Inventors:
Eugene L. Shaw - Lake Orion MI, US
Terence H. James - Lake Orion MI, US
Joseph G. Welmers - Rochester MI, US
Assignee:
Shearographics, LLC - Lake Orion MI
International Classification:
G01M 17/02
Abstract:
Described are an adjustable tire spreader and inspection apparatus and method comprising a pallet for supporting a tire to be viewed for inspection, the pallet having an aperture aligned with the hole of the tire; a plurality of a pair of paws , the paws vertically aligned and adapted to separate the beads of the tire to allow an optical inspection apparatus to inspect the tire; each pair of paws positioned about the aperture of the pallet and capable of rotating from a closed position A to an open position of the tire beads; each pair of paws spaced about the beads of the tire and simultaneously moves to separate the beads of the tire for inspection of the tire. In the method, one operates the apparatus by placing the tire on the pallet aligning the paws with the bead of the tire; simultaneously moving the paws to separate the beads of the tire; and inspecting the tire. Thereafter, the tire is removed from the pallet and tire spreader assembly.