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, and 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 engage 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, optional marking, and adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A method for efficiently operating a vehicle wheel balancing system having a wheel mounting structure upon which a vehicle wheel assembly is mounted for rotation during a measurement or service procedure, and a load roller assembly disposed in operative proximity to the wheel mounting structure for engaging a surface of the vehicle wheel assembly and applying a controlled load there to during rotation. After mounting a vehicle wheel assembly to the mounting structure, the wheel assembly is rotationally driven and a measurement of imbalance is initially acquired and the results displayed to an operator. Subsequently, the load roller assembly is engaged with the still rotating wheel, while measurements of radial forces and/or runout of the wheel are acquired, before the wheel rotation is stopped.

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.

Abstract: A method by which a vehicle wheel service system, having at least one load roller for applying a generally radial load to a wheel assembly mounted on a driven spindle shaft during rotation thereof, provides a measurement which is representative of the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly undergoing testing. In order to rotationally drive the spindle shaft with the vehicle wheel assembly mounted there on, energy is supplied to a drive motor operatively coupled to rotationally drive the spindle shaft. By monitoring the amount of energy or drive torque required to rotationally drive the spindle shaft and achieve and maintain a desired rotational speed for the wheel assembly when engaged with the load roller, a measurement which is related to the loaded rolling resistance of the wheel assembly is obtained by the vehicle wheel balancing system.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire measurements associated with the relative spatial positions of tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly, and dimensions of the vehicle wheel assembly to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.

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.

Abstract: Methods and machines for changing tires on a wheel rim are disclosed. The machine includes a drive shaft having a drive axis that can positioned at different angles for convenience of the machine operator to mount a variety of differently-sized wheel rims to the drive shaft without undue lifting and handling of the wheel rims.

Abstract: A vehicle tire changing system is configured with sensors to acquire dimensional information associated with tire service tools and a vehicle wheel assembly. The sensors acquire dimensional information associated with at least one feature of the vehicle wheel assembly or a tire service tool. The vehicle tire changing system is configured to utilize the acquired dimensional information to automate and monitor the movement of an associated tire service tool and optionally, to store or convey the acquired dimensional information for use by other vehicle service systems.

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 regulated the operation of a motor, which may be hydraulically driven, and 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 adapted to hold the tire during rotation of the wheel rim enabling automated adjustment of the tire angular mounting position relative to the wheel rim.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automotive vehicle brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to an improved on-car brake lathe apparatus and a method for reducing vibrations during resurfacing of brake rotor components with a brake lathe having a variable speed spindle motor, an output spindle rotationally driven by the variable speed motor adapted to couple the brake lathe to the brake rotor component, and at least one adjustable cutting tip adapted to engage a surface of the vehicle brake component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automotive vehicle brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to an improved on-car brake lathe apparatus and a method for compensating for runout between an on-car brake lathe and a vehicle wheel hub to which the on-car brake lathe is secured for a brake rotor resurfacing operation.

Abstract: A method for measuring imbalance forces in a rotating body, and for determining if an application of imbalance correction weights is required to compensate for the measured imbalance forces.

Abstract: A method for determining weight display thresholds for static and dynamic imbalances and correction weights on a rotating body such as a vehicle wheel assembly, which vary with parameters of the rotating body, wheel and/or tire, and for displaying measured imbalances in relation to determined imbalance thresholds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to on-car brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to improved on-car brake lathes configured with a drive system for controlling a rotational direction of an output spindle during a brake rotor resurfacing procedure.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automotive vehicle brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to an improved on-car brake lathe apparatus and a method for reducing vibrations during resurfacing of brake rotor components with a brake lathe having a variable speed spindle motor, an output spindle rotationally driven by the variable speed motor adapted to couple the brake lathe to the brake rotor component, and at least one adjustable cutting tip adapted to engage a surface of the vehicle brake component.

Abstract: A system and method for centered mounting of a rotating body upon a spindle shaft. The system includes a set of double low-tapers cones arranged and identified according to size. A guide is provided to identify an appropriate cone from the set for a given rotating body pilot hole diameter. To secure the rotating body upon the spindle in a centered manner with the selected cone, an infinitely adjustable mounting flange assembly is provided with a set of mounting pins to engage the rotating body in a predetermined spacing with a clamping force against the cone. The mounting flange assembly and set of mounting pins cooperatively provides for infinite adjustment to accommodate a range of symmetrical vehicle wheel lug hole patterns between a minimum radial dimension and a maximum radial dimension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to on-car brake lathes configured for resurfacing brake rotor components, and in particular, to improved on-car brake lathes configured with a controlled variable speed drive system.