Patent ID: 6575024
Filing Date: 2003-06-10
Classification: G01M,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for calibrating a tire testing machine using a mechanical couple, the machine providing load vectors in three perpendicular intersecting axes, the first axis comprising a longitudinal axis, the second axis comprising a lateral axis and the third axis comprising a steer axis, wherein the apparatus comprises:(a) a spindle extension aligned along the lateral axis, the spindle extension having: a first location corresponding to the spindle axis/steer axis intersection point; and a second location, the second location being positioned a predetermined distance from the first location; (b) first and second load members, each of the first and second load members having a proximal end adapted for connection to the spindle extension and a distal end adapted for receiving a predetermined weight, the first load member being connected to the spindle extension at the first location, and the second load member being connected to the spindle extension at the second location, and (c) wherein the first load member and the second load member together comprise a mechanical couple, such that a first force exerted upon the first load member by a first weight and a second force exerted upon the second load member by a second weight are substantially equal, whereby the first force and the second force act in opposite directions.