Apparatus for detecting lateral irregularities of the rim of a wire spoke wheel

An apparatus for detecting lateral irregularities of the rim of a wire spoke wheel, in particular for use in a machine for centering such spoke wheels, said wheel including a wheel spindle, a hub rotatably mounted on said spindle in an axially fixed position, a wheel rim and a plurality of lengthwise adjustable spokes extending between said hub and rim, comprising

• a frame;
• spindle holding means adapted to receive and fixedly hold said wheel spindle, said holding means being mounted in said frame for free longitudinal sliding movement in the axial direction of the wheel spindle held therein;
• wheel rim retaining means on said frame comprising two oppositely arranged rim follower means adapted to engage said wheel rim on both sides thereof at one point of its circumference so as to hold said rim in a fixed lateral position at said point while allowing said wheel rim to be rotated about said spindle, said two follower means determining a fixed plane of reference extending midway therebetween perpendicular to said direction of movement of said spindle holding means;
• and
• means for detecting lateral displacement of said spindle holding means with respect to said plane of reference.