Abstract: A non-pneumatic convoluted cone wheel having a hub section and a resilient section that has a ground-engaging rim at its peripheral outer edge portion to which a tire tread can be provided for the ground engaging rim including an internal element to vary the rate of the wheel with deformation under load which is turnable for changing stiffness with deformation of the resilient section.

Abstract: An annular band is positioned between a tire carcass and the crown portion. The band is comprised of individual laminate sheets that are pre-impregnated with a high fracture toughness resin that resists microtears. The individual sheets of the band are stitched together thereby enhancing the interlaminar shear resistance of the band. The curing process is expedited by co-curing the band, positioned in place, over the tire carcass. A plastic film covers the interface between the band and adjacent rubber to prevent contamination of the interface materials.

Abstract: A banded radial run-flat pneumatic tire with a transversely segmented band that varies the bending stiffness of the band circumferentially relative to the bending stiffness across the band. The band can be segmented into annular side-by-side hoop-like coaxial band elements either of the same or of different diameters. An elastomer bonded between adjoining circumferential edges of the band elements connects them for cooperative association to give the band its desired operating characteristics. The elasticity of the elastomer and the spacing between the band elements can be selected to tailor the performance of the band. Preferably the bending stiffness of the band is 1000 times as great circumferentially as it is transversely across the band.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic convoluted cone wheel having a hub section and a resilient section that has a ground-engaging rim at its peripheral outer edge portion to which a tire tread can be provided for the ground engaging rim including an internal element to vary the rate of the wheel with deformation under load which is turnable for changing stiffness with deformation of the resilient section.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic radial tire is equipped with a prestressed helical coil which is positioned inside the tire crown radially inwardly of the tread thereof. The coil is wound to approximately 50 percent of its free diameter to prestress it and the outer surface has a resin-impregnated tape applied thereto. The tape serves to hold the coil in a predetermined condition while the taped coil is cured. The taped coil can be co-cured in situ with the tire or prepared in advance of tire fabrication.

Abstract: An automatic tire inflation-pressure regulating system for wheeled vehicles with pneumatic tires. The system has a system control assembly in the vehicle operator's compartment, control signal transmitter assemblies on the vehicle body in close proximity with each vehicle road wheel, and a tire pressure-regulating wheel assembly on each wheel. The transmitter assemblies convert electrical command signals initiated by the control assembly to RF signals that are received by an electronic module in each wheel assembly. Means in each wheel assembly selectively deflate or inflate their respective tires in response to the RF control signals. Gas under pressure for inflating the tires is provided either by a plurality of gas generators or by a pressurized gas-generating liquid.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire having an annular structural compression element in the inside surface of the crown thereof, which compression element is stabilized by a multiplicity of closely spaced spoke-like radial elements in the tire sidewalls such that de-pressurized operation of the tire without damage is possible. The compression element is a helix with closely spaced coils wound from a rod of a cross-sectional shape selected from various solid and tubular configurations. Round, square, and rectangular coil cross-sectional configurations are shown as are interlocking convex/concave, tongue/groove arrangements. Methods of installing the helical compression element in the tire as by winding up the helix to reduce its diameter such that it can pass through the beads, or by introducing one end of an end coil of the helix over one of the beads into the interior of the tire and providing a relative rotation to feed the helix into the tire are taught.

Abstract: A banded radial run-flat tire having a band with a dual-modulus of bending deflection behavior. Bands producing various basic dual-modulus characteristics are disclosed. In one type, the band has a greater resistance to bending forces tending to decrease its local radius of curvature than to those tending to flatten it. In a second type, bending stiffness increases with increasing stress irrespective of the bending direction. In a third type, a two-step modulus is demonstrated in which deflection is initially resisted at one rate and final deflection is resisted at a higher rate. Various embodiments of the band are disclosed in which the various types of dual-modulus behavior are obtained either by mechanical structural means or by internal geometry means.

Abstract: A run-flat pneumatic tire having an annular structural compression element in the inside surface of the crown thereof, which compression element is stabilized by a multiplicity of closely spaced spoke-like radial elements in the tire sidewalls such that de-pressurized operation of the tire without damage is possible. The compression element is a helix with closely spaced coils wound from a rod of a cross-sectional shape selected from various solid and tubular configurations. Round, square, and rectangular coil cross-sectional configurations are shown as are interlocking convex/concave, tongue/groove arrangements. Methods of installing the helical compression element in the tire as by winding up the helix to reduce its diameter such that it can pass through the beads, or by introducing one end of an end coil of the helix over one of the beads into the interior of the tire and providing a relative rotation to feed the helix into the tire are taught.

Abstract: Passive, self-energizing means for increasing the load carrying capabilities in the depressurized condition of a banded radial run-flat tire system. In this invention, an inner tube inflated to a pressure of about 3-5 psi is positioned on the wheel rim inside the tire which is inflated to its normal pressure of about 30 psi. Because of this pressure differential, the inner tube is compressed to about one-sixth its volume at ambient pressure and in normal operation it rides out of contact with the inside walls of the tire casing without interaction therewith. If the tire is depressurized because of a puncture or other cause, the release of tire pressure on the inner tube results in the expansion of the tube outwards to maintain the curvature in the sidewalls, which curvature enhances the load capacity of the tire in the depressurized condition.

Abstract: A passive system for protecting a structure against high temperatures which consists of a thin protective foil of heat-resistant material such as stainless steel fastened to the face of the structure to be protected. When subjected to high heating rates, the local thermal expansion of the foil forms a blister bulging away from the structure to thereby create an air space which thermally insulates the structure.

Abstract: A resilient pneumatic tire which is reinforced by a radially stabilized compression element such that the vehicle on which the tire is mounted can be operated safely in an essentially normal manner regardless of the state of pressurization of the tire. The compression element can be a solid flexible band of high-strength metal or plastic, or can comprise a layered construction having at least a pair of concentric metal bands which have a resilient material sandwiched therebetween. The compression element is stabilized by radial means such as plies comprising radial cords or wires. The radial elements have freedom in shear with respect to one another and they share radial loads imposed on the compression element and tire such that they reinforce and stabilize the compression element and tire. Alternately, the radial stabilizing means can be radial rib-like elements cast or formed integrally in the sidewall of the tire.

Abstract: A method of making high performance torsion bars from austenitic stainless steels which comprises the steps of fabricating a blank complete with splined ends and torsion working said blank below the Md temperature of the material to a stress value above 80-90% of its ultimate. Prior working may be done in tension at below the Md temperature, and subsequent precipitation hardening may be added to the basic process.