The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 06, 2000
Filed:
Oct. 17, 1997
John Kane, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
AIM Automotive Integrated Manufacturing, Inc., Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Abstract
An improved wheel alignment apparatus having a fixed support structure and a pair of cylindrical rollers communicating with the support structure, wherein the rollers support the wheels of a motor vehicle and allow rotation of the wheels while maintaining the motor vehicle in an essentially stationary position. The rollers are supported on a float plate utilizing a layer of pressurized air pumped below the float plate to allow the float plate to move along a substantially flat horizontal surface to allow the vehicle to settle into a steady rotational mode. The front of the float plates are connected through a series of linkages and a connecting rod to a linear actuator pivoting about a vertical axis. The linear actuator retracts to straighten the connecting rod which centers the float plate to a limited motion along the horizontal surface, and extends so that the connecting rod may pivot about a longitudinal axis and turn with the float plate and wheels of the vehicle. For removal of the vehicle from the cylindrical rollers, an inflatable bag engages a set of brake pads against the rollers and elevates the wheels of the vehicle to assist removal from the apparatus.