Patent ID: 6209209
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
An Apparatus for eliminating run-out errors in the determination of vehicle alignment comprising:a first station at which run-out measurements of wheels of a first axle of a vehicle are made; said first station including a slip plate assembly having at least one slip plate, the at least one slip plate having an upper surface and a turn plate having an upper surface; said slip plate upper surface and turn plate upper surface being spaced apart along a path of travel such that at least one of said first axle wheels rolls over and contacts said slip plate and turn plate upper surfaces; said first station slip plate assembly being movable laterally when lateral forces are applied to the wheels of the first axle; said turn plate being selectively switchable between a first mode in which the turn plate is restricted to lateral movement only when lateral forces are applied to the wheels of the first axle and a second mode in which the turn plate is movable in all directions relative to the first station slip plate assembly;a second station, disposed longitudinally of the first station, at which run-out measurements of wheels of a second axle of the vehicle are made, said second station including a slip plate assembly comprising at least one slip plate; said second station slip plate assembly being movable laterally when lateral forces are applied to the wheels of the second axle;said first station slip plate assembly and said second station slip plate assembly substantially eliminating lateral forces acting on said wheels prior to the measurement of run-out, said first and second station slip plate assemblies being fixed against longitudinal movement so as to allow the wheels of the vehicle to roll with respect to said slip plate assemblies.