Sun Electric U.k. Limited

Snap-on Equipment Gmbh

Stephen J Davis

Barbara L Jones

Paul Smith

Marcus J Hawkins

David Stollery

Robert D Peck

Vehicle thermal testing method and apparatus is based upon the use of a mobile handset. The handset uses spot infra red thermal sensing to identify thermal imbalance between wheels on opposite sides or the same side of a vehicle. Testing identifies thermal levels resulting from braking by mere application of the handset to wheel nuts after a short brake application and without use of roller test beds or other such equipment. Tires can be similarly tested. The handset can generate test instructions. Repetition of an initial test enables the offset for cooling during the test to be verified. A similar technique applies to tires. The handset may communicate with a base station providing for keyboard input of vehicle data and results printout.

Method and apparatus for thermal testing of brake performance

Method and apparatus for automotive tire condition and other article assessment is based upon radiation analysis of a rotated tire. Analysis of reflected radiation on the basis of intensity sensing provides a measure of tread depth and sidewall profile, together with tread location and other data. By positional analysis of the tread depth locations there is provided complementary information on the tread wear pattern. Sidewall profile determination enables identification of other tire condition factors. Tread depth and sidewall profile are also determined by laser or other radiation line image displacement techniques and a mounting system is provided for the apparatus enabling determinations to be made without the use of a roller bed. Proper positional alignment of the wheel to the apparatus is determined by means of a reference datum derived from reflected radiation within the apparatus. Proper defined proximity of the tire is defined by a pair of alignment bars positioned over an optical window of the apparatus.

Apparatus and method for tire condition assessment

Method and apparatus for freon and other refrigerant matching, particularly for servicing of air conditioning systems for automotive applications. The matching process is based upon the comparison of resistance or infrared absorption or other data readings of a gas-sensing resistance or infrared absorption or other transducer applied to the refrigerant fluid under test and corresponding data from reference refrigerants.

Method and apparatus for matching refrigerants

Method and apparatus for non-contact evaluation of wheel alignment for vehicles utilizes laser-based range-finders mounted at locations between which the vehicle is driven for test purposes. Range-finding at three locations on the wheel enables wheel attitude to be determined. Locations are chosen so that range-finding is carried out where a significant contour in the wheel assembly occurs, thereby enabling a clear and characteristic signal to be obtained from relatively simple apparatus.

Method and apparatus for vehicle wheel alignment testing

A method and apparatus for analysis of brakes in automotive vehicles, and related aspects of engine performance and like applications, senses heat energy which is generated internally of an article to be analysed. Spot-type infra-red thermometers are employed to sense localised temperature elevation produced by brake application from a remote location using visual positioning guides to enable the spot zones sensed to be accurately located on, for example, wheel nuts/studs, which provide a thermal transfer route from the brake drums or discs. Analysis of the thermal data from the sensors includes a peak detect-and-hold function to avoid the need for maintenance of accurate alignment of the sensors. Comparison of the thermal data enables detection of braking imbalance.

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King's Lynn, United Kingdom

Stephen J Davis