Abstract: A tire compacting apparatus to compress a conventional tire includes a modular frame upon which a rotating apparatus and a gripping apparatus are attached. The rotating apparatus is mounted to the proximal side of the frame and includes a servomotor having a drive shaft. The drive shaft is connected to a proximal clamp which initially engages the sidewalls of the tire. The gripping apparatus is attached to the distal side of the frame and includes an actuator with a piston. The piston is connected to a distal clamp that grips the sidewalls of the tire opposite the proximal clamp. Once the distal clamp has engaged the tire, the servomotor of tire rotating apparatus will be set in motion, such that the drive shaft will begin rotation in the desired direction. The rotation of the drive shaft will cause rotation of the proximal clamp.

Abstract: A tubeless tire bead seater and method of employing the same embodies a resilient, inflatable, endless tubular member which is adapted to be placed within an annular gap between a tire bead and its adjacent wheel rim flange. The construction and arrangement of the tubular member is such that in response to inflation of the tubular member, its inner circumference expands radially and inwardly toward the wheel rim flange to fill the annular gap and form a fluid-tight seal. After the seal is made, air under pressure is introduced into the tire to inflate it and force the tire bead against the adjacent wheel rim flange as the tubular member is forced out of the annular gap.