Abstract: A method of manufacture for producing a molded article from a polyurethane material, utilizing a spin casting apparatus, preferably a non-pneumatic tire, where a mold that is formed in sections or halves and has an inner cavity formed to have the shape of the article to be manufactured and is separable to release that article after manufacture. The mold is secured to a support plate of the apparatus that is journaled to turn axially imparting a centrifugal force into the mold. The support plate is connected to or is arranged to be connected to a motor assembly for turning, and includes a clamping arrangement for maintaining the mold halves together on the support plate. An annular trough is formed in the mold immediately adjacent to a mold interior cavity inner circumference to receive a polyurethane material liquid passed thereto, and to, in turn, pass that liquid through a trough annular opening or ports into the mold cavity.

Abstract: The invention in a shoe insert to be fitted into and maintained in a conventional walking or running shoe to provide support and cushioning to the foot of such shoe wearer. The shoe insert is to fit into a shoe to grip to the shoe insole and is manufactured from a vio-elastic polyperic material having a recovery or compression set less than two (2) percent providing a rapid rate of force dissipation to a shoe wearer that is equal to their rate of gait, with further cushioning provided by a selection and formation of cavities in the insert surface that is in engagement with a shoe insole.

Abstract: A spin casting apparatus, method of manufacture for producing a molded article from a polyurethane material, shown as a non-pneumatic tire, where a mold that is formed in sections or halves and has an inner cavity formed to have the shape of the article to be manufactured and is separable to release that article after manufacture. The mold is secured to a support plate of the apparatus that is journaled to turn axially imparting a centrifugal force into the mold. The support plate is connected to or is arranged to be connected to a motor assembly for turning, and includes a clamping arrangement for maintaining the mold halves together on the support plate. An annular trough is formed in the mold immediately adjacent to a mold interior cavity inner circumference to receive a polyurethane material liquid passed thereto, and to, in turn, pass that liquid through a trough annular opening or ports into the mold cavity.

Abstract: A non-cellular polyurethane composite material comprising desiccated rubber particles embedded in a non-cellular matrix of polyurethane. Rubber particles derived from tires and other sources are combined with a desiccant to remove moisture present in the particles. The resulting desiccated rubber particles and desiccant are mixed with a polyol and isocyanate to form a precursor blend which is cured to produce a non-cellular polyurethane composite. The resulting rubber-polyurethane composite may be used for tires, shoe and boot soles, surface coatings, and other applications requiring a material which is structurally strong and wear resistant. The desiccated rubber particles may be premixed with the polyol and/or added simultaneously with the polyol and isocyanate during composite molding.

Abstract: An airless tire incorporating a reinforcement chord system that is pre-assembled before placement in a tire mold to provide reinforcement for an airless tire that is formed in that mold and including one or more bands of selective length each formed into a ring with stand-off supports removably attached to each band or to each of the plurality of bands, the stand-off supports including legs or pins that can be formed to desired length appropriate for use in a selected mold.

Abstract: A method for producing articles of polyurethane or the like wherein a mold of the article shape is positioned to centrifugally receive a polyurethane composition comprising polyisocyanates, polyol, water and fluorocarbons such that the polyurethane molecules striking the wall of the mold are broken to provide a resulting smooth non-porous outer skin for the article and wherein additional polyurethane materials provide a foamed interior for the article. The water serves as a reactive polyol and reacts with the polyisocyanate to create carbon dioxide gas which yields increased expansion pressure which causes the foaming polymer to produce a uniform skin around a cellular inner core.