Abstract: A tire grinding machine includes a frame having a plurality of vertically extending posts. A chuck assembly is associated with the frame and adapted to receive and rotate a tire. A grinding assembly is associated with the frame and is movable with respect to the frame. The grinding assembly has at least one grinding element adapted to contact and remove material from the tire when rotated by the chuck assembly. A counterbalance assembly which has a cable with one end connected to a counterbalance weight and an opposite end connected to the grinding assembly is included. A block assembly may be coupled to the grinding assembly to allow pivotable movement thereof. A calibration adapter may be used to ensure proper positioning of the grinding elements, wherein a level adjuster may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: A chucking apparatus for positioning a tire in a tire uniformity machine includes an upper chuck assembly, a lower chuck assembly operative with the upper chuck assembly to capture a tire therebetween, and a dual piston cylinder coupled to the lower chuck assembly which moves the tire into engagement with the upper chuck assembly. The dual piston cylinder has an axially extending inner piston rod from which axially extends a field-replaceable inner piston stem.

Abstract: A decal marker used with a marking station interchangeably carries a decal tape and a marking tape and transfers a decal from the decal tape to a surface to be marked. A marking assembly frame and at least one marker carried by the marking assembly frame which carries the decal tape or the marking tape are included. A tape sensor assembly is carried by the at least one marker and detects an edge of the decal so that the at least one marker properly positions the decal for transfer to the surface.

Abstract: A tire grinding machine includes a frame having a plurality of vertically extending posts. A chuck assembly is associated with the frame and adapted to receive and rotate a tire. A grinding assembly is associated with the frame and is movable with respect to the frame. The grinding assembly has at least one grinding element adapted to contact and remove material from the tire when rotated by the chuck assembly. A counterbalance assembly which has a cable with one end connected to a counterbalance weight and an opposite end connected to the grinding assembly is included. A block assembly may be coupled to the grinding assembly to allow pivotable movement thereof. A calibration adapter may be used to ensure proper positioning of the grinding elements, wherein a level adjuster may be used for this purpose.

Abstract: A tire bead lubricating system for applying lubricant to a tire consists of a frame supporting conveyor belts which form a conveyor opening therebetween. The conveyor belts transfer a tire from one end of the frame to another. A lubricating wick chamber is maintained within the frame and positioned underneath the conveyor opening. A lubricating wick assembly is received in the lubricating wick chamber and moves into the conveyor opening. The lubricating wick assembly has at least one engagement roller and at least one elongate brush that carries lubricant applied to the tire.

Abstract: A chucking apparatus for positioning a tire in a tire uniformity machine includes an upper chuck assembly, a lower chuck assembly operative with the upper chuck assembly to capture a tire therebetween, and a dual piston cylinder coupled to the lower chuck assembly which moves the tire into engagement with the upper chuck assembly. The dual piston cylinder has an axially extending inner piston rod from which axially extends a field-replaceable inner piston stem.

Abstract: A tire bead lubricating system for applying lubricant to a tire consists of a frame supporting conveyor belts which form a conveyor opening therebetween. The conveyor belts transfer a tire from one end of the frame to another. A lubricating wick chamber is maintained within the frame and positioned underneath the conveyor opening. A lubricating wick assembly is received in the lubricating wick chamber and moves into the conveyor opening. The lubricating wick assembly has at least one engagement roller and at least one elongate brush that carries lubricant applied to the tire.

Abstract: A decal marker used with a marking station interchangeably carries a decal tape and a marking tape and transfers a decal from the decal tape to a surface to be marked. A marking assembly frame and at least one marker carried by the marking assembly frame which carries the decal tape or the marking tape are included. A tape sensor assembly is carried by the at least one marker and detects an edge of the decal so that the at least one marker properly positions the decal for transfer to the surface.

Abstract: A grinding assembly contacts a tire supported by a frame relative to the tire. The grinding assembly includes at least one section, and an axial positioning assembly supporting the at least one section. The axial positioning assembly enables the at least one section to be axially repositioned relative to the tire. The at least one section includes a grinding head, where the grinding head includes a grindstone rotatably supported thereon, the grindstone having rounded shoulders at its axial extremities. The grinding assembly further includes a radial positioning assembly supporting the grinding head for radial movement with respect to the tire.

Abstract: A grinding assembly contacts a tire supported by a frame relative to the tire. The grinding assembly includes at least one section, and an axial positioning assembly supporting the at least one section. The axial positioning assembly enables the at least one section to be axially repositioned relative to the tire. The at least one section includes a grinding head, where the grinding head includes a grindstone rotatably supported thereon, the grindstone having rounded shoulders at its axial extremities. The grinding assembly further includes a radial positioning assembly supporting the grinding head for radial movement with respect to the tire.