Patent Publication Number: US-11660773-B2

Title: Weight material cutting, dispensing and applying systems

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/307,580 filed Oct. 28, 2016, which is the U.S. National Phase of PCT Application No. PCT/US2015/027966 filed on Apr. 28, 2015, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,087 filed on Apr. 28, 2014, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The disclosure relates to weight material cutting and dispensing systems and more particularly to weight material cutting dispensing systems that are configured to apply weight material. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Rotating elements are used in many different applications, including, for example, automotive applications. Any weight imbalance in rotating elements may result in undesirable vibration. In the automotive industry, for example, such vibration can undesirably impact wear on vehicle components or create a poor vehicle driving experience for riders in a vehicle. To avoid these issues, it is known to subject rotating elements to a balancing operation. More specifically, using vehicle wheels as an example, a balancing machine may be utilized during the manufacturing process to spin a wheel assembly to determine which, if any, points of the wheel may require more weight to more evenly distribute weight of the assembly, as well as how much weight to apply to each of the identified points. 
     Various types of weight material have been used to address balance issues. Continuing with the wheel example, it is known to use “pound on” weights that are configured to be clipped and hammered onto a wheel rim. These types of weight elements are provided in different, predetermined weight increments. As a result, multiple part numbers must be inventoried and managed. Moreover, as the various weights may not look appreciably different in size, there are also issues with inadvertent mixing of the weights, as well as inadvertent use of the wrong size weight. Finally, the hammering action required to pound on the weight can inadvertently lead to damage to the element being balanced, or even chipping off a portion of the weight element, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the weight element. 
     Another type of weight material that has been used includes individual weight segments that each have their own integrated adhesive backing. The individual weight material segments each have a predetermined weight increment and multiple segments of different predetermined weights may be selected and applied to the part requiring balancing. Again, however, multiple part numbers must be inventoried, stored and managed for correctly using the weights. 
     It is also known to provide individual weight segments arranged on a common strip of adhesive backing cut to a predefined length. The strip of segmented weights is disposed on a length of adhesive material, with one side attached to the bottom of the weights and the other side being affixed to a protective release liner. Each of the weights is placed in the same orientation on the adhesive strip, separated by a small gap from one another. However, for some applications, two weights may be needed; for others, 5 weights. Accordingly, this practice required assembly shops to have on hand pre-sorted boxes of the different segment lengths of weights, taking up valuable floor space. Moreover, as the sorting of the segments and placing the different sized lengths is performed manually, human error results in the wrong sized segments being collected together. In addition, applying the correct length segment also depended on the person applying the weights to select from the correct bin. 
     To reduce inventory issues, as well as minimize human error in applying the correct weight, it has been proposed to provide a non-segmented strip of weight material that is cut to selectively length by a cutter. However, as lead material is toxic, and iron, if exposed, will rust, a special high density weight material that can be exposed and cut must be used. Due to nature of the material, however, it has been found to discolor over time, leading to consumers being concerned over the appearance of the weight material. Further, to cut through the material, an expensive cutter must be employed that has a cutting blade that is robust enough to cut completely through the material. Moreover, a cutting unit must be equipped with several cutting blades, as the cutting blades may need to be changed frequently due to dulling of blade. 
     What is needed is a system for selectively cutting and dispensing segmented weights that may minimize inventory concerns, as well as a system for reducing blade wear. 
     SUMMARY 
     A feed and cutting unit for selectively cutting and dispensing individual weight material segments from a common strip of backing material is disclosed. The individual weight material segments are arranged in series on a common strip of backing material with adhesive disposed on the individual weight material segments to form a strip of weight material. A gap is positioned between each of the individual weight material segments. 
     The feed and cutting unit comprises a feed assembly, at least one sensor, and a cutter member. The feed assembly includes a drive roller operatively connected to a motor and a follower roller that cooperates with the drive roller to frictionally engage first and second surfaces of a strip of weight material to selectively move the strip of weight material to the cutter member. 
     The at least one sensor is operatively connected to a controller. The sensor measures a predetermined amount of segmented weight material on the strip of weight material as the feed assembly moves the strip of weight material past the sensor. In one exemplary arrangement, the at least one sensor is an optical sensor. 
     The cutter member is operatively connected to the controller. The controller actuates the cutter member to separate the predetermined amount of segmented weight material from the strip of weight material by cutting at least a portion of the backing material in the gap disposed between adjacent segments of weight material during the cutting operation. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, a servo/stepper motor with position feedback is provided. The motor may be calibrated with the controller, depending on the selected weight material used with the unit to calculate a predetermined distance that the strip of weight material travels to the cutter member. The calculated predetermined distance may be compared to the amount of individual weight segments counted by the sensor to verify that the correct number of segments were cut by the cutter member. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, the cutter member is mounted for selective sliding movement along a rail, transverse to an axial pathway to the strip of weight material. The cutter is configured to move in response to a signal received from the at least one sensor. In one exemplary arrangement, the cutter member is mounted to a bracket for non-rotational movement during a cutting operation. In one exemplary arrangement, the cutter may be selectively removed from the bracket and rotated to expose a different cutting area of the cutter member between cutting operations. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, a shaft wedge is disposed within a cutting channel disposed within a cutter base. The cutting channel is sized to receive the cutting member during a cutting operation. The shaft wedge may be actuated to contact the backing member of the strip of weight material during the cutting operation so as to spread adjacent individual weight segments apart to direct the cutting member through the backing material. 
     A tape removal unit may also be included for separating the common backing material from the segments of weight material and exposing adhesive on the segments of the weight material. The tape removal unit may comprise a lead roller, a directional roller, a tape drive roller, and a tape drive follower roller. The directional roller directs the backing tape away from the cutter member and thereby pulls the backing material off the individual weight segments and away from the cutter member, while maintaining tension on the backing material. In one arrangement, the tape removal unit may further comprise a slip clutch that is operatively connected to the drive roller. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, a splice detector is provided. The splice detector is configured to identify where backing material from different spools of material have been spliced together. The splice detector may be an optical sensor configured to detect a color change between splice tape and backing material. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, a marking unit is positioned adjacent the cutter member. The marking unit comprises a holding bracket for selectively retaining a marking element, and wherein the marking element is operably positioned within the holding bracket to be selectively actuated to non-destructively mark an edge of a segment of weight material. A marker cap holder that is configured to hold a cap for the marking element may also be provided, whereby the marker cap holder may be selectively actuated to place to the cap on the marking element. 
     Various embodiments of a weight apply member configured to receive a cut section of the segments of weight material are also disclosed. The weight apply member comprises first and second arc members connected to a center rail, wherein the first arc member has end face disposed in a first plane, and wherein the second arc member has an end face disposed in a second plane that is offset from the first plane. In one arrangement, the first and second arc members include electro/magnetic members in end faces of the first and second arc members, and when power is supplied to the electro/magnetic members, the segments of weight material are retained to the weight apply member. In another arrangement, the first and second arc members have at least one magnetic element disposed within the first and second end faces. A force sensor is connected to the weight apply member, wherein the force sensor is used to verify that a constant press force is maintained by the weight apply member during a weight apply operation. 
     A decoiler unit may be operably connected to the feed assembly. The decoiler unit further comprises a roller assembly for holding a rolled up strip of weight material, and a feed arrangement for directing the strip of material to the feed assembly. In one arrangement, the roller assembly includes non-driven rollers. A dampener may be operatively connected to at least one roller of the roller assembly of the decoiler unit. The dampener assembly is selectively operable to prevent decoiling of the rolled up strip of weight material. 
     A splice bracket may be provided. The splice bracket receives a first end portion of one rolled up strip of weight material and a second end portion of another rolled up strip of weight material and retains the first and second end portions during a splicing operation. The splice bracket includes a magnetic element that is operative to retain the weight segments of the first end portion and the weight segments of the second end portion to the splice bracket during a splicing operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features and inventive aspects of the present disclosure will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description, claims, and drawings, of which the following is a brief description: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates an elevational view of an exemplary arrangement for a system for cutting and applying a selected amount of weight material to a rotatable element; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a portion of the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of an exemplary feeding arrangement for the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an enlarged view of a splice bracket shown in  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of a bottom section of a weight roll decoiler assembly; 
         FIG.  5    is an enlarged view an exemplary arrangement of a damping unit for use with a weight roll decoiler assembly; 
         FIG.  6    is a front elevational view of the damping unit of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  7    is side elevational view of the damping unit of  FIG.  5   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of a feed and cutting unit for use with the system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a side elevational view of the feed and cutting unit of  FIG.  8   ; 
         FIG.  10    is an exemplary arrangement of cutter assembly that may be incorporated into the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  11    is an elevational view of the cutter assembly of  FIG.  10   , taken from the direction of arrow R in  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  12    is a cross sectional view of the cutter assembly of  FIG.  10   , taken along lines  12 - 12  of  FIG.  10   ; 
         FIG.  13 A  is a front elevational view of an exemplary cutter base assembly that may be incorporated into the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  13 B  is a rear elevational view of the exemplary cutter base assembly of  13 A that may be incorporated into the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  14    is a left side elevational view of the exemplary cutter base assembly of  FIG.  13   , rotated by 90°; 
         FIG.  15    is a cross-sectional view of the cutter base assembly of  FIGS.  13 - 14   , taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG.  14   ; 
         FIG.  16    is a perspective view of an exemplary feed assembly that may be incorporated into the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a side elevational view of feed assembly of  FIG.  16   ; 
         FIG.  18    is a cross-sectional view of the feed assembly of  FIGS.  16 - 17   , taken along lines  18 - 18  of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional view of the feed assembly of  FIGS.  16 - 17   , taken along lines  19 - 19  of  FIG.  17   ; 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional view of a lower portion of the feed assembly of  FIGS.  16 - 17   , taken along lines  20 - 20  of  FIG.  18   ; 
         FIG.  21    is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of a tape removal unit that may be incorporated into the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  22    is a side elevational view of the tape removal unit of  FIG.  21   ; 
         FIG.  23    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the tape removal unit of  FIG.  21   , taken along lines  23 - 23  of  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of a marking unit that may be used with the feed and cutting unit of  FIGS.  8 - 9   ; 
         FIG.  25    is a side elevational view of the marking unit of  FIG.  24   ; 
         FIG.  26    is a perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of a robotic “end of arm tool” that may be used to apply weight segments to a rotational element; 
         FIG.  27    is an elevational view of the robotic “end of arm tool” of  FIG.  26   ; 
         FIG.  28    is a partial cross-sectional view of the robotic “end of arm tool” of  FIG.  26   , taken along lines  28 - 28  of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  29    is a partial cross-sectional view of the robotic “end of arm tool” of  FIG.  26   , taken along lines  29 - 29  of  FIG.  27   ; 
         FIG.  30    illustrates an elevational view of an alternative exemplary arrangement for a system for cutting and applying a selected amount of weight material to a wheel; 
         FIG.  31    is a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  30   ; 
         FIG.  32    is a perspective view of an alternative exemplary arrangement of a robotic “end of arm tool” that may be used to apply weight segments to a wheel; 
         FIG.  33    is a rear elevational view of the robotic “end of arm tool” that may be used to apply weight segments to a wheel; 
         FIG.  34    is a cross-sectional view of the robotic “end of arm tool” taken along lines  34 - 34  of  FIG.  33   ; 
         FIG.  35    is a partial cross-sectional view of the robotic “end of arm tool” taken along lines  35 - 35  of  FIG.  33   . 
         FIG.  36    is a top plan view of the robotic “end of arm tool” of  FIG.  32   . 
         FIG.  37    is a side elevational view of an alternative arrangement of a feed and cutting unit, with an “end of arm tool” mount for another alternative arrangement of an “end of arm tool”. 
         FIG.  38    is a side elevational view of the feed and cutting unit of  FIG.  37   ; 
         FIG.  39    is a top plan view of the feed and cutting unit of  FIG.  37   ; and 
         FIG.  40    is an enlarged rear elevational view of a portion of the feed and cutting unit of  FIG.  37   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. 
     For purposes of illustration only, the present disclosure describes the use of segmented weight material in the context of a wheel assembly for a vehicle. However, it is understood that system and methods of the present disclosure apply to other applications where additional weight may be needed. For example, the weights described herein may be used in balancing other components in both automotive and non-automotive applications. 
     Referring now to  FIG.  1   , an elevational view of a system  10  for cutting, dispensing and applying segmented weight material (shown in phantom, but shown in more detail in  FIGS.  8 - 9   , and  18 ) is illustrated. In one exemplary arrangement, individual weight segments having adhesive thereon, may be provided on a strip  12  of a common backing material (with the adhesive side of the weight segments being disposed on the strip  12 ). The individual weight segments are spaced apart from one another to define a gap between the individual weight segments. The strip may be loaded on a spool  14 . The spool  14  may be mounted on a decoiler unit  16 . Details of the decoiler unit  16  will be discussed in further detail below. 
     The decoiler unit  16  connects the strip  12  of weight material to a feed and cutting unit  18 . The feed and cutting unit  18  serves to advance the strip  12  by a predetermined amount, and then cuts the strip  12  to a predetermined length of individual weight segments. The weight segments may then be applied to an imbalanced member, such as wheel  20 . In one exemplary arrangement, the wheel  20  may be conveyed to a conveyor station  21  in a robotic module  22 , as best seen in  FIG.  2   . A robot  24  having a selectively moveable end of arm tool (“EOAT”)  26 , as best seen in  FIG.  1   , is operably configured to pick up the cut individual weight segments from the feed and cutting unit  18  and apply the weight segments to the wheel  20  at predetermined locations. In one exemplary arrangement, the feed and cutting unit  18  is mounted on a platform attached to the robotic module  22 . A strip conveyor  28  may be provided to direct the strip  12  from the decoiler unit  16  to the feed and cutting unit  18 , as well as to support the weight of the strip  12  as it is directed to the feed and cutting unit  18 . 
     Turning now to  FIG.  3 A , details of one exemplary arrangement of the decoiler unit  16  will now be discussed. The spool  14  and strip  12  have been removed from  FIG.  3 A  for ease of discussion with respect to the elements of the exemplary decoiler unit  16 . The decoiler unit  16  may include a decoiler frame  30  to which a pair of rollers  32   a ,  32   b  are mounted for rotation. Rollers  32   a ,  32   b  are arranged so as to be spaced apart a predetermined distance, but disposed parallel to one another. The rollers  32   a ,  32   b  may be non-driven rollers. The spool  14  is typically placed on the rollers  32   a ,  32   b  and the weight of the spool  14  itself is used to decoil the spool  14 . One or more extension elements  34  extends upwardly from the decoiler frame  30 . A roller unit  33  may be mounted to the decoiler frame  30  (best seen in  FIG.  4   ), that includes a pair of rollers  35  rotatably mounted thereto. Rollers  35  are disposed in a parallel arrangement, with a narrow space therebetween. The space between the rollers  35  is sufficiently wide enough for the strip  12  of weight material to be directed. A bracket  37  to which the rollers  35  are mounted for rotation, may be secured to part of the decoiler frame  30 . A friction roller assembly  36  is mounted to the extension element  34 . The friction roller assembly  36  includes a guide roller  37  and a rotating guide member  38 . The guide member  38  further includes a channel  43  that receives the strip  12  of weight material from the spool  14  (as shown in  FIG.  1   ). The guide roller  37  serves to push the strip  12  of weight material in the channel  43  such that the strip  12  is directed over the rotating guide member  38 . Disposed in line with rotating guide member  38  is an elongated tape guide  40 . Tape guide  40  includes opposing walls that define a channel therewithin, through which the strip  12  is directed. Either end  40   a ,  40   b  of the tape guide  40  may be flared outwardly to prevent bunching of the strip  12  of material. 
     One or more sensors (examples shown in  FIG.  30   , S 1  S 2 ) that are operatively connected to a controller may be positioned within the channel to verify the presence of the strip  12  within the tape guide  40  such that a degree of slack is provided in the strip  12  during a feed and cutting operation. More specifically, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the decoiler unit  16  may create a loop  39  from the strip  12  of weight material to provide a degree of slack in the feeding operation. The loop  39  serves as a weight buffer that will allow a changeover of a spool  14 , without immediately affecting the functionality of the system  10 . In other words, weight segments may still continue to be cut from the strip  12  of weight material, even while the spool  14  is being changed, thereby improving efficiency as production need not be stopped. 
     The decoiler unit  16  may further include a weight material usage monitoring system. In one exemplary arrangement, the weigh material usage monitoring system includes at least one optical sensor that may be mounted on a portion of the decoiler frame  30 . The sensor  31  (best seen in  FIG.  4   ) may be arranged so as to “see” a portion of the spool  14  when loaded. When the spool  14  gets to a predetermined usage size (i.e., the spool  14  will become smaller as the weight material is used), the sensor will communicate with a controller for the system  10  to provide an indication to the user that the weight material in the spool  14  is running low. In one exemplary arrangement, the indication may be a sound, like an alarm, a visual indicator like a light, a text communication on an operator screen, or a combination of one or more of the above. When the spool  14  of material completely depletes the weight material, in one exemplary arrangement, the empty spool  14  will fall through the rollers  32   a / 32   b  and the sensor will communicate with the controller to send an indication (in the form described above) that the spool  14  must be replaced. 
     When the strip  12  of material from a spool  14  has been exhausted, a terminal end of the strip  12   a  may be spliced with a leading end of a strip  12   b  from a new spool  14 . In one exemplary arrangement, the extension element  34  may further include a splice bracket  45 . In one exemplary arrangement, the splice bracket  45  is positioned opposite to the tape guide  40  (i.e. on side  47 , as best seen in  FIG.  1   ). Splice bracket  45 , an enlarged view of which is shown in  FIG.  3 B , may include a pair of opposing arms  42  attached to a backing member  44 . An inside surface  49  of opposing arms  42  are spaced away from the backing member  44  to allow a slight clearance for the strip  12  of weight material to pass through. A magnet (not shown) may be disposed behind the backing member  44 , which may be mounted to extension element  34 . The arms  42  cooperate to retain edges E 1  and E 2  of two aligned and abutting end sections of strips  12   a  and  12   b  within the splice bracket  45 , while the magnet serves to magnetically retain the weight material to the splice bracket  45  in a stationary manner during a splicing operation. In an alternative arrangement, a slider element that fits over splice bracket arms  42  may serve to automatically retain the edges E 1  and E 2  within the splice bracket  45 . A common splice tape (not shown) is used to join the backing material of strips  12   a  and  12   b . To easily identify a splice section (as will be discussed below in connection with  FIG.  37   , it is contemplated that the splice tape will optically distinguishable from the sections  12   a  and  12   b  of strips of material. For example, it is contemplated that the splice tape will be a different color than the sections  12   a  and  12   b.    
     Decoiler frame  30  may be positioned adjacent to the feed and cutting unit  18  such that the strip  12  of weight material feeds from the tape guide  40  to the strip conveyor  28 . However, in some instances, it may not be possible to directly position the decoiler frame  30  adjacent to the feed and cutting unit  18 , due to space constraints. Accordingly, in some exemplary arrangements, one or more connector sections  46  may be provided. An exemplary connector section  46  is illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3   . Connector section  46  includes first and second leg elements  48 ,  50 , a tape guide  52 , a friction roller assembly  54 , and a conveyor section  56 . The conveyor section  56  extends between first and second leg elements  48 ,  50  and includes a channel  53  to receive the strip  12  of weight material therein. The tape guide  52  is similar to tape guide  40 , described above. The friction roller assembly  54  may also be similar to friction roller assembly  36 , including having a rotating guide member  38  and a guide rollers  37 . Further, guide member  38  may be motorized to provide a predetermined feed rate to the decoiler unit  16 , or if needed to reduce weight drag on the conveyor section  56 . As may be seen in  FIG.  1   , the strip  12  of weight material is directed from the friction roller assembly  36  to the conveyor section  56 . In one exemplary arrangement, the conveyor section  56  may include a downwardly extending arcuate end  55 . This configuration of end  55  will permit some slack between decoiler unit  16  and connector section  46 , if needed. In one embodiment, the strip  12  may be directed down into the tape guide  40  and looped back up to the conveyor section  56 . From the conveyor section  56 , the strip  12  of weight material extends through the friction roller assembly  54  and down the tape guide  52 . From the tape guide  52 , the strip  12  of weight material will be directed to the strip conveyor  28  that feeds into the feed and cutting unit  18 . 
     At times, the weight of the spool  14  may cause the strip  12  of material to unintentionally unravel from the spool  14 , even when the feed and cutting unit is not operating. To prevent such unintentional decoiling of the spool  14 , a damping unit  58  (best seen in  FIGS.  5 - 7   ) may be provided. The damping unit  58  is configured to frictionally engage one of rollers  32   a ,  32   b , thereby stopping the spool  14  from decoiling. The damping unit  58  may be provided on bracket  60  that is connected to the decoiler frame  30 , beneath roller  32   b . The damping unit  58  comprises a bumper element  62  that is connected to an actuated shaft member  64  by a fastening element  66 . In one exemplary arrangement, damping unit  58  includes air cylinders  68  to actuate the shaft between a braked and a non-braked position. As shown in  FIG.  7   , when the shaft  64  is in a braked position, the bumper element  62  is frictionally engaging roller  32   b , thereby preventing roller  32   b  from rotating. 
     Turning to  FIGS.  8 - 25   , details of the feed and cutting unit  18  will now be described. The feed and cutting unit  18  may be disposed within a housing member  70 . A cover  72  may be hingedly connected to the housing member  70  to provide selective access to the feed and cutting unit  18 . 
     The feed and cutting unit  18  comprises a feed assembly  74 , at least one sensor  75  (seen in  FIG.  14   ), a cutter member  76 , and a tape removal unit  78 . Details of the feed assembly  74  are shown in  FIGS.  16 - 20   . Details of the cutter member  76  are shown in  FIGS.  10 - 12   . The at least one sensor  75  may be mounted to a cutter base assembly  80 , the details of which are shown in  FIGS.  13 - 15   . Details of the tape removal unit are shown in  21 - 23 . The feed and cutting unit  18  may further comprise a marking unit  82 . Details of the marking unit  82  are shown in  FIGS.  24 - 25   . The feed assembly  74  is configured to grip the strip  12  of weight material and advance the strip  12  to the cutter member  76 . In one exemplary arrangement, the sensor  75  is configured to count gaps between adjacent segments of weight material on the strip  12 . The sensor is positioned downstream of the feed assembly  74  along the path of travel, represented by arrow T in  FIG.  9   , but before the cutter member  76 . In one exemplary arrangement, an encoder  113  may be employed to measure the length of the strip  12  to be cut as a check that the correct number of weight segments are included. If there is a discrepancy between the gaps counted by sensor  75  and the encoder length, the controller can be programmed to automatically back up the strip  12  recount the strip  12  segment again. 
     The marker unit  82  is positioned between the cutter member  76  and the feed assembly  74 , as shown in  FIG.  8    and in enlarged view in  FIGS.  24 - 25   . The marker unit  82  is configured to non-destructively mark an outside edge of a strip  12  of weight material to be cut. More specifically, the marker unit  82  is operable to mark a specific location, based on the information gleaned from the sensor  75 , on the strip  12  of weight material to ensure proper placement of a cut segment of weight material on an imbalanced element, such as wheel  20 . For example, if a strip of 3 weight segments is to be cut, the cut strip should be centered on the location on imbalanced element. The marker unit  82  provides a visible indicator of where the strip of weight material should be placed. Cut segments of weight material are removed from the feed and cutting unit  18  out of an opening formed through a side panel  84  of housing  70 . A main portion of the tape removal unit  78  is disposed against a side panel  87  of the housing  70 . The tape removal unit  78  is configured to pull the non-adhesive backing  86  away from the strip  12  of weight material and to prevent the backing  86  from interfering with a cutting operation. 
     The cutter member  76  is illustrated in  FIGS.  8 , and  10 - 12   . The cutter member  76  comprises mounting block  88  to which a blade bracket  90  is removable secured by a selectively actuated fastening element  91 . In one exemplary arrangement, fastening element  91  is a screw fastener with a knob. However, other suitable configurations are contemplated. The blade bracket  90  carries a cutting blade  92 . In one exemplary arrangement, the cutting blade  92  is fixed to the blade bracket  90  in a non-rotational manner. In other words, cutting blade  92  is does not rotate, but instead remains fixed. In one exemplary arrangement, mounting block  88  is mounted to a rail member  94  such that mounting block  88  may be selectively moved along rail member  94  to move cutting blade  92 . However, it is understood, that rail member  94  may be oriented in a different manner such that the cutting blade  92  does not move axially in the cutting direction represented by arrow C in  FIG.  10   , but rather in an up and down direction, i.e., transverse to arrow C. The rail member  94  may be fixed to a bracket  96  that is connected to side panel  84  of housing  70 . The blade bracket  90  may be selectively removed from the mounting block  88  by selectively removing pin  98 . In this manner, cutting blade  92  may be selectively removed and replaced, or cutting blade  92  may be selectively rotated by a predetermined amount to expose a new cutting section of the blade to the strip  12  to be cut. Unlike systems that must cut through weight material, the blade  92  lasts much longer as it only needs to cut between adjacent weight segments, thus only cutting through the thin backing secured to the weight segments. Moreover, as the blade  92  is fixed, indexing the blade  92  to expose unused sections of the cutting blade  92  prolongs the cutting blade  92  life. 
     A pneumatic actuator  100  is operatively connected to the mounting block  88 , as best seen in  FIG.  12   . The pneumatic actuator  100  is operatively connected to the controller. In response to a signal from the controller based on the sensor&#39;s  75  measurement of the gaps between adjacent weight segments, the pneumatic actuator  100  moves a piston  101  that is connected to the mounting block  88 . A rail guide  103  fixed to the mounting block  88  thereby enables the mounting block  88  to slide along the rail  94  to cut a predetermined length of the strip  12  of weight material. In this manner, the cutting blade  92  is advanced over the strip  12 , within a gap positioned between the adjacent weight elements secured to the strip  12 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  13 - 15   , the cutter base assembly  80  will now be described. In one exemplary arrangement, the cutter base assembly  80  comprises a mounting base block  102 , a shaft wedge  104  (best seen in  FIG.  15   ), first and second guides  106 ,  108 , a guide track  110  ( FIG.  15   ), a spacer plate  112 , and a sensor bracket  114 . The sensor bracket  114  carries the sensor  75 . In one exemplary arrangement, the sensor bracket  114  is selectively adjustable to accommodate varying thickness of strips  12  of segmented weight material. More specifically, the sensor bracket  114  may include adjustment slot  115  ( FIG.  13 A ) that cooperates with a fixing element  117  to selectively change the vertical height of the sensor bracket  114 , and thereby the sensor  75 . As may be seen in  FIG.  13 A , the sensor  75  is positioned adjacent a cutting channel  126 , described in further detail below. The sensor  75  is also operatively connected to the controller  111  in any known manner. 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS.  14 - 15   , positioned between the guide track  110  and the first guide  106  is a feed channel  128 . In operation, the strip  12  of weight material is directed through the feed channel  128 . The sensor  75  is positioned within a groove  127  (see  FIG.  13 B ) that is in communication with the feed channel  128 . The sensor  75  operates to measure a predetermined amount of segmented weight material, based on a signal received from the controller  111 , as the feed and cutting unit  18  moves the strip  12  of weight material past the sensor  75 . More specifically, in one exemplary arrangement the sensor  75  is an optical sensor  75  that may be configured to count the gaps between adjacent weight segments on the strip  12 . 
     An air cylinder  116  is operatively engaged with a marker cap holder  118 . Marker cap holder  118  may be actuated by the air cylinder  116  to a stored position, whereby an exposed tip  119  of a marker element  120  (best seen in  FIGS.  24 - 25   ) may be sealed within cap  122 , thereby preventing the tip of the marker element  120  from being dried out. 
     A pneumatic actuator  124  is operatively connected to the shaft wedge  104  (best seen in  FIG.  15   ). The shaft wedge  104  is disposed within a cutting channel  126  positioned between the first and second guides  106 ,  108 . The cutting channel  126  is also in communication with the feed channel  128 . The cutting channel  126  is sized to receive the cutting blade  92  therein during a cutting operation. The wedge  104  may be actuated upward during a cutting operation to cooperate with the cutting blade  92  in severing the strip  12  of material, so as to deliver the backing material between adjacent weight segments toward the cutting blade  92  during a cutting operation. With this configuration, the shaft wedge  104  will move adjacent weight segments apart, thereby minimizing a risk that the cutter blade  92  might come into contact with a weight segment, so as not to “nick” a weight. The shaft wedge  104  will therefore extend the life of the cutting blade  92 . 
     An exemplary feed assembly  74  is illustrated in  FIGS.  16 - 20   . The feed assembly  74  comprises a roller guide  130 , a drive roller  132  operatively connected to a motor  134 , and an idler roller  136 . In one exemplary arrangement, the roller guide  130  includes a base guide block  138  and a generally L-shaped bracket  140  that is connected to the base guide block  138 . One section  142  of the bracket  140  is axially spaced from the base guide block  138  to form a slot/feed channel  144 . Section  142  further includes a first open slot  146  formed through the section  142 . Slot  146  provides the idler roller  136  with access to the strip  12  of weight material. Base guide block  138  also includes a second open slot  148  that is opposing the first open slot  146 . The first and second open slots are both in communication with the feed channel  144 . The drive roller  132  extends partially into the feed channel  144  through the second open slot  148 , while the idler roller  136  is configured to selectively extend partially into the feed channel  144  through the first open slot  146 , as best seen in  FIGS.  18  and  20   . 
     The idler roller  136  is operatively connected to a pneumatic actuator  150 . Actuator  150  is configured to move idler roller  136 , downwardly toward the first open slot  146  into an engaging position, such that a portion of the idler roller  136  extends into the feed channel  144  through first open slot  146 . In this manner, rollers  132  and  136  frictionally engage the strip  12  therebetween, in a pinching manner. 
     The motor  134  further includes a gear box  152 . A drive shaft  154  (best seen in  FIG.  20   ) extends from the gear box  152  and engages the drive roller  132 . As the motor  134  rotates the drive shaft  154  in a first direction, the drive roller  132  will rotate, thereby advancing the strip  12  of weight material in a first direction, i.e., toward the cutter member  76 . If the drive shaft  154  is rotated in a second direction, the drive roller  132  will retract the strip  12  away from the cutter  76 . 
     The motor  134  may be a servo/stepper motor with position feedback that is operatively connected to a controller. More specifically, via the controller, the motor  134  may be calibrated with the particular type (i.e., material/shape) and size of the weight material being fed into the feed channel  144  such that a set distance that the strip of material  12  needs to travel to cut a predetermined amount of segments may be calculated. In this manner, the controller can be configured to verify the amount of segments counted by the sensor  75  as compared with the calculated distance traveled by the strip of material  12  to verify that the correct amount of segments have been cut from the strip  12  of material. If a discrepancy arises, the controller may be configured to issue an alarm alerting the user to a discrepancy. 
     Details of an exemplary arrangement of a tape removal unit  78  are illustrated in  FIGS.  21 - 23    that may be used with the feed and cutting unit  18 . The tape removal unit  78  comprises a plurality of directional rollers  156   a ,  156   b ,  156   c , a drive roller  158  operatively connected to a motor  159 , and a holddown roller  160 . The tape removal unit  78  is configured to remove the backing tape  86  from the strip  12  of weight material before the strip  12  of weight material is cut by the cutting blade  92 . More specifically, during a setup of the system  10 , the backing tape  86  is separated from an initial segment of the strip  12 , at a leading edge of the strip  12 . The separated backing tape  86  is then threaded through the feed channel  144  and the cutting channel  126 . The backing tape  86  is then directed over the lead directional roller  156   a . Directional roller  156   a  is positioned adjacent cutter base assembly  80  and directs backing tape  86  upwardly and away from the cutter member  76 . 
     Backing tape  86  is then directed over directional roller  156   b , through an opening in side panel  87  (see  FIG.  8   ) and over directional roller  156   c . In one exemplary configuration a mounting bracket  161  is secured to side panel  87  of housing  70  onto which directional roller  156   c , drive roller  158  and holddown roller  160  are mounted. After being directed over the directional roller  156   c , the backing tape  86  is further directed onto drive roller  158 . Holddown roller  160  is positioned adjacent drive roller  158  such that backing tape  86  is directed between drive roller  158  and holddown roller  160 . Motor  159  operates to rotate drive roller  158  to pull backing tape  86  down between the drive roller and holddown roller  160 , while maintaining tension on the backing tape  86  during removal. 
     Referring to  FIG.  22   , a slip clutch  162  is positioned between the motor  159  and the drive roller  158 . The slip clutch  162  operates to maintain tension on the backing tape  86 . A drive shaft extends through the drive roller  158  and is engaged to a flange bearing  164  (best seen in  FIG.  23   ). The flange bearing  164  is in contact with a roller arm  166 . A biasing member  168  is connected to the roller arm  166 . In one exemplary arrangement, the biasing member  168  is positioned between the roller arm  166  and a portion of the holddown roller  160 . The holddown roller  160  serves to direct the backing tape  86  to a suitable waste receptacle, away from both the cutter blade  92  and from the robot  24 . 
     The tape removal unit  78  may further comprise a tension detection sensor  169 . Tension detection sensor  169  is best seen in  FIG.  20   . In one exemplary arrangement, tension detection sensor  169  is positioned adjacent the first directional roller  156   a  so as to be in contact with the backing tape  86  as it is being directed up through the tape removal unit  78 . The tension detection sensor  169  is configured as a mechanical switch that that communicates with the controller to indicate whether an acceptable amount of tension is present on the backing tape  86  as it is being removed from the weight segments  12 . As may be seen in  FIG.  37   , tension detection sensor  169  is mounted upstream of the cutter blade  92 . 
     Details of an exemplary marking unit  82  are shown in  FIGS.  24  and  25   . The marking unit  82  is positioned between the feed assembly  74  and the cutter member  76  (see, e.g. encircled area  24  in  FIG.  8   ). The marking unit  82  comprises a holding bracket  170 , a pneumatic actuator  172 , and a marker element holder  174  that receives marker element  120 . 
     The holding bracket  170  includes a subplate  176 , a rail plate  178  and opposing side plates  180 . The subplate  176  is configured for mounting on housing  70 , as best seen in  FIG.  8   . On one side of the rail plate  178  a rail member  182  is fixed. A carrier member  183  is secured to a bottom surface of the rail plate  178 . The carrier member  183  includes a mounting channel that has a complimentary cross-section to the rail member  182 , such that the rail member  182  may be received therein. A portion of the marker element holder  174  is secured to the rail member  182  via the carrier member  183  such that the marker element holder  174  may be selectively moved to engage the tip  119  of the marker element  120  against a peripheral edge of a weight segment of the strip  12  of weight material at a predetermined location. More specifically, the actuator  172  is connected to a cylinder bracket  184  that is fixed to the rail plate  178 . A plunger element  186  of the actuator  172  is connected to a cylinder plate  188  via a fastening element  190 . The cylinder plate  188  is also operatively connected to a spring plunger  192  that extends through the cylinder plate  188  and into a marker channel  194  of the marker element holder  174 . The spring plunger  192  contacts an end of the marker element  120 , opposite the marker tip  119 . In operation, when the actuator  172  is activated to mark a weight segment, the actuator  172  will move in direction M, thereby pulling the cylinder plate  188  toward the strip  12  of material disposed within the feed channel  128  of the base cutting assembly  80 , against the biasing force of the spring plunger  192  and along the rail member  182 . The spring plunger  192  will operate to return the marker element  120  to a non-marking position when the actuator  172  is deactivated. Various selectively removable retaining elements  195  serve to retain the marker element  120  within the marker holder  174 , but allow the marker element  120  to be replaced, as needed or desired (if, for example a different color marker element  120  is desired to be used). 
     Once sections of the strip  12  of weight material has been cut and the backing  18  has been removed, they may be delivered to a weight apply apparatus/member, such as a robotic “end of arm tool” (EOAT)  26 . One exemplary arrangement of an EOAT  26  is depicted in  FIGS.  26 - 29   . EOAT  26  comprises first and second arc members  196 ,  198  connected to a center rail  201 . The first arc member  196  has an end face  202 . The second arc member  198  has an end face  204 . The end face  204  of the second arc member  198  is disposed along a first plane P 1 . The end face  202  of the first arc member  196  is disposed along a second plane P 2 . The second plane P 2  is angularly inclined an angle β from the first plane P 1 . Moreover, the end face  202  of the first arc member  196  is positioned radially inboard of the second arc member  198 , as shown in  FIG.  28   . In one exemplary arrangement, the end face  202  is positioned between 0.0625 and 9.30 inches inboard of end face  204 . Angle β is preferably between 8 and 20 degrees. In one exemplary arrangement, the center rail  201  is angled about 12° and an end  203  of center rail  201  is positioned radially inboard about 0.125 inches to offset the first and second arc members  196 ,  198  to enable weights to be loaded and have independent engagement of the weights with the wheel rim surface. 
     In one exemplary arrangement, the end faces  202  and  204  are provided with a retaining system that selectively holds the strip  12  until applied to a wheel or other imbalanced member. The strips  12  are retained on the end faces  202 ,  204  with the adhesive material exposed. For example, in the EOAT  126  show in  FIGS.  26 - 29    both the first and second arc members  196 ,  198  further includes a retaining plate  206  and an engagement pad  208 . The engagement pad  208  is secured to a portion of the retaining plate  206  such that movement of the retaining plate  206  also moves the engagement pad  208 . The engagement pad  208  may be made of compressible material, such as rubber. The retaining plate  206  is secured to the first arc member  196  by fasteners  207 . 
     Adjacent to the end faces  202 ,  204  of the first and second arc members  196 ,  198 , respectively, is a securing lip  210 . Securing lip  210  is integral with the first arc member  196 , but extends outwardly from the end face  202 . 
     First arc member  196  also includes one or more pneumatic actuators  212 . Actuators  212  include a piston  214  having an end  216  that is connected to the retaining plate  206 , as best seen in  FIG.  29   . One or more biasing elements  216  are also provided. Biasing elements  216  are secured to a moveable post  218  that is fixedly connected to the retaining plate  206 . The biasing element  216  serves to bias the retaining plate  206  upwardly such that the engagement pad  208  is spaced away from a peripheral edge  220  of the weight segments disposed on the end faces  202 / 204  of the first and second arc members  196 , 198 . In one exemplary arrangement, the gap between the bottom surface of the engagement pad  208  and the peripheral edge  220  is approximately 0.08 inches. 
     In operation, the cut weight segments are positioned on the end faces  202 / 204  of the first and second arc members  196 / 198 . The actuators  212  (which are connected to the appropriate supply lines (not shown) at the connection ends  222 ) then overcome the biasing force of the biasing element  216  and pull the retaining plate  206  downwardly such that the engagement pad  208  comes into frictional engagement with the peripheral edge  220  of the weight segment  12 . Due to the securing lip  210 , the weight segment  12  becomes frictionally retained to the EOAT  26  as the weight segments  12  are delivered by the robot to the imbalanced element once the weight segments are positioned for application, the actuators are turned off and the biasing element  216  returns the retaining plate  206  to the open position so as to release the weight segments from the EOAT  26 . 
     An alternative arrangement of an EOAT  26 ′ is illustrated in  FIGS.  32 - 36   . In this arrangement, the first and second arc members  196 ′ and  198 ′ are configured to be electromagnetic so as to selectively retain the strip  12  of weight material on the EOAT  26 ′ via a magnetic attraction. In this exemplary arrangement, the first arc member  196 ′ is angled β about 18° with respect to the second arc member  198 ′. Further, an end face  202 ′ of the first arc member  196 ′ is radially offset from the end face  204 ′ of the second arc member  198 ′ by about 0.25 inches. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  33   , a center rail  200 ′ that supports the first and second arc members  196 ′ and  198 ′, is attached to connecting plate  250 . The connecting plate  250  mounts to a force sensor unit  252  that is operatively connected to the robot. In operation, when the EOAT  126 ′ is engaged against the surface to which the weight segments are to be applied, the force sensor unit  252  serves to insure that the a steady force is maintained against the surface, thereby serving to make sure that the weight segments are fully engaged with the imbalanced member. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  34   , first and second arc members  196 ′ and  198 ′ further comprises electromagnet strips  254   a  and  254   b . In one exemplary arrangement, electromagnet strips  254   a ,  254   b  are disposed adjacent the top and bottom of the end faces  202 ′ and  204 ′. However, it is understood that other placement configurations are contemplated. Nor is the present disclosure limited to using longitudinal strips of electromagnetic elements. For example, electromagnetic elements may be disposed in random patterns on the end faces  202 ′ and  204 ′. 
     The electromagnetic elements  254   a ,  254   b  may be selectively energized by traditional power delivery sources. In one exemplary arrangement, electrical connectors  256   a  and  256   b  are provided on the first and second arc members  196 ′ and  198 ′. The electrical connectors  256   a  and  256   b  may be connected to a suitable power source. In operation, power is supplied to the electrical connectors  256   a  and  256   b , the cut weight segments  12  will be magnetically retained on the end faces  202 ′ and  204 ′ of the first and second arc members  196 ′ and  198 ′. However, when it is desired to release the weight segments  12  for placement, the electromagnetic elements are turned off. In one exemplary arrangement, the electromagnet elements may be electrically connected to the controller so as to allow a variable degree of magnetic strength. More specifically, for certain weight material, it may be desired to produce a greater magnetic force at end faces  202 ′ and  204 ′ than for other weight material. 
     Another exemplary configuration of an EOAT  126 ″ is illustrated in  FIGS.  37 - 40   . In this arrangement, the EOAT  126 ″ has many of the same components as EOAT  126  and  126 ′. For example, EOAT  126 ″ includes first and second arm members  196 ″ and  198 ″ that are supported by a center rail  200 ″. However, the end faces of each of the first and second arm members  196 ″ and  198 ″ are include a magnetic material. Unlike the EOAT  126 ′ that is constructed of an electromagnetic material that is selectively turned on and off, the magnetic force exhibited by EOAT  126 ″ is always on. 
     To load the weight segments, a fixed track arrangement  280  is provided. The fixed track arrangement  280  comprises parallel plates  282  that may be joined together by a cross member  284 . The plates  282  are spaced apart so as to create an open channel  286  that is accessible from the bottom. The plates  282  may have an arcuate shape that corresponds to the shape of the first and second arms  196 ″ and  198 ″. Lining the inside of the plates  282  are bumper elements  288 . 
     The plates  282  are secured to part of the feed and cutting unit  18 . More specifically, as may be seen in  FIG.  38   , an opening  290  is formed through the wall  84  that forms part of the housing  70  of the feed and cutting unit  18 . A portion of the plates  282  is secured to support brackets  292 . Support brackets  292  are connected to the base of the housing  70  and positioned adjacent to the cutter base assembly  80 . With this arrangement, as the weight segments  12  are cut, they are delivered to the plates  282 . More specifically, the weight segments  12  are pushed onto the bumper elements  288 . 
     When the appropriate number of the weight segments  12  are pushed onto the bumper elements  288  between the plates  282 , the robot is actuated such that one of the first and second arc members  196 ″ or  198 ″ are delivered up through the open channel  286  to contact the weight segments  12 . The magnetic attraction of the magnetic elements disposed in the first and second arc members  196 ″ and  198 ″ will adhere the weight elements  12  to the first or second arc member  196 ″ and  198 ″. The robot will push the first or second arc member  196 ″ or  198 ″ up over the bumper elements  288  and the first or second arc member  196 ″ or  198 ″ is withdrawn from the plates  282  and delivered to an imbalanced member. 
     While the EOAT  126 ′ and  126 ″ are presented as alternatives to one another, it is understood that the mechanical/pneumatic clamping arrangement of EOAT  126  may be used in combination with either EOAT  126 ′ and  126 ″ as well. 
     When a new spool is introduced into the feed and cutting unit  18 , the new spool will be spliced to the exhausted spool, as described in connection with  FIG.  3 B . However, the splicing tape (that adheres the end segments E 1  and E 2  of adjacent springs  12   a  and  12   b ) is typically provided with a different color tape to identify a splice area. Because it is not desirable to use weight segments from two different spools, referring to  FIG.  37   , a contrast sensor  300  may be secured to a support bracket  302 . The contrast sensor  300  is electrically connected to a controller. The contrast sensor  300  is disposed downstream of the feed mechanism, but upstream of the tape backing tape removal assembly and upstream of the cutting blade. When the contrast sensor  300  detects a change in color between the backing tape  18 , the controller sends a signal to the cutting blade  92  to initiate a cutting operation so as to cut a section of the strip  12  of weight material in the new spool. In addition, the controller can also be programmed to send a signal to identify if the weights in the splice tape area are to be “discarded” or “applied”. Such a signal can be visible (such as an indicator light mounted on support bracket  302  or elsewhere), audible, or both. 
     Regardless of which EOAT is utilized, in operation, the controller operates to actuate the robot  24  to move the EOAT to place the first arc member  196 / 196 ′/ 196 ″ into contact with an inner surface of wheel  20  such that one of the end faces  202 ,  204  are carrying the strip  12  comes into contact with the wheel  20  and is oriented to match the contour of the wheel  20 . Due to the inclined and offset nature of the end faces  202 ,  204 , only one end face will be able to contact the wheel  20  during an application cycle (thereby preventing accidental placement of weights on the other end face). The robot then actuates the EOAT to apply the weight in a rocking motion along the contour. In one exemplary arrangement, the EOAT will include a 6 axis load sensor to enable not only proper placement of the strip  12 , but ensure full application. More specifically, the sensors provide a force feedback in the rocking motion to ensure full wet-out of the strip  12  of weight material; in essence providing a closed loop feedback system. The weight can be applied in a single rolling motion or in a back-and-forth rocking motion. 
     Once the first strip  12  is placed on the wheel  20 , the robot  24  is actuated to tilt the EOAT to apply the second strip  12  of weight material that is disposed on the other of the first and second arc members  196 / 196 ′/ 196 ″,  198 / 198 ′/ 198 ″. 
     An alternative arrangement of a system  300  for cutting and dispensing selectively chosen lengths of strips of weight material are shown in  FIGS.  30 - 31   . This arrangement illustrates the decoiler unit  116  positioned adjacent to a feed and cutting unit  118 . Unlike the system  10  shown in  FIG.  1   , feed and cutting unit  118  is positioned on a stand  111 . All other components of system  200  are generally identical to the components of system  10 . The cut strips  12  will be collected on the side surface of the stand  111  and may be manually applied to a weight apply tool such as EOAT  126 / 126 ′/ 126 ″. 
     While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the invention.