X-Ray Machines for Tire Inspection

Method for accurately characterizing the thickness and electrical conductivity of multi-layer tires for quality control. The method involves using X-ray computed tomography (CT) to non-destructively scan the tire tread. By scanning the tire cross-section, the thickness of each layer and the presence of electrically conductive rubber inclusions can be determined. This allows precise measurement of layer thicknesses, even with similar compositions, and identification of insufficient conductivity issues in tires.

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A method and system for quickly and accurately determining variation in quality of long elongated tire components like belts by continuously scanning them with X-rays as they are conveyed. The system uses an X-ray source to scan a continuous section of the tire component as it moves. The X-ray transmittance images are acquired without gaps in the longitudinal direction. By analyzing the contrast in each image, the system calculates the variation in quality like thickness or compound composition along the length of the component.

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Integrated x-ray scanning system for non-intrusive inspection of objects using multiple x-ray scanners, at least one of which is a mobile scatter x-ray scanner. The system involves scanning an object from multiple sides simultaneously or sequentially with separate scanners. The scanner images are integrated to provide more comprehensive and accurate inspection data compared to single-sided scanning. The integration mitigates artifacts from motion, scaling, and crosstalk between scanners. The integrated scans can be viewed together to improve detection and analysis compared to separate scans.

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Quickly and accurately determining variation in quality of an elongated tire member formed by bonding multiple constituent materials in the longitudinal direction. The method involves continuously scanning the tire section with X-rays as it moves along a conveyor. The X-ray transmittance images are acquired without gaps to create a continuous sequence. By analyzing contrast in each image, the method determines variation in quality across the tire length.

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Method and system for manufacturing tires with reduced variation in quality along the longitudinal direction. It involves continuously scanning the tire using X-rays as it's being conveyed, acquiring image data without gaps, calculating quality variation from contrast, and correcting extruder screw speeds based on the variation to even out quality. This allows accurately determining and correcting quality variation without stopping the conveyor or thinning sections.

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Tire inspection device using X-rays to accurately detect the inner walls of tires without destroying them. The device has a workbench with a groove to hold and stabilize tires during inspection. A tire expansion structure inside the groove expands the inner opening of the tire. Electric push rods move parts to lift the tire sidewalls and expose the inner walls for X-ray imaging.

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Automated device for detecting the thickness of the inner liner of all-steel radial tires during production to prevent exposed wires and damage. The device uses X-ray probing and thickness measurement inside the tire lead chamber to analyze the inner liner thickness. It places tires, adjusts the X-ray probe, measures thickness, displays data, and alarms for out-of-spec tires. This allows continuous monitoring and prevention of inner liner issues versus visual inspection or cross-section sampling.

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Tire gripping device for X-ray tire inspection machines that reduces inertial forces and shaking during tire grabbing and release. The device has a rotating support plate that lifts the tire grabber arms vertically before rotation. This reduces inertia during rotation and stabilizes the arms. The support plate also has buffer stops to prevent overtravel. The device has a sideways rotating machine to extract the grabber arms, a torque motor to rotate the grabber, and a guide connecting plate to prevent slippage. This allows controlled and stable tire clamping. The device also has a console with detection and display, and a controller with sideways rotating machine. The console and controller are fixed, while the grabber rotates. This isolates the grabber motion from the console and controller.

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Automatic tire X-ray inspection apparatus for fully automating tire inspection and defect detection. The apparatus uses a conveyor to transport tires in one direction, an X-ray inspection unit to scan the tires, and a transmission unit to move the tires between the conveyor and X-ray inspection unit. This allows automated, precise, and efficient tire inspection using X-rays rather than manual visual inspection.

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A tire tension detection device that automatically moves tires through an X-ray inspection chamber to improve efficiency and eliminate the need for manual tire installation. The device has conveyor belts, a lifting mechanism, and a detection assembly inside a box. Tires are loaded onto one end of the belts, lifted into the inspection chamber, X-rayed, and then lowered onto the other end of the belts to exit. This allows automated transport of tires for tension testing without manual handling.

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A mobile vehicle for automated inspection of heavy tires like those on engineering vehicles using X-rays. The vehicle has a body with wheels and a suspension system to move, position, and rotate tires for inspection. The suspension has a sliding seat, a lifting suspension, and cantilever fork shafts. The sliding seat moves the tire horizontally on rails. The lifting suspension raises and lowers the tire vertically. The cantilever fork shafts rotate the tire for inspection. The vehicle can fully transport, position, and rotate the tires without external equipment for X-ray inspection.

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Adjustable tire inspection X-ray machine with modular components that allow using different size X-ray machines for tire inspection. The machine has a fixed bottom plate, sliding middle support plate, and adjustable front and rear plates. The front and rear plates have X-ray machines and bottom plates connected by L-shaped baffles. Rollers on the middle support plate allow sliding adjustment. A squeeze plate slides on the front plate and has a cylinder connected to a bolt with a bearing. By adjusting the bolt, the squeeze plate can compress the X-ray machine assembly to fit tires of varying sizes.

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Mobile vehicle for automated X-ray inspection of large tires like those on engineering vehicles. The vehicle has a body with wheels and a sliding seat that moves inward to lift the tire center to the X-ray machine height. It also has a pair of rotating fork arms that insert into the tire and rotate it for inspection. This allows the vehicle to move the tire into the X-ray room, position it, and rotate it for inspection without manual handling.

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A new type of X-ray inspection equipment for all-steel radial tires that allows non-destructive inspection of the inner bead wire of radial tires. The equipment has a telescopic mechanism to move a fixed tube up and down inside the tire. This allows the bead wire to be positioned and locked in place for X-ray scanning. The fixed tube rotates with the tire, and the telescopic rod slides in a groove to adjust the tube position. Limiting slots and a block prevent overtravel. A turntable rotates the tire and a gear train moves a sliding block inside the tire to secure the bead wire.

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Tire level detection device for efficient and automated inspection of tire internal quality during production. The device uses an X-ray detector mounted on a conveyor platform to scan tires as they move. The conveyor has fixed rollers and a movable belt with positioned markers. This allows precise alignment of tires for consistent X-ray imaging. The conveyor speed and X-ray exposure can be adjusted for optimal detection.

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Tire detection device for automated inspection of tire internal quality during production. The device has a conveyor assembly with a moving belt and rotating rollers to transport tires. A detection assembly with a lifting platform, electric sliding table, and fixed X-ray detector is positioned above the conveyor. This allows level detection of tires as they move through. The conveyor positions tires at specific locations for consistent X-ray imaging. The lifting platform raises and lowers to accommodate tire sizes. The sliding table moves laterally for alignment. The conveyor and detection assembly automates internal tire inspection compared to manual methods.

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A tire performance testing system that enables automated and compact inspection of tire internal defects. The system uses a rotating frame with a clamping mechanism to secure the tire in place. It has devices like an infrared sensor, X-ray transmitter, and receiver to scan the tire for defects. The frame allows precise positioning of the tire using slideways and cylinders. Expanding wheels clamp the tire carcass to prevent deformation during scanning. The system automates tire testing by rotating, expanding, and scanning the tire without manual intervention.

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Tire X-ray inspection system, method, and support device that reduces metal artifacts and simplifies tire support for X-ray CT scanning. The system uses a support structure with low density components in a defined region near the ground contact surface. This reduces metal artifacts in X-ray images compared to erect columns. The support structure connects the ground plate and tire shaft to hold the tire. The density of components in the defined region near the ground contact surface is limited to reduce metal artifacts. By integrating the load applying device into the support structure, it can be compact to fit in limited X-ray photography space. The tire is sandwiched between the ground plate and shaft for loading.

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A digital ray automatic detection system for detecting wheel parts that improves efficiency, accuracy, and cost compared to manual film-based X-ray inspection. The system uses two robots, one inside a lead room and one outside, to automate the entire X-ray imaging process. It eliminates the need for manual placement of parts and film, reduces non-detection time, and enables consistent part orientation. The robots move the wheel part, X-ray machine, and CR imaging device to capture digital X-ray images. The system also uses a rotary table to change part orientation. This allows fully automated X-ray inspection of wheel components without manual intervention.

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A method for accurately checking the position of tire components like belts or cords using X-ray inspection. The method involves using a 3D tire model to assign X-ray pixel locations to the actual tire components. This is done by finding the intersection of a line through the X-ray tube with the pixel's vector to the detector, and the corresponding point in the 3D tire model. This allows direct measurement of component positions in the X-ray images by mapping them back to the 3D tire model.

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Automated system for detecting tire fatigue without manual intervention. The system uses a fixed tire holder, simulated driving device, high-frequency X-ray machine, X-ray detector, tire scanner, image processing, and computer control. The tire is fixed and subjected to simulated driving motions. The X-ray machine and detector capture images. The computer processes the images to detect fatigue without human observation. This provides automated, efficient, and safer tire fatigue detection compared to manual methods.

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An electromechanical integrated flaw detection device for tires that combines x-ray imaging with manual operation to provide a lower cost and more versatile tire flaw detection system. The device has a base, controller, detachable operation box, and x-ray detector. The operation box allows manual inspection with lights and magnification for smaller tires. The x-ray detector can be attached for larger tire inspection. The device can switch between manual and x-ray modes for versatility and cost savings compared to dedicated x-ray systems for all tire sizes.

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An X-ray system for tire inspection that enables accurate and automated detection of tire internal defects. The system has a radiation-proof enclosure with a sliding platform, X-ray source, and receiver. Tires are placed on the platform and slid into position using cylinders. Sensors detect tire placement. The cylinders push the tires to a center point equal to tire diameter. This ensures consistent and accurate X-ray imaging. The system can also extend the tires for external inspection. It provides a compact, automated, and accurate tire inspection system compared to traditional cumbersome methods.

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Method for calibrating X-ray inspection systems for tires to accurately determine the orientation of cords inside tires. The calibration involves continuously radiographing the tire with an X-ray detector as one component (tube, detector, manipulator) moves. By tracking the shifting of cord features between images, it determines the absolute cord orientation without needing external geometry references or test bodies. This allows fast, reliable cord orientation checks on tires of the calibrated type using a single image.

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A low-cost tire X-ray inspection device for tire refurbishment operations that allows automated, high-speed inspection without the high capital investment required by large-scale X-ray systems. The device uses a rotating mechanism to move tires into position for X-ray inspection. It has a balance assembly to center the tires, a translation assembly to move the X-ray tube, and a rotation assembly to turn the tires. This allows automated scanning without the need for large, complex equipment. The X-ray tube, detector, and processing are fixed in place.

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Automated tire testing equipment with precise positioning and accurate detection for internal quality inspection of tires. The equipment has a lead room with synchronized belts, lifting device, vertical and horizontal rollers, and horizontal rails. Tires are positioned using the belts, clamped by the vertical rollers, and rotated by the horizontal rollers. This allows precise and repeatable tire positioning for consistent X-ray inspection. The rollers and rails provide accurate alignment and rotation.

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X-ray inspection system for tires that quickly and accurately detects tire defects using a custom-shaped detector array that fits the tire geometry. The system has an X-ray source, a rotating tire holder, and a detector array that is shaped like a U to match the tire profile. This allows full tire inspection in one rotation without stitching images together. The detector is positioned between the X-ray source and tire. The rotation mechanism moves the tire to scan different tire sections. The system uses a control module to coordinate the movements. This avoids distortion and mosaic artifacts compared to linear scanning.

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Method and device for non-destructive inspection of tires using X-ray computed tomography. The method involves scanning tires using a source-detector assembly that moves in a controlled rotational motion around the tire axis. The assembly has a fixed distance between the source and detector on opposite sides of the tire. The rotation axis intersects the tire midway between the source and detector. This allows scanning just part of the tire at a time, avoiding the other side blocking the view. The rotational motion covers the entire tire cross section in a shorter time than scanning the whole tire. The fixed source-detector spacing simplifies tire size changes compared to full tire scans.

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X-ray inspection device for detecting defects in green tires before vulcanization. The device allows reliable imaging of soft, unvulcanized tires by using a mechanism to move the tire into the X-ray path. The mechanism has a rotating support that holds the tire and allows it to be scanned without flipping or expanding. This prevents deformation of the green tire during scanning. The rotating support is driven by a motor connected to a capstan to move the tire into the X-ray beam.

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Correcting the sensitivity of an X-ray image sensor in an X-ray inspection device when the sensor is moving with an object like a tire or conveyor belt between the X-ray source and sensor. The sensitivity is corrected by moving the object a predetermined distance while irradiating with X-rays. This allows acquiring signals from multiple sensor positions to correct for variation and reduce background patterns from object shapes.

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A tire inspection system that uses computed tomography (CT) scanning to non-destructively inspect tires for internal defects. The system has a rotating CT scanner with a radiation source and detector array that scans the tire as it is translated through the scanner. The tire is reoriented between scans to provide complete coverage. This allows generating volumetric data of the tire interior without dissection.

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X-ray defect detection device for tires and tire blanks before vulcanization that allows reliable and stable imaging of the soft and deformable tire embryo. The device has a moving x-ray source and fixed imaging plate. The tire blank or tire is placed on a rotating support wheel mechanism. The x-ray source moves with the wheel mechanism to scan the tire/blank. This allows the tire to be imaged in its natural state without flipping or expanding.

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X-ray inspection machine for tires that improves image quality and reduces instability during high-speed rotation. Instead of vertically mounting the tire for X-ray inspection, the machine horizontally rotates the tire around its axis. This is achieved by expanding rollers outward from the bead of the tire and driving them to rotate. The tire bead is convex or concave to increase friction. This stabilizes the tire during high-speed rotation to prevent beating and improve X-ray imaging quality.

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X-ray inspection machine for tires with improved tire expansion and rotation mechanism. The machine has a lead room for airtight tire inspection. The tire is vertically placed on a guide sleeve in the lead room. A frame, guide rods, and a sliding frame allow the tire to expand and rotate inside the lead room. The sliding frame moves linearly to swing the connecting rod around the tire axis, causing the guide rods to radially swing and expand the tire. This avoids deformation and beating during external clamping and rotation.

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Road X-ray detector with a tire mechanism that allows precise, non-destructive X-ray inspection of tires without damage. The tire mechanism uses a symmetric configuration with two groups of gears and connecting rods. Each group has a sleeve, driving mechanism, and driving gear. The sleeves connect to the tire. This allows the tires to rotate while the gears transmit motion. The symmetry prevents interference and synchronizes rotation. The reduced torque requirements of the gears avoid high-cost speed reducers. The symmetrical design and connecting rods enable precise, high-precision tire X-ray inspection without damaging the tires.

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Method to accurately measure tire defects using X-ray inspection without needing reference images. The method involves calculating the true length of defects on a tire's surface from X-ray images by accounting for the distortion caused by the tire's curved cross-section. Instead of using reference images with known defect sizes, the known tire profile is used to determine the actual length of defects seen in the distorted X-ray images. This involves counting pixels along the circumferential direction to get the apparent length, then using the radial position and tire speed to calculate the true length.

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A tire inspection device that allows non-destructive examination of loaded tires without needing large mechanical tilting systems. The device captures parallel and inclined cross-sectional images of the tire using CT scanning. The parallel images are taken normally. The inclined images are created by converting the parallel images to pass through the wheel rotation axis. This allows analyzing tire deformation as it rotates without precise alignment. The wheel rotation axis is found from the parallel images. The inclined images can be compared to see how the tire deforms relative to the wheel rotation.

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X-ray tire inspection system that allows non-destructive inspection of tires without damaging the x-ray equipment. The system uses a telescoping extension mechanism with a drive cylinder to extend an x-ray tube into the tire. This avoids the issues of overturning and shaking the x-ray tube during extension. The telescoping mechanism uses a frame, extension tubes, a telescoping rod, and drive cylinders to extend the x-ray tube into the tire. This allows controlled extension and retraction without putting stress on the x-ray tube.

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Horizontal X-ray imaging system for giant tires that allows real-time inspection without damaging the tires. The system uses a horizontal scanner with a vehicle, rotary table, and small car that moves inside the tire opening. The scanner provides continuous imaging as the small car traverses the tire. The scanner components are mounted on tracks and rails that allow rotation and movement. The vehicle, table, and small car are connected and powered to enable scanning. The horizontal scanner avoids the limitations of vertical detectors on giant tires, like lifting difficulty and blind spots.

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A X-ray nondestructive testing system for tires that enables non-destructive inspection of inner tire components without removing the tire from the wheel. The system uses a X-ray conductive mechanism to transmit X-rays through the tire to inspect the inner structure. It involves a specialized X-ray source and detector that can be mounted on the vehicle to scan the tires. The X-ray source is connected to a tire support mechanism that has conductive X-ray transmitting components like gears and rods to guide the X-rays through the tire. This allows inspection of the tire's internal components without removing the tire.

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X-ray based tire deformation measurement apparatus to accurately assess tire internal structure deformation under load and air pressure. The apparatus seats the tire between fixed upper and lower plates with a rotating spindle. It applies load at desired angles while inflating the tire. X-rays are generated and scanned to measure internal deformation versus angle. This allows quantifying tire structure transformation under realistic conditions compared to static inflation tests.

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X-ray inspection system for vehicle tires that allows faster and more efficient inspection compared to traditional rolling tire methods. The system uses a stationary tire holding mechanism instead of rolling tires into the x-ray chamber. The tires are conveyed horizontally into a vertical test position where they cannot roll. This prevents skewing during x-ray imaging. The vertical position also simplifies loading and unloading compared to rolling tires. The conveyor system moves the tires through the inspection process quickly.

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Vehicle tire testing system and method using X-ray fluorescence to non-destructively inspect tire inner layers for defects like air bubbles, weak spots, and steel wire distribution. The system has an X-ray source and detector enclosed in a shielded room with the tire rotating through it. The X-rays penetrate the tire and are detected to create images of the inner layers. This allows monitoring tire quality and defects without removing the tire.

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Road X-ray detection system for non-destructive testing of tires to identify defects like air bubbles, conductivity issues, and steel wire separation. The system uses X-rays emitted vertically from the road surface as a tire passes over it. An X-ray detector rotates synchronously with the tire to receive the transmitted X-rays. This allows imaging of the tire's internal structure without invasive scanning. The vertical X-ray transmission through the tire improves penetration compared to horizontal scanning.

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Vehicle tire testing device for non-destructive inspection of tire inner structure using X-rays. The device has a fixed positioning system to accurately locate the tire in the test chamber. It uses a moving carriage with an X-ray tube and detector to scan the tire's inner surface. This allows imaging the tire's layers and components like cords, beads, and air bubbles for defect detection and analysis.

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X-ray inspection apparatus for tires that provides clearer images without overlap and simplifies setup compared to conventional systems. The apparatus has a turntable with a fixed upper plate and a rotating lower plate. A stepping motor rotates the upper plate to hold the tire. An X-ray oscillator mounted on the lower plate emits X-rays toward the tire. An X-ray detector on the upper plate opposite the oscillator detects X-rays passing through the tire. A controller calculates signals from the detector and synchronizes oscillator and detector movements to avoid overlap. The center location of the oscillator simplifies setup versus moving it for each tire.

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A mechanism to accurately position and secure a tire-mounted X-ray detector for tire inspection. The mechanism uses coaxial worm gears to support the X-ray detector in the tire axial direction. Two sets of worm gears with identical worms are mounted coaxially inside the tire. The worm gears are fixed to the tire and have matching worms that engage when the tire rotates. This allows precise positioning and locking of the X-ray detector in the tire.

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Multi-directional X-ray CT tester for quickly and accurately inspecting tires to detect defects like cord misalignment or belt separation. The tester uses multiple X-ray sources and detectors arranged around the tire to generate 3D images of the cross-section. This allows rapid 3D inspection compared to moving the tire through a single X-ray. The 3D images enable more detailed defect detection compared to 2D projections.

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Non-destructive inspection device for tires that can inspect vertical tires without moving or changing orientation. The device has a table to hold the tire vertically, a mechanism to rotate the tire while vertical, and an X-ray source to irradiate the tire. Images are captured from the outside of the tire. This allows inspecting vertically transported tires without unnecessarily moving or turning them.

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Tire positioning system for tire X-ray inspection that accurately centers tires without lubricants. The system uses fixed position adjusting arms connected to rollers on both sides of the conveyor. When a tire is transferred, it stops the conveyor, raises the ball casters, and rotates the adjusting arms to precisely center the tire. This allows centering without sliding friction or lubricants.

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