A cordless alignment system having conveniently interchangeable batteries

A sensor head comprising:

• a sensor housing module;
• and
• a battery compartment electrically coupled to the sensor housing module, the battery compartment configured for retaining at least one rechargeable battery that includes a battery cap;
• a battery compartment door configured to slide on the compartment between open and closed positions, the battery compartment door having an inward protrusion, the protrusion positioned to press into a battery end when the battery compartment door is slid into the closed position;
• and
• an interface board including one or more retractable pins to electrically couple the battery to the interface board when the battery is placed in the battery compartment and the battery compartment door is slid into the closed position.

A battery compartment for housing a rechargeable battery for a cordless sensor comprising:

• a battery housing having an open end and an enclosed end;
• means fixedly attached to the enclosed end of the battery housing for electrically coupling the battery to the cordless sensor;
• and
• a battery door slideably connected at the open end of the battery housing for engaging the battery and holding the battery securely in place inside the battery housing when the door is closed;
• wherein the battery door is constructed such that when this door is closed, the door presses against the battery so as to cause the battery to make electrical contact with the means for electrically coupling the battery to the sensor.

A method of changing a rechargeable battery of a cordless alignment head that includes a battery compartment including a slideably attached door having an inward protrusion located at an inner surface of the battery door, comprising:

• sliding the battery compartment door from a closed position to a open position;
• removing a battery stored in the battery compartment and replacing the battery with another battery;
• sliding the battery compartment door from the open position to the closed position;
• and
• pressing the inward protrusion against an exposed end of the battery such that the battery is substantially secured inside the battery compartment.

A cordless vehicle wheel alignment sensor head, comprising:

• a main sensor body;
• a battery compartment electrically coupled to the main sensor body;
• and
• one or more rechargeable batteries electrically coupled to the battery compartment, the battery compartment being configured and arranged on the main sensor body such that the rechargeable batteries are accessable for replacement.