Wheel alignment apparatus
US6070332A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S33/02
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved wheel alignment apparatus having a fixed support structure and a pair of cylindrical rollers communicating with the support structure, wherein the rollers support the wheels of a motor vehicle and allow rotation of the wheels while maintaining the motor vehicle in an essentially stationary position. The rollers are supported on a float plate utilizing a layer of pressurized air pumped below the float plate to allow the float plate to move along a substantially flat horizontal surface to allow the vehicle to settle into a steady rotational mode. The front of the float plates are connected through a series of linkages and a connecting rod to a linear actuator pivoting about a vertical axis. The linear actuator retracts to straighten the connecting rod which centers the float plate to a limited motion along the horizontal surface, and extends so that the connecting rod may pivot about a longitudinal axis and turn with the float plate and wheels of the vehicle. For removal of the vehicle from the cylindrical rollers, an inflatable bag engages a set of brake pads against the rollers and elevates the wheels of the vehicle to assist removal from the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.