公开(公告)号：US6119814A

公开(公告)日：2000-09-19

申请号：US327055

申请日：1999-06-07

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25/00 ,  B60C25/05 ,  F16N25/04 ,  F16N7/24

CPC classification number: B60C25/05 ,  B60C25/0596

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating a wheel having a predetermined wheel diameter and width includes a lubricating head for encircling the wheel to be lubricated. First and second lubricating rings are supported on the head. The first and second rings have a common axis and are spaced apart an axial distance from one another complementary with respect to the predetermined width of the wheel to be lubricated. Each of the first and second rings has a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter of the wheel to be lubricated. A mechanism is provided for driving the wheel to be lubricated into operable engagement with the first and second rings of the head, such that the first and second rings of the head operably engage along an entire periphery with respect to the first and second rims of the wheel. Preferably, the mechanism rotates the wheel through at least 360.degree. while in engagement with the first and second rings of the lubricating head to apply lubricant to an entire periphery of the first and second rims of the wheel.

Abstract translation: 用于润滑具有预定车轮直径和宽度的车轮的装置和方法包括用于环绕待润滑车轮的润滑头。 第一和第二润滑环支撑在头部上。 第一和第二环具有共同的轴线，并且相对于要润滑的车轮的预定宽度彼此间隔开彼此的轴向距离。 第一和第二环中的每一个具有大于待润滑轮的预定直径的直径。 提供了一种机构，用于驱动要被润滑的车轮与头部的第一和第二环可操作地接合，使得头部的第一和第二环可相对于第一和第二轮圈的整个周边可操作地接合 轮。 优选地，机构在与润滑头的第一和第二环接合的同时使车轮旋转至少360度，以将润滑剂施加到车轮的第一和第二轮缘的整个周边。

公开(公告)号：US07600306B2

公开(公告)日：2009-10-13

申请号：US11644248

申请日：2006-12-22

Applicant: Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D Sachs

Inventor： Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D Sachs

IPC: B23Q17/00 ,  B23P17/04

CPC classification number: B25J9/1664 ,  B23P19/04 ,  B25J9/1697 ,  B60C25/0554 ,  B60C25/18 ,  B60C25/185 ,  Y10T29/49764 ,  Y10T29/49769 ,  Y10T29/49771 ,  Y10T29/49778 ,  Y10T29/4978 ,  Y10T29/49829 ,  Y10T29/53039 ,  Y10T29/53061 ,  Y10T29/53448 ,  Y10T29/53552 ,  Y10T29/53591

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. Preferably, the machine vision system is a video camera that can identify the wheel rim as being one of a plurality of different types of wheel rims and verify the location of the valve stem receiving aperture on the wheel rim. Optionally, a mechanical probe may be inserted into the valve stem receiving aperture to verify the location of the aperture before insertion of the valve stem.

Abstract translation: 用于将阀杆安装到车轮的轮缘的装置和方法包括定位装置，其确定用于接收阀杆的轮缘上的孔的位置，定位装置优选地包括在测量台处的机器视觉系统。 能够进行复合，多轴向运动并且能够接合阀杆的可编程机器人操纵器由控制器控制以接合阀杆，将阀杆移动到轮缘中的孔，同轴地对准中心轴线 孔与阀杆的纵向轴线，并沿着对准的中心轴和纵向轴线将阀杆插入孔。 可选地，机器人操纵器可以包括螺母扳手，以将螺母拧紧在阀杆上。 或者，测量站可以包括旋转车轮的旋转台和用于检测阀杆的孔的位置的光学传感器。 优选地，机器视觉系统是可以将轮缘识别为多个不同类型的轮缘之一的视频摄像机，并验证在该轮缘上的阀杆接收孔的位置。 可选地，机械探针可以插入阀杆接收孔中，以在插入阀杆之前验证孔的位置。

公开(公告)号：US06481083B1

公开(公告)日：2002-11-19

申请号：US09344042

申请日：1999-06-25

Applicant: Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B23Q1700

CPC classification number: B60C25/18 ,  B23P19/04 ,  B25J9/1664 ,  B25J9/1697 ,  B60C25/185 ,  Y10T29/49769 ,  Y10T29/4978 ,  Y10T29/53061

Abstract: In an automated method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel, rims are supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the location and alignment of a hole for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp the rim, move it to a mounting station where a valve stem is retained, position the rim such that the hole is in alignment with the valve stem, and urge the rim toward the valve stem to insert the valve stem through the hole in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem to secure. As an alternative to the machine vision system, the gauging station may utilize a rotating table which rotates the wheel about its central axis, and an “electric eye” optical sensor which directs a beam of infrared light onto the rim. As the rim rotates through the beam, the presence or lack of a reflection of the light beam is used to detect the location of the hole, and rotation of the table is stopped when the hole is in alignment with the beam. A probe mounted on the gauging station may be extended to project into the hole to confirm that the hole is at the desired position and reposition the rim slightly to provide a precise positioning of the hole.

Abstract translation: 在将阀杆安装到机动车辆车轮的轮辋上的自动化方法中，轮辋通过输送机串联供应到测量站，其中用于接收阀杆的孔的位置和对准由机器视觉系统确定 。 电子控制系统引导机器人操纵器来抓住轮辋，将其移动到保持阀杆的安装台，定位轮辋，使得孔与阀杆对准，并且将轮辋推向阀杆 将阀杆插入轮辋内的孔。 如果需要，可以使用安装在机器人操纵器上或与安装站相邻的动力驱动的螺母扳手，以将阀杆上的螺母拧紧以固定。 作为机器视觉系统的替代，测量站可以利用围绕其中心轴线旋转车轮的旋转台，以及将红外光束引导到轮辋上的“电眼”光学传感器。 当边缘旋转穿过光束时，使用光束的反射的存在或不存在来检测孔的位置，并且当孔与光束对准时，台的旋转停止。 安装在测量台上的探头可以延伸到孔中突出以确认孔处于所需位置，并稍微重新定位边缘以提供孔的精确定位。

公开(公告)号：USRE39312E1

公开(公告)日：2006-10-03

申请号：US10691431

申请日：2003-10-22

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25/132

CPC classification number: B60C25/05

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a conveyor for transporting a tire mounted on a rim to a predetermined position at a tire inflating work station. The conveyor can include carrier surfaces spaced laterally with respect to one another along a path of travel for engaging the tire and rim for transport. The carrier surfaces are moveable along the path of travel and moveable vertically between a raised transport position and a lowered transfer position. A support surface at the tire inflating workstation has at least two portions. The portions include at least one interlocking joint for holding the portions of the support surface in sealing engagement with respect to one another during an inflation process. An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a reciprocal inflation head moveable from a first position spaced from the tire to a second position engagable with the side wall of the tire for communicating pressurized fluid to inflate the tire on the rim. At least two concentric seals are selectively moveable with respect to one another to bring at least one seal into sealing engagement with a side wall of the tire to be inflated. A mechanism for moving at least one seal with respect to the other seal is provided for selectively presenting one seal in operable position for engaging a side wall of the tire to be inflated.

公开(公告)号：US06886231B2

公开(公告)日：2005-05-03

申请号：US10264746

申请日：2002-10-04

Applicant: Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： Lawrence Lawson ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B23P19/04 ,  B25J9/16 ,  B60C25/18 ,  B23Q17/00

CPC classification number: B25J9/1664 ,  B23P19/04 ,  B25J9/1697 ,  B60C25/0554 ,  B60C25/18 ,  B60C25/185 ,  Y10T29/49764 ,  Y10T29/49769 ,  Y10T29/49771 ,  Y10T29/49778 ,  Y10T29/4978 ,  Y10T29/49829 ,  Y10T29/53039 ,  Y10T29/53061 ,  Y10T29/53448 ,  Y10T29/53552 ,  Y10T29/53591

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem to the rim of an automotive vehicle wheel includes rims being supplied in series by a conveyor to a gauging station where the type and/or size of the rim and the location and alignment of an aperture for receiving the valve stem is determined by a machine vision system. An electronic control system directs a robotic manipulator to grasp either the valve stem or the rim, move the valve stem or the rim to a mounting station, position the valve stem or the rim with respect to the other such that the aperture in the rim is in coaxial alignment with the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture in the rim. If necessary, a power-actuated nut runner, mounted on the robotic manipulator or adjacent the mounting station, is used to tighten a nut over the valve stem. As an alternative to the machine vision system, the gauging station can use a rotating table which rotates the wheel about a central axis, and an “electric eye” optical sensor directing a beam of infrared light onto the rim. As the rim rotates through the beam, the presence or lack of a reflection of the light beam is used to detect the location of the aperture, and rotation of the table is stopped when the aperture is in alignment with the beam. A probe mounted on the gauging station can be extended to project into the aperture to confirm that the aperture is at the desired position and reposition the rim slightly to provide a precise positioning of the aperture.

Abstract translation: 用于将阀杆安装到机动车辆车轮的轮辋上的装置和方法包括通过输送机串联供应到测量站的轮辋，其中轮辋的类型和/或尺寸以及用于接收的孔的位置和对准 阀杆由机器视觉系统确定。 电子控制系统引导机器人操纵器来抓住阀杆或轮辋，将阀杆或轮辋移动到安装台，将阀杆或轮辋相对于另一个定位，使得轮辋中的孔 与阀杆同轴对准，并将阀杆插入轮辋中的孔。 如果需要，使用安装在机器人操纵器上或邻近安装站的动力驱动的螺母扳手来拧紧阀杆上的螺母。 作为机器视觉系统的替代，测量台可以使用围绕中心轴旋转车轮的旋转台，以及将红外光束引导到轮辋上的“电眼”光学传感器。 当边缘旋转穿过光束时，光束的反射的存在或不存在用于检测光圈的位置，并且当光圈与光束对准时，台的旋转停止。 安装在测量台上的探头可以延伸到孔中突出以确认光圈处于所需位置，并稍微重新定位边缘以提供光圈的精确定位。

公开(公告)号：US06877544B2

公开(公告)日：2005-04-12

申请号：US09736673

申请日：2000-12-13

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25/135

CPC classification number: B60C25/056 ,  B60C25/0515 ,  B60C25/0551 ,  B60C25/135

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled. The central processing unit selects one of the plurality of predetermined paths corresponding to the rim and tire size combination. The robot includes one or more sensors for measuring load on the articulated joint arid wrist during a tire mounting cycle. The control program includes a sensor monitoring function for stopping movement of the tool in response to a load greater than a predetermined value. A clamp member prevents rotation of the tire with respect to the rim as the tool works a bead of the tire over the rim.

Abstract translation: 用于将柔性轮胎安装在轮辋上的轮胎安装装置包括具有至少一个铰接接头和手腕的机器人。 机器人可沿着多个可编程预定路径中的可选择的一个至少三个自由度移动。 中央处理单元选择性地执行存储在存储器中的多个路径中的任何一个路径。 胎圈安装工具可附接到机器人的腕部，以沿机器人的多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个移动。 该工具具有至少三个自由度的方向，独立于多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个。 工件支撑件将轮辋相对于机器人定位在预定位置，并且将轮胎相对于轮辋定位在预定取向。 生成信号并将其发送到与要组装的轮辋和轮胎组合的尺寸相对应的机器人。 中央处理单元选择与轮辋和轮胎尺寸组合对应的多个预定路径中的一个。 机器人包括一个或多个传感器，用于在轮胎安装周期期间测量铰接接头和腕上的负载。 控制程序包括用于响应于大于预定值的负载来停止工具的运动的传感器监控功能。 夹具构件防止轮胎相对于轮辋旋转，因为工具在轮辋上工作轮胎的胎圈。

公开(公告)号：US06502618B1

公开(公告)日：2003-01-07

申请号：US09621883

申请日：2000-07-21

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25132

CPC classification number: B60C25/05

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a conveyor for transporting a tire mounted on a rim to a predetermined position at a tire inflating work station. The conveyor can include carrier surfaces spaced laterally with respect to one another along a path of travel for engaging the tire and rim for transport. The carrier surfaces are moveable along the path of travel and moveable vertically between a raised transport position and a lowered transfer position. A support surface at the tire inflating workstation has at least two portions. The portions include at least one interlocking joint for holding the portions of the support surface in sealing engagement with respect to one another during an inflation process. An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a reciprocal inflation head moveable from a first position spaced from the tire to a second position engagable with the side wall of the tire for communicating pressurized fluid to inflate the tire on the rim. At least two concentric seals are selectively moveable with respect to one another to bring at least one seal into sealing engagement with a side wall of the tire to be inflated. A mechanism for moving at least one seal with respect to the other seal is provided for selectively presenting one seal in operable position for engaging a side wall of the tire to be inflated.

Abstract translation: 用于对安装在轮辋上的轮胎进行充气的装置可以包括用于将安装在轮辋上的轮胎传送到轮胎充气工作站处的预定位置的输送机。 输送机可以包括相对于彼此横向间隔的载体表面，沿着行进路径接合轮胎和轮辋以便运输。 载体表面可以沿行进路径移动，并可在升高的输送位置和降低的转印位置之间垂直移动。 在轮胎充气工作站处的支撑表面具有至少两部分。 这些部分包括至少一个互锁接头，用于在充气过程期间相对于彼此密封地保持支撑表面的部分。 用于对安装在轮辋上的轮胎进行充气的装置可以包括可从轮胎间隔开的第一位置移动到与轮胎的侧壁可接合的第二位置的往复膨胀头，用于连通加压流体以使轮胎在轮辋上膨胀。 至少两个同心密封件可以相对于彼此选择性地移动，以使至少一个密封件与要膨胀的轮胎的侧壁密封接合。 提供了用于相对于另一个密封件移动至少一个密封件的机构，用于选择性地将一个密封件呈现在可操作的位置，用于接合待充气的轮胎的侧壁。

公开(公告)号：US06234232B1

公开(公告)日：2001-05-22

申请号：US09449329

申请日：1999-11-24

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25135

CPC classification number: B60C25/056 ,  B60C25/0515 ,  B60C25/0551 ,  B60C25/135

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled. The central processing unit selects one of the plurality of predetermined paths corresponding to the rim and tire size combination. The robot includes one or more sensors for measuring load on the articulated joint and wrist during a tire mounting cycle. The control program includes a sensor monitoring function for stopping movement of the tool in response to a load greater than a predetermined value. A clamp member prevents rotation of the tire with respect to the rim as the tool works a bead of the tire over the rim

Abstract translation: 用于将柔性轮胎安装在轮辋上的轮胎安装装置包括具有至少一个铰接接头和手腕的机器人。 机器人可沿着多个可编程预定路径中的可选择的一个至少三个自由度移动。 中央处理单元选择性地执行存储在存储器中的多个路径中的任何一个路径。 胎圈安装工具可附接到机器人的腕部，以沿机器人的多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个移动。 该工具具有至少三个自由度的方向，独立于多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个。 工件支撑件将轮辋相对于机器人定位在预定位置，并且将轮胎相对于轮辋定位在预定取向。 生成信号并将其发送到与要组装的轮辋和轮胎组合的尺寸相对应的机器人。 中央处理单元选择与轮辋和轮胎尺寸组合对应的多个预定路径中的一个。 机器人包括一个或多个传感器，用于在轮胎安装周期期间测量铰接接头和腕上的负载。 控制程序包括用于响应于大于预定值的负载来停止工具的运动的传感器监控功能。 夹具构件防止轮胎相对于轮辋旋转，因为工具在轮辋上工作轮胎的胎圈

公开(公告)号：US06209684B1

公开(公告)日：2001-04-03

申请号：US09326287

申请日：1999-06-07

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B05C102

CPC classification number: B05C1/06 ,  B60C25/05 ,  B60C25/0596 ,  B60C25/132

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for lubricating the spaced apart beads of a pneumatic tire prior to mounting of the tire on a wheel. A conveyor is provided for moving the tires having different outside diameters, axial widths, and central opening diameters fed in random succession along a fixed path through a lubrication station. An interceptor is positioned in proximity to the station and is moveable between a first position where tires delivered to the station by the conveyor move freely through the station, and a second position where tires delivered to the station by the conveyor engage the interceptor to stop the tires on the conveyor at the station. The interceptor stops successive tires of varying sizes to perform a lubrication operation on the tires of varying sizes when intermixed on the conveyor in random order. The interceptor is selectively moveable between the first and second position. At least one longitudinally extending, lubricating member is provided having a first axis. The lubricating member is rotatable about an axis of rotation offset from the first axis, such that a distance between the axis of rotation and the first axis is at least as great as a radius as the central opening diameter of the largest tire to be lubricated.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于在将轮胎安装在车轮上之前润滑充气轮胎间隔开的胎圈的装置和方法。 提供输送机，用于移动具有不同外径，轴向宽度和中心开口直径的轮胎，该轮胎沿着沿着固定路径的润滑站随机连续地供给。 拦截器定位在车站附近，并且可在第一位置和第二位置之间移动，所述第一位置通过输送机自动穿过车站而传送到车站的轮胎和通过输送机输送到车站的轮胎接合拦截器的第二位置停止 在车站的输送机上的轮胎。 拦截器停止不同尺寸的连续轮胎，以随机顺序混合在输送机上，对不同尺寸的轮胎进行润滑操作。 拦截器可选择性地在第一和第二位置之间移动。 提供具有第一轴线的至少一个纵向延伸的润滑构件。 润滑构件可以绕与第一轴线偏移的旋转轴线旋转，使得旋转轴线与第一轴线之间的距离至少等于要被润滑的最大轮胎的中心开口直径的半径。

公开(公告)号：US6125904A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-03

申请号：US88357

申请日：1998-06-01

Applicant: John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

Inventor： John P. Kane ,  Karl D. Sachs

IPC: B60C25/135 ,  B60C25/08

CPC classification number: B60C25/056 ,  B60C25/0515 ,  B60C25/0551 ,  B60C25/135

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled. The central processing unit selects one of the plurality of predetermined paths corresponding to the rim and tire size combination. The robot includes one or more sensors for measuring load on the articulated joint and wrist during a tire mounting cycle. The control program includes a sensor monitoring function for stopping movement of the tool in response to a load greater than a predetermined value. A clamp member prevents rotation of the tire with respect to the rim as the tool works a bead of the tire over the rim.

Abstract translation: 用于将柔性轮胎安装在轮辋上的轮胎安装装置包括具有至少一个铰接接头和手腕的机器人。 机器人可沿着多个可编程预定路径中的可选择的一个至少三个自由度移动。 中央处理单元选择性地执行存储在存储器中的多个路径中的任何一个路径。 胎圈安装工具可附接到机器人的腕部，以沿机器人的多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个移动。 该工具具有至少三个自由度的方向，独立于多个可编程预定路径中的所选择的一个。 工件支撑件将轮辋相对于机器人定位在预定位置，并且将轮胎相对于轮辋定位在预定取向。 生成信号并将其发送到与要组装的轮辋和轮胎组合的尺寸相对应的机器人。 中央处理单元选择与轮辋和轮胎尺寸组合对应的多个预定路径中的一个。 机器人包括一个或多个传感器，用于在轮胎安装周期期间测量铰接接头和腕上的负载。 控制程序包括用于响应于大于预定值的负载来停止工具的运动的传感器监控功能。 夹具构件防止轮胎相对于轮辋旋转，因为工具在轮辋上工作轮胎的胎圈。