David Brent Helms

US Patent:

6880256, Apr 19, 2005

Filed:

Feb 21, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/371530

Inventors:

David B. Helms - Denton TX, US

Assignee:

PACCAR Inc - Bellevue WA

International Classification:

G01C015/00

US Classification:

33286, 33227, 33264, 33DIG 21, 33645

Abstract:

An alignment device is provided for aligning an object mounted to a fixture in a desired orientation. The alignment device includes a level, a laser, a plurality of positioning members, and a suction device in fluid communication with a vacuum generator, and preferably an angular rotation indicator. The suction device removably engages the alignment device with the object to be aligned. Utilizing the alignment device, a technician can simultaneously adjusted a horizontal and vertical (pitch) orientation of an object and a rotation of the object until the object is aligned according to the desired orientation. The alignment device can further include a separate but cooperative adjustable stabilizing frame having a plurality of stabilizers. The stabilizing frame is expandable and retractable to be secured about the object, and the stabilizers can be adjusted to maintain the desired orientation of the object relative to the fixture.