Laser scanner with parabolic collector

A laser scanning apparatus for determining frame or unibody alignment of a vehicle, the vehicle having at least one reflective laser beam target placed in a known relationship relative to a selected vehicle reference point, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one laser generating device, each laser generating device operable to produce at least one laser beam that may be directed toward a laser beam target;
• at least one detector assembly, each detector assembly comprising a collector and a detector, the collector having a curved reflective surface operable to receive a laser beam reflected from a laser beam target and to direct the laser beam to the detector;
• and
• a pair of rotating mirrors respectively located on opposite sides of the apparatus with each mirror operable to receive a laser beam produced by the at least one laser generating device and to direct the laser beam toward a laser beam target.

A method of laser scanning for determining frame or unibody alignment of a vehicle, the method comprising:

• directing a laser beam toward a reflective laser beam target placed in a known relationship relative to a selected vehicle reference point;
• utilizing a curved reflective surface to direct a laser beam reflected from the target to a detector;
• and
• detecting the laser beam reflected from the target using the detector.

A laser scanning apparatus for determining frame or unibody alignment of a vehicle, the vehicle having at least one reflective laser beam target placed in a known relationship relative to a selected vehicle reference point, the apparatus comprising:

• a housing;
• a laser assembly located within the housing, the laser assembly including a laser source operable to produce a laser beam, the laser assembly further including a detector assembly for receiving a laser beam reflected from a target, the detector assembly comprising a reflective surface operable to direct a laser beam reflected by a target to a detector;
• and
• a pair of upright, rotatable mirrors located within the housing on opposite sides of the laser assembly, the mirrors operable to a direct the laser beam produced by the laser source toward a vehicle-mounted reflective target, each mirror coupled to a motor operable to rotate the mirror, the motor coupled to a control board that includes electronic components operable to receive a speed control signal and to produce a corresponding electronic output to the motor so that the motor rotates the mirror at substantially the speed indicated by the speed control signal.

A laser scanning apparatus for determining frame or unibody alignment of a vehicle, the vehicle having at least one reflective laser beam target placed in a known relationship relative to a selected vehicle reference point, the apparatus comprising:

• at least one laser generating device, each laser generating device operable to produce at least one laser beam that may be directed toward a laser beam target;
• at least one detector assembly, each detector assembly comprising a collector and a detector, the collector having a curved reflective surface operable to receive a laser beam reflected from a laser beam target and to direct the laser beam to the detector;
• and
• wherein each of the reflective surfaces has a pair of vertically spaced apart openings therethrough and the at least one laser generating device produces two vertically spaced apart laser beams and directs a laser beam through each of the openings.