Abstract: A process for manufacturing a spoked bicycle wheel, comprising the steps of providing a rim element having a spoke attachment chamber; providing a spoke attachment assembly for coupling to a respective spoke, inserting the spoke attachment assembly through an opening of the spoke attachment chamber along an insertion direction that is inclined with respect to the rim element and moving the spoke attachment assembly along the insertion direction until a stem of the spoke attachment assembly is at the surface of the spoke attachment chamber; moving the spoke attachment assembly along the surface of the spoke attachment chamber towards a spoke attachment seats; inserting the stem in the spoke attachment seat; and, constraining the spoke attachment assembly in the spoke attachment seat. The steps are repeated to couple a respective spoke attachment assembly to each of the plurality of spoke attachment seats. The invention also relates to a spoked bicycle wheel produced by the above process.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire has paired bead portions, paired sidewall portions, a tread portion, a plurality of lug grooves extending from a shoulder area of the tread portion to reach a buttress area of the sidewall portion, and a block defined by the plurality of lug grooves. The block includes a shoulder block provided in the shoulder area and a buttress block provided in the buttress area. At least some of the plurality of lug grooves end at a connecting portion connecting the paired buttress blocks, the connecting portion is provided on an inner side in the tire diametrical direction of position that are 50% of length in the tire diametrical direction of the buttress block from upper end position of the buttress block. A step or a protrusion where the buttress block has a largest upraised height is provided in the tire diametrical position of the connecting portion.

Abstract: A metal-joining structure (100) includes: an iron alloy part (1); an aluminum alloy part (2); and a joining interface layer (3) provided between the iron alloy part (1) and the aluminum alloy part (2). The joining interface layer (3) includes: an iron-silicon solid-solution-phase sublayer (4) in contact with the iron alloy part (1); an aluminum-silicon eutectic-phase sublayer (5) in contact with the aluminum alloy part (2); and a silicon sublayer (6) provided between the iron-silicon solid-solution-phase sublayer (4) and the aluminum-silicon eutectic-phase sublayer (5).

Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle drive train includes a shaft including a plurality of axially extending splines defining an outer circumferential surface, and a planet carrier non-rotatably fixed to the shaft by the axially extending splines. The planet carrier and the shaft are axially constrained with respect to each other by a radially inwardly extending material of the planet carrier axially contacting a radially extending surface of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metal product includes forming a first identification code onto a surface of a metal member with a laser beam, the first identification code being readable under a first reading condition, and heating the metal member on which the identification code is formed. The method further includes reading the first identification code with a reading device, and forming a second identification code onto the surface of the metal member subsequent to the heating with a laser beam based on the first identification code which is read with the reading device. The second identification code is readable under a second reading condition different from the first reading condition.

Abstract: To show an electromagnetic induction heating apparatus in which an object to be heated such as a half-finished light alloy wheel can be heated efficiently to have a predetermined temperature in a short time. An electromagnetic induction heating apparatus 1 includes a rotating body 2 with a plurality of magnets 21 arranged such that the same pole is positioned on the side of an object to be heated 8 and a rotation driving motor 3 for rotating the rotating body 2, in which the object to be heated 8 is heated by an induced current generated when the rotating body 2 is rotated. By controlling the distance D between the magnets 21 of the rotating body 2 and the object to be heated 8 with a moving motor 6, a light alloy wheel or the like, which has a high thermal expansion coefficient, can be well-heated efficiently.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle bearing apparatus includes a method for manufacturing a hub ring. The hub ring includes a seal facing surface, a flange portion, and a shaft body portion. The flange portion includes a thin portion, a thick portion, bolt holes, a thin portion outer surface, a thick portion outer surface, and bolts. The flange portion protrudes outward from the shaft body portion. The thick portion is formed on an outer side with respect to the bolt holes in the flange portion, and the thin portion is formed on an inner side with respect to the thick portion in the flange portion. In the method for manufacturing the hub ring, machining is performed on the thick portion outer surface by using the seal facing surface subjected to grinding, as a reference surface, after the bolts are fitted into the flange portion.

Abstract: A crack in a wheel rim is detected by placing a composition including a liquid carrier, such as water, and a fluorescent dye, into an interior space formed between a tire and a rim. After an interval, the exterior surface of the wheel rim is inspected using a UV light source, which causes visible light to be emitted from the fluorescent dye. The light emissions indicate the presence of dye which has seeped from the interior space, through a crack in the material of the rim, to an exterior of the rim. A conditioner or sealant can be combined with the fluorescent dye to provide other benefits.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a rotary wheel airtightness detecting machine which comprises a body frame, an air cylinder, an upper seal, a lower seal, a water tank, an electric motor and a self-made air cylinder, etc. During use, the present invention can make the wheel be automatically centered between the upper seal and the lower seal, avoiding severe abrasion of equipment caused by inclination of the upper pressing plate for sealing upon biased positioning of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hub cover for a wheel hub on a vehicle used for agriculture and a stud extension piece used to operatively affix the hub cover to the wheel hub. In a preferred embodiment, the hub cover comprises a polyethylene convex dome that is affixed to the wheel hub of the vehicle using a stud extension piece that couples the hub cover to an exposed wheel hub. The use of the hub cover minimizes crop damage caused by the exposed hubs of the vehicle in crop fields.

Abstract: A modular or component wheel design, having interchangeable elements, for use within the automotive, motorcycle, and golf cart industry is disclosed. The wheel design components comprise a plurality of individual blade, or alternatively one complete blade runner component that is secured to a rim component through a common central hub, and a plurality of bolts positioned along the outer surface of the rim. For decorative purposes, the wheel base lug holes can be placed within the rim's spoke design and can then be covered by a one piece blade runner or by several individual blade runners. The base rim is designed to available in a range of standard and fixed sizes, and with a variety of offsets. The bolt-on blade runners, central hub and bolts may be manufactured in a variety of patterns, finishes and materials such that the wheel design and ornamental features may be readily altered for individual appearances.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate, and a rod has a first end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift. In another embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate. The wheel rack also includes a locking seat and a rod that has an end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use with a vehicle is provided. The wheel assembly includes a first inner wheel portion, a second inner wheel portion positioned adjacent to the first inner wheel portion, a first wheel bladder coupled to the first inner wheel portion, and a second wheel bladder coupled to the second inner wheel portion.

Abstract: A fifth wheel mounting assembly comprises first and second support members adapted to couple to frame members and support assembly that comprises first and second portions slidably engaging the first and second support members and adjustable along a length thereof, the first and second portions including an upwardly-opening recess, first and second mounting members coupled to the first and second portions and configured to pivotably support the fifth wheel hitch plate, and a center portion having a first and second end received within the recesses of the first and second portions, wherein the recesses of the first and second portions are configured to receive the ends of the center portion subsequent to the first mounting member being coupled to the first mounting portion and the second mounting member being coupled to the second mounting portion.

Abstract: A balancer for a wheel and tyre assembly includes one or more tubes 101 containing a movable mass 104. The tube or tubes is/are mounted to a resiliently deformable support 102 with an outer dimension that substantially matches an inner dimension of the tyre. the support being arranged to position and support the or each tube within the tyre. The/or each tube may be annular. The support may be formed from a plastics mesh 102.

Abstract: The method for the manufacture of a spoke for spoked wheels including a step of forming a head of the spoke at a longitudinal end of the shank thereof by equipment for the plastic deformation of the end of the shank, wherein the plastic deformation is obtained by maintaining the shank in relative rotation to the equipment.

Abstract: A method for installing a monitoring device in a tyre for vehicle wheels, includes: providing a monitoring device including: an electronic unit; a connecting member having an upper structure and a lower structure that, in cooperation, define a housing for the electronic unit, the lower structure including two base portions mutually separated by a separation region, each of the base portions having a respective base surface associable with an inner surface of a tyre.

Abstract: A monitoring device for tyres for vehicle wheels includes: an electronic unit; a connecting member configured for constraining the electronic unit to a tyre, the connecting member including: a first and a second base portion, mutually separated by a separated region, each of the base portions having a respective base surface associable with an inner surface of a tyre; a housing portion associated with the base portions defining, in cooperation with said base portions, a cavity for housing the electronic unit, wherein the housing portion includes at least one side structure, configured for exerting a containing action at least relative to movements of the electronic unit carried out in a major extension direction of the separation region and with respect to movements of said electronic unit carried out in a direction orthogonal to the major extension direction of the separation region wherein the cavity is confined at least by a side surface defined by an inner surface of the side structure, wherein the electr

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel is suggested in which the vehicle wheel can provide function and effect of preventing molding defects during molding of an outer rim portion and/or an inner rim portion having sound absorbing spaces 25 and of reducing acoustic cavity noise that occurs in a tire-internal space by use of the sound absorbing spaces. After a separation groove having a curved shape groove bottom surface 55a is formed between a ring-shaped wall portion and partition wall portions, the ring-shaped wall portion is bent toward a flange portion, and the ring-shaped wall portion and the flange portion are welded together. The sound absorbing spaces which communicate with each other via communication gaps defined according to the separation groove are thereby formed in the outer rim portion and/or the inner rim portion.

Abstract: An aerodynamically optimized drag-reduction means and method for optimal minimization of the drag-induced resistive forces upon a terrestrial vehicle wheel, where the drag-induced resistive moments on wheel surfaces pivoting about the point of ground contact are reduced, and the vehicle propulsive forces needed to countervail the resistive forces on the wheel are reduced.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a cover portion permanently attached to a wheel. The wheel includes a wheel central hub portion, a wheel outer peripheral rim portion, a plurality of wheel spoke portions extending between the wheel central hub portion and the wheel outer peripheral rim portion, and a plurality of wheel turbine openings disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of wheel spoke portions. A cover portion is configured to overlie a portion of the wheel portion. The cover portion is configured to overlie one or more of the wheel central hub portion; the plurality of wheel spoke portions, and the plurality of turbine openings or the wheel outer periphery. An adhesive is disposed between an outboard surface of the wheel and the inboard surface of the cover portion to permanently secure the cover portion to the wheel portion. When the cover portion is secured to the wheel, substantial portions of the plurality of wheel spokes, the wheel central hub, or wheel outer periphery remain exposed.

Abstract: A human-machine interface mechanism for automated wheel production, which electrically connects with a mechanical arm and a machine tool, wherein the human-machine interface mechanism for automated wheel production includes a human-machine interface device for identifying the wheel type of a wheel billet and locating the manufacturing position, so that the wheel billet is gripped by the mechanical arm and transferred to the machine tool for manufacturing. The human-machine interface device includes a display operation unit, an imaging unit, at least one optical illumination unit, a servomotor unit, an I/O unit, and a control unit. The human-machine interface mechanism for automated wheel production not only determinates and locates more quickly and accurately, but also improves manufacturing precision.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rimless vehicle wheel comprising a hub and a plurality of cantilevered blades spaced around the hub. Each blade has an inner root extending from the hub, an outer tip, and first and second major blade surfaces extending between the root and tip. Each blade has a stiffness allowing independent flexure, along at least part of its length, between a first unloaded blade configuration and any number of second loaded blade configurations. The depth of at least one blade from front to back in the meridian plane measured proximate the blade tip is greater than the same measurement proximate the blade root. The blades are adapted to flex in the circumferential plane of the wheel. Multi-part sleeves are adhered to the blade tips so as to provide a sacrificial wearing surface.

Abstract: Reversible wheels are disclosed. Methods of making and using reversible wheels are further disclosed.

Abstract: A hub unit includes a hub of light material forming a cylindrical portion, a flange and a radial recess having a surface facing the flange, and two bearing rings axially aligned around the cylindrical portion of the hub; a sleeve locking device is radially interposed between the cylindrical portion of the hub and the bearing rings, and comprises a retaining portion engaged in the radial recess of the hub, a terminal edge which preloads the bearing rings, and one or two cuts extending in an axial direction.

Abstract: A method of imparting superior fatigue performance to a vehicle wheel cast from a magnesium alloy by selective application of friction stir processing to regions of the casting known to be subject to high in-service stresses is described. The method may be particularly applicable to open wheel designs in which a plurality of spokes is used to connect the hub and rim portions of the wheel.

Abstract: The present turbine fan rim, turbine fan airless tire and turbine fan hubcap designs are configured to remove air from under the underside of a moving vehicle when rotated in a particular direction, typically in a forward direction. This air movement can create a vacuum below the vehicle, which can create a down force on the vehicle increasing traction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. This downward force and partial vacuum can thus increase as the rotational velocity of the tires increases, providing greater traction at higher speeds. An additional benefit to these wheel, airless tire, and hubcap designs is the cooling effect that would be created by the flowing air on brake parts that are located near wheels of nearly all vehicles.

Abstract: The present turbine fan rim, turbine fan airless tire and turbine fan hubcap designs are configured to remove air from under the underside of a moving vehicle when rotated in a particular direction, typically in a forward direction. This air movement can create a vacuum below the vehicle, which can create a down force on the vehicle increasing traction between the vehicle's tires and the road surface and lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. This downward force and partial vacuum can thus increase as the rotational velocity of the tires increases, providing greater traction at higher speeds. An additional benefit to these wheel, airless tire, and hubcap designs is the cooling effect that would be created by the flowing air on brake parts that are located near wheels of nearly all vehicles.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire assembly includes a pneumatic tire having an inner cavity and an inner surface at least partially defining the inner cavity, a rigid structure for facilitating operation of the tire assembly, and a docking base for securing the rigid structure to the inner surface of the inner cavity. The docking base has been integrally bonded to the inner surface during curing of the pneumatic tire. The docking base has a shape formed by a mold attached to the inner surface of the inner cavity during curing of the pneumatic tire. The mold subsequently is removed thereby resulting in the docking base integrally secured to the inner surface.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless flexible tire with certain performance characteristics of a pneumatic tire. The rigid wheel includes a central portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced mounting elements removably attached to a radially outer margin of the central portion. The tire is mounted on the wheel and engages the mounting elements such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements are separated radially from the wheel by a space. The tire is configured such that portions of the tire not engaging the mounting elements flex inwardly toward the wheel when subject to ground engaging pressure, thereby minimizing ground penetration and soil disruption. The tire may include one or more tension elements embedded in the tire to increase the tire's strength and resilience.

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

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

Abstract: An axle spindle and wheel end assembly includes a precision-formed axle spindle, wheel hub, and axle spindle nut. The axle spindle is formed with parallel inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, a shoulder that is perpendicular to the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces, and threads for a spindle nut that are aligned with the inboard and outboard bearing surfaces. The wheel hub is formed with inboard and outboard bearing surfaces that are in parallel alignment with one another, and bearing axial stop surfaces that are perpendicular to the wheel hub bearing surfaces. The spindle nut is formed with threads on its inner periphery and a flat inboard surface that is perpendicular to the threads. The axle spindle, wheel hub, and spindle nut cooperate to enable an axle spindle nut assembly to consistently provide a light preload on a bearing cone and spacer group of the wheel end assembly.

Abstract: A landing gear tire traction control system and methods are presented. An outer tire of an aircraft wheel is depressurized to a depressurized state in response to a non-optimal aircraft landing condition. An inner rotor of the aircraft wheel contacts the outer tire in response to the depressurized state, and a plurality of traction studs are deployed to protrude from the outer tire in response to the inner rotor contacting the outer tire.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel is provided with a plurality of tube's distributed at various radial angles from the center and oriented generally transversely of the central plane of the wheel and generally parallel to the wheel's axis of rotation. The azimuthal and longitudinal imbalance of a mounted tire including the wheel is determined. To balance the mounted tire both azimuthally and longitudinally, one or more weights are inserted into one or more tubes disposed on the wheel at appropriate azimuthal locations. The weights are placed longitudinally of the tubes in the plane of central mass of the mounted tire, and are secured in that position within the tube by any of a variety of means such as thread locking fluid, friction, or plugs.

Abstract: A tire performance indicator for a tire includes at least one tread wear indicator region structured and arranged in a tread region of the tire and at least one performance symbol guide structured and arranged approximate a sidewall region of the tire.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle is disclosed. The wheel comprises a central portion attachable to a vehicle hub and a rim arranged radially outside the central portion for supporting a wheel tire. The central portion has a series of cavities configured to receive a corresponding adapter. A cavity of the series of cavities has a through hole. The through hole is aligned in an alignment direction for alignment with a through hole of a corresponding adapter for traversal by a mounting element to attach the central portion to the vehicle hub. The cavity is configured to receive the corresponding adapter in a unique rotational position with respect to the alignment direction. The cavity includes first and second cylindrically shaped and axially aligned volumes. The first volume is bounded by a first receiving wall portion that extends substantially parallel to a front side surface of the central portion. The second volume extends from the first volume towards a back side surface of the central portion.

Abstract: A method for changing a vehicle wheel held to the vehicle by nuts and retainer cleats comprising: using a mobile robot for removal and replacement of the wheel nuts and retainer cleats in combination with the use of a mobile mechanical wheel handler to grip and remove the wheel and to bring a replacement wheel into position before replacement of the wheel nuts and cleats by the robot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel for a motor vehicle, comprising a wheel body (3) with a rim tape (7) for receiving a tire and a rim star (9) or a wheel disk, through-holes (13) for receiving fastening means (17) of the wheel body (3) on a vehicle axle being formed in the rim star or in the wheel disk. The wheel body (3) is produced from a reinforced polymer material and is connected non-positively, positively or integrally to a cap (5), the cap (5) covering the rim star (9) or the wheel disk. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a process for producing the wheel.

Abstract: Tire blocks are described. The techniques described herein may enable multiple blocks of foam to substantially fill an inside of a tire. Each of the blocks used to fill a tire may have a wedge shape and a rigidity that is sufficient to operate the tire without air pressure. The wedge shape of each of the tire blocks has sides that may be positioned at least partially against sidewalls of the tire and sides that may be be positioned against other blocks of foam. The tire can then be inflated to the desired air pressure for operation. Because of the density of the foam and the wedge shape design, a failed tire can still be used for normal operation.

Abstract: To realize a manufacturing method for a wheel-supporting rolling bearing unit that can establish sufficient parallelism between a rotating side installation surface 14 for fastening to and supporting a disk of a disk brake and a stationary side installation surface 15 for fastening a caliper or support, in the present invention, while rotating a hub 2 comprising the rotating side installation surface 14 with respect to an outer race comprising the stationary side installation surface, a finishing process such as turning is performed on the rotating side installation surface 14 or both side surfaces in the axial direction of the disk which is fastened and supported to and by the rotating side installation surface 14, with the stationary side installation surface 15 as a reference surface.

Abstract: A method of improving the resistance of a tire sidewall to damage such as splitting or puncture is provided. More particularly, a method for determining the size and positioning of tread features along the sidewall of a tire so as to improve the protection of the sidewall against damage when contacting obstacles during operation of the tire is provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a wheel tip assembly for a compactor wheel assembly used on a compactor machine. The method may include forming a tip portion of white cast iron, and forming a base portion configured to be connected to a wheel rim. The tip portion may be brazed to the base portion to thereby form the wheel tip assembly. Also disclosed is a method of forming a compactor wheel assembly for use on a compactor machine, which includes the wheel tip assembly.

Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.

Abstract: Improvements in an inner tube are presented. The inner tube is split at a location opposite of the valve stem. Locating the split at a location that is opposite of the valve allows the inner tube to be more balanced to prevent an out of balance inner tube that can result in making the bicycle unstable and less safe. A stiffener or snake may be incorporated to allow the inner tube to be pushed or pulled around the rim thereby making it easier to install the inner tube when access to the entire periphery of the rim. The free ends of the inner tube can have a connection mechanism that retains the ends in a secure or semi-secure arrangement. The Ideal mechanism may further provide a method of attracting and retaining the ends together to ensure that the inner tube creates and essentially complete circle.

Abstract: A tire press is provided for inserting or removing a variable function insert (VFI) from a tire that includes a frame, a jaw assembly secured to the frame and a pusher assembly secured to the frame for interaction with the jaw assembly to insert or remove the VFI from within the tire. The invention also includes the method of inserting or removing the VFI from the tire using the press.

Abstract: There is proposed a test wheel arrangement (1) for testing a motor vehicle while the tyres are stationary, which test wheel arrangement (1) has a shaft section (5) which can be attached to a wheel hub (7) of a motor vehicle and on which a test wheel (3) is mounted to be freely rotatable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a run flat tire and system adapted for alignment around a wheel and inside a tire. The run flat tire and system comprises one or more arcuate portions configured and arranged so as to be releasably aligned and connected to form a run flat device suitable for installation around a tire rim drop center. The invention further comprises one or more insert or encapsulated portions (corresponding to one or more arcuate portions) made of a relatively strong or stiff material, and one or more corresponding outer portions of a relatively soft or lower durometer material. In one aspect, outer portion(s) are molded around or directly on corresponding encapsulated portion(s).

Abstract: A process for producing a cast, coated vehicle wheel utilizing a multi-axis computer numerical control (CNC) machine. The CNC machine allows unique draft angles and unique design elements to be cast from a single metal ingot. The process utilizes a plurality of steps to achieve the desired aesthetic qualities in the wheel including design elements such as colored portions, rivets, logos and the like.

Abstract: There are provided a method and a device to suppress the formation of a flat spot or to lessen the extent of a flat spot in a tire of a vehicle such as automobile by applying to a belt of the tire on a ground contact area of the tire a bending moment in the direction that the opposite sides of the belt are directed outward in the radial direction of the tire to suppress the formation of a deflection due to the compression of a carcass cord on the tire ground contact area In order to apply such a bending moment, a projection member narrower than the tread of the tire is disposed on the surface touching the tire of a vehicle when it is stopped or parked, pressing the tread of the tire.