Patent ID: 6422071
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A machine to empirically analyze the effect of stone peck damage upon a coating on an automotive vehicle body panel, said machine comprising;an enclosure frame; a first conveyor wheel having a rotational axis fixed with respect to said enclosure frame; a second conveyor wheel having a rotational axis fixed with respect to said enclosure frame, said second conveyor wheel being spaced from said first conveyor wheel; a belt fitted upon said conveyor wheels, said belt providing a generally planar surface; a hub having a rotational axis generally vertically above said belt planar surface; an automotive tire and wheel combination mounted for rotation on said hub, said tire being in contact with said belt generally planar surface; a shaft connected with said hub; a variable speed electric motor torsionally coupled to said shaft for rotating said tire and said conveyor; a platform to support said motor, said platform being movable with respect to said enclosure frame; weights for loading said platform to determine the force of contact between said tire and said belt of said planar surface; a tubular conduit for delivering stones to said conveyor planar surface; an aggravator for vibrating said tubular conduit to better distribute said stones delivered by said tubular conduit; a deflector for redirecting stones delivered to said tire by said conveyor and then accelerated by said tire; a mounting system for mounting an automotive vehicle coated body panel in a fixed position with respect to said tire and wheel; a bin for receiving stones accelerated by said tire from impact with said body panel, said bin having an opening at an elevation lower than said planar surface of said belt and said bin having a lower outlet; an auger for delivering said stones from said outlet to said tubular conduit; and an electric motor for powering said auger.