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 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: 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).