Patents by Inventor Micah N. Vaninger

Micah N. Vaninger has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Automated tire changer machine, systems, programs and methods
    Patent number: 9434219
    Abstract: A tire changing machine including enhanced control features for automated operator of tire change procedures with operator oversight and ability to manually adjust machine operation when desired. Dead man control input, user interfaces and programs for implementing the interfaces, methods for completing tire bead seating, informational displays of wheel rim and tire information, coordinated tool positioning, and automated lubrication features are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Joel Clasquin, Steven K. Molbach, Douglas S. Hanneken, Micah N. Vaninger, Charlie Polster, Peter N. Liebetreu
  • Tire bead breaker device and methods for automated tire changer machine
    Patent number: 8985178
    Abstract: Automated tire changer machines, control systems and methods therefor utilize positive contact and contact force generation between wheel rims and bead breaker devices to break tire bead seals. The bead breaker devices may accordingly follow different geometries of wheel rims without prior knowledge or identification of the specific rim configuration by the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Micah N. Vaninger, Douglas S. Hanneken, Charlie Polster, Joel Clasquin, Steven K. Molbach
  • 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
  • Tire changing machine with automated tire bead pressing devices, controls and methods
    Patent number: 8387675
    Abstract: Tire changing machines with automated positioning and control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain a tire bead in a desired location on the wheel rim during tire mount and de-mount procedures utilizing a tire bead locating tool. Sequenced motion of the bead pressing devices are also described that ensure optimal tire change operations. Methodology is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Micah N. Vaninger, Michael D. Gerdes
  • Methods and systems for wheel balancer weight placement aid
    Patent number: 7684027
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating weight placement on a vehicle wheel assembly that includes a tire and a wheel are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a plane of the vehicle wheel, determining a correction weight placement position associated with the determined imbalance characteristic, and directing a line of visible light at the determined weight placement position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Douglas, Michael D. Gerdes, David M. Scribner, Micah N. Vaninger
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR WHEEL BALANCER WEIGHT PLACEMENT AID
    Publication number: 20080150348
    Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating weight placement on a vehicle wheel assembly that includes a tire and a wheel are provided. The method includes determining an imbalance characteristic associated with a plane of the vehicle wheel, determining a correction weight placement position associated with the determined imbalance characteristic, and directing a line of visible light at the determined weight placement position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Michael W. Douglas, Michael D. Gerdes, David M. Scribner, Micah N. Vaninger