	US 7,600,306 B2
	Robotic apparatus and method for mounting a valve stem on a wheel rim
Lawrence Lawson, Troy, Mich. (US); and Karl D Sachs, Birmingham, Mich. (US)
Assigned to Burke E. Porter Machinery Company, Grand Rapids, Mich. (US)
Filed on Dec. 22, 2006, as Appl. No. 11/644,248.
Application 11/644248 is a continuation of application No. 11/099963, filed on Apr. 06, 2005, granted, now 7,185,410, filed on Mar. 06, 2007.
Application 11/099963 is a continuation of application No. 10/264746, filed on Oct. 04, 2002, granted, now 6,886,231, filed on May 03, 2005.
Application 10/264746 is a continuation in part of application No. 09/344042, filed on Jun. 25, 1999, granted, now 6,481,083, filed on Nov. 19, 2002.
Prior Publication US 2007/0107183 A1, May 17, 2007
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B23Q 17/00 (2006.01); B23P 17/04 (2006.01)

U.S. Cl. 29—407.09 [29/407.1; 29/709; 29/714; 29/802; 29/221.5]

40 Claims

1. An apparatus for assembling a valve stem to a wheel rim, the wheel rim having an aperture formed therein for receiving the valve stem, the aperture having a central axis, the valve stem having a longitudinal axis, said apparatus comprising:

locating apparatus adapted to determine the location of the aperture on the wheel rim;

a programmable, robotic manipulator capable of compound, multi-axial movement and capable of engaging the valve stem;

a control that controls said robotic manipulator to engage a valve stem, move the valve stem to the aperture, coaxially align the central axis of the aperture with the longitudinal axis of the valve stem, and insert the valve stem through the aperture along the aligned central and longitudinal axes.