Optics: measuring and testing – Angle measuring or angular axial alignment – With screen
Reexamination Certificate
2006-07-11
2006-07-11
Pham, Hoa Q. (Department: 2877)
Optics: measuring and testing
Angle measuring or angular axial alignment
With screen
C033S277000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07075635
ABSTRACT:
An improved laser scanning apparatus (46) for determining frame or unibody alignment or misalignment of a vehicle (40) is provided, which includes a laser assembly (54), a pair of rotatable mirror assemblies (56,58) and laser detectors (114, 116) located within an enclosed housing (50,52). The laser assembly (54) has an upper pair of lasers (122,126) located in known, spaced relationship above a lower pair of lasers (124,128). with the detectors (114, 116) disposed between the upper and lower laser pairs (122, 126, 124, 128). The apparatus (46) is used in conjunction with a plurality of individually coded reflective targets (44) which are suspended from known reference points on the vehicle (40). In use, the laser assembly (54) in conjunction with the mirror assemblies (56,58) directs upper and lower laser beams through 360 degree scans to impinge on the targets (44); laser radiation reflected from the targets (44) is detected by the detectors (114, 116), allowing trigonometric calculation of target positions using information derived from the scans of the upper and lower beams. In this way, a determination can be made if any of the targets (44) are out of plumb (i.e., not truly vertical). Preferably, the housing (50, 52) includes a pair of elongated, laser-transparent panels (88, 90) and is effectively sealed to minimize contamination of the apparatus (46).
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Groothuis David Scott
Hanchett Michael Thomas
Delaware Capital Formation Inc.
Pham Hoa Q.
Spencer Fane Britt & Browne
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