Abstract: Steering pull to which a vehicle is subjected due to tire non-uniformity is measured accurately even in the presence of wind. An anemometer mounted in proximity of and in positionally fixed relation to the vehicle measures the speed and direction of wind apparent to the vehicle. Those measurements are used by a computer to determine a wind correction quantity which is subtracted from the steering pull measured at the steering wheel.

Abstract: An object is positioned in fixed relation to a measuring axis without regard to centering the object on the axis and at least one series of data samples correlated to the distance between the measuring axis and a series of points located at angularly spaced intervals on at least one surface feature of the object are generated and stored. To determine the center of a first surface feature, the corresponding series of samples is analyzed to identify samples therein corresponding to points lying on a maximum inscribed circle whose center corresponds to that of the surface feature. To measure a second surface feature of an object with reference to the center of a first surface feature thereof, a first signal and a second signal correlated to the distance between the measuring axis and points on the first surface feature and second surface feature, respectively are generated.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine has upper and lower chucks that carry rim halves. A hydraulic pump is connected to the lower rim half to raise and lower it to bring tires into position for testing. An accumulator is connected to the pump line to increase the speed of raising and lowering of the chuck.

Abstract: A machine for measuring force variation or imbalance of tires particularly at high speeds. A rotating roadwheel is engaged by a tire mounted on a spindle. Force sensing means, such as load cells, are operably interposed between the tire spindle and a force sensor mount. To minimize the adverse effects of mechanical resonance of the machine on force measurement accuracy, the roadwheel and/or the force sensor mount are connected to ground through dampers which provide a damping ratio of at least about five percent and preferably higher. Where the force sensor mount is to be supported by such damping means, the invention further contemplates interposing a large mass between that damping means and the force sensor mount.

Abstract: A tire rim for a tire testing machine has a stepped contour providing multiple positions to accommodate tires of differing bead diameters. One or more filler rings are mountable on a bead seat to provide the proper contour for inflating a tire having the next smaller diameter bead seated on the adjacent bead seat.

Abstract: A tire testing machine having a rotatably but actuatably fixed upper rim, a rotatable lower rim assembly and a hydraulic cylinder for raising and lowering the lower rim to a desired position. The lower rim assembly has a resiliently-biased center pilot in the form of a cone that is engageable with a recess in the upper rim to center the lower rim with respect to the upper rim and to transmit rotational forces from the upper rim to the lower rim. The centering action of the pilot is assisted by a pair of mating spherical washers associated with the lower rim assembly.

Abstract: A tire uniformity measurement machine has an upper rim and a lower vertically-movable rim. A conveyor to bring tires into and out of the machine consists of movable rollers having an opening in the center of the conveyor through which a vertically-movable rim passes to engage and lift a tire up to the upper rim.

Abstract: A rim mount for a tire uniformity machine. The upper rim has bolts that cooperate with keyhole slots in an adaptor to mount the upper rim. The lower rim has keyhole slots that cooperate with bolts threaded into a lower chuck to mount the lower rim.

Abstract: Method of inflating tires wherein the tires are inflated to a bead seat pressure and thereafter the pressure is reduced without deflating the tires through the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the rolling resistance of tires. A load cell is mounted on a base and a support is slidably mounted on the base adjacent the road wheel. A tire is mounted on a spindle which is in turn rotatably mounted on bearings to the support. A mechanism is provided for urging the tire against the road wheel. The bearings consist of an inner bearing housing supported by a hydrostatic bearing in an outer housing. A load cell is connected between an inner bearing housing and the support to block rotation of the inner bearing housing and to measure the extraneous losses due to bearing resistance and the like.

Abstract: An arrangement for measuring the rolling resistance of tires. The arrangement includes a horizontal roadwheel and several horizontally rotatable tires which are urged against the roadwheel and rotated thereby. The tire spindle assembly is borne by a carriage which is movable toward and away from the roadwheel on a floating platform. The radial force with which the tire is urged against the roadwheel is offset by a linkage structure attached between the platform and the fixed base of the roadwheel assembly such that instantaneous rotation of the platform relative to the roadwheel base is about the axis of rotation of the roadwheel. The linkage structure includes a load cell for measuring the radial force. The arrangement further includes a load cell generally at the perimeter of the roadwheel which measures the tangential rolling resistance force of the tire.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the rolling resistance of tires. An endless belt is supported on rotating drums. The upper run of the belt passes over a hydrostatic bearing which supports the belt against the force of the tire pressing against it. The hydrostatic bearing is formed by a plurality of nozzles directing water at high pressure against the underside of the belt. A pressure differential is created between the upper and lower surfaces of the belt to press the belt closely adjacent the nozzles so that when a tire is pressed against the belt, it does not create a depression in the belt.