US3913236A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for determining wheel alignment
Assignee: Bear Automotive Service Equipment Co
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Filing: 1973-09-13
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Granted: 1975-10-21
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Expires: 1993-09-13
Abstract
Abstract A sensing head for determining wheel alignment angles is mounted on a wheel clamp assembly and includes gravity sensing variable impedance electrolytic transducers which are selectively positionable relative to the assembly and are connectable in a bridge circuit for indicating the angle of the respective transducer to the horizontal, and a spirit level also prepositioned on the assembly, with one transducer and the spirit level being in parallel opposed relation to one another.
Inventors
- 👤 Louis L Butler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 00:31
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/30; G01B7/315
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
231 words
An apparatus for use in determining the alignment of wheels of automotive vehicles comprising: support means for attachment to such a wheel and thereby defining a reference plane; a first angle-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer attached to said support means and disposed so as to be responsive to the change in angular position, relative to horizontal, of an axis at right angles to said reference plane; said first transducer comprising an elongated electrolytic transducer and being pivotally mounted on said support means; means for adjusting the position of said first transducer about said pivotal mounting; a spring positioned to urge said first transducer in one direction of pivotal adjustment about said pivotal mounting; a second angle-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer disposed parallel to said first transducer and adjustably mounted on said support means for selective adjustment relative to a plane perpendicular to said reference plane, each of said first and second transducer having three terminals, and providing variable impedance between one of said terminals and each of the other two terminals in accordance with the angular disposition of said respective transducers relative to the horizontal; adjustable abutment means for retaining said second transducer in a predetermined position; circuit means responsive to said impedances of each of said first and second transducers for indicating the angular position therefore relative to the horizontal; and means for selectively connecting said first and second transducers to said circuit means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
231 words
An apparatus for use in determining the alignment of wheels of automotive vehicles comprising: support means for attachment to such a wheel and thereby defining a reference plane; a first angle-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer attached to said support means and disposed so as to be responsive to the change in angular position, relative to horizontal, of an axis at right angles to said reference plane; said first transducer comprising an elongated electrolytic transducer and being pivotally mounted on said support means; means for adjusting the position of said first transducer about said pivotal mounting; a spring positioned to urge said first transducer in one direction of pivotal adjustment about said pivotal mounting; a second angle-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer disposed parallel to said first transducer and adjustably mounted on said support means for selective adjustment relative to a plane perpendicular to said reference plane, each of said first and second transducer having three terminals, and providing variable impedance between one of said terminals and each of the other two terminals in accordance with the angular disposition of said respective transducers relative to the horizontal; adjustable abutment means for retaining said second transducer in a predetermined position; circuit means responsive to said impedances of each of said first and second transducers for indicating the angular position therefore relative to the horizontal; and means for selectively connecting said first and second transducers to said circuit means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said transducers are electrolytic transducers.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
114 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said responsive means comprises a bridge circuit, said one terminal of each transducer being a first junction of said bridge and connected to said connection means, said other two terminals being connected to second and third junctions of said bridge, whereby said variable impedances are in two legs of saiD bridge, a fixed impedance connected between each of said second and third junctions and a fourth junction of said bridge, an a.c. power source connected directly to said fourth junction and said connecting means, and means responsive to the difference in potential between said second and third junctions to indicate the angular position of said transducer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said lastmentioned means comprises rectifier circuit means connected between each of second and third junctions and said fourth junction, and a d.c. volt meter connected between said rectifier circuits.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for use in determining the alignment of wheels of automotive vehicles comprising: support means for attachment to such a wheel and thereby defining a reference plane; an angular-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer disposed so as to be responsive to the change in angular position of said support means relative to horizontal when said apparatus is rotated a predetermined angle from a first position, said transducer having a longitudinal axis; compensator means operatively coupled to said transducer for adjusting angularly the longitudinal axis thereof to a horizontal position after attachment of the support means to a wheel; said transducer having three terminals and providing variable impedances between one of said terminals and each of the other two terminals in accordance with the angular disposition of said transducer relative to the horizontal; and circuit means responsive to said impedances of said transducer for indicating the angular position therefor relative to the horizontal upon said predetermined rotation from a first position.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
158 words
An apparatus for use in determining the alignment of wheels of automotive vehicles comprising: support means for attachment to such a wheel and thereby defining a reference plane; an angular-responsive mechanical-electrical transducer disposed so as to be responsive to the change in angular position of said support means relative to horizontal when said apparatus is rotated a predetermined angle from a first position, said transducer having a longitudinal axis; compensator means operatively coupled to said transducer for adjusting angularly the longitudinal axis thereof to a horizontal position after attachment of the support means to a wheel; said transducer having three terminals and providing variable impedances between one of said terminals and each of the other two terminals in accordance with the angular disposition of said transducer relative to the horizontal; and circuit means responsive to said impedances of said transducer for indicating the angular position therefor relative to the horizontal upon said predetermined rotation from a first position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, further comprising a second angular-responsive mechanicalelectrical transducer disposed parallel to said first transducer and adjustably mounted on said support means for selective adjustment relative to a plane perpendicular to said reference plane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said compensator means includes a leveling vial mounted on said support means and disposed parallel to said transducer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-20 | 1979-04-21 | 1979-10-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-20 | 1983-04-21 | 1983-10-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-20 | 1987-04-21 | 1987-10-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |