Patent US5592383A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5592383A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Wheel aligner cordless communications unit
Assignee: Snap On Inc
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Filing: 1994-09-07
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Granted: 1997-01-07
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Expires: 2014-09-07
Abstract
Abstract A wheel aligner comprises a communications unit attachable to the conventional heads and the console to provide for cordless communication of information between the heads and the console in the absence of cables.
Inventors
- 👤 Steven W. Rogers
- 👤 David R. Coburn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 06:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/30; G01B7/315
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for upgrading a wheel aligner comprising at least two wheel-mountable alignment heads for generating wheel orientation data, a console including processor means for processing the data and a cable for transmitting the data from each head to the console, which comprises: removing the cable; providing cordless transceiver means for each head and the console; electrically connecting the cordless transceiver means to the heads and the console to provide for communication between the heads and the console without the cable.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
81 words
A method for upgrading a wheel aligner comprising at least two wheel-mountable alignment heads for generating wheel orientation data, a console including processor means for processing the data and a cable for transmitting the data from each head to the console, which comprises: removing the cable; providing cordless transceiver means for each head and the console; electrically connecting the cordless transceiver means to the heads and the console to provide for communication between the heads and the console without the cable.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
125 words
A system for upgrading a wheel aligner comprising at least two wheel-mountable alignment heads having angle sensors for generating wheel orientation data, a console including processor means for processing the data and a cable for transmitting the data from each head to the console, the system comprising: a first unit attachable to one of the heads and including a first radio transceiver and means for coupling the first radio transceiver to the head angle sensors; a second unit attachable to the console and including a second radio transceiver and means for coupling the second radio transceiver to the processor means; wherein the cable is removed and the wheel orientation data is transmitted from the head to the console via the first and second radio transceivers.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
125 words
A system for upgrading a wheel aligner comprising at least two wheel-mountable alignment heads having angle sensors for generating wheel orientation data, a console including processor means for processing the data and a cable for transmitting the data from each head to the console, the system comprising: a first unit attachable to one of the heads and including a first radio transceiver and means for coupling the first radio transceiver to the head angle sensors; a second unit attachable to the console and including a second radio transceiver and means for coupling the second radio transceiver to the processor means; wherein the cable is removed and the wheel orientation data is transmitted from the head to the console via the first and second radio transceivers.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second radio transceivers operate at 2.4 GigaHertz.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second radio transceivers operate using spread spectrum technology.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second radio transceivers operate using channel hopping technology.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
218 words
In combination with a vehicle wheel aligner comprising at least two alignment heads mountable to adjacent wheels of a vehicle for generating outputs indicative of the relative orientations of the wheels, a console including processor means for computing alignment values of the vehicle from the outputs, and conventional electrical cables extending between the alignment heads and the console for transmission of the outputs, the alignment heads each having cable connectors for receiving corresponding plugs on the ends of the conventional cables, the improvement comprising: a first retrofit unit attachable to at least one of the alignment heads; the first retrofit unit comprising a first wireless transceiver, first means for converting the outputs into signals capable of being transmitted by the wireless transceiver, and a cable for connecting the first converting means to the head through the cable connector; a second retrofit unit attachable to the console; the second retrofit unit comprising a second wireless transceiver in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver, second means for converting the signals received by the second wireless transceiver into data capable of being processed by the processor means, and a cable for connecting the second converting means to the console; wherein the conventional cables are removed and the outputs are instead communicated to the console by means of the wireless transceivers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
218 words
In combination with a vehicle wheel aligner comprising at least two alignment heads mountable to adjacent wheels of a vehicle for generating outputs indicative of the relative orientations of the wheels, a console including processor means for computing alignment values of the vehicle from the outputs, and conventional electrical cables extending between the alignment heads and the console for transmission of the outputs, the alignment heads each having cable connectors for receiving corresponding plugs on the ends of the conventional cables, the improvement comprising: a first retrofit unit attachable to at least one of the alignment heads; the first retrofit unit comprising a first wireless transceiver, first means for converting the outputs into signals capable of being transmitted by the wireless transceiver, and a cable for connecting the first converting means to the head through the cable connector; a second retrofit unit attachable to the console; the second retrofit unit comprising a second wireless transceiver in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver, second means for converting the signals received by the second wireless transceiver into data capable of being processed by the processor means, and a cable for connecting the second converting means to the console; wherein the conventional cables are removed and the outputs are instead communicated to the console by means of the wireless transceivers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-01-07 | 2000-07-08 | 2001-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-01-07 | 2004-07-08 | 2005-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-01-07 | 2008-07-08 | 2009-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |