Abstract: A method for characterizing spindle forces of a tire uniformity machine includes receiving a tire in an apparatus having an upper spindle and rim and a lower spindle and rim, wherein the rims capture the tire therebetween. A measurement data waveform is collected and an angular offset between the rims to define an engagement position is determined. The measurement data waveform is designated as a tire result waveform, and the measurement data waveform is appended to a collection of measurement data waveforms for each engagement position. Once the predetermined number of waveforms for the engagement position has been obtained, an average waveform for each engagement position is computed. A characterization waveform for each average waveform is then generated.

Abstract: A method for characterizing spindle forces of a tire uniformity machine includes receiving a tire in an apparatus having an upper spindle and rim and a lower spindle and rim, wherein the rims capture the tire therebetween. A measurement data waveform is collected and an angular offset between the rims to define an engagement position is determined. The measurement data waveform is designated as a tire result waveform, and the measurement data waveform is appended to a collection of measurement data waveforms for each engagement position. Once the predetermined number of waveforms for the engagement position has been obtained, an average waveform for each engagement position is computed. A characterization waveform for each average waveform is then generated.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed chuck assemblies for receiving, inflating and rotating the tire and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of at least one of the components and the characterized forces are used in adjusting the tire test results.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed spindles for receiving, inflating and rotating a tire, and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. A spindle alignment assembly is associated with the opposed spindles to align the spindles with one another each time a tire is received. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of the opposed spindles and the characterized forces are used in adjusting tire test results.

Abstract: A tire uniformity machine includes an apparatus for receiving and rotating a tire. The apparatus includes opposed chuck assemblies for receiving, inflating and rotating the tire and a load wheel applied to the rotating tire to obtain tire test results. At least one characterizing device is associated with components of the apparatus to characterize forces of at least one of the components and the characterized forces are used in adjusting the tire test results.

Abstract: A defect marker method and apparatus for use with tire inspection machines wherein the defect marker apparatus comprises a slide assembly, together with marker arm and marker head assemblies, with the apparatus being mounted adjacent to the inspection machine imaging unit and the marker arm and marker head assemblies being adapted to be operatively interposed between the imaging unit and the tire being inspected. The method for precisely marking a defect area on the tire being inspected includes the steps of extending the marker mechanism from an inactive position axially forward relative to the imaging unit; aligning a target so that it is perpendicular to the defect area and marking the defect area with a visually discernible mark via a stamp coaxial with the target.