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.

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.

The present disclosure provides a workpiece conveyance system that can be configured at a low cost. A first exemplary aspect is a workpiece conveyance system configured to convey a first workpiece inside a facility and raise the first workpiece, the workpiece conveyance system including: an on-floor carriage configured to be movable on a floor of the facility, the on-floor carriage including a placement part on which the first workpiece is placed; and an elevating machine configured to push up the placement part, the elevating machine being configured separately from the on-floor carriage.

The present disclosure provides a workpiece conveyance system that can be configured at a low cost. A first exemplary aspect is a workpiece conveyance system configured to convey a first workpiece inside a facility and raise the first workpiece, the workpiece conveyance system including: an on-floor carriage configured to be movable on a floor of the facility, the on-floor carriage including a placement part on which the first workpiece is placed; and an elevating machine configured to push up the placement part, the elevating machine being configured separately from the on-floor carriage.

A tire stabilizer includes a partially threaded rod, the rod having a smooth end and a threaded end; a first connector rotatably attached to smooth end of the rod; a second connector threadedly attached to the threaded end of the rod; four first supporting members, each first supporting member including a first end and a second end, the first end of the first supporting member being rotatably attached to the first connector; four second supporting members, each second supporting member including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second supporting member being rotatably attached to the second connector; and two first locking pads, each locking pad being rotatably attached to the second ends of two of the four first supporting members; and two second locking pads, each locking pad being rotatably attached to the second ends of two of the four second supporting member.

A tire stabilizer includes a partially threaded rod, the rod having a smooth end and a threaded end; a first connector rotatably attached to smooth end of the rod; a second connector threadedly attached to the threaded end of the rod; four first supporting members, each first supporting member including a first end and a second end, the first end of the first supporting member being rotatably attached to the first connector; four second supporting members, each second supporting member including a first end and a second end, the first end of the second supporting member being rotatably attached to the second connector; and two first locking pads, each locking pad being rotatably attached to the second ends of two of the four first supporting members; and two second locking pads, each locking pad being rotatably attached to the second ends of two of the four second supporting member.

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.

A heavy load lifting system is a system that enables a repairman to safely lift and mount different vehicle components for maintenance or repair. The system may include an elongated frame, a wheeled base, a height-adjustment carriage, a telescopic boom, a pivot support assembly, a tilt-adjustment mechanism, and a winch mechanism. The elongated frame enables the height-adjustment carriage to be raised so that the vehicle component can be removed from the vehicle. The wheeled base enables the system to be moved around. The height-adjustment carriage enables the operator to elevate or lower the telescopic boom. The telescopic boom enables the vehicle component to be removed safely. The pivot support assembly provides additional support to the vehicle component being removed. The tilt-adjustment mechanism enables the telescopic boom to position the removed vehicle component at the desired orientation. The winch mechanism enables the height-adjustment carriage to be moved along the elongated frame.

A heavy load lifting system is a system that enables a repairman to safely lift and mount different vehicle components for maintenance or repair. The system may include an elongated frame, a wheeled base, a height-adjustment carriage, a telescopic boom, a pivot support assembly, a tilt-adjustment mechanism, and a winch mechanism. The elongated frame enables the height-adjustment carriage to be raised so that the vehicle component can be removed from the vehicle. The wheeled base enables the system to be moved around. The height-adjustment carriage enables the operator to elevate or lower the telescopic boom. The telescopic boom enables the vehicle component to be removed safely. The pivot support assembly provides additional support to the vehicle component being removed. The tilt-adjustment mechanism enables the telescopic boom to position the removed vehicle component at the desired orientation. The winch mechanism enables the height-adjustment carriage to be moved along the elongated frame.

A powered side panel system is used in conjunction with a loading bed found on trailers and other flatbed vehicles. The system includes a side panel having a vertical member. The side panel is configured to pivot about a panel axis in communication with the trailer. A lever arm extends between the side panel and the trailer. The system includes a reciprocating assembly to operate the lever arm between a lowered and raised orientation. The reciprocating assembly communicates with the lever arm through a cable. The lever arm controls the rate of radial motion of the side panel about the panel axis. A control unit is configured to regulate the operation of the actuator device.