Abstract: Mechanic's recliner chair including a rectangular wheeled platform having a molded plastic chair form affixed thereto with the back reclined to an angle of approximately 44.degree. from horizontal, and a seat inclined to approximately 20.degree. from horizontal. The platform may include drawer means for containing tools, manuals, etc., and other facilities for holding ratchets, wrenches, etc.

Abstract: A wheel balancer comprises a main housing which supports a sub-housing. A main shaft to which a wheel to be balanced is coupled is rotatable in the sub-housing. The sub-housing is pivotally connected to the main housing by a pivot shaft which defines a horizontal main pivot axis extending transversely of the rotational axis of the main shaft. The sub-housing is pivotal from a horizontal position to a vertical position with the main shaft extending upwardly of the sub-housing to facilitate coupling of the wheel to the main shaft.

Abstract: A wheel balancer comprises apparatus for determining the radius of a rim of a hub of a wheel and for determining the distance of the inner and outer side walls of the hub from a reference plane. A framework which is pivotal downwardly over the wheel to be balanced carries a pair of ultrasonic transducers to determine distance of the sides of the wheel from the reference plane. A transducer monitors the position of the framework. The distances monitored by the ultrasonic transducers are stored in a microprocessor against the corresponding positions of the framework at intervals on movement of the framework. The ultrasonic transducers detect a large change in distance from the reference plane caused by the hub well periphery. The hub rim radius is computed from the well periphery radius, while the distances of the side wall from the reference plane is obtained by looking up the stored values of distances which corresponds with the appropriate position of the framework for the hub rim radius.

Abstract: An improved claw for use in a wheel alignment rim clamp is disclosed. The claw as a curved bladelike tip which allows it to grip the rim of wheels including mag type wheels even when there is minimal clearance between the rim and its associated tire. The claw has a tip with a curved inner surface preferably of gradually increasing radii of curvature, and a beveled portion opposite the inner surface. The claw is shaped such that when its associated clamp is tightened, the bladelike tip tends to engage the rim more securely and the claw orients itself to grip the rim of a wheel firmly without damage thereto.

Abstract: A connector for joining two strings in precise axial alignment including a first enlarged section having a bore with a recess for receiving a knotted connector string, a second reduced-diameter section having alignment surfaces, and a third section having clip ends. Two such connectors are clipped together by inverting one and placing its clip ends over the second section of the other connector. The connectors are preferably of unitary plastic design, such that the clip ends are substantially rigid, with some resilience to allow for clipping. The inner shape of the clip ends corresponds to the outer shape of the second sections, and may be circular, trapezoidal, or some other shape. Clip ends may be provided with elongated ends to assist in removing the connectors from one another. The connector is designed to clip coaxially to another connector, such that the two string lines are coaxial, thus avoiding lateral forces from being exerted by the string lines on the connectors when assembled.

Abstract: A machine and method for conveniently dynamically balancing heavy rotational members such as large vehicle wheels is disclosed. The machine employs a horizontal rotatable shaft that is movable vertically so as to align and engage the center of the member as it stands vertically in the ground. Thereafter the shaft is raised vertically until the member clears the ground and is rotatable for balancing. In preferred embodiments the balancing mechanism is manually powered and detachable from the machine's base for transport and the base is constructed with its vertical member angled so as to preload and stress the base by the weight of the member and eliminate play in the base. The machine offers portability and transport advantages.

Abstract: A system for dynamically balancing a wheel utilizes low speed (preferably 50 to 100 rmp) rotation of the wheel that can if desired be provided manually. In manual operation as the rotation is imparted to the wheel by an operator, the rotational speed of the wheel is measured, and an indicator notifies the operator when sufficient rotational speed has been imparted to the wheel to enable a balancing operation to be carried out. Thereafter the wheel is allowed to coast and decelerate until the sensed forces have adequately settled out, then the forces of imbalance transmitted by the rotatable shaft are measured. When the measurements are obtained, any detected imbalance of the wheel is displayed on a suitable indicator mechanism.

Abstract: A cycle wheel mounting fixture for a dynamic balancing machine includes a first cone that is axially slidable on the spindle of the balancer, with its apex facing towards the distal end of the spindle, to engage the inner surface of a cycle wheel hub. This cone is biased away from the flange by a spring interposed between the flange and the cone. One or more resilient pressure rings surround the spring and cone and bear against the spokes and hub of the wheel. An outer cone engages the outside of the wheel hub and centers the wheel on the spindle along with the inner cone. The bias provided to the inner cone allows it to engage the wheel with adequate supporting pressure but without exerting any damaging forces thereon. The resilient support provided by the pressure rings assures a firm mounting of the wheel on the spindle so that the two rotate in unison without any oscillation that could adversely affect the balance measurement.

Abstract: A machine and method for balancing wheels is disclosed whereby the wheel is affixed to and spun on a rotatable shaft to an initial velocity, the drive unit is decoupled and the forces of unbalance are measured during the first full revolution of the shaft after it reaches a predetermined measuring velocity. The initial velocity is selected as the lowest of a plurality of velocities which will yield a time from decoupling to measuring of unbalance of at least 2 seconds. Automatically activated drive and brake mechanisms are also disclosed as is a system of unbalance sensor arrangement having two movable sensors linked to one another at a fixed distance.