Automated O-ring processing stations and related methods

An O-ring processing station for an automated mass production system, comprising:

• a) at least one feed device operable to control discharge of O-rings from an output end of the feed device;
• b) an indexing device including a platform having a plurality of O-ring retainers, the platform operable to advance each retainer to a loading position in alignment with the output end for receiving an O-ring from the feed device, and an unloading position spaced apart from the loading position for unloading the O-ring from the retainer;
• c) a pick-and-place robot including at least one end effector movable between a pick-up position in alignment with an O-ring in a retainer at the unloading position for removing the O-ring from the retainer, and a drop-off position spaced apart from the pick-up position and in alignment with a workpiece for installation of the O-ring by the end effector;
• and
• d) a control system for electronically synchronizing operation of the feed device, indexing device, and pick-and-place robot, the control system configured to:
• i) operate the platform to advance each retainer through the loading and unloading positions;
• ii) control discharge of a leading O-ring from the output end of the feed device in electronic synchronization with advancement of a corresponding retainer to the loading position to initiate loading of the O-ring in the retainer prior to the retainer arriving at the loading position;
• and
• iii) after the O-ring is loaded in the retainer, control movement of the end effector in electronic synchronization with advancement of the retainer to the unloading position to synchronize arrival of the retainer at the unloading position with arrival of the end effector at the pick-up position for pick up of the O-ring by the end effector.