Techniques are disclosed for methods and systems for automating the operation of a rolling-jack system for the servicing of automotive vehicles. The rolling-jack(s) travel/transport between the runways of a drive-on lift. They have automated/motorized transportation, engagement and jacking power mechanisms. These mechanisms are controlled by a guidance system which guides/controls them for a fully automated operation. A number of technologies may be used for this purpose, including sensors onboard the vehicles and/or the drive-on lifts and/or the rolling-jacks and/or the service center. A computer vision pipeline may also be utilized to assist in the process. Machine learning may also be employed. Techniques are also extended to autonomous vehicles as well as interfacing with fleet management software.

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 for lifting a vehicle top is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base frame including two or more legs and one or more support structures couplable to the one or more legs at a selected angle. The apparatus may include a body frame including a main support and a lifting arm bracket couplable to the main support. The apparatus may include a lifting arm including a lifting platform couplable to a lifting support and one or more stabilizing linkages couplable to the lifting arm bracket, the lifting arm, and the lifting support. The lifting platform may engage an underside of a vehicle top and maintain an orientation substantially parallel to a ground surface as the lifting arm rotates about an axis through the lifting arm bracket.

An apparatus for lifting a vehicle top is disclosed. The apparatus may include a base frame including two or more legs and one or more support structures couplable to the one or more legs at a selected angle. The apparatus may include a body frame including a main support and a lifting arm bracket couplable to the main support. The apparatus may include a lifting arm including a lifting platform couplable to a lifting support and one or more stabilizing linkages couplable to the lifting arm bracket, the lifting arm, and the lifting support. The lifting platform may engage an underside of a vehicle top and maintain an orientation substantially parallel to a ground surface as the lifting arm rotates about an axis through the lifting arm bracket.

A fender mounted hoist has a frame having lifting points for receiving one or more ratchets. The frame is mounted over a fender well. The fender well includes a right fender well and a left fender well. The right fender well includes a right fender well inside frame, a right fender well base, and a right fender well wall. The left fender well includes a left fender well inside frame, a left fender well base, and a left fender well wall. A main beam has a left end of the main beam and a right end of the main beam. The main beam of the frame is horizontally oriented. A left leg is connected to the frame at the left end of the main beam, and a right leg is connected to the frame at the right end of the main beam.

A fender mounted hoist has a frame having lifting points for receiving one or more ratchets. The frame is mounted over a fender well. The fender well includes a right fender well and a left fender well. The right fender well includes a right fender well inside frame, a right fender well base, and a right fender well wall. The left fender well includes a left fender well inside frame, a left fender well base, and a left fender well wall. A main beam has a left end of the main beam and a right end of the main beam. The main beam of the frame is horizontally oriented. A left leg is connected to the frame at the left end of the main beam, and a right leg is connected to the frame at the right end of the main beam.

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 for partially supporting a vehicle is provided especially for a vehicle having a very limited area on its underside within which to safely apply an upward force, including vehicles with a small distance between the bottom of the chassis and the ground such as a sports car which allows the user to position a lifting jack under the vehicle at the proper access jack point for engagement of the lifting a portion of the vehicle, and lifting the jack and vehicle portion upwardly to a desired height. The legs of the jack stand can be temporarily inserted into a support member engaging the vehicle and the jack. The jack stand includes a horizontal support member with bottom facing open ends telescopically connected to a pair of rigid legs and each of the legs are telescopically attached to supporting bases using locking pins. Once the jack stand is installed, the lifting jack can be removed.

An apparatus for partially supporting a vehicle is provided especially for a vehicle having a very limited area on its underside within which to safely apply an upward force, including vehicles with a small distance between the bottom of the chassis and the ground such as a sports car which allows the user to position a lifting jack under the vehicle at the proper access jack point for engagement of the lifting a portion of the vehicle, and lifting the jack and vehicle portion upwardly to a desired height. The legs of the jack stand can be temporarily inserted into a support member engaging the vehicle and the jack. The jack stand includes a horizontal support member with bottom facing open ends telescopically connected to a pair of rigid legs and each of the legs are telescopically attached to supporting bases using locking pins. Once the jack stand is installed, the lifting jack can be removed.

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.