Abstract: A wheel burr cleaning device comprises a lower turnover system, a lower turnover system, a center hole burr brushing system, a back cavity burr brushing system, an upper lifting rotation system. The present disclosure not only can be used for removing burrs from the center hole of the wheel, the roots of the flanges and the edge of each spoke, but also can adapt to the wheels of different sizes and different widths.

Abstract: An end effector for engaging flexible packaging materials includes a frame, along with a first and second wheel mounted for rotation with respect to the frame. The first wheel and the second wheel are mounted to the frame relative to each other so that the outer surfaces of the two wheels are positioned opposite of each other. The first wheel and the second wheel can be driven in opposing directions to effectively define a roller intake which can be used to draw the flexible packaging materials of a target parcel between the first wheel and the second wheel. The end effector of the present invention can be combined with a robot to provide an improved system for engaging the flexible packaging materials of a parcel.

Abstract: A wheel service machine for a wheel having a rim and a tire includes a motor-driven shaft for supporting the wheel in rotation. The machine includes an abutment element integral with the shaft, a locking member for locking the rim against the abutment element, an engagement element movable to drive the locking member towards the abutment element, and a pneumatic actuator having a first and a second chamber rotating with the shaft and connected to the engagement element to move the engagement element automatically. The machine also includes a high-pressure source, a pneumatic circuit to selectively connect the first and second chambers of the actuator to the high-pressure source. The pneumatic circuit includes a rotary manifold having a first and a second duct, and a retaining valve configured to determine a difference in pressure between the second chamber of the pneumatic actuator and the second duct of the rotary manifold.

Abstract: Appliance for locking wheel rims includes: a supporting structure associable with a rotation device of a repair workshop machine; at least two locking jaws for locking a wheel rim, which are associated with the supporting structure and move along a direction of reciprocal moving close/away between a position of maximum opening, and a position of minimum opening; a movement arrangement associated with the jaws for moving them between the positions of maximum and minimum opening; an adjustment device placed between the movement arrangement and at least one of the jaws, for adjusting the position of maximum and/or minimum opening and including a substantially elongated adjustment element associated with the movement arrangement, revolving around its own longitudinal axis and having a threaded portion, and a mobile element associated integral with at least one of the jaws and having a threaded hole for engagement with the threaded portion of the adjustment element.

Abstract: A dual mode end effector is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tool for supporting and locking a rim or tired wheel in position on a tire mounting-demounting machine for automobile wheels equipped with support table (2) with an axial hole or opening (2a), the tool comprising grip-release device (3) for a tired wheel (TW) or a rim (W) to be handled, and locking means for locking the grip-release device (3) to the support table (2) and/or for locking the rim (W) or tired wheel (TW) against components of the grip-release device (3).

Abstract: The blocking device of a wheel rim on a tire-mounting machine is provided with a rotating support plate having a central hole, and includes a stem for engaging with the rotating support plate, and a cursor which is slidable on the stem and which includes a conical centring body and a device for activating for moving the cursor along the stem. The device for activating includes a mechanical transmission between a collar and a motor and the coupling between the cursor and the stem is such as to prevent rotation of the cursor about the stem.

Abstract: A tyre-changing machine including a chuck having a self-centring group for blocking a rim of a wheel. The self-centring group includes blocking jaws of the rim arranged angularly equidistanced along a circumference centred on a rotation axis of the chuck, and links and a jack for moving for radially distancing and nearing the blocking jaws with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck to vary a diameter of the circumference on which the blocking jaws are arranged while maintaining an inclination of each blocking jaw constant with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck. Each blocking jaw includes a first portion that is connected to the links, and a second portion that is movably coupled to the first portion such as to be able to change an overall development of the blocking jaw in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck.

Abstract: A device (1) for locking wheel rims for vehicles on repair workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, includes a fastening apparatus (2) associable in a removable way with at least a supporting arrangement (B) of the rim of a wheel (A) in a vehicle repair workshop machine or the like, a stop element (3) engageable on a rim arranged on the supporting arrangement (B) for locking the rim itself and a simultaneous movement apparatus (4) associated with the fastening apparatus (2) and with the stop element (3) and suitable for simultaneously moving the fastening apparatus (2) and the stop element (3) between a release configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is released from the supporting arrangement and the stop element is substantially disengaged from the rim, and a locking configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is associated with the supporting arrangement and the stop element is engaged on the rim.

Abstract: A clamp for securing a wheel with a rim on a rim-holding tire changer. The clamp includes a base portion, a gripping plate secured to the base portion, and a support plate secured to the base portion such that the gripping plate is disposed between the base portion and the support plate. The gripping plate is configured with a first portion for engaging the rim of a wheel and the support plate is configured with a first portion to engage the rim of the wheel.

Abstract: A device for centring the rim of a wheel on the wheel-holder unit of a tyre changer machine comprises a first plate which can be positioned above the wheel-holder unit and coupled there for rotating integrally with it and equipped with a through opening which can be aligned with a central hole of the wheel-holder unit for allowing the insertion of a clamping rod in the hole through the opening, for locking the rim on the wheel-holder unit. The device also comprises a second plate forming a supporting surface (E) for the rim and equipped with its own through opening, the second plate being slidably positioned above the first plate and the device also comprises friction reduction means operatively interposed between the first plate and the second plate for facilitating their sliding relative to each other.

Abstract: The actuator unit includes a hollow body defining a sliding chamber within; a piston mounted sliding inside said sliding chamber such to provide an actuation force and operated by a fluid fed from the outside; a body having one transmission end for the transmission of said actuation force prolonged outside said sliding chamber and one hooking end hooked to said piston, amplification means being interposed between said body and said piston to amplify said actuation force so as to obtain an amplified actuation force.

Abstract: A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A tool support arm including a stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm with a jointed auxiliary arm is also provided. A wheel clamp having a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm, is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tire and a wheel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a single-cell workstation including a device that retains a wheel, and a plurality of sub-stations. The device moves the wheel to each of the plurality of sub-stations, without releasing the wheel, to assemble a tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual mode end effector is disclosed.

Abstract: The spindle for fitting vehicle wheel rims on workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, comprises a frame associable in rotation around a work axis with a workshop machine, at least three gripping adapters of the rim of a wheel associable with the frame and moving along respective approach and away movement directions with respect to the work axis, at least a fluid-operated actuator cylinder associated with one of the gripping adapters and suitable for moving the adapter along the corresponding approach and away movement direction, at least three racks, each of which is associated with one gripping adapter and extends substantially parallel with the corresponding approach and away movement directions, and a pinion meshed with the racks.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus includes a mounting head that is rotated by a drive shaft and slidably carries two adjusting plates. A push rod extends coaxially through the drive shaft, and a deflecting rod slopes laterally from the push rod through openings in the plates. The deflecting rod has two sloping actuating surfaces with different slope angles that engage in the openings of the plates to cause different sliding displacement of each plate by an axial actuation of the push rod. A bead deflector and a pressing roller are respectively mounted on the plates so they can be adjusted to different wheel rim diameters. A toggle lever and/or a pivot joint adjust a pivot angle of at least one of the tire mounting tools to remain tangential to the wheel rim circumference while it is slidingly adjusted to a different wheel diameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tire on a wheel rim includes a mounting head that is rotated by a drive shaft and slidably carries two adjusting plates. A push rod extends coaxially through the drive shaft, and a deflecting rod slopes laterally from the push rod through respective openings in the plates. The deflecting rod has two sloping actuating surfaces with different slope angles that respectively engage in the openings of the plates to cause different sliding displacement of each plate by an axial actuation of the push rod. A bead deflector and a pressing roller are respectively mounted on the plates so they can be adjusted to different wheel rim diameters. A toggle lever and/or a pivot joint adjust a pivot angle of at least one of the tire mounting tools to remain tangential to the wheel rim circumference while it is slidingly adjusted to a different wheel diameter.

Abstract: A chuck for mounting wheel castings having different diameters upon a wheel lathe for machining the casting to final shape is provided. The chuck includes stepped jaw inserts that cooperate with corresponding stepped part supports to securely mount the wheel castings upon the chuck.

Abstract: In a device for clamping the rim of a vehicle wheel, in particular for mounting tires, comprising a shelf (35), onto which the rim may be deposited by one side, and comprising clamping jaws (12 to 15), which may be moved radially relative to the rim, for clamping the rim edge adjacent to the shelf (35), two pairs of clamping jaws (12 to 15), of which the paths of movement intersect at right angles, are provided. The movement of the clamping jaws (12 to 15) is generated by a cylinder (22) and is synchronized by means of a gear unit (27).

Abstract: Self-centering unit for tire removal machines, comprising a plate provided with a series of angularly equidistant radial slots, in each of which a clamping jaw is received and slides to grip the edge of a wheel rim, said clamping jaws being linked together in such a manner as to be always equidistant from the axis of said plate, at least one clamping jaw being associated with actuator means causing it to translate in a radial direction by means of a positioner device arranged to vary the working position of said clamping jaws relative to the actuator means, without modifying their travel stroke.

Abstract: A wheel chuck includes a plurality of moveable jaws mounted upon a support structure. A plurality of moveable counterweights are mounted upon the support structure with each counterweight opposite from and connected to a corresponding one of the jaws. Upon rotation of the chuck the counterweights develop forces in opposition to centrifugal forces acting upon the jaws.

Abstract: A wheel clamping assembly provides a frame having three arms, two fixed stops and a turnable cam. The arms are equally spaced and have holes to admit the stops and the cam. The stops have an extension eccentrically located upon the top of the cylinder. Then the cam has an involute, having an expanding radius, upon the top of the cam. In use, the stops are placed upon two arms and the cam is placed upon the remaining arm, all at the same radius. A wheel rim is positioned upon the stops and the cam. The cam is then turned to grasp the wheel. The stops and the cam are made of a non-marring material.

Abstract: A spindle for fastening rims of vehicle wheels on repair shop machines, which comprises a frame that can be associated rotationally about a working axis with a repair shop machine, six or more movable arms that are associated with the frame, are distributed around the working axis and can rotate about respective rotation axes that lie on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the working axis, and claws for gripping the rim of a vehicle wheel, which are associated with the arms and on which it is possible to fit the internal cylindrical portion of the rim.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine for testing a wheel that includes a tire mounted on a rim having a central bore, the tire uniformity machine including a frame defining a machine proper for receiving the reel, a chuck assembly adapted to hold the wheel during testing, the chuck assembly including a protuberance insertably received within the central bore.

Abstract: A hydraulic wheel system is provided which comprises a disc, a first piston, a wheel, a tire, a dismount button, and a wheel mounting member. The disc is provided with a first cylinder and a second cylinder communicating with each other. The first piston is slidably disposed within the first cylinder. The wheel is coupled to the disc so that a rotational force of the disc is transmitted to the wheel. The dismount button is configured to move the first piston. The wheel mounting member is provided in the disc. A second piston that is slidably disposed within the second cylinder is integrated with the wheel mounting member. The wheel mounting member is elastically supported by an elastic member in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction, and it is configured to be selectively connected to the wheel in response to a movement thereof.

Abstract: Anti-deflection tooling is provided for a pull back chuck. Equally spaced gussets are disposed between the riser body and the face plate of the chuck, to minimize or eliminate deflection of the face plate when a workpiece is clamped into the chuck. Adjustment devices are also provided so that existing chucks can be retrofitted with the anti-deflection tooling and an operator can true up the face plate prior to running a part.

Abstract: A new and improved powered rotating turntable with a universal, self-adjusting chuck for holding auto wheels and the like for polishing, which includes a pneumatically-adjusted, self-centering metal chuck for gripping and holding specialty wheel rims of motor vehicles for polishing. The chuck is self-adjusting, self-centering and is able to handle any diameter of wheel. With the self-adjusting, self-centering capability, this chuck eliminates the need to set up a new jig for gripping and holding a wheel rim each time a series of rims having a different diameter or style from the last series of wheel rims previously chucked-up and polished, thereby greatly improving the efficiency of the entire wheel polishing operation in terms of both time and cost of operation.

Abstract: A mounting assistance device with which a vibrating device can be efficiently mounted to a tire and wheel assembly. In the mounting assistance device, abutting portions are made to abut against sidewall portions of a tire and then an eccentric disc is pressed against a sliding portion so as to be united therewith by lowering a lever of a handle member in a first direction. In this state, when the lever is rotated 180° about a pin member in a second direction, due to an effect of the eccentric disc, clamping members move in a mutually approaching direction. Accordingly, clamping and fixing to the tire is accomplished by the mounting assistance device. Thus, the mounting assistance device (and vibrating device) can be mounted without using tools, simply by rotating the lever in the two directions.

Abstract: In a tire uniformity machine in which a tire is mounted between upper and lower spindles via upper and lower rims, a rim holding apparatus 10 is composed of a parallel spindle 1 which is in parallel with the axis of tire uniformity machine, a taper collet 2 formed with an inner hole engaging concentrically with the parallel spindle 1 at the center portion thereof and a taper surface at the outer peripheral portion thereof, a rim formed with a taper surface engaging with the taper surface of the taper collet 2 at the inner peripheral portion thereof, a rim clamping device 4 which holds the rim 3 and is mounted so that the parallel spindle 1 is capable of being moved in the axial direction, and a fixing device 5 for determining the axial position of the rim clamping device 4. Thereby, there is provided a highly accurate tire uniformity machine in which (1) the change of rim width and the fitting/removal of rim can be performed easily, and (2) the runout of rim can be decreased to 0.025 mm (standard) or less.

Abstract: A laminated clamp for use in connection with rim holding tire changers. The clamp includes a plurality of pliable gripping plates alternately disposed between a plurality of rigid support plates. The plurality of gripping plates provide multiple surfaces for effectively gripping the rim of a wheel and the support plates provide a rigid support structure for the clamp. The gripping plates are constructed of a material that is capable of gripping the rim without causing damage thereto. The gripping plates and support plates are configured to form claws for gripping the wheel rim from either the outside or the inside the rim. To prevent damage to the wheel, the edges of the gripping plates extend peripherally beyond the edges of the support plates thereby preventing the support plates from contacting the rim when the rim is operably seated in the clamp. Two of the support plates include base portions configured for attachment to the clamp carrier of the tire changer.

Abstract: A dual purpose clamp for use in connection with rim holding tire changers. The clamp includes a base, a body and claws for gripping the rim of a tire. In the preferred embodiment, the base is generally L-shaped and includes perpendicular legs comprising spaced apart walls which define interior channels. Rails are mounted along a portion of the inner surface of the walls of each leg, and are configured to slidably engage oppositely disposed channels formed on the clamp carriers of the tire changer. Each leg of the base further includes a bore formed therein and configured to receive a locking pin for releasably securing the clamp to the clamp carrier in the desired position. First and second claws are attached to the body opposite the base. The first claw is configured to accommodate a first rim type, and the second claw is configured to accommodate a second rim type.

Abstract: A selective optional lug adapter is to be mounted on a securing rod assembly that is held in place by a pair of clamping plates which are selectively bolted in place on a pivot tube supported on a base so that a small wheel rim can be held stationary while the tire or the rim is changed (i.e. removed and replaced) in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, the entire device can be disassembled into its major parts for storage, and adapters for different openings in the small rim can be changed or omitted.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing extra large vehicle tires to particles or to prepare them for recapping comprises a tire holder assembly, made up of a set of dual jacks, in combination with a rotary cutter blade assembly made up of a side-by-side series of discs carrying cutter blades of chisel type. The set of dual jacks are preferably carried by an arbor having opposite shaft ends adapted to matingly interconnect with corresponding ends of a motivating shaft for quick and easy interchange of one size tire holder assembly for another size. When the tire is to be recapped, arcuate attachments are secured to members of the tire holder assembly that contact a tire bead so as to preserve the circumferential integrity of such bead during cutting, and the cutter blade assembly is replaced by wire buffing brushes following removal of the tread portion of the tire by cutting.

Abstract: A mounting device for automative tires having a rotationally driven holder for gripping a wheel rim and a pressing device mounted on a stand for pressing the tire bead away from the horn of the wheel rim. The device has two arms guided by means of sliding bushings on a column so they can be moved laterally toward and away from each other. These arms are hinge connected at their rear ends to the sliding bushings so they can be pivoted by a motor drive. A pressure element that acts on the tire wall next to the horn of the wheel rim is mounted on the front free end of each arm. The two arms are designed so their length can be adjusted by telescoping. A linear drive whose adjustment element has a coupling element that automatically engages with the extensible inside part of the respective telescopic arm is mounted approximately in parallel above and below each telescopic arm.

Abstract: A tire-removal machine comprises a frame (1) with a self-centering unit (4) for locking the wheels in a horizontal position in front of an overlying tool head (13) for mounting/removing the respective tires. The self-centering unit is connected to the frame (1) by way of a vertically lying articulated parallelogram having one the (55-66) formed by said frame, to the side (5-6) opposite the preceding there being hinged the self-centering unit in such a manner that this unit is able to occupy a lowered wheel loading/unloading position in which it is close to the floor and inclined to the side opposite the frame, and a raised working position, selectable at will, in which it arranges the wheel horizontal and within the radius of action of the tool head.

Abstract: A machine for the removal and replacement of tires for the wheels of automobiles of the type comprising a self-centering rotating platform (2) which can grip the wheel, above which a vertical toolhead arm (5) is positionable. The rotation of said platform and the activation of an unbeading device (6) located and mounted at the side of the machine are obtained by means of a pneumatic cylinder (10). A second pneumatic cylinder (39) commands the opening and closing movements of the jaws (38) for the gripping of the wheel rim which are arranged on the self-centering platform (2). The compressed air used in the feeding of the pneumatic devices come from a structural element which forms part of the frame of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a tire on a rim and removing it therefrom has a device for rotating the rim, which is embodied as a pneumatic motor having a rotor and a stator with radially arranged piston/cylinder units and cams disposed on a circle, a device for firmly holding the rim of self-centering arms that are pivotable via the pneumatic motor, a device for forcing the bead edges of the tire into the rim bed that comprises rollers acting simultaneously on both beads, and a device for pulling the bead edges from or onto the rim, with an element for bracing against the wheel flange. Via the hydraulic motor that drives the arms of the holding or chucking device, a rim is firmly held and once it is firmly clamped is rotated via the motor. The apparatus is operated completely pneumatically.

Abstract: A machine for facilitating the removal and replacement of tire casings from and on the rims of vehicle wheels. The machine incorporates a first hydraulically actuated tool for breaking the bead of the tire casing to be removed free from the rim. Subsequently, the wheel is placed upon a motor driven turntable and clamped in place relative thereto by a second hydraulically actuated mechanism. Once the wheel and tire are clamped in place, a tool support head is brought into play for supporting a tire iron, the end of which is introduced between the rim and the tire's bead. Now, when a hydraulic motor is actuated, the turntable with the wheel and tire clamp thereto is rotated causing the tire bead on one side of the tire to be lifted free of the rim. The process is repeated for the tire bead surrounding the opposite side wall, at which point the old tire has been totally removed from the rim.

Abstract: An expandable tire hub apparatus having a hub member, a plurality of shoe members radially expandable from the hub member and a plurality of piston members interconnecting the hub member to each of the shoe members, the piston members responsive to fluid pressure on them, and including guide members interconnecting the shoe assemblies and the hub members for maintaining equal retraction and expansion of the hub members during the operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flexible belt member positioned around the circumference of each of the shoe assemblies sealingly engaging the bead of the tire when the shoe assemblies are in the expanded position. There is further provided a manner for injecting air into the interior of the tire while the tire is mounted on the expanded shoe assemblies.

Abstract: A machine for testing the uniformity of tires. The machine comprises: a test spindle configured to receive a rim supporting a tire; an index table having a pair of index spindles; indexing means to rotate the index table whereby the index spindles may move a tire between an operator loading station and an index station; a loader robot adapted to move between the test spindle and the index station for transporting therebetween a tire; a roadwheel movable between a retracted position out of contact with a tire and an advanced position in driving contact with a test tire; motor means to rotate the roadwheel while in its advanced position; and transducer means coupled to the test spindle to determine vibrations of the test tire when rotated by the roadwheel as caused by non-uniformities within the tire. Also disclosed is a method for testing tires as with the disclosed machine.

Abstract: The mechanism comprises a rotatable central shaft with pinion, racks engaging said pinion at two different levels and a change on the outside end of each rock for gripping the wheel, which clamps lie in the same plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pneumatic device for seating tire beads on the rim portions of a wheel of a vehicle. The device includes a header attached to the rotating table of a tire changing machine and which supports a wheel and a tire assembly. A plurality of upwardly extending conduits direct air from the header to the interface between a bead of a tire and the corresponding rim portion of the wheel which are adjacent the top surface of the table. The pneumatic device also includes a system for immobilizing the table during the operation of the device for seating tire beads.

Abstract: A device for clamping a wheel and loosening the bead of a tire having a plurality of converging, movable shoes. The shoes move simultaneously toward the axis of the wheel for engagement of the rim, a tongue is extended from each shoe between the rim and the tire bead to loosen the bead from the wheel whereupon the wheel is clamped between the shoes.