US3774456A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for use in wheel counterbalancing
Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd
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Filing: 1971-10-01
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Granted: 1973-11-27
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Expires: 1991-10-01
Abstract
Abstract In wheel counterbalancing apparatus a wheel is mounted in a pair of spaced bearings for rotation about reference axis and sensor means are provided for sensing reaction forces at each of the bearings resulting from imbalance of the wheel. Means are provided for sensing when the wheel is at or approaching its maximum rotational speed and for transmitting a signal to hold information displayed by digital d1splay tubes in a displayed state and at the same time to brake the drive to the wheel.
Inventors
- 👤 B Crump
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 04:10
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M1/00; G01M1/14; G01M1/16; G01M1/22; G01M1/225
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
In wheel counterbalancing apparatus which includes means for mounting the wheel for rotation about a reference axis and drive means for rotating the wheel, the mounting means including first and second spaced bearings and sensor means for sensing, in use, reaction forces at each of said bearings resulting from imbalance of said wheel and for transmitting signals in dependence on the reaction forces so sensed and means for translating said signals to information and means for visually displaying said information, the information being such as to indicate to an operator the values and positions of counter weights to be added to the wheel in a pair of spaced planes, the improvement which comprises means for sensing the rotational speed of the wheel and producing an output signal when the wheel exceeds a predetermined speed, means responsive to the output signal to hold the information on the visual display means, and means responsive to the output signal to brake the wheel drive means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
In wheel counterbalancing apparatus which includes means for mounting the wheel for rotation about a reference axis and drive means for rotating the wheel, the mounting means including first and second spaced bearings and sensor means for sensing, in use, reaction forces at each of said bearings resulting from imbalance of said wheel and for transmitting signals in dependence on the reaction forces so sensed and means for translating said signals to information and means for visually displaying said information, the information being such as to indicate to an operator the values and positions of counter weights to be added to the wheel in a pair of spaced planes, the improvement which comprises means for sensing the rotational speed of the wheel and producing an output signal when the wheel exceeds a predetermined speed, means responsive to the output signal to hold the information on the visual display means, and means responsive to the output signal to brake the wheel drive means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 in which said sensing means includes means for generating a pulse on each rotation of the wheel, and means for converting the pulses into a direct voltage proportional to the frequency of the pulses.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 in which means are provided whereby, when the direct voltage approaches a value corresponding to a wheel rotational speed which is almost the maximum wheel rotational speed, a trigger circuit is operated to produce said output signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 which includes a manually operable element for energising a primary contactor to close switch means in the electrical circuit of a motor constituting said drive means to provide alternating current for driving the motor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus according to claim 4 which includes a manually operable element for de-energising the primary contactor and for energising a secondary contactor which closes electrical switch means to provide direct current for braking the motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said primary and secondary contactors are arranged in series with switch means controlled by a relay which is energised by said output signal a predetermined time interval after the wheel approaches its maximum rotational speed, energisation of this relay serving to de-energise the primary contactor and energise the secondary contactor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein thermistor means are provided operable in the event that the windings of the motor should become overheated for preventing energisation of said primary contactor.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-11-26 | 1977-05-28 | 1977-11-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-26 | 1981-05-28 | 1981-11-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-26 | 1985-05-28 | 1985-11-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |