A non-contact sensor for determining orientation of an object, such as a tire and wheel assembly of a vehicle, includes a projector assembly having a light emitter, a lens assembly and a mask, with the mask including mask apertures and the light emitter configured to project light through the lens assembly and mask apertures and onto the object, and with the mask apertures creating a light pattern of projected light onto the object. The sensor also includes an imager configured to image reflections of the light pattern from the object, and a processor. The projector assembly and imager are angled with respect to one another, and the processor is configured to process imaged reflections of the light pattern to derive the orientation of the object, such as the alignment orientation of the tire and wheel assembly.

A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction. Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises a locking member (82) which is designed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34), by operation of the locking member (82), can be fixed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are no longer movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) also comprises an unlocking member (84) which is designed such that a fixation of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) can be released by operation of the unlocking member (84).

A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction. Each of the arms (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises a locking member (82) which is designed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34), by operation of the locking member (82), can be fixed such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are no longer movable in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) also comprises an unlocking member (84) which is designed such that a fixation of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) can be released by operation of the unlocking member (84).

A wheel clamp (2) for fastening to a wheel (1), in particular to a wheel (1) of a motor vehicle, comprises at least two arms (22, 23, 24) which extend outward from a center (28) of the wheel clamp (2) in a radial direction, and a central rotary element (40) which is rotatably arranged in the center (28) of the wheel clamp (2). Each arm (22, 23, 24) has at least one movable element (32, 33, 34) which is movable in the radial direction in order to permit varying the length of the arm (22, 23, 24) in the radial direction. The wheel clamp (2) comprises furthermore at least two coupling elements (52, 53, 54) which each extend between one of the movable elements (32, 33, 34) and the central rotary element (40) such that the movable elements (32, 33, 34) are movable in the radial direction by rotation of the rotary element (40).

A vehicle service system including a set of cameras and a processing system configured to access a database of vehicle-specific information, which includes data identifying vehicle-specific targets and/or service fixtures. The processing system is configured with a user interface to convey instructions to an operator, including the identification of vehicle-specific targets and/or service fixtures required to carry out a selected vehicle service. The processing system subsequently evaluates images acquired from the set of cameras to identify features present within the images, including placed vehicle-specific targets, from which identification of, and verification of correctly selected, vehicle-specific targets is made.

A vehicle wheel alignment system includes a pair of wheel mounted targets, a pair of reference targets mounted to a stationary reference, a pair of gravity sensors, and a pair of vehicle-mounted active heads mounted on first and second sides of the vehicle. The active heads each have an image sensor for producing image data of one of the reference targets and one of the wheel mounted targets. The gravity sensors are disposed on each side of the vehicle in a known relationship to either the respective reference targets or the image sensors. A data processor calculates, using the image data, a plurality of poses of the wheel mounted targets as the vehicle wheels rotate; calculates a vehicle drive direction using the target poses and a measured orientation relative to gravity from the gravity sensors; and calculates a wheel alignment measurement using the vehicle drive direction.

A support structure having a vertical element supporting a set of cameras associated with a vehicle measurement or inspection system together with at least one target structure required for realignment or recalibration of onboard vehicle safety system sensors. A camera crossbeam carried by the support structure locates the set of cameras as required to view a vehicle undergoing measurement or inspection. The target structure is affixed to the vertical element of the support structure, at an elevation suitable for observation by at least one vehicle onboard sensors during a realignment or recalibration procedure. A set of rollers facilitates positioning of the target structure on a supporting floor surface during a realignment or recalibration procedure.

A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.

A portable vehicle alignment system has a vertical central column with a carriage movable along its length, and a pair of camera arms pivotably attached to the carriage, each with a camera pod. The camera pods each have a camera for capturing image data of a respective vehicle-mounted target. One pod also has a calibration target disposed in a known relationship to its camera, and the other pod has a calibration camera disposed in a known relationship to its camera for capturing images of the calibration target. The camera arms pivot between an extended position where the cameras are disposed to capture image data of the vehicle targets and the calibration camera is disposed to capture images of the calibration target, and a folded position where the aligner has a width smaller than the width between the camera pods.

A wheel alignment guide that provides a visual indication of the desired placement of an apparatus. The wheel alignment guide includes a body having an opening disposed therein. The wheel alignment guide is configured to surround a portion of the apparatus, such as a wheel, via the opening. In addition, the wheel alignment guide is adapted to rest on a ground surface, being held in place via a charge, such as an electrostatic charge created by static cling vinyl. A wheel of a medical device is disposed within the opening of the wheel alignment guide after a desired position of the medical device is selected. If the medical device is moved during a medical procedure, the medical device may be repositioned due to the placement of the wheel alignment guide. Accordingly, the wheel alignment guide eliminates the need for inefficient markers and potentially-dangerous adhesives, particularly in an operating room.