Abstract: A motorcycle frame rack enables a motorcycle frame to be repaired without removing many components from the motorcycle. A motorcycle is positioned on the motorcycle frame rack, secured in place and then the frame is adjusted using chains coupled to towers. A self-centering laser measuring system is able to be used to analyze and measure damage to the motorcycle frame.

Abstract: An enhanced claims settlement apparatus may process insurance claims rapidly and accurately. The apparatus may first receive a notification of loss associated with an insured item (e.g., car, boat, truck, home, etc.). The apparatus may then apply various algorithms for using sensors to identify, analyze, and estimate the cost of damage associated with the insured item. The sensors that are a part of the enhanced claims settlement server may include cameras, tactile sensors, electromagnetic sensors, etc. that may communicate data to a processor associated with the server. Once the data has been generated and analyzed by the sensors, a claim settlement file may be transmitted to a claimant.

Abstract: A laser spotting device for bicycle fitting comprises a base member and a laser emitting device movably attached to the base member in a first direction. The laser emitting device is configured to emit laser beam toward a first virtual plane which is parallel to the first direction and configured to emit laser beam toward a second virtual plane which is parallel to the first direction and which differs from the first virtual plane.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes a hood having a top side and an underside. Also included is a centering tool operatively coupled to a top support member of a positioning and reinforcement structure, the centering tool extending upwardly from the positioning and reinforcement structure. Further included is a hood locating aperture defined by the hood and located at the underside of the hood, the hood locating aperture configured to receive the centering tool therein for locating the positioning and reinforcement structure to the hood.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of an apparatus for evaluating the inner dimension of an opening within a body surface, for example, in the context of an assembly wherein one or more components are to be installed within a receiving body in which this opening is defined.

Abstract: A hood assembly for a vehicle includes a hood having a top side and an underside. Also included is a hood latch-striker reinforcement plate operably coupled to the underside of the hood and having a retaining recess. Further included is at least a portion of a centering tool removably disposed within the retaining recess and extending downwardly away from the underside of the hood. Yet further included is a centering bracket operably coupled to a top support member of a positioning and reinforcement structure and having an aperture configured to receive the centering tool therein for locating the positioning and reinforcement structure to the hood.

Abstract: A ride height gauge includes a chassis engaging member biased relative to a base member via springs. Lowering an RC car chassis onto the chassis engaging member causes the chassis engaging member to lower until the car's wheels touch a support surface on either side of the base member. The chassis engaging member's lowered position is displayed on measurement columns that measure the height of the chassis engaging member from the support surface, which can be used to determine the ride height of the vehicle. The measurement columns at opposite ends of the vehicle allow the user to simultaneously measure the ride height at either end of the vehicle without repositioning of the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for measuring a seal gap created between a moving part and a mounting part of a vehicle body includes a base member, a scale member and a retaining member. The scale member is mounted to the base member and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted measured position. An indicator is provided on the base member for reading the scale member. The retaining member is coupled to the base member and engages the scale member for retaining the scale member in both the extended and measured positions relative to the base member. The base member is installed in the seal gap and is removably connected to one of the vehicle body parts. The scale member is moved to the extended position. The moving part is then closed relative to the mounting part, and the other of the vehicle body parts engages the scale member and moves the scale member to the measured position. The indicator together with the scale member provides a dimension of the seal gap.

Abstract: An adjustable alignment apparatus for a gage that fits to a vehicle body includes a base having first, second, and third abutment faces and an adjusting plate having first, second, and third walls respectively spaced from the first, second, and third abutment faces. An adjusting bolt acts between the base and the adjusting plate to move the walls of the adjusting plate respectively toward and away from the walls of the base. A first mounting bracket engages with the vehicle body and is attached to one of the base and the adjusting plate. A second mounting bracket engages with the gage and is attached to the other of the base and the adjusting plate. A plurality of shims can be removeably installed and uninstalled between the abutment faces of the base and the walls of the adjusting plate to adjust the position of the gage relative the vehicle body.

Abstract: A gauge device for assessing at least one alignment parameter associated with a motorcycle chassis. The motorcycle chassis having an axle shaft, a rear suspension swing arm and a pair of front fork suspension shock absorbers. The device comprising: an elongate member; a first locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate an axis of the axle shaft; a second locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate a rotation axis of the rear suspension swing arm; and a pair of alignment elements each coupled to the elongate member, each of the pair of alignment elements being adapted to locate an axis of a respective one of the front shock absorbers. A linear distance measurement element is coupled to the elongate member for indicating relative movement between elements.

Abstract: A gauge device for assessing at least one alignment parameter associated with a motorcycle chassis. The motorcycle chassis having an axle shaft, a rear suspension swing arm and a pair of front fork suspension shock absorbers. The device comprising: an elongate member; a first locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate an axis of the axle shaft; a second locating element coupled to the elongate member and adapted to locate a rotation axis of the rear suspension swing arm; and a pair of alignment elements each coupled to the elongate member, each of the pair of alignment elements being adapted to locate an axis of a respective one of the front shock absorbers. A linear distance measurement element is coupled to the elongate member for indicating relative movement between elements.

Abstract: An alignment device measures an angular offset between a vehicle body axis and a vehicle drive axis. The device includes an arm having a mounting portion for mounting to a vehicle such that the arm is aligned with the vehicle body axis. A wheel support member is coupled to the arm for rotation relative to the arm. A wheel is rotatably supported by the wheel support member and configured to roll on a ground surface, such that the wheel and the wheel support member are configured to self-align with the vehicle drive axis when the arm is mounted to the vehicle and the vehicle is driven on the ground surface. An indicator displays the angular offset between the wheel support member and the arm, which is indicative of the angular offset between the vehicle body axis and the vehicle drive axis. A method of carrying out a measurement with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle measuring apparatus for establishing baselines and dimensionally measuring a vehicle's upper and lower structure, without requiring the use of a fix mechanical grid mechanism. A method is presented which includes having a pre calibrated portable gauge (52) placed to a selected point on the vehicle with a squaring device (66) on gauge (52) positioned outwardly of the vehicle and having a light source (20) placed on or in proximity to the vehicle for projecting a plane of light (90 or 92) to align to squaring device (66). This alignment establishes a light beam baseline at a predetermined dimensional value with respect to the vehicle. Once the baseline is established measurements of the vehicle's upper or lower body may be determined by placing a portable gauge (52) relative to a point on the vehicle and using squaring device (66) to square the alignment of gauge (52) to the selected baseline.

Abstract: A magnet assembly is provided including a housing having a first end and a second end. A magnet is placed within a recess formed in the first end of the housing and a spring is positioned in at least a portion of the second end of the housing. A method of mounting a magnet assembly in a tool is provided. The method includes providing a magnet assembly including a housing having a recess formed in a first end of the housing and a spring positioned in a second end of the housing. The method further includes placing the magnet assembly into an opening defined in a tool and placing a magnet into the recess, and pressing the magnet against the spring to position the magnet within the tool.

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 magnet assembly is provided including a housing having a first end and a second end. A magnet is placed within a recess formed in the first end of the housing and a spring is positioned in at least a portion of the second end of the housing. A method of mounting a magnet assembly in a tool is provided. The method includes providing a magnet assembly including a housing having a recess formed in a first end of the housing and a spring positioned in a second end of the housing. The method further includes placing the magnet assembly into an opening defined in a tool and placing a magnet into the recess, and pressing the magnet against the spring to position the magnet within the tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for identifying the position of a machine for three-dimensional measuring or machining in a fixed frame of reference. In accordance with the invention, the system comprises: a first base for resting at an identified point on a support wall associated with the machine stand, said base being provided on its top with a bearing platform; a second base identical to the first base, for resting at an identified point on a support surface associated with the fixed frame of reference; and a multi-axis assembly having two hinged arms that are coupled together, and having two endpieces coupled to said arms, each endpiece having a main axis that coincides with the central axis of the corresponding base when said endpiece is in place, said multi-axis assembly also being fitted with integrated angle encoders measuring the respective angles of rotation about each of its axes.

Abstract: A method for measuring and compensating steered-angle sensitive wheel alignment angle and distance measurements for the effects of steering a wheel from a straight ahead position, thereby enabling an operator to carry out a vehicle wheel alignment angle adjustment without having to maintain a wheel in a straight-ahead steered condition during an alignment angle or distance adjustment, or to require the operator to continually return the wheel to the straight-ahead steered condition to acquire updated measurements of an alignment angle or distance currently being adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital tram gauge assembly having an extendible elongate tram bar having a first height rod at a first end and a second height rod at a second end. A digital measuring device is positionable about the tram bar and is capable of digitally sensing, displaying and wirelessly transmitting measurement data from the digital tram gauge. The digital measuring device further includes a digital level sensor that functions as a digital level comparator to indicate whether the tram gauge assembly is oriented substantially parallel to a user-defined reference datum plane.

Abstract: An alignment device for measuring wheel base on a vehicle having a first axle and determining squareness thereof, the device includes at least one clamp removably clampable to the first axle and an alignment bar operably associated with said clamp in manner such that said alignment bar extends substantially in parallel alignment with a central axis of the first axle.

Abstract: A datum point adaptor (1) is secured to reference points such as holes, bolts or studs, which form measurement reference points for measuring the alignment of vehicles, especially in the case of collisions and panel beating. The datum point adaptor (1) comprises securing means (3) to secure the adaptor to the datum point, a concave face (4) having a central measurement point (5) and a pivot (6) adapted to engage the central measuring point (5) and pivot 360° to allow measurements to be made to other reference points. The securing means (3) and pivot (6) can be magnetic.

Abstract: A system for graphic display of point-to-point distance measurements in an object measuring system includes display of a graphic drawing representing the object and depictions of measured points representing their locations on the object and displays of lines between the points of selected pairs of displayed points to indicate where a distance measurement is taken. For each line there is displayed an indication that the measured distance is (a) within tolerance limits of a standard distance, (b) shorter than the standard distance by a difference greater than a lower tolerance limit or (c) greater than the standard distance by a difference exceeding an upper tolerance limit. There may simultaneously be displayed an alphanumeric table indicating the points, the measured and standard distances and the differences, which table may utilize the same tolerance indication scheme as the graphical representation.

Abstract: A vehicle alignment measurement apparatus includes a first reference member removably mountable on a kingpin of a trailer and a second reference member removably mountable on selected ones of the trailer frame rails typically used to lock a movable slider having front and rear axles in place beneath the trailer. A third reference member is removably mountable on selected ones of wheels mounted on the axles. A distance between the first reference member and the second reference member, which is perpendicular to the rail, is measured to determine the alignment of the frame rails relative to the kingpin. A distance between the first reference member and the third reference member, which is aligned with the axle centerline, is measured to determine the alignment of the front axle relative to the kingpin. A pair of the third reference members can be used to align the rear axle to the front axle.

Abstract: An extension ruler intended for symmetry measurements of vehicles, having a built in measuring device for the extension of the ruler and transfer of data or figures to a display. The measuring device includes a tape extending from one end of the ruler to the other end where the tape is wound on a drum spring biased in the winding direction, which drum is provided with teeth and that the passage of these is detected and counted by a light source and a photo diode and that the drum rotation detected in this way is used to provide a measure of the extending of the ruler.

Abstract: A datum point adaptor (1) is secured to reference points such as holes, bolts or studs, which form measurement reference points for measuring the alignment of vehicles, especially in the case of collisions and panel beating. The datum point adaptor (1) comprises securing means (3) to secure the adaptor to the datum point, a concave face (4) having a central measurement point (5) and a pivot (6) adapted to engage the central measuring point (5) and pivot 360° to allow measurements to be made to other reference points. The securing means (3) and pivot (6) can be magnetic.

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: Device for measuring the bottom of vehicles comprising an extendable rule that in one end is provided with a conical mandrel for contact with measuring holes or points and that the ruler in its other end is provided with a magnetic fastening means and a centering means for centering the fastening means relative to holes in the bottom. The centering means is a conical mandrel that against the force of a spring can be pushed into the fastening bracket.

Abstract: In order to check and measure the skewness of crashed cars before as well as during and after repair it is known to use rulers provided with perpendicularly extending mandrels in both ends, and it is also known to use a ruler that is provided with a magnetic fastening means in one end. These devices are simple and easy to use and provide a surprisingly great precision in work. In reality however one must write down taken measures of remember them between measurements. Furthermore the precision is dependent of the skill or practice of the user of the device since an inclining of the device may change the result, also that the skill at reading a scale and the reading conditions exert a strong influence.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine has a horizontal rail defining an X-axis, a vertical rail movable along the horizontal rail defining a Z-axis, and a horizontal arm orthogonally situated relative to said X and Z axis defining a Y axis. Pairs of opposed track surfaces integral with the rails are engaged by pairs of wheels for rolling movement of the axes relative to each other. Biasing means such as coil springs urge the wheels of each of the pairs into contact with the opposed track surfaces in order to accurately maintain desired orthogonal relationships between the axes.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning a first member in a desired radial orientation relative to a second member. The positioning device includes a coupling portion for coupling the positioning device to the second member, a contact member for contacting the first member and an adjustment portion for controllably adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. The radial orientation of the first member relative to the second member is changed by adjusting the distance between the contact member and the coupling portion. A method for taking dimensional data on a hinged subassembly is also provided.

Abstract: A tool for indicating whether a measured ride height of a vehicle is within a tolerance range for a specified ride height is provided. The measured ride height is equal to a vertical distance between a reference surface of the vehicle, such as a vehicle frame rail at a suspension centerline, and a rotational axis of a vehicle wheel. The tool has a support member, a first measurement member, and a second measurement member.

Abstract: A laser based vehicle alignment kit is installed on an existing centerline gauge system to provide a pair of laser beams directed towards one end of a vehicle and a center laser which may be rotated 360° to simultaneously direct a beam towards the opposed end of the vehicle. The system includes a plurality of horizontal mounting bars, each equipped with structure for coupling with the center assembly of a centerline gauge and a pair of dependent blocks for leveling engagement with the gauge crossbars. One bar is equipped with a laser at each lateral end as well as a laser mounted above the center point of the gauge assembly. The center laser is rotatable 360° about an axis perpendicular with the bar. The remaining bars each include three upstanding transparent targets for sighting alignment with the lasers. The rotatable center laser is coupled with a scale and a series of stops for parallel or perpendicular alignment of the beam with respect to the lateral beams.

Abstract: A portable gaging system is used to measure a seal gap for a vehicle door or decklid. The gaging system includes gage assemblies that are removably mounted on a door or decklid flange. The gages are spaced apart from one another about the perimeter of the door or decklid to simultaneously measure the seal gap at various locations. A probe member is supported on each of the gaging assemblies and is selectively moveable between a rest position and an actuated position by the vehicle door as the door is moved from an open to a closed position. Each of the gage assemblies has a sensor for producing an electronic signal representative of gap size based upon movement of the probe member. A portable processor unit receives and stores the electronic signals produced by each of the gage assemblies. A remote actuator is used to generate an activation signal to initiate the gap measurements.

Abstract: An axle alignment system includes a transmitter, reflectors, and an indicator area. The transmitter transmits signals, preferably laser beams, to each reflector. Signals received by the reflectors attached to the end of the axles are reflected at a predetermined angle and direction to be viewed on an indicator area. The indicator area receives the redirected signals from each reflector and provides a visual illustration of the relationship between the suspension axle and another suspension part such as the suspension subframe siderails. Accordingly, the angularity of the axles relative to the siderails may be adjusted such that each of the reflected signals are displayed simultaneously on a reference marker. Once the reflected signals are aligned with respect to the reference marker, the axles are assured to be in accurate alignment.

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 method of repairing a vehicle chassis and/or vehicle bodywork which requires the replacement of a damaged vehicle part with a new vehicle part. The vehicle is clamped to a working bench and the new vehicle part (4), which is to be welded in position for instance, is held firmly in a correct position in relation to the vehicle (1) with the aid of bench-coacting holding devices (5, 18). The bench-coacting holding devices (5, 18) include positionally adjustable means (10, 17) which are intended to coact with specific points of the new vehicle part, the positions of these points in space relative to the vehicle being known. In this regard, the positions in space of the positionally adjustable means are set with the aid of separate measuring equipment. The invention also relates to an arrangement for use when carrying out the method.

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: 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: Vehicle gauging apparatus employing a travelling gear box and a pair of gears contained therein to mount two gauge arms to move inwardly and outwardly along parallel paths with respect to one another. One embodiment employs an integral measuring tape and pivotable level gauge, as well as end-mounted measuring pins, while another provides pivotable suspension blocks adaptable to receive respective pinch well clamps or threaded stud pin holders. A male mounting ball and female mounting pin provide the ability to use the two embodiments together in particular measuring operations.

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 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 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: An apparatus and method for determining the vertical distance between a point on a vehicle and a reference line comprises a linear measuring device, a fixture to aid in the taking of linear measurements of the point along two oblique angles, and a computer for calculating the vertical distance from these two measurements.

Abstract: A tool for the repair of small dents in the sheet metal surfaces of motor vehicles uses a laser beam assembly as a pointer, instead of a mechanical pointer, and the laser beam produces a sharply focused small dot of light to precisely locate the hidden working head of the tool in exact alignment with the small dent, thereby facilitating efficient removal of the dent.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring on the site of an accident the three-dimensional deformation of a damaged vehicle comprises a reference frame and a distance measuring device. The reference frame comprises a first straight frame portion installed in front of the vehicle parallel to the transversal axis thereof, a second elongated straight frame portion installed on the side of the vehicle parallel to this vehicle's longitudinal axis, and a third elongated straight frame portion installed at the rear of the vehicle parallel to the transversal axis. When the deformation is situated in front of the damaged vehicle, the first frame portion defines a first axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system, the second axis of this coordinate system being located in a vertical plane in which the first elongated frame portion is lying.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in conjunction with an automobile body and frame straightening platform system includes a plurality of moveable jacks which are attachable to the vehicle for raising the vehicle above the platform and moving it so as the longitudinal center line of the vehicle is coincident with the longitudinal center line of the platform system wherein measuring devices will be clearly indicative of the extent of damage to a vehicle and its appropriate repair according to the manufacture's specifications.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for measuring the distance between control points on a vehicle, the apparatus including a base assembly for supporting an extendable gauge bar having pointers mounted thereon which are aligned with the control points, the gauge bar including a gauge indicating the distance between the pointers, each base assembly including a base plate and a pedestal mounted on the base plate for matingly engaging the gauge bar, the pedestal being vertically and radially moveable for adjusting the position of the gauge bar.

Abstract: An elongated alignment bar mounting a level, a datum line pin and a vertical alignment pin has first and second internal conduits therein which slidably conduct independently adjustable flexible suspension chains from respective suspension points through either end of the upper surface of the bar and out respective openings in the middle of the undersurface of the bar. A chain lock secures the chains and provides a fine adjustment feature. A set of gauges features different colored alignment pins and an optional light mounting bracket to enhance alignment operations.