20140209252 | METHOD AND MACHINE FOR AUTOMATED TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY - A programmable wheel and tire assembly machine and method of assembly is disclosed which compensates for different wheel and tire combinations, as well as dynamically manipulates the present arms during the mounting process. An upper present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least two axes of movement, the upper present arms capable of independent manipulation along/about each axis. A lower present arm is supported in a manner to provide at least one axis of movement, the lower present arm capable of manipulation in a horizontal plane. Wheel and tire data is collected and used to generate a mounting protocol for individual tire & wheel combination. Continuous position feedback of the present arms may be employed to further control movement throughout the mounting process. | 07-31-2014 |