Abstract: A device for engaging a vehicle chassis has mounted thereon a pair of tandem axles to be aligned perpendicular to frame rails of the chassis and parallel to one another, the device creating the alignments and having first and second spaced apart pairs of laterally spaced towers for engaging the ends of both tandem axles in a manner to maintain them parallel to one another, structure for supporting a rear end of the chassis in fixed position; and structure for moving the front end of the chassis to a predetermined position relative to the towers and being laser directed to position the chassis perpendicular to at least one of the axles.

Abstract: An apparatus to be used in combination with an automotive vehicle and a frame rack, of the type having two substantially parallel and spaced apart longitudinal members, which is used for correcting the frame alignment of damaged vehicles. The apparatus comprises four carriages, with at least two carriages being mounted for independent movement on each member. Each carriage comprises a chassis with a dolly mounted thereon for movement transverse to the longitudinal movement of the carriage. Each dolly is capable of supporting one automotive support point even when the support points are out of alignment, permitting easy movement of the automotive vehicle on the frame rack and easy movement of the support points during repairs, and providing a means for determining the relationship of each automotive support point relative to one another.

Abstract: A multi-use vehicle support and lift for performing general repair and overhaul and to position a vehicle centrally on the support for measuring and then repairing collision damage using an attachable pulling tower.

Abstract: A vehicle measuring device used in repairing damaged vehicle bodies includes a cross bar secured to opposing sides of the vehicle, and a tram bar having a first end adapted to be pivotally secured to the center point of the cross bar. The second end of the tram bar includes a probe for contacting various symmetrically-disposed points on either side of the vehicle body. The cross bar is supported by standards bolted to the cowl of the vehicle, the height of each standard being adjustable. The length of the tram bar is also adjustable for reaching different points on the vehicle body. Levels are provided on the cross bar and tram bar to ensure that they are horizontal. Pivot pins are also provided at each standard directly above the cowl bolts for allowing the tram bar to be pivoted therefrom. Misalignment of the vehicle body is detected by swinging the tram bar to probe points on the vehicle body that are normally equidistant from the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: The coordinates of a plurality of datum check points for a vehicle chassis is obtained relative to X, Y and Z coordinates relative to a given horizontal datum plane and/or a vertical datum plane and used primarily to prepare specification drawings for vehicle chassis to be used by body and frame alignment operators to correct collision damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a vehicle having a frame, and a plurality of wheel hubs, and a suspension system operatively connecting the wheel hubs to the frame is provided. The method and apparatus provide sensors for sensing angular relationships between the wheel hubs and the frame in multiple suspension positions, and a computer connected to the sensors for calculating camber, castor and toe based upon the sensed angular relationship and for displaying whether camber, caster and toe are within preset ranges.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting assembled conditions of interior and exterior parts of an automotive vehicle, comprising an inspection table, two supporting bases mounted on the table, a framework supported by the supporting bases, left and right model jigs shaped to correspond to configurations of left and right side-member final assemblies of the vehicle, and bar members for connecting one model jig with the other. When shaping the model jigs, the supporting bases are used as datum references for the shaping and the framework serves as a core in the model jigs.

Abstract: A method and system for use in the checking and/or correction of alignment of a vehicle frame, body and various parts thereof which utilize an energy beam generator to direct one or more beams, such as a laser beam, at multiple targets which may be mounted on the vehicle frame, body or specific parts thereof, to establish a horizontal reference centerline and a vertical reference datum line from and/or to which alignment measurements may be made. Such method and system are enhanced by the use of either a unidirectional or sweeping beam to establish a centerline and a sweeping beam to establish a datum line. The beam generating means and targets preferably are located within the confines of a vehicle frame or body with the centerline defining beam and target being centered between undamaged portions of the same vehicle parts from which or to which measurements are to be made.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging vehicle damage. The invention comprises a plurality of removable magnetic stop members for placement upon a vehicle and for determining a point of reference. Each of the magnetic stops has an axially extending alignment pole and a calibrated measurement chain attached to the pole for making a measurement from the point of reference. In the method of the present invention a point of reference on an automotive body is determined. Next, a portable magnetic stop is placed on the automotive body at the point of reference. Finally, a calibrated chain is extended from the portable magnetic stop for making an auto body measurement from the point of reference.

Abstract: A car frame measuring apparatus is disclosed, which has a three-dimensional measurement assembly comprising a pair of x-axis units, a y-axis unit mounted for longitudinal movement on the x-axis units and having a center piece provided at the center, a pair of z-axis unit bases mounted for transversal movement on the y-axis unit, z-axis unit holders each mounted on each z-axis unit base and provided with a z-axis unit capable of being extended by a spring, and a center piece having each end coupled by a chain to each z-axis unit. The opposite side z-axis units can be made to be at an equal distance from the center of the y-axis unit by aligning the last mentioned center piece and the center piece on the y-axis unit.

Abstract: The coordinate measuring system comprises a device (D) and host computer (19). The device (D) is formed of a base (1) rigidly attached to the article to be measured, an arm (2) rotatable relative to the base (1) only about axis (A), arm (3) rotatable relative to arm (2) only about axis (B), and arm (4) slidably relative to arm (3) along axis (C). The axes (A, B and C) are parallel. At the pivots (5) and (6) and sleeve (7) there are high precision bearings and rotary encoders. The approximate (3D) coordinates corresponding to the position of the measurement probe (10) can be calculated from the encoder derived measurements and are corrected by the computer for inaccuracies due to axes misalignment, flex of components etc. Correction terms are programmed after the assembly of the device (D).

Abstract: A bench ramp including a plurality of mutually perpendicular and movable bars provided with a coupling member arresting the bars in a selected position and having two threaded bars engaging one another in a locking position and a pair of rocker members swingable about a common axis extending parallel to the threaded bars.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for aligning the axles of a tractor, a trailer, or other vehicle and for detecting bends, bows, twists amd other irregularities in vehicle frames, has a light source used to provide a reference plane from which measurements can be taken. Dual targets are attached to the underside of the vehicle frame and are used in conjunction with the light source to establish the reference plane. The light source is slidably arranged on a U-shaped frame and is positionable to project a light beam at the targets. The U-shaped frame is directly attached along the center axis of the wheel axle so that the horizontal bar on which a light support is arranged with be parallel to the wheel axle and thus provide an accurate measurement of missalignment. The U-shaped frame and dual targets are provided with features which allow both to be leveled easily. Rollers are provided on the leveling supports of the U-shaped frame to facilitate movement of the frame along the underlying surface as the axle is aligned.

Abstract: A measuring platform system is utilized to measure the extent of damaged or misaligned vehicle frames or bodies to expedite the repair thereof. The platform becomes the measuring datum plane from which all measurements as to the pre and post repair locus of a particular reference point on the vehicle are taken as to height above the datum plane and distance from a longitudinal centerline of the datum plane. Means are provided as a part of the platform system to raise the vehicle and move same to a position where the longitudinal vertical plane through the centerline of the vehicle intersects the centerline of the datum plane. A computer can be used as a part of the system.

Abstract: A mobile vehicle measuring device for the measuring of a vehicle, such as a race car, from certain reference points such as the bottom side of the vehicle instead of the driving surface. The apparatus comprises a level support platform with adjustable wheel plates to center the vehicle, a movable lift gauge rack to provide reference points for various measuring gauges, a vehicle loading device, a vehicle load measuring device and various preset measuring gauges cooperating with the lift gauge rack to check efficiently all pertinent measurements with which the vehicle must comply.

Abstract: A suspension gauge with an inner rod (12) sliding in an outer tube (10). The marker ring (18) slides along the calibrated scale of the inner rod marking the deflection of the suspension system at various loaded and unloaded positions. In addition a locking mechanism (16)(24)(26)(28)(30)(32)(34)(36)(38) is provided at the lower end of the gauge as an attachment device to the rear axle hub. At the upper end of the gauge a swivel block (22) and spring clip (14) are provided to attach the gauge to the motorcycle rear fender.

Abstract: A universal measuring bridge for determining the amount of misalignment of the datum points on a damaged vehicle, the bridge including a main beam formed from two extruded box beams, each box beam including a reference surface and an upper and lower track, the box beams being connected with the reference surfaces in a precise parallel spaced relation and the tracks also in a precise parallel spaced relation to each other and to the corresponding tracks on the other side, a slide arm having an upper and lower track and an upper and lower rail on each side and a fixed guide and a movable guide on the bottom for aligning the slide arm on the main beam and a cross slide mounted on each end of the slide arm, the cross slide including a pair of rollers positioned to ride on the lower track on each side of the slide arm and a compensating roller positioned to ride on the upper track, the rollers on the lower track being adjustable with respect to the lower track and movable into engagement with the inside of the rai

Abstract: A terminal alignment angle set part or end piece for use in a multi-Z-receptor or tower of an alignment bench comprising a frame constructed of sectional pieces on which are disposed one or more towers carrying a head piece thereon, the terminal alignment angle set part, or head pieces, being constructed such that at least two of the head pieces may be operatively connected for sliding and rotationable positioning and be fixed relative to one another and the tower to provide for the simultaneous locating or verification of two points on a motor vehicle body through a single tower or multi-Z-receptor.

Abstract: An auto body repair gauge assembly comprises a frame or jig having a pair of spaced apart longitudinal bars supporting two or more lateral bars slidably mounted thereon for placing over the engine compartment of a motor vehicle whose body has been bent or otherwise damaged. Marking rods are slidably mounted on the lateral bars for positioning at the points indicating where a damaged part of the vehicle body should be adjusted to be back in its original correct position. The longitudinal and lateral bars have measurement indications marked on at least one side so the workmen can tell where to slide the marking rods. One lateral bar farthest to the rear is the reference bar and has its center lined up with the true longitudinal center line of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of damage to a vehicle body prior to its repair includes first and second means to be coupled with the vehicle body for holding a first string in spaced relationship to the body. First string means is coupled with the first and second string holding means and drawn taut. Third and fourth means adapted to be coupled with the vehicle body on the opposite side from the location of the first and second means is adapted to hold a second string in spaced relationship to the vehicle body. A second string means is drawn taut between the third and fourth holding means. Comparative measurements are then taken between the first string and the undamaged area of the vehicle body which corresponds to the damaged area on the opposite area. Second measurements are taken between the second string and the damaged area of the vehicle body and compared with the first measurements. The amount of damage to the body can then be determined by this comparison.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for aligning the axles of a tractor, a trailer, or other vehicle and for detecting bends, bows, twists and other irregularities in vehicle frames, has a light source used to provide a reference plane from which measurements can be taken. Dual targets are attached to the underside of the vehicle frame and are used in conjunction with the light source to establish the reference plane. In certain embodiments, the light source is slidably arranged on a U-shaped frame and is positionable to project a light beam at the targets. Once a reference plane is established, a gauge can be used to measure irregularities in the vehicle frame by measuring the distance from the reference plane to the underside of the vehicle frame. The U-shaped frame is directly attached along the center axis of the wheel axle so that the horizontal bar on which a light support is arranged will be exactly parallel to the wheel axle and thus provide a more accurate measurement of misalignment.

Abstract: An improved alignment gauge allows a vehicle to be easily checked for misalignment while the gauge is manually supported by an operator. The gauge comprises an elongate adjustable length beam and a needle indicator carried on the beam and having an axis perpendicular to the beam axis. In one embodiment, a second needle indicator is provided, and both a horizontal level and vertical level are permanently affixed to the beam. In another embodiment, the beam includes a centering member for engaging a centerline reference point along the vehicle, and the needle indicator axis passes through the beam axis. A left-side reference point may be quickly compared to a right-side reference point while the centering member remains in engagement with the centerline point on the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for the diagnosis of the dimensioins of a motor vehicle body positioned on an alignment bench comprising a frame constructed of sections on which are arranged terminal alignment-angle sets. These sets are comprised of mechanical parts including end or head pieces which are disposed on columns longitudinally displaceable and fixable in guide supports fastened appropriately on the frame to function as multi-Z-receptors. The configuration of the end or head pieces are fabricated such that upon positioning on the column they will have already in them the desired or predetermined XYZ-values or dimensional coordinates of the points of the motor vehicle to be checked when in either a complete or partially disassembled state.

Abstract: An improved measuring system for use in combination with vehicle repair equipment includes a pair of transverse bars mounted at a fixed position in space relative to the vehicle with a longitudinally extending and laterally movable bar assembly attached by sliding brackets to the transverse bars. Additional longitudinal bars are attached to the opposite ends of the transverse bars. Supplemental measuring equipment is attachable to all of the bars in order to effect point to point measurements on a vehicle in order that the point to point measurements may be compared with known standards.

Abstract: A measuring bridge including extensible legs supporting the measuring bridge into position beneath a vehicle. The extensible legs each include a compression spring for upward movement into engagement with the bottom of a vehicle frame. The measuring bridge also includes apparatus for adjustably positioning the pointers of the measuring bridge to compensate for variations in the size of reference holes provided in the vehicle frame.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 to measure and/or check the spatial position and angular orientation of characteristic spots or areas 3 in mechanical structures or members, particularly in motor-vehicle structural components such as bodies or wheels. The apparatus substantially comprises an articulated arm 4 provided with a number of pivot points 5 and carrying, at a free end thereof, a tracer point 10 adapted to be positioned close to the characteristic spots or areas 3 of the structure to be measured or checked. Located at the pivot points 5 of the articulated arm 4 are displacement transducers 16 which send electrical signals to a computer depending upon a variation in the configuration taken by the pivot points 5 as compared with corresponding reference configurations.

Abstract: A tool for checking the alignment of bicycle frames includes threaded sleeves for threading into the bottom bracket shell of the bicycle frame, and a gauge bar adapted to be held in contact with the sleeve. The sleeve and the gauge bar have precisely machined engagement surfaces so that when assembled and clamped together, for example by a vise, the gauge bar is held precisely perpendicular to the central movement, i.e., bottom bracket, of the bicycle frame, with the gauge bar positioned to extend along the down tube or seat tube of the bicycle frame so that any deviations thereof from perpendicularity with the central movement can be measured.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the positions of a set of points on a body and comparing those points to a set of reference points. The system includes a data acquisition apparatus comprised of emitters, receivers, and microprocessor controls. The emitters are mounted at various predetermined positions on the body, for example a vehicle body or frame, and are triggered in an optimal fashion by the microprocessors. Triggering generates a single acoustic burst signal from an emitter. An array of microphones acts as the receiver. After generation of the signal, the microprocessor initializes an external clock which measures the travel time of the signal from the emitter to the receivers. By repeating this process a number of times, data is acquired which yields the three-dimensional coordinates of a given point when processed by a microprocessor.

Abstract: A measuring location sensor for linear measuring devices having a probe tip of spherical configuration of a predetermined radius used for measuring the location of a hole or, in cooperation with an adaptor sleeve, a protruding element of a vehicle chassis, body or frame, irrespective of whether such hole or element is located on a horizontal surface or an inclined surface.

Abstract: A vehicle repair system for locating and defining predetermined points of vehicle components to ensure compliance with the vehicle specifications. The system utilizes a common base for interchangeably receiving any one of a plurality of control heads in order to enable the base portion of the system to be utilized in checking and verifying the position of vehicle components for any or a large number of vehicles. Each of the interchangeable control heads is specifically configured for use with a particular vehicle and for locating a component of that particular vehicle so that each of the specific control heads can be utilized in a standard system base eliminating the necessity of individual bases being formed as an integral portion of the position locating or verifying apparatus. In addition, the checking and verification system may be utilized to effect localized repairs or reforming of the automotive components to effect their correct positioning.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring linear displacement having three slides movable along orthogonal axes. Two slides each having a scale for measuring linear displacement which extends substantially parallel to the path of movement of its associated slide. The third slide has a movable scale for measuring linear displacement, with a portion extending at substantially a right angle to the path of movement of the third slide, so that the linear displacement along all three axes can be viewed and read on all three scales from the same position and in subtantially the same sighting direction.

Abstract: An improved measuring system for use in combination with vehicle repair equipment includes a pair of transverse bars mounted at a fixed position in space relative to the vehicle with a longitudinally extending and laterally movable bar assembly attached by sliding brackets to the transverse bars. Additional longitudinal bars are attached to the opposite ends of the transverse bars. Supplemental measuring equipment is attachable to all of the bars in order to effect point to point measurements on a vehicle in order that the point to point measurements may be compared with known standards.

Abstract: A gauge which in its preferred form consists of two vertical members and two cross bars with means for relatively adjusting the relative position of the cross bars on the vertical members is disclosed. Each of the cross bars also carries a pair of threadable castings together with a reversely threaded screw which, on rotation, moves the threadable casting toward and away from the center of each cross bar. When a plurality of such gauges are employed, one located in each of preselected cross-sectional planes of a vehicular body, the dimensions of the boey relative to datum references and from the gauge can be determined and thereupon whether the vehicle be damaged or "true" and hence undamages. Such gauges avoid the use of prior art racks and frames upon which the vehicle was placed in order to measure the vehicle trueness.

Abstract: A vehicle body-and-frame-alignment apparatus for use in realigning the front inner structures of damaged unitized or unibody constructed vehicles employing sliding strut-shock units as front-end suspension systems, wherein the apparatus is formed by a substantially rectangular adjustable frame gauge defined by upper and lower horizontal gauge bars adjustably interconnected to oppositely positioned vertical side gauge bars by coupling brackets, each gauge bar including a measuring tape disposed along the longitudinal length thereof. The frame gauge is adapted to be supported on the sliding strut-shock units by an adjustable pair of gauge-positioning members slidably mounted to the upper horizontal bar, the lower horizontal bar being provided with a fixed central indicator and a second pair of gauge-positioning members, each gauge-positioning member including a vertically adjustable reference pointer to indicate structural alignment or misalignment of the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A gauge apparatus for measuring the displacement of components, particularly automotive components. The gauge includes a support member adapted for secure attachment to one component, such as an automotive wheel. A transverse gauge bar is slidably interengageable with the support member and carries a rotatably gauge member at one end for measuring the displacement of the gauge member with respect to the gauge bar. The apparatus can be used to check the alignment of Macpherson strut suspension systems as well as wheel caster, camber, toe-in and alignment. A Macpherson strut straightening apparatus is also disclosed.