초록

A gyroscope, in one embodiment a ring laser gyro, is used in an alignment measuring device for checking and adjusting alignment of a vehicle. The device includes an "x" and a "y" digital inclinometer working in concert with the gyroscope to measure various angle related to vehicle alignment.

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The invention claimed is: 1. An alignment system for measuring alignment of a structure having a wheel, the alignment system comprising: a gyroscope carried in a housing, the housing connected to surface contact probes the gyroscope having an internal data storage location in an internal electronic

The invention claimed is: 1. An alignment system for measuring alignment of a structure having a wheel, the alignment system comprising: a gyroscope carried in a housing, the housing connected to surface contact probes the gyroscope having an internal data storage location in an internal electronics package and the electronics package having data output capability; a digital x-axis inclinometer supported by the housing, the x-axis inclinometer having capability of directing data to the internal data storage location of the internal electronics package of the gyroscope, the x-axis inclinometer also having data output capability; a digital y-axis inclinometer supported by the housing, the y-axis inclinometer having capability of directing data to the internal data storage location of the gyroscope, the y-axis inclinometer also having data output capability; a handheld wheel fixture for supporting the housing of the gyroscope when it is placed against the wheel; a central processing unit in communication with the gyroscope, the x-axis inclinometer, and the y-axis inclinometer, the central processing unit capable of receiving data from the laser gyroscope, the x-axis inclinometer and the y-axis inclinometer and for transmitting data; an operator interface capable of sending and receiving data to and from the central processing unit; a data file corresponding to data pertaining to the structure, the data file stored in the central processing unit and accessible through the operator interface; and a radio communications network. 2. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the gyroscope is a ring laser sensor. 3. The invention in accordance with claim 2 wherein the ring laser sensor comprises a laser block assembly based on a triangular leg path length. 4. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the gyroscope comprises a compact single interferometric fiber-optic gyroscope carried in a compact enclosure. 5. The invention in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a processor-based electronics package. 6. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the radio communications network comprises a radio communications transceiver in the housing, a radio communications transceiver associated with the central processing unit, and a radio communications transceiver associated with the operator interface. 7. The invention in accordance with claim 6 wherein the operator interface comprises a headset having an audio speaker. 8. The invention in accordance with claim 7 wherein the headset comprises a microphone. 9. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the operator interface is a touch responsive screen monitor. 10. The invention in accordance with claim 1 wherein the laser gyroscope housing is carried by an alignment head mount, the alignment head mount capable of interfacing with a structure of which alignment is being measured. 11. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the structure being measured is a wheel assembly of a vehicle and the alignment head mount is positioned to interface with the wheel assembly. 12. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the structure is a control surface of an aircraft. 13. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the structure is a structural component of a building. 14. The invention in accordance with claim 10 wherein the structure is a pattern for the manufacture of a product.