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.

Lift pads with alignment functionality that enable a lift operator to objectively, easily and accurately position one or more, e.g., four, lift pads to ensure precise contact with the desired lift points and features of an object. Alignment functionality includes light emitting devices for illuminating an opposing surface, light beam detectors for detecting alignment, and image capture devices with machine vision capability for identifying features on opposing surface, among others.

Lift pads with alignment functionality that enable a lift operator to objectively, easily and accurately position one or more, e.g., four, lift pads to ensure precise contact with the desired lift points and features of an object. Alignment functionality includes light emitting devices for illuminating an opposing surface, light beam detectors for detecting alignment, and image capture devices with machine vision capability for identifying features on opposing surface, among others.

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 portable auto lift includes a plurality of vehicle engaging arms configured to selectively engage and support a vehicle, a frame coupled to and supporting the plurality of vehicle engaging arms a moveable carriage coupled to and supporting the frame and the plurality of vehicle engaging arms; a vertical support post configured to receive the movable carriage that supports frame and the vehicle engaging arms, the vertical support post further including a vertically adjustable portion for selectively vertically adjusting the height of the vertical support post; and a hydraulic system for selectively moving the moveable carriage along a length of the vertical post, including selectively moving the carriage along a length of the vertically adjustable portion. The vertically adjustable portion maybe pivoted, removable, or telescoping.

A portable auto lift includes a plurality of vehicle engaging arms configured to selectively engage and support a vehicle, a frame coupled to and supporting the plurality of vehicle engaging arms a moveable carriage coupled to and supporting the frame and the plurality of vehicle engaging arms; a vertical support post configured to receive the movable carriage that supports frame and the vehicle engaging arms, the vertical support post further including a vertically adjustable portion for selectively vertically adjusting the height of the vertical support post; and a hydraulic system for selectively moving the moveable carriage along a length of the vertical post, including selectively moving the carriage along a length of the vertically adjustable portion. The vertically adjustable portion maybe pivoted, removable, or telescoping.

A hoist for lifting at least a portion of a gas engine assembly includes a support member including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a connecting portion extending therebetween. The hoist also includes an elongate member coupled to the lower portion of the support member and extending substantially orthogonally to the lower portion, and at least one bracket slidably engaged with the elongate member and axially translatable along a length of the elongate member. In addition, the hoist includes a plurality of linkage members coupled to the at least one bracket, where each linkage member of the plurality of linkage members is configured to attach to at least a portion of the gas engine assembly.

A hoist for lifting at least a portion of a gas engine assembly includes a support member including an upper portion, a lower portion, and a connecting portion extending therebetween. The hoist also includes an elongate member coupled to the lower portion of the support member and extending substantially orthogonally to the lower portion, and at least one bracket slidably engaged with the elongate member and axially translatable along a length of the elongate member. In addition, the hoist includes a plurality of linkage members coupled to the at least one bracket, where each linkage member of the plurality of linkage members is configured to attach to at least a portion of the gas engine assembly.

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.