Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading spokes in to the hub of a spoked wheel. The spokes are inserted one at a time through the holes of the flanges of the hub. The direction of the hub axle is horizontal and the spoke inserters are moved toward the flanges. The holes in the flanges are detected by means of a sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making nipple holes or similar holes in a double-walled wheel rim having an inner wall positioned radially inward and outside of that an outer wall. The holes are made by punching by means of a punching tool provided with a cutting edge whereby the cutting edge is moved successively through the outer wall and the inner wall of the wheel rim and a punch die supporting the inner wall. The invention encompasses also an apparatus for the application of this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting spokes between a hub and rim of a spoke wheel comprises a hub support for rotatably supporting the hub and rim support rollers for supporting the rim concentrically around its axis. Motor driven rim rollers cause the rim to rotate about its axis. At least one rotatably driven, substantially radially directed screw driver is arranged for screwing nipples onto corresponding spokes through nipple holes in the rim. A CCD-camera and a measuring wheel are positioned near the screw driver for determining the position of the nipple holes in the rim. Control means serve to control the drive means for successively positioning nipple holes in front of the screw driver. The rim rollers for driving the rim are arranged at a small distance from the screw driver so as to minimize the disturbing movements of the rim at the position of the screw driver.

Abstract: In a method of straightening a rim of a spoke wheel by tensioning and/or releasing the various spokes and measuring a radial and/or axial misalignment of the rim around the circumference thereof, all spokes are tensioned in a first run such that the tension therein is brought between a predetermined minimum and maximum value. If required, several runs take place and in each following run, based on the measured radial and/or axial misalignment of the rim, the tension in certain spokes is altered between said minimum and maximum value to correct the misalignment, such that the maximum value is increased at the start of each following run. An apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting spokes (1) between a hub (2) and rim (3) of a spoke wheel (4) comprises a hub support (8) for rotatably supporting the hub. Rim support rollers (11) support the rim concentrically around the hub. A drive (10) is provided for rotating the rim around the axis of the wheel. A rotatably drivable screw driver (14) is adapted to screw nipples (7) onto respective spokes through holes (6) in the rim. By means of a CCD camera (43) the positions of the holes (6) in the rim (3) are detected and a spoke support (36) and the screw driver (14) are adjustable to allow the screw driver and each set of nipple (7), spoke (1) and nipple hole (6) in the rim (3) to be accurately aligned.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a spoke wheel premounted spokes, prior to finally tensioning them, are loaded under strain of tension by a substantial force and are subsequently unloaded again. This pre-stretching process improves the quality of the wheel. An apparatus for performing this method comprises a frame, coupled survelling arms having diabolo rollers for automatically positioning and centering the spoke wheel in the apparatus, regardless of its diameter, and pressure rollers for loading the premounted spokes of the spoke wheel sideways.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying a pneumatic tire around a wheel rim by a mounting unit which is moved along the wheel rim.According to the invention at least one pair of mounting units is moved with equal speeds along the wheel rim in opposite directions through angles, which together form an angle of substantially 360.degree..The invention further relates to an apparatus for laying a pneumatic tire around a wheel rim using the method wherein a mounting unit is movable along the wheel rim.According to the invention at least one pair of mounting units is provided, which are movable with equal speeds in opposite directions along the wheel rim and which together cover an angle of substantially 360.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus for forming circular rims for bicycle wheels from metal profiled strip material in which first strip pieces are cut to a length corresponding to the circumferential length of the rims, curved end portions are formed on each strip piece, and each strip piece is introduced into a three-roll ring rolling apparatus. After the strip piece has been worked up to the trailing curved end portion thereof, the adjustable middle roll of the rolling apparatus is shifted a small distance towards the two outer rolls into a position corresponding with a substantially bending-free passage of the trailing curved end portion of the strip piece.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming circular rims for bicycle wheels from metal profiled strip material in which first strip pieces are cut to a length corresponding to the circumferential length of the rims, curved end portions are formed on each strip piece, and each strip piece is introduced into a three-roll ring rolling apparatus. After the strip piece has been worked up to the trailing curved end portion thereof, the adjustable middle roll of the rolling apparatus is shifted a small distance towards the two outer rolls into a position corresponding with a substantially bending-free passage of the trailing curved end portion of the strip piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting lateral irregularities of the rim of a wire spoke wheel, in particular for use in a machine for centering such spoke wheels of the type having a wheel spindle, a hub rotatable on the spindle, a wheel rim and a plurality of adjustable spokes extending between the hub and the rim. The apparatus comprises spindle holding means for receiving and fixedly holding the wheel spindle and mounted in the frame of the apparatus for free sliding movement in the axial direction of the wheel spindle, and two oppositely arranged rim followers adapted to engage the wheel rim on both sides thereof at one location of the wheel circumference so as to hold the rim in a fixed lateral position at this location while allowing the wheel rim to be rotated about the spindle, and detecting means for detecting lateral displacements of the spindle holding means when the wheel is so rotated.

Abstract: A method of forming circular rims for bicycle wheels from metal profiled strip material in which first strip pieces are cut to a length corresponding to the circumferential length of the rims, curved end portions are formed on each strip piece, and each strip piece is introduced into a three-roll ring rolling apparatus. After the strip piece has been worked up to the trailing curved end portion thereof, the adjustable middle roll of the rolling apparatus is shifted a small distance towards the two outer rolls into a position corresponding with a substantially bending-free passage of the trailing curved end portion of the strip piece. The invention further relates to a pressing apparatus for forming the curved end portions of the strip pieces and to a three-roll ring rolling apparatus for carrying out the method.