predictively ascertained, as during wheel turning, prior to installation of the wheel on the mount.

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel alignment sensor unit is configured with an absolute rotational position sensor to provide an absolute rotational position of a mounting shaft relative to the vehicle wheel alignment sensor unit enabling resumption of operation and recall of stored runout data subsequent to an operational disruption such as a system power loss. An internal power source maintains the integrity of the sensor memory for a definite span of time during momentary system power losses such as battery changes or during overnight shutdowns, permitting the mounting shaft runout compensation values to be maintained and utilized upon the restoration of system power.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for inspecting wheel alignment employ an optical target mounted on a wheel of a motor vehicle, a support mounting a camera above ground for generating image information of the optical target that falls within the camera's field of view, and a pivotal connection between the camera and the support,. The pivotal connection allows vertical pivotation of the camera through a range of pivotation sufficient to maintain the target in the field of view of the camera during displacement of the vehicle between raised and lowered positions of a vehicle lift carrying the vehicle. Images of the target captured by the camera are analysed to generate wheel alignment information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wheel alignment of a vehicle on a production line. In the measuring method, a wheel hub (55) having a plurality of hub bolts (56) for mounting a wheel to is rotated while displacements of the hub bolts are measured with measuring sensors (73, 74). The wheel alignment is measured by calculating an angle of inclination (0) of the wheel hub on the basis of the measured displacements of the hub bolts.

Abstract: A method of reducing an n-order component of a radial run out (RRO) of a wheel rim is disclosed, wherein an average Y of RRO Y1 and RRO Y2 of the bead seats is obtained around the wheel rim; the peak-to-peak amplitude X of the n-order component of the average Y is obtained; minimum position(s) at which the n-order component becomes minimum is found to determine deep position(s) P on the wheel rim corresponding to the minimum position(s); a corrective tape having a thickness t of 0.1 to 0.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: A photo-interruptive sensor and an associated interrupter disk are configured to operate in conjunction with a relative rotational position sensor to provide an absolute rotational position of a mounting shaft relative to a vehicle wheel alignment sensor unit. The interrupter disk is secured relative to the mounting shaft of the vehicle wheel alignment sensor, and the photo-interruptive sensor is secured in operative relationship to the interrupter disk. The interrupter disk is configured with a raised peripheral lip having multiple teeth and gaps, each of a unique arcuate length. Signals from the photo-interruptive sensor, together with relative rotational position signals from the relative rotational position sensor in operative relationship to the mounting shaft, are conveyed to a sensor processor and utilized to store, in a sensor memory area, one or more absolute mounting shaft rotational positions.

Abstract: A photo-interruptive sensor and an associated interrupter disk are configured to operate in conjunction with a relative rotational position sensor to provide an absolute rotational position of a mounting shaft relative to a vehicle wheel alignment sensor unit. The interrupter disk is secured relative to the mounting shaft of the vehicle wheel alignment sensor, and the photo-interruptive sensor is secured in operative relationship to the interrupter disk. The interrupter disk is configured with a raised peripheral lip having multiple teeth and gaps, each of a unique arcuate length. Signals from the photo-interruptive sensor, together with relative rotational position signals from the relative rotational position sensor in operative relationship to the mounting shaft, are conveyed to a sensor processor and utilized to store, in a sensor memory area, one or more absolute mounting shaft rotational positions.

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).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the wheel alignment of a vehicle on a production line. In the measuring method, a wheel hub (55) having a plurality of hub bolts (56) for mounting a wheel to is rotated while displacements of the hub bolts are measured with displacement measuring sensors (73, 74). The wheel alignment is measured by calculating an angle of inclination (0) of the wheel hub on the basis of the measured displacements of the hub bolts.

Abstract: A wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, and a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles and alignment adjustment parts. A fixture is provided to secure the sensing apparatus to a wheel hub of the vehicle upon removal of the vehicle wheel rim and tire assembly, and a logic circuit is provided to determine, from sensed alignment characteristics, and corresponding alignment specifications, an adjustment to alter the vehicle alignment characteristics. A display is also included for displaying to a user a representation of the determined alignment.

Abstract: A manually operated device for measuring the height of a protrusion or raised area on the sidewalls of tires has a thin U-shaped body with a pair of spaced parallel legs and a cross member extending therebetween. A thin rigid metal scale is frictionally slidably mounted within a channel formed in the cross member and has a top edge which aligns with a flat top surface of the cross member at the start of a measuring procedure and has a bottom edge which lies in a plane extending between the free ends of the spaced legs. A stop bolt extends through an elongated slot formed in the scale for limiting the sliding movement of the scale within the channel. Engagement of the bottom edge of the scale with the protrusion automatically moves the scale in the channel to provide the height of the protrusion by measurement indicia on the scale aligning with a top surface of a raised central portion of the cross member.

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.

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.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus, system and method of alignment for motorcycle is disclosed. The apparatus typically includes an elongated threaded rod and two internally threaded cones that screw onto either end of the rod in opposition. The alignment system typically includes two fo the apparatuses, one to be fitted within the rear axle and the other to be fitted within the swing arm pivot shaft. The distance is measured between the ends of the rods on either side of the motorcycle and the rear axle is adjusted until the distances are equal. The rear wheel is then in alignment with the motorcycle.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining the position of a part on a vehicle are provided. The methods comprise measuring the respective distances from first and second measuring locations to each of a plurality of measuring points associated with the part whose position is to be determined. The position of each of the measuring points is then calculated relative to a fixed location, and these values are compared to determine the position of the part. The inventive apparatus comprises a main body which is attached to the vehicle. The main body includes an elongate member extending substantially therefrom and mounted to pivot relative to the main body about a pivot point central to the location of attachment of the main body to the vehicle. Finally, the main body comprises a retractable wire which can be extended to droppers removably fixed to the vehicle at various pick-up points. A sensing unit determines the distance from the main body to the pick-up point from the length of wire extended.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for accurately and rapidly imposing the required average force on a tire by using a drive mechanism, which initially drives the loadwheel carriage to a known average load position for tires of the type under test. This average can be computed based on a single previous test tire or based on an entire population of previously tested tires of the same or similar type.

Abstract: A device for automatically detecting a change in inclination beyond a threshold level is provided. Preferably the change in inclination results from a reduction of pressure for a tire associated with a vehicle. In the preferred embodiment mercury tilt switches are preferably placed at right angles to each other and are placed at least substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. The contacts of the tilt switch can be at least substantially vertically oriented to further reduce spurious activation. The tilt switches are preferably connected to a timing circuit such that only a preset time duration activation will result in a signal being sent to a notification device, such as a light, sound, or other indication member or device.

Abstract: During use, a wheel of a railway vehicle may become out of round, which will be detrimental to both the vehicle suspension and the railway track. The shape of such a wheel may be monitored to detect any such out of roundness, while the wheel is rolling, by measuring how far the flange of the wheel projects below the upper surface of the rail. This may be achieved by mounting a rigid bar (24) alongside the rail (10), the bar (24) being supported resiliently so as to be depressed by a flange of a wheel (40), and by measuring the vertical displacement of the bar. The bar (24) may be supported by a plurality of flat leaf springs (26), which are inclined to the horizontal at for example 30°. This ensures that the bar (24) remains substantially parallel to the top surface of the rail (10) when depressed by the flange of a wheel (40).

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.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an improved camber adjustment technique. The method comprises the steps of: turning the steerable wheel to a first position in which the steerable wheel is either toe-in or toe-out, then turning the steerable wheel to a second position in which the steerable wheel is toe-out if the steerable wheel is toe-in in the first position, and in which the steerable wheel is toe-in if the steerable wheel is toe-out in the first position. Toe angles and camber angles during the turning of the steerable wheel from the first position to the second position are measured. An adjustment amount of camber at any toe angle is determined by the difference between the camber angle at zero toe and a specification camber angle.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment comprising a yoke having a pair of aligned center pins engageable with a transverse axis in the vehicle; a collimated beam projector connectable to the yoke and adapted to project its beam at right angles to the axis of the center pins, and longitudinally of the vehicle with reference to the transverse axis and a target for the beam so attachable to a wheel of the vehicle that alignment of the wheel can be measured. In one embodiment the target is a mirror and the projector is provided with a transverse scale for measuring the reflected beam. In the other embodiment the target comprises a set of scales hung or clamped to the wheel.

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.

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.

Abstract: A portable alignment system for aligning the front and rear wheels of a motorcycle has a rear wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, first and second alignment members and a front wheel assembly including rigid, longitudinally extending, third and fourth alignment members. First and second laser units are removably mounted to the first and second alignment members, respectively. At least one measuring indicia is removably mounted to each of the third and fourth alignment members. Rear and front clamping subsystems removably clamp the first and second alignment members on either side of the rear wheel and the third and fourth alignment members on either side of the front wheel during the alignment procedure. The first and second laser units emit laser beams onto the measuring indicia mounted to the third and fourth alignment members, respectively, to provide an objective indication of the degree of alignment of the front and rear wheels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the calibration of vehicle wheel alignment sensors or optical targets and for the detection and correction of wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters to which the vehicle wheel alignment sensors are attached during a vehicle wheel alignment procedure. A first aspect of the present invention is a method for electronically storing separate calibration values associated with a vehicle wheel alignment sensor or optical target for a variety of types of vehicle wheel adapters. A second aspect of the present invention is a method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wear or damage to no-compensation type wheel adapters by utilizing a known flat surface against which the contact points of the adapter are placed, any misalignment of the sensor mounting shaft axis from the plane is detected and corrected for, either by adjustment of the contact points or by adjustment of the sensor mounting shaft.

Abstract: An alignment head for use in aligning the wheels of a vehicle. The alignment head includes left and right covers configured for engaging each other to establish a housing. A frame assembly is positioned within a central portion of the housing, and sensors are mounted on the frame assembly. First and second transceivers are positioned respectively within front and rear portions of the housing. The sensors and transceivers provide information that is used by certain control circuitry to generate alignment information that can be used to align the wheels of the vehicle.

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.

Abstract: A steer by wire control system having a steering wheel unit responsive to a steering wheel torque command and a road wheel unit responsive to a road wheel unit command is disclosed. A master control unit may be employed to perform processing as necessary. A method for steering a vehicle including receiving a tie-rod force signal, a road wheel position signal, a vehicle speed signal, a steering wheel position signal, and a feedback torque signal. Combining these signals to generate the steering wheel torque command signal and road wheel command signal to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while road wheel command signals are sent to road wheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit may also used to correct the left and right road wheel positions to track about a common center.

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.

Abstract: A closed loop steer by wire control system has three main components, a steering wheel unit, a roadwheel unit, and a master control unit. Signals generated by sensors in the steering wheel unit and roadwheel unit are passed back to the master control unit for processing. These signals include tie-rod force signals, and a steering wheel position signal. The master control unit uses these signals to calculate a steering wheel reaction torque signal which is sent back to the steering wheel unit to provide the operator with tactile feedback, while roadwheel command signals are sent to roadwheel units to provide steering direction. An Ackerman correction unit is also used to correct the left and right roadwheel positions to track about a common center.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an improved camber adjustment technique. The method comprises the steps of: turning the steerable wheel to a first position in which the steerable wheel is either toe-in or toe-out, then turning the steerable wheel to a second position in which the steerable wheel is toe-out if the steerable wheel is toe-in in the first position, and in which the steerable wheel is toe-in if the steerable wheel is toe-out in the first position. Toe angles and camber angles during the turning of the steerable wheel from the first position to the second position are measured. An adjustment amount of camber at any toe angle is determined by the difference between the camber angle at zero toe and a specification camber angle.

Abstract: Spoked wheel rim having a predetermined number of borings distributed on its periphery provided to hook spokes, wherein a label is applied to a surface of the rim. The label has a tongue of a length at least equal to the distance between two successive borings on the rim. The tongue has a first marker centered on a first boring of the rim and a scale of, one of, markers or identifying indices indicating the number of borings on the rim. The scale is located near a boring adjacent to the first boring. The boring adjacent to the first boring is located opposite a marker or identifying index of the scale to indicate the number of borings on the rim.

Abstract: Device for affixing the wheel-alignment sensor is mounted on a main body at a given reference direction to it. Three support arms are mounted on the main body and run substantially radially in a plane which is perpendicular to the reference direction. Spacers are mounted on the support arms in transversely displaceable manner thereto. The spacer ends that will constitute a three-point support on a wheel rim are situated in a plane which is perpendicular to the reference direction. Element(s) to affix the main body to the wheel rim are provided. At least one of the spacers (24, 54) is adjustable transversely to its mounting arm. In this manner the position of the spacers can be matched to different pitches of wheel affixing nuts.

Abstract: A gauge is provided that is useful in measuring the horizontal wheelbase of a railway freight car truck sideframe. The gauge itself is comprised of a main horizontal body section usually of a single piece of aluminum bar stock. A stationary depending leg extends downwardly and is affixed to near one end of the main horizontal body section. A bearing slide assembly is affixed to the main horizontal body section near its other end. A measuring leg depends from the bearing slide assembly and is movable along the bearing slide assembly. An indicator scale is associated with the measuring leg so that its relative position with regard to the main horizontal body can be readily measured from a scale affixed thereon. The stationary depending leg is brought into contact with one edge of a pedestal jaw of the railway freight car sideframe, and the measuring leg is moved into contact along the bearing slide assembly with an opposite edge of the opposite pedestal jaw.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring vehicle wheel alignment comprising a yoke having a pair of aligned center pins engageable with a transverse axis in the vehicle; a collimated beam projector connectable to the yoke and adapted to project its beam at right angles to the axis of the center pins, and longitudinally of the vehicle with reference to the transverse axis and a target for the beam so attachable to a wheel of the vehicle that alignment of the wheel can be measured. In one embodiment the target is a mirror and the projector is provided with a transverse scale for measuring the reflected beam. In the other embodiment the target comprises a set of scales hung or clamped to the wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining a roll radius of a vehicle wheel for use in alignment and other diagnostic or maintenance operations. An optically scannable target is attached to a wheel of the vehicle. A first position measurement is made using a machine vision system, such as a three-dimensional aligner. The vehicle is rolled a short distance and a second position measurement is made. The linear and angular differences of the first and second position measurements are used to compute and store a roll radius value. Alignment values resulting from alignment of the motor vehicle are modified based on the roll radius value. A plane angle value may also be created and stored for use in adjusting the alignment values.