Abstract: A tool set for fitting a wheel to a wheel hub of a vehicle. The tool set comprises a wheel carrying bar and a support peg. The wheel carrying bar is configured to pivotably engage with the support peg.

Abstract: A tool for mounting a motor-vehicle wheel on a wheel hub includes a tubular body having a coupling portion arranged for coupling to the wheel hub, and a carrier portion for supporting the motor-vehicle wheel during a centering phase of the wheel on the hub. The tool has an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member rigidly connected to each other so as to be coaxial. At the coupling portion, the inner and outer tubular members are spaced apart so as to define a space arranged to receive an end portion of the wheel hub, in such a way that, in an operating condition, the end portion of the hub is interposed between the inner tubular member and the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A system for removing and replacing tires including a removing tool assembly, a lifting tool assembly and a wheel assembly is disclosed. The removing tool includes an elongated shaft having an arcuate tire hub rest mounted perpendicularly to the distal end of the shaft. The removing tool further includes a threadably adjustable extension for securing the device in the tire rim which is mounted in an anti-parallel direction to the tire hub rest. The lifting tool includes a lifting tool shaft with a lifting base that is used to bring the wheel upright. The lifting tool also includes an inserting portion that also helps to bring the wheel upright. The inserting portion is inserted into a lug nut opening and the lifting base presses against the wheel allow the user to pull towards themselves. The upright wheel is then mounted onto the vehicle with all necessary repairs completed.

Abstract: A method for position correction of a machine relative to a work piece. The machine may be provided with an end effector. The work piece may be engaged with the end effector. A force or a moment resulting from engaging the work piece with the end effector may be measured. A pose error may be determined from the force and/or the moment, wherein the pose error may define a misalignment of the end effector. The end effector may be repositioned an amount equal to the pose error to correct the misalignment. One application may involve torqueing nuts with a nut runner, which may be accomplished through the use of an automated machine such as a robot.

Abstract: A lift to facilitate changing of a tire and wheel assembly on an automobile, small truck or trailer in the field. The lift includes an elongated rod with a U-shaped socket having a slot and aligned flat to facilitate seating and pivoting of the socket on a lug bolt on an axle-spindle of the vehicle when passed through one of the bolt holes in the tire rim. A handle is provided on the opposite end of the elongated rod by which an operator may lift the tire using the lever principle while rotating the assembly such that the bolt holes in the rim align with the lug bolts. A slide on the elongated rod serves as a stop to control sliding of the tire and wheel assembly towards the operator during the lifting operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of sensing rotation of a rotation member and an electronic device performing the method, wherein the electronic device may include: a housing including one side having a substantially circular opening; a substantially circular structure configured to be rotatably positioned in or around the opening of the housing; a first sensor configured to detect a first rotation of the structure to generate a first signal; a second sensor configured to detect a second rotation of the structure, to generate a second signal; a processor coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor; and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory includes instructions to enable the processor, on execution, to detect the rotation of the structure based on at least a part of the first signal or a part of the second signal, to correct the first signal to reflect actual rotation of the structure, and to perform a predetermined action based on at least part of the corrected first signal.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant wheel centering sleeve is provided to aid in centering a wheel about a wheel hub. The wheel centering sleeves have an adjustable thickness in order to coordinate with various-sized gap spaces in the wheel hole between the wheel and the stud.

Abstract: A method for position correction of a machine relative to a work piece. The machine may be provided with an end effector. The work piece may be engaged with the end effector. A force or a moment resulting from engaging the work piece with the end effector may be measured. A pose error may be determined from the force and/or the moment, wherein the pose error may define a misalignment of the end effector. The end effector may be repositioned an amount equal to the pose error to correct the misalignment. One application may involve torqueing nuts with a nut runner, which may be accomplished through the use of an automated machine such as a robot.

Abstract: A hotstick tool for assisting a lineman tapping power lines using a wedge-type tap connector includes a primary arm including a first holder to releasably engage a C-shaped member of the wedge-type tap connector. A secondary arm includes a second holder to releasably engage a wedge member of the wedge-type tap connector. A pivoting linkage system guides movement of the secondary arm relative to the primary arm to insert the wedge member into the C-shaped member.

Abstract: A system for conducting phased array testing on a vehicle hub includes a guide element having a first end and a second end, a pivot element extending from the second end to couple to the vehicle hub, and a slide element coupled to the guide element. The slide element is movable relative to the guide element between the first end of the guide element and the second end of the guide element. The slide element including an object-receiving aperture to receive a phased array probe element.

Abstract: A brake rotor retaining tool includes a main body having a first end, a second end with a bore extending from the first end and a grip portion. The bore has a non-threaded surface portion and a threaded surface portion. The non-threaded surface portion of the bore extends from the first end of the main body between the first end of the main body to the threaded surface portion. The non-threaded surface portion also has a first overall length measured in an axial direction of the bore. The threaded surface portion of the bore extends from the non-threaded surface portion toward the second end of the main body and has a second overall length measured in the axial direction of the bore. The first overall length is greater than the second overall length.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for the installation of wheels. In one embodiment, a brake drum and wheel mounting tool assists in the mounting of wheels and brake drums onto wheel hubs. The brake drum and wheel mounting tool comprises an elongated body and a threaded bore. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received through a stud hole of a wheel. The elongated body has first end and a second end. The first end of the body is dimensioned to apply pressure to a brake drum when the body is threaded on a wheel stud. The second end of the body is tapered and dimensioned to accept a socket.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus is constructed from a first working mechanism and a second working mechanism that are separate from each other. The first working mechanism is provided with a tire holding device for holding a tire and with a temporary tightening device for temporarily tightening nuts onto hub bolts to which the tire is mounted. The second working mechanism is provided with a final tightening device means for finally tightening the temporarily tightened nuts. The final tightening device includes two nut runners and an interval adjuster for adjusting an interval between the two nut runners.

Abstract: The motorcycle stand is capable of lifting the front of a motorcycle from either below the front axle or from the hollow steering stem of the motorcycle with no reconfiguration. The modular design also allows components to be removed or omitted to make it capable of lifting from one location or the other with less weight and a lower purchase cost. It's unique and innovative pivot axis uses the outside diameter of two co-linear tubes to lift from the steering stem. The inside diameter of the same tubes serve as pivots for swivel components that lift from below the front axle. A unique method of index-able, height adjustability allow the user to tailor to his/her preference for leverage or to adapt to a specific motorcycle.

Abstract: Magnesium or aluminum wheels may be conveniently mounted on a vehicle by using a wheel guide for attaching the wheel to a vehicle. The guide may include a hollow cylindrical stud attachment portion having an outside diameter approximately equal to a diameter of aligning portions of wheel nuts. The stud attachment portion may have an opening with an inside diameter approximately equal to an outside diameter of a wheel mounting stud of the vehicle and a depth greater than a length of the stud.

Abstract: The vehicle wheel assembler of the present invention consists of two directive sticks (1) with similar design and shape which each stick consists of an inner dredge (2) on one end of the tip. On the other end of the stick a hanginge hole (3) is provided to be hooked with a wire belt (5) in order to connect these two directive sticks. A tighter (6) is posed near the hanging hole to adjust the length of the belt. A handle (7) is posed on the middle of the belt which is a hollow-pipe shaped cartridge. The handle (7) is penetrated by said belt (5) so that it slides along said belt easily. To provide present invention to another system, an adaptor (8) with outer dredge on both tip is used.

Abstract: A machine vision system is configured to facilitate placement of a vehicle service apparatus relative to an associated vehicle. The machine vision system is configured to utilize images of optical targets received from one or more cameras to guide the placement of the vehicle service apparatus relative to the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A tire lifting assembly includes a support base with an upper section and a pair of legs attached to and extending downwardly from the upper section. A pole is elongated and has a first end and a second end. A bracket includes a central member and a pair of arms that are attached to opposite ends of the central member. The arms extend in a same direction with respect to each other. The first end of the pole is attached to the central member and is equally spaced from the arms. The pole extends away from the central member in an opposite direction with respect to the arms. A tire support is attached to and extends between the arms. A tire is positionable on the tire support and lifted when the pole is positioned on the base support and the second end of the pole is moved downward.

Abstract: A tire changing device includes two generally parallel spaced apart support members connected together through an intermediate linking member, the support members also being provided with roller members for working in cooperation with the telescopic movement of interconnected members of the linking member for positioning a tire/rim combination for mounting/demounting on a vehicle wheel hub.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for the installation of wheels. In one embodiment, a brake drum and wheel mounting tool assists in the mounting of wheels and brake drums onto wheel hubs. The brake drum and wheel mounting tool comprises an elongated body and a threaded bore. The elongated body is dimensioned to be received through a stud hole of a wheel. The elongated body has first end and a second end. The first end of the body is dimensioned to apply pressure to a brake drum when the body is threaded on a wheel stud. The second end of the body is tapered and dimensioned to accept a socket.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting the position of a control arm of a steering assembly in a vehicle and thereby set caster and camber includes a generally cylindrical body with a pin projecting from one side that is not coaxial with the body but which includes an axis generally parallel to the body axis. The body further includes a drive socket opening in the side opposite the projecting pin.

Abstract: A tool (10) and method for measuring endplay between an axle shaft (36) and an axle hub (34) of an axle assembly. A mounting plate (22) is fastened to the hub, and one end of a through-rod (16) whose ends protrude from opposite ends of a housing (14) of a fluid-operated device (12) is fastened to the axle shaft by applying an external force to the other end of the through-rod while fluid is not operating the fluid-operated device. With the mounting adapter and the through-rod secured as described, fluid is delivered to the fluid-operated device to move the through-rod relative to the housing, and the resulting relative movement between the through-rod and the housing is measured by a measuring device (48).

Abstract: A machine vision system is configured to facilitate placement of a vehicle service apparatus relative to an associated vehicle. The machine vision system is configured to utilize images of optical targets received from one or more cameras to guide the placement of the vehicle service apparatus relative to the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel centering pin disclosed for vehicle wheels having apertures of uniform diameter. The wheel centering pin is provided as a set of three that are threaded on three circumferentially spaced hub bolts on which a wheel is mounted to center the wheel. Nuts are threaded on the remaining bolts and tightened to fasten the wheel to the hub. The centering pins are removed, and remaining nuts are applied in their place and tightened on the remaining bolts to center the wheel.

Abstract: A drum and wheel-centering sleeve disclosed for vehicle drum and wheels having apertures of uniform diameter is a set of three that are threaded on three circumferentially spaced hub bolts on which a wheel drum is mounted to center the wheel drum. The sleeve has a hollow sleeve body with a drum-centering portion with a first exterior surface of uniform diameter and a wheel-centering portion with a second exterior surface of uniform diameter the wheel centering portion being of a smaller diameter than the drum centering portion. A set of three sleeves are threaded on bolts at twelve, four and eight o'clock positions with drum centering portion in associated drum apertures to center the drum on the hub. The wheel is mounted with wheel apertures on the wheel-centering portions of the three centering sleeves to center the wheel on the hub.

Abstract: A wheel mounting apparatus is disclosed for mounting a wheel carrying a track onto a vehicle. The wheel mounting apparatus comprises a mounting structure for mounting onto an axle of the vehicle. The mounting structure is removably mountable to the axle of the vehicle. The wheel mounting apparatus also includes an aligning structure for aligning the wheel with an end of an axle of the vehicle for permitting mounting of the wheel on the axle. The aligning structure is coupled to the mounting structure.

Abstract: A tool facilitates the installation of a hub/bearing assembly on a CV joint during the assembly of an automotive vehicle. The hub/bearing assembly has a housing, a hub provided with a spindle that projects into the housing, and a bearing between the spindle and housing to enable the hub to rotate in the housing. The spindle contains an internal spline which mates with an external spline located on a half-shaft of the CV joint, when the hub/bearing assembly is fitted to the CV joint, but the universal movement of the CV joint makes fitting difficult in the absence of the tool. The tool has a sleeve which fits into the spline of the hub spindle and over a reduced end that projects beyond the spline on the half-shaft. It aligns the two splines so that the hub is simply pushed off the sleeve and over the spline of the half-shaft.

Abstract: Insertion devices may be used to insert portions of pre-wound coils into the slots of dynamoelectric machine components. Some machine components may have poles that have pole tips that extend away from the pole in a peripheral direction. Such pole tips may obstruct access to the slots from the axial region of the bore. The coil insertion devices may have a ram that has a longitudinal axis and may be configured to insert a portion of a stretch of pre-wound coil into a bore of the machine component. The coil insertion devices may have pushing members that move in a direction having a circumferential component with respect to the axis. The pushing members may insert portions of stretches of pre-wound coils into machine component slots that are difficult to access from the axial region of the bore.

Abstract: The device comprises a base for positioning a tire and a lever pivoted on a support and able to move and be fixed in position along a plane which is radial with respect to the center of the base. An active end of the lever, located on an L-shaped bend at an end of the lever, can be introduced internally of the opening to interact contactingly with the internal surface of a part of the support ring pre-inserted in the opening. By acting on the lever, the active end presses the ring against the inside of the tire with radial force. The support ring is of a type which when applied on a vehicle wheel enables the vehicle to continue moving for a considerable time even where tire pressure is suddenly lost.

Abstract: A third hand stand also referred to as a tire jack for enabling a single person to position and hold the tire/wheel assembly in the proper position while replacing the tire/wheel assembly on the swing arm or frame a motorcycle. The tire jack comprises a tire support, a lever, a sleeve for connecting the tire support to the lever at a position offset from a longitudinal centerline of the tire support, wherein the tire support is oriented transverse to the lever. The tire jack is operated by positioning the tire support of the tire jack underneath the tire/wheel assembly and moving the lever such that the tire/wheel assembly is elevated and moved laterally until the tire/wheel assembly is properly aligned with the swing arm. The tire/wheel assembly is then attached to the motorcycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for to assist in the changing of tires on cars, light trucks and heavy trucks. The apparatus assists in raising and lowering the tire and wheel for positioning on the stud bolts, reducing abrasion and wear on the holes in the wheels, and in moving the tire and wheel toward and away from the vehicle.

Abstract: A tool (T) facilitates the installation of a hub/bearing assembly (B) on a CV joint (F) during the assembly of an automotive vehicle. The hub/bearing assembly has a housing (4), a hub (6) provided with a spindle (20) that projects into the housing, and a bearing (8) between the spindle and housing to enable the hub to rotate in the housing. The spindle contains an internal spline (34) which mates with an external spline (72) located on a half-shaft (68) of the CV joint, when the hub/bearing assembly is fitted to the CV joint, but the universal movement of the CV joint makes fitting difficult in the absence of the tool. The tool has a sleeve (90) which fits into the spline of the hub spindle and over a reduced end (74) that projects beyond the spline on the half-shaft. It aligns the two splines so that the hub is simply pushed off the sleeve and over the spline of the half-shaft.

Abstract: The Wheel Helper's whole purpose is to greatly reduce the amount of effort that it takes in the handling of a spare tire in the process of fixing a flat on a car or light truck. This tool can save a motorist time and money by not having to call and wait for a tow truck. It enables the person to be able to quickly get this job done and be on their way without a great amount of exertion. One of the hardest parts of changing a tire is holding the wheel in place while aligning the holes with the lugs. The Wheel Helper lifts and holds the wheel in place so that the holes on the rim and the lugs on the axle can be aligned.

Abstract: A third hand stand also referred to as a tire jack for enabling a single person to position and hold the tire/wheel assembly in the proper position while replacing the tire/wheel assembly on the swing arm or frame a motorcycle. The tire jack comprises a tire support, a lever, a means for connecting the tire support to the lever at a position offset from a longitudinal centerline of the tire support, wherein the tire support is oriented transverse to the lever. The tire jack is operated by positioning the tire support of the tire jack underneath the tire/wheel assembly and moving the lever such that the tire/wheel assembly is elevated and moved laterally until the tire/wheel assembly is properly aligned with the swing arm. The tire/wheel assembly is then attached to the motorcycle.

Abstract: The disposable seal driver is used for driving in a hub oil seal into a cavity or counterbore for receiving same. The seal driver comprises a metal cup-shaped member having a top flat wall, an intermediate Fausto-conical wall and a lower cylindrical skirt having a circular bottom drive edge. The seal driver can be part of a seal driver kit also including a short piece of wood.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pair of smooth linear rods joined at one end by a coil spring or elastic cord so as to be mutually supportive at the joined end. The free end of the rods is prepared for engaging a tire mounting stud or mounting bolt hole. With the rods engaged through adjacent mounting holes in the spare tire and with the free ends of the rods engaged with the wheel hub, the rods may be used to lever the tire off the ground and then to slide it into place against the wheel hub where it may easily be fixed prior to removal of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method for the chassis measurement of vehicles such as motor vehicles, wherein the apparatus includes a vehicle lift platform with which a chassis to be measured can be reversibly lifted and an axle measurement lifting device with which an axle measuring unit can be reversibly lifted. The axle measurement lifting device has at least two lifting stages which are actuable reversibly independently of each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process and device for fitting wheel heads on a vehicle chassis. The chassis and wheel head are first brought into a reference position relative to one another. Wheel guide elements which have not yet been finally fitted are used to determine the securing positions for the reference position and secured.

Abstract: A method of centering a wheel rim on a wheel hub of a vehicle is provided where the hub includes a center projection arranged to engage a central hole in the rim to effect a centering action and a plurality of threaded wheel support studs carried on the hub in a pattern surrounding a central axis of the hub. The method includes providing three or four female threaded fasteners each for engaging onto a respective one of the studs for clamping the rim to the hub. Each fastener has an integral body defining a sleeve portion and a nut portion with a female thread through a central bore. The sleeve portion is inserted between the cylindrical inner surface and the threaded portion of the stud as a sliding fit inside the cylindrical inner surface so as to accurately locate the hole relative to the stud for centering the rim on the hub and the nut portion clamps the rim to the hub. The fasteners are spaced angularly around the hub and conventional nuts are engaged onto the remaining studs to hold the rim in place.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a pair of smooth linear rods, each of the rods providing a first rod end and a second rod end, the first rod end of each of the rods having a first blind bore therein, and the second rod end of each of the rods having a second blind bore therein. A coiled spring is integrally engaged between the dual linear rods. The coiled spring provides a pair of opposing terminal spring ends, one of each of the terminal spring ends integrally engaged in the first blind bore of each rod. The second blind bore of each of the linear rods is adapted for accepting a wheel lug therein.

Abstract: Method of sealing plug-in connection elements of electrical line systems during the foaming in place of such elements that are to be foamed in place in components, in which method the entry point of the electrical lead into the plug-in connection element is sealed by a closure part under the pressure of the foam to be introduced. The closure part consists of an elastically deformable material and has either lips which lie against each other and enclose the lead or a form corresponding to the opening in the plug-in connection element that widens outwards for receiving the lead.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a work machine, such as a mining dump truck, comprises a rotatable wheel having inboard and outboard rims mounted thereto. The outboard rim is mounted to a segmented rim-mounting flange which is secured to the inboard side of a flange projecting from the wheel. A final drive adapter is secured to the outboard end of the wheel opposite the segmented rim mounted flange. The segmented mounting flange permits the use of a larger final drive ring gear than in known wheel assemblies. Moreover, because the mounting flange is segmented, it can be fastened to the wheel inboard of the gear reduction housing, which permits the final drive assembly to be serviced without removal of the outboard rim from the wheel. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for pulling a wheel from a wheel hub. The device includes a frame, which frame has a threaded hole therethrough, and retainer means for retaining the device in engagement with the wheel hub. The device also includes a threaded shaft in rotatable engagement with the threaded hole, and with a retainer means for retaining the device in engagement with the wheel hub. The device still further includes substantially torqueless fastening means, affixed to the frame, for releasably attaching the frame to the wheel. The shaft may be rotated to urge the frame away from the wheel hub, thus exerting a force upon the wheel through the substantially torqueless fastening means. The substantially torqueless fastening means may be any fastening arrangement in which there is substantially no net torque on the wheel about the center of the wheel hub when the force is exerted upon the wheel by rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for servicing the axles of heavy vehicles, providing aligned removal and reassembly of the wheel assembly for access to the brakes, wheel bearings and oils seals, to facilitate inspection and to ensure proper repair, characterized by a spindle coupling and a coaxially extending rail and carriage transport with wheel mounting adapters for alignment of the wheel assembly with the vehicle axle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle includes a chassis, pair of drive wheels, a motor for driving these drive wheels, a gyrosensor provided at the chassis for detecting a direction of the chassis, and a travel control unit responsive to an output of the gyrosensor at the end of a travel of a predetermined run indicating difference from a target direction for providing control of the rotation amount of the drive wheels so that the direction of the chassis is corrected by a predetermined amount to be aligned with the target direction. A method of controlling this autonomous vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for facilitating replacement of a vehicle wheel and eliminating the frustrations associated with the alignment of lug bolts with holes in the replacement wheel. The invention may be included in new vehicles or retrofitted by the owners of older vehicles. The apparatus comprises an elongated support member extending from a hub of a vehicle adjacent to lug bolts also extending from the hub or hub holes in the hub. The hub is rotated so that the support member is in the topmost position, and the replacement wheel is hung on the support member. Gravity insures that the holes in the wheel are aligned with the lug bolts so that it is easy to push laterally on the wheel to engage the lug bolts in the holes. The support member may include one lug bolt which is longer than the others or a dedicated guide pin attached to the hub.

Abstract: A method of attaching a plastic material to a fabric for decorative and/or protective purposes and upholstering a form includes the step of forming a pressure plate having concavities on one side thereof disposed in a selected pattern, said selected pattern corresponding to a desired pattern of application of the plastic material on a fabric and providing fluid communication between each concavity on another side of said pressure plate and a supply of fluid plastic material. The fabric is disposed on a bed and the pressure plate is against the fabric and bed to form a seal between the concavities. Thereafter fluid plastic material is forced through the concavities and into portions of the fabric disposed under each concavity to form the desired pattern on the fabric. The fluid plastic material is allowed to harden and thereafter the pressure plate is separated from the fabric leaving hardened plastic embedded in said selected pattern on said fabric.

Abstract: An improved method for changing automotive tires wherein a single lug bolt on each wheel is extended about 3/8 inch longer than all remaining lug bolts so that, when the extended lug bolt is aligned topmost on the wheel, the replacement wheel need only to be hung on the extended lug bolt so that all other wheel holes will hang in alignment with their respective lug bolts for subsequent securing.

Abstract: A punch tool and method for removing one or more wheels from an axle is provided. The punch comprises an elongated member having a first end configured for receiving a nut therein. The first end has an aperture dimensioned to prevent angular rotation between the aperture and the nut. The aperture has an inner periphery with a bore formed therethrough. The bore extends from the aperture towards a second end of the punch. A desired wheel to be removed is located. A plurality of lugs comprising a stud, an inner cap nut, and a nut, secure the wheels to the axle. The first end of the punch is disposed over a nut coupled to a cap nut, for coupling the punch to the nut. The cap nut may extend through the aperture and into the bore. The diameter of the bore prevents the punch from damaging the cap nut. The second end of the punch is struck with a heavy implement. The implement causes force to be applied to the nut from the punch along the longitudinal axis thereof.

Abstract: A tool for adjusting camber includes a body terminating at a forward end in a downwardly turned portion, and an advancing arm, slidingly mounted to the body, and forwardly extendable therefrom. The advancing arm may be advanced or retracted with respect to the body, for example, by rotation of a lead screw. A crank is disposed at an opposite end of the body from the downwardly turned end for rotating the lead screw. The leading edge of the advancing arm is designed to provide a stop against a part of the vehicle fixed with respect to the wheel, conveniently the strut. In operation, a level is attached to the center of the wheel to be adjusted, to indicate a desired setting. The downwardly turned portion of the body is hooked over the top of the wheel and the advancing arm is advanced until it is in engaged contact with the strut. Camber bolts holding the wheel in position are then loosened.