Inflator apparatus, system and method for utilizing the same

A system for processing more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, comprising:

• an assembling apparatus for assembling the more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, wherein the assembling apparatus includes:
• a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, at least one wheel-supplying conveyor arranged within reach of both of the first robotic arm and the second robotic arm, at least one first tire-supplying conveyor arranged within reach of the first robotic arm, and at least one second tire-supplying conveyor arranged within reach of the second robotic arm;
• and
• an inflator for inflating the more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly assembled by the assembling apparatus, wherein the inflator includes:
• a support structure;
• an interface portion rotatably-attached to the support structure, wherein the interface portion includes a plurality of inflator heads, wherein each inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads includes a fluid inlet;
• a plunger portion movably-connected to the support structure, wherein the plunger portion is movably-connected to the support structure to permit selective coupling of the plunger portion with one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads;
• and a fluid conduit connected to the plunger portion, wherein the fluid conduit is fluidly connectable with the fluid inlet of the one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads.

A method for utilizing an inflator apparatus for inflating more than one un-inflated tire-wheel assembly, comprising the steps of:

• providing a support structure including a plunger portion, wherein the plunger portion is movably-attached to the support structure about a plunging axis extending through the support structure;
• providing an interface portion that is rotatably-attached to the support structure, wherein the interface portion includes a plurality of inflator heads;
• rotating the interface portion for coaxially-aligning an axial center of one inflator head of the plurality of inflator heads with the plunging axis;
• providing at least one wheel-supplying conveyor for supplying wheels directly to both of a first robotic arm and a second robotic arm;
• providing at least one first tire-supplying conveyor for supplying tires directly to the first robotic arm;
• providing at least one second tire-supplying conveyor for supplying tires directly to the second robotic arm;
• utilizing the first robotic arm and the second robotic arm for assembling an un-inflated tire-wheel assembly from the supplies tires and wheels;
• moving the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly upon a conveyor portion to a position such that an axial center of the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly is coaxially-aligned with the axial center of the one inflator head;
• and
• axially moving the plunger portion for inflating the un-inflated tire-wheel assembly.