Abstract: An apparatus (10) for splicing ply stock comprises structure (40) for splicing two strips of ply stock (24) in end to end relation whereby the edges (26,30) along opposed ends (36,38) of the strips are abutted against each other and the top and bottom surfaces (42,44 & 46,48) of the strips are stitched to each other across the junction (45) between the abutted edges. The structure includes first and second powered splicing units (50,52) disposed above the top surfaces (42,44) and below the bottom surfaces (46,48), respectively, of the stock strips for simultaneous movement across the edges extending the width of the top and bottom surfaces, respectively, whereby the opposed ends of the strips of stock are pressed into the splicing gears (54,56).

Abstract: A round open end container is supported and held on a turntable by a chuck. The edge of the container is guided and supported by rollers on roller heads mounted on brackets of stanchions positioned on opposite sides of the container. The brackets are movable vertically on the stanchions and the stanchions are movable radially relative to the turntable for positioning the rollers in supporting engagement with the edge of the container. A robot arm carries a C-shaped frame with opposing arms movable over the edge of the container between the rollers. Non-contact sensors are mounted on the arms of the C-shaped frame and are movable with the arms to predetermined vertical positions on opposite sides of the container wall for measuring the thickness of the wall at predetermined positions provided by rotation of the turntable.

Abstract: An elongated member (20) is fed by a feed conveyor (12) through a cutter (14) which is actuated to cut a first section (21). A takeaway conveyor (16) carries the first section (21) and a second section with a gap between the trailing end of the first section (21) and the leading end of the second section. Detection means (22) located along the takeaway conveyor (16) at a predetermined distance (L) from the cutter (14) actuates the cutter (14) in response to detection of the leading end of the second section providing a second section of a predetermined length (L). Other detection means (42,132) located at other positions along the conveyors (12,16) provide for stopping the apparatus (10) in the event of jamming or after the trailing end of the elongated member (20) reaches the feed conveyor (12).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building a cord or wire wound carcass for a closed torus tire. An endless flattened inflatable tube providing a liner for the carcass and coaxially spaced bead rings are placed on a support comprising a cylindrical array of rolls. The bead rings are spaced axially to control the length of each turn of cord or wire wound in the flattened oval path around them. A single wire or cord is wound in a flat oval orbit about the liner and bead rings by orbiting a spool along a track having two straight parallel portions, one inside, the other outside the bead rings and liner. The parallel track portions are connected at their ends by semi-circular track portions. No rigid core is required. After winding the cord or wire about the liner and bead rings, the liner is inflated and the bead rings are shifted axially toward each other to the axial spacing appropriate for the inflated tire in use.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for building a cord or wire wound carcass for a closed torus tire. An endless flattened inflatable tube providing a liner for the carcass and coaxially spaced bead rings are placed on a support comprising a cylindrical array of rolls. The bead rings are spaced axially to control the length of each turn of cord or wire wound in the flattened oval path around them. A single wire or cord is wound in a flat oval orbit about the liner and bead rings by orbiting a spool along a track having two straight parallel portions, one inside, the other outside the bead rings and liner. The parallel track portions are connected at their ends by semi-circular track portions. No rigid core is required. After winding the cord or wire about the liner and bead rings, the liner is inflated and the bead rings are shifted axially toward each other to the axial spacing appropriate for the inflated tire in use.