公开(公告)号：US09805697B1

公开(公告)日：2017-10-31

申请号：US13835241

申请日：2013-03-15

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Daniel R. Dorrance ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  G01B11/22 ,  G01B21/18 ,  G01N21/95 ,  G09G5/40 ,  B60C99/00 ,  H04N13/02

CPC classification number: G09G5/40 ,  B60C99/006 ,  H04N13/204

Abstract: A vehicle service system having a means for acquiring images of a three-dimensional region of a vehicle wheel assembly tire tread surface. The vehicle service system is configured to process the acquired images to produce a collection of data points corresponding to the spatial position of surface points in the region from which tire tread wear characteristics are identified. The acquired images are further utilized to provide both a graphical and a numerical display to an operator, with the numerical display linked to specifically annotated or indexed points or windows within the graphical display, thereby enabling an operator to quickly identify specific focus points or regions on the tire surface which have been measured at the numerically identified tread depths.

公开(公告)号：US09778030B2

公开(公告)日：2017-10-03

申请号：US14200564

申请日：2014-03-07

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： James W. McClenahan ,  Michael T. Stieff ,  John M. Boncek ,  Timothy A. Strege ,  Nicholas J. Colarelli, III

IPC: G01B11/275

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01B2210/143 ,  G01B2210/20 ,  G01B2210/24 ,  G01B2210/28 ,  G01B2210/30

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system including a plurality of sensors positioned in proximity to a heavy-duty multi-axle vehicle, to measure angles associated with three or more axles of the vehicle without repositioning the mounting of the sensors after initiating a measurement procedure. Additional sensors, associated with a vehicle reference, such as the vehicle frame axis, are disposed to provide vehicle reference measurement data which is communicated to a processing system. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the measurement data and to determine various vehicle wheel alignment angle measurements and/or necessary vehicle adjustments for each axle relative to the vehicle reference or to a fixed axle having a determined relationship to the vehicle reference.

公开(公告)号：US09645037B2

公开(公告)日：2017-05-09

申请号：US13628994

申请日：2012-09-27

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Gregory F. Meyer ,  Patrick G. J. Callanan

IPC: G06F19/00 ,  G01L1/00 ,  G01M1/04 ,  G01M1/00

CPC classification number: G01M1/045 ,  G01M1/00

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system configured with a load roller assembly to apply a generally radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly during rotation, and which is configured with sensors to obtain one or more measurements of lateral forces associated with the vehicle wheel assembly during the loaded rotation, from which a quantified representation of lateral force for the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly is determined.

公开(公告)号：US20160334209A1

公开(公告)日：2016-11-17

申请号：US15153490

申请日：2016-05-12

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Dennis Linson

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01M17/013 ,  B60R11/00 ,  G01B21/26

CPC classification number: B60R11/00 ,  G01B5/255 ,  G01B2210/10 ,  G01B2210/24 ,  G01M17/013

Abstract: A set of light-weight adaptor assemblies suitable for use with optical targets, angle sensors, or other instrumentation. A first configuration of adapter assembly within the set is easily secured against the outboard surfaces a large-diameter vehicle wheel assembly having a highly convex raised central hub region, without concern for precise axial alignment or centering, while a second configuration of adapter assembly within the set is easily secured against the outboard surfaces of a large-diameter vehicle wheel assembly having a highly concave recessed central hub region, without concern for precise axial alignment or centering.

Abstract translation: 一套适用于光学靶，角度传感器或其他仪器的轻型适配器组件。 该组件内的适配器组件的第一构造容易地固定在外侧表面上，具有高度凸起的凸起的中心毂区域的大直径车轮组件，而不需要精确的轴向对准或居中定位，而适配器组件内的第二配置 可以很容易地固定在具有高度凹入的凹入的中心毂区域的大直径车轮组件的外侧表面上，而不用考虑精确的轴向对准或居中。

公开(公告)号：US09448138B2

公开(公告)日：2016-09-20

申请号：US13749328

申请日：2013-01-24

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Blackford F. Brauer

IPC: G01N1/00 ,  G06F17/00 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G01M17/013

CPC classification number: G01M17/013 ,  G01B21/26 ,  G06F17/00

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a vehicle wheel alignment service procedure and an for acquisition of vehicle measurements, which imparts a gravity-induced rolling movement to a vehicle on a vehicle support structure to transition the vehicle from a first vehicle support surface over a descending roll ramp to a resting position on a second vehicle support surface.

Abstract translation: 用于车辆车轮对准服务程序的方法和装置以及用于获取车辆测量的方法和装置，其向车辆支撑结构上的车辆施加重力引起的滚动运动，以使车辆从下降辊斜坡上的第一车辆支撑表面过渡到 在第二车辆支撑表面上的静止位置。

公开(公告)号：US20160116273A1

公开(公告)日：2016-04-28

申请号：US14920181

申请日：2015-10-22

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： David A. Voeller ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G01M17/007

CPC classification number: G01B11/2755 ,  G01B2210/12 ,  G01M17/007

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling a vehicle wheel alignment measurement system to compensate one or more vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements acquired from a vehicle for changes associated with adjustments in the elevation of vertically movable runways of an automotive vehicle lift supporting the vehicle. An initial set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a stable first elevation. Following an elevation change to the movable runways, a second set of pose measurements are acquired with the movable runways at a second stable elevation. One or more compensation factors used to compensate vehicle wheel alignment angles or vehicle body measurements for changes in the automotive vehicle lift configuration are determined by a comparison of the initial and second sets of pose measurements.

Abstract translation: 一种用于使车辆车轮对准测量系统能够补偿从车辆获得的一个或多个车辆车轮定位角度或车身测量值的变化的方法和装置，用于与支撑车辆的机动车辆升降台的垂直移动跑道的高度调节相关的变化。 用稳定的第一高度的可移动跑道获取初始的姿态测量集。 在对可移动跑道进行升降改变之后，在第二稳定高度处可移动跑道获得第二组姿态测量。 用于补偿车辆对准角度的车辆车辆对准角度或汽车车体测量结果中的变化的一个或多个补偿因子通过初始和第二组姿态测量的比较来确定。

公开(公告)号：US09073394B1

公开(公告)日：2015-07-07

申请号：US13801699

申请日：2013-03-13

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Joel Clasquin ,  Steven K. Molbach ,  Douglas S. Hanneken ,  Charles Polster

IPC: B60C25/05 ,  B60C25/138

CPC classification number: B60C25/138 ,  B60C25/056

Abstract: Tire changing machines including force and position sensors facilitating automated detection of wheel rim and tire features by a controller. Dimensional and location information for features of interest may be detected and recorded for use by the controller to perform tire change procedures. Positioning error and malfunctioning machine components, including feedback sensors, may also be detected in an automated manner.

Abstract translation: 轮胎更换机包括力和位置传感器，便于通过控制器自动检测轮辋和轮胎特征。 感兴趣的特征的尺寸和位置信息可以被检测和记录，供控制器使用以执行轮胎更换过程。 还可以以自动方式检测定位误差和机器部件故障，包括反馈传感器。

公开(公告)号：US09026305B2

公开(公告)日：2015-05-05

申请号：US13946043

申请日：2013-07-19

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Gregory F. Meyer ,  Joel Clasquin ,  Timothy A. Strege

IPC: G01M17/02 ,  B60C99/00 ,  G01M17/013 ,  B60C23/06

CPC classification number: G01M17/013 ,  B60C23/062 ,  G01M17/025

Abstract: A vehicle service or inspection system including a load roller for applying a radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly consisting of a tire mounted to a rim, with at least one sensor for acquiring measurements of acoustical energy generated by the wheel assembly during loaded rotational movement. The vehicle service or inspection system is configured with a programmed processor to evaluate the acquired measurements to provide a measure of tire road noise, identification of tire defects, and/or identification of sources of noise, vibrations, or acoustical energy on the tire surface such as tire flat spots, cupping, bubbles, embedded foreign objects, or other defects. The processor is further configured with software instructions to utilize the acquired measurements to provide a consumer with a figure of merit associated with the acoustics of the tire undergoing testing.

Abstract translation: 一种车辆服务或检查系统，包括用于将负载施加到由安装在轮辋上的轮胎组成的车轮组件的负载辊，至少一个用于在加载的旋转运动期间获取由车轮组件产生的声能的测量的传感器。 车辆服务或检查系统配置有编程处理器，以评估所获取的测量结果，以提供轮胎道路噪声的量度，轮胎缺陷的识别和/或轮胎表面上的噪声，振动或声能源的识别，例如 作为轮胎平坦点，拔罐，气泡，嵌入异物等缺陷。 处理器进一步配置有软件指令以利用获取的测量来向消费者提供与经历测试的轮胎的声学相关联的品质因数。

公开(公告)号：US20150042787A1

公开(公告)日：2015-02-12

申请号：US14455564

申请日：2014-08-08

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael W. Douglas ,  Sean D. Reynolds ,  Gregory F. Meyer ,  Daniel R. Dorrance

IPC: G01B11/275 ,  G06T7/00 ,  G01M1/32

CPC classification number: G06T7/0008 ,  G01B11/2513 ,  G01M1/326 ,  G01M11/081 ,  G01M17/013 ,  G06T7/0004 ,  G06T2207/10028

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing vehicle wheel assembly surface profile data acquired by a vehicle wheel service system from a non-contact imaging sensor and a projected pattern of optically distinct elements on the vehicle wheel assembly surface to identify one or more features of the vehicle wheel assembly, to receive operator input, and to facilitate the placement of imbalance correction weights onto the vehicle wheel assembly surface.

Abstract translation: 用于利用来自非接触式成像传感器的车辆车轮服务系统获取的车轮组件表面轮廓数据和在车辆车轮组件表面上的光学上不同的元件的投影图案来识别车轮组件的一个或多个特征的方法和装置 以接收操作员输入，并且便于将不平衡校正重物放置在车轮组件表面上。

公开(公告)号：US20140262565A1

公开(公告)日：2014-09-18

申请号：US14203892

申请日：2014-03-11

Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company

Inventor： Michael T. Stieff ,  Craig A. Carroll

IPC: B60S9/00

CPC classification number: B60S13/00 ,  B60L11/18 ,  B62B5/0026 ,  B62B5/003 ,  B62B5/0033 ,  B62B5/0043 ,  B62B5/005 ,  B62B5/0089 ,  B66F7/246

Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.

Abstract translation: 构造成赋予轮式车辆或结构的动力的便携式动力辊组件包括安装在滚动支撑结构中的滚子。 该滚筒由一个通过扭矩倍增传动装置连接的电池驱动的驱动单元旋转驱动，并被构造成与车轮的圆周表面接合。 滚轮与车轮的圆周表面接合的旋转运动将动力辊组件朝车辆车轮的弯曲圆周表面向下并在其下方，向车轮施加力，该力包括垂直于车轮的提升力 动力辊静止的支撑表面和平行于表面的动力。