Abstract: A bead breaking unit for tire changing machines includes an arm having a bead breaking tool and associated rotatable with a supporting structure between an away position, wherein the tool is spaced out from the supporting structure, and a work position, wherein the tool is near the supporting structure, an actuator apparatus having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, a dragging device for dragging the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to bring the arm to the work position, a coupling device between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from the retracted to the extracted position to bring the arm from the work position to the away position, and a selection device associated with, and suitable for operating/disconnecting the coupling device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Tire changing machines with automated positioning and closed loop control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain and control operation of the bead pressing devices during tire mount and de-mount procedures. Methodology is also disclosed.

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: An apparatus and method to seat a tire on a rim are described. Protrusions and a handle on the apparatus allow a user to brace the protrusions against the rim to prevent blow back when air is vented into the gap between the tire and the rim to seat the tire bead. The air is vented through a plurality of holes in the apparatus and the flow of the air into the apparatus is controlled by positioning a bridge handle of a flow control valve situated between the apparatus and a tank of air.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A working tool orienting device in a tire demounting machine includes a base which supports a rotary apparatus, rotating about an axis of rotation and designed to bear and lock wheel rims thereon; a column rising from the base and having an end secured to the base and an end opposite thereto facing upward; a moving arm, which is moved between positions close to and away from the rotary apparatus; a support arrangement for supporting working tools, which is coupled with the upward facing end, and joint means interposed between the support arrangement and the upward facing end, which are configured to make the support arrangement movable relative to the arm.

Abstract: A tire bead seating apparatus for seating tire beads on a vehicle wheel, the apparatus comprising: (a) a repositionable arm operatively coupled to a rotatable drum, the repositionable arm directing the rotatable drum into selective engagement with an inflated tire mounted to a vehicle wheel, the rotatable drum operative to rotate when engaging the inflated tire to rotate the inflated tire and the vehicle wheel; (b) a first set of rollers selectively contacting a first peripheral surface of the inflated tire, the first peripheral surface bridging between a first sidewall and a treaded surface of the inflated tire; (c) a first set of rollers selectively contacting a second peripheral surface of the inflated tire, the second peripheral surface bridging between a second sidewall and the treaded surface of the inflated tire, the first sidewall being generally opposite the second sidewall; (d) a first bead roller selectively contacting the first sidewall proximate a first bead of the inflated tire; and, (e) a secon

Abstract: A fluid-dynamic circuit includes a source of a pressurized fluid; a distributor valve for distributing the pressurized fluid to transport lines; a feeding line for feeding the pressurized fluid, which is interposed between the source and the valve; a main user apparatus, which is reciprocatingly operated by an actuator that includes a slider sealably fitted in a sliding seat of a containing element divided thereby into a first chamber and a second chamber in opposite positions and having variable volumes; and second and third transport lines for the pressurized fluid, which are interposed between the distributor valve and the first and second chamber respectively, a first derived transport line being interposed between the valve and at least one of the second and third transport lines, and having a normally closed quick discharge device mounted thereto, whose opening is designed to be controlled by the actuator.

Abstract: An article handling apparatus comprising a handling frame comprising a plurality of arm members adapted to grip the article, at least one of the plurality of arm members being of variable length. There is also disclosed means for dismounting a tyre from a wheel, the means comprising a housing and a pad, the housing being adapted to be releasably attached to gripping means and the pad adapted to break the bead of the tyre to facilitate removal of the tyre from the wheel.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting or dismounting a vehicle tire on a wheel rim, the wheel rim or the wheel being supported on a mounting table and a pressing-down device being provided for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim. A movement of the pressing-down device is essentially parallel to the wheel axis for sliding the vehicle tire on the wheel rim or pulling off the vehicle tire from the wheel rim.

Abstract: Apparatus including a wheel balancing device and a tire changing device, comprising a spindle shaft for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel or rim, unbalance measuring means operatively connected to the spindle shaft and having a spatial unbalance measuring area in which unbalance forces of the wheel or rim are detected, tire changer tools for assembling a tire onto a rim, spindle supporting means supporting the spindle shaft in a force acting range in which forces are created between the tire changer tools and the tire during the assembling or disassembling of the tire, tool supporting means supporting the tire changer tools within the force acting range which is arranged outside of the spatial unbalance measuring area, and drive means driving the spindle shaft with a rotational speed and torque adapted for assembling and disassembling the tire or for measuring unbalance forces of the wheel or rim.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to receive a tire having at least two bead portions, including a first bead portion and a second bead portion. The apparatus includes a plurality of members configured to engage the first bead portion of the tire, at least one expander configured to move the plurality of members outward, and a rotating device configured to rotate the plurality of members about an axis of the tire.

Abstract: A device for changing the rotational angle position of a pneumatic tire relative to a rim, on which the pneumatic tire is fitted to the rim, includes a manipulating device with a gripper adapted to be rotated by a positionable rotary drive mechanism and having radially adjustable gripper fingers with oppositely facing lift-off devices. Via the gripper it is possible to load a wheel into a clamping fixture, and following unseating of the tire beads from the clamped rim the pneumatic tire can be rotated relative to the rim through a computed angular difference.

Abstract: A pneumatic connector is provided. The pneumatic connector includes: a body having two ends; a first connecting structure at one end of the body; a second connecting structure at the other end of the body, wherein the first and second connecting structures are substantially in line with each other; and a third connecting structure located in between the first and second connecting structures at an angle that is not in line with the first and second connecting structures, wherein the first second and third connecting structures are fluidly connected to an interior of the body, wherein the first, second and third connecting structures are adapted to permit substantially leak free connections between pneumatic components. A method of creating an accessory connection for a bead seater is provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a body structure having a proximal inlet tube and a distal outlet tube separated by a valve cylinder portion, a flow control valve situated in the valve cylinder portion, the flow control valve including a valve plug and an actuator shaft, and an actuation control pivotally mounted to the body structure, wherein rotational movement of the actuation control exerts an axial force against the actuator shaft to move the valve plug through the valve cylinder portion and open fluid communication between the proximal inlet tube and the distal outlet tube. A bead seating system includes means for establishing fluid communication between a container of pressurized fluid and a valve assembly, means for transferring rotational movement of a actuation control pivotally mounted on the valve assembly into an axial force, means for establishing fluid communication between the container and a bead seating tool via the valve assembly.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: A tire changing tool head, or a mount/demount head for a tire changing machine, includes a head body and a tongue member. The tongue member is pivotally attached to the head body at a pivoting joint. The tongue member includes a tongue shoulder and a tongue blade for engaging a tire bead during tire installation. The tongue member includes a non-metal material, such as a polymer, for preventing wheel rim damage in some embodiments. The head body includes a bead lifter tool protruding therefrom. In some embodiments, the head body and bead lifter tool include a metal material.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a tire inflating station for inflating a tubeless tire arranged on a rim with a pressurized gas, arranged on a stand are a conveyor for receiving and conveying a wheel consisting of a wheel rim and a tire mounted on the wheel rim, and an inflation device above the conveyor and having an inflation opening which can be connected to a gas supply. The lower side of the inflation device has a carrier plate that is mounted to move backwards and forwards along an axis between at least two positions in a straight-line mechanism. There are inflation rings attached in tandem in a gas-tight manner to the lower side of a carrier plate. Inside the inflation rings, the carrier plate has a respective continuous opening. In each of the different working positions of the carrier plate, another of the continuous openings is connected to the inflation opening of the inflation device, which inflation opening is arranged on the upper side of the carrier plate.

Abstract: Tire changing machines having force feedback and position control systems are described that may be used to control operation of one or more components of the machine during a tire change procedure. Information may be provided to a machine operator concerning detected operating conditions during the procedure. Excessive or abnormal forces or component positions can be detected and corrective action may be taken at any point in the tire change procedure. Successful component position profiles may be saved for future recall and execution by the machine.

Abstract: A tire bead breaking tool is provided. The tire bead breaking tool may include a handle portion and a breaker portion. The breaker portion may include a joint portion configured to couple to the handle portion, a curved portion configured to handle external impacts from a plurality of angles and a chisel portion configured to be driven between a tire and a wheel in order to break a tire bead.

Abstract: The invention concerns vehicle wheel service machines, in particular automatic tire changers, having a wheel or rim mounting device (2) which is mounted rotatably about an axis (11) and to which a wheel (1) is to be fixed. The vehicle wheel service machine comprises first and second detectors (6, 7) and a controller to detect the rotational speeds of the rim mounting device (2) and the wheel (1) respectively. Furthermore, a method for controlling the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) is provided. If the detected rotational speeds are different, slipping is determined and eliminated by approximating the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) to that of the wheel (1). A rim mounting device (2) can comprise a rim mounting plate (23) having a rim support surface (24) with a high-friction lining adapted to increase friction between the rim mounting plate (23) and the wheel (1).

Abstract: A swing arm style tire changer includes a base (1), a workbench (2), an upright stem (12), a swing arm (10) and a dismounting head (14). The swing arm (10) is attached to the upright stem (12) and is capable of rotating horizontally. The swing arm style tire changer also includes a first helper arm (11) connected to the swing arm (10); under said first helper arm (11) and connected thereto is a tire-pressing wheel (15) that may be moved vertically upwards and downwards. The first helper arm (11) is attached to the swing arm (10) and is capable of rotating horizontally, and a pneumatic cylinder (8) is arranged on said first helper arm (11). The swing arm style tire changer also includes a second helper arm (7).

Abstract: Machine for fitting and removing a tire (1) from a rim (2) of a wheel (3). The machine comprises a frame (10), a rotating table (11) in order to attach the wheel thereto by its rim and to rotate the rim about its axis (Y), and a tool (12) for fitting and/or removing the tire from the rim. The tool (12) is connected to the frame (10) by means of a movable structure (20) capable of moving the tool (12) horizontally and vertically to its working position situated close to the proximal edge (4) of the rim (2) when the wheel (3) is mounted on the rotating table (11). The movable structure (20) comprises four arms (A, B, C, D) connected together in twos by means of four pivots (p, q, r, s) the axes (X1, X2, X3, X4) of which are parallel with one another. One of the arms (A) is secured to the frame (10) and the tool (12) is connected to one of the other arms (B, C, D).

Abstract: A tire demounting machine includes a base; a support unit for supporting wheels on a rest plane, and rotatable about a first axis of rotation, which is supported on the base and is equipped with lock and release devices for the wheels supported thereon; a work-tool supporting column which extends from the base (2) and has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first axis of rotation, a first support element for supporting at least three work-tools on the rest plane being mounted slidably along the longitudinal axis and towards or from the support unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An operating head for removing and fitting vehicle wheel tyres includes a supporting structure associable with a tyre-changing machine, a reference element associated with the structure and positionable near a section of the edge of the rim of a wheel fixed on the machine, during the removal operation of a tyre from the rim, a removal tool having a free extremity substantially hook-shaped, associated with the structure and movable between a fastening position, wherein the tool extends from the structure beyond the reference element to fit between the rim edge and the tyre and position the free extremity below the tyre bead, and an extraction position, wherein the free extremity is arranged in correspondence to the reference element to extract the tyre bead above the rim edge, and a device for positioning the tool in a disengagement position, wherein the tool is moved away with respect to the reference element.

Abstract: The blocking device of a wheel rim on a tire-mounting machine is provided with a rotating support plate having a central hole, and includes a stem for engaging with the rotating support plate, and a cursor which is slidable on the stem and which includes a conical centring body and a device for activating for moving the cursor along the stem. The device for activating includes a mechanical transmission between a collar and a motor and the coupling between the cursor and the stem is such as to prevent rotation of the cursor about the stem.

Abstract: A tire seating apparatus has an air chamber with a sealing edge. A compression device is capable of reciprocating through the air chamber, a wheel, and a tire to seat the tire on the wheel. The air chamber receives the wheel's distal flange and the sealing edge receives the tire's distal surface. The compression device is operable to resiliently compress the wheel's proximal flange against the tire and seat the tire's proximal bead in the proximal flange and to compress the tire against the sealing edge to seal the air chamber. The compression device controls wheel and tire movement away from the air chamber as the air chamber and tire are filled with compressed air through the wheel to seat the tire's distal bead in the wheel's distal flange.

Abstract: A centering system for centering the inner and outer wheels of a dual wheel assembly on a hub includes at least three centering sets. Each centering set has an inner sleeve and a separate outer sleeve. Each inner sleeve fits between a wheel stud on the hub and a bolt hole in the inner wheel to center the inner wheel. Each outer sleeve fits between the wheel stud and a bolt hole in the outer wheel to center the outer wheel. The inner sleeves can also include a section that fits between the wheel stud on the hub and a bolt hole in the brake drum to center the brake drum.

Abstract: The unit for beading tires in tire changing machines or the like includes a bearing structure associable with a tire changing machine or the like, a supporting element associated with the bearing structure and moving with respect to the rim of a wheel mounted on the tire changing machine, a first actuator arrangement for moving the supporting element on the bearing structure, a beading tool associated with a free extremity of the supporting element, and a second actuator arrangement and a transformation arrangement for transforming the movement generated by the second actuator arrangement in the translation movement of the beading tool along a substantially curvilinear trajectory between a first extreme position, in which the beading tool is substantially retracted with respect to the rim, and a second extreme position, in which the beading tool is substantially closer with respect to the rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a tire and a wheel for forming a tire-wheel assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one linear mounter sub-station that couples the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. The apparatus also includes a transporting device that transports one of the wheel and the tire along a linear path that traverses the at least one linear mounter sub-station. The component of the at least one linear mounter sub-station resists, but does not prevent, movement of one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel along the linear path in order to spatially manipulate one of the tire and the wheel relative the other of the tire and the wheel in order to at least partially couple the tire with the wheel for forming the tire-wheel assembly. A method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The bead breaking unit for tire changing machines includes an arm having a first extremity associated turnable with a support structure and a second extremity having a bead breaking tool, the arm being suitable for oscillating between an away position, wherein the bead breaking tool is positioned substantially at a distance from the support structure, and a work position, wherein the bead breaking tool is positioned substantially close to the support structure, at least an actuator device having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, at least a drive element for driving the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during the movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to move the arm towards the work position and an apparatus of temporary coupling between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during the movement of the mobile element from the retracted position to the extracted position to move the arm from the work po

Abstract: A clamping attachment for assisting in securing a small tire rim to a tire-mounting machine having a plurality of clamping members is provided. The clamping attaching includes a first portion having a lip and a recess for providing clamping forces to a tire rim. The attachment also includes second and third portions for aiding in attaching the attachment to existing clamping members of a tire-mounting machine. The clamping attachments are used with tires having smaller diameters than what the tire-mounting machines are capable of securing to the tabletop under normal operating conditions. The attachments are configured to be quickly added to the machines to provide for securing the rims to the machine in order to add or remove a tire from the rim.

Abstract: Tire changing machines with automated positioning and control of bead pressing devices are described to maintain a tire bead in a desired location on the wheel rim during tire mount and de-mount procedures utilizing a tire bead locating tool. Sequenced motion of the bead pressing devices are also described that ensure optimal tire change operations. Methodology is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for lifting the bottom side wall (7b) of the tire (7) in a tire removing machine comprises a frame (10), an arm (16) rotatably associated with the frame (10) at a first end of it (16a) to rotate between an angular rest position and an angular working position. A supporting element (18) is connected to a second end (16b) of the arm (16) to support a bottom side wall (7b) of a tire (7) when the arm (16) is in the working position. The device also comprises an arm (16) rotation stop member (20) operatively positioned between the arm (16) and the frame (10) and able to be activated to prevent the arm (16) from turning relative to the frame (10) at least at the angular working position.

Abstract: A tire bead locking tool is provided. The tool may include a body; a first jaw connected to the body; a second jaw pivotally connected to the body and located to oppose the first jaw; a locking mechanism configured to selectively lock the first and second jaws in a relative position with respect to each other; and a resilient member attached to one of the first and second jaws and located between the first and second jaws. A method of manufacturing may also be provide. The method may include: forming a body; forming a pair of jaws on the body wherein at least one of the jaws pivots with respect to the body; attaching a resilient member to at least one of the jaws; and forming a locking mechanism that can selectively lock the jaws in a position; and extending a handle further from the jaws than the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns vehicle wheel service machines, in particular automatic tyre changers, having a wheel or rim mounting device (2) which is mounted rotatably about an axis (11) and to which a wheel (1) is to be fixed. The vehicle wheel service machine comprises first and second detectors (6, 7) and a controller to detect the rotational speeds of the rim mounting device (2) and the wheel (1) respectively. Furthermore, a method for controlling the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) is provided. If the detected rotational speeds are different, slipping is determined and eliminated by approximating the rotational speed of the rim mounting device (2) to that of the wheel (1). A rim mounting device (2) can comprise a rim mounting plate (23) having a rim support surface (24) with a high-friction lining adapted to increase friction between the rim mounting plate (23) and the wheel (1).

Abstract: A handling device for a resistant load includes a guide track (2) or a plurality of parallel guide tracks, a pair of slides or carriages (10a, 10b) slidingly mounted on a guide track (2) or a respective guide track, removable locking means (6a, 6b) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and designed to keep in position its respective slide or carriage along the respective guide track (2), a linear actuator means (3) associated with each slide or carriage (10a, 10b) and having at least one first component (4) and at least one second component (5a) which can be displaced, upon control, one with respect to the other parallely to the guide track (2) or plurality of parallel guide tracks, the at least one first component (4) being displaceable together with a slide or carriage (10a) of the pair, and the at least one second component (5a) being displaceable together with the other slide or carriage (10b) of the pair, engagement means (7a, 7b) for a resistant load displaceable together with the linear act

Abstract: A bead breaking unit for tyre changing machines includes an arm having a bead breaking tool and associated rotatable with a supporting structure between an away position, wherein the tool is spaced out from the supporting structure, and a work position, wherein the tool is near the supporting structure, an actuator apparatus having a mobile element associated sliding with the arm, a dragging device for dragging the arm, associated with the mobile element and suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from an extracted position to a retracted position to bring the arm to the work position, a coupling device between the mobile element and the arm, suitable for operating during movement of the mobile element from the retracted to the extracted position to bring the arm from the work position to the away position, and a selection device associated with, and suitable for operating/disconnecting the coupling device.

Abstract: The apparatus for angular positioning of an operating arm of a tire changing machine, said arm comprising: a first proximal end hinged to a column elevating from the base of a tire changing machine such as to swing in a swinging plane in a first direction of rotation toward a work position or in an opposite direction of rotation toward a rest position; an opposite distal end having a support element for supporting work tools associated therewith; and adjustable lock means for locking rotation in said first direction of rotation, said apparatus comprising second lock means for locking rotation of said operating arm in said second direction of rotation, opposite to said first direction of rotation.

Abstract: The bead breaking unit (1) for tyre changing machines (A) includes one arm (2) associated rotatable with a supporting structure (3), a bead breaking tool (4) associated with the arm (2) and a movement apparatus (5) associated with the arm (2) and suitable for moving the arm (2) from a disengagement position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is substantially moved away from the tyre (B) of a wheel (D) to undergo bead breaking, to an operating position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is engaged on the tyre (B). The arm (2) includes an adjustment apparatus (9) for adjusting the position of the bead breaking tool (4) along a near/away direction to/from the wheel (D), suitable for adjusting the position of the bead breaking tool (4) when the arm (2) is in the disengagement position, depending on the sizes and/or type of the wheel (D).

Abstract: A machine for fitting and removing the wheel tires of vehicles comprises a base frame with a turntable for gripping and rotating a rim of wheels for vehicles with at least a retention flange and a bead of a tire to be fitted on, or removed from, the rim; an operating head is operatively associated with the base frame, and is positionable near the retention flange. The operating head includes a guiding nut for the bead; a guiding wing for the bead; a grip tool for gripping the bead which is arranged between the guiding nut and the guiding wing, and includes a shaped active extremity with an oblique profile suitable for cooperating with the guiding nut for guiding the bead. Actuator assembly moves the grip tool between a first guiding configuration of the bead, in which the active extremity is arranged near the guiding nut and near the guiding wing, and a second grip configuration of the bead.

Abstract: A tire seating apparatus has an air chamber with a sealing edge. A compression device is capable of reciprocating through the air chamber, a wheel, and a tire to seat the tire on the wheel. The air chamber receives the wheel's distal flange and the sealing edge receives the tire's distal surface. The compression device is operable to resiliently compress the wheel's proximal flange against the tire and seat the tire's proximal bead in the proximal flange and to compress the tire against the sealing edge to seal the air chamber. The compression device controls wheel and tire movement away from the air chamber as the air chamber and tire are filled with compressed air through the wheel to seat the tire's distal bead in the wheel's distal flange.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for breaking a tire bead from a rim. Interchangeable grappling hook offers three distinct points of contact to more effectively work on a range of tires and rims. A first contact point with a broadened hook is less aggressive for lighter contact on rims thereby reducing marring or scratching. A second contact point comprising a notch grapples rims with large ledges or flanges that do not allow surface clamping. A third point of contact is an aggressive gouge for commercial or agricultural rims. Grappling hook has a landing surface for a linear drive that actuates the hook. The bead breaker includes a right angle leverage point to increase the stability during operation and greater setting force to the grappling hook during a clamping procedure.

Abstract: A tire mounting and demounting machine includes a turntable that holds a lower rim portion of a wheel in a detachable state and rotating the wheel about a vertical rotation axial line, a bead guiding member that guides lower and upper bead portions of a tire to fit the lower or upper bead portion to an upper rim portion of the wheel and guides the upper bead portion of the tire, which is fitted to the upper rim portion of the wheel, to be demounted from the upper rim portion, and a bead roller having a pressing surface extending in a direction going away from the rotation axial line, that presses the upper bead portion of the tire mounted on the wheel from above by the pressing surface at a location on a downstream side from the bead guiding member in a rotating direction of the turntable.