Patent Description:
The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure.

Rotational imbalance in a wheel (e.g., a vehicle wheel) can cause vibrations and/or uneven wear when the wheel spins during use. Therefore, prior to installation on the vehicle, one or more weights may be applied to the wheel to correct such rotational imbalance. Balancing machines have been used to determine which location(s) on the wheel require additional weight to rotationally balance the wheel. Based on this information, one or more pieces of a weight material can be applied to the wheel at the identified locations. Equipment for automatically dispensing and applying a balancing weight to the rim of an automobile tire is known. For example, <CIT> discloses such an apparatus for use in balancing a wheel. A further weight application device of the prior art has been disclosed in document <CIT> which discloses a method for correcting an unbalance on a vehicle wheel including a rim and a tire, by adhesive-bonding at least one corrective element to an attachment surface on the inside of the rim.

The invention according to the present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying weight material onto a wheel at one or more predetermined locations on the wheel, according to appended claims <NUM>-<NUM>.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying a weight to a wheel, with the apparatus comprising at least one severing device capable of separating a piece of desired weight from each of at least two provided lengths of weight materials, and at least one weight application device capable of applying a severed piece from each of at least two different weight materials to a different location on a wheel.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying a weight material onto a wheel. The apparatus may include a frame, a severing-head assembly, an implementation or control arm, and a conveyor assembly or device. The severing-head assembly may be mounted on the frame and may include a housing, a severing assembly or device (e.g., a cutting device that uses a blade, laser, etc.), and a dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism may position a predetermined amount of the weight material relative to the severing device. The severing device may be mounted for movement relative to the housing to separate the predetermined amount of the weight material from a source (e.g., a spool) of the weight material. The control arm may include a first end movably mounted to the frame and a second end having a weight-application tool configured to transfer the predetermined amount of weight material from the severing-head assembly to the wheel. The conveyor assembly may be mounted on the frame and may include a first conveyor actuator, a second conveyor actuator, a first continuous belt, a second continuous belt, a plurality of first rollers mounted on a first base member and supporting the first continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the first base member, a plurality of second rollers mounted on a second base member and supporting the second continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the second base member. The first conveyor actuator may drive at least one of the first rollers and at least one of the second rollers. The second conveyor actuator may drive the first base member relative to the second base member in a direction that is parallel to rotational axes of the first and second rollers to adjust a spacing between the first and second continuous belts.

In some configurations, at least one of the first and second base members is slidably mounted on a plurality of rails.

In some configurations, the conveyor assembly includes a shaft that is rotatable relative to the first and second base members and rotationally fixed relative to the at least one of the first rollers and the at least one of the second rollers.

In some configurations, the at least one of the second rollers is slidable along an axial length of the shaft.

In some configurations, the conveyor assembly includes a linkage movably coupling the first and second base members to each other. The shaft may be disposed at a first side of the frame, and the linkage may be disposed at a second side of the frame opposite the first side.

In some configurations, the linkage includes a first link, a second link pivotably attached to a first end of the first link and pivotably attached to the first base member, and a third link pivotably attached to a second end of the first link and pivotably attached to the second base member. An intermediate portion of the first link may be pivotably attached relative to the frame.

In some configurations, the first conveyor actuator is attached to one of the first and second base members and is movable with the one of the first and second base members relative to the other of the first and second base members in response to actuation of the second conveyor actuator.

In some configurations, the dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing actuator, a drive roller, an engagement actuator, and a freely-rotating engagement roller. The dispensing actuator may rotatably drive the drive roller about a rotational axis of the drive roller. The drive roller may contact a first side of the weight material. The freely-rotating engagement roller may contact a second opposite side of the weight material. The engagement actuator may translate the freely-rotating engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive roller.

In some configurations, the dispensing mechanism includes another severing device, a pair of severing-device actuators, another engagement actuator, and another freely-rotating engagement roller. The severing-device actuators may be operable independently of each other to move the severing devices independently of each other. The engagement actuators may be operable independently of each other to translate the freely-rotating engagement rollers independently of each other to selectively and independently cause movement of two different sources (e.g., spools) of weight material.

In some configurations, the severing-head assembly includes a pair of severing devices, and the housing includes first and second lanes receiving first and second predetermined amounts of weight material, respectively. One of the severing devices may separate the first predetermined amount of weight material from a first source (e.g., spool) of weight material. Another one of the severing devices may separate the second predetermined amount of weight material from a second source (e.g., spool) of weight material. The dispensing mechanism may drive the first and second predetermined amounts of weight material through the first and second lanes.

In some configurations, the severing-head assembly includes a liner-guide pin and a plurality of tensioning rollers. The liner-guide pin may be disposed between the severing device and the dispensing mechanism and defines a passageway through which the predetermined amount of the weight material passes while a liner of the weight material wraps around the liner-guide pin and separates from the weight material. The tensioning rollers may engage the removed liner. Two of the tensioning rollers may be translationally fixed relative to the housing. One of the tensioning rollers may be translatable relative to the housing and may be spring biased into engagement with the removed liner.

In some configurations, the severing-head assembly includes a cantilevered weight-material guide that is fixed relative to the housing. The weight-material guide may include a first end, a second end and a curved guide surface extending between the first and second ends. The first end may be disposed proximate a weight-material-outlet of the housing through which the predetermined amount of the weight material passes below the severing device. The guide surface may extend away from the housing to the second end of the weight-material guide.

In some configurations, the weight-application tool includes a curved engagement surface that engages the weight material and faces the guide surface of the weight-material guide during a transfer of the weight material to the weight-application tool.

In some configurations, the engagement surface has a curvature that matches a curvature of the guide surface.

In some configurations, the weight-application tool includes an engagement surface having shape that is curved about a first axis and twisted about a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis.

In some configurations, the weight-application tool includes an engagement surface that engages the weight material, the engagement surface having helical shape.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying weight material onto a wheel. The apparatus may include a frame, a severing-head assembly or device, and an implementation or control arm. The severing-head assembly may be mounted to the frame and including a housing, a dispensing mechanism, a first severing device and a second severing device. The housing may include first and second lanes receiving first and second predetermined amounts of weight material, respectively. The first severing device may separate the first predetermined amount of weight material from a first source (e.g., spool) of weight material. The second severing device may separate the second predetermined amount of weight material from a second source of weight material. The dispensing mechanism may drive the first and second predetermined amounts of weight material through the first and second lanes. The control arm may be movably mounted to the frame and may include a weight-application tool transferring the first and second predetermined amounts of weight material from the severing-head assembly to first and second locations on the wheel.

In some configurations, the weight material of the first source includes a first cross-sectional shape, and the weight material of the second source includes a second cross-sectional shape.

In some configurations, the weight material of the first source is a different material that the weight material of the second source.

In some configurations, the weight-application tool includes first and second engagement surfaces that simultaneously engage the first and second predetermined amounts of weight material, respectively.

In some configurations, the first and second engagement surfaces have a common axis of curvature. In some configurations, the first and second engagement surfaces have parallel axes of curvature.

In some configurations, the first and second engagement surfaces have first and second axes of curvature, respectively, that are perpendicular to each other.

In some configurations, the apparatus includes a conveyor assembly or device mounted on the frame and including a first conveyor actuator, a second conveyor actuator, a first continuous belt, a second continuous belt, a plurality of first rollers mounted on a first base member and supporting the first continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the first base member, a plurality of second rollers mounted on a second base member and supporting the second continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the second base member. The first conveyor actuator may drive at least one of the first rollers and at least one of the second rollers. The second conveyor actuator may drive the first base member relative to the second base member in a direction that is parallel to rotational axes of the first and second rollers to adjust a spacing between the first and second continuous belts.

In some configurations, the dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing actuator, a drive roller, first and second engagement actuators, and first and second freely-rotating engagement rollers. The dispensing actuator may rotatably drive the drive roller about a rotational axis of the drive roller. The drive roller may contact a first side of weight material from the first and second sources. The first freely-rotating engagement roller may contact a second opposite side of the weight material from the first source. The second freely-rotating engagement roller may contact a second opposite side of the weight material from the second source. The first engagement actuator may translate the first freely-rotating engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive roller. The second engagement actuator may translate the second freely-rotating engagement roller in the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive roller.

In some configurations, the severing-head assembly includes a liner-guide pin and a plurality of tensioning rollers. The liner-guide pin may be disposed between the severing device and the dispensing mechanism and may define a passageway through which the predetermined amount of the weight material passes while a liner of the weight material wraps around the liner-guide pin and separates from the weight material. The tensioning rollers may engage the removed liner. Two of the tensioning rollers may be translationally fixed relative to the housing. One of the tensioning rollers may be translatable relative to the housing and spring biased into engagement with the removed liner.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for applying weight material onto a wheel. The apparatus may include a frame, a conveyor assembly or device, upper and lower severing-head assemblies, and upper and lower control arms. The conveyor assembly is mounted on the frame. The upper severing-head assembly may be mounted on the frame above the conveyor assembly and may include a first housing, a first severing device and a first dispensing mechanism. The first dispensing mechanism may position a first predetermined amount of weight material from a first source relative to the first severing device. The first severing device may be mounted for movement relative to the first housing to separate the first predetermined amount of weight material from the first source. The upper control arm may include a first end movably mounted to the frame above the conveyor assembly and a second end having a first weight-application tool configured to transfer the first predetermined amount of weight material from the upper severing-head assembly to a first location on the wheel. The lower severing-head assembly may be mounted on the frame below the conveyor assembly and may include a second housing, a second severing device, a third severing device and a second dispensing mechanism. The second housing may include first and second lanes receiving second and third predetermined amounts of weight material from second and third sources, respectively. The second dispensing mechanism may drive the second and third predetermined amounts of weight material through the first and second lanes. The second severing device may be mounted for movement relative to the second housing to separate the second predetermined amount of weight material from the second source. The third severing device may be mounted for movement relative to the second housing to separate the third predetermined amount of weight material from the third source. The lower control arm may include a first end movably mounted to the frame below the conveyor assembly and a second end having second and third weight-application tools configured to transfer the second and third predetermined amounts of weight material from the lower severing-head assembly to second and third locations on the wheel.

In some configurations, the conveyor assembly includes a first conveyor actuator, a second conveyor actuator, a first continuous belt, a second continuous belt, a plurality of first rollers mounted on a first base member and supporting the first continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the first base member, and a plurality of second rollers mounted on a second base member and supporting the second continuous belt for continuous-loop movement relative to the second base member. The first conveyor actuator may drive at least one of the first rollers and at least one of the second rollers. The second conveyor actuator may drive the first base member relative to the second base member in a direction that is parallel to rotational axes of the first and second rollers to adjust a spacing between the first and second continuous belts.

In some configurations, the second dispensing mechanism includes a dispensing actuator, a drive roller, first and second engagement actuators, and first and second freely-rotating engagement rollers. The dispensing actuator may rotatably drive the drive roller about a rotational axis of the drive roller. The drive roller may contact a first side of weight material from the first and second sources. The first freely-rotating engagement roller may contact a second opposite side of the weight material from the second source. The he second freely-rotating engagement roller may contact a second opposite side of the weight material from the third source. The first engagement actuator may translate the first freely-rotating engagement roller in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive roller. The second engagement actuator may translate the second freely-rotating engagement roller in the direction perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive roller.

In some configurations, each of the upper and lower severing-head assemblies includes a liner-guide pin and a plurality of tensioning rollers. The liner-guide pin may be disposed between the severing device and the dispensing mechanism and may define a passageway through which the predetermined amount of the weight material passes while a liner of the weight material wraps around the liner-guide pin and separates from the weight material. The tensioning rollers may engage the removed liner. Two of the tensioning rollers may be translationally fixed relative to the housing. One of the tensioning rollers may be spring biased into engagement with the removed liner.

In some configurations, at least one of the upper and lower severing-head assemblies includes a cantilevered weight-material guide that includes a first end, a second end and a curved guide surface extending between the first and second ends.

In some configurations, one of the first, second and third weight-application tools includes a curved engagement surface that engages weight material and faces the guide surface of the weight-material guide during a transfer of the weight material to the weight-application tool.

These and other aspects, features and/or advantages of the invention are further shown and described in the drawings and detailed description herein, where like reference numerals are used to represent similar parts. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings and description are for illustration purposes only and should not be read in a manner that would unduly limit the scope of this invention.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, a nanoparticle that comprises "a" fluorescent molecule-binding group can be interpreted to mean that the nanoparticle includes "one or more" fluorescent molecule-binding groups.

The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements (e.g., preventing and/or treating an affliction means preventing, treating, or both treating and preventing further afflictions).

As used herein, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (<NUM> to <NUM> includes, e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.).

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. In several places throughout the application, guidance is provided through examples, which examples may be used in various combinations. In each instance, the recited examples serve only as a representative group and should not necessarily be interpreted as an exclusive list of examples.

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

With reference to <FIG>, an apparatus <NUM> is provided that may apply one or more strips of one or more weight materials <NUM> onto a wheel <NUM> (<FIG>) to rotationally balance the wheel <NUM>. The apparatus <NUM> may include a frame <NUM>, a conveyor assembly <NUM>, a wheel-crowder assembly <NUM>, a lower severing-head assembly <NUM>, an upper severing-head assembly <NUM>, a lower weight-application apparatus <NUM>, and an upper weight-application apparatus <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the conveyor assembly <NUM> may move the wheel <NUM> into a predetermined position. The wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may center and hold the wheel <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) on the conveyor assembly <NUM>. The lower and/or upper severing-head assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may dispense and cut predetermined lengths of one or more types of weight material <NUM> from one or more sources such as, e.g., spools <NUM> (<FIG>) of the weight material <NUM>. It can be desirable to use a dispensing device capable of dispensing provided lengths of two or more weight materials to the severing device, with each length of provided weight material being severed into pieces of a desired weight. The weight-application apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> may apply the one or more lengths of the weight material <NUM> onto one or more predetermined locations on the wheel <NUM> (<FIG>) to rotationally balance the wheel <NUM>. The one or more types of weight material <NUM> can include weight materials having different cross-sectional profiles (<FIG> shows weight materials with first and second cross-sectional profiles) and/or different material compositions.

As shown in <FIG>, the frame <NUM> may include a lower frame assembly <NUM>, an intermediate frame assembly <NUM> and an upper frame assembly <NUM>. The frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be fixed to each other by fasteners <NUM> and/or welding, for example. The lower severing-head assembly <NUM> and the lower weight-application apparatus <NUM> may be mounted to the lower frame assembly <NUM>. The conveyor assembly <NUM> and the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may be mounted to the intermediate frame assembly <NUM>. The upper severing-head assembly <NUM> and the upper weight-application apparatus <NUM> may be mounted to the upper frame assembly <NUM>. The lower frame assembly <NUM> may support the intermediate and upper frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The intermediate frame assembly <NUM> may be disposed vertically between the lower and upper frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>.

The frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may have a modular construction that allows the user to configure the apparatus <NUM> in a desired manner. For example, the user may configure the apparatus <NUM> in the manner shown in <FIG> (i.e., with the lower, intermediate and upper frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the components and assemblies mounted thereto); or the apparatus <NUM> could be configured with only one of the lower and upper frame assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> if only one of the lower and upper severing-head assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> and only one of the lower and upper weight-application apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> are needed or desired for the user's particular application.

Referring now to <FIG>, the conveyor assembly <NUM> may include a base frame <NUM>, first and second movable base platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, a first continuous belt (i.e., conveyor belt) <NUM>, a second continuous belt (i.e., conveyor belt) <NUM>, a first drive mechanism <NUM>, and a second drive mechanism <NUM>. The base frame <NUM> may be fixedly mounted to the intermediate frame assembly <NUM> and may support the first and second movable base platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, the first and second continuous belts <NUM>, <NUM>, and the first and second drive mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>. The first and second base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> may be slidably mounted on first and second pairs of parallel guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> that are fixed relative to the base frame <NUM>.

The first drive mechanism <NUM> may include a first actuator <NUM>, a splined drive shaft <NUM>, first and second drive rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, and first and second freely rotating rollers <NUM>, <NUM>. The first actuator <NUM> may be a rotary motor (e.g., with a rotor and a stator) and may be mounted on the first base platform <NUM> and may drivingly engage the drive shaft <NUM> via a drive belt <NUM> and/or other transmission device (e.g., a chain, gears, etc.). Each of the first and second base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> may include one or more journal bearings <NUM> that rotatably support the drive shaft <NUM>. The first and second drive rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are rotationally fixed to the drive shaft <NUM> (i.e., so that the drive rollers <NUM>, <NUM> rotate with the drive shaft <NUM>) and slidable along the length of the drive shaft <NUM> (i.e., slidable along the rotational axis of the drive shaft <NUM>).

The first continuous belt <NUM> is looped around and frictionally engages the first drive roller <NUM> and the first freely rotating roller <NUM>. The second continuous belt <NUM> is looped around and frictionally engages the second drive roller <NUM> and the second freely rotating roller <NUM>. One or more tensioner rollers <NUM> may engage the first and second continuous belts <NUM>, <NUM>. The first actuator <NUM> may be operable in first and second opposite directions such that operation of the first actuator <NUM> causes corresponding rotation of the drive shaft <NUM> and the drive rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, which propels the belts <NUM>, <NUM> in a continuous loop around the drive rollers <NUM>, <NUM> and the freely rotating rollers <NUM>, <NUM> in directions perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive shaft <NUM>. As will be described in more detail below, the belts <NUM>, <NUM> may support the wheel <NUM> and may move the wheel <NUM> into and out of the apparatus <NUM>.

The second drive mechanism <NUM> may include a second actuator <NUM> and a drive linkage <NUM> (<FIG>). The second actuator <NUM> can be a linear motor or a hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuator, for example, and may include a first end <NUM> attached to the first base platform <NUM> and a second end <NUM> attached to the second base platform <NUM>. In some configurations, one end <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the base frame <NUM> and the other end <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to one of the base platforms <NUM>, <NUM>.

The drive linkage <NUM> (<FIG>) may extend between and engage the first and second base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> and is disposed on an opposite side of the base frame <NUM> from the drive shaft <NUM>. The drive linkage <NUM> may include a first link <NUM>, a second link <NUM>, and a third link <NUM>. The first link <NUM> may be mounted to the base frame <NUM> and is rotatable relative to the base frame <NUM> about a rotational axis extending through an intermediate portion <NUM> of the first link <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the second link <NUM> is rotatably attached to one end <NUM> of the first link <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the second link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the first base platform <NUM>. A first end <NUM> of the third link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the opposite end <NUM> of the first link <NUM>. A second end <NUM> of the third link <NUM> is rotatably attached to the second base platform <NUM>.

The second actuator <NUM> is movable in first and second opposite directions to move the ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the second actuator <NUM> toward and away from each other. Operation of the second actuator <NUM> moves the first and second base platform <NUM>, <NUM> toward and away from each other, thereby moving the first and second continuous belts <NUM>, <NUM> toward and away from each other in linear directions parallel to the rotational axis of the drive shaft <NUM>. The drive linkage <NUM> moves as the first and second base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> move toward and away from each other to ensure that movement of opposite ends of the base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> is synchronized so that the base platforms <NUM>, <NUM> do not bind on the rails <NUM>, <NUM>.

The conveyor assembly <NUM> may also include two sets of support rollers <NUM> (<FIG>) that prevent smaller diameter wheels from falling between the continuous belts <NUM>, <NUM>. The sets of rollers <NUM> may be positioned on opposite sides of the base frame <NUM> along a centerline midway between the continuous belts <NUM>, <NUM>. The sets of rollers <NUM> may be fixed in position along the centerline, and may be adjustable vertically relative to the base frame <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may be mounted to the intermediate frame assembly <NUM> above the conveyor assembly <NUM>. The wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may be capable of securing the wheel <NUM> against any movement or at least significant movement (e.g., rotation) relative to the frame <NUM> during the application of the weight material <NUM> onto the wheel <NUM> by one or both of the weight-application apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM>. Movement of the wheel <NUM> during the application of the weight material <NUM> is significant if such movement negatively impacts the accurate placement of the pieces of weight material <NUM> on the wheel <NUM> (i.e., if the wheel <NUM> cannot be acceptably balanced by the placement of the weight material pieces <NUM>). The wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may align or center a wheel reference axis (e.g., the axis of rotation) of the wheel <NUM> with a machine reference axis of the apparatus <NUM>, the lower or upper severing-head assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, the lower or upper weight-application apparatus <NUM>, <NUM>, the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM>, or a reference axis shared with two or more thereof. An example wheel-crowder assembly can be found in U. Patent Nc <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>.

In some configurations, the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> can include a plurality of posts <NUM> (e.g., freely rotating rollers) that can be moved into a position to grip the outer radial periphery of the wheel <NUM> (as shown in <FIG>) to center or align the wheel reference axis of the wheel <NUM> with the machine reference axis, while minimizing rotation of the wheel <NUM> during such aligning. Each of the posts <NUM> may be mounted on a distal end of an arm <NUM>. In the configuration shown in the figures, there are two pairs (i.e., four) of such post <NUM> mounted on two pairs of corresponding arms <NUM>. Proximal ends of the arms <NUM> forming each pair of arms <NUM> are mounted to a gear set <NUM> (<FIG>) that causes the arms <NUM> in each pair to move together (in synchronized motion), when either arm <NUM> is moved. The two gear sets <NUM> may be mounted on a frame <NUM> attached to the intermediate frame assembly <NUM>.

The two gear sets <NUM> may be linked together by a synchronization linkage <NUM> that causes simultaneous movement of all of the arms <NUM>, and thereby the posts <NUM>, using an actuator <NUM>. The synchronization linkage <NUM> may include a first link <NUM> coupled to one of the gear sets <NUM>, a second link <NUM> coupled to the other gear set <NUM>, and a cross bar <NUM> rotatably coupled to the first and second links <NUM>, <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be any suitable actuating means such as, for example, an electric cylinder, stepper motor, servo motor, or air cylinder. The actuator <NUM> may be mounted on the frame <NUM> and operably connected to one of the gear sets <NUM>, the synchronization linkage <NUM>, or to any one of the arms <NUM> such that operation of the actuator <NUM> causes simultaneous movement of all of the arms <NUM> toward the wheel <NUM> until the posts <NUM> are moved into snug contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wheel <NUM>, thereby aligning the wheel reference axis with the machine reference axis.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lower severing-head assembly <NUM> may dispense and cut one or more predetermined amounts of weight material <NUM> from the one or more spools <NUM> (<FIG>) of weight material. The lower severing-head assembly <NUM> also removes a liner (or backing material) <NUM> (<FIG>) from the weight material <NUM> to expose an adhesive layer <NUM> (<FIG>) on the weight material <NUM> that bonds the weight material <NUM> to the wheel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower severing-head assembly <NUM> may include a housing <NUM>, a dispensing mechanism <NUM>, a first severing device in the form of a first cutting device <NUM> (that uses or is, e.g., a cutting blade, a laser cutter, a water jet cutter, and/or any other cutting or severing tool), a second severing device in the form of a first cutting device <NUM> that uses or is, e.g., a cutting blade, and a liner-removal mechanism <NUM>. The housing <NUM> supports the dispensing mechanism <NUM>, first and second cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM>, and a liner-removal mechanism <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include guide blocks <NUM> that at least partially define a first lane or channel <NUM> and a second lane or channel <NUM>. The lanes <NUM>, <NUM> may have cross-sectional profiles that are shaped and sized to allow the corresponding weight material <NUM> to pass therethrough, be directed along a path that extends beneath a corresponding cutting device <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in the configuration shown in <FIG>, the first lane <NUM> may have a cross-sectional profile shaped to receive flange-type weight material <NUM>, and the second lane <NUM> may have a cross-sectional profile shaped to receive flat-type weight material <NUM>. In other configurations, the first lane <NUM> may have a cross-sectional profile shaped to receive flat-type weight material <NUM>, and the second lane <NUM> may have a cross-sectional profile shaped to receive flange-type weight material <NUM>. In other configurations, both of the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM> can have the same cross-sectional profile shape (e.g., both shaped to receive flange-type weight material <NUM> or both shaped to receive flat-type weight material <NUM>). In configurations where both of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> are shaped to receive the same type of weight material <NUM>, the weight material <NUM> received in the first lane <NUM> may have a different color, for example, than the weight material <NUM> received in the second lane <NUM>.

The dispensing mechanism <NUM> feeds the weight material <NUM> from one or more of the spools <NUM> through the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., weight material <NUM> from one of the spools <NUM> may be fed through the first lane <NUM>, and weight material <NUM> from another of the spools <NUM> may be fed through the second lane <NUM>). The dispensing mechanism <NUM> is able to simultaneously feed the weight material <NUM> from two different spools <NUM> through the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism <NUM> is also able to feed weight material <NUM> from one spool <NUM> at a time through either of the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>.

The dispensing mechanism <NUM> may include a dispensing motor <NUM>, a drive roller <NUM>, first and second engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, and first and second engagement actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The dispensing motor <NUM> drivingly engages the drive roller <NUM> to cause rotation of the drive roller <NUM> about a rotational axis that extends perpendicular to the direction in which the weight material <NUM> is dispensed through the lanes <NUM>, <NUM>. The drive roller <NUM> extends along its rotational axis across both of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> and contacts one side of the weight material <NUM> passing through both of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM>.

The engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> may be freely rotating rollers. The first and second engagement actuators <NUM>, <NUM> are drivingly connected to the first and second engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to independently linearly translate the first and second engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> toward and away from the weight material <NUM> in the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, the first and second engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are linearly translatable toward and away from the drive roller <NUM> such that the first and second engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> can contact the strips of weight material <NUM> in the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to urge the strips of weight material <NUM> in the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM> into more intimate contact with the drive roller <NUM> (i.e., to increase the friction between the drive roller <NUM> and the weight material <NUM>). The engagement actuators <NUM>, <NUM> could be or include stepper motors, solenoids, servo motors, pneumatic actuators, or hydraulic actuators, for example, or any other suitable type of actuator.

In this manner, the dispensing mechanism <NUM> can cause movement of the weight material <NUM> in either or both of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> by moving the engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> toward the drive roller <NUM> to press the weight material <NUM> into contact with the drive roller <NUM>, which allows the drive roller <NUM> to drive the weight material <NUM> through the lanes <NUM>, <NUM>. The amount (i.e., length) of weight material <NUM> dispensed by the dispensing mechanism <NUM> can be controlled by the amount of time over which the engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> urge the weight material <NUM> against the drive roller <NUM> and/or by the rotational speed of the drive roller <NUM>.

In some configurations, each of the engagement rollers <NUM>, <NUM> may be mounted to a lift arm <NUM> (<FIG>) that is movable with the engagement roller <NUM>, <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the weight material <NUM> is dispensed through the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the lift arms <NUM> may be generally U-shaped members including a cross member <NUM> and arms <NUM> extending from opposite ends of the cross member <NUM>. A distal end of each arm <NUM> may include a flange <NUM> that extends perpendicular to the arm <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the weight material <NUM> may be disposed between the engagement roller <NUM>, <NUM> and the flanges <NUM> such that when the engagement roller <NUM>, <NUM> is translated away from the drive roller <NUM> (i.e., in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the weight material <NUM> is dispensed through the dispensing mechanism <NUM>), the flanges <NUM> can lift the weight material <NUM> off of the drive roller <NUM> so that the drive roller <NUM> is no longer contacting the weight material <NUM>. When the weight material <NUM> is not contacting the drive roller <NUM>, the weight material <NUM> does not move in the dispensing direction through the dispensing mechanism <NUM>. In some configurations, in addition to lifting the weight material <NUM> off of the drive roller <NUM>, the flanges <NUM> may press the weight material <NUM> against upper inner sides of the guide blocks <NUM> to prevent movement of the weight material <NUM>.

In some configurations, a weight material clamp <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>) can selectively clamp down on the weight material <NUM> to further restrict movement of the weight material <NUM> in the dispensing direction and prevent unwanted dispensing of the weight material <NUM>. The weight material clamp <NUM> may include a gripper top plate <NUM> and an actuating device <NUM> (e.g., a hydraulic or pneumatic actuating cylinder or any other actuating device) that moves the gripper top plate <NUM> into contact with the weight material <NUM> to clamp the weight material <NUM> relative to the housing <NUM>.

To resume the dispensing of the weight material <NUM>, the weight material clamp <NUM> can release (unclamp) the weight material <NUM>, the lift arm <NUM> can lower the weight material <NUM> back onto the drive roller <NUM>, and the engagement roller <NUM>, <NUM> can press the weight material <NUM> against the drive roller <NUM> to increase driving friction between the drive roller <NUM> and the weight material <NUM>, as described above.

In some configurations, guide rollers <NUM> (<FIG>) may guide the weight material <NUM> pulled from the spools <NUM> before entering the severing-head assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each spool <NUM> may rest upon a plurality of freely rotatable spool rollers <NUM>, which allow each spool <NUM> to freely rotate about its axis of rotation. Motors <NUM> drivingly coupled to the guide rollers <NUM> may at least assist in, mostly cause, or completely cause the pulling of the weight material <NUM> from the spools <NUM>.

After the weight material <NUM> passes its corresponding guide roller <NUM>, the weight material <NUM> may pass over one of a plurality of rotatable feeder rollers <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>) before going into its corresponding severing-head assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. In some configurations, each feeder roller <NUM>, <NUM> may be driven by one of a plurality of actuators <NUM>. The actuators <NUM> can be any suitable actuator such as, for example a stepper motor or servo motor. In some configurations, each feeder roller <NUM>, <NUM> may have a circumferential groove with an interior profile dimensioned to generally match and receive the exterior profile of a corresponding type of weight material <NUM>. In some configurations, the weight material <NUM> from the two rollers <NUM> may travel to the two lanes <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower severing-head assembly <NUM>, and the weight material from the roller <NUM> may travel to the upper severing-head assembly <NUM>.

The first and second cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be or include one or more cutting blades (as shown in <FIG>), lasers and/or any other severing or cutting tool. The first and second cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted to first and second cut-head blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned within the cut-head blocks <NUM>, <NUM> such that sharp, cutting edges <NUM> of the cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed at an acute angle relative to a plane along which the weight material <NUM> is dispensed. A first severing actuator <NUM> and a second severing actuator <NUM> are mounted to the housing <NUM> and are drivingly coupled to the first and second cut-head blocks <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. Operation of the first and second severing actuators <NUM>, <NUM> causes translation of the first and second cut-head blocks <NUM>, <NUM> (and thus, the cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM>) toward and away from the weight material <NUM> in the first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively. The first and second severing actuators <NUM>, <NUM> may be or include stepper motors, solenoids, servo motors, pneumatic actuators, or hydraulic actuators, for example, or any other suitable type of actuator. The first and second severing actuators <NUM>, <NUM> are operable independently of each other.

A control module may selectively operate the severing actuators <NUM>, <NUM> to cut the weight material <NUM> after a predetermined amount of the weight material <NUM> has been dispensed from one or both of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM>. The predetermined amounts of the weight material <NUM> may be selected to be an amount of weight material <NUM> needed for application at a particular location of the wheel <NUM> for purposes of rotationally balancing the wheel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a wear plate or cutter anvil <NUM> (made, e.g., of tool steel) can be used to back each cutting device <NUM>, <NUM> that cuts through the weight material <NUM>. The blades of the cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM> may make contact with the upper edge of the cutter anvil <NUM>, which causes wear to the cutter anvil <NUM>. Therefore, in some configurations, the cutter anvil <NUM> may be selectively repositionable (e.g., selectively rotatable about a centrally located pin fastener) to replace the original upper edge with the lower edge, after the original upper edge (i.e., the surface being contacted by the blade of the corresponding cutting device <NUM>, <NUM>) exhibits significant wear (e.g., enough wear to adversely impact the performance and/or accuracy of the severing-head assembly <NUM>).

Referring now to <FIG>, the liner-removal mechanism <NUM> may remove the liner <NUM> from the weight material <NUM> in the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> before the weight material <NUM> is severed by the cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM>. The liner-removal mechanism <NUM> may include a plurality of liner-guide pins <NUM> and a liner-tensioning device <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may include a pair of mounting blocks <NUM> that partially define the lane <NUM> and another pair of mounting blocks <NUM> that partially define the lane <NUM>. Each pair of mounting blocks <NUM> has one or more of the liner-guide pins <NUM> mounted thereto. The liner-guide pins <NUM> extend across a corresponding one of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the dispensing direction of the weight material <NUM> through the lanes <NUM>, <NUM>). In the configuration depicted in <FIG>, each pair of mounting blocks <NUM> has two liner-guide pins <NUM> mounted thereto.

As the weight material <NUM> passes beneath the liner-guide pins <NUM>, the liner <NUM> gets wrapped around the liner-guide pins <NUM> and separated from the weight material <NUM>. From the liner-guide pins <NUM>, the liner <NUM> is fed into the liner-tensioning device <NUM>. The liner-tensioning device <NUM> may include two stacks of three tensioning rollers <NUM> (one stack for each lane <NUM>, <NUM>). A middle one of the tensioning rollers <NUM> may be mounted to a support block <NUM> that is spring-loaded by one or more springs <NUM> in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axes of the tensioning rollers <NUM>. Spring-loading the middle one of the tensioning rollers <NUM> maintains tension on the length of liner <NUM> located between the corresponding liner-guide pins <NUM> and the liner-tensioning device <NUM>. Routing the liner <NUM> around the liner-guide pins <NUM> prevents the adhesive bond between the liner <NUM> and the weight material <NUM> from lifting the weight material <NUM> as the liner <NUM> is removed.

As shown schematically in <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of motor-driven rollers <NUM> may be mounted to the frame <NUM> and may engage the strips of liner <NUM> that have been removed by the lower and upper severing-head assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. The rollers <NUM> may guide the removed liner <NUM> out of the apparatus <NUM> and may assist in driving or completely drive the liner <NUM> out from the liner-removal mechanism <NUM>. In some configurations, the rollers <NUM> may be driven by a common shaft <NUM>. Clutches may selectively rotationally engage and disengage the shaft <NUM> to selectively drive one or more of the rollers <NUM> while allowing one or more of the rollers <NUM> to be idle.

Referring now to <FIG>, in some configurations, the lower severing-head assembly <NUM> may include one or more weight-material guides <NUM> fixed to and extending outward from the housing <NUM>. The weight-material guide <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> fixed to the housing <NUM>, a second cantilevered end <NUM> and a curved guide surface <NUM> extending from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM>. The fist end <NUM> is positioned proximate to a weight-material-outlet <NUM> of one of the lanes <NUM>, <NUM> such that weight material <NUM> dispensed from the severing-head assembly <NUM> (i.e., dispensed out of the weight-material-outlet <NUM>) can slide along the curved guide surface <NUM>, thereby bending the dispensed weight material <NUM> into a curved shape that substantially matches the curved shape of the curved guide surface <NUM>. Bending the dispensed weight material <NUM> into the curved shape may facilitate attachment of the dispensed weight material <NUM> onto a weight-application tool (an end-of-arm tool) <NUM> of the weight-application apparatus <NUM>.

The structure and function of the upper severing-head assembly <NUM> can be similar or identical to that of the lower severing-head assembly <NUM>, and therefore, will not be described again in detail. That is, the upper severing-head assembly <NUM> may include some or all of the features described above and/or shown in the drawings with respect to the lower severing-head assembly <NUM>. In some configurations, however, the upper severing-head assembly <NUM> may have only a single lane <NUM> (as opposed to first and second lanes <NUM>, <NUM>) and only a single cutting device <NUM> (as opposed to first and second cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM>) or any number of lanes <NUM>, <NUM> and cutting devices <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the lower weight-application apparatus <NUM> may include a robotic lower control arm <NUM> and the weight-application tool (end-of-arm tool) <NUM> disposed at a distal end of the lower control arm <NUM>. The lower control arm <NUM> is rotatably coupled at a proximal end to the lower frame assembly <NUM> beneath the conveyor assembly <NUM>. The lower control arm <NUM> may include a plurality of arm segments <NUM> and a plurality of articulating joints <NUM> (e.g., pivoting joints) movably coupling the arm segments <NUM> to each other and movably coupling the weight-application tool <NUM> to one of the arm segments <NUM>. Actuators (e.g., electric motors, pneumatic actuators, and/or hydraulic actuators) can be drivingly connected to the arm segments <NUM> to cause movement of one or more of the arm segments <NUM> relative one or more other arm segments and the frame <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the weight-application tool <NUM> is capable of receiving one or more predetermined amounts of one or more weight material <NUM> (i.e., one piece of weight material <NUM> at a time or multiple pieces at one time) from the lower severing-head assembly <NUM> and applying the weight material <NUM> onto one or more predetermined locations on the wheel <NUM>.

The weight-application tool <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, one or more flat-weight wet-out tools (e.g., first and second flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>) mounted to the base <NUM>, and one or more flange-weight wet-out tools <NUM> mounted to the base <NUM>. One of the articulating joints (e.g., a pivoting joint) <NUM> may connect the base <NUM> to the control arm <NUM>. The flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM> can be used to apply one or more pieces of weight material <NUM> onto one or more flat surfaces (e.g., a flat surface <NUM> (<FIG>) on the car side or curb side of a wheel rim <NUM>) of the wheel <NUM> (see, e.g., the wet-out tools of <CIT>). The flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be used for applying a piece of weight material <NUM> onto a flange surface (e.g., the inside radius of curvature of a flange lip <NUM> (<FIG>) of a wheel rim flange) of the wheel <NUM>. The flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be located adjacent or directly connected to one of the articulating joints <NUM> (e.g., a pivoting joint) of the control arm <NUM>. Each of the wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can have a curve engagement surface <NUM> (i.e., a curved weight-receiving/applying face) on which a piece of weight material <NUM> is attached, before the weight material is applied to the wheel <NUM>. The pieces of weight material <NUM> can be attached to the curved engagement surface <NUM> by magnetic attraction, vacuum, a light snap-fit, and/or any other suitable means. The engagement surfaces <NUM> may have radii of curvature that substantially match the curvature of the guide surface <NUM> of the weight-material guide <NUM>.

The example weight-application tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> includes the first and second flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM> and one flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM>. In some configurations, the first flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> is moveable relative to the base <NUM> only in a direction D1 (<FIG>) perpendicular to its arc-shaped engagement surface <NUM>. The second flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM> may be moveable relative to the base <NUM> in a direction D2 (<FIG>) perpendicular to its engagement surface <NUM> and in another direction D3 (<FIG>) orthogonal thereto. The flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can pivot in a direction D4 (<FIG>)(e.g., within a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of movement of wet-out tool <NUM>) relative to the base <NUM> about a rotational axis defined by a fastener <NUM> extending through the base <NUM> and an end of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM>.

The movement in direction D <NUM> of the first flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using a first actuator <NUM>. The movements of the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using second and third actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The second actuator <NUM> moves the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> in the direction D2. The third actuator <NUM> moves the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> in the direction D3. The pivotal movement in direction D4 of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using a fourth actuator <NUM> (<FIG>). The actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be any suitable type of actuator including, for example, electric motors, pneumatic actuators or hydraulic actuators. Each of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be operated independently of each other. In this manner, any one or more of the wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved in one or more of the directions D1, D2, D3, D4 at any given time by selectively actuating a desired one of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or a desired combination of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In order to maintain accurate control of where the pieces of weight material <NUM> are positioned on the wheel <NUM>, it may be desirable for the weight-application tool <NUM> to include a centering pin <NUM>, with a point at its leading end, which can be used as a reference to help the control arm <NUM> to position the weight-application tool <NUM> in space.

The structure and function of the upper weight-application apparatus <NUM> can be similar or identical to that of the lower weight-application apparatus <NUM>. That is, the upper weight-application apparatus <NUM> may include some or all of the features described above and/or shown in the drawings with respect to the lower weight-application apparatus <NUM>. Therefore, similar or identical features might not be described again in detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper weight-application apparatus <NUM> may include a robotic upper control arm <NUM> and an upper weight-application tool (an end-of-arm tool) <NUM>. The upper control arm <NUM> may be movably mounted to the upper frame assembly <NUM> above the conveyor assembly <NUM> and the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM>. The structure and function of the upper control arm <NUM> may be similar or identical to that of the lower control arm <NUM>, and therefore, will not be described again in detail. In some configurations, the structure and function of upper weight-application tool <NUM> may be similar or identical to that of the lower weight-application tool <NUM> described above.

<FIG> and <FIG> depict a configuration of the upper weight-application tool <NUM> that includes a base <NUM>, a single wet-out tool <NUM>, and an actuator <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be mounted to a distal end of the upper control arm <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be mounted to the base <NUM> and drivingly connected to the wet-out tool <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> can be selectively actuated to move the wet-out tool <NUM> in a direction D5. The actuator <NUM> can be any suitable type of actuator including, for example, an electric motor, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator.

The wet-out tool <NUM> includes a first end <NUM>, a second end <NUM>, and an engagement surface <NUM> that extends between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. As described above with respect to the engagement surfaces <NUM> of the lower weight-application tool <NUM>, the engagement surface <NUM> may engage a predetermined amount of weight material <NUM> dispensed from the upper severing-head assembly <NUM> via magnetic attraction, vacuum, a light snap-fit, and/or any other suitable means. In some configurations, lips <NUM> that extend along the length of the engagement surface <NUM> may prevent the weight material <NUM> from falling off of the engagement surface <NUM>. That is, the lips <NUM> and the engagement surface <NUM> may define a channel in which the weight material <NUM> may be received.

The engagement surface <NUM> may be curved about a first axis A1 that may be parallel to the direction D5. The engagement surface <NUM> may also twist about a second axis A2 that is perpendicular to the first axis A1 and extends through the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. The second axis A2 curves around the first axis A1 and may be a longitudinal centerline of the wet-out tool <NUM>. The curved and twisted shape (i.e., helical shape) of the engagement surface <NUM> may facilitate application of the weight material <NUM> onto a variety of wheel-surface shapes (e.g., it facilitates wet-out of the adhesive <NUM> of the weight material <NUM> onto various surfaces of the wheel <NUM>).

In some configurations, the upper weight-application tool <NUM> may also include a first mounting block <NUM> attached to a movable end <NUM> of the actuator <NUM> and a second mounting block <NUM> attached to the wet-out tool <NUM>. The first mounting block <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> that movably receives the second mounting block <NUM>. Pins <NUM> extending from the second mounting block <NUM> may be movably received in slots <NUM> in the first mounting block <NUM>. Springs <NUM> (<FIG>) disposed around the pins <NUM> may bias the second mounting block <NUM> (and thus, the wet-out tool <NUM>) toward one side of the recess <NUM>. This movement of the wet-out tool <NUM> and biasing force of the springs <NUM> may facilitate application of the weight material <NUM> onto a variety of wheel-surface shapes (e.g., it facilitates wet-out of the adhesive <NUM> of the weight material <NUM> onto various surfaces of the wheel <NUM>). In some configurations, additional springs (not shown) may be disposed within the slots <NUM> and may bias the pins <NUM> upward toward an end of the slots <NUM> in a direction parallel to the direction D5.

With reference to <FIG>, operation of the apparatus <NUM> will be described. As described above, a wheel-balance machine (not shown) may spin the wheel <NUM> to determine which location(s) on the wheel <NUM> require additional weight to rotationally balance the wheel. The wheel-balance machine may communicate this information to a control module of the apparatus <NUM>. Thereafter, the belts <NUM>, <NUM> of the conveyor assembly <NUM> may move the wheel <NUM> into an initial position within the apparatus <NUM>. Once the wheel <NUM> is in the initial position, the posts <NUM> of the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may be moved into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the wheel <NUM> and may precisely position the wheel <NUM> relative to the machine reference axis. With the wheel <NUM> held in place by the posts <NUM>, the belts <NUM>, <NUM> of the conveyor assembly <NUM> may be spread apart from each other (i.e., the belts <NUM>, <NUM> may move away from each other in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the belts <NUM>, <NUM> move the wheel <NUM> into the initial position). Spreading the belts <NUM>, <NUM> apart from each other allows more space for the weight-application apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> to access the locations on the wheel <NUM> at which the weight material <NUM> will be applied.

Based on the information from the wheel-balance machine, one or both of the severing-head assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may dispense one or more predetermined amounts of weight material <NUM> from respective spools <NUM> and remove the liner <NUM> from the weight material <NUM> to expose the adhesive <NUM>. The wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the weight-application apparatuses <NUM>, <NUM> may engage corresponding pieces of weight material <NUM> dispensed from the severing-head assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>. Once the weight material <NUM> is attached its corresponding the wet-out tool <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> the corresponding severing-head assembly <NUM>, <NUM> may cut the predetermined amount of weight material <NUM> from the spool <NUM>. Once the predetermined amount of weight material <NUM> is cut from the spool <NUM>, the control arm(s) <NUM>, <NUM> and one or more of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may move the wet-out tool(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the predetermined position(s) on the wheel <NUM> and apply the weight material <NUM> to the predetermined position(s). Once the one or more pieces of weight material <NUM> are applied to the corresponding locations on the wheel <NUM>, the wheel-crowder assembly <NUM> may release the wheel <NUM> and the conveyor assembly <NUM> may move the wheel <NUM> out of the apparatus <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, another weight-application tool <NUM> is provided that can be incorporated into the weight-application apparatus <NUM> of the apparatus <NUM> in place of the weight-application tool <NUM>. The structure and/or function of the weight-application tool <NUM> may be similar or identical to that of the weight-application tool <NUM> described above, apart from any exceptions described below and/or shown in the drawings. Like the weight-application tool <NUM>, the weight-application tool <NUM> is capable of receiving one or more predetermined amounts of one or more weight material <NUM> (i.e., one piece of weight material <NUM> at a time or multiple pieces at one time) from the lower severing-head assembly <NUM> and applying the weight material <NUM> onto one or more predetermined locations on the wheel <NUM>.

The weight-application tool <NUM> may include a base <NUM>, one or more flat-weight wet-out tools (e.g., first and second flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>) mounted to the base <NUM>, and one or more flange-weight wet-out tools <NUM> mounted to the base <NUM>. One of the articulating joints (e.g., a pivoting joint) <NUM> may connect the base <NUM> to the control arm <NUM>, <NUM>. The flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM> can be used to apply one or more pieces of weight material <NUM> onto one or more flat surfaces (e.g., a flat surface <NUM> (<FIG>) on the car side or curb side of a wheel rim <NUM>) of the wheel <NUM> (see, e.g., the wet-out tools of <CIT>). The flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be used for applying a piece of weight material <NUM> onto a flange surface (e.g., the inside radius of curvature of a flange lip <NUM> (<FIG>) of a wheel rim flange) of the wheel <NUM>. The flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be located adjacent or directly connected to the articulating joints <NUM> of the control arm <NUM>. Each of the wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can have a curve engagement surface <NUM> (i.e., a curved weight-receiving/applying face) on which a piece of weight material <NUM> is attached, before the weight material is applied to the wheel <NUM>. The pieces of weight material <NUM> can be attached to the curved engagement surface <NUM> by magnetic attraction, vacuum, a light snap-fit, and/or any other suitable means.

Like the first flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM>, the first flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> may be moveable relative to the base <NUM> only in a direction D1' (<FIG>) perpendicular to its arc-shaped engagement surface <NUM>. Like the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM>, the second flat-weight wet-out tools <NUM> may be moveable relative to the base <NUM> in a direction D2' (<FIG>) perpendicular to its engagement surface <NUM> and in another direction D3' (<FIG>) orthogonal thereto. Like the wet-out tool <NUM>, the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> may be movable in a direction D4' (<FIG>) parallel to the direction D3'.

The movement in direction D1' of the first flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using a first actuator <NUM>. The movements of the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using second and third actuators <NUM>, <NUM>. The second actuator <NUM> moves the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> in the direction D2'. The third actuator <NUM> moves the second flat-weight wet-out tool <NUM> in the direction D3'. The movement in direction D4' of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> can be actuated using a fourth actuator <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). The actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be any suitable type of actuator including, for example, electric motors, pneumatic actuators or hydraulic actuators. Each of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be operated independently of each other. In this manner, any one or more of the wet-out tools <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved in one or more of the directions D1', D2', D3', D4' at any given time by selectively actuating a desired one of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or a desired combination of the actuators <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. In order to maintain accurate control of where the pieces of weight material <NUM> are positioned on the wheel <NUM>, it may be desirable for the weight-application tool <NUM> to include a centering pin <NUM>, with a point at its leading end, which can be used as a reference to help the control arm <NUM> to position the weight-application tool <NUM> in space.

The engagement surface <NUM> of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> may be generally helical. For example, the engagement surface <NUM> of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> may be curved about a first linear axis A1' (<FIG>) that may be parallel to the directions D3' and D4' and may be inclined at an angle (i.e., a non-zero and non-perpendicular angle) relative to the first linear axis AI' (i.e., the engagement surface <NUM> slopes in the direction D4' as the engagement surface <NUM> curves around the first linear axis A1'). Such a helical shape of the engagement surface <NUM> of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> may facilitate application of the weight material <NUM> onto a variety of wheel-surface shapes (e.g., it facilitates wet-out of the adhesive <NUM> of the weight material <NUM> onto various surfaces of the wheel <NUM>).

A first mounting block <NUM> may be attached to a movable end <NUM> of the fourth actuator <NUM> and a second mounting block <NUM> may be attached to the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM>. A shown in <FIG>, the first mounting block <NUM> may include a recess <NUM> that movably receives the second mounting block <NUM>. Pins <NUM> extending from the second mounting block <NUM> may be movably received in slots <NUM> in the first mounting block <NUM>. Springs <NUM> (<FIG>) disposed around the pins <NUM> may bias the second mounting block <NUM> (and thus, the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM>) toward the middle of the recess <NUM> (or, in some configurations, toward one side of the recess <NUM>). This movement of the flange-weight wet-out tool <NUM> and biasing force of the springs <NUM> may facilitate application of the weight material <NUM> onto a variety of wheel-surface shapes (e.g., it facilitates wet-out of the adhesive <NUM> of the weight material <NUM> onto various surfaces of the wheel <NUM>). In some configurations, additional springs (not shown) may be disposed within the slots <NUM> and may bias the pins <NUM> upward toward an end of the slots <NUM> in a direction parallel to the direction D4'.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for applying a weight (<NUM>) to a wheel (<NUM>) comprising:
at least one severing device (<NUM>, <NUM>) capable of separating a piece of desired weight from each of at least two provided lengths of different weight materials; and
at least one weight application device (<NUM>, <NUM>) capable of applying a severed piece from each of said at least two different weight materials to a different location on a wheel, wherein said apparatus is capable of processing continuous weight materials and segmented weight materials, or any combination thereof, and said apparatus in combination with at least two lengths of different weight materials, which can each be severed into pieces of a desired weight;
wherein said at least one severing device is at least a first severing device and a second severing device, capable of severing a piece of the desired weight from each type of the provided lengths of different weight material, and each said severing device comprises at least two severing mechanisms, with each severing mechanism being capable of severing a piece from the corresponding length of different weight material passing therethrough; and
wherein each of the severing mechanisms comprises a cutting head (<NUM>,<NUM>) housing a cutting blade that is movable so as to sever a piece of the desired weight from each type of the provided different weight material, each said severing mechanism comprises a guide block (<NUM>) with each guide block defining a channel (<NUM>, <NUM>) with a cross sectional profile that allows the corresponding different weight material to pass through the channel, be directed along a path, and beyond one corresponding cutting head, and the guide blocks each have a channel with a different cross sectional profile for allowing a different cross sectionally shaped weight material to pass therethrough.