Geometrical instruments – Straight-line light ray type – Alignment device
Patent
1989-06-12
1990-07-24
Shoap, Allan N.
Geometrical instruments
Straight-line light ray type
Alignment device
33228, 33608, G01B 1127
Patent
active
049426672
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. Certain preferred embodiments include a perpendicularity checking device which assures that the beam of light is perpendicular to the horizontal bar, so that accurate and reliable measurements can be obtained.
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Axle-Tru, Inc.
Scanlon Patrick R.
Shoap Allan N.
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