Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel (14). A controller (60) is adaptable for segmenting the wheel (14) into a plurality of sections (S1-S11). A detector (70) identifies and signals a general location of the aperture (12) to the controller (60) to identify a target section (S11) transmitted to the controller (60) by a first signal. A robotic manipulator (110, 112) is operably connected to the controller (60) and adaptable for inserting the valve stem into the aperture (12). A sensor (153) is connected to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) and is adaptable for visually identifying the target section (S11) and transmitting the general location of the aperture (12) within the target section by a second signal. The controller (60) generates a target signal transmitted to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) to increase the speed and accuracy of mating the valve stem into the aperture (12) in response to the target signal.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is comparable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identifies configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is cooperable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identifies configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is comparable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identities configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and apparatus for locating a valve stem aperture in a wheel. The invention includes a locating station having an overhead camera to scan the wheel. The scanned image of the wheel is received by a controller and is divided into radial zones. The controller locates the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture from the scanned image of the wheel. The wheel then moves along an assembly line to a stemming station. A robot is positioned at the stemming station. The robot supports a valve stem insertion tool and a valve stem aperture locating sensor. When the wheel reaches the stemming station, the robot moves the valve stem insertion tool and the valve stem aperture locating sensor to the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture. The robot moves the valve stem aperture locating sensor along the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture and locates the valve stem aperture.

Abstract: An assembly includes a platform for supporting and moving a tire along therealong. A light emitter of a first detection assembly transmits a first signal from emitter around the tire in to determine the height of the tire. A light receiver of the first detection assembly receives the transmitted first signal passed around the tire and forwards the first signal to a controller for evaluating the first signal and for determining a first configuration of the tire. A light emitter of a second detection assembly transmits a second signal around the tire in the direction transverse to the direction of the first signal. A light receiver of the second detection assembly receives the transmitted second signal. The second detection assembly is operably connected to the controller. The controller integrates the first and second signals for determining a third configuration of the part thereby identifying the part being evaluated.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system includes a robotic arm for moving a valve stem insertion device around the lip of wheel. The system also includes a pair of valve stem aperture sensors positioned on the robotic arm adjacent the valve stem insertion device and moveable around the lip of the wheel. The sensors can be positioned on opposite sides of the valve stem insertion device. When the first sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be slowed. When the second sensor locates the valve stem aperture, movement of the robotic arm can be stopped. The conveyor unit can include an identification station to sense the configuration of the wheel. A controller can select the appropriate valve stem to insert in the valve stem aperture in response to the sensed configuration of the wheel.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring tires from a tire conveyor line to a wheel conveyor line. The transfer device includes first and second surfaces rotatable with respect to one another. The first surface can receive tires from the tire conveyor line. A rotating device rotates the first surface to induce movement of the tire to the second surface. The second surface can receive the tire from the first surface and rotate toward the wheel conveyor to position the tire to engage the wheel.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: An assembly for mating a tire with a wheel includes a conveyance device, which supports a device, i.e. first plate for supporting the wheel having spaced seats extending around a vertical axis. A tire support, i.e. second plate supports the tire having spaced beads on the wheel with one bead looped between the seats and outside the seats. A tool of the present invention forms the seats over the bead with the entire bead disposed between said seats. A tread support, i.e. a pair of walls spaced one from the other, are connected to the second plate for engaging the tread of the tire. The tire support includes connectors for adjusting the pair of walls horizontally to and away from the vertical axis. A side support, i.e. arms; are adjustably supported on the respective walls for engaging the side of the tire.

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel (14). A controller (60) is adaptable for segmenting the wheel (14) into a plurality of sections (S1-S11). A detector (70) identifies and signals a general location of the aperture (12) to the controller (60) to identify a target section (S11) transmitted to the controller (60) by a first signal. A robotic manipulator (110, 112) is operably connected to the controller (60) and adaptable for inserting the valve stem into the aperture (12). A sensor (153) is connected to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) and is adaptable for visually identifying the target section (S11) and transmitting the general location of the aperture (12) within the target section by a second signal. The controller (60) generates a target signal transmitted to the robotic manipulator (110, 112) to increase the speed and accuracy of mating the valve stem into the aperture (12) in response to the target signal.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) of the present invention is designed for assembling and inflating a tire (12) mounted on a wheel (18). A tool (36) of the apparatus (10) rotates around the tire (12) for forcing one of the beads of the tire (12) between the seats of the wheel (18). Inner (72) and outer (74) concentric members are operably connected relative to one another for inflating the tire (12) mounted about the wheel (18). An activator (102) is connected to the outer concentric member (74) for moving the outer concentric member (74) telescopingly relative to the inner concentric member (72) to form a fluid passage (104). A carriage mechanism (40) is connected,to the inner (72) and outer (74) concentric members for reversibly moving the same between an isolated position (42) and the tool (36).

Abstract: A valve stem installation system (10) includes a conveyor (24) for moving wheel rims (14). A detector (50) is cooperable with the conveyor (24) to detect size of the wheel rim (14) and a location of an aperture (12) of the wheel rim (14) to receive various valve stems (16, 18). Two robots (110, 112) are adaptable for matably moving the valve stem (16, 18) to the wheel rim (14). A controller (60) is operably communicated with the robots (110, 112) and the detector (50) for receiving a signal from the detector (50) as the detector (50) identifies configuration of the wheel rim (14) and then transmitting the signal to the robots (110, 112) thereby directing the robots (110, 112) to selectively engage the valve stem (16, 18) to be inserted into the aperture (12).

Abstract: A bell assembly for inflating a tubeless tire on a wheel includes a first bell and a second bell slidably disposed within the first bell. The second bell includes a smaller diameter than the first bell. A shaft extends upwardly from the second bell in one of a relative to the first bell. A locking member is engagable with the shaft and is movable between a first locking position and a second locking position. The locking member secures the second bell in the first bell position when the locking member is disposed in the first locking position. The locking member secures the second bell in the second bell position when the locking member is disposed in the second locking position.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring tires from a tire conveyor line to a wheel conveyor line. The transfer device includes first and second surfaces rotatable with respect to one another. The first surface can receive tires from the tire conveyor line. A rotating device rotates the first surface to induce movement of the tire to the second surface. The second surface can receive the tire from the first surface and rotate toward the wheel conveyor to position the tire to engage the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced method and apparatus for locating a valve stem aperture in a wheel. The invention includes a locating station having an overhead camera to scan the wheel. The scanned image of the wheel is received by a controller and is divided into radial zones. The controller locates the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture from the scanned image of the wheel. The wheel then moves along an assembly line to a stemming station. A robot is positioned at the stemming station. The robot supports a valve stem insertion tool and a valve stem aperture locating sensor. When the wheel reaches the stemming station, the robot moves the valve stem insertion tool and the valve stem aperture locating sensor to the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture. The robot moves the valve stem aperture locating sensor along the radial zone that defines the valve stem aperture and locates the valve stem aperture.