Abstract: The wheel style recognition system for identifying and orienting wheel workpieces includes a wheel style recognition station, a conveyor for delivering a wheel workpiece to the wheel style recognition station, and a wheel orientation sensor that senses the radial orientation of the wheel workpiece on the wheel style recognition station, and generates a radial orientation signal. A wheel mapping sensor scans the wheel workpiece and generates a wheel style mapping signal pattern, while the wheel workpiece is rotated at a steady rate of rotation. A control unit compares the wheel style mapping signal pattern with at least one reference wheel style mapping signal pattern.

Abstract: A member is disposed against a motor vehicle wheel at a position near the center of a bore for receiving the wheel axle. The member may be a collet expansible radially against the annular wall defining the central bore. Alternatively, a ring may be moved into concentric relationship with the central bore and then disposed against the back side of the wheel. Clamping members are then moved, preferably axially and rotationally, against the wheel front side at a position near the wheel periphery. A snubber ring is thereafter moved against the wheel back side, preferably at a position corresponding radially to the positions of the clamping members against the wheel. Each member at the wheel periphery may be moved by introducing hydraulic fluid into an individual one of a plurality of cylinders to move a piston coupled to such member.