Abstract: Described are an adjustable tire spreader and inspection apparatus 10 and method comprising a pallet 14 for supporting a tire 12 to be viewed for inspection, the pallet 14 having an aperture 26 aligned with the hole of the tire; a plurality of a pair of paws 40, 42, the paws vertically aligned and adapted to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire to allow an optical inspection apparatus to inspect the tire; each pair of paws positioned about the aperture of the pallet and capable of rotating from a closed position 42 A to an open position of the tire beads; each pair of paws spaced about the beads of the tire and simultaneously moves to separate the beads of the tire for inspection of the tire. In the method, one operates the apparatus 10 by placing the tire 12 on the pallet 14; aligning the paws with the bead of the tire; simultaneously moving the paws 40, 42 to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire; and inspecting the tire. Thereafter, the tire is removed from the pallet and tire spreader assembly.

Abstract: Described is an anomaly detector apparatus 10 for detecting an anomaly in a substrate, e.g., a tire comprising: a source of coherent light 20 to shine the light 27 directly onto the tire surface 24 and the light being reflected 32 from the tire; a stressing apparatus 12, which is juxtaposed to the tire and which, can optionally stress the tire; a reflected light receiving apparatus 40 for receiving the light 32 reflected directly from the tire surface 24 whether the tire is in a stressed or unstressed condition; a comparator 44 which views and compares images of reflected light from the reflected light receiving apparatus 40 when the tire is stressed or unstressed thereby ascertaining an anomaly in the tire and generates an output from the comparison; and a display apparatus 46 electronically connected to the comparator for displaying the output from the comparator.

Abstract: Described is a cargo apparatus (10) including a base (16) having at least one end (30) and at least one side (28), with the at least one end having at least one laterally inside post (20) extending therefrom, and with the at least one side having at least one laterally outside post (18) extending therefrom. At least one end bracket (24) and at least one side bracket (22) are pivotably and translatably mounted to the base, wherein the brackets each have at least one support leg (38, 44) with a mounting end (42, 48). The mounting end pivotably mounts to its respective post on the base between open and closed positions and also translatably mounts to its respective post between an unlocked position distal the post and a locked position proximal the post, whereby the apparatus is collapsible to a closed portable position, and is foldable to a sturdy, open position.