The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Oct. 13, 2015
Filed:
Sep. 14, 2010
Christian Albert Beccavin, Greenville, SC (US);
Frank E. Gramling, Simpsonville, SC (US);
David Andrew Judd, Mauldin, SC (US);
Bradley D. Schober, Greer, SC (US);
Christian Albert Beccavin, Greenville, SC (US);
Frank E. Gramling, Simpsonville, SC (US);
David Andrew Judd, Mauldin, SC (US);
Bradley D. Schober, Greer, SC (US);
MICHENLIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A., Granges-Paccot, CH;
COMPAGNIE GENERAL DES ETABLISSEMENT MICHELIN, Clermont-Ferrano, FR;
Abstract
A tire testing apparatus and method for detecting anomalies in the surface of a tire is disclosed. A high voltage probe having a conductive spring electrode is placed adjacent a portion of a tire surface such that the conductive spring electrode is compressed against the surface of the tire. Relative motion is imparted between the high voltage probe and the surface of the tire. An electrical discharge occurs between the high voltage probe and a reference electrode at the location of an anomaly on the surface of the tire. The apparatus and method are configured to determine a precise azimuthal and radial position on the tire of the electrostatic discharge. The conductive spring electrode can have a length sufficient to ensure contact with a given point on the tire surface during a charge cycle for the high voltage probe at increased tire surface speeds.