James Hanson

US Patent:

59780770, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Oct 31, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/961753

Inventors:

Arthur Koerner - Rochester MI
James Hanson - Romeo MI

Assignee:

Fori Automation, Inc. - Shelby Township MI

International Classification:

H04N 718
G01B 524
G01B 1126

US Classification:

35613909

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for determining camber and caster of a vehicle wheel in which the camber angle is determined in a manner that accounts for the influence of any existing toe angle. This is accomplished by detecting the displacement of one or more points located fore or aft of the wheel's vertical measurement plane and then making a correction to these displacements to account for influence of the toe angle. The apparatus includes a laser that projects shaped light onto the sidewall of the tire at a location offset from the normal upper measurement position. The shaped light illuminates an offset measurement point on the tire sidewall and an optical sensor detects the reflected image. A computer then determines the location of the measurement point within the two-dimensional image space of the optical sensor. Trigonometric equations utilizing the toe angle are then used to determine the horizontal displacement within the vertical measurement plane of this offset measurement point from the tire center or other reference point.

US Patent:

44202865, Dec 13, 1983

Filed:

Mar 27, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/248250

Inventors:

James M. Hanson - Garden Grove CA
Robert Schlichting - Cerritos CA

Assignee:

Wide One Corporation - Anaheim CA

International Classification:

B60P 144

US Classification:

414539

Abstract:

Invalid lift apparatus particularly adapted for installation in an automotive vehicle of the van type characterized by a passenger side door adjoining a loading floor. The apparatus includes a storage receptacle mountable below the loading floor to receive a platform for wheelchair passengers. The platform is extensible onto movable supports for raising and lowering relative to fixed supports attachable at opposite sides of the door opening. Limit switches are provided to control the extent of upward and downward movement of the platform, and to orient the platform in proper position for movement out of the way and onto the storage receptacle whereby ambulatory passengers can enter and leave the vehicle.