Patent Publication Number: US-8522437-B2

Title: Method for tire and wheel assembly utilizing a tire inflating sub-station

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Ser. No. 12/236,162 filed Sep. 23, 2008 (now U.S. 8,161,650 issued on Apr. 24, 2012), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 60/976,964 filed on Oct. 2, 2007 and 61/054,988 filed on May 21, 2008, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The disclosure relates to tire-wheel assemblies and to a system and method for assembling a tire and a wheel. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     It is known in the art to assemble a tire and a wheel in several steps. Usually, conventional methodologies that conduct such steps require a significant capital investment and human oversight. The present invention overcomes drawbacks associated with the prior art by setting forth a simple system and method for assembling a tire and a wheel together. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a single-cell workstation for assembling a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 2A-J  illustrate environmental views of a single-cell workstation for assembling a tire and a wheel in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a claw portion of the single-cell workstation of  FIGS. 2A-2J  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates an assembled perspective view of the claw portion of  FIG. 3A  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3C-3E  illustrate top views of the claw portion of  FIG. 3B  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 4A-4D  illustrate side views of a tire mounting sub-station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 4E-4H  illustrate side views of a tire mounting sub-station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIGS. 5A-5R  illustrate side views of an inflating sub-station in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The Figures illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an apparatus and method for assembling a tire and wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Based on the foregoing, it is to be generally understood that the nomenclature used herein is simply for convenience and the terms used to describe the invention should be given the broadest meaning by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     In an embodiment, the systems shown at FIGS.  1  and  2 A- 2 J may be referred to as “single-cell” workstations  100 ,  200 . In the forgoing disclosure, it will be appreciated that term “single-cell” indicates that the workstation  100 ,  200  produces a tire-wheel assembly, TW, without requiring a plurality of successive, discrete workstations that may otherwise be arranged in a conventional assembly line such that a partially-assembled tire-wheel assembly is “handed-off” along the assembly line (i.e., “handed-off” meaning that an assembly line requires a partially-assembled tire-wheel assembly to be retained by a first workstation of an assembly line, worked on, and released to a subsequent workstation in the assembly line for further processing). 
     Rather, the single cell workstation  100 ,  200  provides one workstation having a plurality of subs-stations  104   a - 104   g , each performing a specific task in the process of assembling a tire and a wheel, TW. This assembling process takes place wherein the tire and/or wheel “handing-off” is either minimized or completely eliminated. As such, the novel single-cell workstation  100 ,  200  significantly reduces the cost and investment associated with owning/renting the real estate footprint associated with a conventional tire-wheel assembly line while also having to provide maintenance for each individual workstation defining the assembly line. Thus, capital investment and human oversight is significantly reduced when a single cell workstation  100 ,  200  is employed in the manufacture of tire-wheel assemblies, TW. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a system for assembling a tire and a wheel, TW, is shown generally at  100  according to an embodiment. The system  100  includes a device  102 . In operation, the device receives and retains a wheel, W, which eventually comprises part of a tire-wheel assembly, TW. The ability of the device  102  to retain the wheel, W, throughout a portion of or the entire assembling process minimizes or eliminates the need to “hand-off” a partially assembled tire-wheel assembly to a subsequent workstation. 
     In operation, the device  102  is initialized to start the assembly operation at a first sub-station  104   a  where the device  102  receives and retains a wheel, W, thereto. The sub-station  104   a  is hereinafter referred to as a wheel repository sub-station. 
     The wheel, W, may be advanced toward the device  102  from a conveyor belt, C 1 , or alternatively, the device  102  may retrieve the wheel, W, from a bin, hopper, or the like (not shown). 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 , the device  102  may include a claw  106 , gripper, or other means for securing the wheel, W. In an embodiment, throughout two or more assembly steps, the device  102  does not release the wheel, W, from the claw  106  until the tire-wheel assembly, TW, has been processed by two or more sub-stations  04   a - 104   g . This approach minimizes or eliminates handing-off the tire-wheel assembly, TW, to subsequent workstations in the manufacturing process. 
     An embodiment for assembling a tire and a wheel, TW, with the single-cell workstation  100  is not provided in the foregoing description. Once the device  102  secures the wheel, W, thereto at wheel repository sub-station  104   a , the device  102  is then advanced from the wheel repository sub-station  104   a  to a stemming sub-station  104   b . At the stemming sub-station  104   b , a valve stem, V, is retrieved from a bin, hopper, H, or the like and is inserted through a hole or passage formed in the wheel, W. The stemming sub-station  104   b  may include a stemming apparatus (not shown) that retrieves the valve stem, V, from the hopper, H, for subsequent insertion of the valve stem, V, through the hole or passage in the wheel, W. 
     Once the valve stem, V, is secured to the wheel, W, at sub-station  104   b , the device  102 , which includes the wheel, W, with the valve stem, V, attached thereto, is then advanced to a tire repository and mounting sub-station  104   c . At the tire repository and mounting sub-station  104   c , a tire, T, is retrieved from a repository including a conveyor belt, C 2 , bin, hopper, or the like. The tire, T, is then provided or otherwise joined about the circumference of the wheel, W, at the repository and mounting sub-station  104   c . If desired, the tire repository and mounting sub-station  104   c  may include a device, such as, for example, rollers, that urge the tire, T, onto the wheel, W. Alternatively, the device  102  may urge the wheel, W, onto the tire, T. Specific aspects of the invention associated with the mounting of the tire, T, to the wheel, W, is shown and described in  FIGS. 4A-4H . 
     Once the tire, T, is mounted to the wheel, W, at tire repository and mounting sub-station  104   c , the device  102  is then advanced to a match-marking sub-station  104   d . At the match-marking sub-station,  104   d , the high point of radial force variation of the tire, T, and the low point of the radial run-out of the wheel, W, are located and respectively marked. The marks may be temporary or permanent. Then, the marking on each of the tire, T, and wheel, W, are angularly offset from one-another by approximately 180° to minimize force variations and/or imbalance of the tire-wheel assembly, TW. 
     Once the tire, T, and wheel, W, are match-marked at sub-station  104   d , the device  102  is then advanced to an inflation sub-station  104   e . At the inflation sub-station  104   e , in an embodiment, a source of high pressure fluid, F, is provided for communication with the valve stem, V, mounted in the wheel, W. Once in communication with the valve stem, V, fluid from the source of high pressure fluid, F, flows through the valve stem, V, so as to inflate the tire, T, that is joined to the wheel, W. Although it is described above that inflation of the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is provided by way of the valve stem, V, it will be appreciated that the tire-wheel assembly, TW, may be inflated in another manner. In an embodiment, specific aspects of the invention associated with the inflating of the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is shown and described, for example, in  FIGS. 5A-5R . 
     Once inflated, as desired, at the inflation sub-station  104   e , the device  102  is advanced to a bead seating sub-station  104   f . At the bead seating sub-station  104   f , the beads of the tire, T, are positively seated against respective bead seats (not shown) of the wheel, W, such that air bubbles, contaminates, and the like that may be disposed or trapped between the tire bead and the bead seat are removed therefrom. 
     After the tire beads are seated in the wheel bead seats at the beat seating sub-station  104   f , the device  102  is advanced to a balancing sub-station  104   g . At the balancing sub-station  104   g , the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is statically or dynamically balanced by applying correction weights, B, to the outer and inner flange of the wheel, W, to reduce the imbalance effect of the tire-wheel assembly, TW. 
     Although the single-cell workstation  100  is shown to include sub-stations  104   a - 104   g , it will be appreciated that the arrangement and number of sub-sub-stations  104   a - 104   g  are not limited to that as shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, it will be appreciated that the inflating sub-station  104   e  may precede the match-marking sub-station  104   d.    
     Further, it will be appreciated that the single-cell workstation  100  may include fewer sub-stations  104   a - 104   g  than those that are shown in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the stemming sub-station  104   b  may be eliminated such that the wheel repository sub-station  104   a  may include wheels, W, that are already pre-stemmed. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2J , a single-cell workstation for assembling a tire and a wheel, TW, is shown generally at  200  according to an embodiment. The single-cell workstation  200  includes a device  202  that cooperates with a plurality of sub-stations  204   a - 204   f  that each perform a specific task in the process of assembling a tire and a wheel, TW. 
     As seen in  FIG. 2A , the device  202  in the single-cell workstation  200  may include a robotic arm  202  that is located in a substantially central position relative the plurality of sub-stations  204   a - 204   f  arranged on a real estate footprint. In  FIG. 2A , the robotic arm  202  is shown in an at-rest, idle position. The robotic arm  202  may include, for example, a base portion  206 , a body portion  208  connected to the base portion  206 , an arm portion  210  connected to the body portion  208  and a claw portion  212  connected to the arm portion  210 . 
     The body portion  208  is rotatably-connected to the base portion  206  such that the body portion  208  may be pivoted 360° relative the base portion  206 . Further, the body portion  208  may be generally hinged to the base portion  206  having, for example, hinged, scissor-style arms such that the body portion  208  may be articulated vertically upward or downward relative the base portion  206 . 
     The arm portion  210  is connected to the body portion  208  such that the arm portion  210  may be articulated in any desirable upward or downward position relative the body portion  208 . Similar to the rotatable connection of the base portion  206  and body portion  208 , the claw portion  212  may be rotatably-connected to the arm portion  210  such that the claw portion  212  may be pivoted 360° relative the arm portion  210 . Movements of the portions  208 - 212  may be controlled manually with a joystick (not shown), or, alternatively, automatically by way of logic stored on a controller having a processor (not shown). 
     In the following description, it will be appreciated that prescribed movements of the body portion  208  relative the base portion  206  may have occurred before, during or after a described movement of the arm portion  210  and/or claw portion  212 . For example, the body portion  208  may have been rotated, articulated or the like in order to locate the arm and claw portions  210 ,  212  in a desired position at or proximate a particular sub-station  204   a - 204   e.    
     Still referring to  FIG. 2A , a plurality of wheels, W, are shown disposed at a wheel repository sub-station  204   a . According to an embodiment, the wheel repository sub-station  204   a  is illustrated to include, for example, a rack  214 ; however, it will be appreciated that the wheel repository sub-station  204   a  may include an endless conveyor or the like. 
     Further, as seen in  FIG. 2A , a plurality of tires, T, are shown at a tire repository sub-station  204   b . According to an embodiment, the tire repository sub-station  204   b  includes a rack  216  and conveyor device  218 . However, it will be appreciated that the wheel repository sub-station  204   b  may include an endless conveyor or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , the arm portion  210  has been articulated such that the claw portion  212  is moved from the idle position proximate the wheel repository sub-station  204   a . As shown in  FIG. 2B , a wheel, W, has been advanced to a loading position near a terminal end of the rack  214  proximate claw portion  212  that has been articulated to a wheel-receiving positioning. Advancement of the wheel, W, to the terminal end of the rack  214  may be provided by a conveyor, or, alternatively, by gravity, if, for example, the rack  214  is positioned on a downward incline. Further, it will be appreciated that if the wheel repository sub-station  204   a  includes a bin (not shown) or the like rather than a rack  214 , no advancement of a wheel, W, is provided and the claw portion  212  may locate and be subsequently positioned proximate a wheel, W, that is located within the bin. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2B , the claw portion  212  is shown to be positioned proximate the wheel, W, such that the wheel, W, may be secured to the claw portion  212 . In an embodiment, the claw portion  212  is interfaced with the wheel, W, by engaging an inner diameter, D IW  ( FIGS. 3C-3E ), of the wheel, W. However, it will be appreciated that the interfacing of the claw portion  212  and wheel, W, may be conducted in any desirable manner and is not limited to the engagement of an inner diameter, D IW , of the wheel, W. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3E , the claw portion  212  is shown and described according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, as seen in  FIG. 3A , the claw portion  212  includes a fixed portion  302 , a rotatable portion  304 , wheel engaging portions  306 , sliding portions  308  and an actuator portion  310 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the slidable portions  308  are slidably-disposed in radial channels  312  formed in the fixed portion  302 . An axial post  314  extending from each of the slidable portions  308  extends through the radial channels  312  and arcuate channels  316  that are formed in the rotatable portion  304 . The axial posts  314  also extend through an opening  318  formed in each of the wheel engaging portions  306 . 
     A central axial post  320  extends from the rotatable portion  304  and through a central axial opening  322  formed in the fixed portion  302 . Upon passing through the central axial opening  322 , the central axial post  320  is fixed to a key passage  324  formed by and extending from the actuator portion  310 . Once assembled, axial portions  326  of the engaging portions  306  are slidably-disposed in radial guides  328  of the fixed portion  302  such that the engagement portions  306  are moveable in an inward/outward radial direction. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3C-3E , an embodiment of operating the claw portion  212  is disclosed. In general, inward and outward radial movement of the axial portions  326  is dependent upon the state of the actuator  310 . 
     As see in  FIGS. 3B and 3C , the actuator  310  is in a deactuated state such that the axial portions  326  are in a radially-retracted position. The radially-retracted position is shown to be defined by a radial distance, r 1 , of the axial portions  326  from a central axis extending through the central axial post  320 . 
     When the actuator  310  is actuated, as shown in  FIGS. 3D and 3E , the result is rotatable, clockwise movement, C WISE , of the central axial post  320  due to the fact that the central axial post is fixed or keyed to the key passage  324 . The rotatable, clockwise movement, C WISE , of the central axial post  320  translates into clockwise movement, C WISE , of the rotatable portion  304   a , which translates into clockwise movement, C WISE , of the axial posts  314  disposed in the arcuate channels  316 , which translates into radial-outward movement of the slidable portions  308  disposed in the radial channels  312  and radial outward movement of axial portions  326  disposed in the radial guides  328 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 3D and 3E , radially-outward positioning of the axial portions  326  is shown to be defined by progressively-increased radial distances, r 2 , r 3 , that are greater than the radial distance, r 1 . When the axial portions  326  are advanced to the maximum radial distance, r 3 , the axial portions  326  radially engage an inner diameter, D IW , of the wheel, W, to secure the wheel, W, to the claw portion  212 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in an embodiment, the claw portion  212  may also include a detachable portion shown generally at  330 . The detachable portion  330  generally includes a plate  332  and a center-pull arm  334  that extends substantially perpendicularly from the plate  332 . The plate  332  includes a recess  336  for receiving a coupling portion  338  extending from the rotatable portion  304 . 
     As illustrated, the coupling portion  338  is centrally located on the rotatably portion  304  such that the axis extending through the central axis post  320  also extends through the coupling portion  338 . Although shown in a generic illustration, the coupling portion  338  and plate  332  may be joined mechanically, pneumatically, or the like at the recess  336 . The function and purpose for detaching the detachable portion  330  from the rotatable portion  304  is explained in greater detail at FIGS.  2 E and  5 A- 5 R. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2C , once the wheel, W, has been secured to the claw portion  212 , the body portion  208  and arm portion  210  are oriented such that the claw portion  212  locates the wheel, W, proximate a lubricating sub-station  204   c . According to an embodiment, the lubricating sub-station  204   c  may include a tray  220  for retaining a lubricant (not shown), such as, for example, soapy-water, grease, or the like. 
     In an embodiment, the arm portion  210  may be orientated such that a portion of the circumference of the wheel, W, is submerged in the tray  220  containing the lubricant. Once submerged as desired, the claw portion  212  may be rotated, as desired, relative the arm portion  210  between approximately 0° and 360° such that at least a substantial portion of the circumference of the wheel, W, has been lubricated. In an embodiment, approximately half of the wheel, W, is submerged in the lubricant and the wheel, W, is rotated 180° to lubricate the non-submerged portion of the wheel, W. 
     In another embodiment, the tray  220  may include lubricating rollers (not shown) having a lubricant disposed thereon that are moved 360° about the circumference of the wheel, W, such that the claw portion  212  remains in a fixed position and does not rotate relative the arm portion  210  during a lubricating operation. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the arm portion  210  may be oriented such that the entire wheel, W, is submerged in the lubricant. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2D , the body portion  208  and arm portion  210  are orientated such that the claw portion  212  locates the lubricated wheel, W, proximate a tire mounting sub-station  204   d . As illustrated, the conveyor device  218  advances a tire, T, to the tire mounting sub-station  204   d  such that the tire, T, may be mounted to the wheel, W, to form a non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW. It will be appreciated that before, during and after the tire, T, is mounted to the wheel, W, to form the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, the claw portion  212  remains engaged with the wheel, W. 
     In an embodiment, the tire mounting sub-station  204   d  may be referred to as either a helical mounting sub-station or a precessional mounting sub-station for reasons set forth in the foregoing disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 4A , the wheel, W, is shown fixed to the claw portion  212  and the arm portion is shown generally at  210 . Shown between the claw portion  212  and arm portion  210  is a rotating actuator  402  and spindle  404 . The spindle  404  permits rotational movement of the claw portion  212  relative the arm portion  210 . 
     The arm portion  210  may be coupled to a linear actuator (not shown) such that linear actuator is capable of moving the claw portion  212  and wheel, W, along a first plunging axis, B. The rotating actuator  402  is oriented with respect to arm portion  210  such that the axis of rotation of rotating actuator  402  is represented by axis, A. Rotation of the actuator  402  translates into a similar rotational movement of the wheel, W, and claw portion  212  about the axis, A. The rotating actuator  402  can also be an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or other type of rotating actuator and is adapted to rotate wheel, W, about axis, A. 
     The tire, T, is shown to include a first tire bead, T B1 , and a second tire bead, T B2 . Beads T B1 , T B2  are typically separated by a gap, T G . At least one bead compression mechanism  406  is located proximate a sidewall portion of tire, T. In the embodiment, two bead compression mechanisms  406 ,  408  are included; however, it is contemplated within the scope of this invention that one or more bead compression mechanisms may be used. 
     Bead compression mechanism  406 ,  408  includes a respectively associated compression actuator  410 ,  412  which is, in turn, is coupled to its respectively-associated top pinching fingers  414 ,  416  and bottom pinching fingers  418 ,  420 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in order to mount wheel, W, to tire, T, the wheel, W, is rotated about axis, A. Also, at least one bead compression mechanism  406 ,  408  is activated, thereby pressing together at least a portion of the bead T B1 , T B2  of wheel, W, such that at least a portion of gap, T G , is diminished (see, e.g., T G ′, in  FIG. 4B ), over that of its relaxed state (the relaxed state of which is shown at, T G , in  FIG. 4A ). 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4A-4C , the arm portion  210  is moved/plunged linearly, L (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4C ), along axis, B, thereby causing at least a portion, W S2P  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4C ), of a second bead seat, W S2 , of the wheel, W, to pass through an opening, T O , formed by first and second bead T B1 , T B2  of the tire, T. 
     Next, as seen in  FIG. 4D , linear movement, L, continues along axis, B, such that the entire second bead seat, W S2 , of wheel, W, passes through the opening, T O . Once the wheel, W, has assumed the position shown in  FIG. 4D , actuators  410 ,  412  are released such that an non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is formed and retained to the claw portion  212  for transport to the next stage of operation, being tire inflation. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 4E , in a second embodiment, the tire beads T B1 , T B2  are not pinched together by a bead compression mechanism. Rather, the beads T B1 , T B2  of tire, T, are left in their relaxed, residual state. 
     As seen in  FIG. 4F , the arm portion  210  is moved linearly, L, along axis, B, while, simultaneously, the claw portion  212  precessionally rotates, R, the wheel, W, about axis, B, while the wheel, W, is being rotated about the axis, A. As the second bead seat, W S2 , of the wheel, W, is brought into contact with the first tire bead, T B1 , of the tire, T, a portion, W S2P , of second bead seat, W S2 , will pass through the upper opening, T O ′, formed by the first bead, T B1 , of the tire, T. Next, as shown in  FIG. 4G , as the arm portion  210  continues its linear motion, L, the second bead seat, W B2 , of the wheel, W, will completely pass through the upper opening, T O ′ (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4E ), formed by first bead, T B1 . 
     Next, as seen in  FIG. 4H , as the arm portion  210  is still further urged along axis, B, the second bead seat, W S2 , of the wheel, W, will pass through the lower opening, T O ″, formed by the second bead, T B2 , of the tire, T. Once the wheel, W, has assumed the position shown in  FIG. 4H , a non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is formed and retained to the claw portion  212  for transport to the next stage of operation, being tire inflation. 
     Although  FIGS. 4A-4H  generally shows that tire, T, is concentric with axis, B, nothing herein shall limit the orientation of tire, T, relative to axis, B, in this way. It is contemplated that other orientations between axis, B, and the center of tire, T, will work equally well. Further, the rotational axis, A, may, in an embodiment, be co-axial with plunger axis, B. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotational axis, A, is angularly oriented with respect to axis, B, as depicted by angle, θ. 
     Yet even further, if the rotational axis, A, is fixed about the plunging axis, B, the mounting sub-station  204   d  is referred to as a helical mounting sub-station; as such, the angle, θ, is referred to as a helical angle of approach. Alternatively, if the arm portion  210  rotates about the axis, B, the rotational axis, A, would pivot about the plunging axis, B, at the point of intersection of the axes A and B; as such the mounting sub-station  204   d  would be referred to as a precessional mounting sub-station  204   d . Thus, the angle, θ, would be referred to as a precessional angle of approach. 
     It will be appreciated that in the helical mounting sub-station embodiment, the rotational movement of the wheel, W, about the rotational axis, A, may be compounded with a plunging movement about the plunging axis, B. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that in the precessional mounting sub-station  204   e  embodiment, the plunging movement about the axis, B, may or may not be compounded with the rotational movement about the axis, A. For example, if the plunging movement about the axis, B, is not included, the precessional movement of the wheel, W, about the tire, T, will result in the tire, T, being self-threaded onto the wheel, W, upon the wheel, W, contacting the tire, T. If, however, the precessional movement of the wheel, W, is also compounded with plunging movement about the axis, B, the wheel, W, is plunged onto the tire, T, while the tire, T, also self-threads onto the wheel, W. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2E , the body portion  208  and arm portion  210  are orientated such that the claw portion  212  locates the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, proximate an inflating sub-station  204   e . As seen in  FIG. 5A , once the arm portion  210  has located the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, proximate the inflating sub-station  204   e , the inflating sub-station  204   e  moves toward the tire-wheel assembly, TW, generally in the direction of the arrow, D. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , movement of the inflating sub-station  204   e  in the direction of the arrow, D, eventually results in the center-pull arm  334  of the detachable portion  330  being axially inserted into a locking device  502  of the inflating sub-station  204   e . Subsequently, one or more keys  504  of the locking device  502  is/are moved radially inwardly according to the direction of arrow, K, for radial engagement with the center-pull arm  334 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5C , once the one or more keys  504  has radially engaged the center-pull arm  334 , the axial portions  326  of the claw portion  212  radially disengage the inner diameter, D IW , of the wheel, W, to release the wheel, W, from the arm portion  210  and claw portion  212 . Then, subsequent to or coincident with the release of the wheel, W, from the claw portion  212 , the coupling portion  338  and plate  332  are separated to thereby cause the detachable portion  330  to retain the non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, to the inflating sub-station  204   e.    
     Still referring to  FIG. 5C , with the center pull arm  334  secured to the locking device  502 , an adjustment pin  506  draws (according to the direction according to the arrow, D′) an upper surface  508  of the locking device  502  toward an inboard surface  510  of a carrier plate  512  to thereby reduce a spacing, S, between the upper surface  508  and the inboard surface  510 . By reducing the spacing, S, a flip seal  514  of the inflating sub-station  204   e  is moved as follows. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5I-5N , the reduced and subsequent increase of the spacing, S, results in a change of orientation of the flip seal  514  relative the wheel, W. In general, the flip seal  514  is retained by a carrier  516 . 
     The carrier  516  generally includes a shroud portion  518  that defines an outer periphery  520  of the carrier  516  and an inner periphery  522  of the carrier  516 . According to an embodiment, the flip seal  514  is positioned about the inner periphery  522  of the carrier  516  and abuts an inner periphery surface  524  of a radial portion  526  and an inner periphery surface  528  of a rim portion  530 . Once the flip seal  514  is located against the carrier  516  as described above, a retainer  532  abuts and sandwiches the flip seal  514  with the radial portion  526  of the carrier  516  with an end portion  534  of the retainer  532  abutting the inner periphery surface  528  of the rim portion  530 . 
     One or more inflators  536  may be inserted through one or more respective passages  538  formed in the carrier plate  512  and one or more passages, which are shown generally at  540 . As illustrated, passages are formed, respectively, in axial alignment, in each of the flip seal  514 , carrier  516 , and retainer  532  to define the one or more passages  540 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5C-5N , a method for inflating the tire-wheel assembly, TW, using the one or more inflators  536  is described according to an embodiment. First, as shown in  FIGS. 5C ,  5 D and  5 I,  5 J, the spacing, S, is further reduced such that the an inboard side  546 , and subsequently, an inner periphery side portion  548  of the flip seal  514  slides over an outboard corner, W 2 , of the wheel bead seat, W S1 , which then causes, as shown in  FIG. 5J , the inboard side  546  of the flip seal  514  to engage a portion of a circumferential perimeter, W 3 , f the wheel bead seat, W S1 . Accordingly, in this orientation, a flexible inner periphery  550  of the flip seal  514  is “flipped” to move the flip seal  514  to a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional position of orientation (according to the view of  FIG. 5J ). Concurrently, the circumferential end  544  of the rim portion  530  causes the first tire bead, T B1 , to move away from the first wheel bead seat, W B1 , to provide the open air passageway  552  therebetween. 
     Once the flexible inner periphery  550  of the flip seal  514  is advanced past the circumferential perimeter, W 3 , of the first wheel bead seat, W S1 , in the direction of the arrow, D, the flip seal  514  is resiliently moved from the “flipped” position of  FIG. 5J  to an at-rest position, as shown in  FIGS. 5E and 5K . As shown in  FIG. 5F , pressurized fluid, P, is fed through the one or more hoses  554  and out of one or more nozzles  556  of the one or more inflators  536  to commence a quick-inflating technique for inflating the tire, T, through the open air passageway  552  provided by the positioning of the circumferential end  544  of the rim portion  530  against the tire, T. It will be appreciated that the pressurized fluid, P, may be fed through the one or more hoses  554  before, during, or after the positioning of the flip seal  514  relative the tire-wheel assembly, TW, shown in  FIG. 5K  (i.e. pressurized fluid, P, may be fed through the one or more hoses  554  at any time as shown in  FIGS. 5I and 5J ). It will be appreciated that the pressurized fluid, P, may include any desirable fluid, such as, for example, air, nitrogen, or the like. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5K , once the flexible inner periphery  550  of the flip seal  514  is advanced past the circumferential perimeter, W 3 , of the wheel bead seat, W S1 , as described above, the spacing, S, may be increased to move the inflators  536  and flip seal  514  in a direction according to the arrow, D′, that is opposite the direction of the arrow, D. Accordingly, as seen in  FIGS. 5F and 5L , as the flip seal  514  is advanced toward the circumferential perimeter, W 3 , of the first wheel bead seat, W S1 , in the direction of the arrow, D′, an outboard side  558  of the flip seal  514  engages an inboard surface, W 4 , of the first wheel bead seat, W S1 . It will be appreciated that the tire, T, is rapidly and substantially inflated when the flip seal  514  is positioned in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 5L  due to the fact that the flip seal  514  seals the tire-wheel assembly, TW, from ambient air pressure, AP. Depending on the number of inflators  536  utilized, it may take as little as approximately 1 to 5 seconds to pressurize the tire, T, with the pressurized fluid, P. 
     Then, as seen in  FIGS. 5G and 5M , as the spacing, S, continues to be increased, the one or more inflators  536  and flip seal  514  move in the direction of the arrow, D′, such that the outboard side  558  of the flip seal  514  slides over an inboard corner, W 5 , of the first wheel bead seat, W S1 , which then causes the outboard side  558  of the flip seal  514  to engage a portion of the circumferential perimeter, W 3 , of the first wheel bead seat, W S1 . Accordingly, in this orientation, the flexible inner periphery  550  of the flip seal  514  is forced into a substantially inverted L-shaped cross-sectional position of orientation (according to the view of  FIG. 5M ). The lowered position of flip seal  514  in  FIG. 5M  is substantially the opposite of the raised position of the flip seal  514  as shown in  FIG. 5J  Concurrently, with the assistance of the pressurized fluid, P, in a circumferential cavity, C, of the tire, T, the circumferential end  544  of the rim portion  530  is moved away from the first tire bead, T B1 , so as to allow the pressurized fluid, P, in the circumferential cavity, C, of the tire, T, to close off the open air passageway  552  and cause the first tire bead, T B1 , to seat itself in the wheel bead seat, W B1 . 
     As the spacing, S, continues to be increased such that the one or more inflators  536  and flip seal  514  move in the direction of the arrow, D′, the outboard side  558 , and subsequently, the inner periphery side portion  548  of the flip seal  514  slides over the outboard corner, W 2 , of the wheel bead seat, W S1 , which then causes, as shown in  FIGS. 5H and 5N , the flexible inner periphery  550  of the flip seal  514  to resiliently move from the lowered position of  FIG. 5M  to an at-rest position similar to that as shown in  FIG. 5I . 
     It will be appreciated that the supplying of the pressurized fluid, P, from the one or more nozzles  546  may be ceased before, during, or after a time when the one or more inflators  536  and flip seal  514  are positioned in a manner relative the tire-wheel assembly, TW, as shown in  FIG. 5M . If pressurized fluid, P, is still being provided from the one or more nozzles  556 , the pressurized fluid, P, may be utilized alone, or, in combination with the change in spacing, S, to push the one or more inflators  536  and flip seal  514  in the direction of the arrow, D′, and away from the tire-wheel assembly, TW, once the open air passageway  552  is closed off as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5O , once the inflating operation is completed such that the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is inflated, the arm portion  210  locates the coupling portion  338  within the recess  336  of the plate  332  such that the detachable portion  330  is reconnected to the rotatable portion  304 . 
     Then, as seen in  FIG. 5P , once detachable portion  330  and the rotatable portion  304  are reconnected, clamping portions  560  of the inflating sub-station  204   e  radially engage the tread surface of the tire, T, according to the direction of the arrow, C. Subsequent to or concurrent with the clamping, C, of the tread surface of the tire, T, the one or more keys  504  is/are moved radially outwardly in the direction of arrow, K′, and is/are radially disengaged with the center-pull arm  334 . 
     Then, as seen in  FIG. 5Q , once the one or more keys  504  is radially disengaged from the center-pull arm  334 , the arm portion  210  and claw portion  212  are cycled away from the inflating sub-station  204   e  in the direction of arrow, D′, such that the arm portion  210  and claw portion  212  are cycled to a position substantially similar to the at-rest, idle position of  FIG. 2A , ready for receiving a wheel, W, in a subsequent assembling operation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5R , once the arm portion  210  and claw portion  212  are cycled away from the inflating sub-station  204   e , according to the direction of the arrow, D′, the clamping portions  560  shuttle the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, downward in the direction of the arrow, D′, to a finishing sub-station  204   f.    
     Referencing  FIGS. 5R and 2F , the movement of the tire-wheel assembly, TW, relative the inflating sub-station  204   e  to the finishing sub-station  204   f  is generally a vertical movement. Once the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, has been shuttled to the finishing sub-station  204   f , the clamping portions  560  disengages the tread surface of the tire, T, such that the clamping portions  560  are returned vertically upward to the inflating sub-station  204   e  such that the clamping portions  560  are ready to receive another non-inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, in a subsequent assembling operation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2F , once the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is provided at the finishing sub-station  204   f , the tire-wheel assembly, TW, is spun, S 1 , to conduct a compliance test to match the compliance of inflated tire, T, due to unique tread resistances of similarly molded tires, T. 
     Then, as seen at  FIG. 2G , a wobble wheel  222  is engaged with an axial end surface of the tire, T, to remove potentially trapped air bubbles, contaminates and the like that may be located between a tire bead of the tire, T, and a bead seat of the wheel, W. The removing of trapped air bubbles, contaminates and the like may be referred to as “bleeding” or “burping.” 
     Referring to  FIG. 2H , the inflated tire-wheel assembly, TW, is spun by engaging a wobble wheel  224  with a radial, tread surface of the tire, T, to conduct a balancing test to determine the location and amount of weight to be added to the rim of the wheel, W. 
     Then, as seen in  FIG. 2I , a marking device  226  engages an axial end surface of the tire, T, to provide a mark on the tire, T, to identify the location of weight (not shown) to be added to the rim of the wheel, W. The mark provided on the axial end surface of the tire, T, may include, for example a code, number, or the like that is related to an amount of weight to be added to the rim of the wheel, W, proximate the marked location. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2J , once the tire, T, is marked as shown in  FIG. 2J , the processed tire-wheel assembly, TW, is removed from the single-cell workstation  200 . 
     The present invention has been described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof. However, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary embodiments described above. This may be done without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example most embodiments shown herein depict engaging a wheel (by way of a robotic arm) and manipulating the wheel to mount a tire thereon. However, nothing herein shall be construed to limit the scope of the present invention to only manipulating a wheel to mount a tire thereon. Specifically the teaching of the present invention also enables one skilled in the art to practice the invention by engaging a tire (by way of a robotic arm), and manipulating the tire to mount the wheel thereon. The exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any way. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the preceding description.