Abstract Apparatus and method for balance correcting pneumatic tires are provided by automatically grinding away selected portions of the tread rubber, preferably at center portions of the tread. The pneumatic tire is concentrically rotated in an inflated condition preferably at about 60 rpm. A reflective means is positioned on the tire in reference to a portion to be ground and a light source and light sensing means are positioned to reflect light from the reflective means and output an electric signal responsive to the reflected light sensed. An actuating means is responsive to the electric signal from the light sensing means to actuate a grinding means which removes selected portions of the tire tread. The selective grinding of the tire is precision controlled by (i) the sizing of the reflective means, or (ii) by controlling and/or electronic processing of the electrical signal from the light sensing means.
A method of balance correcting a pneumatic tire comprising the steps of: A. determining a point of imbalance in a pneumatic tire; B. positioning a reflective material on the tire in reference to the point of imbalance; C. rotating the tire; D. directing light from a light source onto the tire and reflecting light from the reflective material on each revolution of the tire; E. generating an electrical signal with light reflected by the reflective material; and F. actuating a grinding means to selectively remove a predetermined amount of rubber from the tire at the point of imbalance by the generated electrical signal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of balance correcting a pneumatic tire comprising the steps of: A. determining a point of imbalance in a pneumatic tire; B. positioning a reflective material on the tire in reference to the point of imbalance; C. rotating the tire; D. directing light from a light source onto the tire and reflecting light from the reflective material on each revolution of the tire; E. generating an electrical signal with light reflected by the reflective material; and F. actuating a grinding means to selectively remove a predetermined amount of rubber from the tire at the point of imbalance by the generated electrical signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method of balance correcting a pneumatic tire as set forth in claim 1 comprising in addition the step of: processing the generated electrical signal before input to the grinding means to control the selectivity of removal of rubber by the grinding means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method of balance correcting a pneumatic tire as set forth in claim 2 comprising in addition the step of: controlling the number of actuation of the grinding means with the electrical signal generated by light reflected by the reflective material.