Abstract: A wheel clamp attaches to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The wheel clamp has a body for supporting a target or measuring head, and three elongated arms mounted to the body. Each arm has a gripping portion for gripping the tire's tread surface. A self-centering linkage has enmeshed gears that, when rotated, cause the elongated arms to simultaneously proportionally move relative to the clamp body. An attachment interface mechanically connected to the self-centering linkage is configured to engage with a rotational actuator. Alternatively, the wheel clamp includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the self-centering mechanism. Activation of the actuator causes the gripping portions of the arms to engage and grip the tire tread surface and tighten the clamp onto the tire.

Abstract: An improved method and system are provided for performing rolling runout compensation for vehicle wheel alignment. A plurality of sets of camber and toe measurements are acquired for a pair of vehicle wheels, each at a different, relatively small rollback angle between measurements; e.g., rolling the vehicle more than 0° and less than 180° from the last wheel position. Best fit sine waves are computed for each of the camber and toe measurements using the acquired data, and the best fit parameters are applied to compute runout at the current wheel angle. The computed runouts are subtracted from the measured camber and toe values to get true camber and toe values of the pair of wheels.

Abstract: A wheel clamp attaches to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The wheel clamp has a body for supporting a target or measuring head, and three extendable arms slidably mounted to the body. Each arm has a gripping portion for gripping the tire's tread surface and a sidewall contact portion for contacting the tire sidewall such that the clamp body is substantially parallel to the vehicle wheel and the wheel clamp has no contact with the rim. A self-centering linkage has enmeshed gears and link arms respectively connecting the arms to the gears, such that when the gears are rotated, the arms simultaneously proportionally slide relative to the clamp body, so the gripping portions of the arms engage and grip the tire tread surface and tighten the clamp onto the tire, while the sidewall contact portions of the arms contact the tire sidewall.

Abstract: Retaining device for a wheel-alignment analyzer for attachment to a wheel of a motor vehicle. Retaining device has a retaining element having at least three retaining arms and a clamping mechanism which can be displaced along the retaining arms. The ends of the clamping mechanism are provided with an overlapping portion for overlapping the edge of the rim and the retaining element can be secured to the edge of the rim. The retaining device offers a stable engagement and centering solution, thus permitting a correct wheel-alignment analysis. The overlapping portion may be spring-loaded and biased in the direction of the wheel and/or the clamping mechanism, and a spacer and the overlapping portion may be provided on the spacer.

Abstract: A system for servicing a racing car or other car at a track, other race course, or similar destination employs an open platform for supporting the car by its tires in a horizontal position. The platform supports the car, and is itself supported by a crawler, in a carrier vehicle, for example a truck or trailer, when the carrier vehicle is transporting the car. The crawler and platform are also used to unload and load the car from and into the carrier vehicle. To unload the car at the destination, the crawler, with the platform and car on it, is driven out of the carrier vehicle and onto the ground. Next, the platform is elevated by extending its legs so that it rises off, is spaced from, and straddles the crawler. Then the crawler is driven out from under the platform. Then the platform is lowered to the ground, where it is used as a lift to elevate the car so that its undercarriage may be accessed. The platform may also be used to tune the chassis of the car.

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: In the case of vehicle wheels the single-phase wobble may not exceed a certain maximum value if the vehicle is to satisfy certain demands of comfort. However, in this case it is of little use to measure the wobble of the vehicle brake disc and that of the vehicle hub carrying the said brake disc individually, because this is unable to give any statement concerning the wobble of the entire constructional unit. With the aid of the method according to the invention, the wobble component, due to a wheel hub, of the constructional unit mentioned can be ascertained exactly if the precise data of the very precisely produced master brake disc, which is used in the measurement instead of the vehicle brake disc, is known. The method can only be carried out successfully using the master brake disc mentioned.

Abstract: A device and a method for axle alignment, in which an angle between a wheel of a vehicle and a reference direction is determined, the angle being determined using a transducer, which contains at least one rotation speed sensor. The transducer is set so that it assumes a known position with respect to the reference direction. The angle obtained for the transducer arranged on the wheel of the vehicle is a measure of a trail angle or a camber angle of the wheel.

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: 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 compliance tester tests the flexibility of a motor vehicle suspension system which includes a bush. The tester comprises first and second bases between which is defined a fluid chamber whose volume is variable upon a vertical movement of the second base relative to the first base. Horizontally movably disposed on the second base is a table on which, upon testing the flexibility of the suspension system, a tire of the motor vehicle is put. A hydraulically operated power unit connected to the second base is fluidly connected to the fluid chamber. A piston of the power unit is connected to the table, so that when the tire of the vehicle is put on the table thereby compressing the fluid chamber, the power unit pushes the table thereby biasing a contact point of the tire in a given direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method uses a pair of transducers, such as lasers, mounted on the tire/wheel assembly of a mowing vehicle for measuring the actual angles of camber experienced by the vehicle tire as the vehicle moves along an actual road surface. The pair of lasers are mounted in a predetermined horizontal spaced relationship on a bracket mounted on and extending perpendicularly outwardly from a non-rotating hub mounted on the tire/wheel assembly. The reflected laser beams from the pair of lasers are continually measured as the vehicle moves along the road surface. The reflected beams determine the change in spacings of the two lasers above the road surface from which can be calculated the angles of camber continuously imparted on the tire/wheel assembly. This data is collected and stored in a computer located in the vehicle and captures the tire's operating camber angles with respect to an actual road surface when used on a particular vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus adaptable for attaching to a plurality of lugs associated with a vehicular wheel assembly to enable mounting a wheel alignment instrument or other device adjacent to the vehicular wheel assembly, the apparatus including a plurality of lug engaging members or assemblies movable to angularly and radially spaced positions relative to the axis of rotation of a vehicular wheel assembly corresponding to the locations of selected lugs of different lug patterns for attachment thereto, the preferred construction being adaptable for attachment to at least lug patterns having four, five, six and eight lugs and to different size and shape lugs, and including structure enabling radially moving the lug engaging members simultaneously by rotation of a hand knob or other member and structure enabling positioning and maintaining the lug engaging members in a desired angular relationship during radial movement thereof and attachment to the wheel lugs.

Abstract: A wheel alignment device having a frame, a plurality of abutment members fastened to the frame and extending outwardly therefrom, a bubble level fastened to the frame so as to provide an indication of inclination of the frame relative to vertical, and an indicator interactive with the bubble level for producing a humanly perceivable display of a degree of inclination. Each of the abutment members has an end opposite the frame which is coplanar with the ends of the other abutment members. These ends are arranged so as to be parallel relationship to the frame. An insert member is slidably received by the frame and has a first transverse surface at one end and a second transverse surface at another end. A bungie cord is connected to the frame and extends outwardly therefrom for flexibly attaching the frame to a wheel.

Abstract: Vehicle wheel alignment tools are formed by a pair of upright posts supported from respective wheel by bracket mounting members. The top end portion of the respective post is provided with a horizontal and vertical slots for respectively receiving an edge portion of a planar protractor plate having a protractor scale thereon. With the protractor plates in the horizontal post slot and a flexible strand extending between the centers of the protractor scales and intersecting the protractor scale indicia on the respective plate, the toe-in angle of the vehicle wheels is indicated. With the protractor plates disposed in vertical planes in the post top end slots and the protractor scales disposed horizontal or vertical, a string extending between the protractor scale or plumb bob cords secured to the centers and intersecting the respective protractor scale indicia respectively indicates camber and caster angles.

Abstract: A wheel alignment measurement system includes one single portable angle measurement instrument (10) which is connected to a stationary unit (14) via a line (12). The angle measurement instrument (10) includes a gyroscope unit supported in full cardanic manner and being connected to an angle measurement device. By applying the angle measurement instrument subsequently to each of the wheels of the vehicle to be measured the respective angles between the wheel and a directionally stable axis of the gyroscope unit are measured and are stored in memories (S). Subsequently the desired wheel alignment parameters are calculated by processing the measurement values stored in the memories (s) by means of calculation circuitries (R) and are displayed in the display unit (A).

Abstract: A wobble run-out compensation system includes a compensation plate mountable with respect to a vehicle wheel. First and second manually operable adjusting members allow for independently adjusting the orientation of the compensation plate in first and second orthogonal planes, an adjustment in one plane not affecting the orientation of the plate in the other plane. The orientation of the compensation plate in each of the first and second planes is electronically sensed and substantially continuously displayed on an electronic display as that orientation is being adjusted so that the user is able to observe changes on the electronic display in the orientation of the compensation plate as manual adjustments are made.

Abstract: An improved claw for use in a wheel alignment rim clamp is disclosed. The claw as a curved bladelike tip which allows it to grip the rim of wheels including mag type wheels even when there is minimal clearance between the rim and its associated tire. The claw has a tip with a curved inner surface preferably of gradually increasing radii of curvature, and a beveled portion opposite the inner surface. The claw is shaped such that when its associated clamp is tightened, the bladelike tip tends to engage the rim more securely and the claw orients itself to grip the rim of a wheel firmly without damage thereto.

Abstract: A wheel alignment device comsists of a pair of identical tools. Each has a protractor with teeth mesh with a graduted gear at which an indicator points at. A string connects the protractors' centers. An equivalence has a protractor with teeth mesh with a gear which meshes with a sleeve or worm gear travels on a bolt and along a scale. As the sleeve rotates around the bolt it turns the gear and the protractor. A string connects the protractors' centers. The tools above are located on a plane parallel to the wheel's axle and perpendicular to the vertical line for toe angle measurements. The tools above are located on a plane parallel both to the wheel's axle and the vertical line for camber measurement only or replacing the connecting string by attaching a plumb line to the center or a level vial to the zero mark of the protractor for both camber and caster measurements.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for measuring a vehicle wheel alignment characteristic, such as camber, includes a transducer mountable with respect to a vehicle wheel. The transducer has a movable arm repetitively driven along its path of travel to and away from a first predetermined position. Its presence is sensed only at the first predetermined position, the alignment characteristic of the wheel being a function of the time the arm is present there. The transducer generates a digital signal having a duty cycle characteristic of the value of the alignment characteristic being measured. The amount of time the digital signal is in a first state is digitally recorded, as is the amount of time the digital signal is in the opposite state. The value of the alignment characteristic is digitally determined as a function of the two digitally recorded times.

Abstract: A device for ascertaining the camber and caster positions of vehicle front wheels including a base frame having a depending plate freely pivotal on an axis normal to the base frame and a depending pointer freely pivoted to the plate on an axis normal to the first axis. A scale is adjustably mounted on the lower end of the plate and a lock is provided on the base frame for securing the plate from pivotal movement while not in use. The outer ends of the base frame are provided with extension plates for engaging the side of relatively small wheels, and flange members are removably mounted on the extension plates for engaging a wheel rim of relatively large wheels. A handle is connected to the base frame so that the device may be manually placed against the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the steering axis inclination of a steerable wheel is disclosed. The device includes an adaptor for mounting a caster-camber gauge to the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The method includes the steps of moving the wheel between a toe-in position whereat the gauge is calibrated, and a toe-out position whereat the steering axis inclination of the wheel is determined from the gauge.

Abstract: This apparatus comprises, in combination, two similar devices disposed in opposite directions. The devices are adapted to be fixed respectively to the two opposite wheels of a vehicle and parallel to the latter. Each device comprises a first rigid hollow tubular bar and a fixing structure for fixing the bar to a projector carrier. A structure inside the bar projects a beam of light longitudinally inside the bar. The beam is reflected at one end of the bar by a mirror which is rigid with a screen and so disposed as to project the beam transversely toward the screen pertaining to the opposite device. The mirror is mounted on the first bar of at least one of the devices so as to be movable toward or away from the fixing structure. A structure for receiving a sub-assembly for inspecting the pivot and castor angles of the vehicle wheel is provided. An apparatus for measuring the camber angle of the vehicle wheel is also provided.

Abstract: A leveling mechanism having bubble levels is removably attachable to a hand-held power drill. In one form, the leveling mechanism includes a drive shaft coupled between the drill and a chuck for rotation therewith. The drive shaft is rotatably mounted to a support, and the support is held stationary relative to the drill housing. The support may include first and second surfaces parallel and perpendicular, respectively, to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft for supporting first and second bubble levels. Alternatively, the support may include a support plate and a level plate hinged thereto for supporting one or more bubble levels; a grooved alignment plate engages the edges of the support plate and level plate for maintaining a predetermined angular relationship therebetween. In another form, the leveling mechanism is removably attached to the front face of the drill housing.

Abstract: An improved wheel alignment apparatus for the measurement in four-wheeled automotive vehicles, of caster, camber, toe, steering axis inclination, and track of the front and rear wheels. The apparatus, which is employed with the wheels of the vehicle setting on right and left alignment runways defining a reference plane and direction of orientation for said vehicle, includes a tire contact wheel clamp for each front wheel and a rear wheel. A tire contact wheel clamp includes a set of orthogonally related gravity sensing electrolytic transducers, and switching means are provided for selectively recording or registering an output voltage proportional to tilt angle of caster, camber, toe, steering axis inclination and track of said wheels, as well as a phase indication of tilt direction. Logic means receive the selective output voltages, and an analog-to-digital converter provides a numerical displacement output where there is tilt angle. A read-out, or numerical display of the logic means is also provided.

Abstract: A wheel alignment system and method for determining the thrust line of a vehicle and employing the thrust line when positioning the steerable wheels of the vehicle to a plane parallel to the thrust line as well as during the determination of set-back between laterally spaced wheels.

Abstract: A wheel clamp is disclosed for supporting a wheel aligning tool in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the wheel. The wheel clamp comprises two assemblies. The first assembly is a clamping frame which grasps the tire at three points along its periphery to provide firm attachment of the clamp to the wheel. The second assembly is a floating frame which actually supports the wheel aligning tool. Three pins extend inward from the floating frame and contact the wheel rim to ensure that the floating frame lies parallel to the plane of the wheel rim. A thumb screw is provided to secure the floating frame to the clamping frame.

Abstract: A wheel clamp for supporting a wheel aligning device in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the wheel is disclosed. The wheel clamp includes a frame and a lower bracket attached to one end of the frame, said lower bracket having a support shaft projecting therefrom for supporting the wheel aligning device. An upper bracket slides on the frame in order to adjust the wheel clamp for wheels of different diameter. A set of levels attached to the lower bracket indicates when the clamp, together with the wheel, lies at a first orientation and also when the clamp has been rotated through 90.degree. and 180.degree.. The wheel clamps will frequently be used in pairs with left-hand and right-hand clamps being provided. The levels on each clamp of the pair are oriented so that each wheel clamp may be rotated to a predetermined position so that the wheel aligning tools on each wheel clamp are at the same elevation.

Abstract: A target structure for use with an alignment apparatus, such as a line of sight alignment apparatus for detecting the alignment of wheels of vehicles such as automobiles, truck tractors and trailers comprises an adjustable, wheel engaging and target supporting structure mountable upon a vehicle wheel rim. The target structure has an inner wheel mounting member with upper and lower arm members extending therefrom and engageable with the vehicle wheel rim. An outer target mounting member is pivotally connected to the inner wheel mounting member through coaxial center portions thereof for relative rotation of the outer target mounting member relative to the inner wheel mounting member. The outer target mounting member has spaced shaft members extended outwardly of the wheel and holding a plurality of targets at cardinal points around the wheel, the targets providing scales for determining the angular position of the vehicle wheels for conventional measurements such as caster, camber, toe and kingpin inclination.

Abstract: This mechanism includes a housing having three, equi-angular spaced, radially projecting arms which carry pivotal hook members that are releasably engagable with the rim of a wheel to secure the housing on the wheel for rotation therewith. Each hook member is adjustable longitudinally of its associated arm so that the mechanism can be mounted on wheels of various diameters. A circular casing, which is mounted on the housing normally to rotate therewith, carries an adjustable mirror having on its rear face a triangular plate held resiliently against a plane surface on said casing. A plurality of adjusting screws on the casing are engagable with the mirror to tilt it selectively about any one of the three edges of the triangular plate to position the mirror's reflecting surface in a plane normal to the axis of the rotation of the wheel. The casing can be rotated manually relative to the housing to adjust the tilting edges of the plate.

Abstract: A wheel clamp for mounting a wheel aligning tool on a wheel rim and in a plane parallel to that of the wheel rim is disclosed. A lower bracket, a center sliding bracket and an upper clamping bracket are all mounted on a pair of parallel rods. The lower bracket is fixed to one end of the parallel rods, and two rim-engaging fingers project rearward therefrom. The upper clamping bracket slides freely on the parallel rods, and a single rim-engaging finger projects rearward therefrom. The upper sliding bracket may be positioned on the parallel rods so that the three rim-engaging fingers bear against either the inside surface or the outside surface of a peripheral lip found on the wheel rim. A clamping mechanism mounted on the upper clamping bracket fixes the upper bracket to the parallel rods and stresses the three-rim engaging fingers against either the outside or the inside surface of the peripheral lip, depending on which direction a knob on the clamping mechanism is turned.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in measuring the camber and castor of a motor vehicle wheel comprises two slidably adjustable parallel rods which engage either the rim of the vehicle wheel or suspension members. A spirit level is used to measure the inclination of the rods relative to the horizontal for determining the castor or camber of the wheel.

Abstract: A tool for checking the angle of camber of a vehicle wheel which includes a frame, a plurality of upper pin members removable from the frame, a lower pin member mounted on the frame, and indicator means disposed on the frame and providing an indication of whether the angle of camber of the wheel is proper. The upper and lower pin members are of different lengths, and their ends determine a line which forms a predetermined angle with the vertical axis of the tool, which angle corresponds to the angle of camber of a properly-aligned wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the aligning of motor vehicle wheels comprising a bar to engage a tire of the wheel, and two plate members attached to the bar to support the bar on a ground surface upon which the tire is resting and to maintain the bar parallel to the surface.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating a wheel alignment system to provide a compensating offset with respect to error from sensor devices involved therein.

Abstract: In a wheel alignment system, the error caused by run-out of the axis of a fixture that is clamped to the wheel and mounts gravity stabilized inclination sensors is corrected by continuously providing fixture axis inclination signals during rotation of the wheel through at least 360.degree. from any random starting position. Maximum and minimum comparator devices continuously receive these signals. A first adder adds the maximum and minimum signals and divides them by 2 to provide a preliminary alignment signal proportional to the actual angular inclination of the wheel axis in a selected alignment plane, and the preliminary alignment signal is subtracted from an intermediate inclination signal from the sensor that represents the inclination of the fixture axis at the wheel stopped position to provide a run-out error signal proportional to that portion of the total angular run-out of the fixture axis that is present in a selected alignment plane at the wheel stopped position.

Abstract: A mirror is mounted in the open end of a circular housing by means of a universal joint formed by a stud which projects from the rear of the mirror into a spherically-shaped knuckle joint that is seated at diametrally opposite sides in a pair of "Teflon" ring bearings carried by two plates that are held over opposite sides of the knuckle by a pair of adjusting screws which can be selectively tightened or loosened to control the resistance to movement of the mirror universally about the center of the joint. The housing is releasably attachable to the hub cap of a front wheel by a plurality of clamps adjustably mounted on arms which project radially from the housing.

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

Abstract: A adaptor for mounting a wheel alignment instrument on a wheel has a frame provided with a slideway and a slide assembly on the slideway of the frame. Both the frame and the slide assembly have gripping elements that are capable of bearing against and gripping axially directed surfaces on the wheel rim. Once the adaptor is positioned on the wheel rim with its gripping elements located along an axially directed surface, one of two actuating elements on the slide assembly is turned. The one actuating element causes the slide assembly to grip the slideway and then move outwardly so that the gripping elements firmly grip an inwardly presented surface, such as the inside face of a rim flange. The other actuating element causes the slide assembly to grip the slideway and then move inwardly so that the gripping elements firmly grip an outwardly presented surface, such as the outside face of a rim flange.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of providing runout compensation for wobble present in the measurements made of the orientation of a rotary body relative to at least a pair of planes, and including at least a pair of sensors for providing measurements angularly related to each other and with the sensors coupled to the body for providing signals representative of the measurements of the rotary body relative to at least the pair of planes at a particular angular relationship. The body is rotated through a plurality of positions for providing signals representative of the measurement of the body relative to the pair of planes at the different positions. A first output signal is produced and is representative of the orientation of the body relative to one of the planes in accordance with the measurements at the different positions in the one plane and with the measurements in the one plane used to provide a runout compensation for wobble present in the measurements.

Abstract: Automobile front end alignment equipment in which a platform comprised of a pair of trucks correlated for like orientation while free for universal movement on a horizontal surface, supports respective carriages for free swinging about respective vertical axes, which carriages engagingly support front wheels of a vehicle in predetermined relation to the wheels of a vehicle, and a bracket attachable to a wheel whereby correlated toe-in toe-out and camber of wheels may be simultaneously measured.

Abstract: Wheel alignment apparatus for electrically indicating the alignment condition of a vehicle wheel in which there is sensing means, including an element adapted to be detachably secured to the wheel, for producing an electrical output dependent upon the extent of inclination of the wheel and an electrical display device having a movable member positioned in accordance with the electrical output of the sensing means. The sensing means is designed to selectively detect toe-in, camber, and caster.