DE2325240

An x-ray tire inspection system is disclosed which comprises a tire manipulator, an x-ray source for beaming x-rays from bead rim to bead rim through a circumferential section of a tire which is supported and rotated by the manipulator, and an imaging system for producing x-ray transparency images of the tire from bead rim to bead rim. The tire manipulator comprises movable manipulator members disposed at opposite axial sides of the tire for receiving and supporting a tire, moving the tire to an inspection position, shifting the tire position radially relative to the x-ray source and rotating the tire during inspection. After inspection the manipulator members move the tire away from the x-ray source and automatically discharge the tire. The imaging system is constructed for movement about an axis substantially tangent to the circular centerline of the tire torus when the tire is being inspected. The x-ray source focal spot is located within or adjacent the tire torus during inspection.