Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of a vehicle wheel includes locating apparatus that determines the location of an aperture on the wheel rim for receiving the valve stem, the locating apparatus preferably including a machine vision system at a gauging station. A programmable, robotic manipulator capable of compound, multi-axial movement and capable of engaging the valve stem is controlled by a controller to engage a valve stem, move the valve stem to the aperture in the wheel rim, coaxially align the central axis of the aperture with the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture along the aligned central and longitudinal axes. Optionally, the robotic manipulator may include a nut runner to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station may include a rotating table to rotate the vehicle wheel and an optical sensor for detecting the location of the aperture for the valve stem.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an vehicle wheel includes engaging a valve stem with a robotic manipulator, moving the valve stem relative to the rim along a programmable path of travel, coaxially aligning the valve stem with the aperture in the rim, and inserting the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. Preferably, the aperture location in the rim is determined at a gauging station by a machine vision system. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem. Alternately, the gauging station can use a table which rotates the wheel about a central axis, and an optical sensor detects the location of the aperture. Optionally, a probe mounted on the gauging station can be extended into the aperture to confirm the aperture position and to reposition the rim slightly if required.

Abstract: A lubricant storage assembly for supplying a lubricant delivery unit with lubricant includes a socket adapted to be affixed to the lubricant delivery unit and having an inner wall face; a thread-cutting threaded portion provided in the inner wall face; a socket inlet opening; and a holding guide portion. The assembly further includes a lubricant container having an outer wall face; a head portion situated beyond said outer wall face; and an engagement length portion provided on the outer wall face. The engagement length portion of the container is cut by the thread-cutting threaded portion upon introducing the lubricant container into the socket and upon turning the lubricant container relative to the socket about the longitudinal container axis. The engagement length portion is of a material which has a lesser hardness than the material of the thread-cutting threaded portion.