Abstract: A device uses two laser beams to assist in parking a vehicle having a windshield at a desired distance relative to a surface forward of the vehicle, such as the wall of a garage. Independent adjustment means are preferably provided for angling one or both of the first and second beams so as to converge in a localized region of the surface forward of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned at a desired distance. The preferred embodiment further includes means for mounting the device to a visor within the vehicle, such that the first and second beams pass through the windshield. A momentary contact button on a bottom panel of the enclosure may then be used to activate the laser by squeezing the device against the visor, if so mounted.

Abstract: An electronic automotive vehicle service equipment system includes a computer interface board adapted for installation into a non-dedicated, general purpose computer to serve as the central processor for the automotive service system, or as a component of multiple systems, while enabling the computer to also be available for other applications. The interface board provides microprocessors for controlling various data receiving and transmitting functions through multiple ports between the computer instruments integral to the vehicle service system.

Abstract: A device for assisting a driver in the parking of a vehicle in a sheltered parking space is provided. The device includes: (a) an upper horizontal bar; (b) two parallel vertical bars, front and rear, which extend down from and are each attached at one end to the upper horizontal bar; and (c) two parallel horizontal bars, front and rear. The rear horizontal bar attaches at approximately a right angle to the rear vertical bar. The device is suspended over and in front of the parking space, such that when a person in the driver's seat of a correctly parked car in the parking space views the device, the front vertical bar is directly in front of the rear vertical bar, and the front horizontal bar is directly in front of the rear horizontal bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining camber and caster of a vehicle wheel in which the camber angle is determined in a manner that accounts for the influence of any existing toe angle. This is accomplished by detecting the displacement of one or more points located fore or aft of the wheel's vertical measurement plane and then making a correction to these displacements to account for influence of the toe angle. The apparatus includes a laser that projects shaped light onto the sidewall of the tire at a location offset from the normal upper measurement position. The shaped light illuminates an offset measurement point on the tire sidewall and an optical sensor detects the reflected image. A computer then determines the location of the measurement point within the two-dimensional image space of the optical sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining axial stability compares measured wheel runout and axial instability parameters with prescribed tolerances to determine if the wheel suffers from excessive wheel play. Axial stability and runout is determined and displayed on a monitor screen such that an alignment technician can quickly assess both the degree of present wheel misalignment and the feasibility of attempting to perform a realignment operation without first repairing worn or damaged suspension parts. The attitude and location of a wheel are measured with the wheel set in a first position to determine a first vector having a predetermined relation to the wheel. The wheel is rolled back a number of degrees to a second position and the attitude and location thereof are measured to determine a second vector also having the predetermined relation to the wheel. Rearward axis parameters including a rearward rotational axis vector and a rearward runout vector are determined based on the first and second vectors.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology for diagnosing an alignment condition of a vehicle. The methodology includes determining an alignment condition of the vehicle using an apparatus set forth herein, and calculating a result corresponding to a difference between the determined alignment condition of the vehicle and specifications for a plurality of alignment conditions stored in a memory. The methodology further includes selecting one of a plurality of graphics stored in the memory, each corresponding to a value defined by the stored specifications, by determining the value to which the result corresponds, and outputting the selected one of the plurality of graphics.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels, and including targets for attachment to the objects, a pair of optical sensing means such as television cameras for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means connected to the optical sensing means for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display means for displaying the position and/or alignment information. The optical sensing means view a target located on each object and form an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means which correlates the image signals of each of the targets with the true shape of each target.

Abstract: An improved vehicle body repair apparatus comprising a rigid planar framework, horizontal bars adjustably attached to the framework, and extension members adjustably attached to and depending from the horizontal bars, the extension members comprising set point members for making contact with set points on undamaged portions of a damaged vehicle, and the extension members including a repair set point extension member for creating a reference point with respect to which the damaged portion of the vehicle can be repaired.

Abstract: A device used to align the rear end of a vehicle that can be mounted on the axle of the vehicle and that generates a linear laser beam that is perpendicular to the axis of the axle so that measurements can be made between the beam and the frame of the vehicle to assist in properly aligning the rear end of the vehicle relative to the frame.

Abstract: A suspension rolling tester is provided for measuring the movement of suspensions of wheels to be measured vehicle when the vehicle is rolled. The suspension rolling tester includes a roll input device and measuring devices, wherein the roll input device guides rear wheels or front wheels not to be measured of the vehicle to be measured in the non-restriction state, the measuring devices guide front wheels or rear wheels to be measured which are opposite to the wheels not to be measured, wherein the roll input device applies a rolling force to the rear wheels or front wheels not to be measured, and the measuring devices detect suspension data of the wheels to be measured when the rear wheels or front wheels not to be measured are rolled.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a visual indication of the horizontal and vertical orientation of a movable component of a headlamp assembly wherein said headlamp assembly is of the general type including a stationary housing and a movable reflector component, said movable component being pivoted to the stationary housing for movement in the vertical and horizontal plane by means of a stationary universal pivot and a vertical adjust mechanism vertically spaced from said stationary pivot and including a universal pivotal mounting to said movable component, and a horizontal adjust mechanism horizontally spaced from said stationary pivot and including a universal pivot effecting operative connection to said movable reflector component. The stationary universal pivot and said horizontal pivot define the vertical pivot axis for said component. Further said stationary universal pivot and the horizontal adjust pivot in effect defining a vertical pivot axis about which said movable component is pivoted in the vertical plane.

Abstract: A measuring device hanger is engageable with one of the standard holes in a vehicle body, and suspends a conventional measuring device therefrom. A head is small enough to pass through the smallest of holes in a vehicle body; and, the head is expansible to lock within the largest of holes in a vehicle body. The head is in two parts, one part being on each of two jaws. The jaws are pivotal away from each other to separate the two parts of the head to lock the head within a hole. A body mounts a shaft fixed with respect to the body. The shaft carries a threaded stud which extends through a cam block. Thus, as the body and the shaft are rotated, the threaded stud rotates to move the cam block and urge the jaws away from each other. The body defines a hole that receives the standard measuring device, and a set screw secures the measuring device.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels, and including targets for attachment to the objects, a pair of optical sensing means such as television cameras for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means connected to the optical sensing means for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display means for displaying the position and/or alignment information. The optical sensing means view a target located on each object and form an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means which correlates the image signals of each of the targets with the true shape of each target.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the wheel positions of double-track motor vehicles according to which the relevant wheel angles, such as the track, the king pin inclination, the inclination of the steering knuckle pivot, the axle pin rake, the eccentricity or the like, are detected by means of measuring heads mounted on the wheel rims of the vehicle wheels. The measurement data is evaluated and displayed by a processing means. The measuring heads are pivotable around an extension of the axis of rotation of the respectively related vehicle wheel. To be able to carry out measurements even with the vehicle wheels rotating, the measuring heads are held in their predetermined measuring position by means of a position control.

Abstract: A device and methods to measure the wheel alignment, to measure the position and orientation of the wheels in relation to the chassis, to measure the chassis and body and to measure parameters of vehicles for problem diagnosis. A beam of colliminated light is directed along a latitudinal reference line. The angle and distance relationship of the wheels to this line are measured. A light beam perpendicular to the latitudinal reference light beam is directed longitudinal to the vehicle. The latitudinal light beam and the longitudinal light beams form a rectangular grid system from which the position of vehicle chassis parts can be measured. A method to calculate and compensate for the errors in the measurement system is used with gravity sensors to more accurately calculate toe, camber and tilt. These angular relations provide toe relative the chassis, camber, caster, s.a.i. and included angle. Also, offset and setback of the front and rear wheels relative to the chassis are provided.

Abstract: The headlamp is structured such that a reflector 4 is supported within a lamp body 2 so as to be inclinable with respect to the lamp body 2 and, by rotatively operating an aiming screw 20 which extends through and forwardly of the lamp body 2 and is supported rotatable in the extend-through portion thereof, the reflector 4 is inclined right and left with respect to the lamp body 2 by an amount equivalent to the amount of rotation of the aiming screw 20 to thereby be able to adjusted the right and left illumination angle of the headlamp.

Abstract: A headlamp position indicator device is used to visually indicate the "zero position" of a headlamp in a headlamp arrangement. The headlamp arrangement generally includes a movable reflector mounted in a stationary component. The device includes a metal spring clip having a bubble level assembly mounted thereon. The clip is attached to a pocket formed on the reflector at an attachment point. An adjusting screw is provided on the device, and when engaged against a surface of the reflector, causes flexure of the clip proximate to the attachment point to adjust the position of the device relative thereto. Specifically, flexure of the clip occurs between the attachment point and the point where the bubble level assembly is affixed to the clip.

Abstract: The geometric inspection of wheeled vehicles is carried out by at least two casings facing each other and each comprising at least one light source and at least one optical receiver located behind a device for defining an image. The image-defining device is sensitive to radiation from the light source of the other opposite casing. The light source (12) of a first casing defines with the optical receiver (13) of a second opposite casing a first active spatial zone (A). The light source (8) of that second casing defines with the optical receiver (14) of the first casing a second active spatial zone (B). The two active spatial zones (A, B) are separated by a space (C) of predetermined width (d) to permit simultaneous operation of the two casings without mutual interference.

Abstract: A headlamp position indicator device is used to denote the proper aiming position of a headlamp in an adjustable headlamp assembly. The headlamp assembly includes a housing, a movable component adjustably retained in the housing, and adjustor mechanisms for aiming the movable component. The headlamp position indicator device of the present invention includes a magnet mounted on the movable component and an assembly mounted on the housing. The assembly includes a holder having a cover member mounted thereon and a position indicator mounted therebetween. The cover member has a plurality of indicia thereon. The position indicator may be a ferrous ball bearing or a pointer member. The position indicator is magnetically attracted to the magnet and moveable relative to the housing according to the position of the magnet. Once the headlamp is zeroed, a zero indicia on the cover member is moved so as to be proximate to the position indicator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a process for measuring the position of a first axis in relation to a second axis, in particular for measuring a bicycle frame having a steering axis which, in the desired state, lies in a main plane of symmetry and has a second axis which, in the desired state, runs at right angles to the main plane of symmetry, for example a swinging arm axis or a bottom bracket axis of a bicycle frame. The device or process includes measuring bodies being fitted to the first axis to be measured and two image recording devices, in particular CCD cameras, which are spaced apart from each other in a fixed spatial relationship to the second axis and aligned with the measuring bodies. The evaluation is carried out by means of known methods of photogrammetry and a computing unit.

Abstract: A sensor method and apparatus for an optical wheel alignment machine utilizes one or more light sources, such as lasers, to project a laser line or other shaped light onto various locations about the sidewall of a tire undergoing measurement. The sensor includes a video camera or other light responsive receiver and a optical system that combines the reflected laser lines into a single image that is received by the camera. The optical system also rotates one or more of the reflected laser lines so that all of the reflected portions have the same general orientation upon entering the camera. The camera outputs a video data stream that is indicative of the image. The sensor has an electronic circuit that analyzes this video data stream in real time to determine the location in the image of a preselected feature of each of the laser lines. The circuit then outputs coordinate data indicative of the location of this feature.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the position and/or alignment of objects such as motor vehicle wheels, and including targets for attachment to the objects, a pair of optical sensing means such as television cameras for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means connected to the optical sensing means for processing data relating to images of the targets to determine position and/or alignment information, and a display means for displaying the position and/or alignment information. The optical sensing means view a target located on each object and form an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means which correlates the image signals of each of the targets with the true shape of each target.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes optical targets mounted on the wheels and optical targets mounted in a fixed relationship with respect to the surface on which the wheels are disposed. Video cameras are used to obtain images of the various optical targets and a computer is responsive to the images of the targets to determine values of wheel alignment parameters of the vehicle relative to said surface on which the vehicle wheels roll. Methods of calibrating such an apparatus and methods using such apparatus to determine the flatness of the surface on which the wheels roll are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjuster mechanism having an aiming device carried on the shaft of the ball stud. The adjuster mechanism includes a gear housing having a track for guiding the aiming device and an indicator for reading the position of the aiming device. The adjuster mechanism also includes a gland for sealing the headlamp housing. The gland is fitted over the shaft of the ball stud and is squeezed between the headlamp housing sealing bore and the ball stud shaft. The bearing surfaces of the gear housing and sealing bore are slanted to automatically center the ball stud. The adjuster mechanism further includes an anti-rotation insert seated within a cover. The insert engages a groove in the shaft of the ball stud to prevent rotation of the ball stud within the gear housing.

Abstract: The indicating device is adapted to be installed on a platform on a headlamp frame with a slip fit and, once installed, is automatically locked into place. The indicating device includes a bubble level having a vial which is molded integrally with a base adapted to be assembled with a spring metal retaining bracket with a slip fit. The retaining bracket includes cantilevered legs with free end portions which resiliently engage the upper side of the base to enable an adjusting screw to tilt the vial upwardly and downwardly to various positions relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A scale pattern is placed in close proximity of a measuring point whose position is to be determined in at least one dimension with the aid of a narrow measuring beam which moves in one place and sweeps over the scale pattern as it moves. The scale pattern is such that an indicating arrangement which indicates impingement of the measuring beam on the scale pattern gives rise to different signal patterns from a beam detector (25) for different heights at which the measuring beam sweeps over the scale pattern. The scale pattern has reflective and non-reflective pattern parts. Each scale pattern includes part-patterns (63, 64; 84, 85; 90, 91; 102, 105) which are operative in providing time or position scale-calibration for the signal pattern obtained from the beam detector (25) as the measuring beam sweeps over the scale pattern.

Abstract: An adjustable indicator assembly for indicating a position of a reflector (14) in a vehicle lamp (10) includes an adjustable indicator follower (42) for moving axially along a rotatable threaded shaft (18). The adjustable indicator follower defines a laterally-opening mouth for receiving multiple, intertwined, male indicator threads (40) of the threaded shaft. The adjustable indicator follower can be moved laterally to bring a female follower thread, in the laterally-opening mouth, into and out of engagement with the male indicator threads of the threaded shaft. The adjustable indicator follower rides in a stationary track (44) which allows this axial and lateral motion of the adjustable indicator follower. Hand grips (56a and b) allow an operator to move, by hand, the adjustable indicator follower. The adjustable indicator follower has spring arms (48a and b) for engaging opposite sides of a guide rib (76) and a rear guide surface (74).

Abstract: An automotive headlamp having a tilt measuring device for measuring an amount of horizontal tilt of a reflector is mounted between an aiming screw and a guide member extending parallel to the aiming screw. The aiming screw is supported by a lamp body. By turning (or moving back and forth) the aiming screw, the reflector is tilted in the horizontal direction. The tilt measuring device includes a slide member loosely coupled to the aiming screw and slidable along a guide member, a screw holding member functioning such that when the screw holding member grasps the aiming screw in proximity to the slide member, the sliding motion of the slide member is associated with the rotation (or the back and forth movement) of the aiming screw, and when the screw holding member is retracted to the side of the aiming screw, the coupling of the slide member with the aiming screw is released, a cursor provided on the slide member, and a scale provided on the guide member.

Abstract: The geometric measurement of a vehicle is effected by apparatus comprising a casing (1) with an axle (2) protruding from the casing. The axle (2) is mounted for rotation in the casing (1) and engages with its protruding end and is fixed to a support element (3) secured to a wheel of the vehicle to be inspected. The casing (1) contains a camera block (13) for measuring the orientation of the wheel in the vertical plane, a potentiometer (12) for following the angle of the wheel, a device (11) for measuring inclinations in a vertical plane perpendicular to and in a vertical plane parallel to the wheel, connected to an electronic card (10). The camera block (13), the potentiometer (12) and the device (11) connected to an electronic card (10) emit electrical signals representative of indications correlated with the physical parameters to be detected for the geometrical inspection of a vehicle.

Abstract: A first upright frame, to be disposed alongside a vehicle body to be repaired, has a top horizontal rail and a bottom horizontal measuring bar; a vertical, travelling, measuring rail is suspended from a carriage moving on the top rail for horizontal movement, a laser carriage is guided for vertical movement on the vertical travelling rail, a laser support is rotatably secured to the laser carriage for movement in a vertical plane, a cylindrical laser is supported by the support for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The laser has a lateral slit at one end through which a diverging planar laser beam is emitted. A vertical measuring tape is carried by the travelling rail and can be longitudinally adjusted while a horizontal measuring tape is longitudinally adjusted on the horizontal measuring bar. The laser can be positioned anywhere in a plane normal to an imaginary horizontal datum plane determined by targets underneath the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for the measuring of symmetry when in particular repairing cars including the use of a measurement bar comprising in each end a laser head that can be swiveled around the length axis of the bar. The laser heads can emit light beams perpendicular to the length axis of the bar. The bar is on a straightening bench (on which the car is mounted) mounted perpendicular to the length axis of the car. When the laser heads are swiveled their beams construct parallel planes on each side of the car from which measures can be taken to the sides of the car in order to establish if symmetry exist or how great the necessary correction has to be.

Abstract: A clamping device for mounting an alignment head to the hub of a vehicle which comprises a frame; a shaft upon which the head is mountable connected to the frame; a first clamping member connected to the frame and comprising a first groove for engaging at least a first bolt of the hub; and a second clamping member movably connected to the frame and comprising a second groove for engaging at least a second bolt of the hub.

Abstract: A method of aligning a suspension of an automotive vehicle, the vehicle having a chassis secured at a predetermined height above the ground, a steering shaft secured to prevent movement thereof, and a hub, the method comprising the steps of providing a suspension measurement system comprising a light source, a reflector and a target, adjusting the height of the suspension to a height above the ground that is substantially equal to a radius of a tire used with the suspension, removably attaching the reflector to the hub wherein the reflector is vertically oriented and substantially perpendicular to the hub central axis, positioning the target a predetermined distance from the reflector, directing a light beam to the center of the reflector for reflection onto the target, the light source being positioned such that the reflected beam of light is substantially coplanar with the directed light beam, incrementally adjusting the height of the suspension in relation to an initial height and applying indicia to locat

Abstract: A sensor method and apparatus for an optical wheel alignment machine utilizes one or more light sources, such as lasers, to project a laser line or other shaped light onto various locations about the sidewall of a tire undergoing measurement. The sensor includes a video camera or other light responsive receiver and a optical system that combines the reflected laser lines into a single image that is received by the camera. The optical system also rotates one or more of the reflected laser lines so that all of the reflected portions have the same general orientation upon entering the camera. The camera outputs a video data stream that is indicative of the image. The sensor has an electronic circuit that analyzes this video data stream in real time to determine the location in the image of a preselected feature of each of the laser lines. The circuit then outputs coordinate data indicative of the location of this feature.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a headlamp beam alignment indicating and calibrating device includes a roller element arranged for rolling movement relative to a guide structure, and an indicator for indicating displacement of the roller member resulting from the rolling movement thereof relative to the guide structure. The guide structure is secured to the adjustable beam alignment portion of the headlamp for movement therewith so that any motion of the beam alignment structure results in movement of the guide structure indicated by a relative displacement of the roller element. In a preferred embodiment, the guide structure is an elongate track which is mounted on an adjustable beam alignment reflector wall of the headlamp. The movement of the reflector wall causes the coupled track to move and induce gravitational rolling of a ball in apparent relative displacement along the guide track.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the alignment of a motor vehicle's wheels and including targets (22L, 22R, 24L, 24R) which either form part of the wheels or are attached thereto, an optical sensing means such as a television camera (30) for viewing the targets, an electronic processing means (32) connected to the optical sensing means for processing the target images to determine wheel alignment, and a display means (34, 36) for displaying the alignment information. The optical sensing means (30) views a target located on each wheel and forms an image of each target. Electronic signals corresponding to each of the images are transferred to the electronic processing means (32) which correlates the perspective image of each of the targets with the true shape of each target. In so doing, the processor (32) relates the dimensions of certain known geometric elements (62, 63) of the target with the dimensions of corresponding elements in the perspective image and calculates the alignment of the wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and automatically calibrating the primary sensors of a vehicle wheel aligner comprises secondary sensors for signaling the control means of the wheel aligner when the wheels are in known angular orientations. The outputs from the primary angle determining sensors of the wheel aligner are recorded when the secondary sensors signal the control means, and the control means calculates a calibration relationship between the outputs and the known angles to apply to future outputs of the primary sensors.

Abstract: A locking mechanism is provided for a vehicle wheel aligner sensor having a housing with a rotatable shaft extending from the housing. The shaft is removably received in a sensor support mounted to a vehicle wheel. The locking mechanism includes a gear fixed to the shaft within the sensor housing and a worm gear mounted on a lever. The lever is pivotally mounted in the housing and at least a part of the lever extends above the housing so that the lever may be pivoted by an operator. The lever is pivotable to move the worm between a locked position in which the worm engages the gear and an unlocked position in which the worm is out of engagement with the gear. The lever is axially rotatably mounted in the sensor housing so that the worm may be rotated with respect to the gear when the lever is in the locked position to allow for fine adjustment of the sensor's rotational position.

Abstract: A gauging tool used in measuring the extent of damage and needed repair to restore the vehicle frame/body to the original manufacturer's specification. The tool is especially useful with a frame repair machine by making the treadway that supports the vehicle as the datum plane and centerline from which all measurements are taken. The gauges use floating pointers which provide an immediate indication of the damage.

Abstract: A wheel alignment apparatus comprising eight sensors for measuring the toe angles of the wheels of a vehicle and a computer for calculating toe angle information from any six companion sensors and for comparing the toe angle information calculated using the six sensors with the toe angle information calculated using at least the remaining two sensors to determine if the wheel alignment apparatus is in calibration.

Abstract: An improved vehicle alignment system includes automatic angle and distance range calibration whereby various vehicle distances such as track width and wheelbase may be measured electro-optically during the alignment process. The system also includes an improved process which results in shorter measurement cycles for the sensors by utilizing an electronic shutter control. The sensors work in pairs, and a novel synchronization scheme is used to ensure that the emitters of one sensor are not radiating at the same time the emitters of the other sensor of that pair are radiating and to determine which emitter of the pair corresponding to a sensor is radiating. Reflections of the emitters from nearby surfaces are discriminated from direct transmissions so that the angle of incidence is accurately determined. Moreover, determination of the angle of incidence is simplified by use of a lens whose image position varies in a specific manner as the imaged object moves radially away from the axis of the lens.

Abstract: A laser beam plane generator is provided and supported from a datum line vehicle body reference point measuring jig for generating either a vertical longitudinal laser beam plane parallel to the vertical centerline plane of the vehicle body, a vertical transverse laser beam plane normal to the datum line, or a horizontal laser beam plane. A hand-held wand type probe is used in conjunction with either of these laser beam planes to check and/or verify the spacing of specific vehicle reference points relative to a selected laser beam plane.

Abstract: A vehicle gauging apparatus (1) including a datum bar (2) and a pair of first carriage assemblies (10) slidably mounted to said bar. Attachment means (12) are adapted releasably to secure each carriage (10) to a respective datum point (15) on the vehicle (16) and thereby attach the datum bar (2) to the vehicle. A trammel bar (20) is connected to one end of the datum bar (2) by connection means (21) adjustable to selected positions along the datum bar. The connection means permits at least a limited degree of universal movement of the trammel bar (20) relative to the datum bar. Reference means (32) on the trammel bar (20) provide a comparative indication of misalignment in the vehicle (16).

Abstract: A laser and laser mount system for a vehicle measurement system wherein the laser is powered by a direct current source, such as a battery, and the laser is mounted on the same axis as its rotational pivot axis which provides for up to 360.degree. of rotation of the laser about such axis.

Abstract: A vehicular headlamp having an aiming leveling device in which a support table is formed so as to project from a reflector which is tiltable relatively to a lamp body, and a bubble tube support frame supporting a linear bubble tube is provided in such a manner that one end of the support frame is fixed to the support table while the other end of the support frame is held by a zero point adjusting means used to adjust the position of the other end of the support frame in the up/down direction, with the support frame extending substantially parallel to an optical axis, and with the quantity of tilting of the reflector in the up/down direction being indicated by the bubble tube.

Abstract: A system for measuring the characteristic attitude angles of the wheels of an automobile frame utilizing optical sensors positioned on the wheels of the automobile frame to feed data to a central processor arranged to convert them into angular values, and four identical measurement devices fixed in mutually symmetrical arrangement to the wheels of the automobile frame in such a manner as to interact with the devices positioned on the adjacent wheels, each device comprising two identical measurement units positioned in mutually perpendicular vertical planes and each comprising angle measurement means positioned vertically and horizontally, having a single common reading unit, the angle measurement means having a light source directed towards a diaphragm, downstream of which there are located, in succession a cylindrical converging lens and a reading unit consisting of CCD-type optical sensors perpendicular to the axis of the lens, downstream of which there is a container for liquid of high refractive power thr

Abstract: A system for measuring angular relationships of wheels of a vehicle includes a radiation source mounted with respect to a first wheel for providing a radiation signal, an image detector having an active array of pixels mounted with respect to a second wheel for receiving an image from the radiation source and for producing an output in response to the radiation signal, and a radiation detector disposed in the path of the radiation from the radiation source for detecting the presence of the radiation signal. A controller is responsive to the presence of the radiation signal to activate the image detector to receive the image from the radiation source and determine an alignment angle of a wheel of the vehicle from the output of the image detector. A mask is mounted between the radiation source and the detector for defining an image of the radiation source upon the detector, the mask preferably having at least three slits therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the alignment positions and orientations of vehicle wheels includes a pair of measurement transducers, each of which is mounted on separate vehicle wheels and each of which is capable of measuring the range and relative bearing to the other. Three such pairs of measurement transducers are mounted on the vehicle wheels in conventional locations. A computer is connected to the transducers and programmed to compute the toe alignment measurements in a conventional manner. The computer is further programmed to compute the coordinates of the wheels, in an arbitrary coordinate system, from the relative range and bearing measurements. The coordinate system may be transformed relative to the sensor center line, the vehicle thrust line, the vehicle frame or body center line, or any desirable reference frame, thereby providing measurements of the actual wheel positions and alignment angles in that transformed coordinate system.

Abstract: A system for measuring angular relationships of wheels of a vehicle includes a radiation source mounted with respect to a first wheel for providing a radiation signal, an image detector having an active array of pixels mounted with respect to a second wheel for receiving an image from the radiation source and for producing an output in response to the radiation signal, and a radiation detector disposed in the path of the radiation from the radiation source for detecting the presence of the radiation signal. A controller is responsive to the presence of the radiation signal to activate the image detector to receive the image from the radiation source and determine an alignment angle of a wheel of the vehicle from the output of the image detector.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus is provided for use on the reflector of an automotive headlamp assembly for permitting the assembly to be leveled on an automobile so that the beam of the headlamp is aimed in a predetermined direction. The apparatus includes a level and a holder for supporting the level on the reflector. A pair of arms are connected to opposite sides of the front end of the holder, and include a pair of pawls for securing the holder to the headlamp assembly. An adjustment member is connected to the rear of the holder for adjusting the angular orientation of the level relative to the reflector so that a horizontal indication is provided by the level when the reflector is properly oriented for use. Each arm includes an inner arm segment that is connected to the front end of the holder and extends rearward to a rear free end and an outer arm segment that is connected to the rear free end of the inner arm segment and extends forward to a forward free end.