Abstract: A method for detecting and classifying defects in high-throughput transparent articles such as syringes, vials, cartridges, ampules, and bottles is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a stream of the articles; capturing a first digital image of each of the articles in the stream; inspecting the first digital image for objects; determining parameters of the objects; performing a first classification step to classify the objects into a first defect class and a second defect class; performing a second classification step to classify the objects into a plurality of defect types using at least two second classification models; comparing at least one object parameter of a classified object with a predetermined defect type dependent threshold; classifying the article as defective or non-defective based on the comparing step; and separating defective articles from non-defective articles.

Abstract: A tire changer which utilizes an elongated bead breaker assembly with a tool that defines a pair of contiguous, substantially planar tire contact surfaces which define therebetween an included angle in the range of about 155 to about 165 degrees. The tool is situated at an included angle of about 55 to 65 degrees with respect to longitudinal axis of the elongated bead breaker assembly.

Abstract: A wheel lifting device comprising a first portion and a second portion is disclosed. Each of the first portion and the second portion comprise a vertical member, a horizontal member, and a plurality of rotatatable devices coupled to and spaced apart laterally on the horizontal member. The horizontal member of the first portion is generally parallel to the horizontal member of the second portion and both horizontal members are generally perpendicular to a plane defined by the two vertical members.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for adapting a tire machine to accept small wheel assemblies. A first embodiment includes a cross shaped guide with clamp adapters that glide in unison to engage and disengage the small wheel assembly via a rim hooking structure that extends the reach of the OEM tire clamps. Each clamp adapter is set over the OEM tire clamps and is engaged or closed via an engagement clip and opened or disengaged via a disengagement clip disposed on each clamp adapter. Another embodiment includes individual clamp adapters that are slid over the OEM tire clamps to extend the reach of the OEM tire clamps. A stop hook is disposed on the clamp adapters to engage a clamp hook on the OEM tire clamp when the tire machine is activated which engages a raised adapter hook on each clamp adapter to the small wheel assembly rim edge.

Abstract: A tire bead breaking assembly includes a base that may abut a support surface. A wheel tower is coupled to the base so the wheel tower may retain an off road vehicle wheel. A primary mount is coupled to the base. A jack is coupled to the primary mount so the jack is positionable between an extended position and a retracted position. An arm tower is coupled to the base so the arm tower extends upwardly from the base. A primary arm is coupled to the jack so the arm tower provides a fulcrum for the primary arm. A secondary arm is coupled to the primary arm so the secondary arm selectively engages an off road vehicle tire when the jack is positioned in the extended position.

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: An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed.

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: 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: A 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) for attaching the wheel to and for rotating the rim about its axis (Y), and a tool for fitting and/or removing the tire from the rim. The machine also comprises a lever (12) to which a pressure element (13) is attached in order to push the bead (6) of the tire toward a circumferential recess of the rim. The lever (12) is connected to the frame (10) and comprises a first articulation in order to bring a pressure element (13) closer to or further from the axis (Y), and a second articulation in order to bring the pressure element (13) closer to or further from a central plane (PC) perpendicular to the axis (Y) and passing through the center (D) of the rim (2).

Abstract: 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.

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: The present invention relates to a bead breaker group for bead breaking a tire of a tired wheel equipped with rim with bead-engagement flanges, the bead breaker group comprising a support (2, 5) and at least one bead breaker tool (3) mounted for rotation around a pin (4) borne by the support (2, 5), the bead breaker tool being substantially flat and comprising: at least one portion configured as an abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) against a flange of a rim of a tired wheel to be bead broken; and at least one portion having curved peripheral edge substantially coaxial with the pin (4) and intended to act as an engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e) between the flange of a rim and the bead of a tire to be bead broken, the distance between the abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) and the pin (4) being less than the distance between the pin (4) and the at least one engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e).

Abstract: A tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines includes an element for connection to a movable bearing member of the tire uninstalling and installing machine, which has a longitudinal axis, and a round contact element which is freely and rotatably supported by said connection member about a rotation axis and which has an external outline in contact with a contact portion of a side of a tire installed to a rim, the round element having a flared contacting and lifting surface suitable to contact and lift the tire from the rim, which has a base facing toward the rim and defining a first opposed vertex, touching means extending from the base toward the rim for touching a portion of the rim.

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: In order to provide a method of detaching an upper bead portion of a low-profile tire or a ran flat tire easily, a bead detaching arm having an outer groove formed at a distal end portion thereof for allowing engagement of the upper bead portion therewith, and an inner groove formed at a position lower than the outer groove and on the opposite side therefrom and configured to engage with a wheel end edge is provided so as to be movable upward and downward, the bead detaching arm is pressed against a portion of a tire near the upper bead portion and deforms the same to engage an upper tire bead portion with the outer groove, the bead detaching arm is moved upward to engage the inner groove with the end edge of the wheel and, in this state, the upper tire bead portion is detached by turning the wheel.

Abstract: An automatic bead seating assembly to automatically move a bead seating assembly or manifold into contact with a wheel or tire assembly and cause the bead to be seated. The assembly comprises an extendable and retractable seater arm attached at one end to a base, with a bead seater or manifold assembly attached or mounted at the other end. The bead seater or manifold assembly may comprises a reservoir filled with compressed air or other gas, and a hose or pipe for movement of the air or gas from the reservoir to a nozzle of an appropriate size and shape to fit a particular wheel or tire. The seater arm extends forward until the bead seater or manifold assembly comes into contact with the wheel or tire assembly, whereupon air or gas from the manifold reservoir is released, causing the tire bead to be seated. The seater arm then retracts.

Abstract: The bead breaking unit (1) for tire changing machines comprises an arm (2) having a first extremity (2a) associated turnable with a support structure (3) and a second extremity (2b) having a bead breaking tool (4), the arm (2) being suitable for oscillating between an away position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is positioned substantially at a distance from the support structure (3), and a work position, wherein the bead breaking tool (4) is positioned substantially close to the support structure (3), at least an actuator device (6) having a mobile element (7) associated sliding with the arm (2), at least a drive element (10) for driving the arm (2), associated with the mobile element (7) and suitable for operating during the movement of the mobile element (7) from an extracted position to a retracted position to move the arm (2) towards the work position and an apparatus of temporary coupling (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) between the mobile element (7) and the arm (2), suitable for operating during the movement

Abstract: A tire changing machine for changing difficult to mount tires is provided. The machine utilizes various implements configured about the machine's chassis in such a way that they do not interfere with each other's operation. In this way, the machine enables an operator to effectively change various tires.

Abstract: A portable tire bead breaker comprising a plurality of elements which can be disassembled to form a compact kit. Includes a base over which a tire and rim may be placed, a support member, and a lever arm. Also included is a plunger member configured to engage the tire and break the bead thereon. To break a tire bead, the elements are assembled and a force is extended upon the lever arm, engaging the plunger member upon the tire and creating sufficient force against the tire in opposition to the rim to disassociate therefrom. The tire bead breaker can be disassembled into a compact unit for storage and transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a tire and wheel assembly cavity, that can be a large tire and wheel, with a flexible closed cell polyurethane foam that is passed as a mixture of reacting constituents through a fill hose whose end is fitted between the tire bead and wheel rim, and after filling and removal of the fill hose end, providing for lifting and maintaining the tire bead in engagement with the wheel rim as the reacting materials complete their reaction, uniformly filling the tire and wheel cavity with the flexible closed cell polyurethane foam that has expanded and urges the tire bead into sealing engagement with the wheel rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bead breaker group for bead breaking a tire of a tired wheel equipped with rim with bead-engagement flanges, the bead breaker group comprising a support (2, 5) and at least one bead breaker tool (3) mounted for rotation around a pin (4) borne by the support (2, 5), the bead breaker tool being substantially flat and comprising: at least one portion configured as an abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) against a flange of a rim of a tired wheel to be bead broken; and at least one portion having curved peripheral edge substantially coaxial with the pin (4) and intended to act as an engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e) between the flange of a rim and the bead of a tire to be bead broken, the distance between the abutment front (3b, 3d, 3f) and the pin (4) being less than the distance between the pin (4) and the at least one engagement-penetration zone (3a, 3c, 3e).

Abstract: A tire bead breaker for breaking a tire bead between a tire and a rim or wheel to allow for easy removal of the tire from the wheel includes a main chassis, an activator unit, and an actuation arm. In one preferred embodiment, the activator unit is a pneumatic airbag. The activator unit may have a plurality of chambers. In one preferred embodiment, the actuation arm has a transfer section and an engagement section. The transfer section is for transferring movement from the activator unit to the engagement section. The actuation arm is preferably pivotably attached to the main chassis.

Abstract: A bead breaker tool with elongated pressure clamps/arms pivotally moved by an actuator such that the elongated pressure clamps extend from the perimeter of a tire to a position proximal the tire side and beads. The actuator urges the elongated pressure clamps together to disengage the tire bead from the rim, with a control element on one arm engaging the rim on one side of the wheel while the control element on the other arm engages the tire bead on the other side of the wheel.

Abstract: A bead breaker device (1) having an arm (2) able to slide horizontally along a sliding axis (X—X), in a pipe (3) supported so that it can slide vertically on a post (4) projecting cantilevered from a base; an orientable bead breaker tool (10) associated with an end of said arm (2) and suitable for breaking the bead of a tire of a wheel removably fixed onto rotary support and locking apparatus of the rim; an actuating device (14, 15, 17) suitable for orienting said tool (10) between a first thrusting configuration and a second penetration configuration, said actuating device (14, 15, 17) including a thrusting body (14) and an elastic element (17) cooperating with said tool (10), said thrusting body (14) being able to be actuated between a first extension position against the action of said elastic element (17) and a second release position in which the force exerted by said elastic element (17) prevails.

Abstract: A mobile bead breaker (100) may be provided comprising a pair of conjoined housings (102, 104). In a first of such housings (104) may be the control and drive mechanisms of the present invention including a pump, hydraulic ram (118), a vertical guide plate (114) and the apparatus' controls. In the second of such housings (102) may be located a supporting wall (122) and for smaller tires a positioning rod (126) for locating and then maintaining the tire/rim assembly in a stationary vertical position for engagement by the bead breaker mechanism. The bead breaker mechanism, additionally located within the second housing (102), may be a spider assembly (200) comprising a plurality of legs (202) equally spaced about a central hub (206). The central hub (206) of such spider assembly (200) may be mounted to the hydraulic ram (118). When the ram (118) is activated, the spider assembly (200) moves toward and engages the tire/rim assembly about the bead of the tire to break the rim/bead seal.

Abstract: Automatic device for demounting a tire from the relative wheel rim including a demounting tool. The demounting tool can be positioned in a tire bead seeking and gripping position where the axis of the demounting tool is parallel to that of the frame or the demounting tool is rotated a first direction towards the center of the wheel rim. The tool can be positioned for extracting tire bead from the wheel rim in which the axis of the demounting tool is parallel to that of the frame or rotated a direction opposite to the first direction. The device further including a bar, to the end of which the tool is hinged in an intermediate position, and a connecting rod which at one end is hinged to one end of the tool, and at the opposite end is connected to the bar by a lever linkage, the bar being connected to an actuator for advancing it and withdrawing it.

Abstract: An elongated bar with a threaded central aperture has a laterally spaced unthreaded oval slot on each side of the aperture. A threaded side rod extends through each oval slot with threaded jam nuts on each side of the bar. A central rod has a threaded central extent received in the aperture. The upper end of the rod has a head to facilitate turning the rod within the bar and the axial movement there between. The lower end is formed with an axial slot and a radial hole. A pivoting wing locking plate has a pivot pin rotatably coupling the locking plate to the rod. The locking plate is positionable in contact with a side of a wheel remote from the bar. A radius plate secured to the lower end of each side rod has a lower face positionable in contact with a side of a tire adjacent to the bar.

Abstract: An automatic device for mounting and removing a tire (6) onto and from the relative wheel rim (5), comprising, for supporting the wheel rim (5) complete with tire (6), rotary means associated with a frame (7) which supports an operating head (16), positionable in level and horizontally translatable, provided with at least one demounting tool (25) which can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the main axis of said operating head (16) to be positioned between a first position for seeking and gripping the bead of the tire (6), in which the tool (25) is orientated towards the center of the wheel rim, and a second position for extracting said bead of the tire (6) from the wheel rim, in which the tool (25) is perpendicular to the axis or is orientated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The simplified assembly (1) for actuation of the lateral bead-breaking arm (2) for tyre changing machines (3), consisting of a box-like base frame (4) on at least one side (23) of which is articulated said arm (2) equipped with bead-breaking tool (5) and on which is supported a horizontal rotary platform (6) for supporting and clamping wheels (R), which box-like base frame (4) is also equipped with an upwardly projecting work tool supporting column (7), comprises at least one motor/gear motor (8) mounted in said box-like base frame (4) from which there projects a rotary motor-driven shaft (9) supporting a crank means (10) and an articulated connecting rod means (11) interposed between said crank means (10) and said lateral bead-breaking arm (2), which latter being alternately moveable between a release position and a pressing position on a tyre and vice versa.

Abstract: A tire balancing and changing device (10) has a pair of support surfaces (12, 14) and rotatable drums (42, 44) for contacting a vehicle's tires and wheels (50, 52) to balance and/or change the tires and wheels while on the vehicle (17). The device includes pairs of dowels (32, 34) for mounting and dismounting tires. The drums and pairs of dowels are operated by drive motors (31, 46, 48) that translate the dowels and rotate the tires and wheels. The drums include sensors (49) for balancing tires and wheels. With a vehicle positioned on the support surfaces and the weight of the vehicle removed from the tires by jacks (58, 60), the tires on the vehicle are deflated, removed, replaced and reinflated. The drums are moved into contact with the inflated tires to rotate the tires and wheels to balance them on the vehicle.

Abstract: A tire changing machine having a support frame, rotatable supporting device for a wheel rim, locking device for securing the wheel rim to the supporting device, a fitting tool which can be secured to an adjustable tool supporting arm carried by the support frame, and driving device for the rotatatable supporting device. The machine also includes a first and a second pressure members which can be located in diametrically opposite positions with respect to a wheel rim carried by the supporting device and are designed to act on either side of a tire on the wheel rim, and drive device for actuating, upon control, each of the first and second pressure members.

Abstract: The multipurpose station for mounting and removing conventional and special tires is constituted by a turret-type frame from the top vertex of which a horizontal guiding cross-member cantilevers out and by a carriage for supporting first and second devices for mounting and removing tires from their respective wheel rims, which is able to move back and forth on the cross-member, under the actuation of a corresponding actuator. The frame has, at a substantially median vertical elevation, conventional elements for rotatably supporting and clamping the wheels and has, in a downward region, a pusher which co-operates with the first and second mounting and removing devices and a lifting support for lifting the wheels towards the conventional supporting and clamping elements and for seating the mounted tires.

Abstract: An automatic bead release device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim complete with tire, rotary means associated with a frame which supports a bead release disc in contact with the tire just external to the flange of the wheel rim, a shaft parallel to its axis of rotation, on which said frame slides to approach and withdraw from the wheel rim, means for moving said frame along said shaft, and means for lightly inserting said disc below the flange of the wheel rim after it has come into contact with it.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, tire bead breaking apparatus includes a vertically oriented frame disposed upon a wheeled base. A hydraulically actuated ram is pivotally mounted to the frame. A bead breaking shoe is attached to a distal end of the ram, and engages the beaded edge of a tire mounted upon a swivel pan rotatably mounted to the base. The bead breaking operator is able to simultaneously operate the ram, while rotating the tire disposed upon the swivel pan.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assistance in removing and installing tires on wheel rims. The tool has a body with a lateral opening for engaging the flange of a wheel rim, preferably opening into a cavity that is wider than the opening such that the tools pivots between stable positions on a fulcrum at which lips of the lateral opening bear against the flange. A roller is mounted on one end of the tool body to exert a downward pressure on the tire sidewall, and a handle protrudes on an end opposite the cavity and fulcrum from the roller. The roller displaces the tire bead from its seat against the rim when removing or installing the bead of a tire that is already at least partly on the rim, or supports the second bead of a tire whose first bead is axially outside of the rim relative to the wheel rotation axis.