Abstract: A dynamic balancer includes a support frame with a frame plate that has a spindle opening through which a spindle assembly with a rotatable spindle shaft is received. A sensor plate is coupled to at least the support frame, and at least one force sensor is coupled between the sensor plate and the spindle assembly to detect force variations therebetween as the rotatable spindle shaft rotates. A related method for detecting a balance condition of a tire includes providing a plurality of force sensors maintained in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the tire's rotation, chucking and inflating the tire, spinning the tire to a predetermined speed, generating force data from the plurality of force sensors, calculating an imbalance condition from the force data, and marking the tire at a location of imbalance if the imbalance condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A dynamic balancer includes a support frame with a frame plate that has a spindle opening through which a spindle assembly with a rotatable spindle shaft is received. A sensor plate is coupled to at least the support frame, and at least one force sensor is coupled between the sensor plate and the spindle assembly to detect force variations therebetween as the rotatable spindle shaft rotates. A related method for detecting a balance condition of a tire includes providing a plurality of force sensors maintained in a substantially horizontal plane with respect to the tire's rotation, chucking and inflating the tire, spinning the tire to a predetermined speed, generating force data from the plurality of force sensors, calculating an imbalance condition from the force data, and marking the tire at a location of imbalance if the imbalance condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for holding a tire in a tire balancing machine includes a base (12) that receives a locking member (14). When locking member (14) is positioned in base (12), a tire is secured between an upper rim (16) and a lower rim (18). Base (12) includes an inner sleeve (20) carrying ball bearings (22) in channels (28) therein. An outer sleeve (30) is positioned around inner sleeve (20) and is moveable between an unlocked position and a locked position. Outer sleeve (30) urges movement of the ball bearings (22) through the channels (28) in the inner sleeve (20), to particularly allow movement of inner ball bearings (22A) into and out of receptive grooves (78) in the outer surface of a locking base (66) of the locking member (14).