Abstract: A method for providing a centering check for a rotating body mounted on a wheel balancer which is based on measuring at least one imbalance parameter or tire runout of the rotating body. The rotating body is mounted on a spindle of the wheel balancer and an imbalance parameter or tire runout measurement taken. The mounting of the rotating body on the spindle is then altered, and a second measurement of the imbalance parameter or tire runout is taken. A processor in the wheel balancer utilizes the first and second measurements together with a threshold to provide an indication of off-center mounting of the rotating body one the spindle.

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.

Abstract: A method for providing a centering check for a rotating body mounted on a wheel balancer based on measuring at least one imbalance parameter and for determining weight display thresholds for static and dynamic imbalance correction weights which vary with parameters of the wheel and/or tire. The rotating body is mounted on a spindle of the wheel balancer and an imbalance parameter or runout measurement taken. The mounting of the rotating body on the spindle is then altered, and a second measurement of the imbalance parameter or runout is taken. A processor in the wheel balancer determines if the difference between the first and second measurements exceeds a predetermined threshold value, indicative of off-center mounting of the rotating body one the spindle. Upon centered mounting of the rotating body, imbalance measurements are acquired, and required correction weights are displayed to an operator if they exceed an identified imbalance threshold level.

Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly. The balancer has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. A sensor assembly is provided for measuring rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis. A vibration sensor assembly measures vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated. A motor operatively connected to the shaft rotates the shaft about the longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A load roller applies a generally radial force, which can exceed one hundred fifty pounds, to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of said wheel/tire assembly. A sensor detects lateral force, wheel/tire assembly radius, and/or wheel/tire assembly diameter, which can have a tendency to cause a vehicle on which the wheel/tire assembly is mounted during use to deviate from a straight line path.

Abstract: A method for providing a centering check for a rotating body mounted on a wheel balancer based on measuring at least one imbalance parameter and for determining weight display thresholds for static and dynamic imbalance correction weights which vary with parameters of the wheel and/or tire. The rotating body is mounted on a spindle of the wheel balancer and an imbalance parameter or runout measurement taken. The mounting of the rotating body on the spindle is then altered, and a second measurement of the imbalance parameter or runout is taken. A processor in the wheel balancer determines if the difference between the first and second measurements exceeds a predetermined threshold value, indicative of off-center mounting of the rotating body one the spindle. Upon centered mounting of the rotating body, imbalance measurements are acquired, and required correction weights are displayed to an operator if they exceed an identified imbalance threshold level.

Abstract: A improved vehicle wheel balancer for a wheel assembly including an adjustable wheel data acquisition arm configured to transition from at least a first operating position adapted for use with vehicle wheels having a first range of inner diameters, to at least a second operating position adapted for use with vehicle wheels having a second range of inner diameters which differ, at least in-part, from the first range of inner diameters.

Abstract: A vehicle service system configured to measure and utilize lateral force information associated with a set of vehicle wheels to provide an operator with a suggested placement for the individual vehicle wheels about the vehicle, such that the effects on the vehicle handling caused by the lateral forces are minimized.

Abstract: A vehicle service system configured to measure and utilize lateral force information associated with a set of vehicle wheels to provide an operator with a suggested placement for the individual vehicle wheels about the vehicle, such that the effects on the vehicle handling caused by the lateral forces are minimized.

Abstract: A wheel balancer includes a shaft adapted for receiving a wheel/tire assembly. The balancer has a longitudinal axis and is rotatable about the axis so as to rotate the wheel/tire assembly removably mounted thereon. A sensor assembly is provided for measuring rotation of the shaft about the longitudinal axis. A vibration sensor assembly measures vibration of the wheel/tire assembly as the wheel/tire assembly is rotated. A motor operatively connected to the shaft rotates the shaft about the longitudinal axis, thereby to rotate the wheel/tire assembly. A load roller applies a generally radial force, which can exceed one hundred fifty pounds, to the wheel/tire assembly during rotation of said wheel/tire assembly. A sensor detects lateral force, wheel/tire assembly radius, and/or wheel/tire assembly diameter, which can have a tendency to cause a vehicle on which the wheel/tire assembly is mounted during use to deviate from a straight line path.

Abstract: A multi-jawed chuck adapter (100) is secured substantially coaxially within a pilot hole (20) of a wheel and tire assembly (10) to facilitate mounting of the wheel and tire assembly (10) upon the spindle shaft (12) of a vehicle wheel balancer, eliminating sources of error introduced into balancing operations by improper mounting of the wheel and tire assembly thereon.

Abstract: A sealed gas surface burner having a ring portion that sits on the main top around the periphery of the main top aperture through which the burner extends. The ring portion forms a substantially liquid tight seal with the main top, and has a raised shoulder to prevent liquid on the main top from running down through the burner aperture in the main top. A burner body is supported by the ring portion at spaced intervals to provide passageways from underneath the main top. A cap is supported by the burner body thereby forming a chamber which receives a mixture of gaseous fuel and primary combustion air. The mixture issues from ports in the side wall of the burner body where it is ignited to produce a cooking flame. Secondary combustion air is drawn from underneath the main top through the passageways in the burner to support combustion of the flame.

Abstract: A gas surface range having a downdraft ventilation system with automatic shut off during ignition. A relay is activated by current flowing to the spark coil of the electrical igniter, and has contacts connected in series with the blower motor of the downdraft system. Thus, the downdraft system is disabled during attempted ignition, and is automatically enabled at the completion of ignition.