Abstract: A tire changer machine, and method of operation, configured to enable a single operator to carry out tire change procedures for a set of wheel assemblies by interleaving wheel assembly balancing procedures on a wheel balancer machine with an automated tire demount process carried out under direction of a control system of the tire changer without continuous operator input or supervision.

Abstract: A tire changer machine, and method of operation, configured to enable a single operator to carry out tire change procedures for a set of wheel assemblies by interleaving wheel assembly balancing procedures on a wheel balancer machine with an automated tire demount process carried out under direction of a control system of the tire changer without continuous operator input or supervision.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system configured to present an operator with an interactive visual display of vehicle service system components and a virtual model of the actual wheel assembly undergoing service. The interactive visual display includes representations of various parameters associated with the wheel assembly and vehicle service system and enables virtual manipulation of the positional relationship of components such as imbalance correction weights and the tire relative to the vehicle wheel rim, providing a visual representation of the resulting effects on the parameters of the vehicle wheel assembly, and enables viewing of various real-time operations from a safe location away from moving components, as well as visualization of operations prior to implementation.

Abstract: A tire changing machine including enhanced control features for automated operator of tire change procedures with operator oversight and ability to manually adjust machine operation when desired. Dead man control input, user interfaces and programs for implementing the interfaces, methods for completing tire bead seating, informational displays of wheel rim and tire information, coordinated tool positioning, and automated lubrication features are described.

Abstract: Tire changing machines including force and position sensors facilitating automated detection of wheel rim and tire features by a controller. Dimensional and location information for features of interest may be detected and recorded for use by the controller to perform tire change procedures. Positioning error and malfunctioning machine components, including feedback sensors, may also be detected in an automated manner.

Abstract: Automated tire changer machines, control systems and methods therefor utilize positive contact and contact force generation between wheel rims and bead breaker devices to break tire bead seals. The bead breaker devices may accordingly follow different geometries of wheel rims without prior knowledge or identification of the specific rim configuration by the machine.

Abstract: A tire changer machine includes a control system that monitors a rotational position of a sensitive feature associated with a wheel rim and tire during a tire change procedure. The system adjusts operation of the machine to avoid damaging the sensitive feature, which may be a valve stem or a wheel sensor such as a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor.

Abstract: Wheel alignment adjustment system includes sensing apparatus for sensing alignment characteristics of a vehicle to be aligned, a memory for storing alignment specifications for a plurality of vehicles, at least one manually operable input device, operable by a user, for selecting parameters of an installed alignment component, a logic circuit for determining, from sensed alignment characteristics, corresponding alignment specifications, and the installed alignment component parameters, an adjustment to improve the alignment characteristics, and a display for displaying to a user a representation of the determined adjustment. A method using the system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A brake lathe includes a set of rotor cutting bits and a drum cutting bit. Each bit has associated therewith an encoder for measuring the displacement of the bit. The displacements as measured by the encoder are used by a controller to digitally determine various parameters such as absolute thickness of a rotor being lathed, the depth of cut into the rotor, absolute internal diameter of a drum being lathed, and the depth of cut into the drum. The lathe includes a display for displaying the values of the parameters. The lathe includes a calibration mode for calibration of either the rotor cutting or the drum cutting function of the lathe as desired.