Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rubber composition comprising 100 phr of at least one diene-based rubber, 30 phr to 250 phr of at least one filler, and 1 phr to 40 phr of an epoxidized and aminated fatty acid ester, wherein the epoxidized and aminated fatty acid ester is obtained from the reaction of an epoxidized fatty acid ester with an aliphatic amine. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to a rubber product, such as a tire, comprising such a rubber composition.

Abstract: A tread for a tire includes a first circumferential main groove, a second circumferential main groove, a third circumferential main groove, and a fourth circumferential main groove. The fourth main groove has a stabilizing structure for increasing tread stiffness. The stabilizing structure has a circumferentially extending wavy subgroove in a radially innermost bottom of the fourth circumferential main groove.

Abstract: A vehicle sideslip estimation system includes sensors mounted on a vehicle and a kinematic model receiving signals from the sensors to estimate a lateral velocity of the vehicle. A compensated acceleration calculator calculates a compensated lateral acceleration as a measure of conditions that result in a deviation of a measured lateral acceleration. A lateral acceleration calculator determines, based on the compensated lateral acceleration and the measured lateral acceleration, if a lateral acceleration error is larger than a predefined threshold. A filter corrects the estimated lateral velocity of the vehicle when the lateral acceleration error is larger than the predefined threshold.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a tire includes a circular hub member for securing to a rotatable axle of a vehicle, a first rim piece for engaging the hub member, a second rim piece for engaging the first rim piece, and a plurality of cylindrical sleeves for engaging both the first rim piece and the second rim piece. The first rim piece has cylindrical first shafts each engaging a first end of one of the sleeves. The second rim piece has cylindrical second shafts each engaging a second opposite end of one of the sleeves. An outer cylindrical surface of each sleeve engages a separate and distinct part the tire.

Abstract: A tread for a tire includes a first circumferential main groove, a second circumferential main groove, a third circumferential main groove, and a fourth circumferential main groove. The fourth main groove has a stabilizing structure for increasing tread stiffness. The stabilizing structure has a circumferentially extending subgroove in a radially innermost bottom of the fourth circumferential main groove. The subgroove is axially offset a predetermined amount from a centerline of the fourth circumferential main groove.

Abstract: A modified starch product includes a quantity of particles, each having a starch core with an intermediate polymer coating and an exterior coating of a nano-silica. A method for manufacturing a modified starch product including admixing to a silicate and water to form a nano-silica solution; admixing an original starch and a polymer to form particles with a starch core having an intermediate polymer layer; admixing the nano-silica solution and the starch particles having an intermediate polymer layer to form a suspension of the modified starch product; dewatering the suspension of the modified starch product; and drying the modified starch product to form the modified starch having particles including the starch core with the intermediate polymer coating and the exterior coating of a nano-silica. A rubber formulation includes a quantity of elastomer and a quantity of the modified starch. The particles are substantially evenly distributed throughout the elastomer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a route for synthesizing monofunctional thiuram compounds that is safe, environmentally friendly, and cost effective. This method specifically involves synthesizing a monofunctional thiuram by (1) reacting a tetraorganylthiuram disulfide with an organyl mercaptan to produce the monofunctional thiuram and a dithiocarbamate metal salt or a dithiocarbamate metalloid salt under basic conditions, (2) separating the monofunctional thiuram in an organic phase from the dithiocarbamate metal salt or the dithiocarbamate metalloid salt in an aqueous phase, and (3) recovering the monofunctional thiuram from the aqueous phase. The monofunctional thiuram compounds made in accordance with this invention are of particular value as accelerators for use in the vulcanization of rubber. The use of these monofunctional thiuram compounds as accelerators provides good cure rates and as well as good scorch safety.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus for applying a mixture of a first compound and a second compound, the apparatus comprising a first extruder for processing a first compound and a second extruder for processing a second compound, wherein the outlet from the first extruder is in fluid communication with a first channel of a housing, and the outlet from the second extruder is in fluid communication with a second channel of the housing, wherein a gear pump is positioned in each channel, wherein a nozzle is in fluid communication with an outlet of the first channel and an outlet of the second channel, and a coextruded continuous strip is produced. The ratio of the first compound to the second compound may be adjusted instantaneously.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of modified vegetable oils in rubber compositions and in tires.