Patents Assigned to Hunter Engineering Company
  • Demount tool assembly and methods for automated tire changer machine
    Patent number: 8973640
    Abstract: A tire changer machine and tire demounting methodology includes a demount tool assembly having a demount tool selectively positionable relative to a support and configured to extract a bead of the tire from the wheel rim. A guide element is mounted to the support, and the guide element is operable to provide a limited degree of freedom of the distal end from a predetermined path of motion in a tire demount procedure, thereby allowing the distal end to reliably grip the tire bead while the support arm is maintained in a stationary position relative to the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Douglas S. Hanneken
  • Tire changer with actuated load roller
    Patent number: 8904863
    Abstract: A tire changer with a controller includes a with a mount assembly adapted for contacting a wheel assembly to mount the wheel to a rotating spindle. The tire changer controller is configured to regulate the operation of a motor which is operatively connected to the rotating spindle to rotate the wheel assembly. A sensor coupled to the controller provides a data representative of the rotational position of the wheel assembly about a rotational axis. The controller is further configured to regulate the operation of a hydraulic actuating means for engaging a load roller with the wheel assembly to apply a radial force to a tire mounted on a rim of the wheel assembly during rotation of the wheel, and to regulate the operation of a tire handling means and mount assembly, enabling identification, marking, and adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: David A. Voeller, Douglas S. Hanneken, Steve Molbach, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes
  • Auto-calibrating wheel balancer force transducer
    Patent number: 8886491
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying out auto-calibration of one or more piezoelectric elements in a force transducer assembly of a vehicle wheel balancing system. Output electrical signals from the piezoelectric transducers in response to application of a known imbalance force are measured and recorded. Subsequently, during an auto-calibration procedure, a known input signal is selectively applied to at least one piezoelectric element in the force transducer assembly, and at least one output electrical signal is received from the force transducer assembly. The obtained auto-calibration output signals are evaluated with respect to the output signals obtained from a previous auto-calibration, and compensation values are derived there from for application to subsequent output signals obtained during imbalance measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: William B. Feero
  • Vehicle service system optical target assembly calibration
    Patent number: 8875407
    Abstract: A machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system for acquiring measurements associated with a vehicle. The system includes at least one imaging sensor having a field of view and at least one optical target secured to a wheel assembly on a vehicle within the field of view of the imaging sensor. The optical target includes a plurality of visible target elements disposed on at least two surfaces in a determinable geometric and spatial configuration which are calibrated prior to use. A processing unit in the system is configured to receive at least two sets of image data from the imaging sensor, with each set of image data acquired at a different rotational position of the wheel assembly around an axis of rotation and representative of at least one visible target element on each of the two surfaces, from which the processing unit is configured to identify said axis of rotation of the wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Portable Wheel Rolling Apparatus
    Publication number: 20140262565
    Abstract: A portable powered roller assembly configured to impart a motive force to a wheeled vehicle or structure consists of a roller mounted in a rolling support structure. The roller is rotationally driven by a battery-powered drive unit coupled through a torque multiplying transmission, and is configured for engagement with the circumferential surface of a vehicle wheel. Rotational movement of the roller in engagement with the circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel draws the powered roller assembly towards, and under, the curved circumferential surface of the vehicle wheel, imparting a force to the vehicle wheel which include both a lifting force perpendicular to the supporting surface on which the powered roller is resting, and a motive force parallel to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Craig A. Carroll
  • Method for Determining Parameters of a Rotating Object within a Projected Pattern
    Publication number: 20140267699
    Abstract: A method for contactless measurements of a vehicle wheel assembly by acquiring a sequence of images as the vehicle wheel assembly moves within a projected pattern of light. Images of the vehicle wheel assembly are acquired and processed to identify the portions of the images corresponding to the wheel assembly, such as by recognition of the wheel rim edge. The identified portion of each image is cropped and a resulting point cloud of data rotational aligned by an optimization procedure to remove the effect of wheel translation and rotation between each image, as well as to identify a center of rotation and amount of rotation for each image which yields a best-fit result. Superimposing the resulting point clouds produces a generated image with a high density of data points on the optimally fit surfaces of the wheel assembly, which can be used to further refine the axis of rotation determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Method for Characterization of Vehicle Support Surfaces
    Publication number: 20140278226
    Abstract: A method for characterizing the surface over which a vehicle is to be rolled during a rolling compensation procedure. A set of wheel alignment angle sensors are mounted to the rearmost fixed axle of a vehicle which is then backed onto the floor surface to be characterized, and rolled in reverse over the region of the floor surface generally traversed during a rolling compensation procedure. As the vehicle is rolled in reverse, a pair of wheel alignment angle sensors temporarily positioned at selected points on the floor surface measure a distance to the wheel-mounted alignment angle sensors, which in turn, are acquiring camber angle measurements. The resulting set of measurements is stored in an accessible data storage device, characterizing the camber altering contours of a path across the floor surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, James W. McClenahan, J. Kaleb Silver, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Method and Apparatus for Multi-Axle Vehicle Alignment with Vehicle Frame Reference
    Publication number: 20140253909
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system including a plurality of sensors positioned in proximity to a heavy-duty multi-axle vehicle, to measure angles associated with three or more axles of the vehicle without repositioning the mounting of the sensors after initiating a measurement procedure. Additional sensors, associated with a vehicle reference, such as the vehicle frame axis, are disposed to provide vehicle reference measurement data which is communicated to a processing system. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the measurement data and to determine various vehicle wheel alignment angle measurements and/or necessary vehicle adjustments for each axle relative to the vehicle reference or to a fixed axle having a determined relationship to the vehicle reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: James W. McClenahan, Michael T. Stieff, John M. Boncek, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Method and apparatus for determining imbalance correction weight amounts for application during vehicle wheel balancing
    Patent number: 8813543
    Abstract: A method for reducing imbalance correction weight usage during a balancing operation of a vehicle wheel assembly. An imbalance of the vehicle wheel assembly is initially determined and utilized together with an established acceptable threshold of imbalance for the vehicle wheel assembly to compute a reduced imbalance value having a magnitude less than the determined imbalance. Using the reduced imbalance value, correction weight amounts and placement locations for application to the vehicle wheel assembly are identified. Determined differences between the identified correction weight amount using the reduced imbalance value and a convention correction weight amount are identified as imbalance correction weight savings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Douglas
  • Calibration Fixture For Machine Vision Vehicle Wheel Alignment System
    Publication number: 20140223989
    Abstract: A calibration fixture for use during a calibration procedure of a machine vision vehicle wheel alignment system. The calibration fixture consists of a pair of support legs, and a rotating transverse bar supported within an outer support tube secured between the support legs. The rotating transverse bar is supported within the outer support tube by a pair of annular bearings adjacent each end of the outer support tube, and is isolated from external influences which may result in deflection or distortion. A hub for receiving a sensor or optical target is secured to each end of the rotating transverse bar, such that optical targets mounted to each hub are maintained in axial alignment at opposite ends of the rotating transverse bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael T. Stieff
  • Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods
    Patent number: 8783326
    Abstract: Tire changing machines with automated positioning and closed loop control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain and control operation of the bead pressing devices during tire mount and de-mount procedures. Methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Micah Nathan Vaninger, Joel Clasquin
  • Tire changer with rotational position and tracking control
    Patent number: 8770254
    Abstract: A tire changer machine includes a control system that monitors a rotational position of a sensitive feature associated with a wheel rim and tire during a tire change procedure. The system adjusts operation of the machine to avoid damaging the sensitive feature, which may be a valve stem or a wheel sensor such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Hanneken, Micah N. Vaninger, Steven K. Molbach, Joel Clasquin
  • Method and system for determining non-uniformity characteristics of a vehicle tire and rim
    Patent number: 8770022
    Abstract: A method and system for a wheel assembly service system are provided. The system includes a rotatable spindle configured to receive a wheel assembly wherein the wheel assembly includes at least a rim and a tire. The system further includes a load device configured to apply a load to the tire during a rotation of the wheel assembly on the spindle, and a controller configured to determine a first force variation vector of the wheel assembly, prompt a user to rotate the tire with respect to the rim, determine a second force variation vector of the wheel assembly with the tire rotated with respect to the rim, and determine a force variation of at least one of the tire and the wheel using the first and second force variation vectors. The system also outputs at least one of the determined force variation vector values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael Wayne Douglas, William B. Feero
  • Method and Apparatus For Detection Of Wheel Assembly Slippage On A Vehicle Wheel Balancer
    Publication number: 20140165721
    Abstract: A vehicle wheel balancer system having a processing system and a spindle shaft upon which a vehicle wheel assembly is mounted for measurement of imbalance characteristics and forces. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the remaining imbalance present in a vehicle wheel assembly following the application of imbalance correction weights, and to determine if the remaining imbalance is the result of the vehicle wheel assembly having deviated from an expected rotational position during the time between the measurement of the imbalance and the application of the imbalance correction weights. In the event of such a deviation, the processing system is further configured to provide the operator with a suitable warning to evaluate and correct the mounting of the vehicle wheel assembly before proceeding to rebalance or re-measure the vehicle wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Douglas
  • Deflection Resistant Combination Turn Plate and Slip Plate
    Publication number: 20140166403
    Abstract: A deflection resistant combination slip plate and turn plate assembly for support the steered wheels of a vehicle on a precision planar surface resistant to deflection and distortion. The slip plate and the turn plate are supported on an underlying surface by bearing assemblies, and establish a upper planar surface with the turn plate disposed in a cutout region of the slip plate. Each plate is configured for limited translational movement relative to the base plate surface on which it is supported, while the turn plate is further configured for rotational movement about a central axis. Translational movement of the plates is synchronized. Spacing between the slip plate and turn plate is minimized, and supporting means are provided to maintain the slip plate and turn plate in vertical alignment under load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Olsen, William James Nelgner, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III
  • Method For Evaluating Component Calibration In Machine Vision Vehicle Wheel Alignment System
    Publication number: 20140111645
    Abstract: A process for calibrating and evaluating a machine-vision vehicle wheel alignment system having front and rear imaging components associated with each of the left and right sides of a vehicle support structure. Each pair of imaging components defines a front and rear field of view, with a common overlapping region associated with each respective side of the vehicle support structure. Optical targets disposed within each of the overlapping field of view regions are observed by the imaging components to establish performance ratings for the system as a whole, for groups of components within the system, and for individual components within the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark S. Shylanski, Daniel R. Dorrance, Bruce E. Bernard, Thomas J. Golab
  • Tire changing machine with force detection and control methods
    Patent number: 8613303
    Abstract: Tire changing machines having force feedback and position control systems are described that may be used to control operation of one or more components of the machine during a tire change procedure. Information may be provided to a machine operator concerning detected operating conditions during the procedure. Excessive or abnormal forces or component positions can be detected and corrective action may be taken at any point in the tire change procedure. Successful component position profiles may be saved for future recall and execution by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Hanneken, David A. Voeller, Charlie Polster, Joel Clasquin, Michael D. Gerdes, Nicolas J. Colarelli, III
  • Method and apparatus for vehicle service system optical target assembly
    Patent number: 8561307
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the alignment of a vehicle wheel using an optical target assembly secured to the vehicle wheel in a non-determined position, the optical target assembly having a dimensionally stable shape and a plurality of optical target elements disposed on a plurality of target surfaces. Images of the optical target elements are acquired by an imaging system, together with target identifying indicia, and utilized together with previously stored target characterization data to determine a spatial orientation of the optical target assembly and an alignment of the vehicle wheel onto which it is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael T. Stieff, Dennis M. Linson, Daniel R. Dorrance, Thomas J. Golab, Mark S. Shylanski
  • Method And Apparatus For Contactless Data Acquisition In A Vehicle Service System
    Publication number: 20130271574
    Abstract: An improved vehicle service system having at least one pattern-projecting, machine-vision sensor for acquiring images of objects and surface during a vehicle service or inspection procedure, and which is configured to process acquired images to identify measurements and/or relative three-dimensional locations associated with the vehicle undergoing service or inspection, vehicle components, surface, or objects in the environment surrounding the vehicle. The improved vehicle service system is further configured to utilized the identified measurements and/or relative three-dimensional locations during a vehicle service or inspection procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: HUNTER ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, David A. Voeller, Timothy A. Strege, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Sean D. Reynolds
  • Optical targets for machine vision vehicle service system
    Patent number: 8553236
    Abstract: An optical target for temporary application in non-determined placement on a surface of an object such as a vehicle wheel assembly within the field of view of an imaging sensor of a machine vision vehicle service system. The optical target consists of a flexible body which is relatively thin and generally flat, capable of conforming to the contours of a surface onto which it is secured in releasable manner by a means of adhesion. A set of visible optical elements are disposed on a front face of the target body for observation and imaging by the imaging sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Dorrance, Nicholas J. Colarelli, III, Timothy A. Strege, Thomas J. Golab, David A. Voeller, Mark S. Shylanski