Abstract: A factory layout including a track circuit, one or more wheeled carts for traversing the track circuit and a tire/wheel assembly carried by the wheeled cart. One or more work stations can be positioned at locations along the track circuit. Various wheeled cart embodiments are disclosed and various work station configurations are disclosed.

Abstract: A portable universal apparatus for seating a bead of a wide range of tire sizes onto a rim. An upright support frame includes a rim support surface and a rim retainer for securing the rim in a generally horizontal position atop the rim support surface. A tubular air ring includes an air inlet port connectable to an air tank and is vertically adjustably supportable on the support frame. A plurality of inwardly oriented air discharge tubes connectable to the air ring and selectable from different sets of lengths thereof cooperate with the vertical adjustability of the air ring to position the distal end of each of discharge tube in close proximity between a lower rim seal and a lower sealing bead of the tire to force the lower sealing downwardly into sealing engagement with the lower rim seal when compressed air is released from the air tank into the air ring and air discharge tubes.

Abstract: A tire manipulator for mine service vehicles has a mast for mounting on a vehicle, a telescopic boom connected to said mast and wheel handling equipment connected to said telescopic boom. A first boom may connect said mast to a moveable boom, the moveable boom being connected to said telescopic boom.

Abstract: A process and device for inflating a tire by forming, within an enclosure in which there are enclosed the rim and the beads of the tire, an inflation orifice between a first seat of the rim and a first bead, then introducing compressed air into said orifice and closing it such that the tire is inflated and mounted hermetically on the rim. Before forming this orifice, the first bead of the tire is located axially to the outside of the first seat and the second bead is mounted hermetically on the second seat, then, to form the orifice, points on the first bead are pressed. The device for implementing the process includes a bell formed of a fixed part and a mobile part intended to slide relative thereto to tightly surround the tire on the rim for its inflation, and including, within the bell, a finger for pressing at points on said bead.