US3681877A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for correcting nonuniformity in a rotating tire
Assignee: Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Co
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Filing: 1969-08-12
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Granted: 1972-08-08
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Expires: 1989-08-12
Abstract
Abstract The method and apparatus for reducing the radial force variation of a rotating tire by grinding from the tread a portion thereof as determined by the radial motion of a floating load wheel which provides an electrical signal proportional to the movement of the load wheel axis. The electrical signal is employed in a circuit such that when a reference voltage is exceeded, the signal is effective to move a grinder to and away from contact with the tire tread in increments of constant radial depth but of varying time duration. The apparatus comprises a tire uniformity machine having a pulse generator synchronized with the tire rotation so each pulse indicates a unit angle of tire rotation. A comparator conducts the pulses only when the signal from the uniformity machine exceeds a predetermined value such that the pulses activate alternately a pair of one-shot multivibrators which energize actuating solenoids for applying or retracting the grinder. The solenoids move a bell crank which causes a snapaction toggle to advance or retract the grinder with respect to the tire tread.
Inventors
- 👤 Harmon G Shively
- 👤 Clifford A Landsness
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 22:28
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M1/00; G01M1/14; G01M1/16; G01M1/22; G01M1/225; B; B24; B24B; B24B49/00; B24B49/16; B24B49/165; B24B5/00; B24B5/36; B24B5/366; B29; B29D; B29D30/00; B29D30/06; B29D30/0601; B29D30/0633; G01M1/30; G01M1/34; G01M17/00; G01M17/007; G01M17/02; G01M17/022; G01M17/024; B29D2030/0634; B29D2030/0635; B29D2030/0638; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S451/00; Y10S451/92
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
191 words
An apparatus for reducing the magnitude of radial force variation in a pneumatic tire comprising: a. means for supporting and rotating the tire in inflated condition about its axis; b. means responsive to radial force variation in the rotating tire to provide an electrical signal the amplitude and duration of which is indicative of such force variation; c. means supported adjacent the tire for movement a predetermined distance to and from engagement therewith which means is capable of removing a portion of the tire tread when in engagement with the tire; d. means for providing a reference voltage representative of a minimum level of said radial force variation; e. means responsive to the onset of that portion of said signal in excess of a said reference voltage for initiating movement of said material-removing means into engagement with the tire; f. means responsive to the recession of said signal below said reference voltage to withdraw said material-removing means from contact with the tire; and g. means attached to said material-removing means having a portion adapted to contact said tire to provide a reference base for the movement of The said material-removing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
191 words
An apparatus for reducing the magnitude of radial force variation in a pneumatic tire comprising: a. means for supporting and rotating the tire in inflated condition about its axis; b. means responsive to radial force variation in the rotating tire to provide an electrical signal the amplitude and duration of which is indicative of such force variation; c. means supported adjacent the tire for movement a predetermined distance to and from engagement therewith which means is capable of removing a portion of the tire tread when in engagement with the tire; d. means for providing a reference voltage representative of a minimum level of said radial force variation; e. means responsive to the onset of that portion of said signal in excess of a said reference voltage for initiating movement of said material-removing means into engagement with the tire; f. means responsive to the recession of said signal below said reference voltage to withdraw said material-removing means from contact with the tire; and g. means attached to said material-removing means having a portion adapted to contact said tire to provide a reference base for the movement of The said material-removing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said material-removing means includes means for effecting a snap-action of said material-removing means into and away from contact with the tire tread.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
80 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein a. the said material-removing means is spaced peripherally a distance along the tire tread from said means to provide the signal; and, b. the said means responsive to onset of the portion of said signal in excess of the reference voltage includes means to delay actuation of said material-removing means an amount in tire rotation time corresponding to the said distance between said means to provide the signal and said material-removing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
144 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said means responsive to the onset and said means responsive to the recession of said portion of said signal in excess of said reference voltage includes: a. electrical pulse generating means emitting a series of equal duration direct current pulses which pulses are synchronized with rotation of said tire such that each pulse represents a unit angle of tire rotation; b. electrical pulse gate means electrically connected to receive said electrical signal and said direct current pulses, the said pulse gate means being operative to pass said electrical signal only when said pulses are received from said pulse generating means; and c. electrical comparator means electrically connected to the output of said pulse gate means and to said reference voltage with the comparator operative to conduct said pulses only when said electrical signal exceeds said reference voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said means adjacent the tire for movement a predetermined distance to and from engagement therewith comprises: a. a frame means; b. a grinder; c. means pivotally attaching said grinder to said frame; and, d. actuator means operatively connected to the last-mentioned means for effecting movement of said grinder toward and away from said tire.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus defined in claim 5, wherein said pivotal means includes: a. toggle means operative to move said grinder radially relative to and from contact with the tire; and b. a pair of electrical solenoids each having an armature pivotally connected to said toggle means for alternate operation of the latter to effect said movement of the grinder respectively toward and away from said tire.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus defined in claim 6, wherein said toggle means has spring means attached thereto for effecting snap-action of said grinder in its movement to and from engagement with the tire.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus defined in claim 1, wherein said means attached to said grinder includes a pair of spaced rollers supported on said toggle means with the rollers individually disposed on opposite sides of said grinder.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1, further comprising means for adjusting the position of said grinder relative to said reference base to thereby alter the extent of radial movement of the grinder relative to the tire.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-08 | 1976-02-07 | 1976-08-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-08 | 1980-02-07 | 1980-08-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-08 | 1984-02-07 | 1984-08-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |