US4458527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for measuring the rolling resistance of tires
Assignee: MICRO POISE HOLDINGS US Inc
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Filing: 1981-11-27
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Granted: 1984-07-10
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Expires: 2001-11-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for measuring the rolling resistance of tires. An endless belt is supported on rotating drums. The upper run of the belt passes over a hydrostatic bearing which supports the belt against the force of the tire pressing against it. The hydrostatic bearing is formed by a plurality of nozzles directing water at high pressure against the underside of the belt. A pressure differential is created between the upper and lower surfaces of the belt to press the belt closely adjacent the nozzles so that when a tire is pressed against the belt, it does not create a depression in the belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Lellan L. McFarland
- 👤 Barry D. Cargould
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 09:24
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M17/00; G01M17/007; G01M17/02; G01M17/022
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for measuring rolling resistance comprising, an endless belt, drum means for supporting and driving said endless belt with an upper run in a horizontal attitude, means for mounting a tire over said upper run and forcing it into engagement with said upper run, a water bearing below said upper run, said water bearing including a plurality of nozzles, means including a pump for directing water from said nozzles against said upper run, means creating a pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of said upper run to force the lower surface into close proximity to said nozzles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
Apparatus for measuring rolling resistance comprising, an endless belt, drum means for supporting and driving said endless belt with an upper run in a horizontal attitude, means for mounting a tire over said upper run and forcing it into engagement with said upper run, a water bearing below said upper run, said water bearing including a plurality of nozzles, means including a pump for directing water from said nozzles against said upper run, means creating a pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces of said upper run to force the lower surface into close proximity to said nozzles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 further comprising, a tank, open at the top, supporting said nozzles, a seal around the upper edge of said tank, between said tank and said upper run, a reservoir between said pump and said nozzles, and a drain connecting said tank to said reservoir.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 in which said pressure differential creating means comprises, tubing connecting the high pressure of said pump to said drain, and a nozzle inserted in said drain directing high pressure water toward said reservoir.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as in claim 2 in which said pressure differential creating means comprises, means creating a vacuum in said reservoir.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
78 words
In a tire testing machine wherein a tire is pressed against the upper run of an endless belt, the endless belt being supported on a hydrostatic bearing created by a plurality of nozzles directing water against the underside of said belt, the method of minimizing the localized deflection of said belt when a tire is pressed against it comprising the step of creating a substantially greater pressure on the upper surface of said belt than on its undersurface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
78 words
In a tire testing machine wherein a tire is pressed against the upper run of an endless belt, the endless belt being supported on a hydrostatic bearing created by a plurality of nozzles directing water against the underside of said belt, the method of minimizing the localized deflection of said belt when a tire is pressed against it comprising the step of creating a substantially greater pressure on the upper surface of said belt than on its undersurface.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3763699A
Cited
US4324128A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-07-10 | 1988-01-09 | 1988-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-10 | 1992-01-09 | 1992-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-10 | 1996-01-09 | 1996-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |