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 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: 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 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 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. The endless conveyor member moves wheels and assemble tires and wheels along the assembly line between the work stations.

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 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.