Importance

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Abstract

A machine and method for performing balancing measurements on a tire or tire/wheel assembly that includes a structure defining spaced apart tire centering and tire testing positions. A first conveyor moves a tire to a centering position where a shuttle assembly is operative to center the tire and, after it has been centered, engages the tire and effects the transfer of the tire from the centering station to a testing station. The shuttle assembly includes a pair of grippers that move towards and away from each other, in a lateral direction in order to engage the tire. The first conveyor permits movement of the tire in a lateral direction; whereas it substantially resists relative movement between the tire and conveyor in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the direction of movement of the conveyor. The shuttle assembly is mounted for movement in a longitudinal direction and includes a drive mechanism which allows the shuttle assembly to move relative to a tire in a longitudinal direction as the grippers engage the tire so that the shuttle assembly can align itself, in the longitudinal direction with respect to the tire. The frame structure of the machine includes three spaced apart support members providing a three point support arrangement for the machine. The machine also includes at least four legs which extend downwardly, but are spaced above a plane defined by the support members and inhibit tipping of the machine beyond predetermined limits. The testing station which includes a spindle assembly for rotating the tire also includes an elevator mechanism for lowering the tire on to the spindle and for raising the tire off the spindle. A lower marking mechanism forms part of the elevator and is operative to mark a predetermined location on the tire at the conclusion of a tire testing procedure. The spindle assembly includes a drive motor comprised of a drive motor housing and an armature. The armature is maintained in its operative position by a bearing arrangement associated with a shaft assembly forming part of the spindle assembly which eliminates the need for armature supporting bearings in the drive motor housing.

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First Claim