Rubber Tire Mounting And/or Demounting Apparatus Patents (Class 157/1.1)
- Three or more rim engaging elements (Class 157/1.36)
- Circumferentially divided engaging element type (Class 157/1.42)
- Two hand lever type (Class 157/1.43)
- Plural force-mechanisms (Class 157/1.44)
- Screw and nut actuated (Class 157/1.45)
- Sliding or rack actuated members (Class 157/1.46)
- Pivoted linkage movable in tire plane (Class 157/1.47)
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Patent number: 12030349Abstract: A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes a coupling neck configured to accept the pressurized gas from a pressurized tank, a choke point adapter connected to the coupling neck and a nozzle body configured with a nozzle output. Pressurized air introduced into the coupling neck pass through the nozzle and exits the nozzle output in a burst of the pressurized gas that is directed between the tubeless tire and the rim to inflate the tire. The choke point adapter has a chokepoint surface with a chokepoint angle of sufficient angle to aid in reducing the recoil of the tubeless tire seating device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2020Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: Gaither Tool Company, Inc.Inventors: Richard W. Brahler, Daniel W. Kunau
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Patent number: 11807051Abstract: The present invention relates generally to tire servicing operations and, more specifically, to an improved tire bead seating device. The bead seating device may include an inlet configured to receive pressurized air. The inlet may couple to two or more outlets extending outwardly from a shell of the device. Further, a leg may extend downwardly from each outlet and include a nozzle for directing a pressurized gas into a cavity of a tire. In particular, pressurized air may be delivered via the nozzles to force the tire bead onto the rim flange. Advantageously, the bead seating device may emit a high volume of air through each nozzle to accommodate for wheel assemblies of different diameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2023Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: Pro-Tote Systems, Inc.Inventor: James Gesto
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Patent number: 11492166Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of hub packaging technology, and specifically to an automatic hub labeling device and a production line. A conveying mechanism conveys a hub to a camera identification module to determine a hub model, a printer can print multiple models of bar code or two-dimensional code labels and can automatically print a bar code or two-dimensional code label according to the wheel model, and the bar code or two-dimensional code label can be automatically pasted to a specified position according to the wheel model, so that automatic identification of the wheel model, automatic printing of the label and automatic pasting of the label are achieved, personnel participation is reduced, the production efficiency is improved, and customer complaints are reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: CITIC Dicastal Co., Ltd.Inventors: Liang Huang, Fuwang Zhang, Honglei Liu, Bao Zhang, Qingbo Kong
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Patent number: 11472239Abstract: A robot tool has a chassis and a wheel servicing sub-system supported on the chassis, the wheel servicing sub-system having a sub-system interface part engageable with a wheel interface part, the wheel servicing sub-system interface part engagement with the wheel interface part permitting operation of the wheel servicing sub-system to service the wheel, and a control unit on the robot tool to control operation of the wheel servicing sub-system to effect said wheel servicing. The wheel servicing sub-system is one or more of a chassis sub-system, a tool support sub-system, a fastener detaching/attaching sub-system, a fastener storage sub-system, a jacking sub-system, a wheel gripper sub-system, a tire inspection sub-system, a tire pressure sub-system, and a wheel balancing sub-system.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Inventor: Hongcai Wen
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Patent number: 11298977Abstract: A robotic wheel gripper unit that is configured for gripping and transporting a wheel to a predetermined position during an assembly operation with a tire is disclosed. The robotic wheel gripper unit comprises a selectively moveable arm that includes a gripper tool connected thereto. The gripper tool further includes a plurality of gripper fingers and at least one sensor. The gripper fingers are configured for selectively engaging a portion of a wheel. The sensor is configured to detect a predetermined element on the wheel, such as a TPMS valve stem, to assist in placement of the wheel during an assembly operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: INTERNATIONAL WHEEL & TIRE COMPANYInventor: Kevin R. Kerwin
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Patent number: 10906364Abstract: The present invention concerns a machine for treating a tired wheel, for example a machine for assembly and/or disassembly of a tired wheel, as well as a method for treating a tired wheel, for example an assembly and/or disassembly method.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: BUTLER ENGINEERING AND MARKETING S.P.A.Inventors: Tullio Gonzaga, Cristiano Tarozzi
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Patent number: 10800215Abstract: A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes a coupling neck configured to accept the pressurized gas from a pressurized tank, a choke point adapter connected to the coupling neck and a nozzle body configured with a nozzle output. Pressurized air introduced into the coupling neck pass through the nozzle and exits the nozzle output in a burst of the pressurized gas that is directed between the tubeless tire and the rim to inflate the tire. The choke point adapter has a chokepoint surface with a chokepoint angle of sufficient angle to aid in reducing the recoil of the tubeless tire seating device.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2015Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Inventor: Daniel Kunau
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Patent number: 10766318Abstract: A tool, such as a tire lever, with a bead holder having a rounded head and a receiving area. In an embodiment, the tool has a first end that includes a tapered tip and a second end that is coupled to the bead holder. The receiving area of the bead holder fits over a flange of a rim such that the rounded head pushes a bead of a tire toward a drop center of the rim while using the flange as a fulcrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Snap-on IncorporatedInventor: Scott A Bendorf
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Patent number: 10620606Abstract: A method is presented for fitting a tyre onto a rim or removing a tyre from a rim in a tyre fitting machine using an appropriate tool. A wheel, a tyre/rim assembly, or the rim alone is caused to rotate about an axis of rotation, and at least one operating parameter of the tyre fitting machine is continuously monitored during the rotation to determine every actual value. Change in or gradient of such actual value is automatically monitored over time and each actual value found and/or the change in the value over time is compared with corresponding predetermined threshold values. The predetermined threshold values define a range of present values and/or change in values delimiting an accepted operating range for the tyre fitting machine, and the machine is controlled to maintain each measured present value and/or change therein over time within the range of corresponding predetermined threshold values.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT S.R.L.Inventor: Paolo Sotgiu
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Patent number: 10513158Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim. The method includes the steps of rotating the wheel (tyre/rim assembly) by an electric motor about an axis, checking the current consumption of the electric motor during the mounting and demounting operation, and continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation. The apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim comprises an electric motor for rotating the wheel (rim/tyre assembly) about an axis, a sensing device for sensing the motor current and transmitting corresponding signals to a control device and an adjustment controller for continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIOInventors: Paolo Sotgiu, Francesco Braghiroli
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Patent number: 10173482Abstract: The tire-changing machine (1) for trucks comprises a bearing frame (2), at least a work unit (3) associated with the frame (2), having at least a supporting element (4) for supporting a wheel which can be operated in rotation around a substantially horizontal first axis (5) and also having a balancing device (10) of the wheel, at least a tool (8) associated with the frame (2) for the removal of the wheel tire, at least one of the supporting element (4) and the tool (8) being mobile with respect to the other in the direction of reciprocal close/away movement and wherein the work unit (3) is connected mobile in rotation to the frame (2) around a second axis (12) of rotation, the supporting element (4) and the balancing device (10) rotating integrally to one another around the second axis (12).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2014Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: M&B Engineering S.R.L.Inventor: Franco Magnani
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Patent number: 10131326Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting and inflating tires is described that is suitable for quickly sealing the beads of a tire to the rim of a wheel. The present invention delivers a high volume of pressurized air to an interior of a tire through a nozzle. The apparatus of the invention is particularly well suited for tire changing machines and tire mounting subsystems. The apparatus includes a tire changing station, an air supply controller, and a nozzle capable of delivering a high volume of pressurized fluid into an interior of a tire through a valve stem hole of the wheel rim.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Inventor: Ken Davidson
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Patent number: 10052833Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire including forming a green case by cylindrically winding a tire component member which includes at least one layer of a carcass ply. The green tire is shaped by expanding the green case into a toroidal shape with the supply of a fluid into the green case so that the green case adheres to a tread ring arranged radially outside the green case. The green tire is subjected to vulcanization molding within a mold die. During the shaping of the green tire, the fluid is supplied in accordance with a pressure profile which changes in a stepwise manner. The pressure profile is set such that a former stage pressure which allows the green case to expand to 35% to 40% of a full expansion amount is set lower than a final stage pressure in a final stage.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: TOYO TIRE & RUBBER CO., LTD.Inventor: Kunihiko Nagai
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Patent number: 9989441Abstract: A tire holding apparatus is provided with a first support part for supporting a tire, a second support part for supporting the tire, and an air supply and removal part for supplying and removing air from the inside of the tire. The second support part has a protrusion that protrudes toward the first support part. The air supply and removal part has a first flow path for allowing air to flow, a second flow path for allowing air to flow from an opening formed at the leading end of the protrusion to the inside of the tire, and a collection part that is attached to the opening and collects foreign matter that has been mixed into the second flow path from the inside of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES MACHINERY SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Ueda, Makoto Tachibana
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Patent number: 9945760Abstract: A tire holding apparatus is provided with a first support part for supporting a tire, a second support part for supporting the tire, and an air supply and removal part for supplying and removing air from the inside of the tire. The second support part has a protrusion that protrudes toward the first support part. The air supply and removal part has a first flow path for allowing air to flow, a second flow path for allowing air to flow from an opening formed at the leading end of the protrusion to the inside of the tire, and a collection part that is attached to the opening and collects foreign matter that has been mixed into the second flow path from the inside of the tire.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES MACHINERY SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Tatsuya Ueda, Makoto Tachibana
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Patent number: 9914437Abstract: A manifold for inflating tubeless tires that efficiently directs pressurized air to a void between a tire bead and a rim edge. Manifold is fan shaped with a center face and angled side faces. Side faces have a first plurality of apertures at a predetermined centerline and the center face has a second plurality of apertures that are offset from the predetermined centerline. The offset second plurality of air flow apertures are directed to the widest void between the tire bead and rim edge while the first plurality of air flow apertures are directed to the narrow void on either side of the widest void. A two contact point stop or rest assembly is used to abut against two points on the rim edge to provide and maintain a predetermined distance between the center face and the widest void and to provide an optimum angle of the manifold for inflation.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 13, 2018Assignee: OCHOA ROADRUNNER PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Sandy Ochoa
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Patent number: 9707808Abstract: A tire removal tool for removing a tire from a dual wheel assembly has a handle having a gripping portion configured to be manually gripped, a head configured for introduction into the space between the wheels, and an intermediate portion connected between the handle and the head. The intermediate portion has a bent configuration so that the tool can extend over the outermost wheel with the head in contact with the inside of the wheel and the handle manually accessible at the outside of the wheel. The head includes an engagement surface arranged to simultaneously contact the sidewall of the innermost wheel to act as a fulcrum for transmitting an upward force applied to the handle to a force at the distal end of the head sufficient to dislodge the tire bead from the rim.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignees: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions Inc., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael White, Larry Betcher, James Gwilt
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Patent number: 9707810Abstract: A tired wheel comprising at least one base structure, at least one support arm connected to said at least one base structure so as to be angularly displaceable with respect thereto, actuation means for actuating the support arm designed to angularly displace the arm with respect to the at least one base structure, and a demounting tool connected to the support arm so as to be angularly displaceable with respect thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: BUTLER ENGINEERING AND MARKETING S.P.A.Inventors: Tullio Gonzaga, Silvano Santi
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Patent number: 9630595Abstract: A manifold for inflating tubeless tires that efficiently directs pressurized air to a void between a tire bead and a rim edge. Manifold is fan shaped with a center face and angled side faces. Side faces have a first plurality of apertures at a predetermined centerline and the center face has a second plurality of apertures that are offset from the predetermined centerline. The offset second plurality of air flow apertures are directed to the widest void between the tire bead and rim edge while the first plurality of air flow apertures are directed to the narrow void on either side of the widest void. A two contact point stop or rest assembly is used to abut against two points on the rim edge to provide and maintain a predetermined distance between the center face and the widest void and to provide an optimum angle of the manifold for inflation.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Inventor: Sandy Ochoa
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Patent number: 9630462Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire-wheel assembly including a tire and a wheel that removes entrapments between a bead seat of the wheel and bead of the tire is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire-wheel assembly exerciser having a tire-engaging portion. The tire-engaging portion includes at least one tire-engaging device that is adjustably-connected to a base portion. A system is disclosed. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Robert Reece, Barry A. Clark, David H. Larson, Ramsey Richard Niazy, Donald G. Straitiff, Lawrence J. Lawson, Joshua J. Hicks
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Patent number: 9352727Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire including a base and a tire inflation line coupled with a pressure sensor. An air blast assembly includes a blast line fluidly coupled to a blast nozzle located on the base and configured to receive and direct pressurized gas from the blast line when the blast nozzle is in an air blast position relative to a tire and wheel assembly supported on the base. A device controller can monitor the pressure of a tire and wheel assembly and sense whether an effective tire bead seal has been formed. The device controller can generate a blast signal when no seal has been formed. A gas flow controller coupled to the air blast assembly and the device controller can be responsive to the blast signal to cause a blast of pressurized gas to be released from the blast nozzle to create an effective tire bead seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.Inventor: John Story
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Patent number: 9126567Abstract: In a tire inflating device having a machine frame (2), a tire filling bell (4) arranged on the machine frame (2) and a supporting and sealing device (5) for sealing a filling chamber. The tire filling bell (4) is comprised of a filling plate (10) and a separate filling ring (11). A magazine (3) has a magazine rack (20) and magazine guides (21) lying in a plurality of parallel planes, each of said guides being able to hold a filling ring (11, 11?) mounted so that it can move. The magazine rack (20) and the filling plate (10) can be moved with respect to each other into a plurality of transfer positions in the direction of the axis of rotation. The magazine guide (21) in each case is connected to a filling plate guide (18) arranged on the filling plate (10) in said transfer positions. A filling ring (11) which is located in the magazine guide (21) arranged in the transfer position can be conveyed by a conveying device (40) into a filling plate guide and a centered position on the filling plate (10).Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbHInventors: Martin Rogalla, Mark Ortwein, Andreas Peinelt
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Patent number: 9102042Abstract: An 18 wheeler S-cam brake shoe tool system is a hand tool about 19½ inches in length having a U-shaped fork on one end and an S-offset on the other end. The length of the bar provides a user sufficient leverage as the bar is used to pry against a fulcrum point. The fork at the distal end of the tool and the S-offset at the proximate end are both integral with the bar. The U-shaped fork is used for positively gripping a brake spring while using the rod to pry against a fulcrum point to stretch the spring. The S-offset has a cylindrical end about ½ inch in diameter which inserts into an orifice on the frame of a brake shoe to positively grip the shoe, while using the rod to pry against the stationary S-cam to reposition the joined first and second brake shoes during removal or reinstallation.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Inventor: Jimmy Broyles
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Patent number: 9033306Abstract: A pneumatically operated gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston may seat against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir may be formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Means for filling the control reservoir with gas to a control pressure may be provided so that the control pressure acting against the piston may close the gas valve. A release valve may be opened to allow the gas in the control reservoir to escape through an exhaust port to open the gas valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: Gaither Tool Company, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Kunau
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Publication number: 20150090407Abstract: A wheel for vehicles includes: a rim and a tyre mounted on the rim and inflated to an operating pressure; axial end portions of a tread band of the tyre radially spaced apart the same distance from a rotation axis of the wheel and a median circumferential line of the tread band axially shifted by a predetermined distance relative to a mid-line plane of the wheel; the wheel mounted on a car with a camber angle substantially zero and with the median circumferential line shifted toward the outside of the car relative to the mid-line plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Inventor: Piero Losi
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Patent number: 8985178Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Hunter Engineering CompanyInventors: Micah N. Vaninger, Douglas S. Hanneken, Charlie Polster, Joel Clasquin, Steven K. Molbach
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Patent number: 8978968Abstract: A tire sorting apparatus for reliably reading information from a tire identifier, such as a barcode, formed on the surface of a tire without damaging the tire. Placed under a tire mounting table is a tire grip means which has three grip arms arranged circularly in a plane perpendicular to the tire center axis and link mechanisms for spreading the grip arms. Placed above the mounting table is a barcode reader rotating means for rotating a barcode reader held by a barcode reader holding means. The rotation axis of the barcode reader is aligned with the center of the circle formed by the grip arms of the tire grip means.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Bridgestone CorporationInventor: Yohei Takahashi
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Patent number: 8973639Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tire support member including a first tire support member, a second tire support member and a third tire support member. Each of the first, second and third tire support members include an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes a plurality of tire engaging devices including a first tire tread engaging post and a second tire tread engaging post. A method for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire wheel assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece, Joshua J. Hicks, Barry A. Clark
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Patent number: 8967223Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a current fed to an electric motor during an operation to mount a tire on a rim of a wheel including the tire and the rim, or to demount the tire from the rim. The wheel is rotated by an electric motor about an axis, and the motor current fed to the electric motor is controlled dependent on the rotational speed and torque required for the mounting and/or demounting operation. The motor current is automatically changed to cause the electric motor to apply a high torque peak to rotate the wheel, when the motor current is measured to be greater than a preset limit at a low rotational speed during a preset time. Furthermore, the invention relates to an apparatus for mounting a tire on a rim or demounting the tire from the rim.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Snap-On Equipment SRL A Unico SocioInventors: Francesco Braghiroli, Norberto Castagnoli
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Publication number: 20140360677Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a processing station for processing at least one of a tire and a wheel prior to joining the tire and the wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly. The processing station includes one of a tire lubricating sub-station and a wheel lubricating sub-station. A lubrication conditioning system is fluidly-coupled to the processing station. The lubrication conditioning system includes: a lubricant reservoir, a lubricant temperature modifier arranged at least proximate to the lubricant reservoir, a lubricant temperature sensor arranged within a cavity formed by the lubricant reservoir and a controller communicatively-coupled to both of the lubricant temperature modifier and the lubricant temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2014Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventors: Donald G. Straitiff, Barry A. Clark, Lawrence J. Lawson, Joshua J. Hicks, Robert Reece, David H. Larson
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Publication number: 20140311681Abstract: Various embodiments of an ultrasonic tire mounting machine and system are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2013Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: BRIDGESTONE AMERICAS TIRE OPERATIONS, LLCInventor: Robert W. Asper
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Publication number: 20140283590Abstract: A tyre changer, comprising: a mounting device for receiving at least a wheel rim of a wheel/tyre assembly, the mounting device having an axis (S), a load belt apparatus being able to contact a peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and to apply a predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly, a control device for controlling the predetermined force applied by the load belt apparatus during a rotation of the wheel/tyre assembly about the axis (S) of the mounting device and a sensor device for measuring force variations acting between the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly and the load belt apparatus, wherein supports of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device are designed for a relative movement of the load belt apparatus and of the mounting device towards each other to apply the predetermined force to the peripheral surface of the wheel/tyre assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2013Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIOInventor: Paolo SOTGIU
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Publication number: 20140238569Abstract: Tire with a maximum axial width SW and axial width RW at the beads, comprising a crown reinforcement of width TW and a radial carcass reinforcement, in which tire, when it is fitted onto its mounting rim and inflated to its service pressure and equilibrium, the following conditions are satisfied: TW/SW?75%, TW/RW?85% and X/SH?50%, where X is the radial height at which the tire has its maximum axial width and SH denotes the radial height of the tire; Y/SH?80%, where Y is the radial height of the carcass reinforcement at the end of the crown reinforcement; and Z/SH?90%, where Z denotes the radial height of the carcass reinforcement, and in which the absolute value of the angle ? between the tangent to the carcass reinforcement at the points of the carcass reinforcement having the same axial positions as the axial ends of the crown reinforcement and the axial direction is less than or equal to 22°.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventor: Hervé Ferigo
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Publication number: 20140209251Abstract: A method of preparing a tire for mounting includes providing a tire having a central axis and at least two bead portions, including a first bead portion and a second bead portion. The method also includes providing a plurality of members and moving the plurality of members outward until each of the plurality of members engages the first bead portion of the tire and causes the first bead portion to deflect outwards at a plurality of locations. The method further includes rotating at least one of the tire and the plurality of members about the central axis of the tire while the plurality of members engages the first bead portion of the tire.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLCInventors: Neel K. Mani, John L. Turner
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Patent number: 8776858Abstract: An apparatus (1) for mounting and removing a tire (2) on and from a respective rim (3) comprises: a movement element (9) for moving a bead (2a) of the tire (2) in order to insert/remove the bead (2a) into/from a respective groove in the rim (3); means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3), designed to rotationally drive the rim about its longitudinal axis; characterized in that the means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3) comprise a sensor (252) for measuring the mechanical strain applied to the supporting and movement means (4) as a result of the mechanical stress on the bead (2a) of the tire (2) during mounting/removal of the latter on/from the rim (3).Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.Inventor: Giulio Corghi
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Patent number: 8770236Abstract: An inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The inflator apparatus includes a support structure; an interface portion rotatably-attached to the support structure, wherein the interface portion includes a plurality of inflator heads, wherein each inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads includes a fluid inlet; a plunger portion movably-connected to the support structure, wherein the plunger portion is movably-connected to the support structure to permit selectively coupling of the plunger portion with one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads; and a fluid conduit connected to the plunger portion, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connectable with the fluid inlet of the one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads. A system for processing more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed. A method for utilizing an inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Robert Reece, John Donnay, David Henry Larson, Patrick W. Zoller, Lawrence J. Lawson
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Patent number: 8757218Abstract: A tire inflation system comprising a tire inflation apparatus having an inflation head, a pressurized gas source, and a controller, with the inflation head being positioned at a tire and wheel assembly inflation location at which a tire and wheel assembly is received to inflate the tire and wheel assembly. The tire and wheel assembly includes a tire pressure monitoring (TPM) valve stem that detects and transmits inflation pressure data of the tire and wheel assembly. The inflation head defines a tire inflation cavity that seals with the tire of the tire and wheel assembly when engaged with the inflation head. Pressurized gas is delivered from the pressurized gas source through an outlet in the tire inflation cavity for inflation of the tire and wheel assembly. The controller receives inflation pressure data from the TPM valve stem and controls operation of the tire inflation apparatus in response thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Burke E. Porter Machinery CompanyInventors: Mark S. Hoenke, Timothy J. Leep
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Patent number: 8752604Abstract: A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Gaither Tool Company, Inc.Inventor: Daniel Kunau
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Patent number: 8733419Abstract: A tool for filling a tire with a gas is provided. The tool includes: an air chuck; a shaft connected to the air chuck; a rim hook connected to the shaft; and a spring located between the shaft and the rim hook. A method of filling a tire is also provided. The method may include: connecting an air chuck to a valve stem; attaching a hook and spring assembly attached to the air chuck to a rim associated with the tire to be filled; and flowing a fluid through, the air chuck and into the valve stem.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Bosch Automotive Service Solutions LLCInventor: Michael R. White
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Patent number: 8720522Abstract: A motorcycle wheel changing tool is presented that utilizes a rolling carriage that immobilizes the front or back wheel utilizing flat steel swing arms and a tension spring that holds the wheel in place with a knockout retaining rod through the wheel. The entire unit can be rolled and/or lifted in place to work in conjunction with a motorcycle stand. There is a folding handle that expands or contracts to accommodate different size tire/wheel widths and can pull the unit. The rolling wheels can be raised or lowered for different motorcycles depending on the height of the bike in relation to the wheel stand. Additionally, four large eye hooks can be raised or lowered to secure the wheel. Two threaded rods are utilized that secure both angle ends in place to secure the unit so that it is perpendicular to the wheel and keeps the unit from flexing.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2011Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Inventor: Sam Combs
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Publication number: 20140116629Abstract: A wheel servicing machine includes an inflation apparatus for sealing or seating a tire bead on a wheel rim. The inflation apparatus includes a nozzle with an orifice operable to emit a jet of compressed gas toward the interface of the tire bead and wheel rim when the wheel rim is mounted on a wheel holder. The nozzle is positioned such that the jet of compressed gas may interchangeably engage the tire and wheel rim interfaces on different-sized wheel and tire combinations when placed on the wheel holder, without repositioning the nozzle. The nozzle may be used with two or more different-sized wheel rim and tire combinations without changing the nozzle location. The wheel servicing machine may also include a tire changing machine, and the nozzle may be fixed to a base on the tire changing machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2013Publication date: May 1, 2014Inventor: John Story
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Patent number: 8701717Abstract: A sealing tube is wrapped around the rim and inflated such as to seal the gap between tire and rim if the seal between the tire bead and rim has lost its integrity. After this, the tire can be inflated to specified pressure at a slow rate using a portable compressor. The repair can be done at roadside on any vehicle using inflatable tires usually without demounting the wheel or even jacking up the defective wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2013Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Inventor: Patrick Clancy
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Patent number: 8701736Abstract: An inflation work station for inflating a tire-wheel assembly including a tire mounted to a wheel is disclosed. The inflation work station includes an inflation probe including a female portion and a male portion. The inflation work station further includes a movement actuator connected to a controller and the inflation probe. The movement actuator imparts movement to the male portion of the inflation probe to result in the online/offline orientation of the at least one inflation probe. The inflation workstation includes a pressurized fluid source connected to the inflation probe by way of a valve to permit or deny communication of a pressurized fluid through the inflation probe to a cavity formed by the tire-wheel assembly for inflating the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, Robert Reece
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Patent number: 8656767Abstract: A tire work station and system for selectively holding a tire having work performed thereon in a side orientation or a front orientation. The tire work station comprises a work platform mounted to a vertically adjustable pedestal having a first support system and a second support system. The first support system comprising a pair of tread rollers inclined at a first inclined angle A1 and further forming a second angle A2 with a pair of sidewall rollers. The sidewall rollers spaced apart to define a passageway for the tire in its front orientation. The second support system mounted between the pair of tread rollers, comprising a tread support surface at a first distance from a top surface of the work platform lower than a support surface of the pair of tread rollers at a second distance from the top surface of the work platform.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.Inventors: Adib T. Chebli, Metodi L. Ikonomov
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Publication number: 20140034248Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for dismounting a tired wheel having a wheel rim (W) and a tire (T) mounted on the wheel rim (W), comprising: a support member (2), a bill or lever-shaped dismounting tool (4) having one end (4a) thereof articulated to the support member (2), and the other work end (4b) thereof substantially hook-shaped, and holding means for holding the tool (4) in an engagement and extraction position, the holding means comprising an elastically loaded pin (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventors: Tullio GONZAGA, Silvano SANTI
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Publication number: 20130340948Abstract: A tire spoon holder is provided. The tire spoon holder may include: a first and second handle; a first and second jaw, each jaw connected to at least one of the handles wherein the jaws are configured to come together when the handles are moved toward each other; and a loop attached to at least one jaw or handle. A method of attaching a tire spoon to a wheel rim may be provided. The method may include: attaching a tire spoon holder to a wheel rim; slipping a tire spoon through a loop in the tire spoon holder; and inserting a flat portion of the tire spoon between a tire and the wheel rim.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2012Publication date: December 26, 2013Applicant: SPX CorporationInventor: Michael WHITE
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Patent number: 8567453Abstract: An apparatus for processing an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly for forming an inflated tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm forming a pair of robotic arms; an assembling end effecter attached to the first robotic arm; and an inflating end effecter attached to the second robotic arm, wherein the assembling end effecter is indirectly interfaceable with the inflating end effecter by way of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly. One or more methods are also disclosed. One or more components are also disclosed. One or more systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Android Industries LLCInventors: John Donnay, Gregory J. Masserang, James Thomas-Charles Krom, Patrick W. Zoller, Joshua James Hicks, David Henry Larson
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Publication number: 20130276993Abstract: A winch powered tire bead breaker has a static support arm for temporarily mounting the bead breaker to a vehicle mountable winch and bracing there against. The bead breaker further has a moveable arm that is pivotally connected to the static support arm which is moveable relative to the static support arm. A working end of the winch can be releasably secured to the moveable arm and the winch actuated for moving the moveable arm from an open position to its closed position. The sidewalls of a wheel mounted tire, positioned between the moveable and static support arms, are squeezed as the moveable arm is actuated into its closed position for breaking a tire bead.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventor: Mark GALLUP
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Publication number: 20130269880Abstract: A removal tool (10) for a tyre removing machine (1), for taking off a tyre (7) from a respective wheel rim (6), comprises an elongate body (12) having a first end (12a) which is connectable to a supporting arm (3) and a second, hook-shaped end (12b) for grasping a bead (14) of the tyre (7); the second end (12b) of the tool (10) has a fingernail shaped member (13) which is movable from a first operating configuration, where it projects in cantilever fashion from the body (12) to define the hooked shape, to a second operating configuration, where it is tucked in a lateral zone of the body (12), to give the tool (10) a hookless shape, and vice versa.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.Inventor: GIULIO CORGHI
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Publication number: 20130240154Abstract: A tire bead breaker, used when mounted on a winch which is mounted on an ATV, to squeeze a tire seated on a rim, said winch having a hook ended cable extending between two vertical rollers carried on a winch frame, comprising: an inner and an outer arm, each arm having a one end portion pivoted to the other arm, and an opposite end portion carrying one of two opposing wheel jaws; wherein the inner arm has a central portion adapted to seat against the vertical rollers on a front portion of the winch, and a winch attachment means to hang and maintain the tire bead breaker in an operable position in front of the winch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2012Publication date: September 19, 2013Inventors: Mark G. Gallup, Gordon L. Gallup