Abstract: A dual purpose clamp for use in connection with rim holding tire changers. The clamp includes a base, a body and claws for gripping the rim of a tire. In the preferred embodiment, the base is generally L-shaped and includes perpendicular legs comprising spaced apart walls which define interior channels. Rails are mounted along a portion of the inner surface of the walls of each leg, and are configured to slidably engage oppositely disposed channels formed on the clamp carriers of the tire changer. Each leg of the base further includes a bore formed therein and configured to receive a locking pin for releasably securing the clamp to the clamp carrier in the desired position. First and second claws are attached to the body opposite the base. The first claw is configured to accommodate a first rim type, and the second claw is configured to accommodate a second rim type.

Abstract: A safety device which can be retrofitted onto existing rim holding tire changers or provided as a feature of such devices by the original equipment manufacturer. Applicant's safety feature is a barrier, in the preferred embodiment a U-shaped steel tube approximately 18" across and 5' in height, mounted to the tower of the device. The actuator for applying pressure during the bead seating process (and during the inflation process) consists of two buttons on the opposite side of the barrier from the table top on which the tire and rim sit during the process. To actuate the pressure during the bead seating step of the process, both buttons must be depressed. This requires that the operator uses both hands to actuate the system. Also, the actuator being located on the opposite side of the barrier from the table top requires the operator the walk behind the barrier in order to actuate this step of the process.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire inflator is provided for use with a source of pressurized air and a device for controlling the flow of air therefrom. The inflator includes first and second air flow circuits, each circuit having an inlet end communicating with the downstream side of the device, and an outlet end. The first circuit is provided with a regulator having an inlet communicating with the first circuit inlet end, and an outlet. The regulator is preset whereby the air discharged from the outlet is at a predetermined tire pressure. A pressure sensitive first valve, biased to normally assume an open position, is provided having a first inlet communicating with the regulator outlet, a valve outlet, and a second inlet, the latter being segregated from the first inlet and outlet by a pressure sensitive member. The pressure sensitive member interrupts communication between the first inlet and the valve outlet when there is a predetermined pressure at said second inlet overcoming the opening bias.

Abstract: An improved system is provided for use with a tire changer to regulate and control the inflation of pneumatic tires. This system regulates the flow of air in an air supply conduit through which pressurized air flows from a supply source to an outlet such as an air hose and chuck which an operator connects to a pneumatic tire. The system includes a first and second valve serially connected to the air supply conduit. A foot pedal activating member opens the first valve and closes a switch which activates a timer. The timer opens the second valve for a first predetermined time period and then maintains it in a closed position for a second predetermined time period. During the first period, the air flows through the conduit under relatively high pressure to inflate a pneumatic tire. During the second period, the second valve prevents the flow of air so that the system may stabilize and indicate the pressure in the pneumatic tire.

Abstract: Apparatus for rapidly achieving a desired pressure level in a tire by gas flow through a port in the tire such as the valve stem including a conduit having one end for connection to a source of gas under pressure and another end for connection to the inflation port. Valves are utilized for selectively closing and opening the conduit and for venting the conduit to the atmosphere. A selector whereby a desired pressure level to be achieved within the tire is provided as is a pressure level sensor which is connected to the conduit. A control in the form of a microprocessor digitally operates the valves to thereby provide for rapid inflation of the tire inasmuch as substantially full source pressure is applied to the tire to thereby provide a high pressure differential and increased gas flow.

Abstract: A tire changing tool (20) including a tool body (24) having a head (26) for performing a tire changing operation. The head has a first surface (32) for engagement with the bead of a tire and a second surface (34, 38, 42) adapted to face a wheel (36) to have a tire mounted thereon or demounted therefrom. A magazine (52) is provided which receives a solid abrasion eliminating material (58) and an opening (48) is provided in the second surface (34, 38, 42) and extends to the magazine. A feeding rod (60) is provided for feeding the material (58) from the magazine (52) through the opening (48).

Abstract: A tire changing apparatus of the type having a base, a table mounted on the base for receiving and supporting a wheel, a rotatable tool driving post extending through the table, an upper bead loosener assembly engageable with the upper side wall of a tire received on the table, a lower loosening assembly engageable with the lower side wall of a tire on the table and a motor for driving the bead looseners and the post. Included is an extendable connection between the lower bead loosener and the drive which may be utilized to facilitate loosening beads on small diameter wheels and which automatically restores itself to a normal configuration. Also included is a guide for the upper bead loosener which is movably mounted to guide the upper bead loosener generally radially of a wheel for positioning purposes.

Abstract: In a die casting apparatus having a first die and a second die movable into closed engagement with the first die to define a mold cavity therebetween, a sprue removal mechanism includes a degater knife, a rocker arm mounted to pivot about a fixed axis and connected to the degater knife, a cam fixed to the second die, and a cam follower carried by the rocker arm. As the second die moves away from the first die, the cam follower travels along the cam to wing the rocker arm and drive the degater knife to an extended position between the open dies, thereby severing the sprue from a completed casting while the casting is supported by the first die.