Abstract: A tire tread depth measurement system includes a scanner and smart phone that fit into the palm of a user either directly or attached to a glove. The technician obtains tread depth data by moving her hand holding the scanner over a tire profile. The scanner communicates with a nearby control box that uploads the data to a server for determination of tread depth, tire wear pattern and wheel alignment. The tire tread analysis is downloaded to the control box and reported to the technician via the smart phone. The smart phone is programmed to identify the vehicle and related information about it based on the license plate or vehicle identification number by interpreting the license number or VIN and interrogating various data bases via the internet. Wear and analysis results are forwarded for printing the entire report.

Abstract: A tire tread depth measurement system includes a scanner and smart phone that fit into the palm of a user either directly or attached to a glove. The technician obtains tread depth data by moving her hand holding the scanner over a tire profile. The scanner communicates with a nearby control box that uploads the data to a server for determination of tread depth, tire wear pattern and wheel alignment. The tire tread analysis is downloaded to the control box and reported to the technician via the smart phone. The smart phone is programmed to identify the vehicle and related information about it based on the license plate or vehicle identification number by interpreting the license number or VIN and interrogating various data bases via the internet. Wear and analysis results are forwarded for printing the entire report.

Abstract: A tire tread scanner drive-over unit is used to measure the tread depth and tire wear condition of a vehicle with two or four wheels on the axle. The unit includes a surface with two tire position area areas, each between an elevated rearward area and an elevated forward area to define a trough therebetween. Scanners are located behind scanner windows in the rearward area under scanner covers. When a vehicle is driven onto the surface so that the tires of one of its axels are on the tire position areas between the rearward and forward areas, the tires self-center against the scanner windows so that the tire profile may be measured to determine wear and wear characteristics.

Abstract: A tire tread scanner drive-over unit is used to measure the tread depth and tire wear condition of a vehicle with two or four wheels on the axle. The unit includes a surface with two tire position area areas, each between an elevated rearward area and an elevated forward area to define a trough therebetween. Scanners are located behind scanner windows in the rearward area under scanner covers. When a vehicle is driven onto the surface so that the tires of one of its axels are on the tire position areas between the rearward and forward areas, the tires self-center against the scanner windows so that the tire profile may be measured to determine wear and wear characteristics.

Abstract: A hand-held probe (10) for measuring a tire tread profile comprises a housing (20) with a slit (64) formed parallel to its major axis, a range finder (70) mounted inside the housing (20) in such a way that it can traverse much of the length of the tube while directing light from a laser through a window (60) and onto a tire surface, a bracket (50) that is carried by the proximal end of the tube to enable the user to hold the probe (10) in position against the tire, a serial port (32) for connection with a computer (40), and a handle (30) that houses the batteries for operation and an IR or RF transmitter. The IR or RF transmitter is for transmitting the tire tread profile wirelessly to a computer suitably equipped to receive IR or RF transmissions.