Abstract: A figure eight mechanism moves a thermal spray gun over a substrate such that the deposit pattern has a figure eight configuration. The mechanism and thereby the thermal spray gun and the pattern are traversed along the substrate. The mechanism is such that, when driven by an input drive of constant speed, the deposit travels along the configuration at a non-uniform velocity. A drive system provides an input drive with varying speed so as to reduce the non-uniformity of the velocity. In one aspect a motor has varying speed, and in another aspect a linkage between a constant speed motor and the mechanism provides the varying speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming an apex filler including extruding a substantially linear elastomeric strip having a base and a pair of sidewalls converging from the base to an apex. The sidewalls of the elastomeric strip are then engaged with a nip presented by a pair of opposed frusto-conical rollers and a base support. The rollers are rotated to work the elastomeric strip whereby the base of the strip is rotated at a first linear speed, the apex is rotated at a second, greater speed and the sidewalls are rotated at linear speeds substantially proportional to the distance from the base to the apex, thereby forming an apex filler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming an apex filler (13). The invention also provides a method and apparatus that is uniquely adapted for applying an apex filler (13) onto a bead ring sub-assembly (14) without the introduction of stresses at the outer edge (50) of the apex filler (13). The apex filler forming apparatus (10) works in conjunction with an extruder (43) which presents a linear strip (42) of elastomeric material having a pre-determined cross-section. A pair of opposed, forming rollers (33) present a nip (35) therebetween. Means (36) are provided to rotate the rollers (33). Rotation of the forming rollers (33) causes the nip (35) frictionally to engage the elastomeric strip (42). The interaction between the elastomeric strip (42) and the nip (35) effects rotary motion of the elastomeric strip (42) and increases the circumferential length of the elastomeric strip (42) proportionally to the radial distance outwardly from the base (49) thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for lining the interior surface (45) of a vessel (18) with a continuous ribbon (44) of lining material. The apparatus (10) has a cantilevered boom (21) with a guide assembly (25) secured to the unsupported end portion (24) of the boom (21). Mechanism (34-38) drives the conveyor belt (33)--from a location that is normally exterior to the vessel (18)--along the boom (21) and about a path defined by the guide assembly (25). The guide assembly (25) both turns and twists the conveyor belt (33). Turning the belt (33) causes it to encircle the boom (21), thereby extending the belt (33) radially to engage the interior surface (45) of the vessel (18). In addition, the guide assembly (25) twists the belt (33) so that the normally inner, supporting surface (46) thereon temporarily reverses positions with the normally outer, sliding surface (49).

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for making elastomer sheet utilizing a novel extruder in combination with novel calendering apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid bed combustion method and apparatus are disclosed utilizing an induced draft fan downstream of the exhaust port of the combustion chamber. Fluidizing air is given a velocity vector toward one side of the chamber for moving foreign objects to that side where the objects are removed and separated by air classification from bed particles which are returned to the fluid bed. Air classification is accomplished using a blower which is valved off during preheat operation to draw hot air from above the fluid bed down through the particle bed.