An improved vehicle jack includes a motorized lift plate that either raises or lowers a vehicle when the motor is operated in one of two directions. The jack also includes a lug-nut removal tool formed of a telescoping, pivotal shaft having an adjustable head at an upper end. A plurality of motorized, magnetized sockets are positioned on the head for tightening and loosening lug nuts. Accordingly, the lift plate is activated to raise the vehicle, and the sockets are properly positioned to automatically remove, retain, and reinstall the wheel's lug nuts.

Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

An apparatus having means for providing axial rotation and support of a wheel, wherein said wheel is intended for at least one of, removal, repair, inspection, installation, and replacement; means for allowing for different size wheels to be supported; means for rendering support for said means for providing axial rotation; means for allowing a lateral movement of said support rendering means along a central axis and operable for aligning the wheel with wheel studs; means for increasing a bottom surface area of said apparatus to create additional support for said apparatus; means for aiding a transportation and placement of said apparatus; and means for adjusting a vertical positioning of the wheel.

An apparatus (10) for fitting and/or removing wheel nuts. The apparatus (10) includes a base structure that supports a movable wheel engaging portion, the wheel engaging portion including a socket wrench (23) and a positioning device, wherein the positioning device can be used to locate the wheel engaging portion to aid the socket wrench (23) to fit or remove a wheel nut.

A wheel lifting device comprising a base structure with support means for being supported by a ground surface and a lifting frame with at least one wheel support member and a frame leg which extends upwardly at an angle to the ground surface. A link mechanism is connected to the base structure and to the lifting frame and a pivotal manoeuvring lever is connected to the link mechanism for lifting the lifting frame relative to the base structure. The blocking device for locking the manoeuvring lever at any desired pivotal position comprises a weight which is slidable along the frame leg and arranged to intersect the pivotal movement path of the manoeuvring lever and to be brought into frictional engagement with the frame leg when influenced by a force generated by the manoeuvring lever in order to block the lifting frame from downward movement relative to the base structure.

An automobile wheel lifting device for the installation of wheels when automobile is on a hydraulic lift. A motorized scissor lift table holds the wheel in a stable vertical position while lifting. Vertically stable position is ensured by a stabilizing arm placed on the wheel by the mechanic with one hand only, before lifting begins. Rate of lifting is such that when the wheel mounting holes are aligned with the studs the lifting can be stopped, the wheel rotated and installed. Lifting device avoids contact with the automobile body by lifting as if the mechanic lifted by hand. Stabilizing arm does not obstruct the view of the mechanic during lifting.

An apparatus and method for aligning a rim of a wheel assembly to a wheel hub. The apparatus can include a wheel handler device that is structured to securely engage the wheel assembly. The apparatus can include one or more light emitting devices that project one or more light spots on the face of the wheel hub. The position of one or more light spots relative to another light spot(s) and/or to a reference feature on the face of the hub can provide an indication of the location, orientation, and/or alignment of at least the rim relative to the wheel hub.

A wheel bearing arrangement for a motor vehicle, having a wheel hub and a wheel bearing for rotatably mounting the wheel hub on a wheel carrier. The wheel bearing has an outer ring and an inner ring. A wheel flange extends from the wheel hub in a radial direction and has a brake disc receptacle which is open in the direction facing away from the outer ring and is formed by a recess in the wheel flange and has a brake disc bearing face for a brake disc. A seal-receptacle space is formed in the wheel flange on its side facing the outer ring in an axial direction, in which seal-receptacle space there is a wheel bearing seal. A rim-centering seat element extends from the wheel hub and runs in the direction opposite the brake disc bearing face with respect to the brake disc receptacle.

A self-loading dolly apparatus. Each of a pair of support bars has a saddle bracket and an inside wheel assembly rigidly affixed with the support bar and offset from the vertical axis. A lift bar is secured to the saddle brackets, then raised so that an outside pair of wheel assemblies can be positioned adjacent the respective saddle bracket. The outside wheel assemblies are secured when the lift bar is raised, whereupon the inside wheel assemblies and the saddle brackets realign with the vertical axis and the support bars are angled upward.

A wheel support is provided for use with a motorcycle stand. The wheel support includes a pair of side plates, each of which has a first side end and a second side end distal thereto. At least one of the side plates has a curved end about the first side end to secure onto a portion of the motorcycle stand. The wheel support includes a top plate secured between the pair of side plates and an adjustable height mechanism configured to adjust the height of the second end of the side plates and thus adjust the height of the top plate about the second end. The top plate when moved under the wheel of the motorcycle is movable to engage and lift the wheel of the motorcycle into and out of engagement with the motorcycle.