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

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that a hydrocarbon traction resin can be dispersed into the oil used in making an oil extended emulsion and solution rubbers to attain improved performance characteristics. For instance, this technique allows for the hydrocarbon traction resin to be incorporated into the rubber at a higher level than would ordinarily be possible using conventional mixing techniques. In tire tread compounds this provides improved wet traction characteristics without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). This technique can be used to incorporate a resin into virtually any synthetic rubber that can benefit from being oil extended. It is of particular value in making resin modified solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR), high cis-1.4-polybutadiene rubber, and synthetic polyisoprene rubber which are formulated for use in tire tread compounds.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire is formed from a tread rubber composition, which comprises a combination of at least two different solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubbers (s-SBRs), each extended with oil, and a low Tg traction resin. The low Tg traction resin replaces high Tg traction and the rubber processing oil added during rubber compounding in conventional compounds. The low Tg traction resin is a hydrocarbon resin having a Tg between 100° C. to about 30° C.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that a hydrocarbon traction resin can be dispersed into the oil used in making an oil extended emulsion and solution rubbers to attain improved performance characteristics. For instance, this technique allows for the hydrocarbon traction resin to be incorporated into the rubber at a higher level than would ordinarily be possible using conventional mixing techniques. In tire tread compounds this provides improved wet traction characteristics without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). This technique can be used to incorporate a resin into virtually any synthetic rubber that can benefit from being oil extended. It is of particular value in making resin modified solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR), high cis-1.4-polybutadiene rubber, and synthetic polyisoprene rubber which are formulated for use in tire tread compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making an asymmetric polysulfide, comprising the step of simultaneously reacting an olefinically unsaturated compound, elemental sulfur, and a thiol in the presence of a catalytic amount of a base to produce the asymmetric polysulfide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel functionalized vegetable oils, a method of making the oils, their use in rubber compositions, and their use in tires.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel silane disulfide vegetable oils, a method of making the oils, their use in rubber compositions, and their use in tires.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making an asymmetric polysulfide, comprising the step of simultaneously reacting an olefinically unsaturated compound, elemental sulfur, and a thiol in the presence of a catalytic amount of a base to produce the asymmetric polysulfide.

Abstract: It has been unexpected found that silylated triglyceride oils can be incorporated into tire tread rubber formulations that include reinforcing fillers to provide improved wet traction characteristic, rolling resistance, and tread-wear without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). The level of silica coupling agent needed in such formulation can also typically reduced. The present invention more specifically discloses a rubber formulation which is comprised of (1) a rubbery polymer; (2) a reinforcing filler, such as silica or carbon black; and (3) a silylated triglyceride oil. The silylated triglyceride oil will include silyl groups of the structural formula: —(CH2)n—Si(OR)3, wherein n represents an integer within the range of 1 to 8, and wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel silane disulfide vegetable oils, a method of making the oils, their use in rubber compositions, and their use in tires.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel functionalized vegetable oils, a method of making the oils, their use in rubber compositions, and their use in tires.

Abstract: It has been unexpected found that silylated triglyceride oils can be incorporated into tire tread rubber formulations that include reinforcing fillers to provide improved wet traction characteristic, rolling resistance, and tread-wear without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). The level of silica coupling agent needed in such formulation can also typically reduced. The present invention more specifically discloses a rubber formulation which is comprised of (1) a rubbery polymer; (2) a reinforcing filler, such as silica or carbon black; and (3) a silylated triglyceride oil. The silylated triglyceride oil will include silyl groups of the structural formula: —(CH2)n—Si(OR)3, wherein n represents an integer within the range of 1 to 8, and wherein R represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic tire is described that includes a ground contacting annular tread portion, a shear band, wherein the shear band is formed of a first and second inextensible layer, and a low modulus material positioned between the first and second inextensible layer. The non-pneumatic tire further includes a connecting web positioned between a hub and the shear band, wherein the connecting web is formed of one or more spokes extending from an inner ring to an outer ring, wherein the one or more spokes are formed from a material reinforced with a three dimensional spacer structure.

Abstract: This invention is based upon the unexpected finding that a hydrocarbon traction resin can be dispersed into the oil used in making an oil extended emulsion and solution rubbers to attain improved performance characteristics. For instance, this technique allows for the hydrocarbon traction resin to be incorporated into the rubber at a higher level than would ordinarily be possible using conventional mixing techniques. In tire tread compounds this provides improved wet traction characteristics without compromising cured stiffness (dry traction) and ultimate properties (chip/chunk resistance). This technique can be used to incorporate a resin into virtually any synthetic rubber that can benefit from being oil extended. It is of particular value in making resin modified solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), emulsion styrene-butadiene rubber (ESBR), high cis-1.4-polybutadiene rubber, and synthetic polyisoprene rubber which are formulated for use in tire tread compounds.

Abstract: Material handling systems for fluids are disclosed herein. The fluid may be a liquid, solution, slurry, or emulsion. The systems receive as inputs the fluid, steam, and water. These feed into a surge tank where additives can be introduced. The steam and water are used to control some physical properties and enable the distribution of the fluid as desired. In particular embodiments, the system is useful for handling materials to be sent to a dual-phase fuel feeder for combustion in a fluidized-bed boiler, the energy being used to generate electricity or in various production processes.

Abstract: Material handling systems for fluids are disclosed herein. The fluid may be a liquid, solution, slurry, or emulsion. The systems receive as inputs the fluid, steam, and water. These feed into a surge tank where additives can be introduced. The steam and water are used to control some physical properties and enable the distribution of the fluid as desired. In particular embodiments, the system is useful for handling materials to be sent to a dual-phase fuel feeder for combustion in a fluidized-bed boiler, the energy being used to generate electricity or in various production processes.

Abstract: A self-inflating tire assembly includes an air tube mounted within a tire sidewall groove. The air tube is in contacting engagement with opposite angled groove surfaces surrounding the air tube. A segment of the air tube is flattened from an expanded diameter to a flat diameter by bending and compression of the groove in a rolling tire footprint to force air evacuated from the flattened segment along a tube air passageway. The sidewall groove extends into an annular, axially extending, sidewall surface such as an axially oriented surface of a tire chafer protrusion located in non-contacting relationship with the rim. The opposite groove surfaces comprise a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising: a diene based rubber; from 0.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tire comprising a sidewall component, the sidewall component including an air passageway extending at least partially about the circumference of the tire, the air passageway surrounded by and in fluid communication with a surface comprising a rubber composition, the rubber composition comprising: a diene based rubber; from 0.25 to 5 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of rubber (phr), of a self-lubrication agent capable of migrating from the rubber composition to the groove surface and disposing on the groove surface as a liquid; and from 1 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of rubber (phr), of a vulcanization modifier for use in the second rubber composition include ?,?-bis(N,N?-dihydrocarbylthiocarbamamoyldithio)alkanes, bismaleimides, and biscitraconimides.